Rail travel - the best option to flying

Next stop, New York!

While we love all manner of travel (airlines - not so much these days), one of our favorite modes of transportation remains by rail. 

Ever since we took our first trip on Amtrak (11 days, 8,500 miles), we've been hooked.

Of course, it may be the slowest way to get from one point to another on the map. And there are the occasional hiccups when you can throw the schedules out of the window. But that can happen no matter the method of travel.

The benefits? You can actually see the country you are traveling through. You can opt to sit back, relax, read a book or even text while someone else drives. The food is good and there are bedrooms available for sleeping. Not to mention all the interesting people you meet along the way.

One of our yearly rituals is a rail trip to the Big Apple from West Palm. Amtrak will get you there in comfort -- no TSA security lines to navigate or sardine seating -- in 24 hours or so.

So we are cheering the news that Brightline will be starting rail service from Miami to Orlando, including stops at Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, in 2017. Besides the obvious environmental advantages, a mass transit option just makes good sense.

If you haven't traveled by train, try it. You might find sacrificing speed for savoring the experience a good trade-off.

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