by Charleen Larson

Created on: December 22, 2008

A 2007 ABC News poll uncovered a startling statistic: Approximately 14% of Americans are afraid to fly. If you spend much time on Amtrak long distance trains, you'll meet some of these earthbound people. They look like ordinary folk, but they've happily rediscovered the romance of the rails.

For stress-free travel, the train has a lot going for it besides an absence of wings and the fact that it stays firmly on the ground. There are no security screenings. You will not be x-rayed, wanded or chosen to take your shoes off. Since there are many portals for boarding a train, you won't have to queue up in a jetway to wait for the people in front of you to laboriously stow their carryons and take their seats.

If that's not enough convenience, for the utmost comfort consider booking sleeping accommodations. A roomette is a small cabin with two facing seats and a folding table for games, snacks or reading. At night the seats fold down to form a lower bunk while the upper bunk comes down from the ceiling. A roomette can accommodate two people but is ideal for the single traveler who appreciates room to stretch out. A bedroom is a larger compartment consisting of a sofa, armchair, sink and private toilet/shower room. It's an excellent choice for a couple or small family. The sofa makes into a double bed with a single bunk above. A family bedroom is larger still, with reclining chairs, a sofa and twin fold-down bunks. And there is a self-contained accessible bedroom for persons with mobility issues traveling with an attendant.

Bottled water, ice, juice, coffee and a daily newspaper comprise the amenities. Towels, washcloths and soap are provided to sleeper passengers for use in the shower on the lower level. If you don't feel up to bathing on a moving train, you can wait for one of the station stops.

Meals are included with all sleeping compartments and tend to be ample with salad and dessert offered at lunch as well as dinner. A steward will come around to your car to offer you a choice of mealtimes. Seatings are by reservation only. The dining car is family-style seating so if there are fewer than four in your party, expect to break bread with a few strangers.

Your sleeping car attendant will stop in to introduce himself shortly after you board and answer any questions you might have. If you prefer to have your meals in your room, he can arrange with the steward to have food brought to you. In the evening your car attendant will make up your bed.

Some folks find that the rocking motion of the train lulls them to sleep. For others, it takes a bit longer. But nothing beats waking up in the morning and finding you have traveled several hundred miles overnight without having to drive or endure a too-small coach seat.

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