Travel Tips

…Last Minute Travel Tips By Land

Traveling by land does have its advantages you can go as fast or as slow as you like, choose your mode of transportation (car, trains or bus) and enjoy the view. You can’t really do that from an airplane or a cruise ship. So is last minute travel by land making you break out into sweat and causing panic attack? It doesn’t have to. Here are tips you can use:

Get a map.
Never leave home without it. Other than a water bottle and a reliable car, a good road map is your best friend when traveling last minute by land. Choose a motorist’s map because it has more detailed information about the roads and highways you might have to use.

If you have time, try to study the map and mark your current location and your destination. Look at the route you want to take and try to check alternate routes as well. You never know if there’s a traffic jam or construction work somewhere.

While you’re at it, try to check for local accommodations, gas stations, restaurants, hospitals or clinics along the way. That should give you sufficient information on the most basic things where to get gas, where to eat, go to the bathroom, sleep or your tires checked. That way, you’ll be able to plan your trip accordingly.

Pack up the necessities.
Bring only the things you will truly need on this trip, although if you’ll be traveling by car, you probably can pretty much bring just about anything that will fit in your trunk or backseat. If you’re traveling by public transportation, make sure to bring only the necessary stuff. That will help keep you mobile so you can move around fast.

Check your car.
Never go on a last minute travel by land without having your car checked. Don’t leave anything to chance. So maybe the next gas station/repair shop is just 10 miles away. What if your car breaks down are you willing to walk/hitch the rest of the way just to get your car checked? Make sure everything is in order before you even leave your driveway.

Stop and get your bearings.
Last minute trips can be forever trips if you get lost. If you’ve been traveling a while on the road, stop and try to see if you’re going in the right direction or at least taking the right road. Use landmarks and street signs to determine your exact location. Got a GPRS? Use it.

Going public? Confirm your tickets.
If you’ll be taking your last minute travel by land on a public transportation, make sure to get your tickets ahead of time. You could queue, of course but if you want to make sure you travel faster, have your tickets on hand.

Have cash on hand.
Not every destination you arrive at might have an ATM or a bank. In case you need cash fast, at least you have something in your wallet, bag or pocket. If you’re traveling by land at the last minute, make sure you have cash in change — $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills, along with loose change in coins. So in case you find a hotel, inn or restaurant that will only take cash, you’re ready.

Plus, you never know if you’ll have to make a call from a telephone booth. After all, there are still areas where mobile phones won’t work.

Seattle’s Rich Train History Brings out the Inner Child in us All

Boys and girls of all ages love trains and trains have played a vital role in the history of this country and Seattle Washington and the Northwest in particular. In fact, the roles of trains on this part of the country have in the past been so vital that there are a few museums dedicated to that very important mode of transportation. Trains were essentially lifelines for the populations here for many years. While their importance seems to be diminishing in today’s society, their importance throughout the history of our country remains.

If you truly are a train lover, then it shouldn’t be difficult to talk you into stopping by Seattle’s Train Center before and after touring the museums dedicated to trains and their importance in history. The Train Center offers a wide selection of model train parts and pieces that would make excellent additions to your collection or a great beginning to a collection for you or your little one.

After you’ve whetted your appetite for trains and gotten your little one all excited about them, it is time to talk a walk back in time to the Northwest Railway Museum. Here you can learn about railway history or even choose to take a ride on one of the trains that departs for several excursions throughout the day. Most of the trips are 65-75 minutes long and a great treat for young and old alike. Perhaps the greatest thing about this museum is that their main objective is to educate the public about the important role that railroads had in the development of this part of the country.

If you’re really interested in sharing your love of trains with the ones you love, you may consider taking a turn on the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. This is a great way to not only get the experience of riding the rails but to take in some of the beautiful Washington scenery and have a gourmet meal in the process. During the months of November through April up to two children ride free with a paying adult. There are certain restrictions as to the type of seating, but it is a great time to enjoy the experience at a greatly reduced price. There are also special events such as Murder Mystery Trains and Magic and Illusion shows in addition to certain holiday events as well. Be sure to check out what’s going on while you’re visiting Seattle and see if this is something that might interest you and your family.

If you are up for a not so short drive to Pasco (about three and a half hours from Seattle), you might find the Washington State Railroads Historical Society Museum well worth the trip. Be sure to remember that the museum is only opened on Saturday and that the hours are limited so this is a trip you need to plan in advance to take. The greatest thing about this museum to me is the fact that there are neat little stories, like the blackboard that recorded the first snowfall at the depot each year and others such as this. It’s the little stories that don’t necessarily make history that do make lasting impressions and I’m glad to see this particular story is being shared. Just remember, when visiting any of these depots, museums, and train tours that you absolutely must bring your inner child with you in order to properly enjoy them.