I took a $53 Amtrak ride from Boston to Maine for the first time. I'm already planning to do it again for 7 reasons.

• The Amtrak Downeaster was a convenient, stress-free, and affordable East Coast travel option for me.
• The ride had scenic views of nature, comfortable seating, and amenities like free Wi-Fi and a café.

There's something special about taking a train ride. Maybe it's the feeling of being leisurely transported to a distant city — or the scenic views you can only get from an expansive train window.

Whatever it is, I'd never experienced it before my recent trip to Maine on the Amtrak Downeaster.

When my son's medical care landed us in Boston, Massachusetts, we took a last-minute Amtrak ride to fulfill my dream of visiting New England. And let me tell you — it did not disappoint this small-town girl.

Here are seven reasons I'll absolutely return to Maine on the Downeaster.

I loved the convenience and ease of booking last-minute tickets

Purchasing impromptu Downeaster tickets from Boston to Maine was easy (and affordable) on the Amtrak website.

I booked three seats for $53 each, a steal compared to gas and rental-car fees that would cost us hundreds of dollars. Plus, I didn't have to worry about traffic delays or navigating unfamiliar roads.

The boarding process was incredibly simple

As someone who stresses over long airport lines and travel-day chaos, the Amtrak security and boarding process was a breath of fresh air. We arrived at Boston North Station just 30 minutes before our train's 11:50 a.m. departure time and scanned our tickets to enter the platform.

The boarding process was organized and efficient. We had ample time to find our seats and get settled before departure. Our standard coach tickets landed us in the front section of our rail car, which consisted of two seats on each side facing each other — a family-friendly arrangement.

We loved watching nature's scenic beauty from the train window

As much as I love road trips, there's something unique about the views you get from a train window. Our journey took us through picturesque landscapes that I would have otherwise missed.

Blankets of trees, bridges that sparkled in the sun, and quaint coastal towns are just a few of the sights we took in along the way. I felt very present and in the moment as I watched the world pass by.

The train's seating was spacious and comfortable

I get car sick fairly quickly and was uneasy about the thought of being stuck in a confined space. Though I came prepared with motion-sickness medication, I was pleasantly surprised I didn't need it.

We chose forward-facing seats to prevent my sickness, and the space between the rows was more than enough to adjust our seats. Each row has outlets for charging devices, plenty of wiggle room for squirmy kids, and overhead bins for storing carry-ons.

Pro tip: Take note of the direction you're facing if you're prone to motion sickness, as the train moves in both directions depending on the route.

The staff's friendliness and service were unmatched

Every staff member we encountered was incredibly helpful, from the ticketing agent to the train conductor. The train attendant ensured we were comfortable and answered all our questions about the train and upcoming stops.

At one point, I even overheard the same attendant helping a couple plan their itinerary for stops at nearby towns.

We appreciated the expansive range of onboard amenities

I wasn't expecting much in the way of amenities, but having free Wi-Fi for keeping my son entertained, a café car with snacks and beverages, and restrooms larger than a plane's lavatories was a pleasant surprise.

We took turns visiting the café car (called The Downeaster Café) to stretch and get snacks. My son opted for a fresh fruit tray while I got a charcuterie plate and energy drink. We also lounged in the café car's seating area, which had large windows and plenty of natural light.

Lastly, we loved our final stop — the charming resort town of Kennebunkport, Maine

After an almost two-hour expedition, we arrived at a quaint train station in Wells, Maine, where we were greeted with a serene view of pine trees, a small wooden platform, and bikes lined up by locals who had departed for the city.

Our final destination was the charming resort town of Kennebunkport, just a 20-minute car ride away. After snapping some photos and admiring the scenery, we hopped in our Uber to head to Kennebunkport's Dock Square — home to adorable shops, incredible restaurants, and a beautiful view of the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic Ocean.

We spent the day wandering through galleries and boutiques, enjoying a seafood lunch on a patio overlooking the water, and taking a golf-cart tour overlooking Walker's Point Estate — the historic Bush Compound and home of President George W. Bush.

A local we befriended even gave us a ride back to the train station in the evening.

Pro tip: Plan transportation from the train station ahead of time, as there are limited options in this small town.

Overall, I'll definitely be returning to Maine on the Downeaster

We enjoyed our trip so much that I'm currently planning a multi-week Amtrak trip from New York City to Brunswick, Maine, en route to Acadia National Park.

I can't express enough how much I recommend this experience to fellow travelers as a unique and convenient way to explore the beauty of New England.