<p class="ingestion featured-caption">I love traveling by train. Idealphotographer/Shutterstock</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>I've ridden <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-everyone-should-do-on-long-train-rides-amtrak-2023-1">trains all around the US</a> and the UK, and there are things I've learned along the way.</li><li>I always give myself plenty of time to get to the station and in between any transfers.</li></ul><p>I've spent the last 26 years traveling by train all along both US coasts, through the Midwest, and <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/social-life-differences-living-in-uk-compared-to-us">across the UK</a>.</p><p>I like that it's more laid-back than <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flying-delays-cancellations-passenger-airlines-air-travel-rights-refunds-fees-2024-8">air travel</a>. Plus, it's typically at least a little cheaper. </p><p>After years of experience, here are the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/travel-hacks-tips-easy-cheap-fun-vacations-2023-12">top travel hacks</a> I wish I'd known before hitting the rails. </p>