Planning on taking a summer or spring break trip with friends? Looking for a way to make some memories while in transit? Why don’t you try the train? Where getting there is half the fun! Not only will you make memories, you will learn a lot about yourself in the meantime.

When we picture traveling to faraway places in the United States we think of two things: the stresses of driving and the pains of flying. On Amtrak you leave the driving to the engineer, so you can relax and take some time to unwind. Congestion is no longer a problem that you have to be worried about, so take your computer out and surf the Internet, as there is free wi-fi.

From the minute you board the train you are transported to a world that you can not imagine. Coach on the train is often compared to first class on any airline. Each seat has it’s own private AC outlet and a massive amount of legroom. Just like airlines, the seats recline and come with a tray table. It’s quite alright to spread out and make some memories with your friends, or look at America going by.

At every station along the route another distinct part of our great nation climbs aboard. Take some time to talk to the different people, and you will learn something. There is something about a train that makes it easier to become friends.

Instead of worrying about eating on the road and making a mess of your car, just visit the dining or lounge car whenever you’re hungry. On long distance rides Amtrak offers a full restaurant-on-rails which features steak, chicken, mahi mahi, among other items. If you are traveling alone and you don’t want to eat in silence, don’t worry: Amtrak seats passengers with you to encourage conversation.

With Amtrak you don’t have to worry about being too tired to do anything when you arrive at your destination, or spending the night at some interstate motel. For an additional upgrade charge you can get a private sleeping car room. The room comes with an attendant, complimentary food and private bathrooms and showers. When you arrive at your destination you will be ready to explore the town and make more memories.

On your way home you won’t have to worry about cramming everything into your small trunk or worrying if your baggage is overweight. Amtrak allows two checked bags of up to 50 pounds, and two additional carry on bags, up to 50 pounds. So bringing things home will not be a problem for you and your friends, even if you shop until your heart’s content.

The most amazing part is that Presbyterian is located just about an hour from three different Amtrak stations: Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg. The trains from Columbia run to New York and Florida. It is possible to take a day trip down to Disney for the day out of Columbia. From Greenville and Spartanburg they run to New Orleans and New York. Using these it is possible to take a day trip to D.C. If you have friends in the Washington program, and you want to surprise them, just hop a train.

To get more information about how to book a trip, go to amtrak.com, or call 1-800-usa-rail. Be prepared to have fun, and make memories that will last a lifetime.