"TRAINING" FOR MOM AND DAD – TRAVEL TIPS FROM VIA RAIL CANADA
MONTREAL – From frequent bathroom breaks to the dreaded backseat whine of "Are we there yet?" – everyone with children knows that traveling with kids can be challenging. Keeping children engaged during travel is important. After all, what fun is a vacation if the kids are throwing a temper tantrum and parents are wishing they just stayed home?
Special educational programs, scheduled kids activities, a delicious children's menu and the allure of traveling aboard the "choo-choo" all make train travel aboard VIA Rail Canada an appealing vacation option, especially considering the high gas prices. So parents – sit back and relax, and let VIA Rail help keep your children entertained this summer!
Guide for Mom and Dad
Children often love train travel, as they are fascinated with the train equipment, staff and overall experience. In short, it's a novelty. But what happens when their patience is waning and they begin to grow restless? VIA Rail offers the following advice:
• Preparation – Get the kids excited about their train trip by providing books and videos to watch before the trip. Seymour Simon's Book of Trains, Little Mammoth Media's The Big Train Trip, and The Polar Express are just a few recommendations. And what train trip would be complete without that old childhood favorite – The Little Engine That Could?
• Food – VIA Rail offers kids' menus on long-distance trains, and every train has healthy snacks available. It also never hurts to pack a favorite snack just in case.
• Entertainment – Cardboard train cut-outs and Kids Activity Books are available on most trains and aboard VIA's Canadian, games, activities and video showings organized in the domed Skyline car are an added daily morning feature for passengers traveling in Silver & Blue class sleeping accommodations. During the summer months in VIA's Easterly Class aboard the overnight Ocean service between Montréal and Halifax, a dedicated Learning Coordinator presents mini-lectures to help immerse travelers into the history and culture of the Maritime provinces – a wonderful way to combine learning with leisure for the kids.
• Sleep – Keeping kids on the same sleep schedule is important, so notify attendants of times to lower the bed so the kids can nap. Also remember to pack favorite stuffed animals or blankets.
• Safety – VIA Rail staff are trained in first aid, CPR and emergency response procedures. However, it is important to accompany children at all times, especially when moving between train cars and to ensure shoes are worn whenever children are up and about.
Kids Travel Free
And with the soaring price of gas, family travel with VIA has never been more economical, especially with the following fantastic summer deal:
For travel now through September 15, 2008, for every senior, student (18+) or adult-fare ticket purchased in VIA's Comfort Class (economy) a child age 2-11 travels for free. Available on every VIA train system-wide, the "Kids Travel Free" program makes it even more affordable to plan the perfect family getaway on VIA while exploring some of Canada's most exciting destinations.
Looking to be pampered? VIA's premier class service on both the Canadian (western) and Ocean (eastern) services provide comfortable sleeping accommodations and meals throughout the trip. And during the summer months, kids receive a 25% discount off the best adult fare available when travelling with an adult. What better way for parents or grandparents to spend some quality time with children this summer?
Kids and parents alike will love exploring the terrific scenery and exciting cities of our northerly neighbor. From tranquil Prince Rupert in the Pacific Northwest to historic Halifax in the Maritimes, the journey on VIA Rail encompasses friendly, attentive service, comfortable accommodations, flavorful regional cuisines and a variety of onboard leisure activities. So round up the kids and hop aboard for a fun, educational and – most importantly – relaxing summer vacation for the entire family.
About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada's national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally responsible and cost effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada's busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. VIA serves more than 450 communities with a network of inter-city, transcontinental and regional trains. Increasingly travelers are turning to train travel as a hassle-free and cost efficient alternative to congested roads and airports as well as a more environmentally responsible way to travel.
July 8, 2008
Posted in: Airlines & Railways