"We Prefer To Travel By Train"
CrossCountry have launched new research on how parents view train travel when accompanied by their children. They found that 43% of parents prefer to travel by train when with the kids, stating that they are able to have more stimulating conversations with their children on a train, than if they were travelling by car.
Not only do most parents agree that travelling by train with the children makes life easier, it seems it provides other benefits too. 40% of parents say their children get a better understanding of geography by travelling by train and 34% of the parents who took part in the survey, say their children benefit from spending more quality time with their family.
The other positives of travelling by train is the luxury of gazing out of the window as 57% say their children enjoy the scenery and talking about the sights they pass.
Parents said they also liked to travel by train as 51% agreed it was often quicker than driving. 64% say they benefit from missing out on traffic jams and 56% simply enjoy the opportunity to sit back and relax.
CrossCountry have teamed up with Mumsnet to launch the top tips for parents when travelling with children on trains. Here is a selection of tips for families, recommended by Mumsnet users:
~ Pack a back-pack full of tricks (think cheap, disposable toys)
~ Book in advance to make sure you get a seat reservation
~ Check to see if you could save even more by buying a Family & Friends Railcard
~ When travelling with a toddler try and tire them out first
~ Sit back, relax and enjoy and enjoy the view!
Clare Shufflebotham, Partnerships Manager at CrossCountry commented; “We see lots of families travelling with us over the Summer months. Travelling by rail is a great way to see the country and re-visiting some of your favourite childhood holiday destinations with your own children can be really special.”
Although many parents choose the option to travel by train with the family, it's not always plain sailing. Many parents admitted that their children would often say "hello" to every individual passenger as well as asking the ticket inspector for his ticket and even telling someone off for not having a ticket!