With the costs of gasoline and car maintenance, driving your own car on a trip is sometimes not the least expensive travel option. If your travel plans are flexible, consider taking the bus or train. These two modes of transportation are more time consuming than driving or flying, but they can be great ways to see the country. Both are almost always less expensive than flying and eliminate a lot of the hassles of driving your own car.

Traveling by train can be a good way to see the country. If you are taking a trip that will require you to be on the train overnight, you can purchase sleeping accommodations that include such amenities as meals, fresh linens, daily newspapers and access to the club car. Some of the sleeping accommodations on trains can hold up to four adults. The fare for sleeping accommodations is in addition to your regular train fare, but it is charged per room rather than per person, so the cost of sleeping accommodations could be split if you share accommodations.

Most trains are non-smoking, so plan accordingly if you are a smoker. Also, you could be subject to security checks while you are on the train, so be sure to have two forms of picture identification, such as your passport and driver’s license, available if it is requested.

Children under 8 years of age are not allowed to travel by train without an adult. Children ages 8-11 can travel without an adult, if they meet certain conditions. Check with your travel agent or the train company to see if your child meets these requirements before you make your travel plans.

The bus system is inexpensive and easily accessible from most places. There are discounts for senior citizens, students, members of the military, and children, so request these discounts when you make your reservations.

Children under 8 years of age cannot travel unaccompanied on the bus, and children ages 8-14 must meet certain requirements to travel without adult supervision. Check with your travel agent or the bus company to see if your child qualifies to travel unaccompanied.