train woman sceneryTaking the train has long been popular in Europe -- it's almost considered a rite of passage for young backpackers. But while trains have been under-appreciated in the U.S., they're gaining popularity here as well. Amtrak ferried 31.6 million passengers around the country in its last fiscal year, an all-time record for the railroad. With the economy still slumping, train travel is looking increasingly attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Plus, a scenic train ride can even be a vacation in itself. Need more reasons to take the train? You've come to the right place.