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Nine solid reasons why train travel is an ideal way to get around Europe for some family travelers. Are you counting yourself in that some? Read on.

Does Europe's excellent railroad service really work for adults touring the continent with kids? I am often asked this and always answer, "Yes," in very specific circumstances. Here are eight good reasons why train travel in Europe makes sense for families.

1. Forget Lugging Luggage Around

Every travel expert seems to put this at their No. 1 cliché: pack light, please. But do any of us do it? Of course not. So one of the best things about train travel in Europe is that you and your family will do just that.

The reason is that porters are scarce, and storage space is limited, so (like it or not) you will be carrying everything you need.

I was reminded of this recently while crossing Italy by train and watching a young family struggle with strollers and big, heavy bags. If your child or children are in diapers, you might to think twice about European train travel.

But even for the youngest children who can carry their own bags, train travel has many attractions that Americans perhaps overlook. No surprise when you consider the sorry impressions from our own sadly neglected Amtrak.

2. It's Efficient

Travel experts say for most trips within one country, trains are comparable and often faster than planes, considering wait time and other factors.

Boarding a train eliminates those lengthy airline check-ins and security lines. High-speed trains in Europe often cover ground faster than flying to a destination, and there's a lot more scenery to see in a train.

Train stations are almost invariably located in downtown areas as well.

3. It's Environmentally Correct

"With planes you get to check your luggage. That's probably a downside, but everything else is very positive on trains," says Chris Lazarus, who may have a vested interest since she handles public relations for Rail Europe .

Yes, that biases her, and she admits it. "Automobiles are ecologically disastrous and I think car travel is the worst thing possible for families," she says.

That may be somewhat extreme for most of us, but she can string together a long list of why train travel might be best for your family. And others will tell you the same, including me.