Train Travel?

[mary and bob]

I have done the train a few times from Albany NY to Austin Texas. I like it but also I won't fly, my theory is that if the train crashes at least it's already on the ground, not like a plane falling out of the sky. The trains west of Chicago are better than the east coast trains. Train crew is generally nice, food good. I take books to read, some snacks, and a Walkman radio in case there are some idiots I want to tune out. Have met some nice people on the train, but one time somewhere in Ohio cops came on and took some woman off. If you take the Texas Eagle, try to do it on a day that it doesn't connect with the train running across the southern US as it is less crowded on the off days. I'd also avoid New Orleans, Amtrak totally screwed us up there. Bob

[Roly Nelson]

Here in California, they have engineers that text-message while they are supposed to be observing the red flashing stop signals. Just the other day this created an awful train crash, killing and injuring dozens of riders because a freight train and an Amtrack train were speeding toward each other on the same single track. This is still being investigated and will probably result in new electronic monitoring of all rail travel, along with countless law suits. Many Amtrack folks feel this was bound to happen sometime, due to human error.
Roly

[traveler]

Well looks like I will be taking Ebony for a long walk

[S. Heisley]

I used to have a friend (passed) that would take an Amtrak tour package to a different place every year....loved it.

I have taken the train many times from Los Angeles to Portland and Seattle. Although much less spacious, I preferred the economy sleeper because of the bed's positioning. It feels like you're being rocked to sleep. For the economy sleepers, you have to use a grouping of restrooms that are lined up on the bottom floor of the sleeper car.

The deluxe sleeper is set up like a camper, with a personal potty room and a sink by the sitting area. I only took the deluxe sleeper once because with that one, you sleep on a pull-down couch that is crosswise to the rails. All night long, it felt like I was going to roll out of the bed and when I went to sleep, I dreamed I was sleeping on a boat in a rough sea.

There is usually one handicapped sleeper room at the end of the car that is reserved for people who need it. That room is usually exceptionally nice and the ones I've seen have the bed running in the lengthwise, in the rocking-feeling positon. It also has a private bathroom area in it. Since you have an 80-year old with you, you could probably reserve that room without any problem and get any youngsters an economy room.

You can eat in the dining room plus I believe they still have a snack bar downstairs where you can get chips and sodas and play games. Upstairs, there is usually an observation room next to or near the dining room with lots of windows and comfy swivel seats. This keeps you from getting cabin fever. However, you will have the land-leg sensation when you get off the train. Your leg muscles will still be flexing as if you are still on the rails! It doesn't last long, though.

Yes, the train usually runs behind schedule; but, if you're on an Amtrak tour, it doesn't matter! If you're not on a tour and are renting a car, you could end up without wheels because certain car rental agencies won't hold a car for you if you're late getting there. I won't tell you which agency it was but, check that out with the company you're talking to before you make your reservation for a car rental.

[CurreyR]

I would love to take the Alaskan train up through Denali to Fairbanks.
Bruce

In high school I worked the Anchorage to Denali and back run as a "guide" (when it was still federal run). Awesome scenary.

Dunno if they still have milk runs (used to be saturdays and wednesdays), but those are fantastic for the backcountry hiker/fisher ... let them know where you wanna stop, they drop you off. When you wanna come back, put up a flag and they stop and pick you up. This is *NOT* for the inexperienced backcountry explorer, but fantastic places to get to if you have common sense and some wilderness hiking experience.

[angib]

There's pros and cons. For the long-distance trains (chicago to LA, etc..) -- schedule is more of a guideline than a real thing. Amtrak is _always_ late. (Unlike rail in europe)

Lateness is relative.

I worked in Poland right at the end of the communist days and if the train timetable said a train arrived at 10:16, but your watch said 10:14, you adjusted your watch - most trains ran, literally, to the minute.

But in India, they print some train delay information in newspapers - things like "the train from Kolkata due yesterday will be arriving today"....

Andrew

[MOKI SEAKER]

Back in the good old days, I can't remember back that far, the Navy sent me to boot camp by train. Had lots of Pepsi's had a hangover, not a good plan when you wake up to some uniformed person yelling at you. Yes it was great fun..Jim G

[Susanne07]

In India it is a very different way to travel with train.
It's very crowded and the trains mostly leave or arrive not in time.
I really like to travel with train, but not in India.

Susann

[Wolfgang92025]

Karol,

Candi and I took the train from Oceanside to Kalamath Falls. Economy seats. Felt like a big Lazy Boy. Had a small ice chest for soda and snacks. If the timing works out, I would do it again. Had a great time.
Something to keep in mind, with 20 or so people, someone is bound to be unhappy. No matter what the mode of transportation.

Wolfgang

[Tripper]

I traveled by train acouple of times when I was a kid and loved it.

I loved it also! I tried it a couple of times already and the experience is really worth it.

[robfisher]

Once you change your mindset train travel is great. There are many delays and the person who cannot tolerate schedule change will be frustrated. But if you just accept the delays I can't think of a better way for a large group to travel. You get to see great scenery, move around, get to know people better and if you need just a little space you can still get off by yourself and read a book or whatever.

Upon the death of my Grandmother she had an estate with a total net worth of about $12,000 and six living children (all married) to divide it between. They all agreed that inheriting $2000 per couple would not change anyones life that much so they decided to all take a train trip through western Canada. They all say it was a grand way to spend the money, they had great conversations, scenery and food. I've always admired that decision and hope my kids like each other enough to do the same at my death.

[Gaston]

I personally dislike train travel. If I wanted to see the "back side " of America I would do it again. That being said , I have a friend who loves trains and would ride to the end of the earth if allowed. he has sat on sidings in the desert heat for 8 hour because the engineer "timed out" and newer even wimpered. BUT if we are flying and the plane is 15 min late you never hear the end of it.