Outside me matters nothing. One can be @ peace in the midst of chaos if one really wants to be at...
Outside me matters nothing. One can be @ peace in the midst of chaos if one really wants to be at peace. Remembering the words to Desiderata, I am in a very peaceful place & I'm still on earth, WOW, now that's an accomplishment. Happy New Year!
Member since:14.12.2004
Reviews:52
Members who trust:7
I love Amtrak - for the scenery, for the frequency of the trains, for the choices that I have, for the flexibility, and because it's ON THE GROUND!
Yes, some say that trains derail and crash, but personally I'd rather be in the train on the ground than up in the air.
The ride is great for short rides -a few hours. Then 'coach' is comfortable. For the longer rides - like to South Carolina , first class was extremely comfy compared to the coach seat It's expensive - but worth the money. In first class there is a shower - shared, and there's first class treatment -workers greet you by your name. WOW, they know me, lol. There's meals included, & inside your little 'compartment' [not large enough to call a room] there's a television, toilet, sink, and enough room to sit or sleep. [The chairs open up to a little bed]. This is not an accomodation for anyone who is large-sized because there just isn't enough room in the compartment. You can walk in --and just 'stand there' and hop into the chair / bed. I've heard that there is a different compartment for the disabled and for people who prefer more room [but also a higher price]. If you are claustrophobic, you might do better with 'coach' [coach is just regular seating -somewhat like small recliner seats, usually two seats together then an 'aisle' then two more seats together. I f you are on a longer trip, I suggest that you take the 'aisle' seat. I had an inside seat -for the view , when I used
coach, and I had to get up in the middle of the night , yet didn't want to step over or wake the person sitting next to me. So , find what's comfortable for you and choose that. I took 'coach' to South Carolina and then coming back I took first class/ private compartment back to the east coast. Most of the trains coming this way usually stop for 15 minutes to half hour somewheres near Pennsylvania -it's a regular stop to 'switch ' engines . You stand around on the station while engines are switched. On one trip there was another holdup-- smoke in the trains ; we never found out what it was , but it was right after our engine switch . Nothing dangerous, but inconvenient. What I like about Amtrak is that you can walk through the trains - you don't have to remain seated [so, for anyone who thinks the train ride might be too long or too cramped, there is variety]. You can walk to the dining car or snack car, or sometimes you can walk to the back of the train and see where the train has been [you might need advance permission for this- that's what I did on one long trip]. The workers are friendly and courteous -- in either first class or coach. You will be comfortable. It might be a generaliztion, but I've noticed that the 'noisier' passengers like the back of the train, so if you want quiet -go to the front of the car, and you might luck out there. Be on time or be early --that's the key to getting the right seat that you want. The earlier you arrive, the better choice you have. If you use just carry on luggage, you have an advantage. While others are checking their luggage, you will be choosing the best seat for your ride. Same leaving, while others are checking out luggage, you will probably be outside on the street by then. The food on Amtrak, well, sometimes can be a bit expensive, but no one will stop you from bringing your own snacks aboard. Pack lightly , bring 'dry snacks' and sealed bottles & of course on shorter trips you don't even need the snacks. Though...a wise thing to do would be to pack snack anyway -just in case your train gets stuck or delayed , you and the kiddies will be happy during the wait. When travelling with children, pack some small games, papers, crayons, snacks, drinks, & cd player or cassette player with batteries [your radios will not work on these trains]. Yes there is a restroom on the train, which I never used. I looked in, it kind of resembled a stand-up coffin, lol, pardon me for expressing my feelings, so I opted to wait. Then of course in first class, you have more choices. There is a restroom for disabled, I'd suggest using that one to be more comfy. What can I say, women think of these things. Don't worry about using it , you are not going to be in there all day --so it will still be available for the disabled. There are special seats --four seats with space in between, almost like a little conference area -- in the 'coach' seating. These are in special cars. So, if you are disabled you can still travel Amtrak without having to pay for the first class price and using the first class disabled 'compartment' . This is what I love about AMTRAK...the choices are endless. And, they are all yours to make. So, remember, if you are a late-comer, you will be left with whatever seating arrangement there is -- unless you go first class. The scenery is beautiful. You will see the farms in America, the houses; you will see how people live and see far more than just the 'tourist' areas. This trip-- by train is excellent for photographers, or photography students or just anyone who loves scenery. One disadvantage is that AMTRAK does not go 'everywhere' in America. I had to take Amtrak to South Carolina but my real destination was North Carolina. From South Carolina I had to take a bus to get to North Carolina. And, beware--if you take this same trip- you need to pack ONLY one carry on bag. When the bus arrived , the driver announced that there was no room for anyone's luggage, and about five people had to wait for the next bus because they had 3 bags , suitcases. AND the next bus did not come until the next day. So, if you are travelling to NC by way of South Carolina on Amtrak , pack lightly or you will be having an unexpected delay in your trip most times. I was lucky, I had one backpack so I was one of the first to board the bus, and get happily on my way to North Carolina. I didn't put this disadvantage in the DISADVANTAGE box up there because there was not enough room to type it in there. Even with all that... I definitely recommend Amtrak . The key is knowing 'how' to travel on Amtrak; when you know 'how' then you can have a beautiful trip. In summary -and a few more hints...here's 'how' to travel on Amtrak: 1. If you can , use first class. 2. if not use coach. 3. On 'cross-country ' trips or trips more than 15 hours, use only one carry-on bag for luggage. 4. If you can, use the restrooms for the disabled. The law says that the trains must provide restrooms that are accessible for disabled..but the law does NOT say that abled bodied people cannot use these restrooms. And as long as you don't 'hog it' and are quick, no one will bother you & you won't bother anyone. 5. When with children, pack snacks, games, cassettes, pacifiers, and everything they need for a long, long trip. 6. photo copy your tickets and keep hold of them. 7. NEVER leave your wallet or purse unattended anywhere in any public transportation. 8. Get lots of sleep before your trip, just in case. 9. bring a travel pillow, tiny one & eyeshades for long trips. 10. Carry water, it's way too expensive on Amtrak. 11. Arrive early or on time at least. 12. Look for the emergency exits. It helps to be prepared. 13. If you smell smoke inside your private compartment, get outside immediately and ask what's going on. THis is just 'safety first'. 14. Remember that stopping or pausing, or switching engines is a 'regular' thing on long trips so don't be alarmed. 15. WHen coming in the city here, the lights in the train will go on and off usually, there's no cause for alarm. It has to do with the power surges and that is 'normal ' too for Amtrak. 16. So, tell the children, about these lights that will go on and off so they will be prepared and they will not be frightened.
ADDED: Eleven AM, Friday 12/27/04 Here is a website that you can check routes and prices [if this link does not work, cut and paste it into the browser or search bar] http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Routes_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922209&ssid= Have a great trip and come back here and give the trip a review . I'd love to hear your experience.
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Sounds fantasic. I will into it further if I ever get the chance to visit the USA. Maureen
Finno 17.12.2004 17:08
Well, I figure that coming from the central states to NYC would be approximately $120. for adults. There are some special summer rates and other specials through AAA -the auto club that will get you children at half price or children ride free- depends on the offer. I didn't mention rates because they all vary depending on the trains/ trips/ months, and accomodations.
Usually Washington DC to NYC or vice versa might cost $120 . but not sure if that's round trip or not. ALl the prices will be on the Amtrak website .
HEre is a website to check for routes and prices;
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/Page/Routes_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922209&ssid=
You are right. I certainly should have put the prices in that review somehow. That really helps.
Thanks for that comment. Finno
SueMagee 17.12.2004 16:58
You don't mention what the costs are - if I was looking for consumer information I'd want to know.
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