Need advice on Train travel.

[Debb]

I am considering traveling from NC to New York City by train. I'm not sure if it's a good idea. The flight is very short and not very expensive, but I am just getting nervous about flying and it seems like a lot of trouble for a short trip.

I have traveled by train in Europe and had great experiences, however, I have never been on a train in this country. I noticed you can get Business class or even First Class for a little extra. Does it make that much difference?

For those who have traveled here by train, do you think it would be enjoyable for the children, those from 7-14? It would be on Amtrak I think.

How is the food? I keep remembering the trip from NY to CA that Samantha and Carey took by train on Sex and the City. It was a disaster! They had a sleeping car.

We will travel during the day and I realize it will take a long time with all the stops.

Are they clean?

I would appreciate any advice.

[jewel6]

Ive traveled by amtrack several times. food is expensive and horrible. kids might enjoy it.If its a short trip might not be too bad. jmo

[ninetoes]

Only traveled by train one time, from Pennsylvania to Missouri. Took almost 4 days. Was terrible.

[Debb]

Oh my. These are not the experiences I was hoping for. I guess it's best if I know up front. Perhaps others had different service. I'll be sure to research fully before I trap myself on the train with kids for 12 hours.

[ninetoes]

Oh my. These are not the experiences I was hoping for. I guess it's best if I know up front. Perhaps others had different service. I'll be sure to research fully before I trap myself on the train with kids for 12 hours.

THAT is exactly how I felt. Trapped. And you feel (or at least I did) every little motion of the train.

[Lavinya]

When one of my sons was in the Army, he would take the train home on leave. His train was up to 12 hours late at times. He would call from the train to keep me updated on when to pick him up. The *scheduling* is carazy. (It didn't help that our train depot in an area of .5 million people was just part of a sidewalk in the middle of *nowhere*, and when I picked him up at night, there would be all these people milling around a field in the dark, waiting for a train.)

[Debb]

I'm a little shocked. I traveled around England by a train that had a beautiful dining car with linen table cloths and was served coffee by a very attentive wait staff. That was in the 1990's. I also think it was first class, but I'm surprised to see there isn't anything similar here.

[ninetoes]

I'm a little shocked. I traveled around England by a train that had a beautiful dining car with linen table cloths and was served coffee by a very attentive wait staff. That was in the 1990's. I also think it was first class, but I'm surprised to see there isn't anything similar here.

Well, to be fair, the Army bought my ticket, so I dont know if there were perhaps better accomdations than I had or not. I just know that car rocked and rolled for days, and the food made the Army chow hall look like a 5 star facility.

[Nic99]

Oh my. These are not the experiences I was hoping for. I guess it's best if I know up front. Perhaps others had different service. I'll be sure to research fully before I trap myself on the train with kids for 12 hours.

I love travelling by train over here; its really comfie and a great way to see the countryside. My kids always love travelling by train; much better than bus; but I spos we're a much smaller country, so the best way to travel over here and really cheap.

[sunbunny]

I'm a little shocked. I traveled around England by a train that had a beautiful dining car with linen table cloths and was served coffee by a very attentive wait staff. That was in the 1990's. I also think it was first class, but I'm surprised to see there isn't anything similar here.

many, many years, we took the amtrak to disneyland (from san francisco) and i recall them having linen cloths and stuff like that in the regular dining room! i recall they had the best strawberry shortcake!

i take amtrak several times a year to visit my sister, but it's only a 2 hour trip and this particular train doesn't have any amenities. but IMO, it's comfortable and relaxing.

[birdwatch]

http://grahamstravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/train-vs-plane-10-reasons-to-ride-rails.html
I would certainly do your homework about the particular trip you are taking - but I think the kids would enjoy the train much more than the plane ride. Nice to be able to see things - and be able to get up and stretch your legs. I would pack my own cooler of my favorite foods so you have a choice if the dining car fare isn't great. But then I do that on a plane too. I've always loved train travel, but its been a long time since I've taken one. Now that you remind me I'll have to plan a trip.

[Noah]

I've traveled on Amtrak many times in the past and loved it. My son and I got a sleeper room - we had a blast.

The food was expensive, but the dining room was very nice. We packed food for us cuz I splurged on the sleeper car.

[bearwds]

***************************************

The only trip I've ever taken, on the Union Pacific, was with a destination of Spokane Washington.

It was winter. Blizzard conditions and there was an avalanche up ahead. The train ahead of us was stuck. We spent 3 days waiting for it to move. The heat went out. No food except fig newtons and orange aide. I can't stand either to this day.

My dad was walking through the cars and saw the porters chowing down on steak for heavens sake. The choice words he had for them had nothing to do with heaven. Children (me) were existing on those darn Newton's.

All of us came down with colds and it ruined the Grandma visit.

Wish I had a better story for you. It would take something drastic to get me on a train again.


bear

[coffee1950j]

I've travelled by Amtrak from Providence to NY. Not sure I would want to go any further than that. You do feel every bump and jolt and the stops are ridiculous.

We used to go a group of women to NY once a year for a shopping trip. Always went Amtrak. Some of our stories are hilarious. Some are spooky. Once the woman 3 seats in front of us, travelling with a small child, had her purse stolen in between stops. Someone got on at one stop, got off at the next, and her purse was gone. She had it right on her side, between her and her child too. The thief was obviously a pro.

Once there was only 3 of us. When we got on we realized that the whole train was full of motorcycle men. THEN, a little later, we realized they were all gay. We had a blast with them. They bought us drinks, talked fashion with us, carried our luggage out, hailed a cab for us, etc.

The trains in other countries have better "wheels" than the trains here in the US. Therefore they are more comfortable. In fact, the subways in Toronto are awesome. Nothing like the subways here in Boston.

I'm all for air travel. Much quicker especially with children. You will be allowed to board first, because of the kids and the stewards will probably give them a memento of the trip. (usually something like a pair of wings pin)

If they have video games, they can also take them. Just have to shut them off on take off and landing but other than that, they can play them.

12 hours vs 3 with children??? I'd think that out a bit. INO, it would be worth the extra for the flight. If you decide on the train, I would definitely go first class, because of the children. (we never went first class since it was only a 3 hr ride or so)

[bugout]

I am considering traveling from NC to New York City by train. I'm not sure if it's a good idea. The flight is very short and not very expensive, but I am just getting nervous about flying and it seems like a lot of trouble for a short trip.

I have traveled by train in Europe and had great experiences, however, I have never been on a train in this country. I noticed you can get Business class or even First Class for a little extra. Does it make that much difference?

For those who have traveled here by train, do you think it would be enjoyable for the children, those from 7-14? It would be on Amtrak I think.

How is the food? I keep remembering the trip from NY to CA that Samantha and Carey took by train on Sex and the City. It was a disaster! They had a sleeping car.

We will travel during the day and I realize it will take a long time with all the stops.

Are they clean?

I would appreciate any advice.

Yes, and I've ridden trains. I just love them, did 32 hours from southern CA to Seattle once as well; as a kid. It is a GREAT experience for kids. Do first class, the seats and cabins are much more comfortable. I love to go anywhere by train. I will never forget going in between the cars, at midnight watching all the wild life as we went by, under a full moon. It was lovely. It can be clean, depending on which train you ride. Some are dirty some are not, it's hit and miss. I rode a lot of commuter trains as well like Marc.

[kitty1182]

I love to ride the train!! :thumbup:

[R~O~S]

My sister traveled from Massachusetts to Florida & back with four children via Amtrak. They had a blast.

She did pack food for the trip, her children are rather finicky eaters.

Enjoy the trip regardless of how you travel.

[Debb]

Thank you all for such great comments. I still haven't ruled it out. I guess I'm up for an adventure. What I think I may do is take a short trip (2 hours) on the train just to see how I like it. Now I am really curious. I guess I have to accept that American trains are not going to be like the EurRail. LOL

[Peeps]

We've considered traveling by Amtrak but haven't done it yet. We travel by train in Ireland and it's a wonderful experience...

[BettyC]

Thank you all for such great comments. I still haven't ruled it out. I guess I'm up for an adventure. What I think I may do is take a short trip (2 hours) on the train just to see how I like it. Now I am really curious. I guess I have to accept that American trains are not going to be like the EurRail. LOL


I didn't comment so far because I don't have experience riding the train for long distances.

However, last year my daughter and I use Amtrak to go to NY and I loved it ! The ride was extremely smooth. As good as flying as far as I'm concerned with much more leg room.

We're going to NY again next week to see a show and if we can't hitch a ride on our township's bus trip, I will definitely use the train again.

[bugout]

My Dream I mean, MY DREAM train ride is to Machu Pichu:

http://www.mysteryperu.com/eng/cu_machu_picchu.html

I do not know if I will ever get to go. :angry:

[Debb]

My Dream I mean, MY DREAM train ride is to Machu Pichu:

http://www.mysteryperu.com/eng/cu_machu_picchu.html

I do not know if I will ever get to go. :angry:

That looks incredible! Now that would be a train ride.

[withay]

Five years ago, My niece, sister in law and I went from Atlanta to DC on the Amtrack. I thought it would be an "adventure". It was horrible. It was cold and they would sell you a tiny blanket for $15. It was packed and they tried to seat a child (my niece) from either of the adults with her on an overnight trip (6 pm to 8am). Once we got there we had to wait for over an hour on the tracks before we could get off. And there were lots of other problems too numerous to list. The ONLY way I would ever ride a train again would be if I got a sleeper car and that would still be against my better judgement. Fly.

[Sara6000]

Convenience is overrated, history just is... :smile:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJMVj04lfyo&feature=fvw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJMVj04lfyo&feature=fvw)

Eta: Go Saints!! :thumbup: