A Safer Way to Travel
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Not everyone is suited to train travel. But for those who take the time to do
the research before they go, train travel can be on of the most relaxing ways to
see sights on your way to getting THERE, wherever THERE may be.
To help you decide if train travel is for you, ask yourself the following
questions. Be brutally honest. And ask everyone you will be traveling with these
questions as well. Train travel may be your ideal vacation, but if your
traveling companions are constantly complaining during the trip, it will spoil
everyone's fun.
If yes outnumbers no then you should consider train travel as an exciting
vacation possibility. Other factors to keep in mind when thinking about the
train include:
 | You are not "strapped into" your seat for the duration of your
travel - You can move about the train at almost any time. Wanna stretch your
legs? Take a stroll to the Lounge Car or Sightseeing Car. You can even
quickly hop off the train at certain stops.
| Want more than a "Boxed meal" for your lunch - Food service on
most long distance trains is excellent. Full service too. And you can't beat
the scenery out the window either.
| The view of the country side is much nicer than the view of the country
from 30,000 feet
| You can sit back and relax before having to "be there" - Leave
all the tension of work and home life behind as you board and relax during
your journey. Who wants a "rushed" vacation anyway?
| Delays can happen - But when on board, life goes on. You are not
"stuck in an airport" or "stuck in traffic". You still
have all the options available to you as you did when you were "on
time" |
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However, keep in mind that as in any type of travel, not all trips are
perfect or idyllic. While there are certain things that will be out of your
control such as weather and mechanical problems, you can influence how
successful and therefore how much "fun" getting there will be.
| Plan ahead- Do your research. You've obviously started by checking this
site out but go further. Visit your local train station. Head to the library
for a few books on "railroading". Visit a KNOWLEDGEABLE travel
agent.
| Pack smartly - You have limited carry-on capacity on the train. Pack only
those things you'll be needing on board. Check all other baggage. See the
Packing List.
| Dress comfortably - Consider the seasons and not only where you are traveling
to but where you are traveling "through". Closed toed shoes are a
safety must.
| Leave the "Attitude" at home - Great service is generally the
norm but your attitude toward the whole trip will either make the trip an
experience to remember or a nightmare of a vacation. It's all up to you. |
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Packing List
When deciding what to pack, remember that you also have to consider where you
are traveling through in addition to where you are traveling to. Going from warm
sunny Florida to Seattle via Denver in February means more than just a t-shirt
and shorts to wear on board. Also consider the length of your on board time. A
day trip necessitates a lot less packing than a 3 day trip on the Sunset Limited
from Orlando to Los Angeles.
Most trains offer checked baggage service, but not all stations accept
baggage at all times. Nor are all stations open at all departure times. Check
with AMTRAK to determine if baggage service
will be available for your particular train. Plan on checking all items that you
will NOT need during your journey. Remember if you are traveling by AUTOTRAIN,
your luggage will be stored in your car and you will not have access to your car
during the journey. Any item that you may need in your carry-on including ALL
MEDICATIONS.
In your carry-on:
| A change of clothes - consider where you are going through in addition to
where you are going to. A light sweater is always a good idea.
| Sleepwear - Recommended sleepwear for most people would be a t-shirt or
shorts. In case you decide to wander around in the middle of the night. If
you are riding in coach, you can change your clothes in the restroom but you
will not have private sleeping accommodations. First class passengers have
private accommodations. If you are traveling during the winter, a
lightweight pair of pants would replace the shorts.
| Something to keep yourself entertained - A good book (or two), CD or tape
player with headphones (required by AMTRAK), deck of cards (available for
purchase on board too), travel games for the kids, or a map detailing the
areas you are traveling through.
| Snacks - if you are particular about your snack food or if you don't want
to pay train prices. (The Lounge or Cafe cars have a selection of snacks.
Prices are reasonable but not as low as you would find before boarding)
Meals are included in the price of sleeping accommodations but coach
passengers must purchase their food onboard. Again prices are comparable to
what you would find in a good restaurant.
| Diapers, bottles, and baby food/formulas - If you are traveling with
children, be sure you bring EVERYTHING you will need during your journey.
ALWAYS pack extras in case you are delayed. Nursing mothers can find privacy
in the restrooms on board. |
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Remember that you are limited to 2 carry-on bags per person. Size and weight
restrictions apply. Plan accordingly. For more packing ideas, check out Puds
Mom's Packing List
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