Has anyone done Amtrak cross country???

[goofy4tink]

I'm thinking about traveling from Mass to Seattle this June. But I have no experience whatsoever where the train is concerned. Any of you done this? Any advice? I'm traveling with my mother and my 9 y/o dd. We're looking at it as an 'adventure' so to speak. I just don't want 'too' much adventure if you know what I mean. Thanks.

 

[Lars624]

I did it many years ago with my parents twice. The first time I was 5 and the second time I was a little older. We went from Detroit to Sacramento. I remember enjoying it very much

 

[browneyes]

No, but my SO and I would love to do something like that sometime.

 

[CyranoJones]

In March, DH and I are going to take the train from Baltimore to Albuquerque to visit our daughter. I'm looking at it as an adventure too! LOL!! I'll report back on how it goes.

 

[cuterlt]

Some years ago (1984) I took the train from law school to home (BattleCreek, Michigan to Albuquerque) and back over the Christmas holidays because I was broke and couldn't afford to fly. It was wonderful! I spent most of the time in the observation car which was a car that was almost wall to wall windows and had comfy seats. I wasn't able to sleep because of the noise and had a regular seat (no sleeper car). It was also hard to sleep in some areas because of the number of stops you'd make.
I really enjoyed the trip though and saw many wonderful areas of the country. There was a wonderful ice storm on the way back and everything was absolutely beautiful.
I did feel pretty safe which was important since I was travelling by myself.
Have fun!!!

 

[caitycaity]

it will definately be an adventure!

i hate amtrak's showers/bathrooms. 1 night was enough to cure me of any romantic notions i had of the train. i enjoy camping, and "roughing it," but if you are looking to be pampered, amtrak is not it! i have also been in the upgraded cabins with private baths and they were not much better. i found it hard to sleep (top bunk) b/c i was afraid i would fall out due to all the swaying of the train.

i would do a 1 night trip again, but i don't think i could handle more than that. when i do a 1 night trip, i can just shower when i arrive at my destination and not have to use the ones on the train.

on the plus side, the food was a lot better than i had expected.