Cross the USA on Amtrak

[crabby_appleton1950]

I saw this story linked on the Yahoo 'news' website. A woman's tells of her trip on Amtrak.

She also includes 12 photos, with commentary.

I Took an Amtrak Train Across America — Here's What It's Really Like

12 Things You Should Know Before Traveling Across the Country on Amtrak

http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Amtrak-Train-Across-Country-Tips-40685768#photo-40685768

 

[HenryK]

It's a nice piece.

 

[Eric308]

All positive, good. I like their little booze bag!

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

All positive, good. I like their little booze bag!

The classic Suitcase Nuke Porta-Bar When I was a small, Dad had one of those (an amazing piece of Mid Century travel essentials) and it went with us everywhere we traveled so Mom and Dad could set up a Field Operations Bar and have Martinis before supper. I wish I had salvaged that when the Estate was dissolved.

 

[niemi24s]

Nice story C_A. Thanx for posting it. Just can't wait for our resident spewers of negativism to chime in.

 

[TinCan782]

Yes, very nice... to be shared!

 

[tonys96]

Nice story with nice pics. Echoes most of my trips.

 

[Railroad Bill]

A nice positive story about riding Amtrak. Wonder what her thoughts were about riding coach from CHI to NYP?

 

[Bob Dylan]

Ditto! Nice article especially from a novice!

One thing, perhaps they ate in tbe Diner before the recent "cuts" and Standardized National Menus which seem to draw the most complaints from current LD Riders?

 

[Manny T]

Required reading for every first-time cross country traveler! Show this to skeptical friends and they will become Amtrak riders.

Just not sure she states how claustrophobic the top berth on a Superliner can be for some.

Also, she doesn't mention delays, so perhaps she was fortunate and didn't have any!

 

[crabby_appleton1950]

Just can't wait for our resident spewers of negativism to chime in.

I had some similar thoughts and almost didn't post it. Glad I did as so far it has received positive reviews.

 

[crabby_appleton1950]

Wonder what her thoughts were about riding coach from CHI to NYP?

If I find any follow up, I'll post that as well.

 

[TinCan782]

Just can't wait for our resident spewers of negativism to chime in.

I had some similar thoughts and almost didn't post it. Glad I did as so far it has received positive reviews.

I've felt the same way.

 

[Asher]

Enjoyed the post, from the looks of their portable bar I get the feeling they did some homework before boarding.

 

[KmH]

Hummm!

In photo #8, of the SSL, there is an Empire Builder poster though she says they rode the California Zephyr.

Maybe Amtrak has the EB poster there to promote the EB?

The piece is short but sweet, but they say a picture is worth 1000 words.

 

[the_traveler]

Wonder what her thoughts were about riding coach from CHI to NYP?

In the article, she did say "... the good ... at the beginning (Sierra Nevada and Rockies on the CZ :huh: ) and at the end (Mohawk and Hudson Valleys on the LSL :huh: ) ..."! She did specifically mention DEN-CHI.

 

[CCC1007]

Hummm!

In photo #8, of the SSL, there is an Empire Builder poster though she says they rode the California Zephyr.

Maybe Amtrak has the EB poster there to promote the EB?

The piece is short but sweet, but they say a picture is worth 1000 words.

From what I've seen, the posters are for any route the car might show up on, and are not changed when going to another route.

 

[Tennessee Traveler]

Hummm!

In photo #8, of the SSL, there is an Empire Builder poster though she says they rode the California Zephyr.

Maybe Amtrak has the EB poster there to promote the EB?

The piece is short but sweet, but they say a picture is worth 1000 words.

KmH, both Amtrak and Via Rail rail cars often contain posters from other rail routes so seeing an Empire Builder poster on the California Zephyr is not unusual at all -- and it certainly does not implicate that the picture was taken on the Empire Builder.

 

[IndyRacingNut]

I think for most of us, this article highlights the best we experience out of every trip & reminds us why we love train travel in the first place. It did for me, anyways.

 

[OlympianHiawatha]

Hummm!

In photo #8, of the SSL, there is an Empire Builder poster though she says they rode the California Zephyr.

Maybe Amtrak has the EB poster there to promote the EB?

The piece is short but sweet, but they say a picture is worth 1000 words.

From what I've seen, the posters are for any route the car might show up on, and are not changed when going to another route.

I have even seen Auto Train Posters on Western trains.

 

[City of Miami]

I stumbled across this article on Yahoo, too, Crabby. I read it and enjoyed it and found it pretty much mirrored most of my experiences on Amtrak - except that I'm usually alone. It did cross my mind to share it.......and I didn't. :mellow:

 

[benale]

I always enjoy reading travelogues from first time riders. I have done coach many times to Chicago and sleeper further west. It's always better that way. You have the sleeper to look forward ro. the other direction is a bit of a comedown. I wish I could afford a bedroom. I've always booked roomettes, either by points or cash, If I'm by myself I don't mind a roomette, When I'm with my wife I use the upper bunk. I find it very claustrophobic and when nature calls in the middle of the night, it's an adventure just to get down the ladder.

 

[Mystic River Dragon]

I enjoyed this, too. A refreshingly positive article.