Well. First let me say that dispite confusion, delays and "crusty" red caps...I totally and completely enjoyed my first train experience, and look forward to riding the rails once again... Now, I did learn a few things, and still have questions on others, so I'll just begin here. I traveled from what was to be my beginning point, Tampa, Florida, but when I went to Tampa to get my tickets, noticed that the same bus from Tampa stops in Lakeland, which is less congested as far as traffic goes, and so the ticket agent told me that if I wanted I could get on the bus there instead, and return there as well ..Nice, since I live in Plant City....Hmmm, first lesson learned. Do your research, and you find out that all things are not carved in stone. Right off the bat, realized that I had built myself a burden as far as luggage goes...Our trip was to be for travel from Florida to Syracuse ,NY. and to be there for 5 days. Also was traveling with my 3 year old grand daughter who is quite an active little one... So, I had plenty of snacks,drinks and play activities packed for her...also brought my laptop and a bunch of her favorite videos. I was thankful that I had the snacks/drinks etc., but I think I could have gotten away with less. Less snacks,drinks and fewer dvds to lug around. Very important to have is that pillow and blanket....otherwise you may freeze your butt off! Just toss them to the side when you reach DC and they switch engines from diesel to electric ...Takes about 30 mins, and you will have no lights, or AC...and it can get a little stuffy in there... You will occasionally stop at a station to take on water and or other passengers, and you can get off if time allows to stretch your legs or smoke if you do... Getting on and off the train with a crapload of luggage is a pita....Less is better...Some of the attendants helped sometimes, a three year old plus baggage is very difficult on steps....sometime there are raised platforms and no steps, others a rather large gap between the platform and train...A child could easily fall there if not careful...Sometimes you will be helped...most times I felt that I was on my own...and was very frustrated at that... Have your tickets out and ready for either at boarding, or after you are seated they will come through and scan them...At that time, it may be a good thing, if you need help to let them know.ie Red Cap service , or just to get your bags down from the overheads...You may not see an attendant or conductor for awhile after you get underway.... Don't be afraid to ask other passengers either...You will have plenty of opportunities to visit, during the trip...If you decide to eat in the dining car, they come around and take reservations, but if you happen to be in the bathroom, like I was, or your child is napping, then you may miss out on that experience...You can to breakfast in there or lunch, which is also a nice time to meet and visit with other passengers. The Cafe/lounge cars are also a nice place to learn some stuff about "training". I thought the prices in both places were okay....Food was good, and in a pinch, or if you are going to try to travel lighter, you can purchase about any kind of snack or beverage there...Oh, if you like Coke products rather than Pepsi, you are sol.....Pepsi is where it's at on Amtrak....Beer/wine...a bit on the pricey side....I smuggled in my own in coach, and had no issuse....just use common sense... Laptops and dvds or whatever type of media you have will be helpful..I found myself checking the map, and logging onto this sight quite frequently....
Bring a pack or two of antibacterial wipes...The bathrooms are generally clean, but tend to get rough during the journey, and I just felt better using the wipes after the bathroom. Red Cap Service...My experience was at Penn Station, and other forum members suggested to use them...I took their advise, and was glad I did...They really know their way around, help with the luggage and can get you to your train connection with ease... Well worth the few bucks tip.... Some Caps are more considerate of small children than others, and on my return trip, found myself sprinting to keep up the the Cap, and pulling the little one along behind me. We got to the right track and to our destination, so I can only say...New York! Absolutely use this sight or check the Amtrak sight for advisorys....I found out that you have to look out for yourself, and call the USA Rail to check status.... If your train is somehow held up or not running, check to see what the alternative transportation is....Ours was busses, but they were contracted and clueless as to anything but their final destination... I learned that the train experience is that...an experience....Part of a journey, and if you go into it with the mindset that it is an adventure..then you will enjoy...If you absolutely need to be somewhere on time and within an exact timeframe, then fly or drive....Trains are cool...and for, in my perspective, leisure enjoyment. VACATION! So I will post more thoughts as they come to me about our journey... I know that this sight is gold for anyone looking for help in planning a trip...Plenty of experience and wonderful help here.....Happy travels////////1
Bring a pack or two of antibacterial wipes...The bathrooms are generally clean, but tend to get rough during the journey, and I just felt better using the wipes after the bathroom. Red Cap Service...My experience was at Penn Station, and other forum members suggested to use them...I took their advise, and was glad I did...They really know their way around, help with the luggage and can get you to your train connection with ease... Well worth the few bucks tip.... Some Caps are more considerate of small children than others, and on my return trip, found myself sprinting to keep up the the Cap, and pulling the little one along behind me. We got to the right track and to our destination, so I can only say...New York! Absolutely use this sight or check the Amtrak sight for advisorys....I found out that you have to look out for yourself, and call the USA Rail to check status.... If your train is somehow held up or not running, check to see what the alternative transportation is....Ours was busses, but they were contracted and clueless as to anything but their final destination... I learned that the train experience is that...an experience....Part of a journey, and if you go into it with the mindset that it is an adventure..then you will enjoy...If you absolutely need to be somewhere on time and within an exact timeframe, then fly or drive....Trains are cool...and for, in my perspective, leisure enjoyment. VACATION! So I will post more thoughts as they come to me about our journey... I know that this sight is gold for anyone looking for help in planning a trip...Plenty of experience and wonderful help here.....Happy travels////////1