Amtrak?

[IowaRed]

My wife has a conference in San Diego in July and we are contemplating taking Amtrak out and possibly renting a vehicle to drive back. I'd like to hear tips, recommendations, experiences, concerning Amtrak. The main reason we aren't flying is because of my fears of flying and heights and I've tried just about everything you can think of to help with that, medication, alcohol, a combination of the 2, and I even went to a hypnotist. I have flown maybe 6-8 times in my life but this point, flying isn't an option so it's driving or train. We have 2 children, one will have just turned 6and one will be one month from turning 8 at the time of the trip.

I have done a little bit of research on Amtrak and read some good and a lot of bad. I don't fully understand the pricing, the "buckets" thing, but I'm more concerned with the experience for our family than the cost. I realize the accomodations won't be luxurious, quiet, roomy, or filled with entertainment options. Any thoughts or if you have any specific tips about what to take, what accomodations to look for, how to deal with Amtrak, tickets, or anything else would be appreciated.

[Chip R]

My wife has a conference in San Diego in July and we are contemplating taking Amtrak out and possibly renting a vehicle to drive back. I'd like to hear tips, recommendations, experiences, concerning Amtrak. The main reason we aren't flying is because of my fears of flying and heights and I've tried just about everything you can think of to help with that, medication, alcohol, a combination of the 2, and I even went to a hypnotist. I have flown maybe 6-8 times in my life but this point, flying isn't an option so it's driving or train. We have 2 children, one will have just turned 6and one will be one month from turning 8 at the time of the trip.

I have done a little bit of research on Amtrak and read some good and a lot of bad. I don't fully understand the pricing, the "buckets" thing, but I'm more concerned with the experience for our family than the cost. I realize the accomodations won't be luxurious, quiet, roomy, or filled with entertainment options. Any thoughts or if you have any specific tips about what to take, what accomodations to look for, how to deal with Amtrak, tickets, or anything else would be appreciated.

When I lived in Des Moines, my girlfriend and I were going to take Amtrak from Osceola to Chicago for 4th of July weekend. We were supposed to leave in the morning and get there by mid-afternoon. When I got up I called them to see if it was going to be on time. My folks had taken ski trips out west and told me to call and see if there would be delays since they had experienced them in the past. I called them and they said the train wasn't expected in Osceola till late afternoon because it was stuck in Nebraska with mechanical problems. We just said the heck with it and drove to Chicago. If I were you, I wouldn't do it.

[*BaseClogger*]

My friend takes the train from Kalamazoo to East Lansing on the weekends. He said it is quite an 'experience' in the train station in Kalamazoo and on the train, and that there is almost always a delay. But its cheap and gets him where he needs to go. I think an important factor in your decision might be what its like in your home train station and in the one in San Diego...

[Reds Freak]

If timing isn't a significant issue, traveling by a train is a great way to travel. It's a different experience to be able to view the country without having to worry about driving, directions, parking, gas, etc and be able to get work done, have a drink, or spend time with the family. I would recommend it provided you don't take the headaches too seriously.

With the renewed interest and support by the current administration in increasing the ability to travel by train due to high fuel costs, economic development, and environmental concerns, I think traveling by train will be a lot easier and accessible in the future..

[westofyou]

Amtrack between here and Seattle and San Francisco is notoriously late and spotty on being a good alternative.

[BillDoran]

I've taken Amtrak multiple times and have always had a positive experience.

If time, both punctuatlity and length of trip, are of little concern, I think it's a fantastic way to travel. As mentioned above, the opportunity to experience the view with the ability to spend your time as you please is quite enjoyable to me.

I think, as for traveling with kids, it's one of the better options. Two parent tag-team and a more spacious, less restrained environment.

[WebScorpion]

I took the AmTrak train from Washington, DC to Cincinnati, OH (Union Station to Union Station?) with a 4-year old daughter a quite few years ago. We loved it! We got a sleeper cabin on the way there and she was itching to pull the bed down all evening. She kept calling the attendant and he was always pleasant and brought her some cookies one time. On the way back we rode in a regular car and spent a lot of time talking to people, looking at the scenery, and walking back and forth to the diner car. This was probably 10 years ago, but I'd do it again if I weren't in a rush.

[Caveat Emperor]

I used to take Amtrak a lot between Washington DC and New York / Boston -- but train service on the East Coast is an entirely different animal from the rest of the country, from what I'm told.

FWIW, I've always enjoyed my Amtrak experiences.