How to Have a Great Amtrak Trip

My first experience on an Amtrak train was one of the most enjoyable trips I have ever taken. I left from Gainesville, Texas and detrained in Hanford, California. I was there to see my husband who had been working in California for six months. I had wanted to get there faster, but this was also shortly after the 9/11 incidents and to be quite honest was afraid to fly. I ended up quite happy with my decision to go by train. I learned so much and had such a good time that I would like to share my tips for having a great trip.

1. Do some research . I embarked on my trip by booking my tickets on-line. It was easy and convenient, and I thought that was all I would need to do. You must look at the site you are on and specifically if they offer a question and answer area. Ask the questions that you feel you need to know for the particular train trip you will be taking. Look, if they offer, at the frequently asked areas also. You may find some questions there that you didn't even know to ask. Some questions to ask is if there will be any significant stops along the way. Also, if the dining car will be available at all times. On my trip we had several stops where cars would be changed from one train to another similar to changing planes in an airport, except they just take the car and attach it to the correct train going in the direction you want to go. These can be a couple of hours wait some times. Also towards the end of my trip the dining car was removed from our train and added to another train. There is a snack bar/gift shop on each train so you are not without a means to eat or drink.

2. If you have purchased your tickets for a sleeping car you will find it very small but amazingly comfortable. However, if you purchased for just a regular seat you will need to pack a blanket and a pillow. The seats recline very nicely for sleeping but with out a pillow I found it hard to get really comfortable. In the snack bar/gift shop they do have blankets for purchase and you could possibly find a pillow, but if I had known I certainly would have brought my own. I found the blanket warm enough, but a little expensive, so save the cost for something else.

3. The snack bar offers a variety of items that you can purchase for any meal you would like or just for snacking. Although again I found them to be a little pricey and I honestly wanted to save my money for California. You can pack your own snacks, sandwiches and drinks if you want to save the cost. The dining car is also available for meals so you could easily save by bringing your own snacks then splurge on a meal in the dining car. The food I found to be well prepared and the service impeccable. Should you book a sleeping car your meals from the dining car are included. They also offer coffee, juice and pastries in the morning and juices and soft drinks during the day.

4. You hold your tickets for regular seats and begin to watch as fellow passengers begin to fill the train, and you think to yourself, why didn't I get a sleeping car. Well not to fear, it is never too late. Speak to a porter and ask him to notify you should a compartment be available. They will inform you and you can upgrade at that time to a compartment for a discounted price. It was one of the smartest things I did do. I enjoyed my compartment and the privacy it afforded me. Along with the benefits of the free amenities such as the coffee and meals. The porter will make your bed in the evenings and convert it to seating for you during the day. No worries over blankets or pillows.

5. If you are going to be traveling with small children be sure and pack activities that will occupy them. During the day the train has a observation car and of course the dining and snack bar, but for small children these are not the most entertaining of areas. In the evening they do have movies they show in the observation car, but during the day activities are very limited. This would be another good question to ask when you are booking your trip as to what activities are offered on the train you will be taking.

6 It is not easy walking on a moving train. It is a little like being on a boat in really choppy water. I found myself getting acquainted with some of my fellow passengers by ending up in their laps,. It was an interesting and embarrassing way to meet and since almost everyone was having the same problem it was also something to laugh about. I found that by taking a little wider stance and bending my knees slightly I could navigate with a little more ease. I am sure my fellow passengers were happy that I had finally gotten my train legs.

7. Be sure and bring your camera and pack plenty of film. I of course forgot mine and I was very disappointed with myself because I missed some awesome scenery. No matter what part of the country you are taking the trip there will be places that will be a picture taking opportunity. This is also another reason for asking which stops along the way will be for any length of time. These stops afford you the ability to do some sight seeing. So keep your camera available at all times.

8. Remember to tip your porters and conductors.I found the service to be first rate, no matter what part of the train I occupied. They were helpful, friendly and extremely patient. I had finally come up with the questions I should have asked in the beginning and every time I asked my porter a question he was ready to give me an answer or to find the answer for me. They take a pride in making sure the passengers are comfortable and that their needs are met. The restrooms I found to be extremely clean and showers to be spotless.

9. Last but not least is enjoy the trip. Faster is not always better and taking the train you must expect delays. While I was comfortable and sleeping like a baby there were other passengers who had motion sickness. If this is something you might be afflicted with check with your physician for motion sickness pills. You will enjoy the trip so much more. I can't pick out any portion of the trip that I didn't enjoy. It was a pleasure all the way there and back to Gainesville. I have now moved to California to be with my husband, but I have children still in Texas and yes it gives me the perfect reason to take the train. There may be a reason for me to fly in the future, but if it is a pleasure trip and there is a train that goes there you will find me in my sleeping car happy as can be. I hope these tips make your adventures as much fun as mine.