Amtrak??

sairose · #1 05-13-2005, 01:34 AM

So I've become obsessed with travelling. Mostly road trips (including one to Texas this weekend, and a possible one to Chicago next month; in the last 2 years I've also gone to Oregon, Michigan, NYC, and most of New England), flown out to various areas too. I was looking into options for future trips (possibly one later this summer), and I realized I had never even considered traveling by rail. It seems like fun...something different for sure, and unlike driving on the interstate, you can actually see stuff. I dunno.

So, anyone ever travelled via Amtrak? Thoughts? Opinions? Advice?

Also, where would be a cool destination via Amtrak from northeast Arkansas?

Thanks!!

AGDee · #2 05-13-2005, 06:06 AM

I travelled Amtrak to our Convention in Chicago last summer and discovered a couple things. I packed as though I was flying and thought that I could check luggage (especially since my confirmation included information about checked luggage!). I had files for all the chapters I oversee, a 12 pack of diet pepsi (to avoid paying the $2 a bottle they charge you in hotel vending machines), all of my formal gowns, a laptop, makeup, shoes, etc. So, I had a pullman suitcase, a garment bag and two carry ons. I get to the train station to find out that they don't check luggage on this route and that I am to carry on my own stuff, up the train steps, etc. I hurriedly dashed to my car, ditched the files, the soda, the laptop and consolidated to a garment bag and a carry on! These were SO heavy that I actually bruised my shoulder and upper arm with them while I dragged them to the train, etc.

I enjoyed taking the train, other than the luggage issue and if I'd known, I would have prepared differently. So, for a short trip, if you can travel light, it's nice. The food in the dining car isn't great so I'd take sandwiches and snacks. There are some routes where you can check luggage and some have sleeper cars, but not the Detroit to Chicago route!

Dee

CSUSigEp · #3 05-13-2005, 08:30 AM

i take amtrak home from school sometimes. its fun and the gliding feeling is one of a kind. i wouldnt want to be on the train for a long time though, i think i could probably stand about 4 hours tops...

aephi alum · #4 05-13-2005, 08:47 AM

I've taken the Metroliner (DC-NY) a couple of times (this was a few years ago). It's not too bad, especially when the flight you were supposed to be on has been canceled!

Like Dee said, it's a good idea to travel light.

There are power outlets in each row of the car, so you can plug in your laptop, recharge your cell phone, etc.

You can buy food on board, but it's expensive and not very good. Pack your own if you can manage to do so.

Have fun!

RedRoseSAI · #5 05-13-2005, 08:53 AM

Hey, what will you be doing in Chicago?

recentASAalum · #6 05-13-2005, 11:40 AM

I took the train from New York to Philadelphia one time... I thought it was cool...

A lot of the kids I went to school with used to take the Amtrak from school up to Chicago... I never heard very many complaints... except maybe not enough choice in times... but then again we were a relatively small town...

Sister Havana · #7 05-13-2005, 12:18 PM

I've taken Amtrak for shorter trips Downstate, never cross-country or anything though. It's pretty comfortable. I do wish there were later trains leaving Chicago. Except for one time when the train was delayed a couple hours due to weather (and this was the first time I was meeting my then-boyfriend's parents, they were picking me up at the station and my train was THREE HOURS LATE!

Oh yeah, and this was before we all had cell phones so they basically had to sit there!) I have not had any problems.

SmartBlondeGPhB · #8 05-13-2005, 01:19 PM

I took Amtrak Cascades last Thanksgiving (over the weekend) to Oregon and had no trouble on the trip down there.

HOWEVER, if it gives you a caution that the train might be delayed trust that it will be. And their customer service stinks.

I would advise Business Class if the train you are riding on has it too. It's costs a little more, but the perks are nice (earlier boarding, assigned seat).

But I would do it again, I just know more now. Like the fact that I don't do well on the upper level of the double deckers....

sairose · #9 05-13-2005, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RedRoseSAI
Hey, what will you be doing in Chicago?

Charlotte Martin (an AMAZING artist, if you haven't heard her) is playing a show in Chicago on June 4th. An SAI who was my VP memebrship and is still a good friend lives in Chicago. She's going to the show and offered to let me crash there if I wanted to be crazy enough to drive 8 1/2 hours just for a concert. And yes...I am that crazy.

Go to http://www.charlottemartin.com and there's clips from songs, plus a few full length tracks too. Gorgeous stuff; she actually has a degree in music from somewhere in Illinois or Inidiana, I think. If it's something that appeals to you tickets are only $10!

RedRoseSAI · #10 05-13-2005, 04:44 PM

Hmmm...I do like her. She reminds me of Anna Nalick. That might be a cool concert to see. Schubas (where she's playing) is in a pretty cool neighborhood with a lot of good restaurants and bars. We should meet up!

PS - Is your friend looking for an alumnae chapter?

Tom Earp · #11 05-13-2005, 06:10 PM

And Once again, Our Federal Govt. doesnt want to subsidize The American Rail System!

For those that never rode the rails, it is fantastic.

Rode to Tyler Tex. Dad was in Boot Camp there WWII. Not comfortable like today, but being a 2 year old and we were going to see My Dad, the Soldiers were Great.

Lamar Mo. Home of Harry Truman back to Indep., Mo. Home of Harry Truman!!

Kitzbuhl to Then next town Pheffierbrun down the Track, wonderfull!

Aint like Undergrounds in Washington, DC, The EL in Chi Town or London and points around!

Amazing how other Industrial Countrys use Rail Systems that are Cheaper?

Got Time, do Rail or Bus! See the USA!

sairose · #12 05-16-2005, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RedRoseSAI
Hmmm...I do like her. She reminds me of Anna Nalick. That might be a cool concert to see. Schubas (where she's playing) is in a pretty cool neighborhood with a lot of good restaurants and bars. We should meet up!

PS - Is your friend looking for an alumnae chapter?

Hey, check your PMs

The Truth · #13 05-16-2005, 11:39 AM

I hated the train. It made me feel like Sojourner Truth.

Rudey · #14 05-16-2005, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RedRoseSAI
Hmmm...I do like her. She reminds me of Anna Nalick. That might be a cool concert to see. Schubas (where she's playing) is in a pretty cool neighborhood with a lot of good restaurants and bars. We should meet up!

PS - Is your friend looking for an alumnae chapter?

How is the Southport neighborhood a cool neighborhood?

It has the most generic, boring bars for generic, white wannabe Irish, people who can't quite afford to live in Lincoln Park, aren't cool enough to live in Wicker Park, and aren't gay enough for Boys Town.

The only cool thing near there is a clothing store called Jakes.

-Rudey