For about the past decade I have traveled the country by train. For me it is a more gentile if not inexpensive way to take in the beauty of the land and discover diversity at the same time. Certainly, you can get your body there faster by plane, but it generally takes your mind a day or so to catch up anyway. So you might as well do what I call “the only civilized manor of travel” by making your way leisurely to your destination by train…. Comfy seats, electrical outlet, a snack bar / dinning car close at hand, a stack of movies and a DVD player, with the added bonus of a continuous moving postcard outside your window – what’s not to like?

I have booked sleeping rooms twice over the last ten years, only to discover I was able to make myself just as comfortable in coach, and save money, by just planning a little ahead of time.

←CLICK IMAGE TO YOUR LEFT FOR A DETAIL LIST YOU CAN PRINT AND TAKE WITH YOU!! Safe travels...

ALSO -- JUST ADDED:

SOME FINAL TIPS:

a)  Get a window seat if you can (provides better night rest and you are closer to electrical outlets).

b) AVOID, selecting a seat near the restroom if possible. c) Check seat to see if foot rest is working before selecting. Very important if train is crowded and you can't change later.

d) IMPORTANT: CHECK YOUR LAYOVERS / TRAIN CONNECTIONS: if you have a few hours, you may want to decide which city to spend it in. I learned the hard way stuck in Pittsburg from 4 - 7am, instead of Washington, DC -- with it's hug mall/close attractions from 11am - 2 pm. Made the best of it. Learned a lot about the "Pennsylvanian" tract -- but once was sufficient....

d) Tip / Tip / Tip - the conductor and make friends with him/her because they sometimes will put you in a roomier spot at night if needed, or be empathetic with other problems; let you know how the dinner car is running for reservations; and most importantly you will be a blessing to someone who’s job is sometimes difficult. Tip, the snack bar waiter, who’s more likely to give you free hot water for your tea.

d) Travel with a cell phone with good reception if possible.

e) Be friendly, sit with strangers in the dinning rooms or snack areas and make a new friend, that’s part of the fun of train rides.

f) Optional: bring an over the counter sleep aid for a better night’s rest.

g) Trains don’t always run on time, so plan ahead just to relax.      

h) DISCOUNTS: Besides the traditional discounts: AAA, Senior 62+, Military and NARP, be sure to visit www.amtrak.com and sign up for their “Guest Rewards Program” / P.O. Box 1762 / Minneapolis, MN, 55440 / 1-800-307-5000 / 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET M-F

Also, The National Association of Railroad Passengers www.narprail.org offers discounts on your ticket. (Membership $25 per year, but you will generally receive that fee back in discounts in 1 to 1 1/2 tirps)

  I promise if you take most of the advice listed here you will arrive happy, refreshed and already planning your next train ride. If you do happen to experience problems with your travel, a letter to Amtrak will generally result in a future travel discount or a partial refund. You can call 800-307-5000 for more information on where to direct any complaints.

 ----- click this link for a TRAIN TRAVEL CHECK LIST -----

PACK SMART / COORDINATE / PACK LIGHT / ENJOY!

Copyright:  Unless otherwise indicated, all text and images on this page are the property of Rosalind Nzinga Nichol / Tea & Wings Studio LLC. The contents of this page can not be reproduced or published in any form, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of Rosalind Nzinga Nichol. Please contact her for further information at: info@teaandwings.com

(C) 2012 ROSALIND NZINGA NICHOL/TEA & WINGS STUDIO LLC