Rethink travel by taking a train. Although this type of travel has been around for years it is in no way outdated. Due to the current economy, the prices are extremely affordable. Amtrak offers several routes from coast to coast. I have traveled by train countless times including a cross-country trip from Los Angeles to Washington DC with a stop in Chicago. Another long-distance trip was from New Orleans to Greensboro, North Carolina. I found both trips to be quite enjoyable. I preferred the long trip because it meant two nights in our private room. Traveling by train is not just travel it is an entirely new experience. Starting with the train stations, each is distinctive works of art from eras of the past that are worth checking out if you find yourself near one. These are great places for lunch or a cup of coffee when you are exploring big cities with friendly staff that can point you in the direction of icon sites throughout their cities.
For architecture enthusiasts, train stations are a delightful treat with no two alike! I find the history of the stations themselves is just as fascinating as their design. The Los Angeles Union station is famous for being a popular movie filming location. The list of movies is endless if you have seen any recent gangster movies there is an excellent chance you caught a glimpse of this Art Deco beauty. While Washington DC Union Station is just a few blocks walk from the Capitol building. Once the most popular way for presidential candidates to tour the country. DC Union station boasts a world-class food court along with various fantastic shops! Chicago Union Station is awe-inspiring with its breathtaking skylight, it is also just a quick walk to the Sears Tower.
Once you have checked in at the ticket counter porters will escort you to your train car and help you find your seat. I prefer to arrive early to explore the stations themselves. This is a wonderful opportunity to unplug social media or electronics all together! Train travel is a marvelous way to travel with loved ones. There is no hassle to time gas stations or bathroom breaks, the kids can move around. You can schedule dinner in the dining car if you feel like a nice sit-down meal. Looking for something less traditional for a honeymoon that is affordable, but also memorable this is a great alternative! Amtrak has destination packages that encompass everything from food to hotel.
If you are looking for something affordable to get you from one place to another checkout the economy and business fares. The basic economy fare will secure you a comfortable designated seat in one of the coaches. The seats are much bigger than an aircraft with only two seats across, they also recline. There is a compartment overhead for your bags if it is too large the porter will put your bag in the luggage downstairs near the doors. For those that are traveling economy, guests are welcome to move around freely. There are little breaks at most stops about 10 to 15 minutes where guests can disembark from the train to stretch their legs or have a smoke break. Most trains have an observation car that guests can enjoy an all-encompassing view with floor-to-ceiling windows that have seats facing towards the outside view. Each observation has experienced guides throughout the day that will tell you about the historical places along the route. All the long-distance trains have a snack bar with limited hot food along with drinks including a selection of beer or wine. Although it happens not as fast as aircraft travel, this remains an incredibly economical way to travel. Business-class secures much of the same things but includes meal options.
Thinking about obtaining a sleeper car? Several accommodation options are available depending on your budget. These accommodations range from a sleepette, which is a private room for two with comfortable seats that turn into two single beds. While suites come with a private bathroom that is equipped with a shower and a larger bed these rooms. These rooms are much bigger than sleepettes with a couch as well as a chair. For families with children, there are sleeping cars with room for a family of four. All sleeper accommodation includes your meals and drinks. The meals are second to none provided by professional chefs. There has been more than one cookbook created over the years based on train dining. Another perk of sleeping cars is the porters, a porter is a staff member assigned to each room that notifies you when it is mealtime to either take your reservation for seating purposes or they will bring your meal to you. Another duty of the porters is turndown service each night along with tidying up and putting the bedding away in the morning. Meals are not from the snack car these are created in the world-class dining car. The dining car is open for all three meals of the day. The dining car is available for everyone but guests with sleepers have priority for seating which is why you can reserve a time. The dining car, observatory, and sleepers are all located on the top level of the train cars while the snack bar and economy seating area on the lower level.
Although there are no longer passenger trains out of the Amarillo area there are still stations a short drive away. The stations closest to the panhandle area Oklahoma City, Dallas, Dodge City, Raton, and Albuquerque.
