| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 339.1 | We have! | CIVIC::NICKERSON | | Thu Oct 01 1992 14:02 | 29 |
| We've taken the Amtrak Auto Train from Va. to Florida twice. The first
time it was with my husband, 3 1/2 yr. old and 1 1/2 yr. old. On the
way down we didn't get a Sleeper - BIG MISTAKE! I ended up trying to
sleep on the floor between the two seats with my head in the aisle.
People walk by all night and slam doors - not at all relaxing! The
first thing I did when we got to Fla. was reserve a Sleeper for the
trip home. It was WONDERFUL - we each shared a bed with one kid - had
our own private toilet and sink. Sleepers are consider First Class so
we got special treatment from the Porter - she set up breakfast for us
in our room and generally treated us very well.
This past summer we came home from Fla. via the Auto Train (we drove
down). This time it was with kids 8, 6 and 3 1/2. We had to get a
"Suite" which is two Sleepers with the wall between removed. Expensive
but worth it - there were four bunks so I was the only one who had to
share with my 3 yr old. Amtrak now has a special Dining car for First
Class which has a bubble top - we ate dinner with a view of the sunset.
Obviously, I recommend a Sleeper - the aisles in a train are not that
much bigger than a plane and the porters don't appreciate kids running
up and down. In a Sleeper you have some room for toys and stuff
without getting in anyones way.
Tranveling by train is not all that cheap but it is a fun experience if
you enjoy trains.
Good luck!
Linda
|
| 339.2 | great memories for kids | STUDIO::POIRIER | | Thu Oct 01 1992 14:53 | 4 |
| I have great memories of going to VA from NY by train every summer when
we were little. We always slept on the train and it was fun!!
beth
|
| 339.3 | I enjoyed it..... | STRATA::STOOKER | | Fri Oct 02 1992 12:04 | 14 |
| My husband and I took the AMtrack from Boston to Ohio in 1986 at
Christmas time. I was 6 months pregnant at the time and we took the
train at night and slept most of the way there. I was really thankful
that we got the sleeper, since I was able lay down and rest. I wasn't
very comfortable, but I think it was because I was pregnant. I was
also thankful for the toilet in the sleeper. The meals that we got on
the train were a little expensive, but were very good. If you get a
sleeper, I don't think there would be a problem to take a cooler and
pack some snacks if there is concern about the expense of meals.
Overall the trip was good. I do wish now that we had taken an early
morning train so that we could have seen some of the view, instead of
traveling mostly at night though.
Sarah
|
| 339.4 | decided on the plane this time - train next time | SUPER::HARRIS | | Tue Oct 06 1992 21:21 | 8 |
| Thanks for the responses. I really think it would be fun to
take the train. After thinking about it, we decided we'd be
better off to get a double sleeper if we did. Then, the cost
ended up being higher than a plane ride. Although I'd still
like to try it, I think we'll wait until Andy's a little bit
older, and can enjoy it.
Peggy
|
| 339.5 | Atlanta <--> Charlottesville | OASS::BURDEN_D | Well, it sure beats raising cattle | Thu Jan 14 1993 10:49 | 16 |
| We did the overnight from Atlanta to Charlottlesville, VA (and back) for
Christmas '91 with our two kids (Anthony, 3 yrs and Samantha, 9 months)
We had a sleeper which was nice for all the reasons mentioned previously,
but also because it has a locking door to the room, which the 'sleeperettes'
don't have.
This particular route leaves just at dinner time and arrives during
breakfast so the meals were kind of rushed, but the porters took care of
everything (luggage) so it worked out okay.
The only complaint I had about the sleepers was that there were noisier than
the coach cars! It would also be nice to take a day time trip sometime,
but it is a nice way to travel.
Dave
|