Amtrak Tips And Tricks | Beginners Guide
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- čas přidán 16. 08. 2020
- Today I will share our Amtrak tips and tricks (beginners guide). This guide will help you as you plan for your first trip on Amtrak. This Amtrak travel guide will show you what it's like to sleep in coach class. We'll share dining options on Amtrak train. Rail travel is very popular right now, we'll share tips on Amtrak observation car, Amtrak overnight, sleeping on a train, Amtrak train, Amtrak cross country trip, Amtrak comfort, Amtrak cross country train travel. These tips are good on any of the trips we have been on including, Amtrak Crescent Line, Amtrak Sunset Limited, Amtrak Texas Eagle, Amtrak Coast Starlight, Amtrak Empire Builder and Amtrak California Zephyr.
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@Gatlin Nikolas Instablaster :)
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I appreciate videos like this SO MUCH ❤️ I have social anxiety and I need to know every detail before traveling or doing new things in general. I love informative videos like this that allow me to feel prepared and at ease.
How was your trip its been 6 months. I want to but it seems more expensive then i thought but for a lifetime experience, I believe it would be worth it, your opinion?
I have the same anxiety and claustrophobia. have you taken the train yet?
Omg I thought this was only me. I struggle every day
Me too. Omg. But I want to plan a train trip with my kids…
@@virginiaspringer1441 Don't opt for the roomette if you are uncomfortable with small spaces. The train aisles and seating itself is not bad as far as roominess. Also, take advantage of those smoke breaks to step off the train to breath in fresh air. The observation car is a good place to sit too. I feel your pain, but you may love this form of transportation. Try a short trip first
Light jacket, small pillow, water bottle, snacks, and laptop. Got it!
Ty so much. Never traveled alone and NEVER by train. I wanna go to GA to see my son, whom I haven't seen in 4yrs..wish me luck
Good luck!
Good luck and tell us how to he trip goes, please. Details details lol
My recommendations include: 1. The staircases on the train are VERY STEEP & NARROW. From the upper to the lower level, I highly recommend BACKING down the staircase, if you have any kind of mobility issues. 2. Locate the handicapped accessible bathrooms at the beginning of your trip. They are MUCH larger.
Thanks for this info.
@@theresashandmadegifts If you used the wheelchair access area, it gets very cold at night down there. You will have to let them know you want that area also. There is an attendant to take lunch and dinner orders. Bring snacks to avoid having to go upstairs and walk between those cars. Loved the observation room.
Jeff, thanks for the info I was looking for and couldn’t find elsewhere, including this video.
Wow, this is really good to know especially if you are bigger, like me.
The handicap bathrooms are much bigger
I've never traveled by train and I really want to try it. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you.
It’s relaxing and I loved it. It’s better than greyhound because greyhound buses always breaking down I know from experience and also because I worked for greyhound before too. The mechanics would half @$$ do their jobs causing problems for drivers and passengers. Amtrak is more cleaner and better in every way.
Phew, when you eventually make it to Europe you are going to be blown away as the trains are far superior to Amtrak. Amtrak is strictly 3rd division.
@@GroundedLifeTravel I'm kind of upset at how expensive the ticket was its 265 dollars it's worth it though I'm trying to be independent. The Pandemic is the reason why I'm poor. I'm trying to start back working in a different state I'm trying out Oregon
@@GroundedLifeTravel I'm glad u brought up getting the Amtrak app. I will download it I like being on the ground versus the air. Sometimes I will have to deal with air travel but I like how Amtrak spaces people out. I'm not a fan of the restrooms though.
Thank you a bunch for this! I'm in Florida for school and using Amtrak to go back to PA for the holiday. Ive never been on long term transport before, let alone doing it alone, and, as someone with anxiety, this makes things so much less nerve wracking for my first trip.
I took have real bad anxitity how did you over come that
I made it from Indiana to New Jersey I rode in coach it was great except when the train would wobble back and forth and scratch the wheels. I also suggest you get up and walk in only got up to use the bathroom so by time I reached my destionation in had sea legs. Please get up and walk.
I hope you had a great holiday. As I did too. My anxitity kicked in the moment the train took off. I took my anxiety meds and sat back to enjoy them ride.i was in coach the train wobbled back and forth and the wheels scretched. The only down fall I had was I didn't get up enough to walk. The only time I got up was to use the restroom. Then I went back to my seat. Well when I reached New Jersey I had sea legs from sitting 22 hours. So my big suggestion is to get up and walk
When I take Amtrak, I would buy me some spring water with me and I take me a big bookbag with me when traveling. I don't like the new cars with the thin seats on Amtrak Hiawatha Service, Wolverine and Lincoln Service but the Saluki I like their seats because they have the upstairs part but you have to go downstairs to used the restroom. I always fall asleep on the train coming back to Chicago Union Station and the Amtrak worker woke me up to let me know that we are at Chicago Union Station because those seats would put you to sleep.
@@dianeclayton6673well she's not a psychiatrist but you might want to seek professional
My family took the train California Zephyr to Chicago and back at Christmas about 4 years ago. We didn't have sleeper berths--just the regular seats. Here are a few suggestions I have. 1) Meals aren't included if you don't have a sleeper berth so you have a choice of going to the dining car, picking up some simple food options in the snack bar or eating food you brought with you. We did some of each. 2) We met super nice people sitting near us one direction and had happy hour with them. I wished we brought more wine noshing food to share. 3) Because the foot rests are so far from your seat, you may be more comfortable have a bag or a cooler to put under your feet when you are sleeping. 4) The bags you "check," i.e. don't have with you at your seat, are stored in a place accessible to all passengers so make sure anything valuable is in the bags you are keeping with you at your seat. 4) Seats are in pairs so if you have an odd number of travelers most likely one of you will be sleeping next to a complete stranger. It is really nice to have a blanket you can kind of hide under at night. 5)Think about having clothes that will be comfortable to sleep in but be in public. Sweats? Flannel pants?
We are taking the train to visit our Midwest family again this year. We have sleeper berths this time. Yeah!
That is wrong the bags that are checked are going in a sepperate baggage car where passengers do not have access too and only employess have access to the baggage car that is if both stations you get on and off have baggage service. Also if you switch trains if you put it in segments for your train, once you get off the train you will either have to go to the baggage car or near or inside the station and give then your claim check for your checked luggage and they will give it too you and a couple days later check in with the checked baggage on the new train. Once you get of the train pick up your luggage with your claim ticket and go to the air an b, hotel, or freinds place and have a nice time. If you took 1 whole trip like you put New York to San Fransico in 1 trip although 2 trains your checked luggage will be ttransfered on to the next train and sometimes the checked luggage will arrive before you arrive.
Great tips! Thanks! 👍
The wife and I used to bring wipes with us for the bathrooms. Even in our sleeping compartment the wipes helped keep things clean and smelling nice. Just remember each train is different and has different amenities and styles of cars with different seating. Food on the trains is pricy, but pre-Covid food was good and worth splurging for it. I strongly advise getting a room for long trips, expensive yes, but being bottled up in a car for days on end with people can wear you out, literally. I've taken Amtrak three time to Florida, not Autotrain, out of NYC and Philly, it's a wonderful ride, just remember it's like flying, you have delays and holdups.
I take train from New Jersey to Florida and I love the ride and talking to people to pass the time etc the ride is 24 hours so being bottled up that long doesn’t bother me because I can walk around and get off for a break and get fresh air vs a plane where u stuck in your seat and can only get up to use bathroom
@@jaredharris1970 but i think train is way more expensive than flying or driving with family
I am heading to Florida in a few days. I will be leaving from D.C. I have never traveled this far in a train before. I hope it goes well.
Recently travelled Amtrac from L.A. to Chicago. The restrooms were filthy, the food disgusting and expensive. Met one good and attentive Amtrac employee. The rest acted like they just didn't want to be bothered when you had a question/request. Due to a medical condition, I can't travel by plane, Greyhound is worse. Stuck on Amtrac or stay home. A lot of improvement needed.
@@r.marian6277 How was your trip.
*My tip.*
*Once the train is moving, you can ask the conductor if there are any empty seats in the business class and can you move.*
*I did this on my daily commute from MD to PA.*
That is quite a commute.
That's interesting! Good tip. I wonder if they allow that in these COVID times, though.
for what tho
Thanks 💓💓💓
I had horrible bathroom experiences on the Crescent line while traveling from Birmingham to NOLA and Atlanta to New York via coach. Definitely pack a restroom kit with cleaning supplies, wipes, and soap. Even gloves. People are not considerate especially men when using a public restroom on a train
My tip is that Don't worry and be happy. I love trains!
I’m on the train right now and I was trying to figure out how to work the leg rest lol this helped
Me too. Basically you pull up the leg rest with your hand just like she did.
This video should be titled "Amtrak Coach Tips and Tricks".
Here's some tips and tricks for sleepers.
I've taken several long distance western routes on Amtrak and found that the roomette (small sleeper for 2) is a much better value than many people realize. It's easy to get turned off by sticker shock, but there's ways around that and you also have to understand that your experience in a sleeper is far more relaxing and restorative than traveling in coach. In fact, it's hardly like traveling at all.
First, you only pay for the roomette once, but two people can stay. (As long as your companion has a coach ticket, that is)
All formal dining car meals are included in the cost of the roomette, for both you AND your companion at no extra charge! (Also, tipping is not expected.) So while people in coach are eating potato chips for breakfast, the sleeper car passengers are eating three proper hot meals a day, cooked in the train galley by Amtrak chefs. (Note that as of writing, routes east of Chicago have converted to a sad airplane food type microwave meal model and are no longer providing freshly prepared meals). Coach passengers can purchase hot meals in the dining car, but the cost is extremely expensive for what you get. Consider that when you're pricing tickets.
Hot showers are provided only for sleeper car passengers, and Amtrak provides towels, washcloths and soap. If you walk through the coach cabin after several days of long-distance travel, you'll come to experience the Funk of Coach. It's not pretty.
The roomette itself locks from the inside, has a privacy curtain, and is remarkably soundproof. The cabin attendant knows who belongs in the car and keeps an eye on your things for you while you're away.
Lastly, always buy Amtrak tickets far in advance. They use a "bucket pricing" system where they sell the bucket of cheapest tickets first. Once they're gone, they go to the next highest tickets, and so on. If somebody cancels a cheap ticket the day before departure, that cheap ticket becomes available for sale. So it's possible to get lucky, but the most reliable way is to book far in advance. Two cheap bucket coach tickets plus a roomette might not cost that much more than two expensive bucket coach tickets. Play around with it and see.
All of this means that if you travel with someone and average out the cost of tickets (including hot meals for two people, accommodations on a flatbed, hot showers and a car attendant) your experience on Amtrak might not cost as much as you think, and you'll have a far better overall quality experience.
Always tip your car attendant- no less than $5 per day of travel (but more if you can afford it). All attendants I've encountered are competent, but some are more proactive than others and that can really make you the experience that much better. We had one attendant who would convert our roomette to beds while we were at dinner, without having to ask. Also, you can have your attendant bring your meals for you to eat in your room, so if you use their services more you should factor this into the tip you give them.
My friend and I are actually thinking about going on a train trip in January and we were going to rent out a sleeper
I was just looking for a day trip, but I ended up reading this whole thing. Good on you!!!😀 I might try a multi-day trip some time!
Thank you, that was very much needed information on the sleepers!!!
Great comment. Thanks!
Thanks for all that info! I might be going from Pittsburgh to Spokane this year and now it really sounds like a decent trip 👍👍
I am a travel agent. This is very helpful to give clients to watch your videos in the future. Thank you.
I love Amtrak. My grandpa was a conductor x 39 years on the Croton-Harmon to NYC line.
That's awesome
Another useful tip: If your Amtrak train is going to travel for a lengthy time through mountain ranges, the cafe car's card reader might be out of commission until the train is out of the mountains. I found out this the hard way while on The Adirondack last summer. But, there was no novel coronavirus spreading last summer, so I had cash to use in the alternative. I'll never forget the cafe car attendant saying, "Remember, cash is king." Yeah, except for this year and next (and hopefully not 2022), cash no longer is king on Amtrak. As you mentioned, Amtrak trains are cashless -- during the Covid-19 pandemic -- so, yes, bring snacks and beverages. I also bring meals that won't give me food poisoning, such as pop-top cans of Chef Boyardee ravioli, spaghetti. I bring dried fruit -- OK, yeah, that's under the "snacks" category. I've read over the years (about bringing food on airplanes, trains and buses) not to bring "stinky" snacks, so please be mindful that what you think doesn't stink, other passenger think does. Basically, don't bring highly "fragrant" foods, if that's the best adjective.
I learned the hard way: I love empanadas; just about any type of empanada. For example, one time I rode The Adirondack, I thought it wise to tear into my beef patty, which was sandwiched in coco bread. Oh my goodness! No one ELSE said anything, but it was too fragrant and didn't taste so good either. I opened my patty from the aluminum foil wrapper (which was in a Ziploc bag) around 2 p.m., so this was six hours after the train had departed from New York City's Penn Station. It just was a horrible snacking experience, but I was so hungry and didn't want to spend $15 on a full lumch in the cafe car. I've changed my ways in bringing only snacks and beverages.
What I've also been doing, although I don't know if I'd do it while Covid-19 is rampant, is: An hour prior to joining the queue at the boarding gate, I go to one of the nice cafes in NYC Penn to buy a breakfast sandwich, which I slowly devour. It's usually a grilled cheese or grilled cheese w/bacon or just bacon on a buttered roll -- because eating eggs before getting on a train can be a tricky situation (nuff said).
After I enjoy my breakfast sandwich, I usually have a bit of orange juice or half a cup of hot coffee or hot tea. But I'm good for a number of hours. No need for expensive food fare on the train -- unless I get hungry six to eight hours in. Anyhoo, I always buy at least one snack and at least two cups of hot coffee and/or tea in the cafe car (on long rail journeys) to support Amtrak or the Amtrak cafe car attendants. During this Covid-19 pandemic, so for me it's my upcoming trip in December (an almost 10-hour rail journey), I plan to bring: my usual number of bottled water and thermoses containing bottled water or distilled water; an empty insulated travel mug into which I will pour hot coffee purchased before joining the boarding line at the Amtrak gate. (After cleaning out my insulated travel mug, I will reuse that mug after purchasing hot coffee in the cafe car. That way, I will not worry about contagions traveling from the air into my sealed travel mug.) I don't mean to come across as paranoid; I simply would feel comfortable as well as safe bringing more of my own apparatuses during a pandemic of such major proportions as what this world is experiencing now.
Be safe on your travels, everyone!
You should do your own video.
Do they have hot water in the train cafe for cup
Noodles? Thanks
@@FPRS0804 Call and ask. I would think hot water would be free and available during day/early evening
OMG thank you. I am going on my first train ride and you gave a lot of information.
Butterfly Butterfly ^__^ thanks for sharing your insight. You are such a foodie! haha. I'm from Chile and now am craving an empanada. I'm so stoked for my first Amtrak experience; I'm debating whether a trip in mid November would have better sights if I went from Utah to Chicago or Seattle
I am a nurse, and I haven’t traveled in so long I am now preparing to travel for the first time in a long time. I need some relaxation and some downtime for myself so I am prepared to take two weeks off just to travel and see different things on the Amtrak road trip ..thank you so much for your tips and I appreciate this video and all your other videos very much peace and blessings to you and Rob ❤
Bringing a travel edition of a board game, or a non-gambling card game to the lounge table/booths is not unheard of!
Great way to entertain the kids and still see the passing sights of wonder!
I’ve got my first train ride tomorrow NC to Washington DC. So glad you put this content out. Super helpful in prepping for the trip
I’m planing my first long haul train ride with Amtrak and I have layovers which is super stressful for me lol so glad I found your videos thanks for all this info
Going on a train next week for the first time ever with my kids so I thank you oh so much!
Thank you for this great video! It makes me feel that I'm ready for my very first Amtrak trip. Again, thank you so much 😁
Thank you for the advice on Amtrack and how to do things on it, this will be my first time on an Amtrack train trip with my service dog.
Great and informative! I'm a regular train and air traveler, but this is a perfect video for Amtrak... wonderful!
You are a fantastic presenter. The presentation was concise and your are a great articulator.
And she's cute 👍
@@tomcatt998creep
I've travelling on Amtrak train even before Amtrak merged private Railroad Company for over 52 years. I hopped once or twice a year acrossing in any part of USA as I love it and no matter if the train is delays or on time because trains travel is a blast with a wonderful socially different people from all over the places and a beauty by looking a view passing in different areas too.
You did a very good job of educating me on being a passenger on an Amtrak Train! Thank You!
I'm not even planning to go to the USA but I know this info will be utterly valuable if I ever travel on the Amtrak.
My son & I will be traveling to Disney on the train on December. It's our first time. Your video was very helpful. Thank you for the info!
I am all set to have first Amtrak experience with my family from Denver to Glenwood Springs (6hrs). This video is helpful and reduced my stress :)
Your videos are priceless to me. I am contemplating taking a train this summer. Knowing what to expect is vital to me. I will be watching more videos.
I haven't taken Amtrak since the 1990's from New York City to Boston but now I'm going from New York to Washington and a lot has changed. Thanks for this video
Excellent video! Actionable, real-world ideas. Thanks for doing it.
I have accidentally been binging your channel. My dad who is aging fast said he'd love a train trip. I researched our local station to Chicago, but then looked into long distance rail trips. How fun, right?! That's how I found you guys. We watched a few of your long trip videos. He really enjoyed them, and now I want to figure out a trip all over. I'm super excited now. Maybe we'll run into each other one day! Thanks again for your videos! ❤
Traveling from Detroit to Denver Colorado first time by train. I can't wait
THANK YOU so much. This is my FIRST train ride to see a friend. I am so excited and your tips are great. Things I would have gotten wrong, non-cash, entertainment and an adapter.
I've traveled Amtrak over the past 40 years. I definitely like the "double-decker" cars and the disabled seating and bedrooms on the lower floor. Amtrak food used to be very good and the comment about meals are included with ALL BEDROOMS (roomettes, bedrooms, family bedrooms, and disabled bedrooms. It's actually more restful and comfortable to buy a ticket for a room including all meals. I haven't ridden since the new meals have been introduced. I DO have a cat now, which their policy does accommodate a cat or dog for $26 (certain restrictions apply). The trains do stop every now and then and you can take them out while you both stretch your legs. I also carry wet, flushable wipes so I don't have to feel too dry.
I’m a first timer when I visit my girlfriend in December for the holidays and I’m so nervous. They have bedrooms in double deckers?
@@systemerr0r789 don't wait to late to book. just be cool and you will love it!
I am mildly irritated by the fact that you didn't close your first bracket ...
@@systemerr0r789 only the train west of Chicago are Superlinner trains for the most part there might be 1 or 2 exceptions. For those cars the bedrooms are all upstairs and no life or elevator on train to get up to 2nd floor only stairs same with the observation car and dinning car on those trains. Unlike the Viewliner train cars which are only 1 level and no observation car but they do have a dinning car and all bedrooms are on the 1rst level on those trains and those trains start or end in New York.
I heard of someone doing that in Paris and the cat escaped on the platform and went to hide underneath a train car, the train company decided the train couldn't wait for the owners to retrieve the cat and the driver started the cat. No need to tell you how the cat ended up. The owners are now suing the train company for cruelty to animals. Terrible story.
Booking a 1st trip now. You were very helpful.
thank you soo much for this information! looking forward to my first trip tomorrow!!!
This is the Best Video Thank you soo much, I booked my very first Amatrak Train Ride on the 20th next week to Portsmouth, VA But have to get off at Norfolk station and this video helped me out alot to be prepare for when I get on Amtrak..
I've only traveled by amtrak. I was impressed. I traveled from Salt Lake City to Reno NV. It is no comparison to bus travel. Grayhound treats you like cattle. The car attendant was nice and so we're the people in the dining car. I'd recommend it so put it on your bucket list.
I completely agree with you that Greyhound treats you like cattle. They've left me out in the middle of nowhere before.
I traveled to New Orleans with my mom in my youth and again as an adult. I loved both experiences. All travel tips you gave were great
Love your videos. Taking my first train trip in MAY … SO watching all I can. FYI: While babysitting my 4 month old Great Grandchild .. I put your (lots of talking videos) on … sit him in front of TV …. he thinks your talking to him. He spends his time talking back to you. So cute !!
Trains are a great way to see your favorite bands,in other cities,makes for a very great mini vacation,and gets you out of the house for some fun
Thanks for creating this video! For the 1st time last month. Took one trip to the next station to try it. it was a good experience. Then later that month rode to the end of the line, took connecting bus, then lyft to final destination to friends house on the beach. It was such a relaxing trip vs driving in car for 6 hours and dealing with other drivers. Also love that I could charge my phone and tablet on the train and bus. Glad they allowed snacks and drinks. Made the 6.5 hour trip very comfortable.
Thank you. I'm taking my first Amtrak trip in March from Boston to Seattle.
How was your trip?
I plan on doing an Amtrak for my 60th. Los Angeles to Seattle. Thank you so much for this info!
I've ridden Amtrak before but these tips still proved helpful. Thank you.
Great to hear!
when I stay in a roomette or bedroom with my son, we lower the top bed and put our luggage there. so it's like a bunk bed with storage on top and a sofa on the bottom. unless you are super tall, this is a great way to keep your stuff in the room. at night we just store all the luggage near the door, which also kinda make sure your kiddo doesn't wonder off at night.
Thanks! Taking our first Amtrak trip in August and this really helps. Blessings!
Glad it was helpful!
You are incredibly amazing. Thanks for so much information, God bless you!
thank you so much, this will be my third trip and you gave great advice.
Planning to take my first train ride on the Sunset Limited in a few weeks and was confused about the overall process, but your detailed video helped a lot! Thank you 😊 Also, your shoes look super cute and comfy! I need a pair lol
I’m so glad the video answered your questions. Enjoy the ride.
Super helpful. I leave for PA from FL and this was great. Thank You, great video!
I am taking that same trip in December. If you don't mind me asking, how was your experience?
next month i’m traveling with Amtrak on my own for the first time, this is PERFECT!! my bestie and i are gonna be so prepared 😁
Awesome video, exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!
You guys make train travel sound exciting and adventurous. I’m really looking forward to it now. Thanks for the wonderful videos!
As a person who was involved in the Southbound Amtrak debacle on Jan 3rd and 4th, 2022, I can confirm for you that Amtrak is an adventure and one that is not necessarily a happy one. When things are good, they are pretty good, but this company cannot handle adversity. The people in charge are not trained or willing (I’ll let you be the judge of which) to give good customer service. Good luck!
taking my first trip from new york to Michigan, I'm nervous but I'm so excited!! thank you for this video
imagine being nervous about a train ride lol
I'm planning the same thing 😊how was it? Any advice ?
😊 she's very professional and knowledgeable thank you very much this helps a lot of people stay safe and blessed thank you kindly
THANK-YOU Very much !!! Going from MILWAUKEE,WI, to CHICAGO, IL, to ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO, so I NEED ALL the tipd, I can get...I'm soooo EXCITED...😊
I am travelling from New York to Los Angeles, and this video has been so so helpful to me. God bless you.
Thanks! Have a great trip!
great video
very great!
Thanks for these videos. I am considering my first after COVID trip. The roomette looks like a great option.
My work is making me take an Amtrak train to Philly from DC. I’ve never traveled by train so this information is really helpful!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching
I have not watched this whole video. But I have two huge tips. Bring earplugs for whatever. Noisy kids, cellphone users, the train horn at night, drinking people. Don't ask questions -- just bring them. 2nd hint: They turn down the thermostat at night. Have a coat or blanket. This is not in the Amtrak literature; I learned the hard way. (You cannot make requests late at night because staff disappears.)
Thanks for sharing
Shaking in between the cars is the best part!
This is super helpful! Doing Arizona to Rhode Island in a month
Thank you so much for sharing all this info. Very thorough indeed!
Helped me out a lot I’m taking the Amtrak to Raleigh North Carolina from Washington DC IN March!
How was it?
How was it? I live in Woodbridge VA and have family near Charlotte
This honestly helped so much. I'm taking my first train ride from Illinois to Nebraska and my grandmas always telling me how fun and beautiful it is on the trains but I had absolutely no idea what it was like, what I could and couldn't bring and this just really settled me nerves, thank you so much ☺
Take air freshener if you have a sleeper I love Amtrak
Very nice. The only thing I would add is that the dining car was open/European seating. When I went to my first meal, I was surprised when another guy just sat down at "my" table without asking.
I'm thinking of taking a long train ride from maybe Chicago, I live in Louisville, Kentucky but from the looks of it nothings leaving from here that's going on a or any long hauls. This video is just what I needed to learn for a beginner. Thanks lots!
Yes, Chicago is the best place to leave on a long one!
Thank you so much Godbless you🙏❤️ this is very helpful
This video was so helpful! I drive an electric vehicle with a limited battery range that won't feasibly make an out-of-town trip for me. Normally, I would just borrow a friends car or rent one, but I don't like solo road trips or its carbon footprint so I have decided to do my first Amtrak trip. I appreciate your helpful tips!
Ha, i thought I was the only one looking at train travel for that very reason. I love my Kia Soul ev but want to try another green travel option!
This is super helpful! Thank you for making this!
Thank you for sharing your video. In the future I think I give Amtrak a try since I never take Amtrak for my vacation.👍❤️
Pro trip: PLAN FOR THAT BATHROOM. She speaks the truth! There is nothing like seeing in person what people do to the bathroom after a few hours of traveling.
Just had a 16 hr trip, it was magical other then that.
Yes, you've got to figure out the bathroom first!
Worst fear lol
planning on a cross country trip this year! this was super helpful!! thank you!!
this is my 2nd train trip and still learning ..so ty for the information ..❤
You are the greatest. Clear, practical tips with good visuals. Took one trip on Amtrak turn of millenium, Washington Union Station to Ft Lauderdale. Got off in Charleston, Savannah and Jacksonville. Pretty slow but got us there.
Thank you!
Thank you! Very informative and helpful video. I'm thinking of taking my teenage son on a trip from Chicago to Seattle via the Empire Builder in the summer.
You’re welcome. That will be a fun trip with your son.
Thanks for sharing. Planning a trip with my Mom from DC to Seattle
Awesome, enjoy your trip.
How much did you pay 💰
so helpful taking my first train from NC to Flordia so excited
Thank you very much for the tips. My husband and I are planning to take our first trip on Amtrak from St. Louis to Washington d.c. and all the information you gave was very useful and informative.
Thank you for your video. The bathroom situation convinced me to pay for a room great tips.
You are so welcome!
Thank you!
Very important information!!! Thank you!!!
This video is great thank you so very much. I’m taking the auto train to Florida from New Jersey and this calmed my nervous Nelly inner child !!
Appreciate all these tips! Taking my first train ride between Pittsburgh and Lancaster next week. This helped a lot. Have a great Christmas!
Thank you;-)
9:52
As someone with misophonia, I can't tell you HOW FREAKIN HAPPY I was when you mentioned sound issues.
Wow I am a fellow Misophonia sufferer. Bless you, many don’t understand our plight.
@@georgiaval1 :) hope your doing okay even though it’s pretty hard
Nice video, and was presented well also. Have taken the train many many times, NE Corridor, and about once a year or so, a roomette to Florida. If you are not afraid to fly, flying is still easier, and if you purchase a roomette? That costs the same as 2 roundtrip tickets on a plane. I’ve had nice employees on Amtrak. But more often, I’ve had smart mouthed workers that you can tell do not like you, and I’d hate to have to depend on them if there’s an accident.
thank you for this!!! i am traveling my amtrak for my very first time this saturday and i feel so clueless! anxiety have definitely calmed a bit
Thanks for your tips for those of us who have not traveled much by rail. Any special suggestions for a handicapped person? I am in a wheelchair and on oxygen. I took an Amtrak train from Cleveland to Chicago and onto Normal, Illinois. LONG DAY! Left Cleveland at 3 a.m. Got into Chicago at 9 a.m. Then had to sit around Union Station until 5 p.m., arriving in Normal at 7 p.m. Hard to keep your diet Coke cold for that length of time on the train or in the stations. I brought a 12-pak cans that I put in my satchel suitcase.
We're taking our first Amtrak trip in 13 days and this video was extremely helpful! Thank you!
How was it? I hope you had a blast!!
How was your trip?
This will be my first time traveling by Amtrak. Thanks for the tips.
Hope you enjoy it!
Great video, from one channel to another. Good job!
Traveling between Boston and NYC a lot, I’m really looking forward to the new Acela and hopeful the new trains will have more amenities.
NYC here. I travel a lot to CT to see my family there.
Thank you 🙏🏾
Very helpful & well done. We'll be heading to Albuquerque from Topeka for a family Christmas event. This is a big help in our prep. Thanks!