Trips By Train

[camberne]

I have previously looked into Amtrak trips like the "Empire Builder" and such. My husband won't fly, for reasons I won't go into, so I'm looking for ways that we can actually GO somewhere that won't involve me driving my entire holiday. His uncle apparently has a wonderful place in Montana, but at this rate we'll never get to see it. :rolleyes:

Has anyone taken any of their trips? Also, I just saw on their website that they have an option to go from DC to Orlando with your car... has anyone done that, and any idea of how much it is? I couldn't seem to find any prices.

[citylove]

I took the train often when SO was in college. It wasn't far though - Detroit to Chicago. From my experience, it acutally often takes longer than driving would. I did look into sleeper cars and what not for a different trip, and it is pretty much the same as a plane ticket.

Have you used Amtrak? The atmosphere on the trains is quite unusual, IMO! People used to bring their own booze, and you get to know the people around you on long trips. When SO went from NYC to Chicago, he got stuck in a party-car - people were smoking and drinking all night! And, he got stuck sitting next to a hippie who smelled like she hadn't bathed in a month or more :eek:
But, I've haven't had any negative experiences. Just be aware of the length of time, and you will likely have some delays.

Sorry I can't help with the car on the train thing - I've heard about it but not researched. Good luck!

[nylons73]

Alice - I haven't flown in 3 years, for reasons that I won't go into. I *might* have to fly in September but am actively trying to get out of it. lol.

Anyhow, DH and I are going to a wedding in August and are taking Amtrak from Florida to NYC. We reserved our own private suite so we won't be stuck next to strangers in a 'party car.' lol. When I lived up north, I took an Amtrak trip from Minnesota to Washington State, and the trip was really phenomenal. Buffalo and other wildlife just pass by your windows as you take in the incredible vistas.

I will report back on how our FL to NYC trip goes :) I do think that there is an option to go to Orlando with your car. I have heard of the 'snowbirds' who live down here 6 months out of the year doing it. Have you checked www.amtrak.com? I think they should have more information on that option. ETA - OOPS! I just re-read your post and see that you did find the info about DC-ORLANDO with your car. I would call them for pricing. I don't know how much it costs. Sorry for not being a careful reader first time around. :o

Good luck! Fun trips are possible without flying!! :D

[camberne]

Yea!! Responses!!

nylons73, I finally did find pricing (I had to pretend like I was booking) and it was like $600 for the car in addition to our fare and we'd have to drive up to Northern VA to catch the train. Might just as well drive for that much! However, eventually, I'd love to take a sightseeing train trip. Definately let me know how yours goes!!

citylove, I know that the train into NYC from the Hamptons takes almost twice as long as driving with all the stops. I wondered if an actual traveling train was any different. I think if we did this, we'd definately get private accomodations!!