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We are planning our first trip west from Philadelphia to Flagstaff and then back to Philadelphia from San Francisco. Currently the plan is to go coach all the way from Philadelphia to Flagstaff (thru Chicago) and to reserve a berth on the return from San Francisco to Chicago (on theCalifornia Zephyr) and switch back to coach from Chicago to Philly. I am trying to convince my family that the trip will be fine and that we will see a lot of beautiful country as opposed to flying over it all. Any opinions or advice?
Posts: 1 | From: doylestown,pa,usa | Registered: Jan 2003
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Even for one overnight on a train I would book sleeping accomodations. Don't know the age group of your family, but with children the family bedroom would be the most sensible. There are restrooms and shower nearby. Deluxe room has toilet/shower in room. Standard rooms on Superliners (western trains)have upper & lower berths with toilet and shower facilities available in your sleeping car. Others on this board have a wealth of information they can offer for you. Good luck and happy journey,....it's a terrific learning experience in geography and history for everyone.
Posts: 498 | From: New Hope, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Unless all members of your family are young and dedicated rail fans, I would think they would greatly dislike such a long trip in a coach seat. Although comfortable for the short haul, you will soon see how awful coaches are when you attempt to sleep in one. Travelling in a sleeping car is the only way to go for overnight trips, or in your case some two or three nights. Keep in mind as well that meals are included in sleeper fares so that mitigates the costs to some degree.
Posts: 524 | From: Toronto Ont. Canada | Registered: Mar 2001
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Sleeper accomodations also give you access to the first-class lounges in Chicago and Philly...a very nice benefit! The trip will work only if your family will see the train travel as part of the trip, and not merely the means to get from A to B. Will they have the patience to take several days what an airplane can do in just a few hours? I find that the only drawback to train travel is the time of the trip. Keep your plans flexible...don't count on the train arriving exactly at the time stated on the schedule. It may, or it may not. The good thing is that delays with train travel are far easier to take that with air travel. If you are boarded on a train that has an unexpected delay, you are free to get up, walk around, eat, drink, use the bathroom. The train staff usually does a good job of keeping you informed of the reason for the delay, and how long it might take. There are no restrictions on use of cel phones or personal electronics at any time. Bottom line: even coach travel on a train is better than first-class on an airplane. First-class (sleeper) on a train is awesome...you won't believe that you're getting such service. One way to help whet interest is to look up the route guides in books like Rail Ventures or All Aboard. Rail Ventures in particular gives many sights and landmarks between station stops. The book is a few years old, so the info may not match your experience exactly, but it will give you a good idea. Best thing is that it doesn't even list all of what you'll see...there will always be surprises.
Posts: 53 | From: Chicago | Registered: Jun 2001
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I have taken the train from Phila to Flagstaff and back with my 12 yr old son twice. Both times in coach. The views from the train are wonderful. Both My son and I enjoyed going up to the sightseer car, just sitting and watching out the window, watching the movies that play (last time was Harry Potter) and him making friends with other kids on the train and playing cards and such with them. We really didn't sit in our seats much. Although it is a long ride I did find it went by quickly. Especially on the way out. Last year our train was on time both ways (The Southwest Chief), although I understand this doesn't happen often. I truly enjoyed the Indian Guide between Alburqurque and Gallop. I found the Indian Code Talker documentary extremely interesting.
The train from Phila to Chicago is not as exciting. There is no sightseer lounge or dining car, just the snack car. The most exciting thing here is the Horseshoe Curve. This would be a good portion for a sleeper car, especially on the way home.
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If you can manage Philadelphia to Chicago via Washington D.C. you can catch the wonderful superliner, Capitol Ltd. from Washington's terrific Union Station.
Posts: 498 | From: New Hope, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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I'm inclined to agree that such a long distance in coach could be taxing for your family, especially if they are reluctant to try the train in the first place. My position is that a single night in coach is OK. More than that and you'll be wanting some privacy and a real bed. If cost is an issue go coach as far as Chicago, and do sleepers out across the plains and into the wild west.
One thing is certain, your family will gain a new appreciation for how vast and diverse this country is. And if Amtrak's budget is not approved, this could be their last chance.
Also, don't over-hype the experience to your family. Amtrak is fun, it is comfortable, but it is not high luxury. Service is generally good, but can be uneven.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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Hi Ocean, I have a suggestion? I assume you want to go to Flagstaff for the Grand Canyon. You may consider taking the Cal. Zephyr out to Provo Utah and renting a car to drive the four or so hours to Zion, seeing that, and then down to the Grand Canyon North Rim, which is far superior to the south rim. And then continue on to San Francisco. I don't have kids, but on the trains last summer, I talked to some kids who befriended me and my wife. They were having such a great time, all excited. I wouldn't worry about them being bored, particularly if you bring along some little games, like cards or Boggle. Read some of the travelogues for inspiration! Keep in mind the trains may not be around forever; you should, in my opinion, give your kids the experience. Oh, in San Francisco, stay at the Grant Plaza Hotel, just inside Chinatown. Wonderful and clean and cheap. See www.grantplaza.com Write me at sutton8596@yahoo.com if you have any questions
Posts: 171 | Registered: May 2002
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I would suggest taking the Lake Shore Ltd. on your return trip from Chicago. The scenery along the route from Buffalo to Albany is beautiful and the route along the Hudson River is spectacular. The train arrives into New York in the mid afternoon, allowing a reasonable arrival time into Philadelphia.
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