#1 Travellers are not ahead of the game. They wait for Amtrak to call them of the change. Rather than getting the bad news they could be going online to check the "Train Status" to get a general idea of the on time performance. You need to play along with Amtrak in order to have a good experience.

#2 Travellers are not preparred for Coach Travel. People think going in Coach on Amtrak is like flying Coach on an airplane. What people don't realize is that Coach is like flying first class in the sense that you get a comfortable seat with legrest,footrest,and it reclines way more that Coach on an airplane. Yes,you pay for your meals but the quailty is better than those mediocre meals you get onboard. Just be prepared.

Here is what I do to survive an overnight in coach:I bring a washcloth, and a mini bath towel to stay clean and do a sponge bath,I also bring a change of clothes which I put in my napsack or duffelbag away from my luggage so it's easy to get into. My toiletry bag is in my napsack and I put a bar of soap,a small tube of toothpaste,deodarant,some gum or a small jar of mouthwash. In the restroom I undress and use the sink onboard and I soap my underarms and other areas. Then I put deodarant on,shave,put some aftershave on,and I also bring a small bottle of shampoo and wash my hair. My secret is to use the handicapped restroom.

For sleeping I bring airline eyeshades,earplugs,a blanket I got from the airlines. I also change or wear comfortable clothes onboard to sleep in. Then I pull out the legrest and voilla my eazychair. Be sure to close the curtains too.

And the loungecar is more luxurious that flying on an airplane cross-country. Here I relax and enjoy the scenery while drinking or snacking.

As for the dinner car I have no complaints. I try to take whatever comes my way within reason ofcourse.

#3 You arrive at your destination with noway to contact your party. I bring my cellphone and call from the closet stop to my destination. I ask the conductor the time he thinks we are about to arrive. I keep my cell plugged in an charged, I like to setup my own workstation with a powerstrip,laptop. You see coach travel is great. Some travelers cannot decide between the sleeper and coach.

But if you need to save money and you are the only traveler or going with a partner coach is the way to go. If you know to plan ahead you will have a good nights sleep. Just the sound of the horn can make me sleepy.

The Longe Car is open 24 hours so if I can't sleep I go and see the scenery and in 45 minutes I'm so tired to keep my eyes open. On trains they turn off all the lights in the Coach Car so it's dark. For those with children please be mindful of the sleeping passengers. The reading lights are great for reading or working without the light.

The snack car has so many treats at reasonable prices. I would shy away from the sodas becasue they give you such a small can for the price. But it's better than bringing a cooler onboard.

I love the movies they show it passes the time. If you can plan and go along with the flow you will have a trip of a lifetime and yet save money and wait until you can afford a sleeper.

If you are a single person and reserve a sleeper and you are on a tight budget,you will be doing a disservice to yourself. The meals in the dining car are no more than yoru typical restaurant. The most you will spend is $20 dollars for an entree.But the less expensive items offer you more food than you can imagine. Dinner comes with a salad,bread and your entree. Desserts are good too but only splurge once or twice. Remember to take the included Tea,Coffee,or Juice(during breakfast) as opposed to ordering sodas every time. Your pocketbook will thank you. The refils on tea and coffee are unlimited. I love drinking tea especially in the cold weather with my dinner.

Happy travels to you.

 

In common with (practically) anyone else at this Forum, $$$ are finite with me as well; but at age 64, with regards to Sleeper, it is simply a "no dough?, no go'

[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 02-01-2005).]
 

Although I have my doubts about the roommettes (the sleepers designated with numbers), I certainly would have no problem graduating to the deluxe "lettered" sleepers.

As far as coach travel is concerned: you won't find me shampooing my hair or giving myself a spongebath in the bathrooms, handicapped or otherwise. I sincerely hope Mr. travelplus cleans up after himself. I'm getting tired of cleaning up after other people: "Wet Ones" works for me.

Furthermore, I hope Mr. travelplus takes his cellphone conversations into the observation car. Otherwise he shall face my wrath and woe be onto him. And the moment he walks away from his seat, I shall disconnect his cellphone from the power. As far as I'm concerned, his ownership of an outlet terminates when he leaves the premises.

I have a few words to say on the subject of "complaining." I think that some people are simply complainers. Nothing is good enough for them. They could be on a six star cruise ship and they would find something to complain about.

I have nothing to complain about regarding Mr. Norman's prompt correction of the spelling of my last name, however. Thank you, sir.

[This message has been edited by Chucky (edited 02-01-2005).]
 

A gracious gentleman is Mr. Reuben.

[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 02-01-2005).]
 

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Trust Jesus,Ride Amtrak.