WANDERLUST
ALL ABOARD:
America on Amtrak Take a leisurely trip across the country with one of these seven train trips.
THE FIRST TRIP WE EVER TOOK on Amtrak was in 1997. At the time, we never thought a lot about traveling by train, but Amtrak was running a special promotion: Unlimited travel between three U.S. zones for a set price. Why not? It took quite a bit of planning, but in the end, we logged 8,500 miles in two weeks, going from Fort Worth, Texas, to Chicago, to Los Angeles, to Seattle, to Minneapolis and back to Texas. It exceeded our expectations. Since then, Amtrak has become a staple in our travel toolbox. While we haven’t covered all the 21,400 route miles in its system, we’ve traveled a good chunk of it. The scenery can be spectacular, as you go
places where even roads can’t take you. With 500 destinations in 46 states, there’s a lot of America to see. Still, train travel isn’t for everyone. Generally, you can’t be in a hurry. The average speed on their long-distance routes is around 45 mph (although their Acela trains serving the Northeast corridor can go 150 mph). If you opt for sleeping accommodations, either a roomette or a bigger bedroom with its own shower and toilet, the trip can get very pricey. However, first class passengers and those who are booked in a sleeper get an extra perk: access to the private Amtrak lounges in selected stations, including New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. Relax in
comfort with free snacks and drinks while you wait for your train to be called. Business class will afford you more legroom and a wider seat, although coach seats are very roomy as well, offering plenty of space to stretch out, along with a fold-down table and outlets. Most trains include Wi-Fi, but service can be spotty. For food, the Cafe Car offers sandwiches, burgers, chips, drinks (alcoholic and non) and other snacks and sundries. If the train has a dining car, you’ll get table service and a menu that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it’s very good. Be aware, depending on the size of your party, you may be dining with strangers. Over the years, we have met
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY BARKER
BY GERRY BARKER
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