Hi everyboy

[emmy]

Hi everybody my name is emmy and my husband and I will be taking our first long distance train trip in April for our 60th wedding anniversary from Philadelphia to San Francisco Then Portland back to Philadelphia with stop over in San Francisco. Any advice given will be gratefully received as we know nothing about long distance train travel.

emmy

 

[AAARGH!]

Hi everybody my name is emmy and my husband and I will be taking our first long distance train trip in April for our 60th wedding anniversary from Philadelphia to San Francisco Then Portland back to Philadelphia with stop over in San Francisco. Any advice given will be gratefully received as we know nothing about long distance train travel.emmy

Will you be in coach, a roomette, or a full bedroom?

60 years! That is refreshing. Congratulations in advance.

 

[the_traveler]

Welcome Emmy! And an early Congratulations!

My first recommendation is to get a sleeper, either a roomette or bedroom. A bedroom will give you more room but could be much more expensive. This would also allow you to use the Club Acela in Philadelphia (and either New York or Washington, depending on your routing, and the Metropolitan Lounges in Chicago and Portland.

When you get a sleeper, besides the room, ALL 3 meals a day (in the Dining Car) are included!

Second is to sign-up for Amtrak Guest Rewards (AGR)! It is like a frequent flyer program, where you earn points for you purchase good for free travel! I recommend you both get an AGR account! If you would like a referral (before June 30), send me a Private Message (PM) with your email addresses! (Each AGR account needs their own address. You can get them free at places like yahoo or gmail.)

Lastly, enjoy the trip!

 

[Bob Dylan]

Hi everybody my name is emmy and my husband and I will be taking our first long distance train trip in April for our 60th wedding anniversary from Philadelphia to San Francisco Then Portland back to Philadelphia with stop over in San Francisco. Any advice given will be gratefully received as we know nothing about long distance train travel.emmy

Congrats for such a long run together! (I never thought I'd live so long let alone live with someone that many years! )Sounds like a great trip, as the other posters said get a bedroom for your trip, it's much more com fortable! You can make reservations up to 11 months in advance, these are popular routes so the earlier the better! If either of you have any problems with climbing stairs, getting around etc. on the Western trains (and the Cap Ltd. from Washington-CHI there is what is called an H bedroom which is downstairs as these are Bi-Level cars!They are called Superliners as opposed to the single level cars in the East!)

There are several ways to go/return (different trains give you different scenery),if youd like suggestions/have questions there are lots of experienced,caring members here that will be happy/thrilled to help you,just let us know!Please do join AGR as the previous posters said, Personal Message (PM), if you want you can get the CHASE AGR Master Card for rewards, it's free, see the details on line @ Amtrak.com. or Amtrak Guest Rewards.com!

 

[emmy]

Hi everybody my name is emmy and my husband and I will be taking our first long distance train trip in April for our 60th wedding anniversary from Philadelphia to San Francisco Then Portland back to Philadelphia with stop over in San Francisco. Any advice given will be gratefully received as we know nothing about long distance train travel.emmy

Will you be in coach, a roomette, or a full bedroom?

60 years! That is refreshing. Congratulations in advance.

 

[emmy]

Hi everybody my name is emmy and my husband and I will be taking our first long distance train trip in April for our 60th wedding anniversary from Philadelphia to San Francisco Then Portland back to Philadelphia with stop over in San Francisco. Any advice given will be gratefully received as we know nothing about long distance train travel.emmy

Will you be in coach, a roomette, or a full bedroom?

60 years! That is refreshing. Congratulations in advance.

We have a roomette on The Cardinal Phi-Chi. A bedroom on the Calif.Zepher Chi. to Emy

a roomette on the Starlight Emy-Port. a bedroom on the Empire builder Port-Chi. and a Roomette

on the Cardinal chi.-phi.

The Cardinal is Phi. straight thru to Chi. doesn't go down to Wash.From what we were told The

Cadinal does this Route three times a week.I can't find a route map for this.Hope I didn't make the wrong choice.

 

[GG-1]

Aloha

this thread started in the "News, Announcements, & Introductions" Thread. And Was correct there, but I think it has drifed enought that the OP may have better and mor help in the main thread so I moved it there for that reason.

Also My congratulations, and wishes for a great trip in celebration of your life together.

Mahalo

 

[AAARGH!]

We have a roomette on The Cardinal Phi-Chi. A bedroom on the Calif.Zepher Chi. to Emya roomette on the Starlight Emy-Port. a bedroom on the Empire builder Port-Chi. and a Roomette

on the Cardinal chi.-phi.

The Cardinal is Phi. straight thru to Chi. doesn't go down to Wash.From what we were told The

Cadinal does this Route three times a week.I can't find a route map for this.Hope I didn't make the wrong choice.

You have chosen VERY well. All of the routes are scenic. And you are going the right way, clockwise (better daylight timing of scenery).

The Cardinal does go through Washington DC, so whoever told that it doesn't was wrong. It then travels across Virginia and into W. Virginia, then through the New River Gorge which is amazing. After going through Charleston WV, it proceeds to Cincinnati, Indianapolis and then Chicago. Between PHI and Washington, DC, the Cardinal goes 110 MPH, so you will get there fast!

The CZ is the most scenic route Amtrak has. Be sure to get a seat in the Sightseer Lounge when leaving Denver and leaving Reno. Being in your bedroom, you might miss something on the other side!

When on the Coast Starlight, take advantage of the Pacific Parlor Car (PPC), a combination lounge (with swivel seats) and alternate diner. You have your choice whether to eat in the PPC or regular diner. The PPC is for sleeper passengers only, so no beating off the coach riff-raff! There is a daily wine tasting for $5/person in the PPC also.

The EB out of Portland (through the Columbia River Gorge) is supposedly very scenic. I have not taken it, so I can't give you 1st hand info). The rest of the EB (which I have been on) is also scenic, especially going through Glacier National Park. I thought the rolling hills of Eastern Montana and North Dakota were very pretty, but others have found that part boring. Running along the Mississippi after Minneapolis is also a nice part of the route.

Make sure you use the Metropolitan Lounge when in Chicago. Same thing in Portland. In Philladelphia, you are entitled to use the Club Acela.

The food on the trains should be good as usual, though the Cardinal has what is called 'Diner Lite', which is a heat and serve operation. In my opinion, it is not as good as the other trains you will be taking, but should be good enough.

Advise: Take soom duct tape (duck tape?). Helps with rattles, etc...

You will be in roomettes for three nights if I count correctly, and bedrooms for four nights. If you are going to shower in the public showers on the two Cardinal and CS legs, make sure to bring slippers and bath robes (or whatever else you would be comfortable wearing in public).

As for any other advise, ask away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GaSteve]

Hi everybody my name is emmy and my husband and I will be taking our first long distance train trip in April for our 60th wedding anniversary from Philadelphia to San Francisco Then Portland back to Philadelphia with stop over in San Francisco. Any advice given will be gratefully received as we know nothing about long distance train travel.emmy

Will you be in coach, a roomette, or a full bedroom?

60 years! That is refreshing. Congratulations in advance.

We have a roomette on The Cardinal Phi-Chi. A bedroom on the Calif.Zepher Chi. to Emy

a roomette on the Starlight Emy-Port. a bedroom on the Empire builder Port-Chi. and a Roomette

on the Cardinal chi.-phi.

The Cardinal is Phi. straight thru to Chi. doesn't go down to Wash.From what we were told The

Cadinal does this Route three times a week.I can't find a route map for this.Hope I didn't make the wrong choice.

The Cardinal does go thru WAS and then down thru VA, WV, and Ohio. Longer trip, but good scenery.

 

[the_traveler]

The Cardinal is Phi. straight thru to Chi. doesn't go down to Wash.From what we were told TheCadinal does this Route three times a week.I can't find a route map for this.Hope I didn't make the wrong choice.

You didn't make the wrong choice. The Cardinal does in fact go right from and to Philadelphia. You still can use the Club Acela at Philadelphia before and after your trip!

Here you can find a route guide for the Cardinal. (It's the 5th one down.)

 

[zephyr17]

Agree with all other posters.

As to "Amtrak Travel Kit" I recommend duct tape, a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman tool, and a mini-flashlight. The mini-flashlight is invaluable because if you drop something small, it will inevitably migrate into the darkest and least accesible place possible.

Between those, you can pretty much fix most ventilation, curtain or seat issues, as well as finding your stuff.

 

[emmy]

I want to thank all of you for your quick replies. I can't believe it but our tickets came already.When we were over at Train Day they told us to book as soon as we could to insure we would have sleeper but I didn't think we would get our tickets so far in advance as well.Now if we only knew how to read them.Where is the room number and what car are they in.This is really confusing.Do we have to wait till we leave to find all this out???????

 

[sunchaser]

I want to thank all of you for your quick replies. I can't believe it but our tickets came already.When we were over at Train Day they told us to book as soon as we could to insure we would have sleeper but I didn't think we would get our tickets so far in advance as well.Now if we only knew how to read them.Where is the room number and what car are they in.This is really confusing.Do we have to wait till we leave to find all this out???????

Emmy, Congratulations to you & your hubby!!! I hope we make it to 60! We just made 35.

If you look at the right hand side of your ticket, below the Arrival City, you should see a train # -it will say space/car next to it (example-California Zephyr westbound is #5).

Then you will see your departure date. Just below that will be the bedroom/roomette # & car # (example-E/0532, is bedroom E, car 532 on the California Zephyr.

If I could figure out how to put a picture up for you I would. Someone probably will do that.

If you are in a bedroom or roomette, you can bring wine etc along if you like. You can have it in your room. The Sleeper Car Attendant can bring glasses & ice if you need it. The sleeper cars have free coffee, juice & bottled water available.

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[the_traveler]

The tickets will say something like "Car 5000, Bedroom A" (or some such). You can also call up Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL and ask them to email you an itinerary , and those will include the cars and rooms.

Read this thread for the locations of the cars. (Remember the lowest number sleeper is nearest the Dining Car.)

 

[AAARGH!]

I want to thank all of you for your quick replies. I can't believe it but our tickets came already.When we were over at Train Day they told us to book as soon as we could to insure we would have sleeper but I didn't think we would get our tickets so far in advance as well.Now if we only knew how to read them.Where is the room number and what car are they in.This is really confusing.Do we have to wait till we leave to find all this out???????

Whatever you do, DO NOT LOSE THE TICKETS! Unlike the airlines, the tickets have cash value and if lost, can't be replaced.

Be careful with them!

 

[emmy]

Thanks for the info of how to read my tickets and traveler I will call Amtrak.AAARGH I will put them with my important papers.I don't want someone else taking our trip away from us.Thanks All

 

[Cristobal]

Agree with all other posters.
As to "Amtrak Travel Kit" I recommend duct tape, a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman tool, and a mini-flashlight. The mini-flashlight is invaluable because if you drop something small, it will inevitably migrate into the darkest and least accesible place possible.

Between those, you can pretty much fix most ventilation, curtain or seat issues, as well as finding your stuff.

Isn't it sad that these kind of suggestions need to be made to help out new travelers with Amtrak?

The one thing that I would add to the "Amtrak Travel Kit" is a few of the large binder clips. Those work great to hold the curtains together (increasing privacy) when the attached velcro fails to do so. I remember reading where somebody else suggested those and on my first trip with Amtrak they were the only things that I actually used out of my "Kit".

Oh yeah...

Welcome emmy! Have a great trip!

 

[zephyr17]

Isn't it sad that these kind of suggestions need to be made to help out new travelers with Amtrak?
The one thing that I would add to the "Amtrak Travel Kit" is a few of the large binder clips. Those work great to hold the curtains together (increasing privacy) when the attached velcro fails to do so. I remember reading where somebody else suggested those and on my first trip with Amtrak they were the only things that I actually used out of my "Kit".

Oh yeah...

Welcome emmy! Have a great trip!

The binder clips are a great tip. Duct tape works for that too, but it can be tough to get it to adhere well enough to the curtains. Thanks!

The really ought to replace the velcro on 'em every few decades <_<

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

As others have stated, please take advantage of the Club Acela at Philly's 30th Street Station. IMHO, it is the best of the system.

It is located upstairs. There you will find rather comfortable seating, complimentary soda, juice, coffee, tea, and bottled water. Depending on the time of day, for the morning you will also find some really nice cinnamon buns too!

When the time comes for you to board your train, the attendant will come and get you, and escort you to the appropriate elevator, which will take right down to your train's platform. No lines to deal with!

 

[sunchaser]

Isn't it sad that these kind of suggestions need to be made to help out new travelers with Amtrak?
The one thing that I would add to the "Amtrak Travel Kit" is a few of the large binder clips. Those work great to hold the curtains together (increasing privacy) when the attached velcro fails to do so. I remember reading where somebody else suggested those and on my first trip with Amtrak they were the only things that I actually used out of my "Kit".

Oh yeah...

Welcome emmy! Have a great trip!

The binder clips are a great tip. Duct tape works for that too, but it can be tough to get it to adhere well enough to the curtains. Thanks!

The really ought to replace the velcro on 'em every few decades <_<

I bring small clear self stick velcro dots for the window & door curtains. They come on a little sheet, so they don't take up much space.

 

[emmy]

I have started a list of must takes,so far duct tape,army knife, mini flashlite, binder clips. I certainly will head for the Acella lounge and look for those mm,mm,mm cinnamon buns.

Where do you find self stick velcro dots???? Thanks guys/girls

 

[sunchaser]

I have started a list of must takes,so far duct tape,army knife, mini flashlite, binder clips. I certainly will head for the Acella lounge and look for those mm,mm,mm cinnamon buns. Where do you find self stick velcro dots???? Thanks guys/girls

In the sewing notions aisle at Walmart. You can probably find them at grocery stores, too.

Other things I take:

a small quantity of disinfectant wipes

a small quantity windex wipes

a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

You may want to just carry the essentials in to the bedroom/roomette, like pj's, nighttime stuff, meds, etc.

You may want to make bundles of clothes for each of you for each day you are on the train, place them in plastic bags into your carry on luggage that will be stored in a luggage rack. That way you won't have to store them into your roomette/bedroom. When you are ready to shower/change, just grab the clothes from your bag. You will have much more room in the bedroom than the roomette.

 

[emmy]

Thanks Sunchaser I'll check out the wallmart.

I am wondering about the Army knife.I saw they are randomly checking passengers luggage on trains now.Will it be ok to still take the Army knife or even a small pair of sissors or will they take it,does anyone know????Wouldn't want to do anything that will get us into trouble.

 

[Alice]

Thanks Sunchaser I'll check out the wallmart.I am wondering about the Army knife.I saw they are randomly checking passengers luggage on trains now.Will it be ok to still take the Army knife or even a small pair of sissors or will they take it,does anyone know????Wouldn't want to do anything that will get us into trouble.

You won't have trouble with scissors or an Army knife as either carry-on or in checked bags. Guns, bombs, that kind of thing are a different matter. Scroll down this page for list of prohibited items.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

You won't have trouble with scissors or an Army knife as either carry-on or in checked bags. Guns, bombs, that kind of thing are a different matter. Scroll down this page for list of prohibited items.

Guns will soon be allowed by Amtrak by decree of the American government. While most of our peacful civil liberties are being curtailed in the name of reactionairy rhetoric, the ability to bring deadly weapons anywhere we please is actually being expanded. Makes you wonder just what is going on in the heads of our leaders and those who voted for them.