Travel with Terri

by Terri Farris

All Aboard

Recently I had the opportunity to experience travel between New York and Chicago without arriving at an airport two hours before my scheduled departure, without long security lines and without being confined to a seat wearing my seatbelt for hours.  How did I manage this?  I took the train!  For this month’s article, I want to share that experience with you!

As a surprise to my significant other for his birthday, I booked a trip for us via Amtrak from Penn Station in New York to Union Station in Chicago.  A lifelong train enthusiast, he had yet to travel overnight aboard a train!  Options for travel include coach seating, first class seating or sleeper cars.  I chose a sleeper car for our journey and booked a “roomette” .  While this provided the basics…seats that convert to a lower berth or bunk bed and an upper berth that converts to a top bunk, the larger bedrooms or bedroom suites provide more space and a full bath.  Meals in the dining car are complimentary for first class passengers and all passengers with sleeping accommodations.  Meals can also be purchased by coach passengers for a reasonable price.

We began our trip at Penn Station in Manhattan.  Passengers are asked to arrive thirty minutes prior to their scheduled departure time.  Yes, I said thirty minutes…not two hours!  As passengers traveling with sleeper accommodations, we were entitled to club privileges at the Acela Club at Penn Station where we were able to relax comfortably in the private lounge and wait for the attendant to call us for boarding.

When boarding time came, it was efficient and stress free!  We were directed to our car and introduced to our porter, Maria, who would serve as our attendant for our journey.  Maria helped us settle into our room and noted our preferences for dining times for the evening meal, turndown service for our room and breakfast the following morning.  She also answered any questions we had about the route and stops along the way.  Serving only one sleeper car each, the attendants are able to provide personal attention and service to the passengers.

We departed Penn Station and began our journey through upper Manhattan and into Westchester County.  Our route followed the Hudson River and we enjoyed beautiful views as we traveled north toward Albany.  Along the way we passed several of the lighthouses on the Hudson River and traveled through the stations of the Hudson River towns. 

When dinner time arrived, we moved to the dining car and chose from delicious entrees such as herb roasted chicken with vegetables, salmon and beef roast with garlic mashed potatoes.  There were also dessert selections available.  The service was personable and attentive and we were even treated to an extra glass of wine by our server.

After reaching Albany, our travels headed west toward Buffalo, New York.  We enjoyed watching the scenery from our room before nightfall.  When it was too dark to enjoy the view any longer, we visited the lounge or club car where beverages and snacks were available.  Families traveling with children were playing games, one couple watched a movie on their computer and others enjoyed talking and having a glass of wine. When we returned to our room, Maria had prepared our bunk beds and we settled in to allow the train to rock us to sleep!

We awoke the next morning to a sunrise over a bridge and realized we were in Toledo, Ohio.  It was a beautiful morning and after a brief stop in Toledo to board additional passengers, we moved to the dining car again for our breakfast.  We watched the farmland rolling by, saw Amish families working their farms and enjoyed passing through the small communities along the way in Ohio and Indiana.  I enjoyed seeing the view from the “other side” of the crossing gates!   

As we neared the Chicago area we caught our first glimpse of the sparking blue waters of Lake Michigan!  Although I had traveled to Chicago many times by plane, arriving by train provided a unique perspective on the city as we passed through the various neighborhoods along the way to Chicago’s historic Union Station.

Train travel offers many advantages.  Trains are faster than most short distance flights when you consider the time you spend getting to and from the airport and waiting in security clearance lines.  Train stations are generally centrally located in cities and towns providing visitors with a central location to begin their exploration of a new city.  Being able to walk around, move to the dining car, stretch your legs and actually stretch out in a bed to sleep are incredible benefits!  Also, did you know that train travel releases 10 times fewer greenhouse gases per average passenger journey than flying?  Yes, train travel is green!

Amtrak routinely offers discounts and “hot deals” such as their summer special this year “Kids ride for only $19 on the Auto Train”.  The auto train provides non-stop service between Sanford, Florida and Lorton, Virginia (near Washington DC).  Families can enjoy a train ride and still have their cars available for use when they reach their vacation destination. 

The route I chose for our trip from New York to Chicago is just one of many scenic routes available throughout the USA.  For more information on Amtrak routes and specials, visit their website at www.amtrak.com.

After this experience, I too am a train enthusiast and am looking forward to experiencing more routes across the United States where I can take in the views and enjoy the ride!  Sure, an airplane can get you to your destination, but when traveling by train it’s not just the destination that matters…it’s the journey!  All aboard!!

Terri Farris is a freelance writer who enjoys traveling. You can see more of her writing on her blog at www.terrifarris.blog-spot.com or contact her at [email protected].