Amtrak Train Travel, a Great Way to See America!

Last year about this time, my husband suggested we take a train trip via Amtrak. I was dubious. We always travel by plane or car. Amtrak was more expensive, and slow! It did not seem like the greatest idea. But I thought we could give it a go anyway. I'm so glad I decided to take the chance and go. If you have not been on an Amtrak train trip yet, read on to find out what a wonderful experience this can be!

Amtrak has a number of different routes all across the country. All you have to do is choose one. You can get on or off at any stop, so therefore you can tailor your trip to suit your needs perfectly. We decided on the Empire Builder route, which for us, started in Seattle and ended in Minneapolis/St. Paul. We flew to Seattle, took a public bus from the airport to the train station downtown, and began our journey.

We got our tickets, sat down, and waited for our train, as we watched all the different people file in. I was so excited and was filled with anticipation. I could not wait to experience this train trip. Well, the time finally arrived, and everyone was called aboard. We had two small carry-ons, more like tote bags, that we would keep with us, so luggage was not an issue.

We went aboard and got settled in our roomette. This is one step up from a regular coach seat. You get a very small "room", with a big window and two seats facing each other. At night, the seats make a single bed, and another single bed folds down from the wall above, to make a bunk bed atmosphere. You have a door you can shut and lock for privacy. The attendant brings you bottled water, a newspaper in the mornings, and makes up your bed. He or she then turns down your bed at night. It was very nice.