As long as you're not one who gets motion sickness.
The boys & I took a train to Chicago (from KC) for a long weekend, and it was GREAT! I'd booked online (coach), and when I called to confirm I found I'd booked the wrong day. The woman on the phone was totally nice, changed it AT NO CHARGE, and suggested upgrading to a "roomette" for the trip there. She said she could do it for about $30 (total ), so I said yes. Once she totaled it, it was actually CHEAPER than coach. My orignial fare was $330 R/T for all 3 of us, and now it was $311 R/T ... but the return would still be coach (same deal not available). So, we had a private (tiny) room, that converted into bunk beds - which the boys thought was a hoot. There's also free juice and coffee throughout the trip, and your meals are included in the dining car. So, we got breakfast and lunch, beverages all day, bottled water, and our own space.
Once we were in Chicago, I was so thrilled with our trip there that I decided I'd call and find out what it would cost to get the roomette again for our trip back. I kept saying "once you've had the roomette, you can't go back". I told myself as long as it was under $100, I was doing it, b/c not having to constantly scold the boys, etc. was worth it to me. When I called, the woman said $99 .. so I said SOLD. Upon our arrival at the train station yesterday, I was told I only owed $44 for the upgrade (okey dokey!), and that I could make myself comfortable in the "Metro Lounge" (the special waiting area for those w/sleeper car tickets). In the "lounge" we had free beverages and snacks, sofas, a place to check our luggage - it was crazy! And remember, our dinner was included as well. I am ALL OVER this train travel thing. Sure - it's slower, but it's so much more comfortable and cheaper. If I'd driven to Chicago I would have spent at least $350 between gas and meals ... not to mention wear and tear on the car and my mental state.
Oh - and on our cart ride TO the train (called Red Hats), we were sitting with Miss Jean Russell of the Hollywood hey-day. Jean and I like the same method of travel.
This was so great
The boys & I took a train to Chicago (from KC) for a long weekend, and it was GREAT! I'd booked online (coach), and when I called to confirm I found I'd booked the wrong day. The woman on the phone was totally nice, changed it AT NO CHARGE, and suggested upgrading to a "roomette" for the trip there. She said she could do it for about $30 (total ), so I said yes. Once she totaled it, it was actually CHEAPER than coach. My orignial fare was $330 R/T for all 3 of us, and now it was $311 R/T ... but the return would still be coach (same deal not available). So, we had a private (tiny) room, that converted into bunk beds - which the boys thought was a hoot. There's also free juice and coffee throughout the trip, and your meals are included in the dining car. So, we got breakfast and lunch, beverages all day, bottled water, and our own space.
Once we were in Chicago, I was so thrilled with our trip there that I decided I'd call and find out what it would cost to get the roomette again for our trip back. I kept saying "once you've had the roomette, you can't go back". I told myself as long as it was under $100, I was doing it, b/c not having to constantly scold the boys, etc. was worth it to me. When I called, the woman said $99 .. so I said SOLD. Upon our arrival at the train station yesterday, I was told I only owed $44 for the upgrade (okey dokey!), and that I could make myself comfortable in the "Metro Lounge" (the special waiting area for those w/sleeper car tickets). In the "lounge" we had free beverages and snacks, sofas, a place to check our luggage - it was crazy! And remember, our dinner was included as well. I am ALL OVER this train travel thing. Sure - it's slower, but it's so much more comfortable and cheaper. If I'd driven to Chicago I would have spent at least $350 between gas and meals ... not to mention wear and tear on the car and my mental state.
Oh - and on our cart ride TO the train (called Red Hats), we were sitting with Miss Jean Russell of the Hollywood hey-day. Jean and I like the same method of travel.
This was so great
Comment