How to Get Your Feet Wet on Amtrak with a Short Trip

Short Trip on Amtrak

It's easy to get your feet wet on Amtrak by planning a short rail trip. A train ride is so filled with a connection to the last two centuries. Traveling by Amtrak in the United States can be a fun time unlike the unpleasant experience flying the "unfriendly skies" can sometimes turn out to be. Start off by planning a short rail trip to get your feet wet and make it really special with your significant other or just going solo.

Things You'll Need

• A sense of adventure
• Love of trains
• Travel lust
• Desire to meet fellow travelers

Instructions

1. 

   Pick a small route. Hopefully, there is a station near your home. Taking a train in the late afternoon or early morning is great because eating in the dining car is one of the best aspects of the train ride. Try to co-ordinate your travel with one of the meal times.

2. 

   Find a rail station about three to six hours train ride from your departing station and choose to exit the train there. Look for a town that has lots of tourist activities that's walkable or has good public transportation. Renting a car is also an option. Spend the night there and explore the town.

3. Make reservations in the dining car for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is one of the highlights of the trip. The train personnel tries to fill up the tables. It might be a little off-putting possibly dining with strangers, especially if you are alone, but it can be a great experience meeting new people and hearing their stories. Take the plunge and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

4. 

   Walk from car to car and explore. The observation car is just wonderful. The chairs are positioned for soaking up the scenery. There are tons of windows for great viewing of the countryside. Most of the vistas are never seen by car.

5. Visit the small lounge area downstairs where you can order wine or a drink. The staff is friendly so tip on the train just like you would for good service anywhere.

6. 

   Scout out locations for possible day trips.
   * Dallas to Austin (Downtown Austin is very walkable and there are a ton of things to do)
   * Houston to New Orleans
   * Anywhere on the upper East Coast
   * Anywhere in California where the scenery is unsurpassed
   * Denver to Glenwood Springs, CO
   * Portland to Seattle
   * Cleveland to Chicago
   * Chicago to Minneapolis
   * Savannah to Charleston
   * Seattle to East Glacier Park, Montana

Tips & Warnings

• The seats have much more leg room than coach on an airplane so that's a real bonus

• Don't stay in your seat. Get up and explore

• Engage others

• Ask around for good leads in your destination city

• Short train rides are pretty cheap right now

• Sometimes the trains are late so call ahead at 1-800-USA-RAIL for status

Resources

• Amtrak Reservations
• freefoto.com
• How to Savor a New Orleans Vacation