Would you /or have you travelled long distance, with small children, by rail?

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  1. pearlmacb profile image69
    pearlmacbposted 11 years ago

    Would you /or have you travelled long distance, with small children, by rail?

    What was your experience like?

  2. bn9900 profile image72
    bn9900posted 11 years ago

    I most certainly would.  The family has the freedom to walk around, I recommend that you get a sleeper compartment.  This would add 800-1000 dollars more to the trip, but I have tasken coackh and sleeper, and highly recommend sleeper.  Plus on Amtrak meals are paid for when you are in the sleeper car.  Thats part of the higher cost but so worth it.  Also as a sleeping car passenger, you have full reign of the train Coaches,Diner, Lounge car, and sleeping cars.  Where as a coach passenger you aren't allowed in the sleepers. 
    As for riding with kids, the crews are great, they will spend some time with you and pay special attention to the kids.  Depending on age, trying to get them to sleep in the noisy coaches might be hard.  The coaches are quiet, but there are stops during the night, every 45 min to an hour (on the western runs; Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Southwest Chief) so there is a flurry of activity that could disturb the kids. 

    As far as would I, that is the best way to travel, if you have the time.  There are some trains that have family activities as well,  it is much easier as Amtrak does not have the security checkpoints (unless traveling to Canada) like the airlines.  Have fun, and share the special time.

    1. pearlmacb profile image69
      pearlmacbposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thankyou bn9900, you have given me a number of important points to consider, I really appreciate it. I was concerned with night travel, my children are 3-5 years of age. Thanks for sharing your experience smile

    2. bn9900 profile image72
      bn9900posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are welcome, may I ask what train you are thinking about taking? Three and five year olds need space, but they need the quiet to sleep. Sleeper compartment for sure.  If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

    3. pearlmacb profile image69
      pearlmacbposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi again, I have not decided what train as yet, but will have to be a sleeping compartment, very important the kids get sufficient sleep with less interuptions as possible.

    4. bn9900 profile image72
      bn9900posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hello again, Exactly, but I'll bet they will be to excited to even try to sleep. If you are in the area of Chicago, I'd recommend the Empire builder or the California Zephyr to the west coast.  Two nights on the train time to relax and just enjoy.

    5. pearlmacb profile image69
      pearlmacbposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Your awesome! Thanks heaps

 
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