[phenomshel]

My daughter and granddaughter are coming up here from Texas soon, and then my son later on in the summer. What with airports being general madhouses, the hassles with TSA policies, not to mention skyrocketing airfares and stupid high baggage fees, we're looking for travel alternatives. So far the best alternative I've found is Amtrak. Yeah, it's an insanely long trip, but do the convenience factors (less station hassles, more checked baggage allowed, better food options) , and less expense outweigh the time/boredom factor? To give you an idea on expenses: Airfare for Melora and the baby (if we don't buy a seat for the baby's carseat), would be 383.00 minimum. Amtrak came in at 257.00 (but that doesn't include meals).

Any opinions or stories about riding Amtrak for long distances?