Month: September 2020

First of all, why did I decide to take Amtrak, I love trains and really hadn’t been on one since I was a kid… admit-tingly things have changed.

So what was my actual experience like?

We might as well start with Baggage Check. I arrived roughly an hour before my train was set to leave. Turns out they are like the airlines you need to check your bag early. I was in the middle of policy change, they took my bag, but warned me next time to make sure I did at least 90 minutes before departure. Turns out you can check your bag a day early for a fee.

I traveled Coach and on this route there was an optional First Class, which includes a Roomette and all your food is included. Including the option to wait in The First Class Lounge where snacks and drinks are FREE.

I went Coach so I had to wait until I was called. Because of track issues my train would leave an hour late.

Once I was called, an Amtrak employee escorted us to the gate and we waited until the 1st Class passengers boarded before us. You do you get a seat assignment as you board the train this is where you have to sit until the train pulls out, and when it arrives at your Final Destination. Otherwise you can get up and move around.

I just have to say something about Amtrak that you don’t even get with airlines and that is ROOM. So you’re limited to the Coach car, the Observation Car and it’s the Cafe for the most part. But if you want to walk around you can. Besides you get massive leg room for someone like me who is over 6 feet tall, it was wonderful.

Unless your traveling First Class, Food is an issue, not as bad as Greyhound, but you do need to know that these days most trains only have a Cafe. Meaning limited selection, but you can get a pizza, it’s frozen until they pop it into the microwave. You can check Amtrak’s website for more details.

But I say bring your own food, especially things to snack on. I suggest smaller bags vs the bigger ones… less of a mess. Also anything that does not need a fridge. But there are tables available and besides you do get a nice view.

You really need to bring water at least a liter per day. They have places you can get water, but they weren’t working on both legs of my journey.

Washing Your Hands, the Restrooms are decent and you can wash your hands. But frankly I didn’t feel clean, Hand Sanitizer was a must for me. Wet Wipes also help, if you feel a bit grimy.

Remember unless Amtrak states you have Wifi you don’t. Also getting a cellphone signal can be spotty at best. When your in a city or a town, no issue. But in rural areas or mountains nothing. There was one part of my journey that I didn’t have a cellphone signal for 6 hours.

You need to bring your own entertainment that doesn’t need an internet connection. My Laptop really helped me, and there are power sockets so electricity is no issue.

You get very good air circulation. Some actually got cold, meanwhile I was fine.

The crew was friendly, I saw some amazing sites, really enjoyed the view.

Special Mention: As we were running some 3 1/2 hours late, Amtrak doesn’t get priority. Freight service goes 1st. They did hand out boxes of small packages of snacks.

I did find out what would happen if someone got into trouble on the train. They get kicked off and arrested, depending on what they did they may or may not be allowed back on. Also the train doesn’t wait.

So getting into trouble is really not a good thing.

Overall I would not hesitate to use Amtrak again. I really enjoyed my trip, want to do others once this pandemic is over.

I took Greyhound for the first time since my childhood recently, it when I went to see a good friend in Evansville, IN. I did the usual things before my journey, checking out what I could online and watching videos talking about what it was like. Yes I also saw the horror stories, but really all I would say is I wish I knew better and I hope this helps those who plan to take Greyhound for the first time once this Pandemic is over.

I brought with me water and a snack. I quickly wish I brought more, you know when people say “You have nothing better to do, you eat”. That is so true, all you can do is sit there, play with your seat belt and look out the window, and let me tell you, using the restroom when the bus is going 55 MPH is a experience un to itself. If you brought some device with you, make sure you don’t need the internet. I know Greyhound says it’s buses have WiFi, but the reality of it is it’s cellphone internet and when it can’t get a signal, there isn’t wifi. So a laptop is a must or at least a device with preloaded content is a MUST. Also remember your often traveling through rural areas so no cellphone signal period, so texting is out.

Like I said earlier I didn’t bring that much food, oh sure the bus makes rest stops often at places with restaurants. But unless your big into fast food, you are out of luck. The same can be said if you happen to have a layover which I did twice. Both down and up, given it’s often the middle of the night your options are extremely limited. Greyhound’s own Snack Bars, depending on location have a very limited menu. I am not joking when I say this bring a shopping bag of food with you. Especially if it’s an overnight journey, or worse yet on some special diet.

One trick I figured out after I got home was how to take cereal with you. Ziploc bag with cereal and plastic spoon as for the milk… one of those little containers of almond milk. Why almond milk? It won’t spoil.

Drivers are nice, but they often forget if you have a layover to return your ticket, which you need for the next leg of your journey. My suggestion is use a digital ticket option through their app or if you printed your ticket. Make sure you have a couple of copies.

As for the ride, the seat was comfortable, and I was really happy it had a seat belt. What can I say I seen the news.

One thing I have never seen anyone mention is what happens during your travels. I know a lot depends on your other passengers… but really. The biggest issue I had was sweat, you can really feel the humidity in the bus rise as your trip goes on. I was on 4 buses in total and had this issue on 3 of them. No joke I actually felt sticky, and was happy that a friend suggested to bring Wet Wipes, the kind women and babies use. There really isn’t anyway to wash your hands, so hand sanitizer is a must.

By the time I got to the end of both my travels I really needed a change of clothes and a shower.

So really folks if your traveling Greyhound you need

FOOD, Water, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and some sort of entertainment device that does not need the internet or a cellphone network.

Also be aware that you might not sleep very well. I barely slept during my journey, I don’t blame Greyhound, it’s just the way I am.

Be aware if you are going to make an early morning exit of the bus, the driver won’t wake you up. So it is possible unless your traveling to the end of the line for that route to sleep past your stop.

I hope this helps you first timers