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I travel by Amtrak regularly here in the PacNW up and down to see my parents about every three months, and I've taken three substantial trips by train in the United States, so if you have any questions, I'm probably the girl to ask. The first trip was an overnight in a sleeper from Seattle down to Oakland on the Coast Starlight, the second was a very long journey around the United States (Portland-->Seattle--->Chicago--->New York--->Washington, D.C.--->Chicago--->Portland), and the third was a two-night trip we took to Denver with a stop in Reno (Portland--->Sacramento--->Reno--->Denver). My parents have traveled around the US by train even more than I have.
First off, on Amtrak, don't be in a hurry. Take the train to TAKE THE TRAIN. Enjoy the trip. It's going to be slow, you're probably going to be late, and things will happen that are out of your control. Amtrak is not like the European rail system, you cannot set your watch by it and I do not advise you to do so--in the case of the Coast Starlight you would regularly end up several hours behind.
Secondly, if you can afford it, do get a sleeper. The coach seating on the majority of the fleet is not particularly comfortable or pleasant, and there are plenty of places in this country where taking a long nap is preferable to watching the countryside (eastern Montana goes on FOREVER). In going first class, all your food is included, which is nice. Amtrak actually has pretty decent food. You also get an attendant in your car who provides you with snacks, drinks and even games sometimes.
Take advantage of the staff! It's likely they've been where you're going and have recommendations about it. Most of them make that trip repeatedly. They LOVE to talk to their passengers if given the chance. On our big trip back East, the dining car staff got to know us pretty well (my brother is a hambone) and gave us tons of recommendations as to what to do and where to eat once we got to Chicago.
Amtrak is expensive. So if you're looking for a cheap option, this is not it. However, the people you will meet on Amtrak (LOTS of different kinds of people take Amtrak) make the expense worthwhile. This is not like an airplane where you're stuck in one spot for the duration, or a car where you're driving for hours on end. This is a train where you can get up, go to the bar car, have some drinks and have some fun. If you take a relaxed attitude, go with the flow, and talk to the people around you, I guarantee you'll have a great time.
Yes, Amtrak has its problems but if you can go with the flow, they're a great way to see the country. You'll definitely get a feel for how BIG the United States really is.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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