Long Amtrak Train Trip Starting 26 August!

[Meengla]

Is it possible to catch the Amtrak train to Florida ?

Of course. It will be indirect: First going north to Charlotte or even more north then catching a train to Florida. An adventure could be taking from South Carolina to NYC and then from NYC to Miami: Only two Segments used and thousands of miles of train travel.

 

[Meengla]

Oh, why not I should post some more pics! Some very interesting landscapes, historic events and interactions on my trip. This forum may find them interesting.

Beautiful Truckee River. The Train's PA system on the Zephyr announced important landmarks and events along the way. When the Donner Lake (or Truckee Lake?) neared, people rushed to take its pic. I thought I would wait till we passed through Donner Pass. Some minutes later, I asked a fellow passenger about the Donner Pass and she said 'Well, that was it, we passed' (referring to the Lake).
Edit: Google Map location of the pic: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e5PDr8TNEP9yVtag7
I was somewhat aware of the Donner Party's tragedy but having passed through that region in this trip. I will study it more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donner_Party

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Please do keep posting photos.

 

[Meengla]

Top of my head, the costs for transportation/stays alone is:

1. Rail Pass: $500
2. NYC Hotel: $130
3. Amtrak Lounge in Chicago: $35
4. Seattle Hotel: $130
5. Vancouver Hostel: $130
6. Vancouver Air BnB: $90 (didn't stay; disputing the charge)
7. Vancouver Cab to Airport: $22
8. Vancouver to South Carolina airfare: $505
9. Uber ride plus tip to home in South Carolina: $86

$1628 total. I don't know what I spent on food on trains and in cities, and on nights out but those expenses are typically quite high for me anywhere as I also try to tip generously. I have yet to calculate them but looking at the cash spent ($320+) and the credit card balance is yet to finalize, my guestimate would be anywhere between $750-800--or even more. In the two nights I stayed with friends (in Sacramento and in Vancouver), I took them out for dinner and those were not cheap--I insisted on treating them. I am a creature of my habits and just can't stay away from some indulgences. So no matter how tired I was after a long ride, I freshened up in hotels and rushed out to the streets.

That's a lot of money to be sitting at coach seats for 5-6 days, staying with friends/cheapest hotels/hostels and eating cheaper food. There was no way I could afford a roomette even for one of the four long segments, let alone all four. The rushed trip which has condensed so much in just 10 days has wore me out; I am still tired but the rewards will stay with me for the rest of my life in the form of gorgeous views, people watch (I consider people as living breathing museums!), some great conversations on and off the train. Some in my circle in South Carolina have called me 'stingy' or 'cheap': A little offensive but I resisted retorting them. They have not even seen the Biltmore Estate, which is a fairly short drive from our houses. They are welcome to flip the tv channels at home their entire lives!

 

[Watandar]

Top of my head, the costs for transportation/stays alone is:

1. Rail Pass: $500
2. NYC Hotel: $130
3. Amtrak Lounge in Chicago: $35
4. Seattle Hotel: $130
5. Vancouver Hostel: $130
6. Vancouver Air BnB: $90 (didn't stay; disputing the charge)
7. Vancouver Cab to Airport: $22
8. Vancouver to South Carolina airfare: $505
9. Uber ride plus tip to home in South Carolina: $86

$1628 total. I don't know what I spent on food on trains and in cities, and on nights out but those expenses are typically quite high for me anywhere as I also try to tip generously. I have yet to calculate them but looking at the cash spent ($320+) and the credit card balance is yet to finalize, my guestimate would be anywhere between $750-800--or even more. In the two nights I stayed with friends (in Sacramento and in Vancouver), I took them out for dinner and those were not cheap--I insisted on treating them. I am a creature of my habits and just can't stay away from some indulgences. So no matter how tired I was after a long ride, I freshened up in hotels and rushed out to the streets.

That's a lot of money to be sitting at coach seats for 5-6 days, staying with friends/cheapest hotels/hostels and eating cheaper food. There was no way I could afford a roomette even for one of the four long segments, let alone all four. The rushed trip which has condensed so much in just 10 days has wore me out; I am still tired but the rewards will stay with me for the rest of my life in the form of gorgeous views, people watch (I consider people as living breathing museums!), some great conversations on and off the train. Some in my circle in South Carolina have called me 'stingy' or 'cheap': A little offensive but I resisted retorting them. They have not even seen the Biltmore Estate, which is a fairly short drive from our houses. They are welcome to flip the tv channels at home their entire lives!

Biltmore Estate is several hundred dollars just for a single day visitor pass. A ripoff in my opinion and simply reflects the greed of the Gilded Age.

 

[Meengla]

Biltmore Estate is several hundred dollars just for a single day visitor pass. A ripoff in my opinion and simply reflects the greed of the Gilded Age.

Right. As are many other places--look at damn Disney resort. But Biltmore worth going at least once. I went there first time in 1995 and from what I recall, with a AAA discount then, it was well below $100 for a day pass. Maybe even $50 then. My point was people who call me 'stingy' for the cheap train ticket and who were born and raised right here, couldn't even venture to a local attraction like Biltmore.

 

[Watandar]

Right. As are many other places--look at damn Disney resort. But Biltmore worth going at least once. I went there first time in 1995 and from what I recall, with a AAA discount then, it was well below $100 for a day pass. Maybe even $50 then. My point was people who call me 'stingy' for the cheap train ticket and who were born and raised right here, couldn't even venture to a local attraction like Biltmore.

The critics are merely jealous.