Railroad Excursions (advice, tips, questions, etc)

[Anonymous]

For anyone planning or thinking about going on a railroad excursion or rail trip (which terminology is preferred?), what advice, tips or basic information do you have?

The thought has crossed my mind quite a bit, especially with how much the kids enjoy trains. We've done the short rides at nearby museums and stuff, but looking for something that lasts a lot longer.

I'm not sure where to start looking for information besides maybe the Amtrak site which I haven't been too yet. So bear with the basic questions. Hopefully others will benefit from the discussion. [:)]

Are there better times of the year to travel than others regarding availability and/or price?

Is it possible to go from East Coast to West Coast without transferring trains, like a non-stop?

How difficult is it to reserve seats on the Amtrak service which runs to Florida where you can load your automobile on the train? After the tragic accident that occurred in the past, is this service still in operation or has it been taken out of service?

What about private rooms (what's the correct term?) that you can stay in or even sleep in? Are those options that are even available anymore? What about amenities?

Does anyone have any recommendations for any specific excursions they've been on recently?

[Anonymous]

For anyone planning or thinking about going on a railroad excursion or rail trip (which terminology is preferred?), what advice, tips or basic information do you have?

The thought has crossed my mind quite a bit, especially with how much the kids enjoy trains. We've done the short rides at nearby museums and stuff, but looking for something that lasts a lot longer.

I'm not sure where to start looking for information besides maybe the Amtrak site which I haven't been too yet. So bear with the basic questions. Hopefully others will benefit from the discussion. [:)]

Are there better times of the year to travel than others regarding availability and/or price?

Is it possible to go from East Coast to West Coast without transferring trains, like a non-stop?

How difficult is it to reserve seats on the Amtrak service which runs to Florida where you can load your automobile on the train? After the tragic accident that occurred in the past, is this service still in operation or has it been taken out of service?

What about private rooms (what's the correct term?) that you can stay in or even sleep in? Are those options that are even available anymore? What about amenities?

Does anyone have any recommendations for any specific excursions they've been on recently?

[Anonymous]

Check out VIA Rail in Canada. They have some awesome trips and the service is FAR better than Amtrak.

LC[8D]

[Anonymous]

Check out VIA Rail in Canada. They have some awesome trips and the service is FAR better than Amtrak.

LC[8D]