NJ to CO, what to look for?

[Anonymous]

I'm going to be traveling between New Jersey and Colorado sometime around New Years, and have pretty much decided to take the time to ride the rails one way (haven't figured out which direction yet). (It isn't easy being an amateur railfan!)

Who has traveled a signifigant distance via Amtrak, and what tips, tricks, and other advice can you share? Should I reconsider and just fly both ways? Should I reconsider and take the train both ways? What amenities should I look out for? How can I get the best discounts? Tell me what you know, please!

[Anonymous]

i've gone on the southwest cheif from princeton, IL to winslow, AZ and vice versa a few times. there are really no 'tricks' to it. just keep track of your stuff. on my trips i didn't have to change trains/make connections as i'm sure you'll have to. my biggest suggestion is to bring a cooler with some snacks and drinks to save on the wallet some and to ensure some quality snackin. i'm not sure if that's still possible in this whole post 9/11 b.s. other than that really it's pretty laid back. just bring stuff to keep yourself entertained. i do remember though, every time the train made the half hour stop in albequerque, NM i'd get out and walk around smoke a cigarette and have some ice cream, i was approached by a DEA agent. he'd just ask me where i was goin and if i knew where my bags were. turns out the southwest cheif was a pretty major drug funnel from the southwest to the chicago area. hopefully this has been of some help. any more ?'s just ask...

[Anonymous]

Too bad you're ending the trip at Denver. The best scenery on the Calif. Zephyr is from Denver west through the Rockies.

Some views of that area can be found here..

http://www.trainweb.org/amtrakphotos/trains/cz.htm

Here are some Amtrak travel tip links.

http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amtrak-tips.shtml

http://www.narprail.org/tips.htm

The Calif. Zephyr is a great trip. You should enjoy the trip.