Thanks to Covid finally receding to a dull roar and my having as many vaccinations as recommended I could finally go back home and visit my family. It’s been three very long years since I have been able to do so. This time it was a novel experience for me as my travel by train on the Amtrak Vermonter was different than my usual flying.
I have never really taken the train to get from point A to point B other than as a tourist type expedition. Unless you count all of the subways I rode when I was in Philadelphia for health care reasons.
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Amtrak Vermonter
When I lived in Montana there was no other logical way to get home other than to fly. That usually meant at least two planes and three airports. But now that I live in Vermont flying would be a titch absurd. Especially as the train station is two blocks from our house.
I packed my little suitcase, managing to get everything into my carry on bag! It’s so nice when you visit family because you can count on having a washer and dryer available. Not to mention the ability to borrow pretty much anything you might forget. I was able to stuff quite a bit into that case though and I will be pretty set for the two weeks.
The only thing I couldn’t fit was a sweatshirt but I knew I could borrow one of my brother’s. I am always cold so I knew I would need one. As I figured, I was freezing this morning and when I asked for one he went to the closet and pulled out….one of MY sweatshirts from the last time I visited! Seems I had left it without even realizing so I was all set.
But back to the train ride. We ordered my ticket online and I could either show my e-ticket or present a paper ticket. I didn’t want to worry about finding something on my phone so I printed out the paper ticket.
The husband rolled my suitcase and I carried my purse and laptop bag and we walked up to the train station where we waited for the train to arrive. So unbelievably easy!
Here Comes the Train
The Amtrak Vermonter arrived right on time! I kissed my hubby goodbye and walked on the train. I stored my carryon on a luggage rack at the back of the car – which was so easy. I was afraid of having to have to lift it on to the overhead and I cannot lift over my head. I took my laptop bag to my seat.
For the bulk of my ride I had the row all to myself. It was just two people to a row but still, it was nice to be alone for so much of the ride. But once we hit New York City the whole car filled up and I had a seatmate for the first time. He sat down, never said a word and that was that.
Ease and Comfort
I have to say that the ease and comfort of traveling this way is so much nicer than flying. At least for this trip. It was a seven hour ride but I hardly noticed. I brought books along that I wanted to read so I hardly noticed the hours flying (rolling?) by.
The seat was surprisingly comfortable. Very supportive and well padded. There was even a nice amount of legroom even with my computer bag under the seat in front of me. Even after the gentleman took the seat next to me I never felt crowded or squished as I tend to do on a plane.
Food?
Unlike on a plane there is no food service. What there is a club car. I didn’t go exploring so I didn’t discover what was on offer either to eat or drink. This was just nervousness on my part as I didn’t want to move around and forget where I was sitting. On the way home I think I will bring something to eat and drink or at least get more adventurous and try and find the club car. But that was on me, not a problem with the train.
Train Travel Again?
I would go on the train again in a heartbeat! It was really a lovely way to travel. The train was clean and the travel was easy. I suspect my trip home is going to be just as smooth as my trip down here was. Oh, and after I got off the train in Philly it continued on down to Washington D.C.
From my experience I would definitely recommend the Amtrak Vermonter if you need to travel up and down the East coast.
