Call me weird but, I absolutely LOVE the delays. I can't get enough of them. It just means more time on this wonderful train enjoying the voyage. I NEVER schedule anything around train travel. Mostly because I'm fingers crossed for as many delays as possible.
I always plan and book my Amtrak trips with a night layover at any connecting city and getting to my destination a day earlier than I need to be there, for a wedding or birthday. I also will plan a layover at any of the small towns on the route and spend a night at a bed and breakfast as well. Layovers add spice to a train journey. The train depots are usually near these small towns downtowns and their nearby bed and breakfasts, many are nice old Victorian or Queen Ann homes.
Y’all are REALLY good. So pleasant and so helpful. It’s been a very long time since I’ve taken a trip on Amtrak so I’m learning quite a bit by watching your videos. Thank you so much for doing these videos !!!
Thank you both so much for sharing your wonderful experiences. I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s quite interesting, as well as, very informative. Safe travels 😉✌🏼
I love your videos. I live in the U.K. and I have only visited New York State and California so it is great to see America's heartlands through your videos. I'd love to visit them one day, preferably on Amtrak. In the meantime keep up the great work.
I love your stop in St. Louis, thank you for the note on your hotel stay. Baseball season in over but 2022 beckons. Thank you for all your videos and tips.
You two are very good explaining everything on the trains making me want to follow you. Since my husband and I cannot travel at this time I will continue to take joy from watching you. Have fun doing everything you can while you can. You are an inspiration to me.
@Brenda Abernathy Ditto to what you said. 🙂 Hoping someday you & your husband can travel. Hubby Normal & I dream of taking a Route 66 trip on the Southwest Chief if and when we can travel again sometime. Meanwhile, watching these videos is a great way to vicariously enjoy Amtrak trips. Maybe someday we'll catch you guys out on the rails. Take care 😀
Thanks for your great videos. You both make such an attractive couple. As good and thorough as you are Amtrak, Coca-Cola , Canada Dry and Seagrams should sponsor you. Loved you showing St Louis. Sorry about the tracks canceling the thru trip in Missouri. The state helps to fund this stretch from St Louis to Kansas City. It is a great asset and one I am sure Missouri wants to keep. Again, thanks!
Thanks so much for watching and your kind comments! We loved our time in St. Louis, it had been many years since we were there. The last time was as children.
Epic video! It had everything and as always with your videos, super-informative and interesting. Glad you made it through the tornado warning (and a meal of Pop Tarts, Ritz Bits and Coke!)
I've watched other train channels and I must say, Ali and Rob, you're the best. Keep up your good work. I espectially liked your city tour of St. Louis.
I know tornadoes are serious business, but y’all were pretty funny stopped over the river, cigarettes and fresh air, orange life jacket and Rob Cantore. Got some good chuckles. 😂
Really random, but could you do a hair care on the train ride video. I just have this feeling I'm going to short out the electricity on the train when I blow dry my hair 🤣😖. I'm thinking braids are my best bet.
I am so glad they have traditional dining back on some of their routes. QUESTION: For those of us who can't eat wheat flour products, do you know if there is an option to substitute grits or oatmeal for the croissant at breakfast? They used to provide that option, but it sounds like that's not a choice anymore.
Speaking about your KC experience: I see you tried the KC Streetcar. It's a popular tourist attraction, though if you had more time to play with in KC, I would suggest taking it all the way to the north end where the River Market is, which is another popular attraction. You will love that area! In the far back side of Union Station (where you took that bridge to Jack Stacks), normally they have a huge display room of various model train sets that was free to the public. I don't think it's opened up anymore due to COVID, but you would have enjoyed that a lot. As for Jacks Stacks, if you think the wait time at that location was crazy, you obviously haven't went to the Plaza location lol (which is a few miles south of Union Station). Getting in any of those restaurants tends to have a pretty lengthy wait time, especially at night and weekends.
We really did enjoy our time in KC! Yes that train collection was closed. We didn't know about it, but then saw it once there, but then realized we couldn't see it! There were several restaurants closed as that was the actual 4th of July, so the wait times at the open places was pretty high!
I enjoy your videos. My husband and I travel to Florida on the Silver Star and really enjoy the trip. You are inspiring us to travel west on Amtrak. Keep up the great videos. Enjoy traveling.
Talk about Scary but he’s so Hilariously Funny as trees floating down the river and the attendant wearing a life jacket...Ugh!!! I had to laugh but always wondered what would happen in severe weather...🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I love riding the Amtrak train I never been in a sleeper. I love the atmosphere and Amtrak always makes me feel comfortable and I love meeting new people.
Love you videos you do a lot of traveling on a train got a question for you yes you wanted to take a round trip United States do you know how much or about how much it would cost? I have always wanted to do this now it's 65 I really want to do this. Thank you for your time safe travels
i like delays in my travels , i dont hope for them but i certainly am the type to just enjoy the extra time. im always budgeting extra time allowances for travels and im more surprised that others dont. also i feel like people who travel on trains tend to be happier even with delay as theyre not in a rush anywhere and plus theres always plenty of people to talk to or do on a train. i absoultey love trains and cannot wait untill the day i can just take a vacation and take all of the major train routes. im definietly taking a train there and back for when i get my out of state surgery i cannot imagine being stuck on a plane after surgery or stuck on a plane for more than 4 hours. i dont know how people do those long plane rides.
Thank you for letting us travel along with you. Such a sweet treat for those who are unable to, and for those who may be traveling, the helpful hints and reviews are a treasure! I appreciate your optimistic attitude in all situations.
Hi guys! Love your videos! This one was especially helpful. I’m trying to plan a cross-country trip for later this summer, and it will be a first for hubby and me. I’ve got to admit there were some potential scenarios that concerned me, including tornadoes and other bad weather. So when you showed the train stopped over the river 😳 to wait out the tornado, and again when your train was canceled due to rain on the tracks, it eased my fears a bit. Now, wouldn’t the bus be driving through a lot of rain too? Anyway, thanks for what you do! (Oh, we’re from GA too, about 90 minutes from Atlanta. Small world.)
Hi Rob & Allie. We are back again and are learning how to communicate with you and figuring out our route. Going past Chicago to the west coast and back to Chicago is the easy part. From Chicago back to our home in NJ is the hard part. We want to limit Train Changes as much as possible. I am trying to make notes as to what we should do to make it a good (and reasonable) experience. Even though we are in our 70s, we are babies as far as train travel. I know that we want a bedroom whenever we stay overnight. That's what Judie (my better half) has told me. Planning in advance will be a major point for this trip. Any suggestions, let us know. Thanks, Barry & Judie
Going back from Chicago you have to take 2 trains with a hotel stop and the end of the route for the first trip. Your first option is take the City of New Orleanse train from Chicago, then cahnge to the Crescent in New Orleans. The other option is take any train to New York from Chicago and then take the Palmento or Silver Star route to New Jersey.
Enjoying this video! Love riding on Amtrak, the food in the dinette and the sleeper cars. Took a sleeper car three times from Washington, DC to Atlanta, GA, Florida and New Orleans.
Great video, Rob didn't look too wet! 😂 Have been to St Louis a number of times and I've been to the ballpark, saw them play Cubs. CUBBIES WON!! I agree with your comment about the Arch, it is very impressive. Thanks for sharing and for bringing lots of memories for me. Safe travels and waiting to see your next adventure. 🛤 🚉
Hi Ally and Rob have you took a trip to Philadelphia pa. I would love to see the video I've watched all your videos. I must go back and like them I be studying the videos like a test and forgot to like the videos, I love the videos.
I've taken those trains from Chicago to Phoenix. I was pregnant and had 2 small kids. Unfortunately no sleeper car just regular seats. The staff was amazing. Didn't like changing trains in the middle of the night in a seedy looking area though.
Love Your Videos! Extremely informative... And it looks like you're having a Blast. How do You Plan Your Trips? You're Definitely Experts! And I Like Amtrak Travel. Be Safe, Have Fun!
So sad you did not get to go through Missouri! As a Missouri native (I might be a little bias) there are some very pretty stops along the Missouri River Runner. The capital area in Jefferson City is very pretty and the city works hard to make it a fun destination. Another beautiful stop is Herman, MO. They have lots of fun winery's and Bed and Breakfasts. I would Highly Recommend stoping some day! Don't forget to say Hello!
I went on my first auto train from FL to Va.. I got a roommette and it was perfect. Ty for all your advise. I got a great price ( discount included) . I slept like a baby!!
I road aboard the Texas Eagle from Chicago to Dallas in 2017. I road aboard the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles in 2018. I stayed in a Bedroom for both trips. The Journeys were AWESOME. I am looking forward to riding on the Southwest Chief again sometime. Thank you for Sharing your experience also.
So cool to see you guys in my town of St Louis and a long video. I've taken that Amtrak from St Louis to Chicago twice, can't wait to take the KC route. Poor Rob in the rain! I just bought a full body travel raincoat even though I take umbrellas because sometimes that's not enough. Good to see the good and the bad so we'll be prepared. Safe travels!
Woow, excellent video as always. I don’t stay in America but always enjoy your videos; 1 day I will come over for vacation and will definitely use the train for the experience. Thank you guys for wonderful job.
Without a doubt one of your best! The tours around the two cities a nice addition. Really felt like I took the trip with you as it is very unlikely will ever get to take such a trip myself. Really enjoyed it!
I enjoyed this nice long vlog. I felt I got a full experience of the room tours, 3 meals & service , scenery near the station, and popular towns. It left me desiring train food though.😂
Thanks for all the info. Boarding The Texas Eagle on 10/7, off in San Antonio for 2 days, then boarding Sunset Limited for New Orleans and three day stay before Sunset Limited back to Tucson. Thanks again.
Really love this channel. Allie and Rob yall the best I enjoy watching. I am traveling out of Atlanta though what is reasonable prices to go to a city from here?
@@GroundedLifeTravel I have been lucky to see them each in separate shows and then combine. I lived in Pensacola FL for a time and now in Vegas area. Both the Navy station and the AFB have great yearly open house events.
My wife and I travelled from Charlotte, NC right through to Denver, CO via Washington, Cleveland, Chicago and Omaha on Amtrak. A wonderful way to see your beautiful country.
I'm really enjoying your videos. One thing that I love is your positivity and enjoyment of what you are doing. I recently watched another channel and it was so negative. Ugh! Unhappy people, I'm grateful I'm not one.
Maybe it’s just me, but I fear that I could put on a lot of weight on with those wonderful meals when I do my round the country trip that I plan to do next year. I’d like to tell myself that I would eat oatmeal for breakfast, but those meals you’re having look way too tempting. I’ve been watching all of your videos and I’ve truly enjoyed them. I went from Central PA to st. Louis by Amtrack a couple of years ago and it was the most enjoyable trips I’ve had in ages. To think I had driven that distance, prior to that. I will never ever drive that trip again and absolutely never fly again. I plan to do that trip again next year, but I’m going to get A from Pittsburgh to Chicago and Chicago St. Louis. I’ll be 81 by then and definitely deserve my own space. And I look forward to being pampered at meals and with the turn down bed service. I also took AMTRAK from Central Pennsylvania to Cleveland recently. It was considerably longer, but I absolutely love the trip and didn’t mind it at all. It be driving route 80 in Pennsylvania, which I hate. As most people do. I am definitely an Amtrack fan and highly recommend it to anybody.
I say this only because I live in KC, Missouri; Union Station and most of KC is in Missouri not Kansas. There is a KC, Kansas and they will revitalize (I imagine), but until then KC is mostly Missouri. Oh, and LOVE your videos, I'm just starting the rails. My next trip (and biggest so far will be KC to LA! So, I'm so glad to watch this particular video. Jack Stack is my favorite
Great video! How is the noise between those adjoining rooms? We were in Cabin A on Coast Starlight a few weeks ago and didnt hear anything between us and our neighbors but that was not an adjoining room
Hi again R & A, I so enjoy your videos. This one is from Raton New Mexico and listening to your descriptions of meals has really made me feel hungry. I feel tat this trip will be much better than the Auto Train that we took several years ago. We are still doing our planning (with your help). Thanks so much, Judie & Barry
Will be taking the Texas Eagle from Texas to Chicago next week. Someone posted that the bathrooms were dirty and there was no wifi and no observation deck. Do you know why there is no observation deck on the Texas Eagle?
Maria, For me coming from East Texas things were clean on the Texas Eagle Longview, Tx to Dallas. You can go from the San Antonio station up to St. Louis. The issue for us East Texans is that although we can go to St. Louis, Missouri on one leg and then transfer to the Missouri River Runner; the route has changed. Previously, you could opt to take a daytime run of the Missouri River Runner that connects you to Kansas City, Missouri. From here one could then choose to take a third leg aboard the South West Chief and go on to LAX. With the cancellation of the daytime run, the only MRR route departs at 4pm. on its way to Kansas City. Not a fan of getting off a train at night! All in all perhaps one reason there is not an observation car along part of the Texas Eagle is that there is not much to see in comparison with the cross-country routes throughout the West. The California Zephyr (Chicago to Emeryville, California) is touted as very scenic; however, it is certainly more expensive. I opted for LVW to CHI. We will spend the night in CHI and then on to Winslow, AZ. for the Standing on The Corner Festival this Fall (2022). Let us know how your trip came out. For those of you hardy rail fans that don't mind taking a thru-way bus there is an alternate route. San Antonio to Ft. Worth, Texas. Short layover/transfer to the Heartland Flyer. This route follows a northernly path to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. End of line unless you take the Amtrak thruway bus . 23 minute wait for bus, then off at night to Newton, Kansas (5 hours). Layover, or hotel; but Newton, KS is a stop on the South West Chief route from CHI to LAX. Perhaps this a crazy short cut off the SAS to CHI to LAX route? HA HA. Happy travels, y'all!
Couple Quick questions for you guys 1 where u able to take any of the food you didn't eat back to your room second how did you guys get to the royals game from union station ? I wanted to due the same baseball trip in 2020 but never happened love the video
The problem with delays is hotel reservations made. It stinks coming into arrival city choice @ early am hours 2 am for example. You meet the niceset people at 2 am lol.
I love you guys, you make riding a train fun and enjoyable. I fly all the time but my next trip will be on a train. I hope I will run into you both. I’m retired military and love meeting people like you to
My dad was a tour bus driver for a company that a contract with Northwest Airlines way back in the day. The weather was horrible, and so one flight to Quebec was cancelled. But they contracted my dads company to complete the trip. He let me come along. Best trip ever, until one lady deemed it necessary to sit next to me in the bus drivers accompaniment seats. Still didn't bother me. And best thing was that after we dropped them off at the airport we had a free hotel room to refresh for 48 hours.
Thinking about taking a trip I've never been on a train before the only thing that really scares me is derails and the swaying but I definitely wanna try it at least once but we don't have a Amtrak close to my town so I'd have to travel for three hrs to get on one
Wow!! The Gateway Arch is absolutely mind blowing 🤯. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures and especially by the train. I love traveling by train. I have done NYC to Los Angeles and back in 2015 on the Southest Chief from Chicago to L.A. I loved 😍 it. Thanks 💖 🙏🏼 and Blessings to you both.
Have either of you tried the grits on the train? That's my first time hearing that they serve grits. Even before the pandemic. Personally, I can't eat eggs. Plus I miss the pancakes they use to serve
Rob, where did you grow up in IL? I grew up in southern Illinois and went to college at Illinois State University. I agree with you about driving in the rain. Illinois and tornadoes-yup! We live just across the river from St. Louis and we never tire of looking at the Arch. Glad you highlighted it!
Aww, you guys didn't go up in the Arch?? You came all the way here, went to Arch ground... and you didn't take the tramp up to the Arch? Also, I know that you guys were probably just staying close to down town, but you should've gone to Forest Park.. one of the best thing about St. Louis is all of the offerings you can enjoy... for FREE. Art Museum, History Museum.. Zoo, St. Louis Science Center... all of it are free to the public. Botanical Garden is lovely too.. but there is small fee to enter that one.
This has been a great adventure! The food looks wonderful! I would be jealous; however, I just enjoyed a homemade New Zealand venison burger on a warm homemade cheese stuffed roll. So, this time, as I viewed one of your great videos, I was able to dine along with you! But you all had desserts! Nice! I LOVE carrot cake! Yummy! That looks like you had a fun trip! P. S. Once you arrived in LA, the guy making the announcements sounds like Rob!😂😂😂
Am brand new to TH-cam and your channel. You are terrific. I bought the 30 pass and am getting anxious. I haven't started really planning yet and am most concerned about hotels and losing close to the stations. What do you recommend for suggestions? Also, where do I get a map of Amtrak. Thank you so much. Now I just have to figure out how to use patreon. Thankyou!
Welcome to the channel! I have a few resources for you. We have a detailed map of all the routes on our website here: www.groundedlifetravel.com/amtrak-map-and-route-guide/ Also if you go to the individual route pages on our website, we have hotel recommendations for each route close the station at the bottom of the article. Hopefully it is helpful!
Love your AMTRAK videos. One question: I thought the dining cars were open again and serving regular meals. The menu you showed seemed to indicate the COVID-style frozen meals. I am hoping to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief in December but don't want to spend the money if it is going to be these frozen meals. Can you advise as to what to expect?
That’s an unusual situation with the cafe’ and dining car attendant being the same person. I guess the T Eagle remained on Flexible Dining and not the Traditional menu as did several trains traveling west of Chicago. But, I noticed the Traditional menu was back on the SW Chief..interesting.
The Texas Eagle and the Capitol Limited share train sets of rolling stock. Amtrak is able to use five train sets instead of six, three each, because of their scheduling in Chicago. Amtrak is squeezing every bit of capability out of their rolling stock. Both trains use the Cross Country Diner, and currently do not have a Sight Seeing Lounge/Cafe. The Cross Country Diner acts as both the diner and cafe. Both trains have not returned to traditional dining, remaining as flexible dining. Their Sightseeing Lounges will return after all of the Sightseeing Lounges on all of the trains have been refurbished. Since both the Texas Eagle(Chicago-San Antonio) and Capitol Limited are one night trains, Amtrak chose these to withhold for the refurbishment process. Maybe Amtrak will accomplish this in a few years. While Amtrak does have extra rolling stock, there aren't many spares, just barely enough to repair and maintain a few for their entire fleet. Pray Amtrak doesn't have a Superliner derailment in the near future, if they do most likely the City of New Orleans will be the next victim to lose their Sightseeing Lounges. Obviously Amtrak prefers to keep Sightseeing Lounges on those trains crossing the Rockies and Cascades...
Question about food, is there more options other than the dinning car on board a Amtrak like vending machines or were you can get food when ever you want?
Call me weird but, I absolutely LOVE the delays. I can't get enough of them. It just means more time on this wonderful train enjoying the voyage. I NEVER schedule anything around train travel. Mostly because I'm fingers crossed for as many delays as possible.
We don't mind them either, I'm not sure we hope for them though! You usually get an extra meal out of it though!
I always plan and book my Amtrak trips with a night layover at any connecting city and getting to my destination a day earlier than I need to be there, for a wedding or birthday. I also will plan a layover at any of the small towns on the route and spend a night at a bed and breakfast as well. Layovers add spice to a train journey. The train depots are usually near these small towns downtowns and their nearby bed and breakfasts, many are nice old Victorian or Queen Ann homes.
That’s the best attitude to have. Now that I’m older, I would be so much better with delays than I was in my 30’s.
I do too
You are a real train lover ❤. Really good 👍.
Why does no one in the comments talk about how precious his wife is... like she's so cute like a wholesome ball of soothing energy.
I said the same thing. Love her energy ❤
I just love you two. 💞
I love this Amtrak train and vacation video!
More of these types of videos, PLEASE!!! 💞 😘
Y’all are REALLY good. So pleasant and so helpful. It’s been a very long time since I’ve taken a trip on Amtrak so I’m learning quite a bit by watching your videos. Thank you so much for doing these videos !!!
Thank you both so much for sharing your wonderful experiences. I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s quite interesting, as well as, very informative. Safe travels 😉✌🏼
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love your videos. I live in the U.K. and I have only visited New York State and California so it is great to see America's heartlands through your videos. I'd love to visit them one day, preferably on Amtrak. In the meantime keep up the great work.
Thanks so much!
I love your stop in St. Louis, thank you for the note on your hotel stay. Baseball season in over but 2022 beckons. Thank you for all your videos and tips.
Thanks for watching! Probably the closest we've ever stayed to a stadium, it was a great hotel.
You two are very good explaining everything on the trains making me want to follow you. Since my husband and I cannot travel at this time I will continue to take joy from watching you. Have fun doing everything you can while you can. You are an inspiration to me.
Thanks for watching and your kind comments!
Hi I enjoy your videos I love to travel Amtrak I usually travel New York Penn going to North Carolina. But in the future I'm a travel long distance..
@Brenda Abernathy Ditto to what you said. 🙂 Hoping someday you & your husband can travel. Hubby Normal & I dream of taking a Route 66 trip on the Southwest Chief if and when we can travel again sometime. Meanwhile, watching these videos is a great way to vicariously enjoy Amtrak trips. Maybe someday we'll catch you guys out on the rails. Take care 😀
Me too !!!!!!
Another great video! Thanks so much! That tornado warning was a bit scary! Rob’s “TWC-style” storm reporting was a nice addition!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks! Appreciate you watching!
Thanks for your great videos. You both make such an attractive couple. As good and thorough as you are Amtrak, Coca-Cola , Canada Dry and Seagrams should sponsor you. Loved you showing St Louis. Sorry about the tracks canceling the thru trip in Missouri. The state helps to fund this stretch from St Louis to Kansas City. It is a great asset and one I am sure Missouri wants to keep. Again, thanks!
Thanks so much for watching and your kind comments! We loved our time in St. Louis, it had been many years since we were there. The last time was as children.
I'm recovering from a fall yesterday and this video is really comforting me with all this scenery.....Very good video 📹 as always!!!!
The wife voice is very soothing and very professional. It's like she sounds like a news anchor or a travel channel host.
Thanks so much!
Epic video! It had everything and as always with your videos, super-informative and interesting. Glad you made it through the tornado warning (and a meal of Pop Tarts, Ritz Bits and Coke!)
Thanks so much!
I've watched other train channels and I must say, Ali and Rob, you're the best. Keep up your good work. I espectially liked your city tour of St. Louis.
I'm too old for that...heard that! You go dude! That's exactly why I'm watching this video...looking for fun stuff to do before we get too old!
I know tornadoes are serious business, but y’all were pretty funny stopped over the river, cigarettes and fresh air, orange life jacket and Rob Cantore. Got some good chuckles. 😂
Really random, but could you do a hair care on the train ride video. I just have this feeling I'm going to short out the electricity on the train when I blow dry my hair 🤣😖. I'm thinking braids are my best bet.
.....Love You Guys! I Love Trains and You Make it So Enjoyable!.....
Thank you very much!
I am so glad they have traditional dining back on some of their routes. QUESTION: For those of us who can't eat wheat flour products, do you know if there is an option to substitute grits or oatmeal for the croissant at breakfast? They used to provide that option, but it sounds like that's not a choice anymore.
I have not been to St Louis so I really appreciate the tour. Wow! That arch is enormous!
It kind of surprises you with the size!
The two of you seem to be an excellent match and a very good couple for traveling anywhere in the world.
Speaking about your KC experience:
I see you tried the KC Streetcar. It's a popular tourist attraction, though if you had more time to play with in KC, I would suggest taking it all the way to the north end where the River Market is, which is another popular attraction. You will love that area!
In the far back side of Union Station (where you took that bridge to Jack Stacks), normally they have a huge display room of various model train sets that was free to the public. I don't think it's opened up anymore due to COVID, but you would have enjoyed that a lot.
As for Jacks Stacks, if you think the wait time at that location was crazy, you obviously haven't went to the Plaza location lol (which is a few miles south of Union Station). Getting in any of those restaurants tends to have a pretty lengthy wait time, especially at night and weekends.
We really did enjoy our time in KC! Yes that train collection was closed. We didn't know about it, but then saw it once there, but then realized we couldn't see it! There were several restaurants closed as that was the actual 4th of July, so the wait times at the open places was pretty high!
I enjoy your videos. My husband and I travel to Florida on the Silver Star and really enjoy the trip. You are inspiring us to travel west on Amtrak. Keep up the great videos. Enjoy traveling.
Do you all ever get a discount on Amtrak? I ask because you do a beautiful job of explaining everything, you should be their ambassador's.
This was a great video! Lots of content!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
Love your channel guys!! I found the Rob and I are kindred spirits when it comes to menu choices! French Toast, Angus Burger and Cheesecake! :D
Talk about Scary but he’s so Hilariously Funny as trees floating down the river and the attendant wearing a life jacket...Ugh!!! I had to laugh but always wondered what would happen in severe weather...🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬🌬💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
When they attendant walked by with the life jacket, was an incredible moment!
I love riding the Amtrak train I never been in a sleeper. I love the atmosphere and Amtrak always makes me feel comfortable and I love meeting new people.
Love you videos you do a lot of traveling on a train got a question for you yes you wanted to take a round trip United States do you know how much or about how much it would cost? I have always wanted to do this now it's 65 I really want to do this. Thank you for your time safe travels
The cheapest way would be to get the rail pass, and you can take many segments for one price of $499.
i like delays in my travels , i dont hope for them but i certainly am the type to just enjoy the extra time. im always budgeting extra time allowances for travels and im more surprised that others dont. also i feel like people who travel on trains tend to be happier even with delay as theyre not in a rush anywhere and plus theres always plenty of people to talk to or do on a train. i absoultey love trains and cannot wait untill the day i can just take a vacation and take all of the major train routes. im definietly taking a train there and back for when i get my out of state surgery i cannot imagine being stuck on a plane after surgery or stuck on a plane for more than 4 hours. i dont know how people do those long plane rides.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for letting us travel along with you. Such a sweet treat for those who are unable to, and for those who may be traveling, the helpful hints and reviews are a treasure! I appreciate your optimistic attitude in all situations.
It's funny how I almost feel like I'm there with you , but not quite 😅
Hi guys! Love your videos! This one was especially helpful. I’m trying to plan a cross-country trip for later this summer, and it will be a first for hubby and me. I’ve got to admit there were some potential scenarios that concerned me, including tornadoes and other bad weather. So when you showed the train stopped over the river 😳 to wait out the tornado, and again when your train was canceled due to rain on the tracks, it eased my fears a bit. Now, wouldn’t the bus be driving through a lot of rain too? Anyway, thanks for what you do! (Oh, we’re from GA too, about 90 minutes from Atlanta. Small world.)
Hi Rob & Allie. We are back again and are learning how to communicate with you and figuring out our route. Going past Chicago to the west coast and back to Chicago is the easy part. From Chicago back to our home in NJ is the hard part. We want to limit Train Changes as much as possible. I am trying to make notes as to what we should do to make it a good (and reasonable) experience. Even though we are in our 70s, we are babies as far as train travel. I know that we want a bedroom whenever we stay overnight. That's what Judie (my better half) has told me. Planning in advance will be a major point for this trip. Any suggestions, let us know.
Thanks, Barry & Judie
Going back from Chicago you have to take 2 trains with a hotel stop and the end of the route for the first trip. Your first option is take the City of New Orleanse train from Chicago, then cahnge to the Crescent in New Orleans. The other option is take any train to New York from Chicago and then take the Palmento or Silver Star route to New Jersey.
Jacks is great...too bad on Gates and Sons close by.
Enjoying this video! Love riding on Amtrak, the food in the dinette and the sleeper cars. Took a sleeper car three times from Washington, DC to Atlanta, GA, Florida and New Orleans.
Great video, Rob didn't look too wet! 😂 Have been to St Louis a number of times and I've been to the ballpark, saw them play Cubs. CUBBIES WON!! I agree with your comment about the Arch, it is very impressive. Thanks for sharing and for bringing lots of memories for me. Safe travels and waiting to see your next adventure. 🛤 🚉
Thanks for your kind comments! He tried to get in quickly so the camera microphone didn't get too wet!
Hi Ally and Rob have you took a trip to Philadelphia pa. I would love to see the video I've watched all your videos. I must go back and like them I be studying the videos like a test and forgot to like the videos, I love the videos.
We haven't made it to Philadelphia yet, but are hoping to make a Phillies game soon.
I've taken those trains from Chicago to Phoenix. I was pregnant and had 2 small kids. Unfortunately no sleeper car just regular seats. The staff was amazing. Didn't like changing trains in the middle of the night in a seedy looking area though.
Thanks for sharing
Love Your Videos! Extremely informative... And it looks like you're having a Blast. How do You Plan Your Trips? You're Definitely Experts! And I Like Amtrak Travel. Be Safe, Have Fun!
Thanks so much! We made our own maps we use to help plan, we made them available to everyone on our website.
So sad you did not get to go through Missouri! As a Missouri native (I might be a little bias) there are some very pretty stops along the Missouri River Runner. The capital area in Jefferson City is very pretty and the city works hard to make it a fun destination. Another beautiful stop is Herman, MO. They have lots of fun winery's and Bed and Breakfasts. I would Highly Recommend stoping some day! Don't forget to say Hello!
Next time! Thanks for all the tips!
I went on my first auto train from FL to Va.. I got a roommette and it was perfect. Ty for all your advise. I got a great price ( discount included) . I slept like a baby!!
That is awesome! Glad you had a great trip!
I road aboard the Texas Eagle from Chicago to Dallas in 2017. I road aboard the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles in 2018. I stayed in a Bedroom for both trips. The Journeys were AWESOME. I am looking forward to riding on the Southwest Chief again sometime. Thank you for Sharing your experience also.
Very cool!
So glad you enjoyed Kansas City and STL. ....AND the Jack Stack BBQ is amazing hands down the best!!! (Even STL people agree 😉)
We had a great few weeks there!
So cool to see you guys in my town of St Louis and a long video. I've taken that Amtrak from St Louis to Chicago twice, can't wait to take the KC route. Poor Rob in the rain! I just bought a full body travel raincoat even though I take umbrellas because sometimes that's not enough. Good to see the good and the bad so we'll be prepared. Safe travels!
Woow, excellent video as always.
I don’t stay in America but always enjoy your videos; 1 day I will come over for vacation and will definitely use the train for the experience.
Thank you guys for wonderful job.
Thanks so much! Come visit us soon!
Sorry, I meant the 30 day pass which I bought mid June
English breakfast please with black pudding
🤣🤣 hi from Australia
Hello! Would love to visit Australia one day
Oxymoron…Fresh Air/Smoke Break. 🥴🤔🤭
Without a doubt one of your best! The tours around the two cities a nice addition. Really felt like I took the trip with you as it is very unlikely will ever get to take such a trip myself. Really enjoyed it!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your comments!
I enjoyed this nice long vlog. I felt I got a full experience of the room tours, 3 meals & service , scenery near the station, and popular towns. It left me desiring train food though.😂
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks! The food on the Southwest Chief was great!
Thanks for all the info. Boarding The Texas Eagle on 10/7, off in San Antonio for 2 days, then boarding Sunset Limited for New Orleans and three day stay before Sunset Limited back to Tucson. Thanks again.
I would really like to know his your meals tasted. Were the meals flavorful, and the breakfasts. Breakfast is my most favorite meal of the day.
They were really good, especially on the parts with traditional dining
Really love this channel. Allie and Rob yall the best I enjoy watching. I am traveling out of Atlanta though what is reasonable prices to go to a city from here?
The best trip from Atlanta is New Orleans. You can get there as a day trip and it's reasonable and nice.
@Grounded Life Travel thank you God bless yall AMEN
Was that a Trumpstool Rally? 🥴🤔☹️
Cool ride. Yep if you get to see the fish 🐠 something went wrong! 😂
YES Las Vegas. Nellis AFB>>>>>Thunderbirds and Blue Angels GOOD stuff
It was awesome to see all of them together, quite a day!
@@GroundedLifeTravel I have been lucky to see them each in separate shows and then combine. I lived in Pensacola FL for a time and now in Vegas area. Both the Navy station and the AFB have great yearly open house events.
My wife and I travelled from Charlotte, NC right through to Denver, CO via Washington, Cleveland, Chicago and Omaha on Amtrak. A wonderful way to see your beautiful country.
I'm really enjoying your videos. One thing that I love is your positivity and enjoyment of what you are doing. I recently watched another channel and it was so negative. Ugh! Unhappy people, I'm grateful I'm not one.
Thank you so much!
Maybe it’s just me, but I fear that I could put on a lot of weight on with those wonderful meals when I do my round the country trip that I plan to do next year. I’d like to tell myself that I would eat oatmeal for breakfast, but those meals you’re having look way too tempting. I’ve been watching all of your videos and I’ve truly enjoyed them. I went from Central PA to st. Louis by Amtrack a couple of years ago and it was the most enjoyable trips I’ve had in ages. To think I had driven that distance, prior to that. I will never ever drive that trip again and absolutely never fly again. I plan to do that trip again next year, but I’m going to get A from Pittsburgh to Chicago and Chicago St. Louis. I’ll be 81 by then and definitely deserve my own space. And I look forward to being pampered at meals and with the turn down bed service. I also took AMTRAK from Central Pennsylvania to Cleveland recently. It was considerably longer, but I absolutely love the trip and didn’t mind it at all. It be driving route 80 in Pennsylvania, which I hate. As most people do. I am definitely an Amtrack fan and highly recommend it to anybody.
I drove through that IL and MO rainstorm on my way from KC to Detroit. It was horrible.
Whew! That was some heavy rain!
I say this only because I live in KC, Missouri; Union Station and most of KC is in Missouri not Kansas. There is a KC, Kansas and they will revitalize (I imagine), but until then KC is mostly Missouri. Oh, and LOVE your videos, I'm just starting the rails. My next trip (and biggest so far will be KC to LA! So, I'm so glad to watch this particular video. Jack Stack is my favorite
Great video! How is the noise between those adjoining rooms? We were in Cabin A on Coast Starlight a few weeks ago and didnt hear anything between us and our neighbors but that was not an adjoining room
In the bedrooms, we could hear the people next door quite a bit, but in the roomette we never hear anyone.
That was fun! The overhead announcer at the end of the video sounded like Rob. LOL
That is true, we hadn't noticed!
Hi again R & A, I so enjoy your videos. This one is from Raton New Mexico and listening to your descriptions of meals has really made me feel hungry. I feel tat this trip will be much better than the Auto Train that we took several years ago. We are still doing our planning (with your help).
Thanks so much,
Judie & Barry
Will be taking the Texas Eagle from Texas to Chicago next week. Someone posted that the bathrooms were dirty and there was no wifi and no observation deck. Do you know why there is no observation deck on the Texas Eagle?
Maria, For me coming from East Texas things were clean on the Texas Eagle Longview, Tx to Dallas. You can go from the San Antonio station up to St. Louis. The issue for us East Texans is that although we can go to St. Louis, Missouri on one leg and then transfer to the Missouri River Runner; the route has changed. Previously, you could opt to take a daytime run of the Missouri River Runner that connects you to Kansas City, Missouri. From here one could then choose to take a third leg aboard the South West Chief and go on to LAX. With the cancellation of the daytime run, the only MRR route departs at 4pm. on its way to Kansas City. Not a fan of getting off a train at night! All in all perhaps one reason there is not an observation car along part of the Texas Eagle is that there is not much to see in comparison with the cross-country routes throughout the West. The California Zephyr (Chicago to Emeryville, California) is touted as very scenic; however, it is certainly more expensive. I opted for LVW to CHI. We will spend the night in CHI and then on to Winslow, AZ. for the Standing on The Corner Festival this Fall (2022). Let us know how your trip came out. For those of you hardy rail fans that don't mind taking a thru-way bus there is an alternate route. San Antonio to Ft. Worth, Texas. Short layover/transfer to the Heartland Flyer. This route follows a northernly path to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. End of line unless you take the Amtrak thruway bus .
23 minute wait for bus, then off at night to Newton, Kansas (5 hours). Layover, or hotel; but Newton, KS is a stop on the South West Chief route from CHI to LAX. Perhaps this a crazy short cut off the SAS to CHI to LAX route? HA HA. Happy travels, y'all!
Couple Quick questions for you guys 1 where u able to take any of the food you didn't eat back to your room second how did you guys get to the royals game from union station ? I wanted to due the same baseball trip in 2020 but never happened love the video
The problem with delays is hotel reservations made. It stinks coming into arrival city choice @ early am hours 2 am for example. You meet the niceset people at 2 am lol.
Very good !
I'm a fan of Amtrak, although I live in Brazil
Have you ever traveled by train across Europe?
I love you guys, you make riding a train fun and enjoyable. I fly all the time but my next trip will be on a train. I hope I will run into you both. I’m retired military and love meeting people like you to
My dad was a tour bus driver for a company that a contract with Northwest Airlines way back in the day. The weather was horrible, and so one flight to Quebec was cancelled. But they contracted my dads company to complete the trip. He let me come along. Best trip ever, until one lady deemed it necessary to sit next to me in the bus drivers accompaniment seats. Still didn't bother me. And best thing was that after we dropped them off at the airport we had a free hotel room to refresh for 48 hours.
Thinking about taking a trip I've never been on a train before the only thing that really scares me is derails and the swaying but I definitely wanna try it at least once but we don't have a Amtrak close to my town so I'd have to travel for three hrs to get on one
Amtrak is aight but, Highspeed bullet trains and maglev super train technology. Now these modern marvels are the new American dream.
Wow!! The Gateway Arch is absolutely mind blowing 🤯. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures and especially by the train. I love traveling by train. I have done NYC to Los Angeles and back in 2015 on the Southest Chief from Chicago to L.A. I loved 😍 it. Thanks 💖 🙏🏼 and Blessings to you both.
Our pleasure! The Arch was really spectacular, bigger than imagined!
Hi Rob and Ally. I am taking my first train trip from ny to nm to see friends. Thanks so much for your videos, I have learned alot.
Have either of you tried the grits on the train? That's my first time hearing that they serve grits. Even before the pandemic. Personally, I can't eat eggs. Plus I miss the pancakes they use to serve
Ok, I’m becoming addicted to watching your videos!
Thanks!
@@GroundedLifeTravel And thank you for sharing your great vacations with us!
You guys are awesome and you always get a couple chuckles out of me. This looked like a fun trip!
Yall should travel to Texas on this same train 🚆 and then head to California from Where the Eagle becomes the Sunset Limited.
Rob, where did you grow up in IL? I grew up in southern Illinois and went to college at Illinois State University. I agree with you about driving in the rain. Illinois and tornadoes-yup! We live just across the river from St. Louis and we never tire of looking at the Arch. Glad you highlighted it!
Loved the Arch too! I grew up in southern Michigan, but we went through Illinois often!
Appreciate the answer!
Howdy folks. I'm from and live in Kansas City and I have journeyed out of Union Station many times.
I love StL and KCMO. Thanks for the video.
What is Wi if like? As a long rein means I would have to connect to Wi-Fi at least 3 hours per day
Aww, you guys didn't go up in the Arch?? You came all the way here, went to Arch ground... and you didn't take the tramp up to the Arch? Also, I know that you guys were probably just staying close to down town, but you should've gone to Forest Park.. one of the best thing about St. Louis is all of the offerings you can enjoy... for FREE. Art Museum, History Museum.. Zoo, St. Louis Science Center... all of it are free to the public. Botanical Garden is lovely too.. but there is small fee to enter that one.
We'd been up it previously so we just wanted to do the River Cruise this time
I have been on tge Texas Eagle leaving from Texas to Chicago.
Being above a river during a tornado doesn’t sound to good! 😯
Luckily it wasn't too windy at that point yet!
How far were u from train station?
Not very far at all
Is it normal not to have an observation car between San Antonio and Chicago? I was going to take that trip and I’d be really sad
Yes that section never had an observation car.
Allie you are a sweetheart but when it comes to the food, I'm going with Rob!
This has been a great adventure! The food looks wonderful! I would be jealous; however, I just enjoyed a homemade New Zealand venison burger on a warm homemade cheese stuffed roll. So, this time, as I viewed one of your great videos, I was able to dine along with you! But you all had desserts! Nice! I LOVE carrot cake! Yummy! That looks like you had a fun trip!
P. S. Once you arrived in LA, the guy making the announcements sounds like Rob!😂😂😂
Thanks for sharing that is awesome!
Slight correctopn: FYI , You were in Kansas City, MISSOURI, not Kansas.
Am brand new to TH-cam and your channel. You are terrific. I bought the 30 pass and am getting anxious. I haven't started really planning yet and am most concerned about hotels and losing close to the stations. What do you recommend for suggestions? Also, where do I get a map of Amtrak. Thank you so much. Now I just have to figure out how to use patreon. Thankyou!
Welcome to the channel! I have a few resources for you. We have a detailed map of all the routes on our website here:
www.groundedlifetravel.com/amtrak-map-and-route-guide/
Also if you go to the individual route pages on our website, we have hotel recommendations for each route close the station at the bottom of the article.
Hopefully it is helpful!
Love your AMTRAK videos. One question: I thought the dining cars were open again and serving regular meals. The menu you showed seemed to indicate the COVID-style frozen meals. I am hoping to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief in December but don't want to spend the money if it is going to be these frozen meals. Can you advise as to what to expect?
You will have classic, chef made meals.
I guess we should bring water and snacks and a few of those minis
You can't really check the arch off if you don't go up inside the arch to the top... it's an experience... to say the least... lol
It really is, went up as a child, still remember it!
Been watching your channel. Always wanted to take a long distance trip on the train. Mrs. reminds me of a Braxton sister. Thanks for the insight.
Thanks for watching, she gets that comparison alot!
That’s an unusual situation with the cafe’ and dining car attendant being the same person. I guess the T Eagle remained on Flexible Dining and not the Traditional menu as did several trains traveling west of Chicago. But, I noticed the Traditional menu was back on the SW Chief..interesting.
The Texas Eagle and the Capitol Limited share train sets of rolling stock. Amtrak is able to use five train sets instead of six, three each, because of their scheduling in Chicago. Amtrak is squeezing every bit of capability out of their rolling stock. Both trains use the Cross Country Diner, and currently do not have a Sight Seeing Lounge/Cafe. The Cross Country Diner acts as both the diner and cafe. Both trains have not returned to traditional dining, remaining as flexible dining. Their Sightseeing Lounges will return after all of the Sightseeing Lounges on all of the trains have been refurbished. Since both the Texas Eagle(Chicago-San Antonio) and Capitol Limited are one night trains, Amtrak chose these to withhold for the refurbishment process. Maybe Amtrak will accomplish this in a few years. While Amtrak does have extra rolling stock, there aren't many spares, just barely enough to repair and maintain a few for their entire fleet. Pray Amtrak doesn't have a Superliner derailment in the near future, if they do most likely the City of New Orleans will be the next victim to lose their Sightseeing Lounges. Obviously Amtrak prefers to keep Sightseeing Lounges on those trains crossing the Rockies and Cascades...
Question about food, is there more options other than the dinning car on board a Amtrak like vending machines or were you can get food when ever you want?
Yes, there is a cafe with hot and cold food and snacks and drinks
I wouldn't want to be parked on the train either- I don't like crossing the Mississippi either.
First thing we thought when we looked down and saw the river!
No way! I think I was on the Texas Eagle that day... Being stopped in Pontiac was an interesting experience.
Awesome!