It’s all about the journey, not the destination.
We were traveling across the country from San Francisco to Savannah on anAmtrak train.
When I told people about this adventure, we got differing responses.
Credit:Christin Parcerisa/Travel + Leisure
Some were excited, while others believed taking a seven- to 10-hour plane ride was a better idea.
So, as I embarked on my 91-hour journey from Emeryville, California, I was a little nervous.
I booked a roomette, which has two wide seats facing each other and a large window.
Christin Parcerisa/Travel + Leisure
The car has restrooms and a shower, which are shared with the other roomette guests in the car.
For more privacy and space, a bedroom with an in-room restroom and shower, can also be booked.
The first one is theCalifornia Zephyr, which starts in Emeryville and ends in Chicago after 52 hours.
Christin Parcerisa/Travel + Leisure
Here, there are seats looking out and some tables.
This was the perfect place to spend time with my 1-year old.
People were relaxed, admiring the landscape and eager to chat.
Christin Parcerisa/Travel + Leisure
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included when you have a private room.
Chef-prepared meals include flat iron steak, an oven-roasted salmon, and a vegetarian pasta primavera.
While we slept, we left Nevada behind and entered Utah.
Christin Parcerisa/Travel + Leisure
Several of our friends disembarked in Salt Lake City and newcomers joined in the middle of the night.
After breakfast, it was harder to get a seat in the observation car.
The Colorado River accompanies the train for a long stretch.
Apparently, its a decades-long tradition that continues to create excitement for both rafters and riders.
And then there was Glenwood Springs.
Passengers are allowed to hop off the train at some stations to stretch their legs for a few minutes.
Although most stations don’t offer much to look at, this one is worth enjoying.
You dont have to stay in the same place at all times.
Once Isla grew tired, it was time to rest.
Having a private room allows you to do that and change diapers without missing out on the views.
We werent worried if she overslept and we missed dinnertime since room service is available.
Dinner happened during the stop at the Denver station.
Another highlight was crossing the Mississippi River.
As we approached Chicago, both passengers and staff rushed to get everything ready to disembark.
From Forests to the City
Capitol Limited is the second train of the journey.
It’s smaller and doesnt have an observation car, but the 18-hour journey mainly takes place at night.
Mom and dad got to have a calm dinner while baby recovered from a hectic day of changing trains.
The surprise was a deep green forest in Pennsylvania.
Breakfast was served as the train entered Maryland.
The forest was thick everywhere you looked, so much so that the humidity was almost palpable.
Once in Washington, D.C., theres a Metropolitan Lounge.
The private rooms in this train feel more spacious.
The rooms have enough space for a small bag, but not a big carry-on.
As for traveling by train with a 1-year old?
Id do it again.
