Hey there fellow travel enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my exciting and slightly bumpy adventure traveling on Amtrak with my 11-year-old daughter. It had been ages since I last hopped on a train, so when the opportunity to take a trip to St. Louis, MO presented itself, I couldn’t resist. Little did I know, it would be a journey filled with ups and downs, but hey, that’s what makes for a memorable travel story, right?
Our adventure began at the Lee’s Summit train station, nestled in the suburbs of Kansas City. The scheduled 5-hour trip on Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner train gave us plenty of time to bond and soak in the experience. However, I must admit, the economy seats left much to be desired. No assigned seating meant it was a bit of a free-for-all, and the lack of reclining options left my poor back and neck in agony. But hey, at least we got to witness the charm of Missouri’s small towns along the way, which was like stepping back in time!
Now, let’s talk about the food situation. With economy tickets, food and drinks weren’t included, so we decided to splurge a little and indulge in the offerings from the food car. Let me warn you, though, it’s not your average dining experience. Prices were a tad steep, with candy costing a whopping $3.00 and heated sandwiches setting us back around $8.00. But hey, we were all in for the experience, so we embraced the train food extravaganza.
After what felt like a whirlwind tour of Warrensburg, Sedalia, Jefferson City, Hermann, Washington, and Kirkwood, we finally arrived in St. Louis. Navigating the train station was a breeze, and we wasted no time upgrading our seats to business class. I mean, after enduring the discomfort of economy, reclining seats and free food sounded like a dream come true.
Our time in St. Louis was nothing short of amazing. We explored the iconic “Gateway to the West” and had a delightful family get-together at the breathtaking Sunset Park. Seriously, folks, Sunset Park is a hidden gem that will leave you in awe.
Now, let’s fast forward to our journey back home. Equipped with assigned seating in business class, we were ready to kick back and relax. Well, that was the plan. Unfortunately, our personal attendant seemed to have gone MIA, and it took a while before we could place our meal order. But hey, let’s cut them some slack. The crew had to scramble due to unforeseen circumstances, and we understand that things happen.
Speaking of meals, the inclusive aspect wasn’t as inclusive as advertised. We were only allowed one food selection and one drink, which was a bit disappointing. But hey, we chalked it up to the crew change challenges they were facing.
Despite the hiccups, the remainder of the ride was relaxing and comfortable. We even managed to catch a few Zs during the last leg of the journey. So, let’s address the burning questions:
- Would we travel by train again? Absolutely, but only for shorter trips. Anything longer than 5 hours might test our patience a bit too much. Don’t get me wrong, train rides have their charm, but I’ll take the convenience of air travel for lengthier journeys.
- Are train rides comfortable? If you’re in the right spot, absolutely! Business class was a game-changer with its spacious seats and reclining options. However, economy class didn’t quite hit the mark, especially when traveling with kids. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the extra room and the ability to recline.
- Should you try the train? Without a doubt! Riding the train felt like stepping into a Social Studies textbook from our school days. It was a refreshing change from being behind the wheel and allowed us to truly soak in the beauty of Missouri. So, go ahead and give it a shot!
Well, there you have it, folks. My rollercoaster Amtrak adventure with my daughter. If you’re feeling inspired to embark on your own train journey, reach out to us at Bonne Vacances Travel Agency, and we’ll help you find the perfect ride. Happy travels!
