Saber Mom
Train Attendant
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2015
- Messages
- 46
Hello! I am new here, so please forgive me if I ask questions that have been asked before. I have been surfing around the website for a couple of days, but I can't find a way to search it. Please forgive me if I'm repetitive.
I used to fly for my job before I had kids and since I've had kids, I've developed a ridiculous fear of flying. In fact, I think it's more social anxiety and claustrophobia than anything, because I know it's safe and faster to fly. I'm just having a very hard time talking myself into doing it. Every time I even think about flying, I get all nauseated and weak in the knees, so I've decided to do some research on train traveling.
I have a conference in the first week of March that I want to attend. It's in Los Angeles, and I live in Michigan - way too long of a drive to take by myself. I also have an autoimmune disease that requires rest, so I thought that rather than put myself through the severe stress that flying takes on my mental state (LOL), I thought I'd give Amtrak a try.
I would be taking the SWC from Chicago to Los Angeles, go to my conference, head to Disneyland via car rental, then come back to LAX to come home.
Here are my questions so far:
1. I know I'm probably too late for any deals, but is it possible to find any this late in the game? I would get a roomette. As much as I'd love one with its own toilet, that's out of my budget.
2. I'm not concerned about claustrophobia in the roomette due to there being a large window in there, but does one have to take meals in the dining car? I'm a little concerned about my social anxiety and would like the option of having an "escape" if that makes any sense.
3. TMI here, (sorry for this being in my first post), part of my autoimmune disease is stomach related. If I end up getting an upset stomach, how embarrassed will I be if I have to run to the bathroom frequently?
4. Does anyone ever get motion sickness in a train? I can't handle roller coasters and have to sit in the front seat of a car or bus. The last time I was on a train I was in 6th grade and I was having too much fun to notice. I'm assuming I'll be fine, but I wanted to ask this just in case. (For what it's worth, I've been on a cruise and did okay, so I'm assuming that will probably be the same on a train?)
5. Any tips for a first timer? I have read the thread posted below, but would love more tips if possible. I'm getting pretty excited.
This trip is going to cost me about $1000 more to take a train than to fly. My husband is an angel for not being upset about my stupid phobia. I'm trying not to feel guilty about it, and more trying to see it as a special pampering time for me. I was diagnosed with my disease about 4 years ago, went through a little bit of hell at first, but now doing quite well. The conference I will be attending is for other patients like me.
Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate any feedback!
I used to fly for my job before I had kids and since I've had kids, I've developed a ridiculous fear of flying. In fact, I think it's more social anxiety and claustrophobia than anything, because I know it's safe and faster to fly. I'm just having a very hard time talking myself into doing it. Every time I even think about flying, I get all nauseated and weak in the knees, so I've decided to do some research on train traveling.
I have a conference in the first week of March that I want to attend. It's in Los Angeles, and I live in Michigan - way too long of a drive to take by myself. I also have an autoimmune disease that requires rest, so I thought that rather than put myself through the severe stress that flying takes on my mental state (LOL), I thought I'd give Amtrak a try.
I would be taking the SWC from Chicago to Los Angeles, go to my conference, head to Disneyland via car rental, then come back to LAX to come home.
Here are my questions so far:
1. I know I'm probably too late for any deals, but is it possible to find any this late in the game? I would get a roomette. As much as I'd love one with its own toilet, that's out of my budget.
2. I'm not concerned about claustrophobia in the roomette due to there being a large window in there, but does one have to take meals in the dining car? I'm a little concerned about my social anxiety and would like the option of having an "escape" if that makes any sense.
3. TMI here, (sorry for this being in my first post), part of my autoimmune disease is stomach related. If I end up getting an upset stomach, how embarrassed will I be if I have to run to the bathroom frequently?
4. Does anyone ever get motion sickness in a train? I can't handle roller coasters and have to sit in the front seat of a car or bus. The last time I was on a train I was in 6th grade and I was having too much fun to notice. I'm assuming I'll be fine, but I wanted to ask this just in case. (For what it's worth, I've been on a cruise and did okay, so I'm assuming that will probably be the same on a train?)
5. Any tips for a first timer? I have read the thread posted below, but would love more tips if possible. I'm getting pretty excited.
This trip is going to cost me about $1000 more to take a train than to fly. My husband is an angel for not being upset about my stupid phobia. I'm trying not to feel guilty about it, and more trying to see it as a special pampering time for me. I was diagnosed with my disease about 4 years ago, went through a little bit of hell at first, but now doing quite well. The conference I will be attending is for other patients like me.
Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate any feedback!