Amtrak California Makes Moving An Adventure

Amtrak California service doesn't take as many of the hassles out of moving to or within this state as the East Coast's Amtrak Auto Train does. Still, just because a car won't be in tow on the train doesn't mean this mode of transportation can't come in handy for a big relocation.

Rather than use Amtrak California service to haul belongings and vehicles, passengers find this is simply a great way to make moving an adventure. GoMovers.com has an article that points out the ways to make Amtrak California service work in conjunction with a professional move.

The article on Amtrak California service offers these suggestions:

Hire a professional mover and vehicle transporter to do the work for you. GoMovers.com even has a free quote tool that can make the process to find a pre-screened moving company a breeze. If vehicles need to be moved, too, consider a pro to handle this.

Scheduling. Depending on the distance of the move, an Amtrak California train trek will require some careful scheduling with the movers. Take the time to plan this out carefully to work in a min-vacation in between houses.

Packing. Unless an extra fee to a moving company is paid, this will still fall on your shoulders. Go Movers has a great moving guide that can help with tricks, tips and shortcuts for making this process almost pain free.

Relax. Once the movers leave, all you need to do is get on the Amtrak California train, kick back, relax and take in the sights until you arrive at your destination.

Amtrak California doesn't take as much of the work involved in moving off your shoulders, but it can make the getting there a whole lot more fun.

Amtrak Vacations Offer A Different Perspective

While some vacationers are eager to arrive at their destinations as quickly as possible, others find the journey provides most of the fun. For those who want to take the time to stop and smell the roses, or at least take in the scenery along the way, Amtrak vacations might be just the ticket.

Amtrak offers a variety of options for travelers who want to see the sights by rail. GoMovers.com has a great piece out that details the many different possibilities for riding the rails to see America from a different perspective. The article on Amtrak vacations goes over some of the main features the railroad provides so passengers can take in the natural vistas along the way and turn the trip itself into a spectacular the vacation.

Four of the main options Amtrak vacations provide are actual multi-day tours. On these trips, the journey truly is the vacation. Amtrak offers tours in the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, through the Grand Canyon and even along the West Coast. These railway tours are offered at certain times of the year and generally span about a nine-day period. Hotel accommodations are included in the package prices.

In addition to the pre-set tours, the article points out that Amtrak vacation possibilities are offered by the Auto Train, as well. Those who live in the Northeast, for example, can hop aboard with their cars and find themselves in Florida in less than a 24-hour period. The reverse can be done for Southerners who want their cars on Washington, D.C., vacations but don't want to drive them there. Although this trek doesn't necessarily provide for frequent stops to take in the sights and sounds, it is a great way to combine a rail vacation with major touring, too.

Some travelers find their destinations are too exciting to dawdle along the way; others enjoy making the trip half the fun. If seeing a different side of America is desired, Amtrak vacations can deliver.

Amtrak Train Smoking Rules Explained

Smokers sometimes shy away from the idea of hopping on an Amtrak train to get them to their destinations. The concept of being stuck on board for hours and hours on end without a place to smoke can be stifling. For those who choose to take the Auto Train, however, Amtrak smoking rules tend to be a little more relaxed.

The Auto Train is noted for its daily runs between the Washington, D.C., area and Sandford, Florida. The train is considered one of the best ways to get both a car and its driver from Point A to Point B.

Even though this can be an effective way to avoid putting a lot of wear and tear on a car for the trip, some smokers fear that Amtrak smoking rules extend to this particular run, as well. It is fairly well known that smoking on Amtrak trains is not allowed.

GoMovers.com has information that can help put smokers' minds at ease. The 16-hour-plus trek from the north to the south tends to have its own smoking car included in the package. While smokers will be restricted to the particular area, the article on Amtrak smoking rules does point out that Amtrak tries to accommodate smokers on this specific run. Should the "smoking car" not be available, Amtrak may allow smoking at designated stops. This can depend on a number of factors though.

The actual ins and outs of Amtrak smoking rules can vary from trip to trip, however. If the car isn't available and stops are not planned, smoking likely will not be allowed. Should the train be running behind schedule, it's also possible that smoking will not be permitted at stops. Even though smoking is technically allowed on the Auto Train, it's still not a bad idea for smokers to consider bringing along a pack of gum – just in case!

Although Amtrak smoking rules prohibit smoking on regular runs, the Auto Train does tend to make accommodations. This can help make it easier for smokers to take advantage of the perks this particular train route offers.

An Amtrak Ticket Demands Protecting

Movers who decide to use the auto train to get themselves and their cars where they are going need to know a few things about the Amtrak ticket they buy. While this simple purchase can speed up moving in a big way, losing the ticket once it's in hand can prove to be troublesome at best.

I didn't realize quite how much of a problem a lost or even stolen ticket could present until I read a piece on GoMovers.com about the subject. According to the article, a lost Amtrak ticket can result in a passenger needing to buy a new ticket and sifting through some paperwork before a refund on the first one can even be hoped for.

Considering the ramifications of a lost Amtrak ticket, the article makes a few really solid suggestions. Passengers wishing to ride on the auto train, or any Amtrak train for that matter, should keep their tickets close. They should also record the ticket number in a different location to ensure the possibility for a refund if the unthinkable happens. Refunds are not given unless the original ticket number can be cited on forms.

Amtrak itself sounds perfectly agreeable to working with passengers when tickets are lost or stolen, but passengers need to help themselves first. A few simple measures can really help protect passengers and their finances.

It sure sounds like protecting tickets should be a first priority for passengers onboard Amtrak trains.

Amtrak Auto Train Questions Answered

The Amtrak auto train is a popular mode of transport for cars and drivers going from north to south and back again along the Eastern Seaboard, but this service remains a mystery to many.

Offering a way to get there on time without having to drive oneself, the Amtrak auto train runs like clockwork. Operating in 17-hour runs, the train beats the drive-time hands down. Unfortunately, as the popularity of trains remains overshadowed by flight, many just don’t know what to expect when they board the rails.

There was a day not too long ago when train travel was the most commonly used mode for traversing large distances. As that time has long since eclipsed, rail travel tends to bring with it more questions than answers.

Fortunately, GoMovers.com has a great article on its site that clearly explains what passengers on the train can expect. From dining and entertainment to how to pack a car for transport, the article on the Amtrak auto train answers all the big questions.

The Amtrak auto train sounds like a great way to get from Point A to Point B without stress on car or driver. Thanks to the article, it also sounds like taking advantage of the service is a fairly stress-free undertaking, as well.