I'm planning a trip out to California in hopefully April to visit my gf in N.Hollywood but I'm having a hard time deciding HOW to travel....I have a bit of an issue with large airports even when I'm with my husband so having to deal with it alone could be a potentially bad bad scene for me but I might be able to pull it off...I'm used to long bus trips even though the bus is seriously UNCOMFORTABLE and other than relatively short trips on a train (a few hours at most and in Ontario) I'm not familiar with it....So taking those things into consideration and the fact tht I cant be forking out mass money for travel...what would you suggest?
I'm seriously leaning towards taking the train because I htink it would be kinda fun and it would definately be more comfortable as far as seating goes but I'm concerned with whether or not transfering in Chicago will be confusing for me LOL...the train and the bus are both 2 day trips but the train is actually cheaper oddly enough and both are cheaper than air....
any thoughts, suggestions or advice?
[question posted by Ravenladyj]
responses and comments:
I think you sould go with plane is most faster ! [R3nato]
A plane is faster I would have it no other way! [marciascott]
Oh go ahead and Fly it only takes 5 hrs, It is along ride but, better than train and bus. I don't like long riding in a car or a bus, I always fly. If you are going to catch a plain in chicago the food is every expensive so , if I were you eat a good meal before you leave home. I use to travel to Cal, every other year, my girl-friend is here from Pomanona Cal. 30 miles out of LA. she will be leaving Fri. we have been friends she is mad at me., but it is Ok. She is mad at me right now. Just because I ask her was her niece Gay? I didn't think that was a reason to get angry either she is or she isn't. she thought I shouldn't have ask her that, because she was talking about going to her nieces Ceremony at college. for playing Basket-ball, so she said why would you ask me that on a joyous accustion like this? Oh, well. nothing to get angry about . [marciascott]
The bottom line is that you should do what suits you and what makes you most comfortable. Flying is obviously the fastest option but by the sound of it, it would mean that you have to face up to and conquer a fear, and that would lead to the question just how much do you want to confront the fear? Sometimes facing a fear and getting through it is the best way to cure it, it's far worse to keep thinking what something is like because you build it up in your mind to be worse than it actually is. To me there is little difference between train and plane in terms of numbers of people, train terminus and airports can be busy, and in both cases you are putting your life in the hands of others. Car is slower, but you can do the trip at your own pace, maybe you could add some additional stops along the way and make the trip into more of a holiday. Personally I think the plane sounds like the best option. [bananamanuk]
I went to California from Mississippi and drove. I am so glad I did too, because I got to see so much. The bus ride would allow you time to soak in the beauty of the trip. The plane would give you more time to spend with your gf. It is really up to you. I always opt for automobile if time allows. I hate the hassle at airports and the fact all you see is the clouds. The bus I would never be able to do, I did ride one once and it took 19 hours to go on a 9 hour trip. The bus was the worse. I use to take the train all the time to SC and it only took 3 hours, it was fast, but once again no scenary to see. I say automobile if time allows. [wmg2006]
I have flown back and forward to California a couple of times bu as I still want to see more of the US I would take the train, I don't think I would like to travel by bus (I have never done it, too confining). [whiteheather39]
If you go by train, I think you will save a significant amount of many that you can use on your trip to see the sights. You should also arrive stress free. If you take the airplane, it sounds like you will be fairly stressed. If you do choose the airplane, do not fly into LAX (Los Angeles International). Fly into Burbank as it is much smaller, not confusing at all, and relatively stress free. I would not take the bus at all. I did it once from northern California to southern California and I regretted it. [CorinaJoyC]
I'm not sure where you are flying from, but JetBlue flies into Burbank which is a smaller airport, and their fares are pretty reasonable. I flew JetBlue from JFK to Burbank and it was easy as pie. Taking the train would definately be interesting, but I am not sure how you are for time! [rubyming]
I'm totally with you on the airplane thing and airport. I don't like to fly either, even though it's much faster. However, ever since all of these changes with what you can and can't bring on the plane, it just makes me feel even more uncomfortable. They just seem to be making it much harder for you to feel comfortable on a plane, which isn't fair. As far as a bus goes, I wouldn't do it. When I moved down here to Florida, I rode a bus down here. I would never do that again. It sucked so badly, and I just don't like the stop and go of the bus. However, this is just my opinion. I have never taken a train before, but I would try it just because I think that it would be neat to do it at least once. If I were you, I would try this route. The train would be a new experience, and I wouldn't worry about getting confused in Chicago. I am sure that there are tons of people who can help you find your way. I would rather switch trains in Chicago than planes. This is just my two cents. It's really up to you because it is your trip. [mama_of_two]
Take the train. You can relax along the way, get up and walk around if you'd like, and arrive at your destination well rested, instead of having driven all the way with all the frustrations that can entail. [Transdisc]
How far do you have to travel? I'd say that taking the plane is going to be the best overall. If you do get stuck in any airport you can always ask the staff. I'd love to do a road trip in America, because here in the UK you can be anywhere within the day because its so small. A train would be good too, You would get to sit back and watch the world and talk to people you meet on the way. [hoz9991]
Everytime ive gone to California, i have traveled by car. if you drive hard, you can get there in about 3 days since you are from NY. i have a few ways to suggest going there, dependig on which part of CA you plan to go to. for southern california, i would say go through PA,OH,IN,IL,Missouri, drop down to OK, TX (which you should go though Amarillo, if you get there around dinner time i recommend going to the Big Texan for a good steak) then NM,Arizona, and then into CA. Middle of CA and NorthernCA-PA,OH,IN,IL,Missouri,KA CO, NV, to CA. i cant tell you the interstates or anything, but if you get an atlas its kinda easy. but you can come back anyway you want to. if you want to, Route 66 is very fun. you see so much more wildlife and the little towns. Oatman AZ i like the best, and they have a gold mine you can tour. or you can go way north to Wyoming, idaho, montana and all that, where you can go to yellowstone and stuff. in idaho theres an old silver mine/missionary. if you are anywhere near Pasa Robles (sp) then theres a castle and a place to swim with seal lions, and lots of orchards and the beach, not for swimming but the seal lions are there to. so by car you have the freedom of exploring the country. its really fun and be sure you bring loads of film. it really beautiful. take your time there and back and enjoy the trip, get out every 3 hours to take a good stretch. have fun! [thewolf777]
Well when I travel I would prefer to go by car that way you can drive at your own pace and stop whenever you want. Even though gas will cost abit I dont think it would be as much as everything else. Flying would be nice if you just want to sit back and relax but as for the bus that is a god awful way to travel.lol [7nicole1]
If you aren't that well with the plane then you could try the trains. Buses take way to long and are more expensive than a train. Trains aren't that expensive and get there faster than a car or bus. Trains aren't hard to use. Just ask for some help from the driver or someone that is familiar with it. They are much more comfortable than a bus. Chicago isn't too bad. Just get a buddy and stick with them. I'm sure there'll be another person going where you're going. Have a good trip [pebbles_cubbie]
you can take the train if you like, you will enjoy the view while you are travelling, an airplane is okey too, even automobile, you can choose what to use. as long as you will have a safe travel,that's it. goodluck [krislouiebaby]
Well a train journey makes u feel at home if u have got good fellow passengers but a automobile espacially if the roadsd are not in good shape will tear u apart. As far as planes are concerned its not a economic option [subhadeep]
Yeah might be but if he can afford it then why not take on the plane since it will be much faster in that way and more comfortable to travel on planes comapred to trains and cars. [moneymind]
I think that a train is also an automobile so is an airplane, i do not quite follow this one though if you mean that travel through car in that automobile i say better ride a plane it is much faster and that it is also more convinient. greetings. : ) [moneymind]
I think going by train would be more suitable for you, I do not know how long this would take you in the train but you could get a sleeper if it was going to be a long trip, that is what I would do as I have travelled this way before not i America but in Australia and I found it very suitable, and if you went by car it would cost too much and you would be travelling by yourself and when you got off the train surely there is a conductor or someone there where you can ask about the train to go to California. [kathy77]
Plane! Cmon now... I love airports. Plus, the faster you get there, the more time you can spend with this person. [AgentChambers]
it is better to prefer a train since its a most comfortable safe and fast travl medium. if you have any problems due to age then its a best medium [earnings01]
All right, first of all remove from mind the threat u have and be comfortable. As airways is faster than land ways(i.e train,bus)as train is faster than the bus. If u have enough time then i also prefer u train or bus but remember always "Time is Money". So Airways is a better option to california. And if u r uncomfortable with all three then do one thing travel by all three media periodically means first of all travel by aeroplane then by train and at last in abroad by buses beco'z their roads are beautiful than others country roads. If economical & financial problems are their then travel by train it will be more comfortable by bus,airways and cheaper by bus or aeroplane. [umardand22]
If you have the time, I would recommend going on a train. The last time I traveled on a train was from Canada back to Washington, and it was beautiful and fun! When I travel on plane, and I hate it when your hearing goes "pop!". Which is why I would always choose another transportation if I have the chance. [blacktiger63]
I personally would take a plane, but it sounds like you would maybe prefer a train. Travel should be a joy and if airports bother you, then you should avoid them as long as there is an alternative you think is acceptable. Besides, you will see alot by train, and even if it takes longer you will arrive more relaxed. [monet0077]
It seems that in your case plane won't do and you are to consider only two options - train or automobile, though plane is fast and more comfortable. From my experience, I like both trains and cars. Trains are better when you wish to relax and just get to your point of destination, besides, it's cheaper and you save both nerves and money. However, automobile is good because you can stop and see some places. You control your way, your time and your trip. I'd prefer a car, especially seeing your concerns about wheather and transferring. :) [printemps]
It would be fast and more comfortable if you travel by plane. The first time I travelled, I was really scared and it's the first time for me to go out of the country. But inspite of all my fears, I was able to have a successful trip. The people in the airport are really helpful and you can always ask them for help. But if you're on a budget, I would choose to travel by train. It's more comfortable compared to a bus, considering that it's a 2 day trip. [clod0327]
plan is better than other two [ramcse]
i would take a plane, but i am impatient and would not want to travel alone in a train without anyone to share the expericen with. [xfallenxlostx]
For me it would be by plane for sure. I don't mind taking the bus either, but if I had other options, the train or plane for sure. As for the train, it's the amount of time travelling that I don't like. The plane is so quick and so easy. I know how you feel about airports, even in small ones I think that I will get confused, but it's so easy to find your way around, and as for any other problems, they could happen anywhere, so don't think about it and just go see your friend and have a blast! [candygurl24]
I think it depends on your mood and if it is emergency when it does I think it is preferable that you take the plane but if you want a cheaper price and at the same time you want to view the beautiful landscape well i prefer train or car; car since you can do whatever you want like listening to your favorite music,train you can chat up with your seatmate if you want. [rzr247]
I so agree I think it would be fun to take the train. Its something you have never done before. [liperoterachel]
Plane if you don't mind being cramped, train if you don't mind spending hours upon hours waiting to arrive at your destination, or automobile if it doesn't bother you paying $3.10 for a gallon of gas. How about this, ride a bike or walk?? [chimex4real2k2]
Off course the plane is much more faster than the trains or any other means of transport. But nothing can give one a great view than train. The country view is what I won't like to miss if I have to go somewhere. So I think that take a train instead of the plane. You will enjoy it. [unishwetabh]
Train is the best i guess. especially in developed countries, the track facilities are great, so are the facilities. Plane is expensive, but quick. but still i preffer train journey, being filled with all the excitement and sight seeing in the course. [psihrishi]
... of Interest · Things to Do and See in and Around Yosemite · Maps and Directions to Yosemite · Getting Here by Train, Plane and Automobile ... TRAIN SERVICE Amtrak provides a combination of train and bus service to Yosemite Valley. ... Alaska by Train, Plane & Automobile Tour. Itinerary | Details and Price | Print Version. Spend your first enjoying the sites and sounds of Alaska's largest city - Anchorage, before driving south down the Kenai Peninsula. ... [sunmin0123]
A;thoug flying is the fastest way to go it is not necessarily the best in my opinion. Given the choice, I would take the train every time. There is something very romantic about train travel that I can't really explain. Growing up in Scotland I pretty much went everywhere by train which is where I probably got my love of train travel. [inked4life]
If I have the additional time I love a train ride. I think it is the fact that most of the time it is just you and the train, not a lot of other traffic out there. But overall if I am on vacation or on the way to see someone I like the plane. It gives me added time with the person I am looking forward to see. Susan [susaneverson]