Train from Chicago to Albuquerque

Trains are cool! A good place to catch up on reading and if you're tired enough, sleep.

A great part about train trips are the unique, friendly people with so many different stories and happy to share them. Unlike a plane, where people are trying to get somewhere quick, are on their computers, reading, and more often than not, not so talkative, train rides are like the making of a live book.

There is a lot more room to sit than planes, you don't have to pay extra for extra bags, you can bring your own food and drinks, and even sharp knives if you want to cut your own cheese.

It is easy to get into a book...or two.

It's not always so easy to see things from an airplane window, but from a train, not only do you have your window seat, but amtrak also has a special room with viewing seats. Beautiful scenery with a big screen, real life view. This is the way to cross the country.

It's a shame that trains are so underutilized in our country and that they aren't really supported by the government. I give a big thumbs up for train travel.

We stop briefly at a few little towns along the way to get the real feel of life in middle America.

Perfect for stretching your legs, getting some fresh air and reminding ourselves of the different lives that make up the US.

While being away from New York, there are small town stores that remind us that we can get a little bit of home away from home. Are you surprised that the one car in the picture is a pickup truck?

I never thought I'd enjoy a 26 hour trip so much.

Just make sure you are on time when the train is ready to leave to the next station

Or you could get left behind...like those that never get a chance to experience a great train trip across the US. While I like travel in any fashion including time saving flights and epic road trips by car, I encourage you to jump aboard, bring a couple books and take in what amtrak has to offer.