Williams to Winslow and beyond, heading across the country
May 4th, 2017, 10:37 PM
#21
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How exciting! I was looking at the lodges last night and there is still some available so will try and book one night very soon, it does sound like an amazing experience and cannot wait. I am excited about Winslow too, Bill is going to love it! I am trying to get a night or two at La Posada, that looks like it ticks the American history boxes too so thanks so much for that recommendation. Thanks Jayne1973, I will definately look up Maswick lodge at GC and make sure we have water with us! Thaks for the tip re dinner too 
Looking at all the reviews on Trip Advisor and other sites, we are in for one heck of a experience. I think travelling by train to AB or Chicago will be enough on the train then we will hop on a plane - thanks for the tip odie on jetblue and, as you say its only about 4 hours to Boston from there and Bill can do that.
We havve some friends on The Cape so will be in Boston area for a few nights then train into NYC which I have done 5 years ago, and nothing beats seeing the Empire State come into view, my husband will possibly faint by this stage lol - You have all been so awesome, helping me plan this side of the trip and your time and advice is invaluable. Cant thank you enough!
Looking at all the reviews on Trip Advisor and other sites, we are in for one heck of a experience. I think travelling by train to AB or Chicago will be enough on the train then we will hop on a plane - thanks for the tip odie on jetblue and, as you say its only about 4 hours to Boston from there and Bill can do that.
We havve some friends on The Cape so will be in Boston area for a few nights then train into NYC which I have done 5 years ago, and nothing beats seeing the Empire State come into view, my husband will possibly faint by this stage lol - You have all been so awesome, helping me plan this side of the trip and your time and advice is invaluable. Cant thank you enough!
May 5th, 2017, 05:13 AM
#24
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Make your reservation at Grand Canyon now. Any of the lodges will do, but elTovar, Thunderbird, Kachina and Bright Angel are nearest to the rim. elTovar is the nicest, but being close to the rim is great. Do be aware that the Bright Angel cabins are small but do have bathrooms in them, some of the BA lodge rooms share a bathroom if that matters.
Yavapai, like Maswick is a little farther back and has a different reservation site from the others.
Once you have a reservation, you can call back to see if there has been a cancellation in one of the lodges that is on the rim.
Do walk along the rim trail a bit. Most of the year there is a shuttle bus that goes from Bright Angel area west to Hermit's rest with stops at some of the noted viewpoints along the rim. You can hop on/off when you want to. If it isn't running you can do the same in your car and I think if you have a handicap tag you could do that in any case.
I don't know how the handicap tag works for rentals or people from outside the US, but if your DH has mobility problems then it might be worth a bit of research since it will give you the opportunity to park in more desirable spots wherever you travel.
When looking for plane reservations, check out Southwest as well as Jet Blue. Southwest does not appear on the consolidators, so go to their web page.
Yavapai, like Maswick is a little farther back and has a different reservation site from the others.
Once you have a reservation, you can call back to see if there has been a cancellation in one of the lodges that is on the rim.
Do walk along the rim trail a bit. Most of the year there is a shuttle bus that goes from Bright Angel area west to Hermit's rest with stops at some of the noted viewpoints along the rim. You can hop on/off when you want to. If it isn't running you can do the same in your car and I think if you have a handicap tag you could do that in any case.
I don't know how the handicap tag works for rentals or people from outside the US, but if your DH has mobility problems then it might be worth a bit of research since it will give you the opportunity to park in more desirable spots wherever you travel.
When looking for plane reservations, check out Southwest as well as Jet Blue. Southwest does not appear on the consolidators, so go to their web page.
May 5th, 2017, 06:36 AM
#25
The Amtrak Southwest Chief schedule has the train arriving in Flagstaff about 4:30AM and in Winslow between 5:30 and 6AM.
This is why I suggested staying on the train until at least Gsllup or Albuquerque (ABQ). (ALB is Albany).
The good thing about a coach seat on an Amtrak train is that you can walk to the lounge car or the dining car and have something to eat or drink.
If you get a roomette, meals are included with your railfare.
Later this month I'll be sleeping in the top bunk of a roomette.
If you wanted to visit Santa Fe New Mexico, there is a Railrunner train that runs from Albuquerque. There is also a good cheap bus service that runs the length of Central Avenue in Albuquerque.
This is why I suggested staying on the train until at least Gsllup or Albuquerque (ABQ). (ALB is Albany).
The good thing about a coach seat on an Amtrak train is that you can walk to the lounge car or the dining car and have something to eat or drink.
If you get a roomette, meals are included with your railfare.
Later this month I'll be sleeping in the top bunk of a roomette.
If you wanted to visit Santa Fe New Mexico, there is a Railrunner train that runs from Albuquerque. There is also a good cheap bus service that runs the length of Central Avenue in Albuquerque.
May 6th, 2017, 05:30 AM
#26
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Tom, let me know how you go in the roomette, how comfy it is etc. Looking at the distance today I think by the time we have reached ALQ (sorry I missspelt earlier) I am thinking of then catching a flight to Chicago which is only a couple of hours, stay a night there then another flight to Boston then train to NYC, - Quite a big trip we have in store but if we go slowly and just take it all in our stride it will be one magnificent trip. One thing does worry me slightly is the timing of when the Southwest Chief gets into Winslow, nothing will be open etc but I guess we can go straight to our hotel at that time. I know you have suggested staying on but we do want to stop at Winslow. How much further along is ALQ for when we do reboard again? I am assuming one can just get off anywhere and reboard another day to continue on cant they? Thanks emmalloy, yes I will make some resivations soon at Grand Canyon South Rim to ensure a wonderful experience and Jayne I have made a mental note of the pizza place, my hubby loves pizza - thanks also for your tips on central ave in Albequerque, might try for some accommodation there before we head further east.
- thanks also for your tips on central ave in Albequerque, might try for some accommodation there before we head further east.
May 6th, 2017, 07:01 AM
#28
The Southwest Chief Stops in Winslow for 1-2 minutes (less if no one is getting on or off). The train gets into A B Q before noon. They refuel and wash the windows in Albuquerque which takes at least 20 minutes.
There are usually vendors selling turquoise jewelry on the platform in Albuquerque.
Does this work for you? LAX to ABQ and hang around Albuquerque for about 4-5 hours seeing Central Avenue and maybe the zoo or botanical garden and then getting on the westbound train at 4:45PM to Winslow. The westbound SWC gets into Winslow about 8PM. Spend a night in Winslow and then try to figure out how to get to Flagstaff to get the Arizona shuttle to the South Rim. The AZ shuttle will be cheaper than taking the Grand Canyon Railroad.
Some people consider the top bunk of a roomette to be a bit claustrophobic. You can't sit up without bumping your head on the ceiling. There is a web safety strap to keep you from falling out of the top bunk. I traveled many thousands of miles in coach. Sleeping in a roomette is much nicer. There is a shower in each of the sleeper cars (towel washcloth and soap provided). If you stay on the east bound train in a roomette, you can get breakfast starting about 6:30AM. No announcements are made on the PA system before 7AM. The sleeping car attendant will wake you if you are getting off in Flagstaff or Winslow (10 to 40 minutes before arrival).
There are usually vendors selling turquoise jewelry on the platform in Albuquerque.
Does this work for you? LAX to ABQ and hang around Albuquerque for about 4-5 hours seeing Central Avenue and maybe the zoo or botanical garden and then getting on the westbound train at 4:45PM to Winslow. The westbound SWC gets into Winslow about 8PM. Spend a night in Winslow and then try to figure out how to get to Flagstaff to get the Arizona shuttle to the South Rim. The AZ shuttle will be cheaper than taking the Grand Canyon Railroad.
Some people consider the top bunk of a roomette to be a bit claustrophobic. You can't sit up without bumping your head on the ceiling. There is a web safety strap to keep you from falling out of the top bunk. I traveled many thousands of miles in coach. Sleeping in a roomette is much nicer. There is a shower in each of the sleeper cars (towel washcloth and soap provided). If you stay on the east bound train in a roomette, you can get breakfast starting about 6:30AM. No announcements are made on the PA system before 7AM. The sleeping car attendant will wake you if you are getting off in Flagstaff or Winslow (10 to 40 minutes before arrival).
May 7th, 2017, 10:26 PM
#30
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Ooh I like your thinking Tom, thats not a bad plan. I have however spoken to the reception at La Posada Hotel & Gardens
Address: 303 E. Second Ave
Winslow, Arizona 86047 - The train stops on their doorstep at 5.30 in the morning so could try and book in there the night before (so we can walk right in ) and the next day then get ourselves to Williams to see the GC - My hubby is thinking he might give the driving a go just for this part - its all part of the adventure he says lol - I just need to research if there are car rentals at Winslow and see how far it is to drive back - go to the GC (stay there a night or two) get back on the Southwest Chief and stay on until Albequerue.
I have taken up a lot of your time and am most grateful for your help in helping me logistically, I am nearly there, just need to tweak it a little. Oh and Bill thinks the top bunk will be fun - he used to be a soldier so is used to cramped spaces
- I will definately let you know how that goes! I still think seeing it all from the ground gives us a much better view than anything we wont see or experience in planes. Whats a holiday without an exciting journey?
Address: 303 E. Second Ave
Winslow, Arizona 86047 - The train stops on their doorstep at 5.30 in the morning so could try and book in there the night before (so we can walk right in ) and the next day then get ourselves to Williams to see the GC - My hubby is thinking he might give the driving a go just for this part - its all part of the adventure he says lol - I just need to research if there are car rentals at Winslow and see how far it is to drive back - go to the GC (stay there a night or two) get back on the Southwest Chief and stay on until Albequerue.
I have taken up a lot of your time and am most grateful for your help in helping me logistically, I am nearly there, just need to tweak it a little. Oh and Bill thinks the top bunk will be fun - he used to be a soldier so is used to cramped spaces
- I will definately let you know how that goes! I still think seeing it all from the ground gives us a much better view than anything we wont see or experience in planes. Whats a holiday without an exciting journey?
May 21st, 2017, 04:36 PM
#31
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Hi again, I do have one last question, if we were to hire a car in Williams and drive to Winslow, I believe its only about 3 hours drive to Alberquerque, is this worth doing, that is will the scenery be worth driving through and is there anything along the way to stop and look at? We are thinking now if we have the car, then just keep driving and drop it off in New Mexico (I do understand there will be a fee for this), thanks, if anyone can confirm this and how long the drive would take and if it will be an easy drive, i.e(not too much traffic)
May 21st, 2017, 08:01 PM
#32
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It's more like 4 1/2 hours from Winslow to Albuquerque. You'll drive past Petrified Forest National Park, the red rocks around Gallup, then lava tubes at El Malpais National Monument. If you're interested, Acoma Pueblo, which sits on top of a mesa, is about 45 minutes west of Albuquerque.
Traffic won't be bad at all.
When you get into Albuquerque, you could visit Old Town and Nob Hill, maybe the botanic garden or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Have a nice dinner, spend the night, then drop off the car the next morning and fly to New York. Southwest has inexpensive flights to La Guardia (no nonstops, though); JetBlue's one flight to JFK leaves at midnight and gets in around 6:00 a.m.
Lee Ann
Traffic won't be bad at all.
When you get into Albuquerque, you could visit Old Town and Nob Hill, maybe the botanic garden or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Have a nice dinner, spend the night, then drop off the car the next morning and fly to New York. Southwest has inexpensive flights to La Guardia (no nonstops, though); JetBlue's one flight to JFK leaves at midnight and gets in around 6:00 a.m.
Lee Ann
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