Wow, sounds like a fun trip! And like you say, now that you're unemployed you might as well take a vacation since who knows when you'll get the time once you get a job again.

I took the train from Chicago to Denver for Thanksgiving once. I enjoyed it. I got one of the tiny little rooms they have. The porter was extra nice and was there whenever I needed anything (like the bed pulled down). I watched a movie in the entertainment car in the evening, read some, watched the scenery until it got dark, tried to sleep, and got to experience a taking a shower in a train moving at least 60 mph. It's hard to wash your hair when you're using both hands just to stand up.

Because I got the bunk/room, it wasn't a whole lot cheaper than flying would have been, but I like trains and have always wanted to travel this way, so I opted for the train. This was right after 9-11-01 (which had nothing to do with my decision to take the train-I do not have a fear of flying, and didn't then either) and the train was pretty packed. There was a mother with 3 boys aged something like 10, 5 and 2. She was very well dressed, as were the boys, and I'm sure she could have afforded to fly but opted for the "safer" train at that time. I think she regretted it because she looked rather haggard and I heard her say "Never again" under her breath. They did not get the room/bunk, and I think that would have been a godsend for her. I wouldn't have wanted to take those 3 boys on that packed train and spend all night with them there either - whew!

Anyway, I hope you have a great trip and enjoy your visits. Should be fun!