I've taken Amtrak cross-country (CA <--> Chicago via California Zephyr / SW Chief) about a dozen times in my life. If you're not in a hurry to get from A to B, there's no better way to travel IMO. Sure, the trains are outdated and a bit stanky, but it's just a perfect cross-section of American life (both people and landscapes).

It's a perfect place to zen out and burrow into a book / creative project for a few days. Plus, you can just show up right before the train arrives and you're on your way (perfect for people who run on wizard time, like me).

You definitely have to prepare a bit if you want to get a decent night of sleep in coach, though. Here's a short survival kit: -Tylenol PM / Benadryl (or your preferred sleep aid of choice) -Warm clothes / travel blanket (it can get cold) -Pillow/neck pillow/some way to keep your head immobilized -Earplugs + noise cancelling headphones -Eyemask -Patience/equanimity