Amtrak 2168 Acela Express, Philadelipha to Boston - June 16

Rating - 9.996

This so beats traveling via plane between Philly and Boston. I could have had an 1 1/2 hour flight on US Air for $560 since SWA doesn't start flying there until August. The train was just $160, plus $103 for upgrade to first, so for $263 you can't beat it....no security....no delays....no crabby flight attendants yelling at you to get in your seat and stow your bags.

Sitting in first on this train is ok, no better really than their standard coach. The car behind us in the "quiet car" no talking/cell phone usage........NICE. So there are probably 25 seats up here, two servers who are very attentive (it is common to tip them as you leave). Food is marginal, but drinks are free (for once, I am not drinking). I just walked back to the food/bar cart, the prices are very reasonable.....$6 for turkey sand, $5 for a Heiny, $2 for soft drink. I just upgraded because its 5 1/2 hours on the train.

I would never fly between cities on East coast again, i have had several miserable air delays due to weather.

Dinner - had to go with a dog.
Hot dog - 3.95
Utz Chips 1.75

Total - 5.70 -- how do you beat that?