<p>We are a weird family in several respects--relevant here is that, so far, none of us drives and we have no car. Our plan so far is a transatlantic flight to NYC--where we will stay and shop for three weeks. Then mom, dad and kid, each with a big wheeled suitcase and backpack, board train for Boston.</p>
<p>Will Amtrak hassle us about big suitcases? Anyone else here ever done it that way?</p>
<p>Anything else, sent in a box and/or mom will probably make one more trip up to Boston about 4 weeks later--before returning overseas.</p>
<p>my D traveled quite a bit on Amtrak
For the Seattle to POrtland run
you can store stuff up above your seat- much like an airplane
THey are getting pretty strict about 2 pieces of carryon apiece-
We usually bring one stuffed backpack which we stick overhead- also is room at end of each car for wheeled luggage.
it depnds on how big your big suitcase is- they also have a luggage car to check baggage
*Carry-on Baggage</p>
<p>Each passenger may bring aboard two pieces of carry-on luggage. Not included in this limit are briefcases, purses, laptops, and items needed for infants such as strollers, car seats and diaper bags.
Each carry-on must weigh no more than 50 lbs. and may not exceed 28"x22"x14" in size.
Each item must be tagged with the name and address of the passenger.
Checked Baggage</p>
<p>Each passenger may check up to three pieces of luggage at no charge. Additional pieces may be checked upon payment of $10.00 per piece.
Each piece of checked baggage may not exceed 50 lbs. and must be packed in luggage or containers able to withstand normal handling.
Each item must be tagged with the name and address of the passenger.
A complete version of the Baggage Policy is available at Amtrak stations, from reservation agents and on the Amtrak web site: <a href="http://www.amtrak.com%5B/url%5D">www.amtrak.com</a> under the "Traveling with Amtrak" tab. Passengers will be denied boarding if not in compliance with the policy.*</p>
<p>right now Amtrak has a number of promotions going on. see if it is advantageous for you to book now:</p>
<p>Groups of three to six can save 25% to 50% on fares throughout the Northeast.</p>
<p>Now through December 11, 2006, when you purchase two tickets on trains in the Northeast, the rest of your party up to four additional people will travel for less.</p>
<p>That means the larger your group, the more you save on each passenger. It's perfect for friends and families looking for an affordable vacation or weekend get away.</p>
<p>Offer available for travel on the following trains:</p>
<p>Northeast Corridor Regional Trains (not valid on Acela Express, Metroliners, Clockers, Keystones or Downeaster).
Empire Corridor Service (between New York City and Albany only). </p>
<p>Also check out Jet blue airlines which has daily flights to Boston as low as $50 each way (out of JFK) with 14 day advanced purchase. Flight is one hour.</p>
<p>If you still want to go by bus, the Chinatown bus is hard to beat for price. It goes from Chinatown in NYC to South Station in Boston. From South Station, take the Red Line to Porter Square, then from Porter Square take the Commuter train (Purple Line) to Brandeis.
Pyewacket, I'm PMing you.</p>
<p>Maybe reconsider the "Big" wheeled suitcases. If it's very important for you to buy stuff in NY rather than Boston....can you try to ship stuff directly from the store to the school/dorm? It would be much easier than schlepping stuff around NY, then Boston, until you can get it to the dorm.</p>
<p>Fees for extra/oversize baggage may be more than UPS or FedEx ground shipping. Also...a small consideration is that some stores don't charge sales tax if items are shipped out of state...which makes up for the shipping fee (doesn't usually work if the store has a branch in the state you're shipping to, though.)</p>
<p>If you prefer bus...you can go by bus from NY to Boston...but they may also have baggage restrictions now, too.</p>
<p>Luggage space is even more restricted on buses than on trains. I strongly suggest ordering stuff and having it shipped to the dorm. Or you might even rent a car and do the shopping locally!</p>
<p>Unless you're looking for designer couture or exotic one-of-a-kind imports, I don't think there's much you can buy in NY that can't be found in Boston.</p>
<p>marite--we can't rent a car --no driver's licenses! Told you we were weird. </p>
<p>Hanna, it's just that we are "at home" in NYC and will have more leisure to shop a little at a time. We're planning on the minimalist approach to dorm furnishings, anyway. Like my favorite film quote (can anyone place it?) "I travel light --just Shakespeare, Tolstoy and a toothbrush."</p>