So Hawaii is booked for next summer after we scored amazing flights for miles and only $30. The only problem is we need to figure out how we are going to get to Chicago, since our current reservations are out of O’Hare Airport.

We have several alternatives we are evaluating including:

– Flying
– Driving our own vehicle
– Renting one-way vehicles to avoid parking for 2.5 weeks
– Train
– Taking Greyhound or Mega Bus (We are not even considering this option).

I say train last only because it is our least favorite, feasible alternative. Personally, I have fond memories as a kid taking the train to Chicago or Washington D.C. and getting to sit in the dome car and just enjoy the beautiful scenery. However, years later when I went by myself to visit my sister in Chicago, I do not remember it being quite as romantic. It kind of what I imagine an old, beat-up Greyhound bus would be like. Plus, the train travels at night so there really is very little to see while sitting there.

Also, the train passes through Cleveland in the middle of the night (not ideal with babies) and it takes forever to get to your destination compared to driving or flying. In addition, there have been times where even on a train, we have arrived way off schedule due to other train traffic. Considering we have planes to catch in Chicago, schedule becomes important.

However, there are a couple of things that could make it worth while.

Amtrak offers some pretty great weekly specials, where you can travel for relatively cheap. I remember going to Chicago for $15 each way back in college. As a poor college student, it was an excellent form of travel.

The problem is these fares are only available select days of the week, and only about a month in advance. For the planning savy, waiting until the last minute does not always fit everyone’s style, including my own. However, if we strongly lean towards driving, having Amtrak as an available back-up is always an option.

The other deal is Amtrak is currently offering a 10% discount on adult tickets using coupon code H8818. Kid tickets are already discounted 50% off with Amtrak. This promo code is in association with the release of the animated movie Happy Feet 2, in theaters in November 2011. Here are some things to know about the use of the coupon though.

• Valid for sale October 17 – November 6, 2011.
• Valid for travel January 4 – May 24, 2012.
• Blackout dates:
  – February 17 and 20, 2012
  – April 5 – 6 and 9, 2012.
• Valid for 10% off the regular (full) adult rail fare.
• Valid for up to (2) adults accompanying a child (age 2-15) paying the standard child rail fare.
• Valid for travel on all Amtrak service except the following: Acela Express, Auto Train, Downeaster, Northeast Regional, Adirondack, Ethan Allen Express, Vermonter, and the 7000-8999 thruways.
• The adult and qualifying child must travel on the same itinerary and have tickets issued together.
• Valid for coach seats only; no sleeper or Business Class upgrades allowed.

This promotion does not currently go as far out as next summer yet, so I do not have use for this discount unless we decide to take a last minute ride somewhere for the boys.

So now that I have the train option evaluated, it is time to start watching flight and car rental deals to make a well informed decision.