I have always wanted to take the Amtrak train from lake Charles, Louisiana to Essex junction, Vermont(the station for Burlington). I always ended up going Greyhound, because Amtrak told me that in order for me to take the train that I would have to stay overnight in both New Orleans and Washington, D.C. at my own expense. Both cities have been known as the "murder capital of america" for more than one year, new orleans for numerous years. Also, both cities are noted for having very high prices for motel rooms. And New Orleans may be fairly safe in the French Quarter, but is very dangerous everywhere else. So, I never did take the Amtrak, although I was very willing to pay the extra expense of the ticket. Also, the train only passes through Lake Charles going east 3 times a week and the station where you catch the train is unstaffed and is in an isolated area along the railroad tracks, in a real high crime rate part of town. I would be scared that someone would walk up to me, pull a gun, and rob me of all of my money, with no one around to witnesses it or to help me . Also, it scares me how so many Amtrak trains have derailed before. I'd still be willing to pay the high cost of the ticket, and wait at an Unmanned station in an isolated area, but I am not willing to stay overnight in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. That would cost more money than the train ticket!