How to Apply for the Amtrak Residency for Writers
#AmtrakResidency is happening! What began as a line in Alexander Chee's interview in PEN Ten and was fueled by Twitter, is now an official Amtrak program. As many of you may know by now, our test-run for Amtrak Residency was done by Manhattan-based writer Jessica Gross, whose piece, Writing The Lakeshore Limited was published in February by The Paris Review. What ...
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We’re Rolling: Inside the #AmtrakLive Train
#AmtrakLIVE has officially kicked off onboard the Texas Eagle on the way from Los Angeles to Austin. We started our adventure yesterday in Los Angeles Union Station where Kevin Winston, CEO of Digital LA, led the charge for an impromptu group selfie to rival Ellen’s now-famous Oscar selfie. Even better: You can now follow all of the fun, festivities and ...
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5 Amazing Sights Between LA and Austin
Going from Los Angeles to Austin by train offers travelers some of the most spectacular views of America. From the moment you’re in front of LA’s Union Station, you are greeted by the stunning hub named one of the most beautiful stations in the world. The almost 1,400-mile trip on the Texas Eagle crosses four states--California, New Mexico, Arizona and ...
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Audible’s Top 10 Audiobooks for Train Travel
Delving into a good book or magazine is a must when you take Amtrak. But if you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery at the same time, audiobooks are perfect for train travel! We turned to the editors of Audible for their top 10 audiobooks for your long-distance adventure. They came up with a list that’s bound to keep you ...
Read MoreVideo Tour of Amtrak Roomette
When you book a ticket on an overnight train, you have the choice to reserve a coach seat or a sleeper car accommodation. For sleeper car customers like travel blogger Kelley Ferro in this video, there are tons of perks! First, you get your own dedicated train attendant to book meal reservations for you, make and take down your bed, carry ...
Read MoreAll Aboard the #AmtrakLIVE Train
We're going to Austin, Texas! And we're taking 30 of our closest friends with us. Even better: You can follow all of the fun, festivities and photos on our train by using the hashtag #AmtrakLIVE. We're taking a two-day journey from Los Angeles all the way to Austin, Texas, on a special train that includes an exclusive Observation Car and Sleeper ...
Read MoreWhat to Bring on an Overnight Train Ride
You’re the proud owner of an Amtrak long-distance train ticket, and adventure awaits! But before you leave home, here’s what you need to pack for an overnight train ride. Most importantly, bring a photo ID, the rest is all extra! Wear comfortable clothes We're not talking full-on pajamas, but breathable, stretchy clothing will make your ride more enjoyable. If you ...
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The Extreme Cross-Country Trip of a Lifetime!
Cross-country trips will teach you a lot about yourself--and your relationship with your travel partner. For Jenni and her husband, Matt, a 45-day USA Rail Pass used to travel across America is just what brought them closer. To say they love trains is an understatement: In 2011, they were married in the Norman, Okla., train station. However, in 2012, the recession made ...
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4 Most Scenic Train Rides
There's nothing like scenic train rides to get all your Instagram followers excited! While we think all of our routes are special, there are a few that really take our breath away. Here are the four most beautiful Amtrak trips in the U.S.! Coast Starlight The Coast Starlight connects Los Angeles and Seattle and goes through some pretty amazing terrain (this Instavideo proves it!). When you travel ...
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Tweet lands writer best workspace ever
Thanks to social media, we get direct access to our customers like never before—sometimes when they’re not even on our trains! A recent tweet particularly caught our attention. New York City-based writer Jessica Gross tweeted about wanting an Amtrak residency after reading an interview with author Alexander Chee, because it would allow for uninterrupted creativity and window gazing. We loved the ...
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Four Essential Winter Vacations
As all travel junkies know, vacations aren’t just for the summer. The colder months are a great time to travel and experience winter vacations that are often off the beaten path. Pair that with some of Amtrak’s awesome deals, and you could have yourself a new winter vacation tradition! Here are the best places to travel for winter! Whitefish, Mont. ...
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Athletes Begin Epic Adventure to Ski Trip by Train
With winter temperatures freezing nearly half of the U.S., a team of free skiers is venturing to western Montana to experience the trip of a lifetime. Despite the historic lows and grounded air travel, six thrill-seekers are setting out to give you an inside look at what it’s like to be a professional athlete in a special web series called ...
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Photo of the Week
This edition of Photo of the Week is brought to you by Ricardo, who snapped this dining car pic while riding our Silver Service. That train travels between New York and Miami, all the way down the East Coast. (For the full effect, check out our Silver Service Pinterest board.) Depending on where you are seated on our trains, your meal may already be included in your ...
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10 Best Places to Visit in 2014
Make 2014 the year we retire the term "staycation." Be bold with your family vacations this year. Get out there and see all that this big country has to offer! Here are our top 10 picks for places to visit in 2014. 10. Boston, Massachusetts In 2014, you can get your fill of American history when you visit Boston sights ...
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