Amtrak Discounts Make Student Travel Easy

Traveling as a working student isn’t easy. Not only is it costly, it can be impossible to hammer down details around my ever-growing schedule of school, work, and writing. Yet, there’s nothing in life that can expand horizons like a new horizon, and because of the importance I’ve placed on traveling, I’ve always looked for ways to make travel more affordable. The one experience that never lets me down is taking the train with Amtrak.

Living in California means endless possibilities for day trips by train. With one round-trip train ticket, I’m able to check cities off of my list for a fraction of the cost. Day trips mean no hotel expenses, and I can carry on everything I need in a handbag and a backpack. Another plus is the Wi-Fi enabled downtime—no driving means being able to check my emails or knock out assignments. Being productive while getting to a destination is a big plus. Also, no traffic to sit through? Yes, please. With the 15% student discount offered on top if it all, there’s no reason to miss out on new destinations.

My most recent venture on the train was to Santa Barbara with my fiancé, Michael. We left out of the new Anaheim station on a Monday morning and made it north by the afternoon. This little gem of a city is perfect for a day trip: there are countless wine tasting rooms, restaurants, shops, and sights right within the adjacent blocks to the station, including Santa Barbara’s must-see Stearns Wharf.

While you can map out your trek for wine beforehand, we usually let our walk through the streets guide our tour. Two of my favorites include Area 5.1 Winery & Tasting Room, a contemporary take on vino that specializes in blends, and Deep Sea Tasting Room, a classic winery with a room overlooking the ocean on the Wharf. After our tastings, we continued to walk the shops, then grabbed a quick bite at Seven Bar and Kitchen before catching our evening train home.

With the freedom of no car and the extra 15% student discount, taking the train continues to be my choice for day jaunts through California. Whether the trip is 20 minutes or 3 hours, being able to jump on at the station so close to my house to spend a few hours away is priceless. My goal in 2017 is to visit at least five more new destinations—and I know Amtrak will get me there.

About the Author: Taylor Stone was born and raised in Orange County, California where she lives with her fiancé and labrador. She works as a copywriter by day and is a fashion, interior design, and lifestyle writer by night. You can find her on Instagram at @taylordaniellestone.