Travels with Kev

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, I hope your week is going well! Keep Your Travel Papers Organized I’ll admit, I’m not always the most organized person. But when it comes to travel, I’ve learned that a bit of preparation goes a long way. Maybe it’s a Gen X thing, but I love having paper copies of my travel info with a digital backup. Years ago, I got a cheap travel folder, and honestly—it changed my life. I’m on my second one now, mainly because I liked the updated features. My...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back; I am glad you are here! Do You Want to Ride the NextGen Acela or an Old One? It is Your Choice (if the schedule works out)! Last week, we discussed the rollout of the new Amtrak NextGen Acela scheduled for August 28, 2025. But I have an update! If you want to ride the NextGen Acela trains, Amtrak has made it easy to know which train you'll be riding. When you book on either the website or app, Amtrak displays a tag that says...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! The weekend is approaching! This is a longer email, but feel free to skim it as needed. If you know someone who might be interested in this information, please share it with them. All Aboard the Future: The Long-Awaited NextGen Acela Debuts August 28! Photo Courtesy of Amtrak After a long wait, Amtrak enters a new chapter! Starting Thursday, August 28, 2025, the sleek and fast NextGen Acela trains will begin transporting passengers...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? Amtrak & VRE Launch New Boarding Platform at Washington Union Station Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) unveiled a brand-new boarding platform—Track 22—at the lower level of Union Station, previously used only for train storage. What’s New: Track 22 has been transformed into a fully functional boarding platform, featuring a reconstructed boarding area and restored historic columns. A new hallway...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? Today we discuss a temporary schedule change for Borealis and plan a fall trip while enjoying summer. Sunkissed Today, Leaf-Peeper Tomorrow: Plan Your Perfect Fall Getaway Summer is in full swing, but savvy travelers know: now is the perfect time to dream about and book your fall getaway. Even your holiday travels! While you’re enjoying the sun, here’s how to prepare for cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? Explore the City of New Orleans New Orleans, LA, is a fantastic place to visit, and Amtrak's City of New Orleans can take you there. This train operates between New Orleans and Chicago, with several intermediate stops along the way. By the way, you can visit there more than just for Mardi Gras! Route at a Glance Chicago ↔ New Orleans Distance: 934 miles, daily service through IL, KY, TN, MS, and LA Stops &...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? Heartland Flyer Receives $3.5M Lifeline Good news, the beloved Amtrak Heartland Flyer, which connects Fort Worth to Oklahoma City, has secured a $3.5 million federal grant to keep its route running for at least another year. This funding acts as a temporary rescue while transportation officials explore long-term solutions, including the possibility of extending the route further north to Kansas. What Travelers...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? Amtrak Train Numbers (and Why They Matter) If you’ve ever looked at your Amtrak ticket and wondered, “What does Train 41 even mean?”—you’re not alone. Or maybe you’ve asked, “Why do trains have both numbers and names?” Train numbers serve several important purposes, while names make routes easier to remember. For example, a route like the Hiawatha can have up to 12 trains daily, and each requires a unique...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? Amtrak Lounge Access Just Got an Update Starting July 1, Amtrak will tighten the rules for using its Metropolitan Lounges at major stations like Chicago Union Station, New York’s Moynihan Hall, Washington Union Station, and others. Here’s what’s changing: No more lounge access after arrival—unless you’re booked in Acela First Class or a sleeper car on a different Amtrak train later the same day. Access is now...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? VIA Rail’s Big Year: Growth, Challenges & Bold Plans Ahead Ridership and Revenue Rise. In 2024, VIA Rail served 4.4 million passengers, representing an increase of approximately 6.6% from 2023, which boosted revenue by C$49.5 million (+11.5%) to reach C$480.2 million. Operational Hiccups Despite this growth, VIA encountered timing setbacks in the Québec City–Windsor corridor due to new infrastructure...