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 nature’s most stunning display—fall foliage.

Ride the Rails Through Autumn’s Colors

For a front-row seat to fiery maples and golden aspens, nothing beats a scenic train ride.

Amtrak’s fall color routes—like the Adirondack (New York to Montreal) or the California Zephyr (Rockies to Sierra Nevadas)—sell out quickly.

Pro tip: Book by late summer for peak dates!

If you are looking for more ideas, I have Amtrak’s Best Fall Color Trains Guide. This will give you more route ideas!

Secure Leafy Lodging

Cabin by a lake? Boutique hotel in a Vermont village? Properties in top foliage areas (think: New England, Blue Ridge Mountains) fill up months in advance. Browse early for deals—and cancellations!

One thing I like to do is compare lodging and train prices simultaneously to find the best average cost. One way to determine if a location is correct for you is to do this. That way, you can adjust if needed.

Peak Predictions & Pro Planning

Foliage timing varies each year, but late September to mid-October is usually the best time for most of the U.S. Track forecasts with tools like the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Map (Updated weekly!)

Borealis Trains 1333 and 1340 Schedule Changes

Effective Monday, July 21, 2025

Temporary schedules for Borealis Trains 1333 and 1340 are in effect through August 30. Schedule times listed on Amtrak.com have been updated to reflect these changes while track improvements are underway.

July 21 - August 30

• Train 1333 will arrive in St. Paul at 6:56 pm.
• Train 1340 will depart St. Paul 15 minutes earlier at 11:34 am, departing Winona 10 minutes earlier at 1:31 pm, La Crosse 5 minutes earlier at 2:12 pm, and Milwaukee at the normal time of 5:44 pm.
• Please check Amtrak.com for the most up-to-date schedule times, as they may vary by station.

Amtrak offers a page to check service alerts and notifications.
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What has Kev been up to?

Last week was a whirlwind of fun, hard work, and—just as I mentioned before—precisely the kind of escape I needed. There’s something deeply therapeutic about stepping away from everyday life, losing yourself in new experiences, and connecting with people who start as strangers but quickly become friends.

This week, by contrast, was all about slowing down. I enjoyed the quiet moments, recharged, and allowed the pace of life to slow a bit. It was nice just to be—no agendas, no rush.

I also had my annual eye exam (because adulting never truly stops, right?). The verdict? I need new glasses, but the good news is that everything looks healthy for someone my age. The polite way of saying you're getting older.

Friday marks a bittersweet milestone: I’m heading to Midway Airport to pick up my brother-in-law, which means my sister and the kids will soon be heading home. Part of me will miss the chaos and laughter they brought into the house— but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to reclaiming my office. Ah, the mixed emotions of family visits!

Next week, my Patreon postcards will be sent out. If you don't receive one, you can still join to get yours!

Looking at the Markers

Thank you for reading this newsletter and reaching out—it means a great deal to me!

If you enjoy my work, consider supporting this free resource.​
You can visit my support page to learn how to help keep this train rolling, or click the green button at the bottom of this newsletter to pitch in.

Your support makes everything I do possible. Every little bit truly helps—and together, we’re inspiring more people to explore the world, one train trip at a time! 🚆✨

Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith