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Welcome back!

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A Planning Tip from Ruth: Use Google Maps to Help Plan Your Amtrak Adventure!

Big thanks to Ruth, one of my awesome readers, for the reminder that Google Maps can be a fantastic tool for planning your Amtrak trip—I use it all the time!

You can search for Amtrak stations across the country and explore the neighborhoods around them. It’s perfect for finding nearby hotels, restaurants, or getting a feel for the area before you arrive. You can also check if walking from the station makes sense or if you should grab a ride.

Sometimes, Google Maps even shows expected train arrival times! And don’t forget features like zooming in on your destination, clicking on nearby attractions, or using Street View to virtually “walk” the station area. It’s a great way to know what to expect when you step off the train is a great way.

Thanks again, Ruth!

Do you have a favorite travel tip? Hit reply and share it—I might feature it in a future issue! Or is there a map app you use?

Wolverine Trains 350 and 353 Temporarily Suspended

Effective: Now – October 30, 2025

Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation, which own several miles of track used by the Michigan service and freight lines, are making improvements that will affect some Wolverine Service trains. Here’s what you need to know:

🚆 Service Changes: Trains 350 and 353 will not run on Mondays through Thursdays

• May 5 – June 26
• August 4 – October 30

Trains 350 and 353 will run as usual on:

• Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
• Memorial Day – Monday, May 26
• Juneteenth – Wednesday, June 19
• Labor Day – Monday, September 1

Other Michigan service trains continue to operate:

• Wolverine Trains 351, 352, 354, and 355 – No changes, full schedule.
• ​Blue Water Trains 364 and 365 – Running as usual and stopping at shared Wolverine stations in southwestern Michigan.

Other trains have schedule changes too...

This is track repair and improvement season. As you plan and book trips, check Amtrak's Alert page for updated information.

There are several temporary schedule changes occurring now due to track work, so if you notice canceled trains, altered times, or other issues, it may be due to track work.

Know what you can bring on Amtrak.

Lately, there’s been chatter about Amtrak cracking down on carry-on baggage, so let’s take a moment to review their policy.

Here’s what you may bring on board (per passenger):

• One personal item: Up to 25 lbs (12 kg), with a maximum size of 14" x 11" x 7".
• Two carry-on bags: up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each. Max size: 28" x 22" x 14" (Pacific Surfliner: 28" x 22" x 11").

🎫 Pro Tip: Be sure each bag has a tag with your name and address on the outside.

Some situations have exceptions, so if uncertain, refer to Amtrak’s official baggage policy for the latest information.

What has Kev been up to?

Every year, my favorite supporters give me access to their Amtrak points that they accumulate from using their Amtrak Credit Cards.

Okay, it's my folks. I am in the process of planning a trip and looking at a coast-to-coast journey, which I have done before, but this time it's from the West to the East Coast! Patreon will learn first, and then I will let you know.

I hope to update the on-time performance page for long-distance travel. Amtrak usually releases the report around the 15th of the month.

Looking at the Markers 🚂

Thank you for reading this newsletter and reaching out—it means a lot!

Did you know that you can receive a postcard every month and more? You can! Join the other amazing people on Patreon; I would love to send you a postcard while we help keep this newsletter and Travels with Kev going!

If that is not for you, but you still want to support what I do, please visit my support page and click the green button at the bottom of this newsletter.

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