Hello Reader, it is Kev again!

Welcome back!

Amtrak Holiday Travel Time is Starting!

For my U.S. readers, next week is Thanksgiving—and we're entering the holiday travel season. Sometimes we get caught up in this busy travel period, even during our usual trips like weekend getaways, even if we're not participating in holiday events.

These tips are solid and can be applied to off-peak travel, too.

If you're an experienced Amtrak traveler, you probably already expect what's ahead: crowded trains, long station lines, and many first-time passengers. Some newcomers will be nervous, and a few might block the aisle while figuring out the overhead shelf.

Recall your first Amtrak trip and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Sometimes helping new passengers can not only speed up the process but also lift someone's spirits.

If your first trip is during this time, don't worry, you'll be fine! Please take a deep breath, stay prepared, be willing to make mistakes, and learn from them. We all need to start somewhere.

So, here's what we agree on: patience and understanding go a long way. And sometimes, I am not always good at that.

Here are a few tips!

Keep It to One Seat

Your bag, coat, and feet should not take up a second seat. During this season, trains fill up quickly, even the ones that are usually not busy, and occupying two seats can prevent others from boarding and cause frustration for those who want a seat and want to enjoy their trip.

I've heard conductors say, "You only paid for one seat, you only get one seat." Nothing is more frustrating than trying to find a seat as the train departs, only to see people claiming both seats for their home offices.

Be ready

Arrive early at the station and find your tickets before heading to the train. Don't wait until the last minute to handle things.

Listen for announcements, if available, and know some stations are unstaffed. You can always track your train to see where it is and when it should arrive at the station. This allows you to be ahead of others.

Pack Light

During the holidays, trains tend to be crowded, and overhead shelf space fills up quickly. The lighter you pack, the easier it is to store, retrieve, and navigate crowded aisles and platforms. The less you have to bring, the less you have to drag through busy stations.

If you plan to check bags, ensure your first and last stops have checked baggage service so you avoid last-minute surprises.

Check out Amtrak's baggage rules and know what you cannot pack on the train.

Tag Your Luggage

Every bag should have your name and contact information on the outside. It takes just two minutes and can prevent many headaches if a bag gets separated during transfers or layovers. Amtrak staff can reunite you with your bag much faster if they know who it belongs to.

Tickets: Have Backups

The Amtrak app does hold your tickets, but it only works if you have cell service or Wi-Fi. Wallet apps on your phone let you save your tickets and access them without an internet connection. Often, they even display something on the lock screen for easy access.

Alternatively, you can take screenshots of your tickets. You can always print your tickets; that way, if your phone dies, the internet cuts out, or the app glitches, you're still good to go.

Bring Extension Cords, Snacks, & More

Holiday trains can be loud, crowded, and long. Bring a pair of headphones. Pack an extension cord, especially for sleeping accommodations. Don't forget a charger and cables so your phone is ready to go when you reach your destination.

When packing, don't forget snacks and water, just in case you have a delay and are at a station a little longer than you wanted. I like to bring some extra funds to head to the cafe car, not only to stretch my legs, but to treat myself on my adventure.

These small comforts really make a difference on a busy train. If you're unsure, check my cafe page to see if your train has a cafe so that you can find details early.

If this is your first time traveling from Thanksgiving to New Year's, check out my holiday travel post.

TravelsWithKev.com Was Down!

TWK went offline during the Tuesday Cloudflare outage, which affected many sites. It's hard to see your site go down, and there's nothing you can do about it. The bright side is, I didn't cause it!

It is fully operational again, and all your favorite guides are available. Thank you for being so patient! I hope it did not affect you.

Amtrak Auto Train Flash Sale!

Amtrak has launched a flash sale on the Auto Train, which is worth noting if you're planning a winter trip between Florida and the Washington, D.C., area.

You can book Coach fares starting at just $39 (plus your vehicle) through November 26th, with travel available from early December through June 2026. If a private room is more your style, Roomettes start at $239 and Bedrooms at $439.

The Auto Train is a great choice for anyone dreading the drive down I-95—you avoid traffic and fatigue while your car travels safely in the train's enclosed auto deck. Coach passengers get a complimentary continental breakfast, and upgrading to a private room includes priority boarding, a dedicated attendant, and free dining. It's also family-friendly, with kids ages 2-12 riding at 50% off.

Keep in mind there are a few blackout dates (holiday periods and a couple of other windows), so check the calendar before booking. See the sale details on Amtrak's website—this deal ends November 26th, so act quickly.

What has Kev been up to?

This week, I took my folks down to Florida, where they will stay with my sister's family for a few months. I was there for only one full day. Sadly, we had to fly rather than take the train on this trip.

I think when I go back to bring them back, there might be a train, overnight stay, and bua s.

I am still working out the details to see if I can make the finances work. I plan to take the City of New Orleans to New Orleans, then attend Mardi Gras in Mobile, AL, spend the night, and afterward take the Greyhound to my sister's place. I need to see how this shapes up in terms of cost, and if it gets too expensive, I might end up flying.

Don't forget about my Patreon sale! If you’ve been thinking about joining, new members in November can get 75% off their first month’s subscription with code 52ABD. Memberships start at $5 (regular price), and you can cancel at any time.

Looking at the Markers

Interested in supporting this work? Check out my Patreon or other support options. Can't contribute right now? No problem—just sharing this with fellow travelers helps more than you know!

Until Next Week…

Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith