First off, great video. I too am a solo traveler. I personally have been on Amtrak about 40x with the Empire Builder being my first train ride back in 1982 with my grandmother. I remember the experience like it was yesterday. Usually do an annual Chicago trip via Amtrak from Cleveland. Going to do the City of New Orleans in May to head to my cruise. Want to eventually do the California Zephyr as well as the Empire Chief. Did several trains while I was completing my 50 states. Also been on 2 European trains and looking to do The Canadian next year from Toronto to Vancouver with a stop in Edmonton to visit the largest mall in North America as well as stay at the Fantasyland Hotel.
40 times, wow! Which train would you recommend next? I’d like to try the Empire Builder plus I’ve never been to Seattle before. Seeing 50 states is a major feat congrats 💙
@Jetsetterjanelle thank you! Just saw an article in the local paper a few years ago about The 50 State Club and at the time, I was probably at 25. I literally pulled out the map and figured how to knock out the others. Took about two months. Would travel on my two off days every week. Was able to meet a cousin who currently resides in Alaska and was able to visit the Last Blockbuster Video in the world(Oregon). Since you been to California, I would recommend the Empire Builder. Take advantage of Seattle. The Space Needle is a must, plus seeing a fish being thrown at Pike's Market is a bucketlist opportunity. Right across from Pikes, is the original Starbucks. I don't drink coffee, but a lot of people obviously wanted to experience it as the line is down the block. Have eaten at the original KFC in Corbin, Kentucky.
Good information. My wife and I took the CZ from Chicago to Salt Lake City and return. We got two roomettes on either side of the train to give us differing views. Also, because neither of us was about to climb up into the upper bunk. Way too old for that. The roomette is small, but very comfortable for a single traveler or with a child. Having the meals included enhanced our experience. Free is good. Food was great. They also have gluten free and vegan meals available. Plus, you get one alcohol beverage free with lunch and dinner. I tried to find me a "bae" on board but my wife wouldn't let me. I asked Amtrak to put her off the train in Omaha but they refused. 😂
Loved your video on the California Zephyr ride; thank you for sharing your experience and recommendations! I'm excited to be taking the Zephyr from Chicago to LA in a couple weeks; I saved up for a sleeper, but have taken the Southwest Chief in coach; it was a good experience even though we were late getting into Chicago. I'll also be in D.C. before taking the train to Chicago; looking forward to watching your video on Washington. 😊
Thanks. I think you did a good job with this. I'm going to take it from Chicago to Emeryville in the spring. It'll be my second train trip. In December of 2019 I took the Coast Starlight from Emeryville to Portland. Then I took the Empire Builder to Wisconsin. I went coach and had a great time. One thing is to have a small bag with your electronics and any other valuables that you keep with at all times. Happy new year 🎉
Just got back from my solo trip to Seattle. I travelled from Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago, IL by train. At Union Station, I got to enjoy the lounge since I was in a roomette from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA. The one-way trip was over two days, and it was a pleasurable experience. Since I didn't know what to expect, I traveled by train going, and I came home by plane. The staff was superb, and I made friends with them. Overall, the service and food were excellent. Unfortunately, I didn't have the steak. My least favorite meal was the French toast at breakfast, and my favorite meal was the salmon at dinnertime. Out of all the desserts, I really enjoyed the lemon cake. Next time, I plan on riding in Coach during the whole journey, for I pretty much stayed in the observation room anyways. Looking forward to the next Amtrak experience. Thanks for your video.
Glad your experience was a great one! Looks like I didn’t miss out much on train dining. Seattle’s on my list was that the empire builder? Would love to get a Roomette!
Interesting post! I am about to take my second cross-country Amtrak trip, on Zephyr from Denver to Chicago, with roomette. First one was Southwest Chief from L.A. to Chicago in Feb 2019 (I was a total newb at train travel, but it all worked out great!). I'm 6'3", which makes the Roomette a tight fit, but still once I got situated, it was good. Plenty of electrical outlets, even straight USB plugin jacks (add to my checklist: cables, adapters and power strip). I had the greatest room attendant from L.A. to Chicago, almost 48 hours! Name was Peggy (same as my mom). She offered a lot of helpful hints on meals, and more. About taking showers - I didn't try it on the train, as my balance isn't so good (78 years old and counting), but I have had both knees replaced in the last year and a half, so I am a lot more mobile than I was last time. Hope to see you out there rising the rails one of these days!
I really enjoyed your video especially the part about the "train Bae"okay. But it's so informative I appreciate everything you said because I'm trying to get started myself solo and get back out on the road and my kids are grown gone and on their own in fact I'm going to California to see my son. So thank you for the Insight be blessed😊#team carnivore steakcity
With the cost of the blanket, train snacks, food stops along the way, and other incidentals, how much did a coach seat end up saving you as compared to a roomette? Heh. I doubt I will find a train bae or pizza friends on my trip, so pretend you paid for that stuff! lol. I'm considering a solo trip, myself, and trying to decide if a room is worth it.
Good question, I saved about $700 the roomettes are crazy high! Denver was the only time I got off for food. If you’re not vegetarian there are hot dogs in the snack cart.
First off, great video. I too am a solo traveler. I personally have been on Amtrak about 40x with the Empire Builder being my first train ride back in 1982 with my grandmother. I remember the experience like it was yesterday. Usually do an annual Chicago trip via Amtrak from Cleveland. Going to do the City of New Orleans in May to head to my cruise. Want to eventually do the California Zephyr as well as the Empire Chief. Did several trains while I was completing my 50 states. Also been on 2 European trains and looking to do The Canadian next year from Toronto to Vancouver with a stop in Edmonton to visit the largest mall in North America as well as stay at the Fantasyland Hotel.
40 times, wow! Which train would you recommend next? I’d like to try the Empire Builder plus I’ve never been to Seattle before. Seeing 50 states is a major feat congrats 💙
@Jetsetterjanelle thank you! Just saw an article in the local paper a few years ago about The 50 State Club and at the time, I was probably at 25. I literally pulled out the map and figured how to knock out the others. Took about two months. Would travel on my two off days every week. Was able to meet a cousin who currently resides in Alaska and was able to visit the Last Blockbuster Video in the world(Oregon). Since you been to California, I would recommend the Empire Builder. Take advantage of Seattle. The Space Needle is a must, plus seeing a fish being thrown at Pike's Market is a bucketlist opportunity. Right across from Pikes, is the original Starbucks. I don't drink coffee, but a lot of people obviously wanted to experience it as the line is down the block. Have eaten at the original KFC in Corbin, Kentucky.
So appreciate this video. Not all of us can afford a roomette, but it doesn't stop us from having adventures.
No prob, budget travelers deserve a vacay too ❤
Good information. My wife and I took the CZ from Chicago to Salt Lake City and return. We got two roomettes on either side of the train to give us differing views. Also, because neither of us was about to climb up into the upper bunk. Way too old for that. The roomette is small, but very comfortable for a single traveler or with a child. Having the meals included enhanced our experience. Free is good. Food was great. They also have gluten free and vegan meals available. Plus, you get one alcohol beverage free with lunch and dinner. I tried to find me a "bae" on board but my wife wouldn't let me. I asked Amtrak to put her off the train in Omaha but they refused. 😂
Love the the humor! Glad she wasn’t dropped off in Omaha 😂 didn’t realize you have to climb to get to the upper bunk
Fantastic video and narration!!👏🏽 👏🏽
Look forward to watching more of your videos and sharing them to help you grow your channel.
You’re too kind, thanks so much!!
Loved your video on the California Zephyr ride; thank you for sharing your experience and recommendations! I'm excited to be taking the Zephyr from Chicago to LA in a couple weeks; I saved up for a sleeper, but have taken the Southwest Chief in coach; it was a good experience even though we were late getting into Chicago. I'll also be in D.C. before taking the train to Chicago; looking forward to watching your video on Washington. 😊
How did the trip go? I’d like to try Southwest Chief someday
Thanks, Great description of the trip, very complete. I am looking forward to making this trip in July with my husband.
Thanks Brenda! It’s a once in a lifetime experience, look forward to hearing how your trip goes
Thanks. I think you did a good job with this. I'm going to take it from Chicago to Emeryville in the spring. It'll be my second train trip. In December of 2019 I took the Coast Starlight from Emeryville to Portland. Then I took the Empire Builder to Wisconsin. I went coach and had a great time. One thing is to have a small bag with your electronics and any other valuables that you keep with at all times. Happy new year 🎉
Appreciate ya! I’d love to try the Empire or Coast Starlight someday. Smart to keep the electronics protected in a bag 😜
Just got back from my solo trip to Seattle. I travelled from Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago, IL by train. At Union Station, I got to enjoy the lounge since I was in a roomette from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA. The one-way trip was over two days, and it was a pleasurable experience. Since I didn't know what to expect, I traveled by train going, and I came home by plane. The staff was superb, and I made friends with them. Overall, the service and food were excellent. Unfortunately, I didn't have the steak. My least favorite meal was the French toast at breakfast, and my favorite meal was the salmon at dinnertime. Out of all the desserts, I really enjoyed the lemon cake. Next time, I plan on riding in Coach during the whole journey, for I pretty much stayed in the observation room anyways. Looking forward to the next Amtrak experience. Thanks for your video.
Glad your experience was a great one! Looks like I didn’t miss out much on train dining. Seattle’s on my list was that the empire builder? Would love to get a Roomette!
Solo traveler here watching you from Kenya 🇰🇪,East Africa
Wow thanks for watching! Africa to the world ✊🏾
Interesting post! I am about to take my second cross-country Amtrak trip, on Zephyr from Denver to Chicago, with roomette. First one was Southwest Chief from L.A. to Chicago in Feb 2019 (I was a total newb at train travel, but it all worked out great!). I'm 6'3", which makes the Roomette a tight fit, but still once I got situated, it was good. Plenty of electrical outlets, even straight USB plugin jacks (add to my checklist: cables, adapters and power strip). I had the greatest room attendant from L.A. to Chicago, almost 48 hours! Name was Peggy (same as my mom). She offered a lot of helpful hints on meals, and more. About taking showers - I didn't try it on the train, as my balance isn't so good (78 years old and counting), but I have had both knees replaced in the last year and a half, so I am a lot more mobile than I was last time. Hope to see you out there rising the rails one of these days!
Thanks for your take on this, I can imagine being cramped up with your height! Will look for you too, train travel is divine 😎
So glad I found your channel!
Sure thing Maggie! ❤
Well Done !! I'm a train buff and a brother !! Love it. The Southwest Chief is beautiful as well.
Thank you! ✊🏾 I haven’t been on the southwest chief yet
I really enjoyed your video especially the part about the "train Bae"okay. But it's so informative I appreciate everything you said because I'm trying to get started myself solo and get back out on the road and my kids are grown gone and on their own in fact I'm going to California to see my son. So thank you for the Insight be blessed😊#team carnivore steakcity
Thank you for watching! That’s going to be a nice ride to California. Enjoy the steak 😜
You did a phenomenal job my Sister!! 👍💯👋
Appreciate that Kenneth! ✊🏾
Great Video Thank You for Sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Awesome and informative video!! Keep up the good work :))
Thanks a bunch!
Thank you for this informative video! Could you respond with the hostel you stayed in at emeryville/san Francisco? Thank you!
You’re welcome! I reviewed it in my San Francisco video, can’t remember the name…
With the cost of the blanket, train snacks, food stops along the way, and other incidentals, how much did a coach seat end up saving you as compared to a roomette? Heh. I doubt I will find a train bae or pizza friends on my trip, so pretend you paid for that stuff! lol. I'm considering a solo trip, myself, and trying to decide if a room is worth it.
Good question, I saved about $700 the roomettes are crazy high! Denver was the only time I got off for food. If you’re not vegetarian there are hot dogs in the snack cart.
@@Jetsetterjanelle Thanks for the info! I just found your channel and you have a new subscriber. $700 is quite a lot of savings.
@@sircharlesmormont9300thanks so much!
Is the grand Hyatt close to union station
It’s close to Union Square, I haven’t been to union station there
Nice video just wish u would have more scenery the few pictures u did show were to fast.
appreciate the feedback! 🤗
I wish I could travel with you.
Very good advice, just show more views.
Thanks for the tip!
If you bring Ramon noodles can you ask the cafe car attendant for hot water?
It depends on the employee. Worst case scenario you can buy a cup of hot water. Just be nice to the café employee and leave them a tip
Good idea I didn’t think about bringing ramen. They gave me hot water in the cafe car
@@nataliajimenez1870facts treat the staff nice sometimes they might be in a mood