Hello Reader,
Welcome to this week’s travel trip! There is no news this week; what do you prefer? News? Tips? Both?
You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Start Traveling by Train
Traveling, especially by train, can be intimidating for first-timers and those unfamiliar with rail travel.
However, you don’t have to be a travel expert to start traveling—no one is! I wasn’t one; I didn’t know everything from the start and made mistakes. I wasn’t fully aware of what to expect, and I didn’t have the resources you have today. Travels with Kev would never have happened if I hadn’t taken the plunge on that first Hiawatha ride.
Strive for Experience, Not Perfection
Don’t worry about being perfect. No one is perfect starting out; the more you travel, the easier it becomes. Also, that is how you get experience.
Two things to consider
- You can only perfect something you have started.
- People often claim perfectionism to cover up procrastination or their fear of starting.
Waiting for the perfect time to travel is often the other excuse we use.
Start Small, Learn as You Go
If you’re hesitant, start small! Booking a trip on a regional train can be a great way to get started. However, there are times when you need to take the plunge.
Resources Are Readily Available
As I mentioned, you don’t have to be good at or know everything to get started, and you don’t have to research everything all at once.
Check out Travels with Kev—I may be biased on that—or other resources in whatever size bite you want. I usually have primary sources; sometimes, I check others to clarify or get a different perspective.
When you feel overwhelmed, drink some water, take a walk or nap, do whatever you like, and return later refreshed. You do not have to research everything in one go.
Embrace the Adventure
Traveling by train is as much about the journey as the destination.
For some people like myself, the journey is the main appeal. Part of the adventure is gaining knowledge along the way. Missing a connection or getting on the wrong train is all part of the experience.
While visiting Toronto in 2024, I accidentally boarded the wrong train heading to the wrong airport. However, I realized my mistake, arrived at the next stop, took a returning train, and then caught a bus to the correct airport.
Despite all these mishaps, it ended up being a memorable experience!
Don’t Overdo It!
I prefer to keep my itineraries simple to avoid unnecessary stress. It’s easy to get FOMO (fear of missing out) and overbook a trip with activities. It’s best to keep things simple until you get a travel groove.
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I like to leave my itinerary open, allowing for downtime for naps, rest, and changes, and keeping things open means that unexpected opportunities can arise.
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Some of my most cherished experiences have come from unplanned moments. Whether due to inclement weather or being in the present, I’ve encountered fascinating individuals and formed new connections by embracing spontaneous opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, we need to permit ourselves to travel. I encourage you to do so, or if you need it, I give you the permission you need.
As you begin your journey as a train traveler, you don’t need all the answers; research as questions arise. What’s important is your willingness to start, your curiosity to explore, and your openness to learning along the way. Whether it’s your first trip or planning a cross-country adventure, remember that part of the fun is discovering new things as you go.
So, pack your bags, grab your ticket, and let the tracks lead you to new adventures—you’re ready to go, no matter how much or how little you know.
Auto Train Flash Sale
Amtrak has launched a limited-time fare sale for the Auto Train, allowing passengers to save on travel between the Washington, D.C. area and Florida. This iconic service allows travelers to bring their vehicles along, making it a convenient option for those heading south.
The sale offers discounts on coach and private room accommodations; buy now for a fall getaway. Don’t miss out on this great deal to experience the comfort and convenience of the Auto Train!
Learn more about the Auto Train Sale!
The TWK podcast!
This week’s podcast is about suggested Amtrak Fall Train Trips!
What Kev has been up to!
I spent Saturday in Madison, WI, with my friend Sean this past weekend. While driving there, I did not have much expectation for the day, for it was raining most of the drive, but once I arrived, it was a perfect August day. By the way, hi MJ!
We walked through our beautiful capitol and the farmers market and sat by the lake by the UW-Madison Student. It was nice to sit and watch people and the water.
For lunch, we went to a delightful place: Prost! It was a former Lutheran Church turned German Beer Hall. We split half pretzels and had a few non-alcoholic Paulaner Weizen-Radlers.
Other than that, I am working hard on a few freelance projects.
Bringing this email to a close
I want to thank Betsy for some of the new gear. I appreciate your gifts and will put them to good use! You are all wonderful people, and it means a lot to me.
If you want more information from me and Amtrak’s long-term updates, consider joining the TWK Facebook page! If you want even more from me, please consider Patreon. I encourage you to join if you’d like to receive a monthly postcard featuring photos from my travels. There are other perks available as well.
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If you appreciate what I do and would like to support TWK, the “tip jar” below, other ideas, and my Amazon Wishlist are available. For free, you can share my work with your friends who are interested in train travel.
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I am truly grateful for all of you who are part of this adventure!
Happy planning and safe travels!
Kev Monteith
Help Travels with Kev
I appreciate your support for the work that goes into this email and website. If you have found value in it, please consider backing it up and helping me continue to provide quality assistance for you for years to come.
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