I’m quite excited to be traveling by train (Amtrak) from Los Angeles to San Diego/Del Mar – a three hour long journey – in about a week’s time, to watch thoroughbred horse-racing at the Del Mar Race Track, at the famed Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. I’ll do a follow-up blog highlighting the horse-race event, but for now let’s stay focused on the train topic.
The US national rail operator Amtrak won’t get you everywhere you want to go, but it’s an excellent way to explore this vast country on a budget. Incredible landscapes will zoom by and you’ll see a slice of real Americana as you slow through quirky little towns dotted along each route, plus, there’s no better way to meet the locals. Amtrak is something that is, in many ways, unique to the U.S. and has developed its own travel subculture that gives the commute a whole different meaning.
Did you know approximately 63 percent of travelers have never traveled by Amtrak before? For many first-time Amtrak travelers, the journey completely changed their perspective on what it’s like to vacation by train. So, for those traveling within the U.S. and looking to hop the rails, here are some tips for getting the most out of the railway travel experiences.
Plan for the Journey
- Book as early as possible
- Look for deals on the Amtrak site
Make Yourself a Pre-Departure Checklist
Probably one of the most stressful aspects of traveling is getting ready for the trip. There are quite a few things worth arranging and planning while you’re still at home to ensure you’ll have a smooth train journey.
- Identification – Your photo ID or passport.
- Train Tickets – Make sure you have your eTicket on your electronic device or your printed paper ticket.
- Travel Insurance – Protect yourself against unforeseen travel misfortunes.
- Medications – Bring your medication with you, especially if you know you’ll be requiring it en route to your destination. However, you must bring it in your carry-on and be capable of administering the medication yourself.
- Personal Care Items – Soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lotion, hand sanitizer, and more.
Some things to know before you travel
- Be at the station ahead of time (if the station is open) to check luggage
- Have a photo ID with you (which is needed to store luggage)
- Download the Amtrak app
- Call 1 800 USA RAIL to check on whether train is going to be late
- Print or download your ticket ahead of time and avoid relying on ticket counters
