Survival Tips and Life Hacks You Didn't Know You Needed for Holiday Train Travel!

One of the most daunting tasks during the holiday season is trying to figure out the most efficient way to travel. While trying to avoid the many inconveniences of holiday travel - traffic jams and time delays among many others - the most frustrating realization is that you could have been more prepared. This year, skip the jam - unless it’s going on a biscuit! - hop on a train, and trump the holiday madness. These articles and personal stories share everything you need to know for optimizing your travels during the busy holidays.

Amtrak

...Wants you to arrive relaxed and refreshed with their 10 Thanksgiving travel tips for stress-free travel. Now offering an all new 2+2=FREE deal passengers are allowed 2 50lb bags each. Learn about the special lounge and sleeper car rates and get ready to start capturing amazing memories right on the train.

USATourist

These travel tips give you an inside look on everything provided to you by Amtrak. What’s your style, twin decked coaches or sleeping cars? Sight-seeing on board, or hopping off and exploring natural landscape? Choose from over 500 destinations throughout 46 states across the U.S, and start your holiday off right.

Kaleidoscope Wandering

Joanna, travel enthusiast and veteran of long-distance travel in 3 countries, shares her thoughts on why trains offer the best method of travel. Her best tip: “Appreciate a form of travel that might as well be a lost art.”

Off The Blue Print

If you are looking for tips on how to plan for long-distance travel with Amtrak, this is a great read. Enjoy lingering charm while on board, 100% refund policy, lower fees than airlines, and explore the U.S with the Trails and Rails Program with Amtrak.

Matador Network

Adam Polonski gives you a first-hand look into his experiences while on a 1 month ride on the Amtrak rails. Adam shares all that could go wrong while on your trip and why it’s still the best way to see and learn about America.

Minitime

Traveling with kids? The folks here at Minitime share their 10 tips for smoother family travel. Plus,  Amtrak provides family friendly discounts and entertainment.

Scootaround

Are you using a wheelchair and looking to travel by train this holiday season? Scootaround shares their personal travel solutions on special rates for escorts, priority boarding, mobility vehicle storage and more.

AARP

This article gives great information on the many benefits available to physically challenged travelers. AARP tells you how to plan ahead,, request a rental car and ask for proper medicine storage on the train.

Celebrate Spring at These Festivals

After a long, cold winter, the temperature is finally rising and the weather is getting beautiful. It's time to head outdoors and celebrate the season. New York is home to tons of events that welcome spring; between the flower festivals and food and drink festivals, there is plenty going on to keep you busy every weekend.


Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival - Buffalo was hit hard by snow this winter, but they're ready for a "springtime blizzard" of cherry blossoms and flowers at the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival. The event takes place from May 2 - 9 in the Japanese Garden in Delaware Park; the focal point is the bright pink cherry trees and admission is free! Events during the week-long celebration include a tea ceremony, a tree planting, traditional Japanese performances and more. Buffalo-Exchange Street Station is 5 miles from Delaware Park.

Hudson Valley Garden Fair - The Hudson Valley Garden Fair is a great event for those with a green thumb- and even those without one! Guests can listen to a lecture on gardening, tour historic gardens, and shop the many plant and garden vendors in attendance on May 2 at Montgomery Place in Red Hook. The garden fair is 7.5 miles from the Rhinecliff-Kingston Amtrak Station.

Photo from Flickr by Liz Lawley

Rochester Lilac Festival - The history of the Rochester Lilac Festival dates back to 1890, but the tradition has remained in place and has continued to grow. From May 8 - 17, go to Highland Park to enjoy 10 days of beautiful spring blooms and live music, as well as art shows and shopping for lilac products and souvenirs. Admission to the festival is free, though a few events, like the wine and chocolate tasting, require guests to purchase tickets. The Lilac Festival is 2.5 miles from Rochester Amtrak Station.

The Albany Tulip Festival - Stroll through Washington Park and admire over 100,000 tulip bulbs in full bloom at The Albany Tulip Festival. The festival takes place on May 9 & 10, and ends with a Mother of the Year Award on Sunday, Mother's Day. Other events include the Tulip Queen Coronation and the Royal Tulip Ball. The festival is free to the public, though the Royal Tulip Ball and the Tulip Queen and Court Luncheon require guests to purchase tickets. The Tulip Festival is 2.5 miles from the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station.

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival - The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival is the oldest and largest food festival in New York City. On May 16 - 17, visit the vendors that line Ninth Avenue between 42nd and 57th Streets, offering samples of food from all over the world. In addition, there are tons of merchants selling jewelry and crafts, as well as international entertainment. The festival is about 1 mile from New York-Penn Station.

Photo from Flickr by Benjamin Golub

Hudson-Berkshire Wine and Food Festival - Head to the Columbia County Fairgrounds on May 23 - 24 for the 3rd Annual Hudson-Berkshire Wine and Food Festival. The $25 admission fee covers your souvenir tasting glass, as well as all of the beer, wine and spirits samples you care to try. For food, there will be meats, cheeses and baked goods for sampling and sale. The festival is 13.2 miles from the Hudson Amtrak Station.


New York is coming alive after a long winter. Head outdoors to one of these great festivals located throughout the state. Take an Amtrak train to these destinations for a fun weekend away, and get there using a discount. For more information about these destinations and other getaway ideas, check out New York By Rail.