Solo Train Trip

Here you can watch my trip in full- enjoy !

In July of 2021, I took off on a month long solo train trip throughout the country.

This trip started by me longing to plan a trip and travel. Next thing I know, I find the Amtrak USA Rail Pass for half off!! This allows a person to travel to 10 different station stops within 30 days. I told my grandma about the trip since we both share a common love for traveling by trains. She then gave me her catalog from 2012 or something like that, whenever she had planned her first trip with my grandpa. When flipping through the catalog, I was able to more easily pick where I wanted to head. I picked 3 routes and made stops along each of them.

On each route, I had looked up each city. If I thought there would be enough for me to do, then I would plan to go there as one of my stops. I already knew key cities I wanted to hit, but since traveling by train is long and not the most time efficient, I knew I would need to find breaks. It was then finding the balance of traveling the country, going to different cities, and managing to do it all within 30 days. I wanted to utilize the 10 stops as much as possible.

My trip began in my hometown of Syracuse, New York. From there I took the Empire Service train to New York City. I stayed in the Bronx since that was the only burrow I hadn’t stayed in. I went to the Bronx Botanical Gardens, walked an insane amount from the Bronx to Harlem, and most importantly visited with friends I hadn’t seen in over a year. Seeing my friends and then sharing with them this trip I was about to embark on was amazing. I’m so appreciative of the support they’ve given me.

After my time in New York City, I took an evening train to Baltimore, Maryland. This is my first time ever in this city and I fell in love. I always wanted to go based on my favorite musical Hairspray. I most definitely listened to the musical soundtrack a few times while I was there. I enjoyed walking the streets, taking public transit and exploring the city in my way of feeling like a local. The architecture in Baltimore is tasteful. I loved the proximity to the waterfront- certainly an ideal location. Baltimore was a quaint city and I’m so happy I went. I would love to go back.

Following my time in Baltimore, I look an evening train to Atlanta, Georgia. This was my first time traveling overnight on a train. It was rough mainly because I was cold and didn’t have a proper blanket. I kept dozing in and out of sleep due to the train horn being pulled every time we crossed a street. My day started by watching the sunrise as I came into Georgia. I had finally made my way to Atlanta. I had told myself I was going to move here in August 2020. One year (11 months) later, I visited for the first time. I was able to stay with my cousin which was grounding for the midway part of my trip. I visited all the places I had wanted to. One of my favorite days was going to the Botanical Gardens and then the High Museum. It was quite a long day, but lots of fun. Staying with my cousin was a nice way to explore the city being that he had lived there for 10 years. I left not fully loving the city and glad that I didn’t make the move down here, however it’s funny how life changes.

The next stop was New Orleans, Louisiana. I was very excited to explore this city. I departed on my journey on a beautiful Saturday morning. I spent my whole day on the train (12 hours). Once I arrived, I went straight to my Airbnb. This was by far my favorite spot that I stayed on the trip. It was the master bedroom of the house with huge ceiling and an AMAZING bathroom that I obviously utilized to the fullest by taking pictures of myself :) I loved the iron details throughout the city. I felt the culture and uniqueness of this place. I stumbled upon a street with a plethora of art galleries- a street over from all the bars. I would love to go back to this city to experience Mardi Grais.

The next stop was Memphis, Tennessee. I arrived not in an ideal state of mind. I mistook Memphis for Nashville. They are drastically different places. Memphis is ranked with one of the highest crime rates in the country- didn’t know that. I still made the most of my time. I was staying far out from where most of the sites were. I’m glad Memphis was the shortest time I spent in a city because I wanted to leave as soon as I could. I was also there during an insane heat wave. Next stop….

The following city I went to was Chicago, Illinois. It was another evening train so I was able to watch the sun rise. Once I arrived I took the train to my Airbnb. I fell in love with this place. It was an old house that had all the charm and character you can expect! The woman who owned it was so sweet. She said that all the guests she hosted felt like long lost cousins and that warmed my heart so much. I stayed around my Airbnb for the first day being that I was again tired from commuting on an evening train. I was in awe the following days since I have wanted to visit Chicago since seeing Ferris Bueller’s Day Off years ago. The city truly lived up to all the hype that I gave it. I had a fantastic day thrifting and wow I am blown away at all the finds. I can’t wait until I am able to return and continue to explore more of the city.

Following my time in Chicago, I went back to my hometown of Syracuse for a weekend then departed again to NYC. I stayed with my friend in Bushwick. That place will always be special to me. I had so much fun spending more time visiting with my friend. Bushwick will forever be special to me since it was the first place in the city that I had visited other than Manhattan. One of the days I was there, I went back up to the Bronx to visit with my guy friends. That was a highlight of my summer. I was the only female and well I was also told I was a model sooo like ok ego boost. New York City will always hold such a special place in my heart. I can’t wait until I am able to return.

Lastly, I left New York and took the train to Boston. I stayed with my best friend and her boyfriend. Both very wonderful friends of mine. It was a very great way to end my trip. I loved being able to talk and share it with them. My best friend and I went to the art museum one day. It was amazing to see the exhibit of Virgil Abloh. Someone I knew very little about until I saw the exhibit. Another prime example to always check out art museums. It was a fabulous way to complete my trip.

I then leave Boston to return back to Syracuse. It was a jam packed month of traveling by train. I learned a lot about myself. It was an experience I am so thankful I had the ability to give to myself. I can’t wait until I can plan my next trip. Thank you all who read this far- I don’t even know if I would lol. Maybe one day America will have high speed rails.