@Midlife Travelers What truly sold me on Thom’s narration style is that if you listen long enough, he’ll drop a totally deadpan humor line that will catch you off guard. He has me chuckling at least once on every video!

Me too

Thank you, that means so much! Having grown up in Europe and also Japan, where the trains are amazing, I definitely miss all the variety in trains and the ease with which you can take the train to your destination. For the time being, I guess I'll just have to make the most out of what America has to offer. Looking forward to whatever my next trip may be!

Thank you! I make it a habit to only wear fun socks

Thank you! Just booked three new Amtrak trips yesterday!

I fully agree!

The problem with this is that as soon as you mention the word “subsidy” or “subsidized,” the party of alleged “small government” screams, “SOCIALISM!!” What Congress could have done in 1971 was to create a trust to fund Amtrak, just like they did for the interstate highway system. They didn’t and as a result, Amtrak is subject to annual appropriations. Don’t think for one minute that the party of small government won’t go after transportation funding as a means to reduce deficit spending. I hate to get political on Thom’s channel but since the subject came up, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention why Amtrak ticket prices are already subsidized. Before becoming an airline mechanic, I drove buses for Greyhound. My employer at the time lobbied for deregulation because they felt that they were forced to operate without subsidies (never mind that the highways they operate on are subsidized) while their main competition, Amtrak, was totally subsidized. Airlines had previously been deregulated but the prices hadn’t come down yet. Keep in mind, taxpayers still support the airports and the runways, navigation facilities and air traffic control. Railroads are forced to maintain their own rights-of-way. Amtrak pays the railroads for the the rights to operate on their tracks. It’s complicated. A very wise man once told me that there’s no such thing as a “free hot dog.” Someone paid for that hot dog. Hope that helps.

Yeah it made me very hungry to try out a different route soon. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Part 2 will be up in two weeks. Thanks for your kind words!

Thank you for subscribing!! Part 3 coming out in a few hours

@@Thom-TRA I am looking forward to it!!

There will be another like it this Saturday!

Cool. I'm subscribed now.@@Thom-TRA

What are the odds of that!

Thank you! I wish circumstances would let me do more trip reports in Europe like you do! Keep it up!

@@Thom-TRA You'll get there, Amtrak is the 'big one', you only need one video to take off and I'm sure you'll prosper as you really do make amazing and Informative content 🙏🏻

Your support and kind words mean so much!

Found it at a thrift store!

Our review on that route will be up by then! You can check it out as some pre-trip research!

Do you remember what the fee was? Might be worth looking into for next time

@@Thom-TRA Sorry, no. It was worth it or I wouldn't have done it. It was several years ago and I can't remember.

Dude I was so embarrassed! 😂 I also found a dude wipe I never used from that trip just the other day lol

Nope! Another advantage of train travel

yes, that is strange for the baggage car to be at the end

I traveled in July. They are serving food, just not to coach passengers. If you get a room, you’re covered!

When did it change, recently?

@@Thom-TRA Yes, lste in summer 2022

Yikes! Hope the views were spectacular nonetheless!

I’ve only had issues the first time. Ever since they’ve never batted an eye!

@@Thom-TRA Sweet! X'ing finger I won't have any trouble.

That’s my secret agenda

It’s really not that bad. When the price difference is $900, I’ll gladly pick coach

Not yet but I’d really like to

What building and what high prices?

Right??

Your friend might have to take me out to dinner first. Perhaps at White Castle.