We know that Black travelers are adventurous and loveee to be outside! From luxury travel to solo travel, we truly are everywhere. But have you ever considered adding a train trip to your bucket list?
A unique form of travel, train trips remind you that the journey is just as important as the destination. And I’ve spent over 200 hours on U.S trains, plus a few in Mexico, Peru and throughout Europe – I’m a superfan. So if you have not taken a train ride, here are some reasons why a train trip should be on your list of travel experiences as a Black traveler.
Train travel is Black history
Did you know that Black Americans shaped the US train travel movement? The first Black labor union, The Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters, were Pullman Porters who made sleeper trains a luxury experience after the American Civil War. Though working on the train provided some upward mobility, Pullman Porters and maids were frustrated with the discrimination and racism they experienced while interacting with white passengers. With the help of A. Phillip Randolph, they were able to organize and get better wages and work conditions in 1937.
You Can Make Your Own “Traincation“
Train travel can provide some variety based on the vacation time or PTO you have available. I love taking short train rides like the Amtrak Hiawatha from Milwaukee to Chicago, which is only 1.5 hours, to eat my way through the city. Or, when I am traveling on the west coast, I love the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to San Diego for a weekend or day trip down the coast.
But you can also make the train trips themselves the experience. Referred to as traincations, you are taking a cross-country or long distance train like the 52-hour Amtrak California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville, California. Though I will admit the first day is not too eventful, by day two you end up in Denver to glide you through the Rocky Mountains. The views come to you as you sit back, relax, and enjoy in the sightseer lounge (also known as the observation car) with the rest of the passengers.
I Feel More at Ease on a Train
Speaking of relaxing, train travel often reminds me to slow down. While I may feel pressured to arrive two or three hours ahead of my flight departure time, I do not feel that on the train. For cross-country routes, I love to splurge on the sleeper car in the roomettes. Made for two travelers, these rooms can get pricey as a solo traveler (starting around $600+ one-way). However, they include all meals in the dining car and access to a shared shower, so everything is taken care of by just booking my train ticket.
You Meet Interesting People
As a solo train traveler, I often have to make a lot of small talk. Whether I’m eating tortellini in the dining car or enjoying fresh air on a terrace riding a luxury train in Peru, there is always an interesting conversation. I’ve met travelers who never fly and share their recommendations, and I’ve met people traveling by train for the very first time. While I can retreat to my private room when I get tired, it’s nice to have some human interaction during the ride too.
All of this to say – train travel is not for everyone. As someone who is a train travel influencer, I’ve had people DM me and say they were excited to try the train, but realized mid-ride it was a one-time experience. However, I don’t believe in knocking something before you try it out! Train trips can be healing, exciting, relaxing, and entertaining. You just have to book one to find out for yourself.
About the Author: Sojourner White is the social worker turned award-winning travel vlogger and journalist behind Sojournies. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, her work unpacks the nuances of travel as leisure, learning, and life-changing. Though you can probably find her researching or riding a scenic train, Sojourner has been seen in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Lonely Planet, Insider, Tripadvisor, and many more. Follow her on socials: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook & Tik Tok.
