Posted by For years, I would hop on Amtrak.com and look at the prices of taking a train across the country in a sleeper car, just to dream. There is literally no other way to experience the full American landscape in your own private space without having to navigate a steering wheel than a cross country train trip at 80 mph in an Amtrak roomette. But finally, on Monday, August 25th 2025, I will have the privilege of boarding an Amtrak train, realizing my bucket list dream of traveling across America on two rails.
On January 27th 2021, I signed into a Zoom meeting scheduled by my amazing wife Amanda. Social distancing was still a thing, as COVID was sweeping through our world once again. But I logged in to a surprise virtual meeting on my birthday with friends and family, all who had financially contributed to my dream. It was the greatest birthday gift ever… basically a ticket to fulfill my fantasy trip whenever COVID was no longer a threat.
But in true supply and demand fashion, COVID escalated the price of any mode of transportation that minimized the exposure to other travelers. Amtrak roomette sleeper car rates have greatly increased since the pandemic, and while I previously wanted to use the contributions from friends and family to book my cross country rail adventure, I simply could not justify the increased cost.
I am grateful that I will finally be able to embark on this great adventure. I want to thank my amazing wife Amanda for facilitating this journey. I also want to thank all the people who contributed to this endeavor. This would not be possible without you! And thank you to everyone who contributed to this trip… it will be a truly amazing experience for me.
I will travel on Amtrak for 3 days to San Francisco. From there, I will share 3 days of photos of a city that features design that is truly transcendent and unique. Follow TheUrbanPhoenix on Instagram to witness the adventure unfold.
I’m so excited. But I am also excited to share this experience with you! Follow along as I live post this adventure!