WHY IT RATES: Amtrak has upgraded the online and in-app capabilities to enable customers to see the proportion of seats already sold on their train, giving them the opportunity to select less-crowded departures. — Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate WriterTo provide customers with an extra level of confidence and security while traveling, Amtrak has made a few updates to its website and mobile app. Now, when booking, customers can easily see which trains have the fewest number of seats booked. The percentage is displayed in real-time when customers search for their train.When searching for travel, customers will see a volume percentage next to each train. This will give customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded. The percentage shown represents the proportion of seats sold based on the total number of seats on each train. These percentage numbers adjust dynamically in real-time as more passengers make reservations. Trending Now "Prioritizing health and safety, we continue to provide customers with new, innovative measures that promote physical distancing and contactless travel," said Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn. "We have studied, analyzed and made improvements to the Amtrak travel experience—from beginning to end—for the safety and health of our workforce and travelers."We're limiting the number of travelers on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Families and friends traveling together will easily find seats next to each other. If traveling alone, customers may place their personal belongings on the seat next to them.Several contact-free and convenience measures have been implemented into the Amtrak app, features include:—Capacity indicator: When searching for travel, customers will see a volume percentage next to each route option so they can get insight into specific trains that are less crowded. The percentage displayed is available in real-time when customers search for their train. These percentage numbers adjust dynamically in real-time as more passengers make reservations.—Seamless gate service: To reduce crowds at departure boards, Amtrak app users can receive gate and track information via push notifications at select stations. The home screen also includes gate and track information for applicable reservations (when published).—Contact-free travel: Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app.—Get Info at Your Fingertips: Customers can check station information, route details, service alerts and more.This update will supplement Amtrak's proactive efforts to deliver a new standard of travel that includes enhanced cleaning protocols, contactless amenities, social distancing on board and in stations, required face coverings and sophisticated air filtration. For more information, visit amtrak.com.SOURCE: Amtrak press release. Let's block ads! (Why?)

VacationRenter, a company that finds the best rentals from top sites on the web, and RVshare, the first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, announced that they are partnering to expand VacationRenters RV inventory.RVshare’s vehicles range from the modest to the most luxurious RV rentals you can find.With over 100,000 vehicles listed, the partnership with VacationRenter will give more people the ability to choose the best rental for them on VacationRenter’s site. “RV travel has had an unprecedented year,” said Jon Gray, CEO of RVshare.“Due to the pandemic, travelers have turned towards RV rentals for road trips and camping staycations. With nearly 70% of travelers considering an RV trip in the next three months, partnering with VacationRenter will help us continue to achieve our mission of making RV rentals more accessible and a preferred method of travel when considering visiting a national park or camping with friends and family.”RV rentals have risen 350 percent this year, according to VacationRenter’s Chief Operating Officer Marco del Rosario. For more information, please visit VacationRenter.com or RVshare.com. Let's block ads! (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Travelers who book now through September 25, 2020, can save $500 per couple on vacations of ten nights or more, $400 per couple on seven- to nine-night vacations or $300 per couple on any three- to six-night vacation. — Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer From destinations offering unforgettable sights and experiences to the breathtaking scenery of the U.S. National Parks—North America has no shortage of places to discover.MORE Car Rental & Rail Make getting to your destination part of the journey by traveling by train. Once you board, you’ll leave the fast-paced world behind and discover the greatest way to explore our beautiful country. Get a change of scenery in 2020, or plan for an incredible 2021 with a memorable rail vacation of a lifetime. To inspire travelers to explore America, Amtrak Vacations is offering up to $500 in savings on all rail vacations with its limited-time Flash Sale.For a limited time, travelers can save $500 per couple on any 10+ night vacation, $400 per couple on any 7-9-night vacation, or $300 per couple on any 3-6-night vacation.Do you prefer not to fly OR drive? Amtrak Vacations offers a variety of vacations for you to choose from—from national parks to exciting city getaways—all onboard iconic Amtrak trains. Plus, you can start your next escape from any of Amtrak’s 500+ vacations. Plan to get away by calling today to take advantage of these savings by Friday, September 25, 2020. Learn more about the sale here.We are here to help you make stress-free, informed travel decisions. Amtrak Vacations offers maximum flexibility so you can travel to any destination in North America the train goes and, on any date or length of trip. Reschedule or cancel your trip up to five days prior to departure without any change or cancellation fees. You want to explore North America. We’ve got you covered. For more information, visit amtrakvacations.com/september-flash-sale/.SOURCE: Amtrak Vacations press release. Let's block ads! (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Amtrak is holding a 'Buy One Get One Free' sale for bookings made now through September 30 for travel on select dates to destinations across the U.S.' Northeast Corridor, valid on Acela Business class and Northeast Regional Coach class tickets. — Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate WriterAmtrak customers can now take advantage of its Buy One Get One Free sale on all Acela and Northeast Regional (NER) trains throughout the Northeast Corridor (NEC)—from Boston to Virginia—by booking between Monday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 30 for travel from Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, December 12, 2020.Customers will need to use the discount code C333 when booking. Exchanges and full refunds are available upon customer request through September 30, 2020. Amtrak's new, enhanced safety initiatives will continue to be in effect for customers and employees on our trains and at our stations. Prices for the following trips, which require three days advanced purchase, are as low as:City PairsPriceCity PairsPriceNew York City -PhiladelphiaNER - $56Acela - $99New York -ProvidenceNER - $66Acela - $89Philadelphia –Washington, D.C.NER - $56Acela - $99New York -BaltimoreNER - $69Acela - $129Boston – PhiladelphiaNER - $69Acela - $129New York – BostonNER - $69Acela - $99Boston –Washington, D.C.NER - $104Acela - $129New York – Washington, D.C.NER - $69Acela - $129Norfolk, VA – New YorkCityNER - $86Richmond, VA –Washington, D.C.NER - $30In addition to aggressive steps to disinfect stations and trains, additional Amtrak measures deliver a New Standard of Travel by including the following:MORE Car Rental & Rail —Face Coverings: For your well-being and ours, Amtrak requires that all customers and employees wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose while onboard and in stations. Amtrak reserves the right to remove a customer or ban them from future travel in the event of noncompliance with Amtrak's face covering policy.—Limiting Bookings: We are limiting bookings on most trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.—Air Quality: All of our trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every four to five minutes.—Physical Distancing: Signage has been displayed at our busiest stations to indicate safe distances in high traffic areas. In addition, protective plastic barriers have been installed at customer counters at our busiest stations.Advanced purchase is required at least three days prior to travel. Fares are one way (adult) and no additional discounts apply. Valid for Acela Business class seats and Northeast Regional Coach class only. The sale is not valid for travel on Sundays or Fridays. Blackout dates include Tuesday, November 24, Wednesday, November 25 and Monday, November 30.Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all days. Once purchased, refund fees may apply but can be waived upon customer request for purchases through September 30, 2020. Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted. Other restrictions may apply. Tickets are currently for sale and can be found, along with current schedules, on Amtrak.com and through the Amtrak app.Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and pilot new opportunities to support personal safety. Visit Amtrak.com for more information about how Amtrak is maintaining a safe environment. SOURCE: Amtrak press release. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Many RV, travel trailer and camper van manufacturers are refocusing their new-model designs to cater to customers’ shifting priorities, as the COVID-19 pandemic forces people to rethink what their travel plans, work and home lives will look like.As COVID-19 prompted international border closures and caused air travel to virtually halt, the past six months have seen road trips in personal or rented vehicles become Americans’ preferred form of travel.The rise in remote work prompted by the pandemic, combined with cabin fever caused by stay-at-home orders, had led many to take up a “work from anywhere” lifestyle that they may never have considered before. Trending Now Stanford research revealed that 42 percent of U.S. workers are now working full-time from their homes, and that number may continue growing. They are part of the reason that the RV market has seen skyrocketing demand in recent months.Just as internet connectivity and workspace availability have become expected of hotels and resorts, consumers now seek the same infrastructure in an RV. Makers like Bowlus Road Chief and Leisure Travel Vans are already ahead of the curve in offering remote work-friendly builds so that they need only add updates instead of overhauling floor plans.Dean Corrigal of Leisure Travel Vans told Business Insider that between 30 and 40 percent of emails his company has received come from customers inquiring specifically about the vans’ mobile office capabilities. "It's a huge amount of first-time buyers sending request emails to us...people that want to work from their RVs are right behind that," Corrigal said. "I think it's a huge growing segment, and the longer this COVID-19 thing lasts, the more the RV industry is going to go forward and push in sales."Several other RV manufacturers whose products were not previously optimized for the so-called “digital nomad” segment are now altering their new designs or updating previous builds to accommodate remote work. Motorhome maker Winnebago told Business Insider that this means incorporating features like improved soundproofing, quieter power systems and ergonomic seating."Work from home is now one of the big boxes that product development has to check when they're considering a new product," said Brian Hazelton, Vice President at Winnebago. Even prior to the recent boom, demand for office-style amenities was amplifying. "As we learned more about the Class B van business, we started to see those demands for connectivity," Hazelton explained. "That customer group was really pushing us to do...a lot of those things before the COVID pandemic started."Major manufacturer Airstream is taking a similar tack in terms of updating existing floorplans to better accommodate remote work, according to Airstream President and CEO of Bob Wheeler. He divulged that the company had already been planning product inclusions to cater to the digital nomad trend, but that the pandemic has expedited these efforts."We tried to look at some of our floor plans and say, 'Where could we carve out a dedicated work area so you don't have to clean up your workday in order to have a meal [at the dinette table]?'" Wheeler said. In order to create desk space within an RV’s limited dimensions, the company must adjust other interior amenities, perhaps decreasing the size of dinettes or eliminating a second bed.As of now, this option will only be available in Airstream’s Flying Cloud travel trailer, which the company hopes will be available by the end of September 2020."It's not overkill," Wheeler said. "You don't need a five-foot-wide slab [desk] in your travel trailer, but we find that when we talk to people about the option to have this area where they can set up and leave their work set up, and still live in the rest of the trailer, that's really appealing." Let's block ads! (Why?)

Alaska Railroad is proud to announce the start of its renowned winter passenger service aboard the Aurora Winter Train, beginning September 19 and running through mid-May 2021.The Aurora Winter Train travels on weekends between Anchorage and Fairbanks, embarking on the 12-hour journey northward on Saturdays and conducting a return trip on Sundays (select mid-week departures will also become available in December, February and March).Between its point of departure and final destination, the train stops in Wasilla and Talkeetna, providing flagstop service (meaning that the train stops only if there are passengers or freight to be brought on or off the train) along the 50-mile stretch of famously roadless backcountry to the south of Hurricane Gulch. Further north, the locomotive stops as needed in Healy and Nenana before finishing its journey with arrival in Fairbanks.Although the Aurora Winter Train passes along much of the same track as Alaska Railroad’s summer Denali Star Train, the views become drastically different with the changing of the seasons. Where vibrant colors once covered the warm-weather landscape, a crisp, sparkling white blanket of snow quietly descends upon the rolling Alaskan tundra and mountaintops.Along the route, guests can soak in the sights of Alaska’s rugged, yet captivating, backcountry through the large picture windows, try spotting wild moose near the tracks and even catch awe-inspiring views of the aurora borealis from the warmth of their rail car.On clear days, passengers are also treated to a spectacular view of Denali, North America’s highest peak, rising above the Susitna River and sprawling, snow-covered landscape. PHOTO: A couple on the viewing platform. (photo via Alaska Railroad) The Aurora Winter Train offers only Adventure Class rail journeys, which represents Alaska Railroad’s best rate and comes complete with confirmed large picture windows, comfortable passenger seating, baggage service and food and beverage options available for purchase in the Wilderness Café dining car.Out of Anchorage, the Aurora Winter Train’s Saturday-Sunday schedule is ideal for guests who would enjoy a weekend getaway in the charming small town of Talkeetna, where you can rent a cozy cabin overnight and curl up with a good book, or decide to go cross-country skiing or explore the area’s winter trails on snowshoes while taking in the fresh air. Guests may wish to stop in at the famed Talkeetna pie house on the downtown’s Main Street for some of its celebrated baked items, or even step into the kitchen for a hands-on pie-making class.Alaska Railroad also offers an assortment of rail-fly packages, which allow guests to travel via train in one direction and by plane in the other. The company also offers a number of distinctive Winter Packages and add-on options for those looking to experience Alaska’s unique wonders for more than a quick weekend. These multi-day itineraries, ranging anywhere from two to six days in duration, include rail travel, accommodations and activities for a comprehensive Alaskan adventure. PHOTO: Passengers aboard Alaska Railroad can take the Denali in a Day tour. (photo via Alaska Railroad) Pandemic-Era Provisions:In light of the ongoing pandemic, Alaska Railroad has extended its temporary operational changes to passenger service. To begin with, all passenger services must observe social distancing requirements, as outlined in applicable state and jurisdictional orders relating to COVID-19.Face coverings are required to enter Alaska Railroad depots and board trains. Service will be denied to any non-exempt person not wearing a face covering (except for children under the age of two). Face coverings may only be removed while eating or drinking. Depot areas and trains will both be capped at 50-percent occupancy to allow for extra space between passengers needed to ensure proper social distancing.Touchless hand-sanitizer dispensers are stationed throughout depots and within each passenger railcar for guest and employee use. Trains undergo a full sanitization each night, and a dedicated custodial porter is appointed to sanitize surfaces, door handles, and restrooms every 30 minutes, as well as vacant seating areas as passengers disembark along the route.Onboard dining car capacity will also be limited to support social distancing, and café tables will be sanitized every hour and after each use. On Adventure Class trips, such as the Aurora Winter Train, the Wilderness Café car will offer individually packaged items, including grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, cookies and more.The company asks anyone who has had recent exposure to the virus, or is experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms, to refrain from traveling. Alaska Railroad has instituted a flexible cancelation and rebooking policy to accommodate these types of pandemic-related disruptions. For more information, visit alaskarailroad.com. Let's block ads! (Why?)

With more destinations reopening their borders to tourism, travel is gradually coming back. But while travelers are growing more confident with each passing day, not all modes of travel are considered equal in terms of perceived safety.Road trips remain nearly as popular as ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic and that's because travelers continue to feel the safest inside of their personal vehicle.According to Enterprise Holdings, Inc.'s Renter Sentiment survey from April-May 2020, nearly six out of 10 (59 percent) consumers deemed car rentals to be safe compared to just 24 percent who considered air travel safe. Ride-hailing services (13 percent) such as Uber and Lyft, taxis (8 percent) and public transport (6 percent) fared even worse by comparison. Car rental companies have helped boost confidence in their product by implementing enhanced health and safety measures with a focus on cleanliness such as Enterprise's "Complete Clean Pledge," which the company has rolled out across its entire portfolio of vehicle-hiring brands, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car.With advice from leading health authorities and in alignment with the U.S. Travel Association's "Travel in the New Normal" guidance, Enterprise is training employees to implement enhanced cleaning efforts for vehicles, shuttles and branch locations as well as social distancing practices.Each vehicle is rigorously cleaned between every rental. Enterprise's elevated measures include washing, vacuuming, a general wipe down and sanitizing with a disinfectant that meets leading health authority requirements. Employees are also trained to thoroughly sanitize more than 20 high-touch points, which include the key or key fob, steering wheel, door handles, gear stick or gear shift, mirrors and cupholders, among others.High-tough areas on Enterprise shuttle buses are also frequently cleaned. Additionally, the company is limiting the number of passengers on each bus and encouraging a one-way flow upon entry and exit. The Complete Clean Pledge also extends to branch locations, where employees have implemented elevated cleaning procedures with a focus on frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces.Car rental companies have been quick to embrace the new normal and travelers are taking notice. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Enterprise Rent-A-Car makes traveling during a pandemic even easier. In late August, I took a trip with my family to Michigan to see extended family.At no point in the Atlanta or Detroit airports did I feel unsafe, and this carried over to the rental car experience with Enterprise at the Detroit airport.On the transfer bus from the airport, seats were blocked off to increase social distancing between passengers and facial coverings are required by all customers and staff. Car Rental Transfer Bus from Detroit Airport (Photo via Eric Bowman) Upon entering the rental car office, there were clear social distancing markers for customers.Facial coverings were still required, and a plexiglass divider separated staff from customers.After checking in, customers were asked to wait outside for an agent to assist them in picking out their car.From here, it seemed like a normal car rental experience with the exception that everyone is still required to wear a face mask.We were able to choose our SUV and checkout via a handheld tablet that the Enterprise agent operated. She walked us around the vehicle, going over the checkout procedures and ensuring our vehicle was good to go.The car even had a checklist of the new cleaning measures the company is taking for added peace of mind. Enterprise Rent a Car cleaning sign inside car (photo by Eric Bowman) Upon returning, it was obvious that more people are starting to travel again - even if it’s just domestically. But the return process was even easier than the initial renting of the vehicle.We just pulled into the return line, retrieved our luggage and an agent scanned our vehicle in all within five minutes.Then we boarded the transfer bus to return to the airport terminal with plenty of time to spare. Once again, masks were required and the agent who checked us out waited until we were out of the car so that we could checkout while still being socially distant. Enterprise Rent a Car drop off (photo by Eric Bowman) The whole process was quick, easy and efficient. But more importantly, I felt safe throughout the car rental experience.A contactless approach to the entire process should ease the minds of anyone considering renting a car during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Amtrak is helping people feel safer on its busiest trains by allowing customers who purchase multi-ride tickets to confirm their travel on a specific train and date.Starting on September 14, trains along the Northeast Corridor and on the Amtrak National Network will offer travelers monthly, ten-ride and six-ride discounts with the ability to confirm travel availability.Before the change was implemented, passengers were unaware before boarding if their choice of trains was nearly or already sold-out. Multi-ride ticket riders can now confirm their travel on a train of their choice using the new Amtrak RideReserve tool. Trending Now The new program will allow the rail company to provide more data to properly manage the seating inventory, which enables Amtrak to limit sales to provide sufficient distancing for the safety of our customers.“Amtrak riders already know we have no middle seats,” Amtrak Executive Vice President Roger Harris said in a statement. “Now users of multi-ride tickets on reserved trains will have the comfort and confidence of knowing that there will be enough room on their train.”The improvements to Amtrak’s discount program also include Northeast Regional trains between Boston and Washington, D.C., or Virginia, state-sponsored trains (except California’s Capitol Corridor and Pacific Surfliner) and some Amtrak Thruway bus services.Earlier this month, Amtrak announced its new partnership with RB, the company that manufactures Lysol, to help the rail line with its disinfection protocols. As part of the agreement, RB will supply EPA-approved disinfection solutions that are effective at killing the COVID-19 virus. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Amtrak announced its new partnership with RB, the company that manufactures Lysol, to help the rail line with its disinfection protocols.As part of the partnership, RB will supply EPA-approved disinfection solutions that are effective at killing the COVID-19 virus, such as Lysol products. MORE Car Rental & Rail “At Amtrak, the health and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. We’re excited to build on our industry-leading safe travel standards through this partnership,” said Steve Predmore, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President and Chief Safety Officer.“By coupling RB’s products and expertise with the guidance of our full-time medical director, and public health and safety teams, travelers can feel a renewed sense of confidence and peace of mind aboard our trains and in our waiting areas.”Amtrak’s safety protocols also include a mask mandate, contact-free travel with Amtrak’s app as well as onboard air filtration systems that ensure fresh air every five minutes.“We are proud to partner with Amtrak, to help provide a clean and hygienic travel experience,” said Rahul Kadyan, EVP, Global Business Solutions at RB. “With each partnership RB enters, we are looking to help further RB’s commitment to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world.” For more information about Amtrak and its safety protocols, please visit Amtrak.com/coronavirus. Let's block ads! (Why?)