Families and groups can save up to 45 percent while traveling the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. with Amtrak this summer. Trending Now Customers can use the promo code V299 to access the Acela Share Fares via Amtrak.com or on the Amtrak app. Travelers can book with no blackout dates between Friday, July 17 and August 31, 2020, for travel beginning Sunday, July 19 through September 12, 2020.Here's a breakdown of the fare structure:—One Customer: full price—Two Customers: 8 percent off—Three Customers: 25 percent off—Four Customers: 35 percent off—Five Customers: 43 percent off—Six Customers: 45 percent offTwo-day advance purchase is required and full fare adult and companion(s) must travel together and be booked in the same reservation.Meanwhile, customers who book before August 31 can score additional savings on travel throughout the Northeast through September 12, 2020, with Amtrak's lowest fares of the year offer combining 30 percent savings with the ongoing Saver Fares already offered on both Acela and Northeast Regional trains.In addition to requiring all customers and employees to wear masks, Amtrak is limiting bookings on most trains to allow for physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's block ads! (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: Reward members will have the chance to save cash next time they travel.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.Amtrak Guest Rewards (AGR) is launching its first-ever Reward Travel Sale, offering a 25 percent savings on point redemptions. Members can redeem their points between July 14 and 16 to take advantage of the sale and enjoy summer travel for fewer points. Amtrak’s new, enhanced safety initiatives will continue to be in effect for customers and employees on our trains and at our stations, including its measures to deliver a New Standard of Travel. Amtrak Guest Rewards members can also purchase additional points if they don’t have enough points for a trip. Sample trips include:City PairsAs Low AsCity PairsAs Low AsMilwaukee and Chicago800 pointsNew York and Boston2,200 pointsLos Angeles and San Diego932 pointsWashington, D.C. and New York2,536 pointsPortland, OR and Seattle932 pointsWashington, D.C. and Chicago2,717 pointsSt. Louis and Kansas City932 pointsNew York and Washington, D.C.5,353 points for Acela travelNew York and Philadelphia1,579 pointsLorton, VA and Samford, FL (with car)11,178 points for Auto Train travelIn addition to aggressive steps to enhanced cleaning protocols at stations and on trains, Amtrak has implemented new measures to deliver a New Standard of Travel:—Face coverings: Amtrak requires all customers and employees wear face masks or an alternative face covering while in stations and on board.—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 4-5 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.The Reward Travel Sale is not available on all departures and all dates and blackout dates apply. Seating is limited, and seats may not be available on all trains, or all times. Routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. 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; all prices will be automatically discounted from the standard fare price.Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and pilot new opportunities to support personal safety. SOURCE: Amtrak press release. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Now is the perfect time to travel the country by train, and with all the measures Amtrak has implemented to protect traveler’s health and safety, guests can feel reassured booking their next trip.Amtrack’s newest sale incentive, ‘Buy a Roomette, Bring a Companion Free’, allows travelers privacy, increased health safety while traveling and the option to bring their favorite travel partner along for the ride. Trending Now Amtrak’s signature ‘Roomettes’ offers guests privacy and comfort on board the train’s sleeping cars (normally located near the front of the train). Guests have the option to sit and enjoy the passing scenery in one of two of their comfortable seats, or they can lower them into two separate beds for overnight travel within the confines of their own room onboard.The real appeal, however, is access to a private bathroom and shower in your car, which is great for those longer trips. Each roomette is accompanied by an attendant to supply linens, turndown service, assistance with luggage and help with any meal service.Passengers who book in this category will also receive priority boarding, access to lounges at major stations and complimentary meals.The sale is going on now through July 17, 2020, but travelers can use this promotion for trips booked through September 30, 2020. When booking, you must use the code V306 in order to receive the discount, and travel must be at least three days from the date of purchase. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Amtrak released a new video from Corporate Medical Director Dr. Ann Kuhnen on the health and safety guidelines passengers can expect when traveling with the rail company.As a result of the impact from the coronavirus on travel, Amtrak has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing guidelines and mandatory face coverings for all employees and customers, as well as asking travelers to arrive only 30 minutes before departure.[embedded content]Passengers should also be prepared for a contact-free travel experience, with the rail company only accepting cashless payments, encouraging boarding with eTickets and sending gate and track information via the company’s mobile app.Onboard procedures have also changed, with customers encouraged to wash their hands often, required to wear facial coverings until in a private room or alone at their seat and asked to follow the conductors’ instructions on where and when they can disembark to minimize crowding.Amtrak’s cafe service will be available as carryout only and the company is temporarily offering flexible dining service in the dining or lounge car on all long-distance routes. For added protection, plastic barriers are being installed at cafe countertops.In addition, the Amtrak is waiving all change and cancellation fees for reservations made by August 31. The company also announced it would limit ticket sales to allow for physical distancing while traveling. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Summer travel is upon us, but for many, vacations are looking different this year. Domestic travel is up, and a unique way people can enjoy this beautiful country is by traveling on a train. Luckily Amtrak is offering savings for travelers to also make this a very cost-effective vacation as well.MORE Car Rental & Rail Through the end of June, vacationers can purchase tickets for as little as $39 one-way on the Acela and Northeast Regional routes. Amtrak is also allowing no change fees on their tickets through August 31, 2020. This 25 percent savings is available until June 30 for tickets purchased at least three days in advance.Amtrak is also giving passengers 20 percent off their tickets for private roomettes on the Auto Train. Yep - this train allows guests to bring their car with them to their destination. Tickets are available for purchase through June 24 for travel until August 31, 2020.Travelers can board Amtrak with peace of mind knowing they have increased their cleaning protocols to meet new safety protocols due to COVID-19.From limiting bookings to create more social distancing between passengers, requiring face coverings, offering contact-free travel, even allowing trip flexibility through August 31, 2020, and more, Amtrak is working with health and safety professionals to ensure the best possible experience for their customers. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Rocky Mountaineer has canceled rail departures through Aug. 30, 2020, extending its suspension of service due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued government travel and health restrictions.The luxury train operator previously canceled departures through July 31. “We are incredibly disappointed to announce this extension of our travel suspension,” said Steve Sammut, president and CEO of Rocky Mountaineer. “As the global response to the pandemic evolves, we continue to evaluate the impact on our operations. At this time, with numerous travel restrictions remaining in place globally, airlines having limited flight availability, many of our operational partners having suspended their services, among other challenges, it has become impossible for us to start our operations before the end of August.”Guests on a suspended departure will receive a future travel credit of 110 percent value of monies paid, valid through the end of the 2022 season. Trending Now Rocky Mountaineer also is holding 2021 and 2022 rail prices at the 2020 level, so guests will not experience an inflationary price increase for the rail portion of their itinerary. For guests rebooking a similar package in 2021, within 14 days on either side of the original departure date anniversary, Rocky Mountaineer will guarantee they will not pay more for the new package, including third-party hotels, tours and attractions.“We hope by offering the future travel credit, consistent rail pricing, flexibility with rebooking, and package rebooking guarantee we can make it as easy as possible for our guests to plan their future travel,” Sammut said. “Rocky Mountaineer is committed to providing these guests with a world-class experience when the global circumstances permit and it is possible to do so.”Guests on a suspended departure can contact their travel professional or Rocky Mountaineer before Nov. 30, 2021 to select their new travel date. For additional information, click here. Let's block ads! (Why?)

WHY IT RATES: The car rental giant has appointed a new CEO.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.Avis Budget Group, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Joe Ferraro, who has been serving as interim Chief Executive Officer, as CEO, effective immediately. The Company also announced that Bernardo Hees, who has been serving as Independent Chairman of the Board, has been named Executive Chairman. Mr. Hees will partner closely with Mr. Ferraro and the rest of the management team in the areas of strategy, finance and digital mobility initiatives to help drive the performance of the Company. Joe Ferraro assumed the role of interim Chief Executive Officer of Avis Budget Group at the start of 2020. Mr. Ferraro, a long-time Avis Budget executive, most recently spent five years as President of the Americas division, where he was responsible for the Company’s Avis, Budget, Payless and Zipcar brands in North and South America, including Latin America and the Caribbean.Commenting on Mr. Ferraro’s appointment, Mr. Hees said: “The Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Joe as our new Chief Executive Officer. As interim CEO, Joe has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to lead the organization and inspire his colleagues in the face of unprecedented challenges to our business. Joe’s collaborative leadership style and decisive strategic actions, including right-sizing our business to meet current demand, strengthening our balance sheet, and inspiring our team, have enabled Avis Budget Group to confront the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to innovate and serve our customers. I look forward to continuing to partner with Joe to position the Company for long-term performance.”“I’m honored to serve as the CEO of Avis Budget Group, a company where I have spent most of my career, and I deeply appreciate the trust the Board and my colleagues have placed in me,” said Mr. Ferraro. “Over the past few months, our ability to act quickly to reposition the business for success is a testament to the outstanding work and dedication of all our employees. I am confident we have the team and tools to provide our customers with innovative, safe and quality service as the travel industry begins to reopen.”Lynn Krominga, Director, and Chair of the Corporate Governance and CEO Search Committees of the Avis Board, stated, “The search committee and the entire Board are excited Bernardo has taken on this new and important role. We are confident he and Joe are the ideal team to move the Company forward in this unprecedented and challenging time, as well as over the long-term.” SOURCE: Avis Budget Group press release. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Like just about everything, train travel has changed since the outbreak of COVID-19. However, perhaps not as dramatically as one might think. With travel restrictions beginning to lift and the world starting to open up, riders should anticipate some new protocols and requirements aimed at making their experience as safe as possible during the pandemic. Here's what you need to know. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Despite coronavirus-related travel restrictions and several car rental companies filing bankruptcy, people looking to rent a vehicle this summer will likely find better options and more savings than expected.According to KOMO News, the demand for commercial air travel has been on the rise, which should signal an increase in the number of cars being rented this summer. While more travelers are going to hit the roads, the numbers are still down drastically from previous years. Trending Now “With the pandemic, people aren't flying,” travel industry expert Steve Danishek said. “If they're not flying, they're not renting cars.”As a result, car rental industry giants like Hertz and Advantage filed for bankruptcy protection in May, but that doesn’t mean the facilities have closed. Instead, they will be more eager than ever to offer customers deals to make back some of the money lost during the viral pandemic.In addition, the lack of demand means more cars sitting in lots, which translates to better vehicle options for those choosing to hit the road this summer. It also translates to 40- to 60-percent lower prices as compared to pre-coronavirus rates.“The rental car rates are very, very low,” Danishek continued. “I've seen rates for a week from now down to 12 to 16 dollars a day plus taxes. “They're just sitting there waiting to be rented. So, you can get great values on even specialty cars like SUVs or convertibles or large vans.”Car rental companies have also announced new health and safety protocols for customers and employees, including routine cleaning and disinfecting of the vehicles, regular cleaning and sanitizing of facilities and extra COVID-19 safety training. Let's block ads! (Why?)

As travel restrictions are lifted, Americans are looking to hit the road again, and Amtrak is ready to provide a safe environment to protect the experience.Amtrak has operated as an essential service throughout the coronavirus outbreak despite some routes being reduced or suspended, but an increase in demand in the coming weeks is expected to mean additional services. The changes start as soon as customers book their travel, as Amtrak is waiving all change and cancellation fees for reservations made by August 31. The company also announced it would limit ticket sales to allow for physical distancing while traveling. Trending Now At Amtrak stations, travelers will notice enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing guidelines, mandatory face coverings for all employees and customers, and passengers being asked to arrive only 30 minutes before departure.“Now more than ever, we stand ready to play a critical role as our nation recovers,” Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said in a statement. “We are doing everything we can to offer vital transportation services in a way that prioritizes employee and customer safety and well-being.”Rail riders should be ready for a contact-free travel experience, with Amtrak now only accepting cashless payments, encouraging boarding with eTickets and sending gate and track information via the company’s mobile app.Once on board the train, passengers will be encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, required to wear facial coverings while on trains or thruway buses and asked to follow the conductors’ instructions on where and when they can disembark to minimize crowding.For travelers looking for a bite to eat, Amtrak’s cafe service will be available as carryout only and the company is temporarily offering flexible dining service in the dining or lounge car on all long-distance routes.For added protection, protective plastic barriers are being installed at cafe countertops. Let's block ads! (Why?)