About Kev: A Story of one traveler’s growth and adventure

I’ve traveled on Amtrak over 800 times since 2012, covering more than 200,000 miles across numerous routes. I started Travels with Kev in 2016 because I noticed new passengers often got poor advice from forum trolls and nostalgic rail fans who haven’t taken a train in years. You deserve realistic guidance from someone who is still actively riding, someone who understands that train travel can be fantastic when you know what to expect.

This site is designed for anyone new to train travel, returning after a long absence, or seeking honest information about Amtrak without patronizing language. Whether you’ve never traveled by train or you’re an experienced traveler looking for current insights, you’ll find practical guidance here—free from overly sentimental nostalgia or pessimistic views.

My philosophy is straightforward: be honest without being pessimistic. Train travel has its quirks; delays can occur, and service isn’t always perfect. With the right expectations and preparation, however, it remains one of the best ways to explore the country. That’s where I come in to help you.

A Quick Travel Bio About Kev

After graduating from high school, my first phase of travel included road trips throughout Wisconsin and the upper Midwest in a 1990 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (Yes, a few trips even crossed into Canada, so I’m claiming international traveler status.)

The wanderlust I felt in my youth began to fade by the mid-2000s, but everything changed on May 25, 2012. That was the day I took my first Amtrak trip, traveling 63 miles from Sturtevant to Chicago Union Station aboard the Hiawatha. It wasn’t a grand adventure; just a straightforward corridor train ride. However, it ignited something within me.

Learn About Kev and His Growth Through Travel

The Hiawatha was enjoyable, but I craved more adventure. When a friend shared his experience in San Francisco, it sparked something in me; I realized I didn’t just want to hear about places; I wanted to travel again.

In March 2013, I took my first long-distance trip on the California Zephyr, traveling from Chicago to San Francisco. That 51-hour journey changed my perspective. I rediscovered my love for train travel and realized that I am as passionate about planning trips as I am about experiencing them.

This round trip included the Hiawatha again and my first experience with Amtrak’s connection services.

That’s when the real education began. Over the next decade, I learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to set realistic expectations. I’ve experienced everything from on-time arrivals to delays of up to 8 hours, from exceptional service to meals that didn’t meet expectations. Instead of keeping this knowledge to myself, I created this site to share it with you.

Below is a video of my first long-distance train ride, likely in the Sightseer Lounge car.

About Kev’s Thoughts On Travel

For me, travel isn’t just about the destination; the journey is equally important.

That’s why I love trains. The journey itself matters as much as the destination. Watching the countryside pass by from a dining car or a roomette window isn’t wasted time; it’s an integral part of the experience.

I consider myself an intermodal traveler. I choose to fly when it makes sense, as takeoffs and landings are actually my favorite parts of the journey. I’ve taken buses, boats, and other transportation to reach my destinations. However, trains are my preferred way to travel; they turn the journey into an adventure rather than an inconvenience.

How and Why I Started This Site

When I began riding Amtrak in 2012, finding reliable information wasn’t easy. Online forums helped, but they were often filled with outdated advice, unrealistic expectations, and comments from people who hadn’t traveled by train in years.

I enjoy planning trips and researching destinations; it’s nearly as enjoyable as the travel itself. I began documenting my findings: what works, what doesn’t, and what you can realistically expect from modern Amtrak service.

That’s how “Travels with Kev” was created. Planning a trip shouldn’t involve sifting through negativity and misinformation. You deserve clear answers from someone who’s still actively riding these trains.

Putting this all together

Here’s what I’ve learned after traveling over 200,000 miles: the best travelers see the journey as an adventure, not a checklist. Delays occur, service can vary, and things may go wrong. However, with the right attitude and realistic expectations, those “disasters” often turn into your best stories.

This site is dedicated to helping you set realistic expectations so you can enjoy your train travel experience instead of feeling disappointed. While train travel may not be perfect, it remains one of the best ways to explore the country when you know what to expect.

Let’s Connect

If Travels with Kev has helped you plan a trip or saved you from a booking mistake, I’d love to hear about it. You can also support this site through Patreon or a one-time contribution; every bit helps keep the content coming.

Have questions about a specific route or booking situation? Reach out anytime. I respond to every message.

Safe Travels!

Kev

Disclaimer

I don’t work for Amtrak or any transportation company mentioned on this site. All views and opinions are my own.

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