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I got the email too. I had already booked a round trip on Acela to Baltimore for next week - but at pre-COVID-19 NER prices, so I won't bother trying to get the 50% off for that trip. I would have taken the less expensive NERs, but the timing was better with the Acelas due to the limited # of trains running.
I'm thinking maybe take a, long, day trip to Boston using the 50% discount - depending on travel restrictions, etc. Hey, Boston can't be any worse than Baltimore is right now. :eek:
 
I got the email too. I had already booked a round trip on Acela to Baltimore for next week - but at pre-COVID-19 NER prices, so I won't bother trying to get the 50% off for that trip. I would have taken the less expensive NERs, but the timing was better with the Acelas due to the limited # of trains running.
I'm thinking maybe take a, long, day trip to Boston using the 50% discount - depending on travel restrictions, etc. Hey, Boston can't be any worse than Baltimore is right now. :eek:

Sooo... how does a tourist get around those big Eastern cities now? I remember my trip to the East Coast last year... and riding the subways... I remember being concerned about holding on to the bars and pulls to keep myself steady when the train was in action. I also remember how concerned I was about dirt and filth and not wanting to get the flue. That was even before the corona virus epidemic.

With pandemic illness and death... and with all cutbacks in train services and amenities, I am totally unmotivated to venture out on an Amtrak trip.
 
Sooo... how does a tourist get around those big Eastern cities now? I remember my trip to the East Coast last year... and riding the subways... I remember being concerned about holding on to the bars and pulls to keep myself steady when the train was in action. I also remember how concerned I was about dirt and filth and not wanting to get the flue. That was even before the corona virus epidemic.

With pandemic illness and death... and with all cutbacks in train services and amenities, I am totally unmotivated to venture out on an Amtrak trip.
My trip to Baltimore is medical. I have cochlear implants and my clinic, where I get adjustments made, is at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
I usually walk 15 mins to a metro station then catch the train that takes me to the JHH station - with direct access to the hospital. I'm debating between taking a taxi or taking the metro this time. I'll make that decision next week. As for Amtrak, they're spacing everyone out and require masks, so I'm comfortable taking the train down as I prefer that than driving to JHH.

As for going to Boston, it's more about the trip - beautiful scenery north of NYC. Probably will try to time it so I can just hand out in the station for a short while before returning. It's about 5-1/2 hours each way on Acela. I may not do it, but am thinking about it.
 
With pandemic illness and death... and with all cutbacks in train services and amenities, I am totally unmotivated to venture out on an Amtrak trip.
I'm honestly dying to travel again - on trains, planes, and anything else that moves - but I'm also at heightened risk of respiratory complications and uninterested in becoming a statistic. So my trips have been rare and limited to my personal vehicle. It's annoying but I'm willing and able to simply wait for now. Most of the places I'd want to visit are closed down or off limits anyway. There are threads on other forums where people discuss how to work around travel bans and ignore quarantines, but I'd rather just wait for a new vaccine or treatment that substantially reduces my risk factors.
 
I took an Acela Bos to NY and the NJ transit Coast Line to Asbury Park and back a few weeks ago and things went fine. And the subways and commuter rail in Boston are operating just under the full schedule so as long as you wear a mask on the trip it might be worth it to take advantage of the discount. In Boston the Isabella Gardner art museum, Aquarium, duck boats etc are open with timed tickets so there are a few things to do even though some other stuff remains closed. Of course things could change quickly, everyone has there own comfort level, and there is an inherent risk in traveling at any time so i could understand if someone decided to wait it out in these uncertain times
 
My trip to Baltimore is medical. I have cochlear implants and my clinic, where I get adjustments made, is at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
I usually walk 15 mins to a metro station then catch the train that takes me to the JHH station - with direct access to the hospital. I'm debating between taking a taxi or taking the metro this time. I'll make that decision next week. As for Amtrak, they're spacing everyone out and require masks, so I'm comfortable taking the train down as I prefer that than driving to JHH.

As for going to Boston, it's more about the trip - beautiful scenery north of NYC. Probably will try to time it so I can just hand out in the station for a short while before returning. It's about 5-1/2 hours each way on Acela. I may not do it, but am thinking about it.
I have found Baltimore downtown to be a tough run down place... perhaps you may consider taking Uber?
 
I'm honestly dying to travel again - on trains, planes, and anything else that moves - but I'm also at heightened risk of respiratory complications and uninterested in becoming a statistic. So my trips have been rare and limited to my personal vehicle. It's annoying but I'm willing and able to simply wait for now. Most of the places I'd want to visit are closed down or off limits anyway. There are threads on other forums where people discuss how to work around travel bans and ignore quarantines, but I'd rather just wait for a new vaccine or treatment that substantially reduces my risk factors.
Have you considered a car trip???
 
I have found Baltimore downtown to be a tough run down place... perhaps you may consider taking Uber?
I have been making these trips frequently over the past 3-1/2 years. I am aware of the neighborhoods and an comfortable with my walks to/from the stations. If the neighborhood between Penn Station & JHH was a nicer one I would consider walking to the hospital.
 
Have you considered a car trip???
Yep. ⬇ :cool: ⬇
So my trips have been rare and limited to my personal vehicle. It's annoying but I'm willing and able to simply wait for now. Most of the places I'd want to visit are closed down or off limits anyway.
I live in a large state with long straight roads and vast stretches of repetitive scenery so nearly any car trip is going to be long and tiring unless I stop somewhere. Unfortunately rural Texas towns are home to some of the most ardent disbelievers and conspiracy nuts. When I tune into the local radio it's often talking about fake pandemic this, and global hoax that with crisis actors everywhere. So I tend to keep my distance and only stop as necessary in locations where I have at least some control over my exposure level. When I was young and energetic long drives through the middle of nothing were easy and fun, in fact my longest same-day drive was around 1,800 miles, but today I find these trips tedious and boring.
 
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Yep. :cool:

The problem is that I live in Texas so nearly any car trip is going to be LONG and BORING unless I stop somewhere, but rural Texas towns are home to some of the most ardent disbelievers and conspiracy nuts.

I'm a true believer that anyone can find happiness on a car trip... even if in Texas... where I've driven through a number of times. I have a 14 year old car with three important things that work... the tape deck, the tires, and the engine. The air conditioner doesn't work when it's hot [duh!] and the door locks need to be manually operated.

That said, I pack all the necessities and comforts of life, including a small digital pressure cooker; and pace myself for 150 to 250 miles per day, stopping at scenic overlooks and sitting in my lawn chair to watch the flowers grow. Prefer mom and pop strip motels where I can park in front of the door, sitting outside sipping a good bourbon, as my meal finishes in that pressure cooker.

If I remember, Texas has some great small town tex mex BBQ places... and what better way to start the day than to mosey into small town cafe for coffee and biscuits and gravy; talking with townspeople as if you lived there. I guess with covid all that is changed for now.

Small towns along rivers and river beds can be places of nice scenery. Of course, Texas is so big and diverse in microclimates and cultures that I wouldn't mind spending a few weeks getting lost there.

Of course, the good old days are gone... but I do remember going across the boarder just to enjoy a town square and hear the mariachi band play... then went into the local liquor store to buy some really great kahlua coffee liqueur and tequila, picked up some tacos, and just drove back to the other side.

Anyway, with some planning I'll bet you can yourself a great road adventure... in Texas!
 
I'm a true believer that anyone can find happiness on a car trip... even if in Texas... where I've driven through a number of times. I have a 14 year old car with three important things that work... the tape deck, the tires, and the engine. The air conditioner doesn't work when it's hot [duh!] and the door locks need to be manually operated.

That said, I pack all the necessities and comforts of life, including a small digital pressure cooker; and pace myself for 150 to 250 miles per day, stopping at scenic overlooks and sitting in my lawn chair to watch the flowers grow. Prefer mom and pop strip motels where I can park in front of the door, sitting outside sipping a good bourbon, as my meal finishes in that pressure cooker.

If I remember, Texas has some great small town tex mex BBQ places... and what better way to start the day than to mosey into small town cafe for coffee and biscuits and gravy; talking with townspeople as if you lived there. I guess with covid all that is changed for now.

Small towns along rivers and river beds can be places of nice scenery. Of course, Texas is so big and diverse in microclimates and cultures that I wouldn't mind spending a few weeks getting lost there.

Of course, the good old days are gone... but I do remember going across the boarder just to enjoy a town square and hear the mariachi band play... then went into the local liquor store to buy some really great kahlua coffee liqueur and tequila, picked up some tacos, and just drove back to the other side.

Anyway, with some planning I'll bet you can yourself a great road adventure... in Texas!
Long as you stay out of the Panhandle and Far West Texas! 😄
 
I usually walk 15 mins to a metro station then catch the train that takes me to the JHH station - with direct access to the hospital. I'm debating between taking a taxi or taking the metro this time. I'll make that decision next week.
I don't see how taxi or Uber is safer virus-wise than public transit. I doubt very much that they do any cleaning between customers. Public transit is generally under utilized now and I have no problem distancing. I do not touch anything ever if I can possibly help it.
 
I don't see how taxi or Uber is safer virus-wise than public transit. I doubt very much that they do any cleaning between customers. Public transit is generally under utilized now and I have no problem distancing. I do not touch anything ever if I can possibly help it.
I agree. I’ll most likely take the metro - unless remnants of the hurricane is still dumping rain in Baltimore when I arrive. ;)
 
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