Is Train Travel Worth It? πŸš‚


πŸ‘‹ Well, that was quite the journey!

After nearly two months back in North America, I took my last planned train ride (for now!) to get from Buffalo back to New York City via Amtrak's Empire Service route which runs through most of the state.

I was curious about the total mileage so I decided to add it up!

In total over the past 2 months I've spent close to 68 hours on trains. The 10 segments totaled more than 3100 miles (5000 km) and took me through 2 countries, 11 US States + DC.

I won't lie, things weren't always smooth.

A few of the trains were completely sold out with summer travelers and there were a few delays. (Although they were mostly on time or even early!) North American trains are definitely not on the same level as the bullet trains in Japan or even the European counterparts.

πŸ‘‰ So... In the end, was it worth it?

Absolutely! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

It's been so interesting tracing my way through various landscapes, taking notes of cute railroad cities to bookmark for future travels, writing postcards, eavesdropping and/or chatting with other passengers along the way.

I also attended my 8th TBEX Conference and participated in two press trips since my last newsletter, so I've got tons to share from both Quebec and Western NY. Bear with me for the (time-delayed) recaps as I organize my notes and catch up.

Have you found ways to beat the heat this summer? 🫠 Will you be traveling (by train, or otherwise)? Hit reply and let me know!

πŸ“£ New on Shoyu Sugar

In case you missed last week's bundle...
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I created a quick Beginner's Guide to Flight-Free Travel to give you an introduction to train travel (especially taking inspiration from my recent travels in the East Coast US.

πŸš‚ You might also enjoy my review of the southbound journey on Amtrak's Coast Starlight from Portland to LA. Have you taken a memorable journey by train? Hit reply and let me know!
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Destination Inspiration ✈

  • The Ultimate Buffalo Food Trail was just launched and I ate my way through a couple of the items on it during a quick 48-hour research trip to the city. (Not just wings, I promise!) Have you been to Buffalo?
  • This weekend is the annual Pow Wow in Wendake (in the heart of Quebec City) where you can celebrate the music, crafts and traditions of the indigenous Wendat people.
  • It's easier to base yourself in walkable neighborhoods when you use an interactive tool that lets you plan your accommodation in cities around the world based on your preferences.
  • New York City is touted as the most linguistically diverse city on the planet. This long read from National Geographic discusses the future of the city of 700 languages.

Feeling LuckyπŸ€

  • Win a trip for 2 to attend the Alinea 20th anniversary pop-up dinner in Los Angeles, including hotel, airfare, event tickets, etc. Enter here by 7/1.
  • Win a family trip to Orlando including flight, 4 nights hotel, rental car and admission to Sea World. Enter here by 7/9.
  • Hawaii and Las Vegas residents can win 4 tickets to Japan from ZipAir by ordering Zippy’s online between 7/1-7/32. Details here.

Have a great weekend!

🧳

My top picks for your next trip

Looking for a recommendation for a cooking class, food tour, or other activities on your next trip? Check out some of my favorites from around the world via GetYourGuide.

​See them here →​

πŸ’Έ

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Curious about using an eSIM to stay connected while traveling abroad? My go-to for most destinations is Airalo. Get $3 to start with code MALIA2345

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πŸ‡

Calling all Greek wine lovers!

Take 15% off Andrea Lemieux's new release: The Quick and Dirty Guide to Greek Wine Ebook! Use code SHOYUSUGAR15 for 15% off until Sept 19th.

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Hi, I'm Malia Yoshioka!

I'm a freelance food and travel writer from Hawaii, slowly eating my way around the world and sharing the flavors with you in these weekly updates and on ShoyuSugar.com. Nice to meet you!

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Shoyu Sugar

Malia Yoshioka is a freelance Food & Travel Writer and ESL Tutor from Hawaii. She's slowly eating her way around the world, 43 countries and counting so far! Get behind the scenes news, travel tips and the best food stories from around the web in her weekly Savor the Journey newsletter.

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