Travel with a companion you know is virus-free, and you can go anywhere you want.
Amtrak, the USA's national rail carrier, is making it easy and more affordable to get out of the house with your chosen social bubble-mate. Private roomettes are on sale as part of a "Buy a Roomette, Bring a Companion Free" promotion.
Roomettes, which are situated in the sleeping car, aren't available on every Amtrak route, but they're on lots of good ones, and they're set up for long-distance comfort. Each roomette (one is pictured above) comes with two seats by day that convert into upper and lower bunk berths, a big window, towels, linens, and access to a restroom and shower in the same carriage. Roomettes also come with an attendant, who will (if you want) provide turndown service, help you with meals, and assist with luggage.
To get this deal, you must reserve space in a private compartment between August 11 and 15, 2020, for travel between August 14 and September 30, 2020. (If you want to travel in the next week, make sure to book at least three days ahead.) The deal isn't valid on Auto Train routes.
Amtrak provided some examples of its one-way prices, and Frommer's has verified that these rates are still available as of this writing: Chicago–Minneapolis/Saint Paul for $193, Atlanta–New Orleans for $243, Chicago–Denver for $299, Washington, D.C.–Chicago for $319, Oakland–Seattle for $352, Boston–Chicago for $402, and New York City–Savannah for $416.
Those prices are about three times what it costs to sit in a regular coach seat if you're by yourself. But since these rates cover two people and also buy you privacy as well as flat beds, we can pronounce this discount a true deal.
You have to book via this specific page on Amtrak.com or by using the Amtrak app (there, you must use the code V538).
