Travel Modes
How I Actually Get There, and What It’s Really Like
Some trips are about the destination. Others start the moment you board.
Whether it’s gliding through the Rockies on Amtrak, sipping champagne in a business class seat, or people-watching on a cruise ship deck, the way you travel matters. Especially when you’re traveling solo.
This page brings together my real-world experiences with trains, planes, and cruises, so you can decide what works best for your travel style, comfort level, and budget.
✈️ Planes: Business Class, Lounges & Making Airports Less Awful
Flying doesn’t have to be miserable. It also doesn’t have to bankrupt you.
I write about flights from the perspective of comfort, value, and whether something is actually worth the upgrade.
Flight & Airport Lounge Reviews
- Is United Polaris Business Class Worth It? My Full Review + Photos
The good, the great, and what surprised me. - Inside the Aer Lingus Lounge at Dublin Airport
A calm, civilized place to reset between flights. - London Heathrow United Club Lounge Review
When a lounge saves your sanity and when it doesn’t.
Points & Booking Smarts
- Confessions of a Points Amateur (And Why the Chase Sapphire Card Finally Made It Click)
No spreadsheets required. Just how I finally figured this out without losing my mind.
🚆 Trains: Amtrak Adventures & Slow Travel Wins
Train travel is having a moment, and I am very here for it. It’s relaxed, scenic, and surprisingly social for solo travelers.
If you’re curious about overnight trains, sleeper cars, or planning a multi-day rail journey, start here.
Amtrak & Train Travel Guides
- Amtrak California Zephyr Review – Highlights & Lowlights + Sleeper Car Tips
What it’s really like to spend days on one of America’s most scenic train routes. - Complete California Zephyr Route Itinerary with Station List and Map
Every stop, mapped out, with context on what’s actually worth seeing. - Planning Your California Zephyr Experience: Best Stops and Cool Hotels
Where to get off, where to stay, and how to make it feel intentional, not chaotic.
Why trains work well for solo travel: built-in movement, fewer logistics, and zero pressure to be “on” all the time.
🚢 Cruises: What It’s Really Like (With Family, Solo, and In Between)
Cruising was not my idea of a dream vacation… until I actually did it.
Turns out, cruises can be incredibly convenient, surprisingly fun, and very different depending on the ship, itinerary, and who you’re traveling with.
Cruise Ship & Experience Reviews
- Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas Cruise Trip Review
A full look at the ship, vibe, food, and entertainment. - All Access Ship Tour – Royal Caribbean Cruise – Worth It?
Behind-the-scenes and whether this add-on is actually worth your money. - Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas: Passenger Survey Results Revealed
What real passengers loved, hated, and noticed. - Royal Caribbean Cabo Cruise Review: A Three-Generation Adventure on the Ovation of the Seas
Traveling with very different ages and expectations on one ship. - Cabo San Lucas Cruise Shore Excursions Review
What to book, what to skip, and what I chose to do instead.
Cruises are especially appealing if you like unpacking once, having built-in safety, and mixing solo time with social energy.
🧭 How to Choose the Right Travel Mode for You
If you’re deciding between flying, trains, or cruising, here’s the short version:
- Choose trains if you love scenery, slower travel, and low stress.
- Choose flights if time matters and you want to maximize comfort with smart upgrades.
- Choose cruises if you want logistics handled, built-in safety, and easy planning.
There’s no “right” answer. There’s just what works for you right now.