Solo Woman’s Journey by Train Across America During COVID-19: Key Lessons Learned

“What this whole journey has taught me is that I am a lot braver than I think I am.”

Brenda Nguyen didn’t initially intend to take a train across the country. When she accepted a job in California earlier this year, her plan was to drive from Boston to her new home in San Francisco. However, due to complications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, her cross-country move didn’t go as she anticipated. Nguyen will be the first to admit that it certainly wasn’t the quickest or most cost-effective way to reach her final destination; nevertheless, she shared that the trip changed how she views herself as a traveler for the better. To document her entire experience, she utilized TikTok.

“I’ve always wanted to undertake a road trip across the country, but considering the number of stop points and the potential exposure to people, that was concerning to me,” Nguyen said. Consequently, she decided on the train because it would limit her touch points with others along the way.

Nguyen’s trip was split into two parts: first, she took Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited train from Boston to Chicago, which took around 21 hours. Then she boarded the California Zephyr, which travels through the Rocky Mountains and the American West, ultimately ending in Emeryville, CA (although she disembarked in Sacramento). On the first train, Nguyen reserved a Viewliner Roomette, which she described as a cozy and cramped space. This private cabin accommodates two passengers, featuring a chair that converts into a bed, along with a top bunk, toilet, and sink, complemented by a shared shower in the hall. She noted that for most of the journey, she could maintain a safe distance from staff and other travelers, spending only a short time in common areas, such as the dining car for dinner. Furthermore, Amtrak takes advance reservations and staggers tables for guest safety, which reassured her greatly.

Once she boarded the California Zephyr, Nguyen felt invigorated. The name of the train represented her nearness to her new home. However, this was preceded by a two-and-a-half-day journey across the western U.S. She opted for a Superliner Bedroom on the Zephyr, offering a more spacious cabin that includes a bed, chair, and in-room bathroom facilities, including a toilet and private shower. Moreover, this train provides breathtaking views of the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas.

During her time on the train, Nguyen entertained herself with her Nintendo Switch, journal, and, of course, the majestic views outside her window. In certain areas, limited cell phone service and Wi-Fi led her to feel grateful for the break from connectivity. “It was really a time to unplug, reminisce, look out the window, and soak in all the views. At one point, I had my camera ready to capture some photos, but I didn’t want to because I wanted to absorb the experience fully,” she reflected.

Nguyen’s journey coincided with the onset of the Grizzly Creek Fire near Glenwood Springs, CO, on August 10. Ironically, the resulting views were among the most stunning of her trip. “That was the moment I remember saying to myself, ‘I’m definitely not on the East Coast anymore.’”

Nguyen also emphasized that this trip taught her the importance of slowing down, especially regarding travel. Often, travel seems focused on rushing through different modes of transportation to arrive at a destination as quickly as possible, making it easy to view flights, train rides, and car trips as mere steps in the process. However, she pointed out that transportation can be an integral part of a meaningful travel experience, particularly in light of the pandemic. She shared her thoughts: “I’ve always been very ‘go-go-go’ in my travels; with a 9-to-5 schedule, the amount of time off is quite limited. Now, it’s about maximizing the time I have. For this chapter in my life, time is remarkably different. It really gave me the opportunity to breathe and appreciate the journey, instead of solely focusing on the destination.”

While her train journey clearly offered personal growth, sharing her experiences online also contributed to her transformation. Though managing a food and travel blog and an Instagram account has been part of her life for nearly five years, TikTok is a newer project for her. She expressed her hopes that her experiences can help others recognize that travel is more accessible than they might think.

“At the end of the day, this is my subjective experience; however, here are some objective approaches to navigatethis process. Some personal experiences may vary, but we can travel the same path and perhaps reach similar destinations,” she shared. Although it may take time before we travel like before, Nguyen’s adventure exemplifies that safe travel during the pandemic can be both meaningful and gratifying. Meanwhile, all it takes is a touch of TikTok-inspired wanderlust to inspire future journeys.

Madeline Diamond is an e-commerce editor at iBestTravel, and she’s constantly fighting the impulse to overpack for her next trip. You can follow her on Twitter @madgdiamond.