In 2015, Amtrak changed its pet policy, and all the adventurous pet lovers breathed a sigh of relief. Not only could dogs and cats legally join a scenic train ride through the USA, but taking the train is also the better option for the environment because of the fewer CO2 emissions.

Amtrak Expanded Its Onboard Pet Program Even More

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation is looking for all the new passengers it can get with ridership still down to about 75% and yes, this means more dogs and cats. The company has expanded its onboard pet program to include weekday Acela trains.

Up until now, small pets in carriers were only allowed on weekend Acela trains, but as of March 2021, pets are allowed seven days a week on regular Northwest Corridor trains.

Pet Fare Options & More Details

Only dogs and cats under 20 pounds are allowed during the trip, and the pets must be in their carriers at all times. The one-way trip for each animal costs $26 or 800 Amtrak reward points.

An important thing to mention is that pets are not allowed in first-class or cafe cars even if they’re in carriers. Also, onboard pets are currently limited to eight per departure and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

Before traveling, pet owners are required to sign a pet release and indemnification agreement that includes agreeing to pay for cleaning up any messes a pet makes. Also, the pet owners should confirm that their pets are not aggressive and are fully vaccinated.

Since the first onboard pet program launched on the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak has registered over 174,300 pets traveling with their human companions, generating more than $4.4 million in fare revenue.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, Amtrak has a safety protocol including its new standard of travel developed with Georgetown University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health that covers sanitation and other safety procedures.

It’s safe to say most of us are happy to put 2020 behind us, but it appears that Mexico City may have all the more reason to celebrate 2021. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador says it will be a year of greatness and independence. Greatness, because the city celebrates 500 years since its inception, and independence because it marks two centuries of freedom from Spain. And while coastal destinations like Cabo continue to be a magnet for tourists, you might want to change your plans to include a trip to Mexico City as well. Here’s why!

Mexico City — Where History Meets Modern Hot Spots

Known for its ancient pyramids, colorful neighborhoods, and mouth-watering street food, Mexico City has so much more to offer to anyone looking for sensation and adventure. From pampering your taste buds at some of the world’s finest restaurants to sailing down an ancient canal and listening to a live mariachi band, you can immerse yourself in the city’s culture and richness at every corner.

Something for Every Traveler

When you arrive at the Xochimilco waterways where the Aztecs cultivated and transported crops, you’ll be charmed by the long and colorful line of beautiful Mexican trajineras (gondolas) just waiting to take you on an adventure. If you love history, you’ll fall in love with the mysteries of Teotihuacán, a city the Aztecs found after it had been abandoned for over a century.

How about getting lunch at La Gruta? It’s a restaurant based inside a cave where you can enjoy flavorful dishes made with local ingredients and pre-Hispanic culinary techniques. It’s the perfect meal after climbing the 250 steps to the top of the famous Pyramid of the Sun.

Not a fan of sightseeing? No problem. Mexico City can please any traveler. Just head down to the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood and you’ll find all the vibrant entertainment spots you need!