I took an Amtrak Viewliner train from my home in New York City to Miami and spent the 30-hour ride in a roomette β a 20-square-foot private cabin β for $500.
I booked the same accommodation β a roomette for $400 β which had the same basic layout with a couple of differences.
Overall, the second roomette had modern updates, making my train ride more comfortable.
Amtrak sleeper trains from east to west
An Amtrak Superliner in Denver.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Amtrak's Viewliner fleet takes overnight riders through the eastern and southern US, and the train line's Superliner fleet carries passengers west of Chicago and New Orleans.
The main difference between the two fleets is size. The Viewliner is a one-story train, while the Superliner is two stories and includes an additional communal car on the top floor for sightseeing.
The second story of an Amtrak Superliner.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Amtrak is updating the roughly 30-to-50-year-old Superliner cars, and about 76% of the fleet has already been refreshed, including the train I took, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari told Business Insider.
The Viewliners are a bit newer than the Superliner cars β the first Viewliner train was delivered in the late '90s, according to Magliari. Still, he said many of the one-story trains would also get an interior update in 2026.
Viewliner vs. Superliner roomettes
A peek inside a roomette on a Viewliner train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Before we get into the upgrades, there is a notable difference between the roomettes on these two trains.
Both roomettes sleep up to two people, with two chairs forming a lower bunk and another pulling down from the ceiling. They both also have mirrors, small closets, and pullout tables.
The toilet and sink inside the Viewliner roomette.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Some Viewliner roomettes also squeeze in a toilet, and they all include a sink, so travelers don't have to use the shared bathrooms in the car.
The Superliner roomettes don't have plumbing, so guests must use the shared bathrooms.
A shared bathroom in the Superliner sleeping car.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Fresh seat cushions
The most important upgrade to me was the seats.
When I stepped inside the Superliner roomette, I immediately noticed the seats looked like they'd never been used.
I'm sure that's not true, but I didn't find one sign of wear or crust of dirt on either seat. Sitting in one for the first time felt like sampling a recliner at a furniture store.
The reporter's seat in the Superliner roomette.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Magliari told BI that the old blue cloth seats had been replaced with soft vinyl.
"The seats have the same frame, but the cushions are new. And there's more lumbar support in this current seat cushion design than the old seat cushion design," he said. "If you see gray, vinyl seating, then you know that you are in a fresh room."
A comfy seat makes a cozy bed
My upper bunk on the Viewliner felt like a cot, and my lower bunk on the Superliner felt more like a mattress.
The reporter wakes up in the top bunk of her roomette on the Viewliner train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I selected the upper bunk in the Viewliner roomette because I'd never been on an overnight train before, and sleeping up top felt more adventurous.
It kind of was β but not in a good way. The suspended bunk shook throughout the night from the turbulence of the train. I couldn't find a comfortable position on the stiff mattress and tossed and turned through the night.
I haven't slept on a train's top bunk since, but being on the ground wasn't the only thing that made the Superliner bunk feel more like a bed. The reclined seat cushions had a bit more give to them, and the soft vinyl felt smoother on my skin.
The reporter's lower bunk on the Amtrak Superliner.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Seeing the difference in comfort after four years got me stoked about the future of overnight Amtrak travel.
In the future, you'll catch me on an upgraded Viewliner.
The Silicon Slopes is Utah's booming tech hub along the Wasatch Front.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I visited Utah's Silicon Slopes in January 2025. I toured tech offices and chatted with locals.
One office has cool features, including a gym, pickleball court, and mountain bike rentals.
Employees also rave about the dining options that they can order using an app.
If you're even remotely involved in the tech world, you've probably heard the buzzy term "Silicon Slopes." It refers to a stretch of land in Utah's Wasatch Front region that's grown into a hub for the tech industry.
When I visited the area in January, I realized it wasn't always this way. After touring modern tech offices and speaking with longtime locals, I learned exactly how this once-rural area became the Silicon Slopes.
I also saw firsthand why it's top-rated for its work environment. One of the offices I toured came with really cool perks, such as being able to rent a mountain bike to use on the campus' nearby trails.
The Silicon Slopes is a place where techies collaborate in modern, glass offices with a mountain backdrop.
Longtime Utah residents say they remember a very different Wasatch Front.
Saul Andrade, the senior events manager at BambooHR.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Saul Andrade, BambooHR's senior events manager, told Business Insider he's lived in Utah for about 30 years and has spent the past decade living in the Silicon Slopes. Driving to Salt Lake City as a kid, he said the area was mostly farmland before the boom.
"Nowadays, when my wife and I drive by, we look over, and we just cannot believe how much it's grown," Andrade said. "There was a time when we got pumpkins at this farm. There's no farm now β not even a trace of the farm. It's all living accommodations and complexes."
Mark Overdevest, a Sotheby's real-estate agent, moved to the Wasatch Front in 2004 when "property values were very low."
"It seemed like a great place to invest," he told BI. "And to have access to such great skiing, I just felt like it was too good to be true."
Over the years, he's seen many modern luxury homes with glass and steel architectural designs pop up in Salt Lake City as residents have moved in from California, Texas, and Illinois.
Hosting the 2002 Olympics pushed Salt Lake City infrastructure forward, putting the Wasatch Front on everyone's radar.
Salt Lake City's crowded streets during the 2002 Olympics.
David Madison/Getty Images
When Michelle Ercanbrack, a lifelong Utah resident who has spent her entire career working in tech, found out that Salt Lake City would be hosting the 2002 Olympics, she remembers her grandma saying, "The secret's out," in reference to Utah's beautiful landscapes and world-class skiing getting global attention.
The tech boom started with a startup acquisition in 2009.
Adobe built a campus in Lehi, Utah.
Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
In 2009, Adobe purchased the Utah tech startup Omniture for $1.8 billion and built a campus in Lehi, which opened three years later.
Ercanbrack said that a company as well-known as Adobe was a big deal for Utah.
"The Omniture acquisition was the tipping point in my mind for when the tech space, the innovation space, and overall the economy of Utah began to shift," she told BI. "That showed an investment in our state and in the potential innovation of the people that lived here."
To Ercanbrack, the Adobe campus is "the heart of the Silicon Slopes." She added, "Everything is congregated or radiated around it."
Other big companies followed.
A Google Fiber internet announcement in Provo, Utah.
"Remote work opened up a lot of opportunities for people to move around, but also, the pandemic was when a lot of economies were struggling, and Utah's economy remained exceptionally resilient," Ercanbrack said. "So people were willing to relocate for jobs."
"Their wealth has just ballooned with the pandemic," he said, adding that many of his clients in Salt Lake City are young techies and entrepreneurs.
During my recent trip to the Silicon Slopes, I got an inside look at what the tech scene is like today.
The reporter toured an office building in Draper.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In 2024, WalletHub ranked Utah's work environment the best in the country.
After touring a modern tech office building in Draper, which sits between Salt Lake City and Lehi, it was easy to see why.
"I think Draper is such a growing location because it's right between those two major business hubs," Ercanbrack said. "It connects Lehi to what's happening in Salt Lake."
The building is owned by the online education company Pluralsight.
Pluralsight branding is seen on a jumbo screen in the coworking building.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In 2020, Pluralsight built the corporate campus, which houses several other tech companies.
The human resources software company BambooHR is also headquartered in the building.
The BambooHR headquarters is in Draper.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Pluralsight rents out a portion of the building to BambooHR. I toured offices for both companies, which offer hybrid work environments for their employees.
Most of the building's first floor is a communal space. One side is filled with dining and refreshments.
The coffee shop inside the building.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
From a coffee shop and soda fountains to premade meals and restaurants with cooked-to-order food, there was no shortage of breakfast and lunch options for employees.
The other side is a coworking space filled with long tables, cozy nooks, and plenty of natural light.
Employees eat and work in the communal space.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
"The common area is a great place to mingle with some of your coworkers that you may not see because they work on a different floor or people from the other companies," Andrade said. "I get to network and create new connections."
"It's fun to be in a place where it's vibrant, it's bright, and I can talk to people," Bagley said.
There's also a communal gym, a pickleball court, and rentable mountain bikes for employees to use on the trails just outside the building.
Inside the building's gym.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
All the employees I spoke with described Utah as an active place and said they feel like their campus reflects and supports that lifestyle.
Bagley said that he bought a bike after joining Pluralsight to ride the nearby trails with other employees in the summers.
Both offices had open-concept floor plans.
Tech workers in the Pluralsight office.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Bagley has been at Pluralsight for six years and said the new office has a different feel than their old one.
"The first office was similar but a lot smaller," Bagley said. "It felt like every day, you'd walk in, and there'd be less space from desks and things getting crammed in."
Bagely said in this new building, he gets to enjoy the open-concept floor plan.
"It makes it a little bit more of a community versus just hanging out in the office all day by yourself," he said, adding that he likes having the option of moving from his desk to comfy couches around the office.
Both offices also have single and group-sized meeting rooms.
A meeting being held at Pluralsight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Employees book blocks of time for the rooms. At Pluralsight, room availability varies, Bagley said.
"I have a number of colleagues here, but I also have people on my team in Florida and Pennsylvania, and so a lot of the work we do is still remote," he said. "This office will go from being fairly quiet to then having weeks where you can't find any meeting room because we have a lot of people who travel and spend time here on-site."
Employees at each office had fun, unique ways to take breaks.
A BambooHR employee uses a golf simulator.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
From pool and shuffleboard to arcade games and ping-pong tables, there was plenty to take a break within these two offices.
BambooHR was especially impressive with its golf simulator.
"Sometimes you see amenities in an office, and they just sit there like show and tell," Bagley said. "I'm impressed that people here actually use it."
Employees at both companies seem motivated to collaborate in person
Bagley at his desk at Pluralsight.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
"The first thing that strikes me about Pluralsight is how collaborative it is," Bagley said.
At most jobs, Bagley said he's talked to co-workers across two to three different functions within the company. At Pluralsight, he said he communicates between 15 to 20.
"You get to connect to a lot of different people and understand a lot of different contexts that move the work forward," he said, adding that an additional perk is "you end up becoming friends with a lot more people."
Andrade, who goes in most days of the workweek, said he, too, appreciates the workplace environment at BambooHR.
"The flexibility where you can work remote and then come into the office and be able to build those relationships with some of your coworkers doesn't compare to working remotely full-time," he said. "And doing it in a beautiful building in a centralized location makes it even better."
Growth has come with some challenges, but locals predict that the Silicon Slopes will continue flourishing.
Housing and office buildings in Draper.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Ercanbrack and Overdevest both think the Silicon Slopes will continue to grow.
"Just driving along the interstate, you'll see the amount of building that's happening β and a lot of it is housing," Ercanbrack said. "The amount of apartments and condos has been significant, and it's been needed because, like everywhere else, there's an entire generation of millennials that need a place to live."
Ercanbrack remains hopeful that although growth has caused housing costs to skyrocket βΒ in 2022, ABC4 Utah reported that housing was 200% more expensive than in 2000 β Utah will still be a great place to live and work.
"I just have this sense that communities are like plants β they're either growing or dying," she said. "And I'm grateful to live in a place that is experiencing such growth."
A step up from sitting in coach, where you get a seat among other passengers, a roomette is a private space with a door and blinds to cover up the windows. Inside, I found two beds, two chairs, a table and a toilet.
According to Amtrak's website, roomettes are around 22.75 square feet, which, for reference, is a little bigger than a standard twin-size bed. The roomette sleeps up to two adults.
I booked a bedroom for the ride home, which was double the price for twice the amount of space.
A view of the bedroom accommodation.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Bedrooms are around 45.5 square feet, which, for reference, is a little bigger than a standard king-size bed. Like the roomette, they sleep a maximum of two adults with two bunks.
The bedroom had a couch, an additional chair, a shower, and an enclosed bathroom.
Both rooms offered complete privacy, came with complimentary meals, and used smart storage hacks that reminded me of a tiny home.
The reporter's meal and an Amtrak sleeper car.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Having a private space was the most important thing to me on this long train journey, and both rooms offered that.
Both rooms also had some clever storage hacks, like a table that pulled out between the chairs.
I think I woke up feeling more rested on my way home in the bedroom simply because I chose the bottom bunk, where I felt less swaying and bumping from the train.
The reporter wakes up in a roomette and a bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
You could select this option in either room. So, if you're bothered by the train's bumpiness during the day, as I was, I recommend sleeping on the bottom bunk in either accommodation.
While I was impressed with the roomette's use of space, I felt far more comfortable in the bedroom thanks to the extra 20 square feet.
The reporter sits in the roomette and dances in the bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
As someone who deals with travel anxiety, I found 30 hours on a train to be overwhelming.
But staying in a bedroom made me feel more comfortable than staying in a roomette. The bedroom offered ample space to stretch out and move about, which made all the difference to me.
I could get my body moving in the bedroom by dancing around, while in the roomette, I felt too cramped to move very much.
The reporter attempts to dance in both rooms.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Frankly, I don't feel comfortable sitting for 30 hours.
To pass the time, get moving, and feel more at home, I took frequent dance breaks in my bedroom, where I closed the curtains and blasted music in my earbuds.
This felt freeing and satisfying, and if I wanted to, I think I could have even done some yoga poses, body-weight exercises, or practiced my karate moves.
It was also nice to have a big sofa in the bedroom to stretch out and put my feet up, whereas the roomette only had two single seats.
The reporter lounges in both rooms.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Having room to lounge in the bedroom made me feel more relaxed throughout my journey.
All bedrooms have a three-mirror vanity, a shower, and a toilet behind a locking door. Some roomettes have a toilet with a folding sink and a single mirror above it.
The vanity is seen in the bedroom and roomette.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After staying in a roomette with a toilet for the first half of my trip to Miami, I was moved to another room without a toilet for the remainder due to the availability of roomettes when I booked my ticket. I had access to a bathroom at the end of the sleeper car.
While traveling home in a bedroom, I appreciated that the toilet was separated from the rest of the room by a door.
I also thought the bedroom had a nicer vanity with three mirrors facing each other, which made it easier to wash my face in the morning.
I appreciated the private toilet in the bedroom, which is a great amenity if you're traveling with others.
The reporter poses on both toilets.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
However, with two seats and no privacy curtain around the toilet in the roomette, I was grateful to be a solo traveler.
While you may feel sticker shock at the $500 price difference, the extra space was worth every penny to me.
The reporter relaxes in the bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The bedroom upgraded my 30-hour journey from anxiety-inducing to comfy and homey.
The bedroom is especially worth the splurge for those traveling with a buddy since there's more room to stretch out.
Uber will soon automatically opt users in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe to a preferred current pricing setting that adds a 1.5% foreign transaction fee.
Anadolu/Anadolu Agency
Uber will soon charge a 1.5% fee for preferred currency pricing in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe.
Preferred Currency Pricing applies to debit or credit card payments, not gift cards or Uber Cash.
Users can avoid the fee by disabling the setting in the app's account and wallet sections.
The Points Guy reported on February 14 that Uber will automatically opt users residing in these areas into Preferred Currency Pricing on February 27. This setting charges a 1.5% conversion fee to pay in the user's home country's currency rather than the local currency of their destination.
Preferred Currency Pricing is only available when paying with debit or credit cards β not gift cards or Uber Cash.
The setting may be useful for saving money abroad if you have a credit card that charges extra for foreign transactions, but if your card doesn't have these fees, you'll be paying more with this setting on.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees on Uber
To avoid the 1.5% fee, you can turn off the preferred currency pricing in settings and instead opt to pay in local currency. First, open the app and tap "Account." From there, tap "Wallet" and scroll down past payment methods to "Preferred Currency."
Screenshots show how to turn off the preferred currency setting.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Then, tap "Set preferred currency" and select "No preferred currency" from the options. Lastly, hit "Confirm" at the bottom of the options.
You can also change to "No preferred currency" on any ride before booking it at the check-out stage. Happy riding!
New Zealand's latest tourism slogan, "Everyone must go!" hasn't been well received by locals.
Planet One Images/Planet One Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
New Zealand launched a new tourism campaign to boost its economy amid a recession.
The campaign targets Australians, who are key to New Zealand's tourism recovery post-pandemic.
Locals criticized the campaign's timing and its slogan, which some have called tone-deaf.
New Zealand's tourism sector needs a boost. But the country's latest ad campaign is getting attention for the wrong reasons.
"Everyone must go!" the government of New Zealand's latest tourism campaign reads. The roughly $287,000 (NZD 500,000) campaign, launched Sunday, is aimed at Australians, who make up 44% of the country's annual international tourists.
Australian tourism numbers to the island nation still haven't recovered entirely after the pandemic, sitting at 88% compared to 2019. And New Zealand's economy weakened overall in 2024, falling into a recession with the highest unemployment rate in nearly four years in November.
"What this Tourism New Zealand campaign says to our Aussie mates is that we're open for business, there are some great deals on, and we'd love to see you soon," New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said in a press release. "The campaign tagline of 'Everyone must go' lets Australia know that New Zealand is a 'must visit' destination, and that we're ready and waiting to welcome them now."
But locals see it differently. The timing of the campaign, which comes amid government job cuts and a large number of New Zealanders moving out of the country has many complaining that the slogan is tone-deaf β and referential to the bathroom.
"I think 'Everyone Must Go' might refer to the need for toilets in some of our high-tourist spots. I mean, the queues are ridiculous," Green Party Tourism spokesperson Celia Wade-Brown told RNZ.
Brown and Labour's tourism spokesperson, Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, agreed that the campaign lacks a long-term plan for the industry.
"I mean, it makes New Zealand sound like we're in a clearance bin at a sale," Tangaere-Manuel told RNZ. "The irony of that messaging is, that's how Aotearoa New Zealanders are feeling right now. There's been so many cuts, so people feel like 'well, what's not on the list of cuts,'" Tangaere-Manuel added.
Despite the criticism, a spokesperson for Upston told Business Insider in an email that the office of Tourism and Hospitality is proud of the campaign. "It boosts an industry which already contributes so much to New Zealand, and has attracted positive feedback."
This isn't New Zealand's first effort this year to attract more tourists. On January 27, the government eased visa restrictions to allow digital nomads to work remotely in the country.
Roughly two weeks later, the government relaxed restrictions on golden visas, known as Active Investor Plus (AIP) visas, to make them more flexible in an effort to attract more investors to New Zealand.
On a trip from Miami to New York City in October 2021, I booked Amtrak's bedroom accommodation in a sleeper car, which gave me my own moving hotel room for 30 hours.
Private rooms are available on sleeper cars for long-distance train rides, like my trip down the East Coast. At $1,000 for one overnight ride, it was easily the most expensive Amtrak ride I've ever booked. (A 2025 search for bedroom bookings on the same route showed prices ranging from about $1,500 to $1,700.)
It was also the most comfortable, thanks to the privacy and space it provided. According to Amtrak's website, bedrooms are at least 45.5 square feet, which, for reference, is a little bigger than a standard king-size bed. They can sleep up to two adults, and mine offered ample space for me as a solo traveler.
The 45-square-foot bedroom had a couch, an additional seat, two bunks, and a full bathroom.
The reporter relaxes in an Amtrak bedroom, traveling from Miami to NYC.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Before spending the night in a bedroom from Miami to New York City, I spent 30 hours on an Amtrak train traveling to Florida in a roomette β a 20-square-foot private cabin.
The bedroom accommodation is a step up from a roomette on long-distance Amtrak trains. It offers even more space, as well as a private bathroom.
The furniture in the bedroom folded up and down for various configurations, including a workday setup.
The reporter's workday setup in an Amtrak bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After experiencing cramped seating arrangements on previous Amtrak rides, the bedroom was a luxury. Instead of having just two seats facing each other as I did in the roomette, it was nice to have a big couch where I could stretch out my legs and put my feet up. That same couch transformed into a bed in the evenings.
There was an additional chair on the left, too, which could be folded up and stowed away.
The bedroom also had a table that pulled out from the wall between two of the three seats, which made working from the rails more efficient.
A small closet with three hangers was available to keep clothing looking sharp.
The closet space.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I usually love unpacking upon arrival in my accommodations. The more I unpack while traveling, the more at home I feel.
Since I was only on the train for one night, I didn't use the closet β but it would have come in handy for storing jackets if I were traveling at a cooler time of the year.
Having storage spaces around the room made it easier to keep it tidy, which I've found essential in maintaining order in a tiny space.
The room featured a sink, a vanity, and small towels for freshening up.
The reporter takes a selfie with her freshly brushed teeth.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The bedroom had a three-panel vanity mirror, a sink, and towels, making washing my face or brushing my teeth convenient. I joked that the setup was nicer than my bathroom at home.
I brushed my teeth and washed my face before bed and again the next morning, just like I would on any regular day at home. Feeling clean makes me more comfortable while traveling.
While I try to pack light, I always make room for my electric toothbrush, so having an outlet next to the mirror was great for keeping it charged.
To the right of the mirror was a cabinet where I stored my toiletries and other personal items.
The cabinet.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
This cabinet allowed me to unpack the way I would in a hotel room and easily see my items as needed. The cabinet snapped shut, so everything stayed in place as the train moved.
The roomette from my previous train ride included a small sink, leaving no room to unpack like this. The bedroom's vanity felt like an upgraded β and very welcome β amenity.
The room also had fluffy towels, as if I were in a hotel, not on a train.
The private bathroom had a door, a shower, and a toilet. In other booking classes, riders shared a bathroom in their train car.
The door to the bathroom and a view of the inside.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Having my own bathroom was a game changer for me as a train traveler. It allowed me to unpack and made me feel like I was being exposed to fewer germs. Plus, I never had to wait for my turn. I couldn't find a downside to a private bathroom for 30 hours of travel.
Hooks on the bathroom door could hold towels and clothing items. There were two large towels on a shelf above the toilet. Then, of course, there was my sink with vanity mirrors in the room.
This was traveling as it should be.
Being able to control the temperature inside the room was a nice touch β and a luxury you don't get in business or first class.
A close-up of the thermometer, air conditioning, and attendant call button.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The bedroom had other neat features, like a button to call an attendant for anything I needed and handy controls for the lights. There was a night setting and reading lamps in addition to the overhead light.
A dial controlled the volume of the speaker, where an attendant would make announcements about where the train was stopping.
I could also control the temperature in my room, as I had in the roomette on a previous trip. Picking my ideal temperature made me feel so much more comfortable on a 30-hour journey. Dealing with sweat or shivers would have made the trip feel much longer.
At about 8 p.m., an attendant came to my room to transform the sofa into a bed.
The reporter relaxes after receiving bedside service.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In the evenings, Amtrak offers turndown service. An attendant will come to your room and set up your bed.
When the attendant came into my room at about 8 p.m., they asked me whether I wanted to sleep on the top or bottom bunk. Since I tried the top bunk in the roomette, I went with the bottom bunk on this trip.
When I entered the room again, my first thought was that the bed looked bigger than the one I slept in on my way toΒ Miami.
The bed and sheets were surprisingly soft, and I was happy to have more room to spread out as I slept.
Since there were outlets next to the sink, I propped up my phone to watch TV from bed, just like home.
A view of the reporter's bed setup, which includes a phone playing "The Office" on the right side.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The outlet I used for my electric toothbrush came in handy once again when I was ready for bed. I plugged in my phone to charge, propped it up on the vanity, and watched my favorite TV shows.
Watching my go-to shows relaxed me before I fell asleep.
Another key feature was the air vent above the bed. I prefer to keep the room cool for sleeping, so I pointed the air vent toward my face as I drifted off to sleep.
I woke up at about 8 a.m. in North Carolina to the sun beaming through my window.
The reporter wakes up on the train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
When I woke up the next morning, I felt much more rested than I ever had on a train. I believe it was thanks to the bigger, more comfortable bed β and my privacy.
The bottom bunk felt less bumpy than my previous ride on the top bunk, so I recommend opting for the bottom bunk on overnight trips.
In the future, I'll definitely splurge on a bedroom booking on an Amtrak train. The privacy, space, and better sleep are so worth it.
The author lounges in an Amtrak bedroom traveling from Miami to NYC.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In October 2021, I took an overnight Amtrak train from Miami to New York, which was 30 hours long.
I booked a bedroom about the size of a king-sized bed with a full bathroom for $1,000.
The private room was more comfortable than any other overnight train I've booked in the US.
I prefer to travel by train when I can β even if it means taking an overnight ride.
In addition to being more sustainable than driving or flying, traveling by train has given me unparalleled views of the world, with landscapes changing every second. And being stuck on a train for long periods forces me to sit back and do nothing, which I don't often prioritize in my daily life.
It all started in October 2021 when I took two 30-hour Amtrak rides between Miami and NYC. I spent my ride to Miami in a roomette accommodation and booked a bedroom for the way home.
Then, in 2022 and 2023, I took two train trips in Europe, where I spent a total of 65 hours on four overnight trains traveling between Berlin, Vienna, Paris, and Venice on Austrian Federal Railway's OBB NightjetΒ trains withΒ sleeper cabins and the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
My luxury overnight ride was obviously the most comfortable, as it cost $8,000 more than any other sleeper train I've taken. But of all the other rides, the best accommodation by far was Amtrak's bedroom back in 2021.Β
I booked a $1,000 Amtrak bedroom accommodation for my 30-hour trip from Miami to NYC in 2021.
The author sits in a bedroom on a train from Miami to NYC.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I booked a tiny, private roomette for $500 on my trip from New York City to Miami and reserved a $1,000 bedroom accommodation, the next step up after a roomette, on my way back.Β
The bedrooms are at least 45.5 square feet, which, for reference, is a little bigger than a standard king-size bed. They can sleep up to two adults.
While the ride home was bumpy and long, the spacious bedroom made me feel at ease.
The author sits on a train from Miami to NYC.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
As someone who deals withΒ travel anxiety, I found 30 hours on a train to be overwhelming, especially since, at the time, I had only taken one other overnight train. The constant motion of the train didn't help, either. In fact, I ended up feeling a little queasy.
But staying in a bedroom made me feel more comfortable than staying in a roomette, a cheaper accommodation that's about half the size. I thought the bedroom offered ample space to stretch out and move about, which made all the difference to me.
I think I could comfortably do a 30-hour train journey again, as long as I book a bedroom. And to make it more affordable, I'd book with a friend to split the cost and have some company next time.Β
My journey began at the Amtrak station in Miami.
A view of a line to board an 11:50 a.m. train from Miami to New York.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I arrived at Miami Amtrak Station at 11 a.m., 50 minutes before my train was scheduled to depart. The building's interior reminded me of a Greyhound bus station.
I sat in the only waiting area I could find until it was time to board.
Once on the train, I found my bedroom, which had a sofa that folded out into a bed, a bed that pulled down from the ceiling, and a chair that folded up out of the way.
A view of the author's Amtrak bedroom accommodation.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
For double the price of a roomette, the accommodation I booked for my previous train trip, the bedroom accommodation also offered double the space.
Right away, I knew this trip would be more pleasant than my ride to Miami since I had more room to stretch out.Β
The bedroom had a table that pulled out from the wall between two of the three seats.
A table holds the author's laptop.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The table reminded me of storage hacks I'd expect to find in a tiny home. I used it to hold my laptop while working and appreciated that I could simply fold it out of the way when it was time to relax.Β
On the left side of the room, there was a sink underneath a mirror with a handful of small towels next to it.
A view of the bathroom vanity in the bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Beneath the sink, there was a trash can and a place to hold tissues.Β
To the right of the mirror was a cabinet where I could store my toiletries and other personal items. This feature allowed me to unpack a little, the way I would in a hotel room. Placing my toiletries on the cabinet shelves made me feel more at home.
Next to the seating area, a small closet held three hangers for clothing you'd want to keep looking sharp.
Views of a closet opened and closed.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I didn't use the closet, but I think it would have come in handy for storing jackets if I were traveling at a cooler time of the year.
There was also a private bathroom inside the bedroom that had a door, shower, and toilet.
The bathroom door, left, led to a room with a toilet and shower, right.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
On the bathroom door were hooks to hold towels and clothing items. On a shelf above the toilet were two towels for drying yourself off after a shower.
I appreciated that the toilet was separated from the rest of the room by a door, and I think this is a great amenity if you're traveling with others.
Other bedroom features included temperature controls and a button to call an attendant.
A view of some controls in the bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I could also adjust the volume of the overhead speaker, through which train stops were announced, which I found particularly helpful.
This came in handy when I wanted to get off the train for a minute and stretch my legs. Thanks to the overhead speaker volume control, I always knew when the next stop would be and how long we had at each station.
The bedroom also had handy controls for night, reading, and ceiling lights.
The best thing the bedroom offered was space. I had room to stand up, stretch, and dance. This made my ride much more enjoyable.
The author uses the free space in the bedroom to dance.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I tried to make the train feel like home, and at home, I take dance breaks throughout the day.
Shutting the curtains gave me a moment of privacy to just be my goofy self. This helped me keep moving, too, which I found to be essential for surviving a 30-hour train ride.
It was also nice to have a big sofa where I could stretch out and put my feet up.
The author's belongings are spread around the room.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Having room to stretch out made me feel more relaxed throughout my journey. I appreciated that the couch was long enough to lie down on.
During the day, I spent a lot of time working on my laptop, which made the time pass by quickly.
The author works on the train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Thanks to all the work I had to do, the first chunk of my trip home went by pretty quickly.Β
But when the workday was done, I had to find other ways to pass the time.
The author smiles as her workday ends.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I decided to lie down on my belly and look outside the window for a bit.
Exhausted from my travels, I spent much of the evening reclining on the seats and gazing out the window.
A view out of the window somewhere between Florida and Delaware.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
During my trip home, I saw forests, towns, and factories outside my window. This made me think about how traveling by train gives you a railroad view of the country that can't be replicated in a car or on a flight.
When it was time for dinner, I headed to the dining car and got some braised beef short ribs and mashed potatoes.
The author smiles with her dinner.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My meals came with the ticket, and I could pick from five items. Since I enjoyed the braised beef short rib dish on my trip to Miami, I decided to get it again on my way home.Β
Before bed, I brushed my teeth and washed my face in front of the sink.
The author takes a selfie showing off her clean teeth and the vanity.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Since I have an electric toothbrush, it was nice to be able to charge it using the outlets in the bathroom.Β
At about 8 p.m., an attendant came to my room to transform the sofa into a bed.
An aerial view of the sofa bed.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My first thought when I entered the room again after receiving bedside service was that the bed looked bigger than the one I slept in on my way to Miami in a roomette.
Since I had trouble sleeping on the top bunk on the way to Miami, I opted for the bottom bunk on this journey.
The author lies in bed with the curtains drawn in the evening.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The bed and sheets were comfortable, and I was happy to have more room to sleep.
Had I slept in the bed that comes down from the ceiling, I would have had control of the air conditioning and lights, as well as a place to put my phone nearby.
A view of the controls and storage space in the top bunk.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I was able to use the foldout table for my bedside belongings, though.
Since there were outlets next to the sink, I propped my phone up there so I could watch TV from bed.
The author's bedtime setup.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There might have been outlets on the other side of the bed, too, but I wasn't able to find them.Β
By the time I sat in my bed at about 8:30 p.m., I realized my body was already aching for sleep.
The author yawns on the bed.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I thought I'd stay up and watch TV for a while, but my body was telling me to just pass out.
So I decided to lie down and watch "The Office" until I drifted off to sleep.
The ride was bumpy through the night, but being on the lower bed felt grounding, and I didn't feel as if I was going to fall off the bed at any point. Although it wasn't a perfect night's sleep, I definitely slept better than I did in the roomette.
I woke up the next morning around 8 a.m. in North Carolina to the sun beaming.
The author squints at the sun when she gets up in the morning.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I woke up to the sun peering through my window feeling somewhat rested.Β
I had planned on taking a shower, but after looking down at the floor, I wished I had brought sandals and decided to skip my shower.
The shower floor.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I was excited to take a shower after having been on the train for nearly 24 hours, but the shower appeared too grimy to feel comfortable, and I wished I packed flip-flops.
Amtrak did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, but according to its website, it sanitizes rooms between visitors.
Since I forgot them, I decided that not showering would be better.
Instead, I washed my face in front of the sink and put on a lot of deodorant.
The author washes her face in front of the vanity.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
While I was washing my face, I noticed how nice it was to have three mirrors next to one another. It was easy to see the spots I missed after washing the soap off my face.Β
Breakfast and lunch were also included in my ticket on my final day of travel, and I thought they were pretty tasty.
The author's breakfast, left, and lunch during her final day of travel.
I chose a chicken fettuccine dish with broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes, and I thought it was decent.Β
Of all the meals I had, I found the continental breakfast to be the most filling and satisfying.
The author's breakfast of oatmeal and a sandwich.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The breakfast included a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and a blueberry muffin. I had the choice of maple and brown sugar or apple cinnamon for the oatmeal.
This meal was the most filling I had on the whole trip, and if they served it all day, I'd probably have it for every meal.
I loved having my bed down throughout the day because it allowed me to relax and rest a bit more.
The author passes the time in bed.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
To pass the time, I looked at my phone and played Nintendo while relaxing on the bed.Β
It was a Saturday, so staying in bed felt right.
When we were about three hours from New York, my attendant transformed the bed back into seats, and these final hours on the train felt like the longest of the whole trip.
The author passes the time on the sofa during the final hours of her trip.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I think because my bed was gone and I thought the journey's end should be near, the final hours of my train ride felt as though they dragged on.
Spending 30 hours on a train certainly isn't paradise, but booking a bedroom made it feel a little shorter to me. So I'll be stretching my funds to book it again the next time I want to bop around the country.
The author takes a selfie during a stop at Union Station in Washington, DC.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
When we arrived in New York around 7 p.m., slightly later than scheduled, I realized I had never been more grateful to be home.
But I was also appreciative of the room and privacy I had getting there.Β
Overnight trains are my favorite way to travel because, unlike most things in my life, they force me to be still and enjoy the view. And even the most insufferable nights on the rails have helped me grow, get more comfortable on sleeper trains, and appreciate the good rides.
My most recent ride was one of the best.
On a frosty day in January, I boarded an overnight train in Denver for a 15-hour ride to Salt Lake City. The train was cozy and social, and the views were striking and diverse.
I booked the lowest-tier accommodation in the sleeper car, a roomette, for $400.
From Denver to Salt Lake City in a private sleeper cabin
A peek inside the reporter's roomette.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The 23-square-foot space, enclosed by a sliding door, had two seats that folded out into a bed and another bunk up top. There was also a foldout table between the seats, a shelf, a mirror, and a thin closet.
I also had access to four shared bathrooms and a shower in the sleeper car, and my ticket included meals.
Hour 1: Boarding and breakfast
Denver's Union Station on a snowy day.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
On a snowy January morning, I arrived at Denver's Union Station at 8:30 a.m. for an 8:45 a.m. departure. I headed straight to the train, which was already waiting for me.
The Amtrak train parked at the platform in Denver.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There were two boarding lines on the platform β coach and first-class, which refers to sleeper accommodations.
The coach line had about 10 people, but I whizzed through the empty first-class line and found my car easily, thanks to the big signage.
Two sides of the reporter's roomette.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I stepped on board and found my cabin on the first floor. There wasn't much space to stand, but I easily stretched out by reclining both comfy seats and using one of them as a leg rest. The recently upgraded vinyl seats were cushy and more comfortable than any train seats I've booked in the US.
My first-class attendant came by to introduce herself and let me know I could call her at any time with a button from my seat. She also took my lunch reservation (noon) and told me that breakfast in the dining car on the second floor ended at 9 a.m., so I needed to hurry.
The reporter had French toast for breakfast.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The train took off at 8:45, just as I sat down for breakfast. A couple and I were the only remaining passengers to feed. As is typical on an Amtrak train, we were seated together.
I ordered French toast with sausage, topped with syrup, powdered sugar, strawberries, and whipped cream. It was pretty decent for a train meal, and I noticed the strawberries tasted fresh.
While waiting for my meal, I chatted with the couple headed to California after visiting their kids in Denver β a 36-hour ride on their first overnight train.
Hour 2: No WiFi, no worries
Railroad views in Colorado.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
By 10 a.m., I realized that this train route didn't have WiFi, and I had no signal. But none of that mattered to me once I looked out the window.
The views heading west from Denver reminded me of the Swiss Alps. We went through several small tunnels that opened up to mountainous forests blanketed in snow.
Around this time, the attendant asked if I wanted to make a reservation for the observation car, a communal space on the second floor with two rows of windows bleeding into the ceiling for optimal views.
The observation car doesn't typically require reservations, but it gets crowded when the train passes through Rocky Mountain National Park in the early afternoons. Later, in the observation car, an attendant said managing the crowds with 30-minute time slots was easier. I took the 11:30 a.m. slot.
Hour 3: Fresh air
The train stops in Fraser, Colorado.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
We stopped for the first time since I boarded at around 10:50 a.m. in Fraser, Colorado. The train didn't stop long enough to step outside very often, so I took the opportunity to get some fresh air.
It was easy to spot who was continuing on the journey and who wasn't based on their baggage and attire. Some passengers came out in the snow in sweatshirts and shorts, while others were bundled up with suitcases in hand.
It was sunny and crisp on the snow-covered platform. I stretched my legs and spotted others posing for pictures and checking their phones.
After about five minutes, a whistle blew, signaling everyone to board.
Hour 4: Epic views before lunch
Inside the observation car on an Amtrak Superliner.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
At 11:30 a.m., I headed upstairs to the observation car. It was much brighter than the other cars, especially since it was sunny. It was also packed to the brim. I was seated next to a quiet couple, with whom I spotted highland cows in a valley surrounded by forests.
The reporter's lunch on the train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The dining car was right next to the observation car. I strolled in at noon and was seated with a high-school student visiting her sister at college and a California-bound, older couple who had taken overnight trains before.
We discussed our travels as I dined on a Caesar salad with grilled chicken. It was on par with good, budget-friendly restaurants I'd been to before, and it ended up being my favorite dish of the trip.
Hour 5: Kicking back in the cabin
The reporter reads on her way to Salt Lake City.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After a fulfilling lunch and conversation, I returned to my cabin for some downtime. The dramatic views continued as I read a book in my cozy chair.
Hour 6: Time to stretch
The Amtrak train stops in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Just before 2:30 p.m., the train stopped for another break in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, for about 15 minutes.
I had time to walk the length of the train. It was a bit warmer outside, so I stepped onto the platform without my jacket.
Hour 7: A change of scenery
Views from the train cabin.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
By 3 p.m., the views started to transform. The snow melted as we passed rivers and streams, and the trees were smaller and more sparse in southwestern Colorado.
My attendant came by during this time to ask when I wanted to have dinner. Since I was already getting hungry, I opted for the earliest slot: 5 p.m.
Hour 8: Grateful for curtains and skincare
The reporter utilizes the roomette's curtains.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Around 4 p.m., the sun started hitting my window in various locations along the length of the room. That's when I noticed how much the curtains came in handy.
Blocking the sun wasn't limited like in a car with a visor. I could slide the two curtains back and forth, scrunch them up, and spread them out for optimal glare blockage.
The reporter freshens up in her cabin.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Before dinner, I went to the bathroom to wash my face and noticed it had been cleaned since my last visit. Then, I returned to my cabin to moisturize using the mirror. The crisp, Southwestern air made my skin drier than usual.
Hour 9: Dinner with a view
Inside the dining car just before dinner.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I strolled into the dining car at 4:59 p.m. It was empty except for employees who appeared confused about my arrival.
"I'm here for my dinner reservation," I said.
"You're supposed to wait for the announcement," one of them called out. Oops.
Seconds later, one employee welcomed guests to the dining car over the intercom, and another told me to sit at the first table.
The reporter's dinner.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After a talkative breakfast and lunch, I wasn't feeling too social. Luckily, the trio of young women I shared the booth with seemed to have the same idea. We said hello to each other and then dined quietly. All of us took pictures of our meals when they arrived.
The dinner was three courses. I had a Brie salad followed by a flat iron steak with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and a wine sauce. I was surprised by how flavorful the steak was; it was cooked perfectly for me.
The dessert was a decent white chocolate blueberry cobbler cheesecake. It was no New York cheesecake, but it was tasty, and I ate nearly all of it.
Hour 10: Providing my own turndown service
The reporter converted the seats into a bed.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
As soon as I finished dinner, I reclined the seats in my cabin to form the lower bunk. An hour later, the attendant announced they could provide turndown service. But I'm no stranger to converting train bunks. And since I'd be getting off the train just before midnight, I wanted to get a few hours of rest beforehand.
The bunk was more spacious than most I've experienced on trains. And the cushions were surprisingly easy on my back.
The blanket provided was extremely soft β one side felt like velvet. The pillows were more dense and fluffy than most overnight train cabins I've experienced. I only needed to rest one under my head, as I do at home.
Hour 11: TV in a cozy bed β just like home
The reporter watches TV from her train bunk.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Watching TV before bed brings me comfort.
Earlier in the trip, when I had service, I downloaded a few episodes of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" for this very reason.
I stretched out on the cot, put my headphones in, and soaked up the comedy as we rode through the night.
Hours 12-14: Night naps
The reporter relaxes in her bunk.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The last intercom announcement at 9:45 p.m. informed passengers that 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. are quiet train hours.
After a few TV episodes, I put the screen down and drifted in and out of sleep for the final hours of my trip.
Hour 15: A midnight arrival
The train parked at the platform in Salt Lake City.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
We arrived in Salt Lake City just before midnight. An attendant knocked on my door about 10 minutes before to let me know we were close. I was already up and started to gather my things.
I exited the train at the back of a long platform, which was brightly lit despite the late hour. I watched other departing passengers greet their loved ones at the station as I called an Uber to take me to my next adventure.
Business Insider's reporter booked a business-class ticket for a 10-hour trip on an Amtrak train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In 2022, I rode in business class on an Amtrak train from NYC to Niagara Falls, New York.
My $168 included a business-class seat with a tray table, an outlet, and a complimentary drink.
In my opinion, the experience was not much different from coach. I wouldn't pay extra for it again.
When I took a 10-hour Amtrak train ride from NYC to Niagara Falls, New York, in August 2022,Β I booked a business-class ticket for $168, which was $100 more than a coach ticket for the same ride.Β
I upgraded based on my experience traveling on Amtrak. In the past, I'd spent 85 hours on Amtrak trains going up and down the East Coast, reviewing accommodations from first class to private rooms in sleeper cars.
I'd previously taken a business-class ride on Amtrak from Baltimore to NYC, but that was under three hours, and I wanted to see what it was like on a longer route. I tried it again for my Niagara Falls trip.
Ultimately, I found that business class wasn't worth the added price since the experience felt too similar to a typical ride in coach.
My journey began at NYC's Penn Station.
The entrance to Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in NYC.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I arrived at 6:45 a.m. for my 7:15 a.m. train. Amtrak suggests arriving a few minutes before your departure.
Penn Station's Moynihan Train Hall has an exclusive lounge for Amtrak riders, but it's only free for first-class passengers.
An escalator inside Moynihan Train Hall leads to the lounge.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Business-class passengers may enter for a $50 fee.
I'd been in this lounge while traveling in first class and thought that while there was a variety of complimentary drinks and snacks, it wasn't worth $50.
I instead went to the main waiting area for all passengers with a train ticket that day.
There were benches in front of screens with train schedules in the regular waiting area.
The waiting area for ticketed customers.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I found it crowded on a Sunday morning, but after a few minutes of standing around, I grabbed a seat.
Once on the train, I noticed the business-class car configuration had two seats on one side of the aisle and one on the other.
The aisle from the single row of seats in Amtrak's business class.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
As a business-class ticket holder, I didn't receiveΒ priority boarding, so I waited in line with business and coach passengers.Β
My seat was not assigned, but I snagged a spot in the single row.
A single seat in Amtrak's business class.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Since the chairs looked larger than those in coach, I thought they'd be comfy and plush. However, once I sat down, I thought they felt stiffer than expected.
But at least it reclined slightly, like on most trains I've taken.Β
Although the seat wasn't as comfortable as I expected for a premium class, I was impressed with the amount of legroom.
The author's leg room in the business-class seat.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
An Amtrak representative told Business Insider that the business-class seats are about 20 inches wide with 42 inches of legroom.
Like other Amtrak trains, my seat came with a tray table, too.
The seat-back tray table opened and closed.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I was able to rest my laptop and phone on it in front of me, which made it easier to pass the time. I also had an outlet for charging devices.
On the way, a drink was included in the price of my business-class ticket, but a meal was not.
Business-class passengers had a private bathroom for the car.
Inside the business-class bathroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I was expecting a nicer restroom in business class, but I didn't think it differed from the lavatories I've experienced in other train classes.Β
After traveling for 10 hours in a train car without a clean bathroom, I thought the business-class experience was not worth the extra $100.
The author exits a business-class Amtrak train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Aside from bigger seats and a free drink, business class didn't feel very different from coach to me. Next time, I'll save my money and ride economy.
"We are constantly evaluating ways to improve the customer experience, including further differentiating the classes of service across the network," an Amtrak representative said in a statement to BI.
The metropolis of Utah's Silicon Slopes has a surprisingly thin supply of luxury accommodations. There were none before the Grand America Hotel was built in 2001 to serve the 2002 Olympics.
"One of the stipulations to bring the Olympics here was to build a five-star hotel," a hotel representative told Business Insider. "We hosted the Olympic committee."
It's also a hot spot for celebrity sightings, and traveling NBA teams often stay there, the representative told BI.
I recently spent two nights at the premier hotel. With a starting rate of about $300 (depending on hotel occupancy), I thought it offered more luxury for your buck than any other accommodation I've booked.
The Grand America Hotel is a five-star hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.
The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.
Google Maps
The independently owned hospitality company also has locations in Idaho, California, Arizona, and Wyoming.
The 10-acre, 24-story hotel has 775 rooms.
The hotel's courtyard.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There are four tiers of rooms. The lowest is a 700-square-foot premier room with a sectioned-off sitting area.
The second tier is an 880-square-foot executive suite with a living room.
A 1,000-square-foot kitchenette suite is the third tier, and the top tier is a 2,4000-square-foot presidential suite with two bathrooms, a whirlpool tub made of Italian marble, and a full kitchen, breakfast bar, and dining room.
From the lobby to the guest rooms, this hotel was coated in elegance.
Inside the hotel lobby.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The Grand America Hotel aims to be an American-sized, European-esque hotel. And I think it delivered.
The spaces were decorated withΒ Italian marble floorsΒ and glass chandeliers, as well as French cherry-wood furniture and classic antiques.
I entered a spacious hallway leading to a large living room with a workspace. To the right was the bedroom, which had a king-sized bed. Both rooms had floor-to-ceiling windows framing the downtown Salt Lake City skyline and the hotel gardens below.
I had a huge walk-in closet with mirrored doors leading to the bathroom.
Inside the author's hotel bathroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The bathroom was coated in Italian marble, with a shower and separate soaking tub. I found Grand America-branded luxury toiletries on the counter and in the shower. The lotion smelled so good that I asked for a couple more to bring home.
On the second day of my stay, I took a private tour of the property and learned more about the hotel's luxury details.
Inside the lobby of the hotel.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My tour started in the lobby, where I learned the wood paneling was sourced from West Africa.
A representative also told me that the marble flooring was bookended and matched by hand to create a geometric pattern.
The Lobby Lounge hosted afternoon tea.
Inside the Lobby Lounge.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In true European spirit, the Lobby Lounge has a daily afternoon tea service with snacks and live music from harpists.
For cocktail hour, guests should check out the Gibson Lounge on the same floor.
After exploring the lobby area, we headed to the Shops at The Grand.
Inside JouJou, a children's toy store.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The Shops at The Grand is a collection of high-end boutiques inside the hotel selling clothing, accessories, snacks, toiletries, and other essentials.
The most surprising store was JouJou, a vibrant and whimsical toy store that felt like a child's wonderland.
Next to the shops, there was a spa and a fitness center.
NBA athletes have worked out in this fitness center.
Inside the hotel's gym.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The representative said that visiting NBA players often exercise in the fitness center, which is open 24 hours a day.
The spa had Mediterranean-inspired pools, 18 service rooms, and wet and dry saunas.
Inside the spa's pool room.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Upon entering, the indoor pool area was calming. Natural light poured into the white, cave-like room through carved archways, and cozy nooks framed the main pool.
Next, we headed to the other side of the lobby to check out the dining options, starting with Bonne Vie.
Inside Bonne Vie, a coffee shop.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Bonne Vie is a coffee shop that serves local brews, French baked goods, and in-house ice cream.
Bonne Vie led to a full-service restaurant, Laurel Brasserie & Bar.
Inside Laurel Brasserie & Bar.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Laurel Brasserie & Bar is a European-style bistro.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a large menu that includes pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
The hotel also had 24 venues for business meetings and events.
Inside one of the ballrooms.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The hotel can host up to 3,000 attendees at a time with three ballrooms, 20 meeting rooms, and a 35,000-square-foot courtyard for outdoor events.
The last stop on my tour was a presidential suite β the top-tier accommodation with a starting rate of $8,500 a night.
The living room inside the presidential suite.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The 24,000-square-foot suite felt like a luxury apartment. The living room was bright and spacious, with a striking marble fireplace and a wealth of seating.
Despite its large size, the two-bathroom suite only sleeps two. But guests can host their friends and family with a full kitchen and a dining room that seats eight people.
The Grand America Hotel's elegant property, spacious guestrooms, and ultra-luxury amenities make it a steal for less than $350 a night.
An aerial view of the outdoor pool.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
And it's an ideal pick for travelers like me who want to experience luxury on a budget.
Β Business Insider's reporter visited Silicon Slopes, Utah's tech hub.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Silicon Slopes is a hub for tech and skiing in Utah.
The region includes Salt Lake City, Park City, and suburbs like Draper and Provo.
I recently visited the opulent ski hub and was surprised by active tech offices and city amenities.
Silicon Slopes is a region of Utah known for business and tech that includes Salt Lake City, Park City, and surrounding suburbs like Draper and Provo, among others.
It's also a growing wealth enclave where celebrities like Tan France and Post Malone have purchased estates.
In January, I left my home in NYC to visit the area, also known for its high-end ski scene. I expected to find luxury hotels and homes, active ski slopes, and tech offices with startup vibes.
I found all that β but there were nine surprises during my three-night trip exploring Salt Lake City, Park City, and Draper.
I traveled by train from Denver to Salt Lake City and was in awe of the views.
A view of Rocky Mountain National Park from the train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I flew from my home in NYC to Denver and boarded a 15-hour Amtrak train to Salt Lake City.
In 2021, I had decent views of the East Coast, from towns to shorelines. But the sights between Colorado and Utah were on another level. I rode through Rocky Mountain National Park and watched the snow-capped forest landscape transition into red rocks and canyons as the train made its way to my destination.
I was surprised to find I could watch the passing landscapes from a window-filled observation car.
Passengers sit in the observation car.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My train trip to Miami was on an Amtrak Viewliner, a one-story train. My recent Amtrak trip to Salt Lake City was on a Superliner, a double-decker train.
On board, I was surprised and excited to find a communal car on the top floor designated for sightseeing since the Viewliner did not have one. The car had two rows of windows and an array of seating options, such as booths and swivel chairs.
When booking my trip, I was shocked that Salt Lake City didn't have many luxury hotels.
The author stayed at the Grand America Hotel.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Most major cities I visit have an array of luxury accommodations, so when booking my trip to Salt Lake City, I was dumbfounded when I only found a couple of five-star hotels.
I selected the Grand America Hotel β the city's first five-star hotel built in 2001 to serve the 2002 Olympics.
Since its opening, the hotel has been known for hosting A-listers. While hotel representatives declined to reveal any celebrity guest names, a representative of Grand America told BI that they have hosted visiting NBA teams.
For $340 a night, I couldn't believe how luxurious my room was.
The author enjoys her luxury hotel room bathroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spent one night in an executive suite with a king-sized bed. The room has a base rate of $340, though Business Insider received a media rate for the one-night stay.
The hotel was as lavish as many I've booked in the $500-$1,000-a-night price range. My room was 880 square feet, with a living room, a bedroom, and a Juliet balcony. I appreciated the spacious marble bathroom and thick, cozy robes with satin lining hanging in the walk-in closet.
After a night in Salt Lake City, I headed to Draper, a nearby suburb I didn't realize was a tech hub.
Inside an office building in Draper.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Since Salt Lake City is the metropolis of the Silicon Slopes, I expected most of the tech scene to be there. However, I found that the nearby suburb of Draper has created a booming tech community. I visited a large building that served as offices and a coworking space for several companies, giving techies the chance to network daily.
I was surprised by the wealth of activities inside tech offices.
An employee at Bamboo HR plays golf inside the office.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I got private tours of two companies inside the building β Bamboo HR and Pluralsight. The offices were modern and sleek, with intentional color palettes and cozy seats, as I'd expect from any tech office.
But work aside, these spaces had activities for breaks that would make it hard for me to get back to my tasks β pickleball, rentable bikes for trail riding accessible from the property, and, most surprising to me, an indoor golf simulator projected onto a movie theater-sized screen.
That afternoon, I headed from Draper to Park City and was surprised to find luxury housing visible from the downtown area.
Homes sit above downtown Park City.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In most wealthy towns I visit, the luxury housing is spread out on the outskirts of town, away from the public eye.
That's the case for most of Park City, too.
However, in the downtown area, I spotted many modern and high-end homes layered among older houses on hilltops overlooking the streets. I thought it would be nice to live in a luxury mansion in a walkable neighborhood.
In the same area, I was shocked when a skier was lifted a few feet above my head.
A ski lift sits above downtown Park City.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I knew Park City was known for skiing, but I didn't expect to see an active ski lift nearly at arm's length while strolling through the downtown area.
It made sense when I learned that this part of Park City sits between two major ski hubs β Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort.
Park City had public amenities I rarely see in New York, like bathrooms and electric firepits in courtyards.
A sign points to a public restroom in Park City.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Finding a public bathroom in New York City often becomes an unwanted adventure. I've even left hangouts early to go home.
So, I didn't expect to see a vibrant sign pointing to one in downtown Park City. I didn't go inside, but all the public restrooms in Park City I saw on Google Maps had five-star ratings.
I also found lit, electric firepits surrounded by benches in courtyards between stores and restaurants.
My trip to Salt Lake City, Draper, and Park City was full of surprises.
The author enjoys Downtown Salt Lake City.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
From Park City's unexpected amenities to Salt Lake City's affordable luxury stays, these unexpected delights made me certain I'll return to the Silicon Slopes.
Shooting Star is an exclusive club and golf course in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Courtesy of Shooting Star
Shooting Star in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has been ranked as a top golf course in the US.
The golf club requires an invitation and has a long waitlist for membership.
From the golf course to the clubhouse, here's a look inside the private mountain oasis.
Nestled beneath the Grand Tetons in one of Jackson Hole, Wyoming's most expensive neighborhoods, PGA pros tee up at one of the most celebrated golf courses in the US, ranking no. 1 in Golf Digest's best in Wyoming and earning a spot on the top 100 US courses in 2023 and 2024.
I'm talking about Shooting Star, a members-only club in Teton Village. You have to be invited to join, and a representative of Shooting Star told Business Insider in September 2024 that the club had an extensive waitlist.
It's also not cheap. Shooting Star didn't share its current membership price with Business Insider, but when the club opened in 2009, it had 189 members and a $100,000 membership fee.
On a trip to Jackson Hole, I got an exclusive tour of the club, and it felt like a millionaire's playhouse. Take a look inside.
Welcome to the ultra-exclusive Shooting Star of Jackson Hole.
The golf course at Shooting Star in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Courtesy of Shooting Star
Shooting Star's history dates back to the 1930s when the Resor family created Snake River Ranch, now known as the largest working cattle ranch in Jackson Hole.
Shooting Star owner and operator John Resor transformed a section of the ranch into an exclusive golf course, club, and residential community. It was a $130 million project.
Shooting Star is in Jackson Hole's Teton Village neighborhood.
Shooting Star is in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Google Maps
Roughly 22 miles from the town of Jackson, Shooting Star is sandwiched between Snake River Ranch and Jackson Hole Resort.
The 1,300-acre space has a clubhouse, a golf course and shop, a pool deck, a barn, and residential lodges.
A wide view of the property.
Courtesy of Shooting Star
When I toured the property, I thought the clubhouse looked like a luxury ranch. The expansive building overlooked the golf course and a 25-meter lap pool.
The clubhouse opens to a grand foyer with a Western aesthetic.
Inside the foyer.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spotted realistic paintings of cattle at Snake River Ranch and an animal skull on the foyer walls.
I also noticed a range of natural textures, from the wood floors and ceiling moldings to the leather seats in front of the large stone fireplace.
Outside, the 18-hole golf course looked like a painting.
A view of the course.
Courtesy of Shooting Star
I'm no golfer, but it was instantly clear why Golf Digest ranked this a top 100 course in the US.
The 250-acre course looked dynamic, with aspen and evergreen trees dotting hills parted by ponds and streams. It was designed by Tom Fazio, who alsoΒ designed Donald Trump's golf clubs in Westchester, New York, and Pine Hill, New Jersey, as well as multiple courses at the exclusive Vintage Club in Indian Wells, California, where Bill Gates purchased a home for $12.5 million in 1999.
The golf course blended in so seamlessly with its surroundings that I thought it was a naturally occurring landscape, but the land was actually reformed with a design goal of making each hole unique.
According to a Shooting Star brochure, the process included moving 2 million cubic yards of dirt, planting more than 2,500 trees, and carving out 50 acres of lakes.
For a handful of PGA pros, including the golf club's director Ben Polland, Shooting Star is more than a home course β it's a day job.
From the course, I could see the resident cabins and lodges.
Next to the clubhouse, the Alpine Barn is used in ski season.
The Alpine Barn at Shooting Star.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In the winter, Shooting Star becomes a skier's haven, and the Alpine Barn is the hub.
Inside, there were nearly 200 lockers. During ski season, the barn shows movies and serves complimentary food. A shuttle takes skiers to the nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to hit the slopes, but there's also a track around the course's perimeter for a short run.
Back inside, the second floor of the clubhouse houses a fitness center.
Exercise equipment in the fitness center.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The 2,400-square-foot facility had smart cardio equipment with large screens overlooking the swimming pool and barn. A handful of workout studios offered classes like yoga and pilates.
Outside, there were also tennis and pickleball courts.
The spa was on the same floor.
A peek inside a treatment room.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I stepped into one of the six treatment rooms and thought it felt serene.
Limestone and wood moldings texturized the walls. There was a fireplace, cozy seating, and two treatment beds.
Natural light poured in from the window at the back of the room. There was a gigantic stainless steel tub in front of it. I thought bathing in there with a view of the course and surrounding Tetons would be a dream.
The spa bathroom had amenities akin to a luxury hotel.
Amenities inside the bathroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spotted glass jars containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, hair ties, eye drops, and over-the-counter pain and allergy medication.
Back downstairs, there was a restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining.
Outdoor dining at Shooting Star.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The dining room had a wood-burning fire pit inside. Out on the patio, members could dine right next to the golf course.
Before I headed out, I got to check out a miniature version of the property inside the clubhouse.
The miniature version of the property.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The property feels vast, so seeing it all planned out on one table helped me better understand the course and development.
I left with a sense of what it might be like to be a member of such an exclusive club in an epic location.
As a travel reporter, I've stayed in accommodations throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. I often opt for Airbnbs over hotels because they tend to offer more unique experiences, such as sleeping in a treehouse in Ontario's wine country.
Now that I'm a seasoned solo traveler, I have many practices to ensure I feel as safe as possible when traveling alone β especially in other countries.
When it comes to staying in Airbnbs solo, my best tip is to book for two people
The reporter stays at a tiny-home hotel in Germany that she booked through Airbnb.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
When I make an Airbnb reservation, I simply change the number of guests from one to two. Then, in my message to the host, I always say that I may have a friend joining me for my trip.
This way, my host doesn't think I'm traveling alone. Creating the illusion that I have someone else with me makes me feel more comfortable falling asleep at night in a stranger's place.
Booking for two sometimes comes with an additional fee, depending on the Airbnb.
For example, when I traveled to Rome and booked two nights in a livable art sculpture Airbnb, the price was $102 a night for one person and $145 a night for two people. In this case, a companion did end up joining me for the stay. But even if they hadn't, I would have been fine paying the additional fee to feel more secure about staying there alone.Β
Inside the livable art sculpture Airbnb that the reporter booked for a trip to Rome.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Solo travel can be daunting, especially when you're booking accommodation with an individual rather than directly through a company like you would at a hotel.
But after all my unique Airbnb experiences, I think it's worth booking them even when I'm alone. And booking for two makes me feel a little safer.Β Β
The reporter took a 15-hour ride on Amtrak's California Zephyr, an overnight Superliner train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spent 15 hours in a sleeper car on an Amtrak Superliner train going from Denver to Salt Lake City.
For $400, I stayed in a private cabin, which had two seats during the day and two bunks at night.
The 23-square-foot space was cozy and full of space-saving hacks that made it feel larger.
Taking a sleeper train from Denver to Salt Lake City was more expensive than flying or driving β and it took a lot longer. But for a locomotive enthusiast like me, it was worth it.
In January, I took a 15-hour ride through the American Southwest on Amtrak's California Zephyr, an overnight train. I paid $400 to stay in a private, enclosed 23-square-foot space with two chairs and two bunks β also known as a roomette.
I found that 23 square feet is plenty of space for me to feel comfortable on a long journey. And with an efficient arrangement and a design that seemed to prioritize relaxation, I was far cozier than I am on flights and road trips.
On a cold morning in early January, I boarded the California Zephyr at Denver's Union Station.
The entrance to the reporter's sleeper car on the California Zephyr.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Amtrak's Superliner is a two-story train fleet that runs on routes west of Chicago and New Orleans, including the California Zephyr. The cars are roughly 30 to 50 years old, and Amtrak plans to replace this fleet and others in the 2030s, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari told Business Insider.
For now, the train line is investing $28 million into interior renovations on long-distance trains, including new carpets, LED lighting, and a seating makeover in coach, communal, and sleeper cars.
Roughly 76% of the Superliner sleeper cars have been updated, and the rest are scheduled to be completed in 2025.
I was lucky enough to ride in a newly refreshed Superliner.
My ticket included lounge access, priority boarding, and three meals on board.
Inside the dining car.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
A roomette accommodation is a step above coach seating and a step below a bedroom, which is twice as large and includes a full private bathroom. Two steps above, a bedroom suite joins two bedrooms, providing four beds and two bathrooms with showers.
The train also has family bedrooms, which sleep two adults and two kids, and accessible bedrooms with two bunks.
My ticket also included access to a first-class attendant who took meal reservations, offered turndown service, and fielded questions and requests.
My roomette was on the first floor of the double-decker train.
A hallway leads to the reporter's room in the sleeper car.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I skipped the coach passenger line to board, stepped onto the train, and placed my luggage in a shared storage space where each passenger was allowed two suitcases.
Then, I walked down a short hallway to my room, which had a sliding door that locked from the inside.
Inside, I found two cushy recliners facing each other beside a wide window.
Two views inside the reporter's room.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The roomette sleeps up to two people. During the day, the room was set up with two seats, which reclined to form the lower bunk. The upper bunk could be pulled down to reveal the cot.
Next to one of the chairs, there was a shelf below a tall mirror. There were multiple hooks around the room that I used for jackets and accessories.
I could tell the seats were new. They were wide and cushy with no signs of wear. But just to make sure, I asked Magliari how a passenger could tell if they were in an updated sleeper car.
"Doing away with the blue fabric is the biggest giveaway," he said. "If you see gray, vinyl seating, then you know that you are in a fresh room."
Magliari added that the new seat cushions and upholstery provide more lumbar support than the older models.
The sides of each headrest contained room controls.
Room controls in the roomette.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There were lighting, speaker volume, and temperature controls, as well as one outlet and a call button for the attendant.
Between the chairs, a pullout table had two foldout leaves for extra space.
The pullout table folded out.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There were cupholders on either side of the table β each holding a complimentary water bottle. However, the holders were too shallow to contain the bottles when the train shook, causing them to fall over during turbulent stretches.
"The cupholder size is a challenge we've faced. Beverage shapes and sizes change over time," Magliari told BI, alluding to the rise of brands expanding circumference like Stanley and Yeti.
A thin closet stood above a small trash can next to one seat.
Amenities inside the roomette.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Inside the closet, I found some hangers and fresh linens.
The sleeping car shared four bathrooms and a shower.
A peek inside the shower.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My booking didn't include a private bathroom. The shower and three of the bathrooms were on the first floor. I never had to wait in line to use the restroom, and I noticed they had been cleaned since my last visit a couple of times during the ride.
At night, I slid the chairs into bed mode.
The reporter's roomette is situated with a lower bunk.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After dinner in the dining car, I reclined both seats to be flat, forming the bottom bunk. The bed was wider and more comfortable than most train bunks I've slept on. The pillows were thick and fluffy, and the plush blanket had a luxurious feel.
The highlight of the 23-square-foot roomette was the expansive window.
A view of the train passing through Colorado.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
A 23-square-foot room may seem small, but the wide, comfy seats, impressive space-saving hacks, and views outside the expansive window made it feel large.
While packing light made the trip easier, I did forget a few critical items. Here's everything I was thankful I had during my voyage β and the items I longed for and will remember to pack next time.
One of the best things I packed was a magnet.
A magnet on the reporter's door.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The stateroom decks comprised long hallways lined with identical blue doors, so my magnet made it easier to find my cabin.
But I wish I'd downloaded some movies and shows to watch on my phone in my room.
The reporter forgot to download movies.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The cruise ship's WiFi wasn't strong enough for me to stream videos.
I was glad I packed sunscreen for long days in the sun.
The reporter's sunscreen.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I enjoyed a few beach days during my cruise, so sunscreen was essential. And I was sure to pack a reef safe brand since I was visiting multiple beaches.
But I should have remembered to bring some aloe vera gel for the day I forgot to lather up.
The reporter forgot to pack aloe vera gel.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Aloe vera typically soothes and cools my burns, so next time, I'll pack some in case I forget to apply sunscreen.
I was glad I brought a rash guard to swim in the ocean.
An arrow points to the reporter's rash guard hanging up to dry.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
An excursion guide at one of the ports informed me that some beaches in the Caribbean, like Tulum, Mexico, don't allow sunscreen in the ocean to protect wildlife.
But the water was so clear that I wished I had a waterproof case for my phone to take pictures.
Clear waters at the beach in Tulum (L) and a waterproof phone case (R).
Joey Hadden/Business Insider, Getty Images
As other cruisers snorkeled with phones in hand, I realized I was missing an opportunity to capture ocean life.
This sun hat also came in handy to block the sun.
The reporter wears a sun hat at a port.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I don't typically wear my sun hat β especially not in my home city, New York β so the cruise was the perfect occasion to pull it out of my closet.
I wish I'd also brought an adjustable cap for windy days on the top decks when my sun hat wouldn't stay on my head.
The reporter forgot to bring a cap for windier days.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Mornings and evenings on the ship's top decks were so windy that I had to leave my hat in my room to avoid chasing it around.
Even though the weather was hot during the day, this sweater was handy for cool, windy nights and mornings.
The reporter wears a sweater early in the morning.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I ended up wearing my sweater every day during the Caribbean cruise.
But I only packed one pair of pants and had to wear them every night.
The reporter wears the only pair of pants she brought.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In hindsight, I should have packed a couple more pairs of pants. Sweatpants would have been especially useful at night on the outdoor decks.
I should have brought a windbreaker, too, to keep me warmer on the top decks in the morning and at night.
The reporter wears a windbreaker during a trip to Oregon.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I was often chilly at night in my sweater alone.
I wish I'd brought a bar of detergent to wash my clothes since I packed light, and laundry services on the ship cost extra.
The reporter didn't bring detergent.
Getty Images
On my cruise, Royal Caribbean's laundry service charged for each article of clothing β $4 a shirt, $9 a dress, and $2 per pair of underwear.
But at least I packed the right shoes.
The reporter's walking shoes (L) and waterproof shoes (R).
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I packed two pairs of shoes: sneakers for walking and waterproof sandals for the beach and pools.
Thankfully, I also remembered to bring a waist pack to carry a few things when I didn't feel like lugging my backpack around.
The reporter uses a smaller bag.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
A small pack was handy during port stops and while exploring the ship.
I was also glad I brought a digital watch to keep on ship time.
The reporter wears a digital watch.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Ship time is the time zone that cruise ships adhere to even when docked at ports in different time zones.
However, I wish I had downloaded guidebooks for the ports I visited to get a better idea of what to do.
Roatan, Honduras, is one of the ports the reporter visited during her cruise.
I spent seven nights in anΒ ocean-view stateroomΒ on deck eight for $2,000. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000. Take a look inside the 179-square-foot space.
My room was a mid-tier cabin at the front of deck eight.
ButΒ none of those homes used indoor space as smartly as thisΒ tiny home hotel in Germany, whichΒ I found on Airbnb back in 2022.
I was looking for tiny stays in Germany when I found one with a unique, cylindrical shape that packed a lot inside, so I booked it for two nights for $140.
The tiny home hotel in Germany.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The Airbnb was part of a tiny home hotel in Neustrelitz, Germany, called Slube. The company designs minimal concrete "Slubes" for up to two people.
There are three types of Slubes: Basic, which is one story; Home, which is two stories; and Tower, which adds a rooftop terrace. I booked a Home Slube.
It was less than half the size of any tiny home I'd stayed in before.
The reporter's accommodation at the hotel.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
At 16 feet tall, the tiny home with two floors was 106 square feet.
I checked in with a code sent to my phone rather than a physical key.
The reporter in front of her Slube with a seamless check-in process.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
When I arrived by train from the airport in Berlin, I didn't see any employees on the property.
I was confused at first, but then I checked my email. I had a message from Slube informing me I'd be staying in room five and could check in by myself.
Inside, the 53-square-foot bottom level had a bathroom on the right, a sitting area on the left, and a ladder to the second floor.
The first floor of the tiny home.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The sitting area had a foldout table. When I wasn't using it, I could push it into the wall to save space.
Across from a foldout table was a bench with two seat cushions instead of a couch.
Beneath the benches, there was enough space for me to store luggage.
This tiny home utilized more vertical space than those I've seen in the US.
The reporter's coats hanging in the Airbnb.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There were hooks and storage cubbies above the bench, so I stored all of my clothing and toiletries on the first floor.
I was impressed by the amenities packed into such a small room.
The coffee corner on the first floor.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In the back right corner of the sitting area, there was a nook of built-in shelves storing a small coffee machine, a hair dryer, and a few dishes.
The bathroom felt efficiently designed.
The bathroom inside the tiny home.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
There was a curtain separating the shower head and sink from the toilet and storage space.
Even with two windows, I felt I had enough privacy.
Windows in the tiny home.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The first-floor windows had a film over most of the glass, which allowed me to let natural light in without sacrificing my privacy.
After checking out the first level, I headed up the ladder to the bedroom.
A view from the top of the ladder.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I thought it was easy to climb but could be challenging for some.
There was a latched gate at the top of the ladder, which I imagine was built to keep people safe from falling.
Knowing I was securely fastened into the bed area made falling sleeping easier.
The bedroom was the same size as the living space and bathroom combined β 53 square feet.
A peek inside the bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
A comfy, full-size bed covered the floor space. The pillows had the ideal ratio of fluff to firmness for my neck and head.
Above the bed, a TV equipped with Netflix and other streaming services was mounted on the wall.
The TV in the tiny home's bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Before bed, I watched some of my favorite shows.
On the far side of the bed, I used the lower platform as a nightstand.
Outlets by the bed in the tiny home.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
It had easily accessible outlets, a pocket for the TV remote, and more space for my electronics and water bottle.
Above the bed, a large window opened so I could let the breeze into my room.
A view out the bedroom window.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
It had a black-out curtain for privacy and early morning light.
The Slube also had smart electricity that made my stay feel a little luxurious.
Smart controls on the reporter's phone.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I controlled the lights and temperature of each story from my phone.
I found it fascinating that this tiny home truly left no space unused, from the loft bed to the wall cubbies.
The reporter enjoys her stay in the European tiny home.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
While I can't stick a second story into my own rental, the European tiny home still gave me inspiration for how I could make better use of my space, starting with vertical storage hacks.
It all started in October 2021, when I took two 30-hour Amtrak rides between Miami and NYC.
Since then, I've spent a total of 65 hours traveling on overnight European trains between Berlin, Vienna, Venice, and Paris.
And most recently, in January, I spent 15 hours on another Amtrak sleeper train from Denver to Salt Lake City.
Looking back, I could have been more comfortable and gotten more out of all these rides if I avoided a few big mistakes.
When I booked my Amtrak rides, I could have saved money for future rides had I joined Amtrak's rewards program.
An Amtrak Superliner overnight train parked in Denver.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After my first overnight Amtrak trip, I learned that the train line has a loyalty program that rewards passengers two points for every $1 spent. Points may be used for tickets, hotels, shopping, and dining, and it's free to join.
If I'd signed up, I would have earned 3,000 points toward my next Amtrak adventure. I missed out that time, but I recently joined the program following my Denver to Salt Lake City journey.
I should have taken advantage of complimentary lounge access when traveling with Amtrak.
The entrance to Amtrak's lounge at Penn Station in NYC.
The Metropolitan Lounge is a quiet waiting area that's free for Amtrak customers in first-class and sleeper cabins. It has comfortable seats and free snacks and drinks.
Since I didn't realize my ticket included access to the lounge, I waited in the seating area for all passengers and was less comfortable than I could have been.
I forgot to pack medicine for motion sickness on my very first overnight ride.
The Amtrak train moves swiftly.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
That first ride taught me that overnight trains are very bumpy, and I felt sick for most of it.
For all my overnight rides since, I haven't forgotten to pack my medicine.
I also slept in the wrong bunk.
The reporter wakes up after her first night spent on a train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I chose to sleep in the top bunk on my first overnight train. I thought it would be more fun, but it made the ride feel even bumpier.
On every overnight ride since, I've opted for the bottom bunk over the top and have found that I sleep better that way.
Another mistake I've made on Amtrak trains was not always splurging on the most comfortable space available.
The reporter sits in the Amtrak bedroom (L) and roomette (R).
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Amtrak sleeper trains have a variety of accommodations, from regular seats to private rooms.
I traveled from NYC to Miami in a $500 roomette, a 20-square-foot enclosed private space with a foldout table, two chairs that fold out into beds, and an additional bed that pulls down from the ceiling.
On my way back to NYC, I spent 30 hours in the next level up, a bedroom accommodation. It cost $1,000 for twice as much space as the roomette, with a private bathroom.
After these rides, I thought the roomette felt cramped and realized that spending twice as much money for double the space in the bedroom was worth it.
I made a similar mistake on my first overnight ride in Europe.
The reporter lounges in a Nightjet private cabin (L) and a shared cabin (R).
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Some of the sleeper trains I've taken in Europe did not have private accommodations like Amtrak. Instead, they had shared cabins, and I learned that some were more comfortable than others.
For example, two Nightjet routes I booked offered regular assigned seats in enclosed seating carriages of six or shared sleeper cars with bunks of four or six. I tried both.
For my ride from Berlin to Vienna, I booked a $40 regular seat inside a seating carriage with six seats facing each other.
The seats didn't recline enough to be fully flat, and the small space felt like a tight squeeze for six people with limited legroom. I didn't sleep at all.
"The quality of travel depends not only on the carriages but also on the route," OBB Nightjet wrote in a statement to Business Insider. "We recommend the sleeper or couchette car for night travel. There is enough space to stretch out. Seated carriages are recommended for shorter journeys."
I still felt cramped in the 74-square-foot space, but having a lie-flat bed made sleeping a bit easier. I thought it was worth the higher price tag.
A year later, I traveled back to Europe to try out Nightjet's new overnight fleet with private cabins. I booked a room for myself from Venice to Vienna for $200. The added price for space and privacy made it worth the price tag.
On my most recent overnight ride, I should have checked if my train had WiFi before boarding.
The reporter lounges in an Amtrak roomette traveling through Colorado.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My first two overnight Amtrak rides between NYC and Miami had WiFi on board. So when I got to my Amtrak train in Denver for my ride to Salt Lake City, I was surprised to find this route didn't include WiFi.
In hindsight, I should have checked if I'd have an internet connection before boarding. Had I known I wouldn't, I'd have downloaded some TV shows and movies for the journey.
While overnight train rides can feel exhausting, I think avoiding these mistakes in the future will make me feel cozier on my next sleeper train adventure.
The six grand suites are the most expensive accommodations aboard the luxurious Venice Simpon-Orient-Express sleeper train.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is among the most famous luxury overnight trains in Europe.
The train's six grand suites start at about $30,800 and are often the first to be booked.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express grand suites have private bathrooms and extravagant decor.
Forget yachting in the French Riviera and skiing in Switzerland β the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express grand suites sit atop the wealthy traveler's bucket list.
The luxury travel company Belmond operates six trains. Perhaps its most famous is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, comprised of revamped 100-year-old carriages.
It's also among the most luxurious trains in Europe. The 108-guest moving hotel operates 44 routes in 17 cities, mostly in Europe. Prices start at about $8,850 for a cabin on its one-night journey from Venice, Italy, to Paris.
If you want to travel in the train's top-tier accommodation, you'll have to pay more than three times that price. A journey in a grand suite costs around Β£25,000, or about $30,800, Gary Franklin, Belmond's senior vice president of trains and cruises, told Business Insider.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express grand suites are the epitome of European luxury train travel.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train operates in 17 cities.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Red carpets welcome all guests on their overnight journeys, complete with lavishly decorated vintage carriages, fine-dining restaurants, and jaw-dropping views of passing scenery.
However, only the grand suites offer guests luxurious amenities such as private showers and around-the-clock butler services.
It's worth it to many β the accommodations are "definitely a rich and famous-type bucket list item," Julie Durso, a Scott Dunn Private travel manager, told Business Insider in November.
The grand suites are the top-tier accommodations on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Over the past few years, Belmond has seen a spike in demand for its trains. Franklin told BI that the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has become especially popular, with bookings growing 10% from 2023 to 2024.
The train's flashy grand suites have concurrently piqued the interest of wealthy travelers β according to Franklin, they're often the first accommodations to be booked. And for good reason.
The train has 54 cabins, six of which are in the highest-end grand suites category.
The Venice-themed grand suite's navy-blue velvets evoke the train's exterior.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The accommodations, first introduced in 2018, each have a unique design inspired by a city on the train's routes.
For example, the Venice, Italy-themed suite fuses Italian Baroque and Renaissance designs. Venetian furniture, vintage glass light fixtures, and a marriage of silk and woven fabrics fill the room with a historic Italian ambiance. The headboard combines arches and sharp edges, a nod to the country's Renaissance castles.
Similarly, the Budapest suite features Gothic and Ottoman architectural styles, with ornate marquetry and embroidered silk-patterned furniture. The tall, curved headboard recalls the cathedrals and mosques of the Ottoman Empire.
No matter the decor, all suites include a couch, closet, double bed, dining area, and en-suite bathroom.
A peek inside the bathroom in one of the grand suites.
But there's no need to share in the grand suites β the private bathrooms all have a rainfall showerhead, a glass-blown sink, and heated marble flooring.
The living room then separates the bathroom from the bedroom.
The double bed can be converted into two twin beds.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The train has three restaurant cars. Guests staying in these high-end accommodations can instead dine in the privacy of their suite and unwind.
Staying in the luxurious moving hotel room also includes welcome caviar, 24-hour butler service, and bottomless Champagne.
It's a good time to be in the luxury travel business.
Each grand suite is uniquely decorated.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Travelers are increasingly spending big for unique, high-end vacations.
To capitalize on this, Belmond added two grand suites to its Scottish train, the Royal Scotsman, in 2024.
The new accommodations were "exceptionally well-received," Franklin said β so much so that the company is now building more to debut in 2025.
I took a three-day trip to Jackson Hole in September. Here's what it cost:
Transportation: $980 on rideshare services and round-trip flight tickets from NYC
Accommodation: $2,465 for two nights in upscale hotels and one night in a hostel
Food: $230
Activities: Free
While nearly $3,700 may sound steep for a short getaway, I could have easily doubled my budget had I not been conscious of how I spent β and when.
Looking back on the trip, I think I did a fine job balancing my budget by indulging in some areas at the expense of others.
I likely saved thousands by traveling in shoulder season.
The reporter layered up during her September trip to Jackson Hole.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I began searching for hotel rates for my Jackson Hole trip in early August. Prices skyrocketed for winter dates at nearly every accommodation I considered, and flight costs doubled from mid-October to mid-November.
Teton County's peak seasons are summer and winter. Its proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks makes it a popular destination for hiking and skiing.
But I'm not a skier, so I thought a fall booking would help me stretch my budget as far as possible.
For those not interested in winter sports, I think the weather in September was ideal for spending time outside. With temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, I was comfortable in two layers underneath a light jacket.
During this shoulder season of travel, there are fewer crowds than in peak visiting times, too, local real-estate agent Sam Haack told Business Insider.
For $980, I flew economy and used cabs to get around town.
A view of Jackson Hole from the reporter's flight window.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
On August 19, I booked round-trip flights from JFK Airport to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) with American Airlines. The economy seats on connecting flights cost $650 with flight insurance.
My flight left NYC on September 16 β less than a month after booking. In hindsight, I should have snagged them a little sooner to potentially save more.
I spent $330 on seven rideshare cabs to get around town during the trip.
I spent my first night in one of the most expensive hotel rooms in town at an adults-only resort.
Hotel Yellowstone, a resort in Jackson Hole.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
More than anything else in Jackson Hole, I wanted to stay at Hotel Yellowstone.
The adults-only hotel overlooking the Tetons and Snake River Valley opened just a month before my stay. And the photos online were so alluring that I simply had to take my own.
The four-acre resort has 36 rooms with private balconies. Depending on the view, the starting rates range from $900 to $1,600 a night, a company representative told BI.
I wanted a room with unobstructed views of the valley and the Tetons, which incurred the highest price point β nearly double the average room rate across Jackson Hole that month.
A representative of Fora Advisor, a travel agency that works with hotels to provide perks for travelers, told BI that the average cost per night in Jackson Hole in September 2024 was $845.
Though BI received a media rate for the one-night stay, it was one of the most expensive hotel rooms in Jackson Hole and the highest bill on my trip.
So, I made the most of it.
It was worth the $1,600-a-night price for the best hotel stay of my life.
Inside one of the most expensive hotel rooms in Jackson Hole at Hotel Yellowstone.
After five years of sampling the finest accommodations in travel hot spots worldwide, Hotel Yellowstone still managed to wow me.
I was in awe of my room the moment I stepped inside. The space was designed to keep the mountains in view at every angle β from the bed to the bathtub.
I had a DIY spa experience in my room instead of booking a treatment.
Inside the reporter's bathroom at Hotel Yellowstone.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
When I stay at a luxury hotel, it's hard to resist booking a spa appointment. But they can take a good chunk out of your budget β some 40-minute treatments at Hotel Yellowstone cost more than $200.
Once I saw my Calacatta marble bathroom, I knew I wouldn't be giving in this time. The midcentury modern space had heated floors, towel warmers, a high-tech bidet, a roomy rainfall shower, and an oversize tub with a sliding door to view the mountains outside.
With a thick robe in the closet, I made my own spa day inside my hotel room. I set mood lighting using smart controls in my room, played calming music, and drew a bath with the sliding door open.
When it was time to dry off, I avoided goosebumps by wrapping myself in a warm towel as I stepped onto the heated marble floor. It was no massage, but afterward, I felt relaxed and refreshed.
Rather than spending more on cabs and activities, I spent my afternoon enjoying the hotel's views and complimentary amenities.
The reporter's balcony view at Hotel Yellowstone.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The serene experience came with a high price tag, so I stayed on the Hotel Yellowstone property from check-in to check-out to make the most of my time there and avoid spending more money.
The hotel had a calming, heated pool and a wooden sauna that were free to use at all hours. But I spent most of the time in my room.
On my oversize balcony, I slouched into cozy seating and let the landscape provide most of my entertainment. During the day, I spotted a herd of cattle grazing the valley below. The hues on the mountain shifted through sunset, and at night, I had a faint view of the northern lights gliding across the sky.
I splurged on a $75 dinner because I knew my breakfast the next morning would be free.
Two dishes at Olivia's inside Hotel Yellowstone's main building.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I had dinner at the most breathtaking restaurant I've ever been to β Olivia's, the guest-only restaurant beneath the lobby of Hotel Yellowstone. The room had a marble bar and floor-to-ceiling windows covering two walls. It felt like dining outside without enduring the elements.
Olivia's was an eclectic restaurant serving local ingredients. Since my hotel stay included complimentary breakfast, I decided to go all-out on dinner. I spent about $75, including tip, on short rib bao buns, Toffee pudding with cinnamon butter gelato, and a nostalgic Shirley Temple.
The next morning, my steel-cut oats and coffee were complimentary β and so was the moose sighting right outside the window.
After checking out, I went downtown to check out the square and surrounding streets.
The town square in Jackson, Wyoming.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Day one was an expensive night, so on the morning of day two, I needed a free activity. I took a cab to Downtown Jackson to window shop and people-watch.
I started in the town square, a small park with antler-arched entryways. Children danced as street performers played guitars.
I found public art on every corner. Sculptures of horses and cowboys paired with Old Western-inspired architecture made me feel like I was in an outdoor museum.
I wandered stores to gather inspiration instead of actively consuming.
A Western boutique in Downtown Jackson.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The streets surrounding the square were lined with shops and restaurants. The cowboy culture was in full swing as I passed Western apparel boutiques and rustic, chic furniture stores.
While wandering these blocks, I didn't take out my wallet once. Instead, I simply gathered inspiration. At clothing stores, I paid attention to how layers were arranged and draped over mannequins. In furniture stores, I searched for unique color palettes and decorative arrangements.
When I found something I liked, I snapped a picture for future reference.
Then, I had an upscale lunch that cost about $35.
House-pulled mozzarella at Bin 22 in Jackson, Wyoming.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
To save on food, I fueled up during breakfast so I could wait until late afternoon to eat lunch or early dinner. I went to Bin 22, a tapas restaurant with a wine shop and specialty grocer inside. My lunch cost about $35, but it tasted more expensive.
To start, I had a house-pulled mozzarella appetizer with sea salt and balsamic glaze. Paired with toasted bread, it was simple and delicious. And the mozzarella tasted so fresh that I couldn't believe I was in Wyoming and not New York or Italy.
I enjoyed my main course even more. The avocado lentil salad was impeccably balanced with a refreshing lemon-garlic aioli.
With a full stomach, I headed to my second hotel β the five-star Four Seasons Jackson Hole resort.
The Four Seasons Jackson Hole, a five-star resort in Teton Village.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Jackson Hole
After a day well spent in Downtown Jackson, I headed to Teton Village, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Jackson Hole, where the Four Seasons is located.
I booked a guest room with a balcony, which had a starting price of $715 a night at the time of booking, though BI received a media rate for the one-night stay.
It was my first time staying at the luxury hotel chain, and I was surprised when a Four Seasons representative told me that each location is uniquely designed to serve the destination. She said the Four Seasons Jackson Hole went for a "modern mountain chic" β and I think it delivered.
For $715 per night, my room had a luxury cabin feel.
A peek inside the reporter's room at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My 550-square-foot room was a place where midcentury modern luxury met Western interior design. It had a magnificent king-sized bed, a roomy marble bathroom, a gas fireplace, and plush, cozy seating. At the back of the room was a small balcony with views of Rendezvous Mountain.
The room was less impressive than the Hotel Yellowstone room, and the view was less dramatic. But I thought it had a great value for a significantly lower price point.
My breakfast at the hotel's Westbank Grill cost about $50.
Avocado toast and orange juice at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Before checking out on the morning of day three, I headed downstairs for breakfast at Westbank Grill. Although my booking didn't include a complimentary meal, I appreciated that I could grab a bite at this restaurant inside the hotel.
Like all the food I'd had on my trip, I felt fueled by fresh-tasting ingredients. I started with freshly squeezed orange juice with a perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor.
For my meal, I had multigrain avocado toast stacked with burrata, marinated heirloom tomatoes, and crispy asparagus. It was paired with a small salad and a poached egg.
Avocado toast is my go-to item on breakfast menus, and this one had a greater variety of texture and flavor than most I've tried.
I spent my final night in a hostel for $150 a night.
The entrance to Cache House in Downtown Jackson Hole.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After two lavish and expensive nights, I budgeted my trip with the cheapest accommodation I could find β a $150-a-night, queen-sized bunk in a hostel.
Although booking this stay allowed me to splurge on my other two hotels, I was a bit nervous about a drastic shift in comfort and privacy β especially since I'd never stayed in a hostel before.
Upon arrival, I quickly learned that even the hostels in Jackson Hole have an upscale vibe.Β Cache House isΒ designed to elevate the typical European hostel experience.
Once I stepped inside, I knew I had nothing to worry about.
Surprisingly enough, the hostel had its own brand of luxury.
The reporter's bunk at Cache House, an upscale hostel.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The hostel was located in the basement of the Anvil Hotel. Inside, it was clean and modern with a touch of Western flair. There was a spacious communal space, a large bathroom with private shower and toilet stalls, high-end toiletries, and locked storage spaces.
I intentionally booked my low-budget stay on the final night because I thought I might not sleep as well and would be able to nap on the plane ride home. But thanks to a night of deep sleep, I was awake the whole way back to NYC.
When I sat on the bed in my top bunk, I didn't want to get up. Like my other two stays, the mattress was firm with just enough give. And wool bedding made it just as cozy.
I also credit my good night's rest to the unexpected level of privacy. My bunk felt like a secluded nook with light and soundproof curtains. I slept for eight hours, which is more rest than I normally get at home.
I spent the rest of the afternoon acquainting myself with the walkable neighborhood.
A street in Jackson, Wyoming, near Cache House.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Although Cache House didn't have the resort amenities of my other stays, it was located in the walkable downtown area, so there was plenty to see and do.
Since I'd already spent so much time walking around, I realized I had gotten to know the streets. I was able to navigate downtown without using Google Maps.
I was impressed with myself for truly getting a feel for the town in such a short time.
After exploring more of Downtown Jackson, I spent $63 at a fine-dining establishment.
A weekly special fried chicken dish at the Bistro in Jackson, Wyoming.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
While perusing storefronts, I spotted the Bistro, a restaurant run by the same company as Bin 22. Since I enjoyed my lunch the day before, I decided on the local fine-dining spot for my final meal of the trip.
It was a fried chicken dish with buttery mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. The chicken was everything I wanted it to be β crispy, tender, and rich in flavor. The portion was generous for a fine-dining restaurant in my experience. It came with a thigh, a breast, and a drumstick.
I spent $63, including tip, on this filling dinner, and I wish I could have finished it all.
On my morning flight home, I reflected on my spending and was proud to find the ideal balance of luxury and frugality.
The reporter in her room at Hotel Yellowstone.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Booking my trip during shoulder season, diversifying accommodation types, and opting for free activities allowed me to stretch my money far. And I'll use the same budget model for future getaways.