It was early morning in mid-December after I awoke to the sounds of regular rumbling whereas mendacity within the prime bunk in my 9-by-5-foot household room in Amtrak’s Southwest Chief prepare. I climbed down a ladder to seek out my husband and 5-year-old daughter nonetheless snoozing within the decrease bunk. Grabbing a seat on the grey banquette by the window, I pulled apart a blue curtain and was astounded by the view of peachy-pink clouds as we rolled throughout the rugged desert. We had been passing via Holbrook, Ariz., and the dawn was stunning sufficient to be in a watercolor portray. At that second, I felt like I used to be in a Wes Anderson film.
There’s a child-like wonderment that comes from taking a prepare via the expansive Southwest to New Mexico within the winter that you just simply gained’t get from aircraft journey. We opted for a 16-hour in a single day journey as a substitute of a two-hour flight to Albuquerque as a result of we longed for a special approach of touring, one we hoped would gradual time in our busy lives. Though we had been asleep for half the trip, we spent the remaining hours taking within the stunning surroundings, which seems to be particularly magnificent via the floor-to-ceiling home windows of the Sightseer Lounge, and having fun with a three-course steak dinner earlier than arriving in Albuquerque round 11 a.m.
For those who’ve by no means deliberate an almost 800-mile prepare journey earlier than, you’ll discover some concerns completely different from touring by aircraft or automobile. Relying on which lodging you guide, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, which goes all the way in which to Chicago, can be costlier than flying. However whether or not you’re touring with youngsters, by your self or with a buddy or companion, there are many methods to make it work inside your finances.
Learn on for tips about the Amtrak expertise, together with what to do and eat, and the place to remain in New Mexico. For those who’re fortunate, you would possibly even get to take pleasure in a dreamy snowfall within the Land of Enchantment.
Reserving your prepare tickets
The early hen will get the perfect lodging. Reserve your tickets — Union Station to Albuquerque — as quickly as doable because the most fascinating rooms (particularly household rooms, which can match as much as two adults and two youngsters) are the primary to get snatched up. Whereas coach seats are economical, getting to truly lie down for shut-eye within the personal rooms could make a world of distinction. The roomette and bed room choices can every match as much as two adults (though the previous generally is a tight squeeze), and the bed room suite combines two adjoining rooms. Some include private loos and showers, whereas others are shared, so guide accordingly. A perk of getting a room is that it’s thought of top quality, so a devoted attendant might be out there to assist with turndown service and baggage, and eating automobile meals are complimentary.
Arriving at Union Station
Union Station in Los Angeles.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Occasions)
For those who’re trying to keep away from a busy LAX expertise in the course of the holidays, consider Union Station as its laid-back sibling. In a single day parking is sort of at all times out there within the Union Station East storage for $8 per day. (For those who plan on parking there for three or extra nights, obtain and fill out a parking request kind from the Union Station web site and drop it off within the parking workplace situated at Union Station East.)
Plan to reach not less than an hour earlier than your prepare’s departure if it’s a must to examine baggage, are touring with household or if you happen to’ve made a selected request for help on the station. In any other case, half-hour ought to suffice. You probably have a firstclass ticket, head over to the Amtrak Station Lounge to take pleasure in complimentary drinks and snacks when you await your departure.
What to deliver
If you’re checking baggage, be sure that to deliver a small in a single day backpack that can slot in your room or within the overhead compartment close to your coach seat. (Smaller rooms might not match carry-on baggage and you could must retailer it exterior of your room, so that you’ll need the in a single day bag for simple entry.) If it’s essential to cost a number of units, deliver a small multi-plug splitter as there may be normally only one electrical outlet. Earplugs can dampen the chugging prepare sounds at evening. And carry money to tip the first-class attendants and waiters.
Transportation in Albuquerque and attending to Santa Fe
The Amtrak prepare will arrive on the Downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner station. From there, you may guide a Turo rental through which a automobile will get dropped off at your location, or go to Enterprise a couple of mile away (and name the rental workplace upfront to schedule a free pick-up service). Or take Uber or a free metropolis bus to the rental automobile middle at Albuquerque Worldwide Sunport airport, the place extra choices can be found.
To get to Santa Fe, you may drive there in an hour or prolong your prepare journey with a ticketed 1.5-hour trip on the New Mexico Rail Runner Specific to the Santa Fe Depot Rail Runner station, which is half a mile from downtown Santa Fe.
What to do in Albuquerque 
Outdated City Poco a Poco Plaza in Albuquerque.
(Jean Trinh)
Keep: The historic Lodge Andaluz is a five-minute stroll from the Albuquerque station, making it an ideal dwelling base for adventuring. There are many cozy areas to cover away at this Moorish-style lodge, with beautiful casbah-inspired alcoves within the foyer, a library with a hearth, and Spanish tapas and extra on the wine bar Más.
Eat: Seize a New Mexico-style breakfast on the Central Grill and Espresso Home, the place pink or inexperienced chile (Can’t determine? Have it “Christmas style,” a mix of each) reigns supreme on such consolation dishes as burritos and chilaquiles. For extra trendy fare (and extra various choices), hit up the full of life Sawmill Market or 505 Central Meals Corridor for all the things from Detroit-style pizza to ramen and tacos.
Do: Outdated City Albuquerque is a year-round attraction with Pueblo-Spanish-style structure, galleries, outlets and eating places, but it surely’s additional particular in the course of the holidays, when its plaza twinkles at evening with farolitos, or luminarias, as they’re additionally identified (a Southwest Christmas custom of brown paper bag lanterns). On Christmas Eve, you will get tickets for a 45-minute Luminaria Tour bus trip that traverses adorned streets. The ABQ BioPark Botanic Backyard will host its annual River of Lights vacation attraction from Nov. 30-Dec. 30 with greater than 700 illuminated shows on a 1.5-mile strolling path. For winter sports activities, take a look at Sandia Peak Ski Space, 35 miles northeast of Albuquerque. And for the children, preserve them entertained on the sprawling Explora interactive museum.
What to do in Santa Fe 
Snow blankets the Santa Fe Plaza.
(Jean Trinh)
Keep: In the course of the holidays, the foyer of the downtown Inn of the Governors is remodeled into a comfortable den full with Christmas decorations, a roaring hearth and a every day welcome hour with sherry and biscochitos (the cinnamon and anise-laced New Mexico state cookie). Full service breakfast is included for friends at its Del Charro restaurant and bar, which is open late till midnight on most days.
Eat: Cafe Pasqual’s is packed all day for good causes: It has strong New Mexico dishes made with native and natural components, it’s in a vibrant house adorned with colourful papeles picados, and it even has a communal desk for lone vacationers to make new associates. (Be sure that to go to its adjoining artwork gallery when you’re there.) The 71-year-old Shed, additionally a Santa Fe establishment, is a scorching spot for margaritas, posole and pink chile enchiladas.
Do: The Canyon Street Farolito Stroll on Christmas Eve is a longtime Santa Fe custom, the place hundreds stroll the artsy thoroughfare to take a look at the lights. There’s additionally La Luz de las Noches on the Santa Fe Botanical Backyard, evenings from Dec. 19 to 31 (closed on Dec. 24 and 25), that includes farolitos, musical performances, meals and drinks. For snow actions, journey 35 miles northeast from downtown to Ski Santa Fe, which might be debuting a brand new excessive pace raise this winter. Additionally, to not be missed is the large immersive artwork expertise of Meow Wolf, and movie screenings at “Game of Thrones” creator George R.R. Martin’s Jean Cocteau Cinema.
