How nsutite.org Builds an Itinerary

A transparent, four-stage planning process

The planning process begins with a 20-minute intake call to identify route preferences, budget range, travel dates, and mobility needs. Researchers then draft a preliminary itinerary using current Amtrak timetables, with an average of three route alternatives reviewed. The draft is shared within 5 business days and includes a 30-minute revision call. Final documents are delivered as PDF and spreadsheet files.

Pacific Coast Scenic Rail Journey

Program Details

Route: Seattle, WA → Portland, OR → Klamath Falls, OR → Sacramento, CA → San Francisco Bay Area → San Luis Obispo, CA → Santa Barbara, CA → Los Angeles, CA
Primary train: Amtrak Coast Starlight (daily service)
Connecting segment: Pacific Surfliner for Santa Barbara stopover
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Daily stages: 2 full travel days on the train, 4 city stopover nights, 1 overnight hotel in Seattle before departure

What's Included

Reserved coach seat or private Roomette/Bedroom sleeper on all rail segments
6 nights of pre-selected 3-star hotel accommodation near stations
Station-to-hotel transfers at every stopover city
Complimentary onboard meals when traveling in a sleeper accommodation
Detailed day-by-day itinerary PDF with platform and connection maps
Mobile itinerary with real-time connection alerts
One guided walking tour in Portland and one in Santa Barbara
All Amtrak e-tickets and reservation management
24/7 emergency travel support hotline during the trip

What's Not Included

Flights to Seattle or from Los Angeles
Meals off the train except where explicitly stated
Optional excursions such as whale watching or wine-country tours
Travel insurance
Gratuities for guides, porters, and hotel staff
Local transit passes and rideshare fares outside included transfers
Excess baggage fees charged by Amtrak

Pricing Details

Coach seat package (double occupancy):	$1,490 per person
Roomette sleeper package (double occupancy):	$2,890 per person
Bedroom sleeper package (double occupancy):	$3,990 per person
Single traveler supplement:	+$420
Children ages 2–12 sharing accommodation:	40% off
Early bird discount (booked 90+ days ahead):	10% off
Group discount (6 or more travelers):	8% off

Payment: 25% deposit at booking, remaining balance due 45 days before departure. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and ACH transfer accepted.

Schedule & Availability

Departure: Daily at 9:51 AM from Seattle King Street Station
Arrival: Day 7 at 9:00 PM into Los Angeles Union Station
Available: Year-round
Booking window: 60 to 120 days recommended for sleeper availability
Custom start dates available on request

Duration Breakdown

Day 1: Overnight in Seattle
Days 2–3: Coast Starlight to San Francisco Bay Area
Day 4: San Francisco stopover
Days 5–6: Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara
Day 7: Arrival in Los Angeles

Cancellation & Refund Policy

90+ days before departure: full refund minus $150 administrative fee
60–89 days before departure: 75% refund
30–59 days before departure: 50% refund
15–29 days before departure: 25% refund
14 days or less before departure: non-refundable
Date changes: $75 per person if made more than 30 days prior

Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum age: none; children under 2 travel free on lap when applicable
Minors under 18 must travel with a parent or guardian
Moderate mobility required for boarding trains and walking up to 0.5 mile with luggage
Maximum group size: 14 travelers
Luggage limit: Amtrak standard of 2 checked bags and 2 carry-ons per passenger
Wheelchair accessibility varies by train car; notify us at least 30 days before departure

Terms & Conditions

Itineraries are subject to Amtrak schedule and equipment changes
We act as a booking agent; Amtrak operating rules apply to rail travel
Liability is limited to the total value paid for the itinerary package
Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all passengers
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
Force majeure events may result in travel credit rather than cash refund

Rockies & Sierra Mountain Rail Circuit

Program Details

Route: Chicago, IL → Denver, CO → Glenwood Springs, CO → Grand Junction, CO → Salt Lake City, UT → Reno, NV → Sacramento, CA → San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Primary train: Amtrak California Zephyr (daily service)
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Daily stages: 1 overnight in Denver, 1 overnight in Glenwood Springs, 1 overnight in Salt Lake City, 2 nights in San Francisco Bay Area

What's Included

Reserved coach seat or private sleeper on the California Zephyr
5 nights of pre-vetted hotel accommodation near stations
Station-to-hotel transfers at Denver, Glenwood Springs, Salt Lake City, and Emeryville/San Francisco
All onboard meals when traveling in sleeper accommodations
Illustrated Rockies and Sierra Nevada route guide
Narration notes for Moffat Tunnel, Glenwood Canyon, and Donner Pass
Denver Union Station guided walking tour
Great Salt Lake overlook excursion shuttle
Mobile itinerary with offline maps and connection alerts
All rail e-tickets and reservation management

What's Not Included

Flights to Chicago or from San Francisco
Meals off the train except where stated
National park entrance fees for optional Rocky Mountain National Park day trip
Optional activities such as rafting, zip-lining, or mountain biking
Travel insurance
Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and laundry services
Ground transportation beyond listed station transfers
Pet transportation fees

Pricing Details

Coach seat package (double occupancy):	$1,690 per person
Roomette sleeper package (double occupancy):	$3,190 per person
Bedroom sleeper package (double occupancy):	$4,390 per person
Single traveler supplement:	+$390
Children ages 2–12 sharing accommodation:	35% off
Senior discount (age 65+):	5% off
Shoulder season discount (March, April, October, November):	8% off

Payment: 25% deposit at booking, balance due 45 days before departure. Credit cards and bank transfer accepted.

Schedule & Availability

Departure: Daily at 1:50 PM from Chicago Union Station
Arrival: Day 6 at 4:10 PM in Emeryville, CA with connecting shuttle to San Francisco
Available: Year-round, with limited sleeper space during summer and fall foliage periods
Booking window: 90 days recommended for peak travel dates

Duration Breakdown

Day 1: California Zephyr departure from Chicago
Day 2: Denver stopover and overnight
Day 3: Colorado Rockies and Glenwood Springs overnight
Day 4: Utah and Salt Lake City overnight
Day 5: Sierra Nevada crossing to Sacramento/San Francisco Bay Area
Day 6: Arrival and San Francisco exploration

Cancellation & Refund Policy

90+ days before departure: full refund minus $150 administrative fee
60–89 days before departure: 75% refund
45–59 days before departure: 50% refund
30–44 days before departure: 25% refund
Less than 30 days before departure: non-refundable
Travel credit option: 100% credit minus $100 fee if cancelled 60+ days prior

Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum recommended age: 2 years
Passengers should be comfortable with altitudes up to 9,200 feet near the Continental Divide
Not recommended for travelers with severe respiratory or heart conditions
Maximum group size: 12 travelers
Luggage limit: Amtrak standard allowance
Pets are not permitted except qualified service animals

Terms & Conditions

Rail schedules are controlled by Amtrak and may change without notice
Hotel assignments are final after the 45-day payment deadline
We are not liable for delays caused by weather, mechanical issues, or third-party operators
Government-issued photo ID is required for boarding
Travel insurance covering trip interruption is strongly advised

Cross-Country Southwest Chief Expedition

Program Details

Route: Chicago, IL → Kansas City, MO → Lamy/Santa Fe, NM → Albuquerque, NM → Flagstaff, AZ → Los Angeles, CA
Primary train: Amtrak Southwest Chief (daily service)
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Daily stages: 1 overnight in Kansas City, 1 overnight in Albuquerque, 1 overnight in Flagstaff, 1 overnight in Los Angeles

What's Included

Reserved coach seat or private sleeper on the Southwest Chief
4 nights of hotel accommodation in Kansas City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles
Station-to-hotel transfers at each stopover
Onboard meals for passengers booked in sleeper accommodations
Route 66 and Southwest heritage route guide
Day-trip shuttle from Albuquerque to Santa Fe historic plaza
Native American arts district walking tour in Albuquerque
Flagstaff downtown heritage walk map and recommendations
All Amtrak e-tickets and mobile itinerary
24/7 emergency support line during travel

What's Not Included

Flights to Chicago or from Los Angeles
Meals off the train except where stated
Grand Canyon National Park entry and guided tours
Optional add-on: Grand Canyon day trip from Flagstaff ($220 per person)
Travel insurance
Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses
Rental car or rideshare for independent exploration
Pet fees and pet-friendly hotel surcharges

Pricing Details

Coach seat package (double occupancy):	$1,390 per person
Roomette sleeper package (double occupancy):	$2,790 per person
Bedroom sleeper package (double occupancy):	$3,890 per person
Single traveler supplement:	+$350
Children ages 5–12 sharing accommodation:	30% off
Early bird discount (booked 120+ days ahead):	12% off
Group discount (8 or more travelers):	10% off
AAA member discount:	5% off

Payment: 25% deposit at booking, balance due 45 days before departure. Major credit cards and ACH accepted.

Schedule & Availability

Departure: Daily at 2:50 PM from Chicago Union Station
Arrival: Day 5 at 8:15 AM in Los Angeles Union Station
Best seasons: March through May and September through November
Booking window: 60 to 120 days recommended, especially for spring and fall departures

Duration Breakdown

Day 1: Southwest Chief departure from Chicago
Day 2: Missouri River and Kansas City stopover
Day 3: New Mexico scenery and Albuquerque overnight
Day 4: Arizona high desert and Flagstaff overnight
Day 5: Arrival in Los Angeles

Cancellation & Refund Policy

90+ days before departure: full refund minus $150 administrative fee
60–89 days before departure: 70% refund
45–59 days before departure: 40% refund
30–44 days before departure: 20% refund
Less than 30 days before departure: non-refundable
Optional add-ons are non-refundable within 14 days of departure

Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum recommended age: 5 years due to long onboard segments
Passengers must be able to board trains and navigate station platforms independently or with a companion
Maximum group size: 16 travelers
Valid government-issued photo ID required for all rail segments
Medical and dietary requirements must be submitted 21 days before departure
Travel insurance is strongly recommended

Terms & Conditions

Amtrak controls schedules, equipment, and onboard policies
Optional excursions require minimum participation and may be rescheduled
We are not liable for missed connections caused by delays outside our control
Hotel ratings are based on standard North American classifications
Force majeure events may result in itinerary credit rather than refund

Northeast Heritage Cities Rail Loop

Program Details

Route: Washington, DC → Philadelphia, PA → New York, NY → Boston, MA
Primary trains: Amtrak Northeast Regional and Acela
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Daily stages: 2 nights in Washington, 1 night in Philadelphia, 2 nights in New York, 1 night in Boston

What's Included

Reserved business-class seat on Northeast Regional for all city-to-city segments
5 nights of centrally located hotel accommodation
Station-to-hotel transfers in each city
City transit day pass for Washington Metro, SEPTA, New York subway, and MBTA
Guided walking tour of the National Mall in Washington
Independence Hall and Old City guided tour in Philadelphia
Lower Manhattan highlights walking tour in New York
Freedom Trail walking tour in Boston
Smithsonian timed-entry coordination assistance
Mobile itinerary and all Amtrak e-tickets
Concierge support during business hours

What's Not Included

Meals and beverages
Flights or ground travel to Washington and from Boston
Optional museum admission fees beyond timed-entry coordination
Acela upgrade add-on
Travel insurance
Gratuities for tour guides and hotel staff
Parking, tolls, and rental vehicles
Personal shopping and entertainment expenses

Pricing Details

Northeast Regional base package (double occupancy):	$1,590 per person
Acela upgrade for all segments:	+$280 per person
Single traveler supplement:	+$450
Children ages 2–12 sharing accommodation:	30% off
Student discount with valid ID:	8% off
Military and veteran discount:	10% off

Payment: 25% deposit at booking, balance due 30 days before departure. Credit cards and ACH accepted.

Schedule & Availability

Multiple departures daily between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM on all segments
Start date: Any day of the week
Available: Year-round
Peak seasons: April through June and September through October
Booking window: 30 to 90 days recommended for best hotel selection

Duration Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival and Washington, DC exploration
Day 2: Washington, DC National Mall tour
Day 3: Train to Philadelphia and Independence Hall tour
Day 4: Train to New York and Lower Manhattan tour
Day 5: New York free day and evening train to Boston
Day 6: Boston Freedom Trail tour and departure

Cancellation & Refund Policy

60+ days before departure: full refund minus $100 administrative fee
30–59 days before departure: 75% refund
14–29 days before departure: 50% refund
7–13 days before departure: 25% refund
Less than 7 days before departure: non-refundable
Date changes: $50 per person if made more than 14 days prior

Requirements & Restrictions

All ages welcome; minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Walking tours cover 1 to 2 miles per day on paved surfaces
Maximum group size: 10 travelers
Carry-on luggage is strongly recommended due to frequent train transfers
Only service animals are permitted on Amtrak trains
Valid ID required for all rail segments and some museum entries

Terms & Conditions

Amtrak Northeast Corridor schedules are subject to change
Guided tours require minimum participation and may be rescheduled
Smithsonian timed-entry is subject to museum availability
We are not liable for delays caused by weather, strikes, or infrastructure issues
Travel insurance is recommended for trip cancellation and interruption

Custom USA Rail Itinerary Design Service

Service Details

Personalized multi-city rail trip designed from scratch
Covers up to 8 train segments and 6 stopover cities
Route optimization for scenic value, connection times, and budget
Contingency planning for missed connections and schedule changes
Delivered as a detailed day-by-day plan with booking instructions

What's Included

60-minute discovery call to review destinations, dates, budget, and preferences
Up to 2 full itinerary revisions
Day-by-day PDF itinerary with train numbers, departure times, and arrival times
Train schedule comparison table for each segment
Hotel shortlist with 3 to 5 options per city near stations
Activity and excursion recommendations with booking links
Station transfer instructions and connection maps
Rail travel packing checklist
30-day post-delivery email support for questions
Optional full booking service at no markup on published Amtrak fares

What's Not Included

Actual cost of train tickets, hotels, activities, or meals
Travel insurance
24/7 live trip support during travel unless Premium Support add-on is purchased
Additional revisions beyond the 2 included revisions
Complex international rail connections outside the United States
Visa, passport, or immigration assistance

Pricing Details

Custom plan for up to 4 rail segments:	$399 flat fee
Extended plan for up to 8 rail segments:	$649 flat fee
Full booking service add-on:	+$149
Premium travel support during trip:	+$199
Additional revision beyond 2 included:	$75 each
Rush delivery within 5 business days:	+$120

Payment: 100% of planning fee due at booking. For full booking service, 50% deposit of ticket total is required before purchases. Credit cards accepted.

Schedule & Delivery

Discovery call: Scheduled within 5 business days of booking
Itinerary delivery: 10 to 14 business days after discovery call
Revision window: 30 days from first draft delivery
Booking service: Begins after final itinerary approval
Support hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time

Process Breakdown

Step 1: Discovery call and travel brief
Step 2: Route research and schedule optimization
Step 3: First draft itinerary delivered
Step 4: Up to 2 rounds of revisions
Step 5: Final itinerary and booking support

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Within 7 days of booking: full refund if work has not started
After discovery call but before draft delivery: 50% refund
After first draft delivery: non-refundable, but 1 free revision remains
Rescheduling the discovery call: $25 fee if rescheduled less than 24 hours in advance

Requirements & Restrictions

Client must provide accurate travel dates, budget range, and destination preferences
Service is suitable for individuals, couples, families, and groups up to 12 travelers
All recommendations are based on publicly available schedules and fares
Booking service is contingent on ticket availability at the time of purchase
Travel insurance is recommended for all booked travel

Terms & Conditions

We do not control Amtrak schedules, fares, or availability
Itinerary recommendations are advisory; final bookings are the client's responsibility unless full booking service is selected
Liability is limited to the planning fee paid for the service
Prices quoted by third-party suppliers may change before booking
All passengers are responsible for meeting Amtrak identification and baggage requirements

Custom Rail Itinerary Planning

Route design for independent scenic train journeys across the United States

nsutite.org creates detailed, segment-by-segment rail itineraries based on Amtrak long-distance and regional routes. Each plan includes daily schedules, city stopovers, transfer buffers, and estimated budgets. Since 2019, the team has produced more than 340 itineraries covering routes in 35 states and totaling over 480,000 planned passenger miles.

Long-Distance Route Mapping

Maps itineraries across Amtrak's long-distance network, including the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight, and Texas Eagle. Each route summary states mileage, scheduled duration, key scenery segments, and recommended travel direction. The team cross-references current timetables and seasonal schedule changes before finalizing a route.

Rail Travel Planning Services

Builds 1- to 3-night stopovers in cities such as Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C. Hotel selections are prioritized within 0.5 miles of downtown stations, and each stopover includes walking directions, luggage storage options, and average local transit fares. The service also notes neighborhood safety considerations and late-arrival accommodation options.

Connection Buffer Analysis

Evaluates transfer times between trains at hubs such as Chicago Union Station, Los Angeles Union Station, and Denver Union Station. The analysis uses historical on-time performance data and station layout walking distances to recommend minimum connection windows, typically 2 to 5 hours for long-distance transfers. Backup routing options are included for routes with only one daily departure.

Seasonal Scheduling Guidance

Recommends travel months based on daylight hours, seasonal weather patterns, and peak foliage or wildflower windows for specific routes. For example, the Coast Starlight's California coastal segment is tracked for marine-layer frequency from May through August, while autumn color timing is estimated for the Empire Builder's Glacier National Park approach. Travelers receive a month-by-month comparison table.

Budget Estimation Sheets

Provides itemized spreadsheets listing Amtrak coach or sleeper fares, accommodation, meals, excursions, and local transit. A typical 10-day cross-country itinerary with one sleeper segment is estimated between $1,900 and $3,400 per person, excluding flights to origin cities. The sheet includes links to current fare search pages and notes when prices are seasonal or capacity-controlled.

Practical Travel Support

Booking assistance, station information, and contingency documentation

This service focuses on the operational side of rail travel. nsutite.org helps travelers interpret fare rules, select ticket types, understand onboard amenities, and prepare for common disruptions. Documents are delivered as PDF briefs and digital spreadsheets, with an average turnaround of 3 business days after itinerary confirmation.

Ticket Purchase Guidance

Explains Amtrak fare categories—Saver, Value, Flexible, and Premium—and the 11-month booking window. The service notes refund and exchange policies, blackout dates around major holidays, and the Amtrak Guest Rewards points structure. Travelers receive a booking checklist with recommended purchase timing.

Onboard Amenity Briefs

nsutite.org builds rail-focused itineraries around Amtrak long-distance routes and selected regional services. Each itinerary includes day-by-day segments, train numbers, departure and arrival times, station names, recommended stopover cities, and lodging options within walking distance of stations. The planning process begins with a 30-minute intake call or questionnaire to confirm travel dates, preferred regions, budget range, and mobility requirements. A detailed draft is delivered within 5 business days and includes one revision cycle. Since 2019, the team has assembled over 600 itineraries covering more than 45 named routes.

Station Navigation Guides

Produces one-page guides for more than 45 stations, including platform maps, taxi and rideshare pickup zones, baggage check locations, accessibility entrances, and nearby hotels. Major hubs include Chicago, New York Penn, Los Angeles, Seattle, and New Orleans. Each guide is updated quarterly or after significant station renovations.

Custom Itinerary Development

Provides season-specific packing recommendations for multi-day train travel, including luggage size limits, layered clothing, refillable water bottles, snacks, power banks, and toiletries. The list also covers bicycle and pet policies by route, with current crate-size rules and station handling fees. A downloadable checklist is provided for each season.

Disruption Contingency Plans

This service maps practical connections between trains, Amtrak Thruway buses, and local transit systems. nsutite.org uses published Amtrak schedules, historical on-time performance reports, and station-specific transfer logistics to recommend minimum layover windows. Typical recommendations include 2 to 4 hours at Chicago Union Station, 90 minutes at western terminals such as Los Angeles Union Station or Seattle King Street Station, and 45 to 90 minutes for coordinated Thruway bus links. Each connection plan includes backup routing options for cases where a missed transfer would delay travel by more than 24 hours. In 2023, the team reviewed over 1,200 schedule pairs and documented delay-rate trends for the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight, and Sunset Limited.

Route Education & Scenic Guides

Context and interpretation for landscapes, history, and photography

nsutite.org publishes route-specific educational materials intended to deepen travelers' understanding of the landscapes and communities visible from the train. Content is researched from public sources, including Amtrak historical summaries, USGS geography data, and National Park Service information. Materials are updated twice yearly and are included with most itinerary packages.

Route History & Landmark Notes

Summarizes the historical development of each route, including construction dates, former railroad companies, significant tunnels, bridges, and depots. Notable landmarks such as the Moffat Tunnel, Donner Pass, and Mississippi River crossings are documented with approximate mileposts. Sources include Amtrak historical summaries and state historical society publications.

Route and Connection Planning

Tracks elevation changes, river corridors, mountain ranges, and desert basins along each route. Guides reference geological features visible from the train and identify adjacent national forests, parks, and recreation areas. Data is drawn from USGS topographic sources and Amtrak route summaries.

Scenic Route Packages

Lists segments and seasons where travelers commonly observe bison, elk, eagles, seals, or wild horses, based on route proximity to habitat areas. Sightings are not guaranteed; the guide indicates probability windows and recommended viewing car positions. Data is compiled from National Park Service wildlife reports and state natural-resource agencies.

Photography Location Guides

Recommends specific car positions, seating sides, and times of day for photographing scenery on 14 routes. The guide factors in sun angle, window glare, and common obstruction points such as utility poles or freight yards. Exposure suggestions are included for smartphone and DSLR users.

Educational Webinars

nsutite.org offers structured planning packages built around routes selected for landscape variety and cultural stops. Examples include the 51-hour California Zephyr between Chicago and Emeryville, the 46-hour Empire Builder between Chicago and Seattle or Portland, and the 35-hour Southwest Chief between Chicago and Los Angeles. Each package lists mile-by-mile highlights, recommended observation-car windows, seasonal operating notes, and lodging break points. Packages are priced as planning fees separate from ticket costs. Average delivery time is 3 to 4 business days, and each package includes a printable route map and a daily timeline.

Group Rail Travel Programs

Planning for private groups, schools, and corporate retreats

nsutite.org offers structured planning for groups of 10 to 50 people who want to travel together by train. Services include group block reservations, coordinated stopovers, educational programming, and accessibility arrangements. Group itineraries are typically planned 6 to 12 months in advance to secure adjacent seating and sleeper-car availability.

Group Block Reservations

This service selects stopover cities that fit the overall rail itinerary and arranges 1- to 3-night stays near stations. nsutite.org evaluates walkability from the station, local transit links, hotel availability, and attractions reachable without a rental car. Common stopover cities include Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland, Chicago, New Orleans, and San Francisco via the Emeryville ferry and bus connection. Each stopover plan lists arrival and departure train numbers, hotel distance from the station in minutes on foot, and a shortlist of nearby restaurants, museums, or parks. The average stopover plan covers 2 to 4 cities per itinerary.

Educational Trip Curricula

Develops learning modules for secondary school and university groups, covering topics such as transcontinental railroad history, Western settlement, urban development, and modern freight logistics. Modules align with a 3- to 7-day itinerary and include reading lists, discussion questions, and map exercises. The content is reviewed against Common Core and state social-studies standards where applicable.

Corporate Retreat Rail Itineraries

Plans rail-based offsite programs that combine travel with meeting time in hotel conference rooms near stations. Typical retreats last 3 to 5 days and include structured downtime for scenic segments. Meeting-room capacity, A/V equipment, and catering options are confirmed before delivery of the itinerary.

City Stopover Planning

Arranges wheelchair-accessible bedrooms and coach spaces, station boarding assistance, accessible hotel rooms, and ground transportation with lift-equipped vehicles. Requirements are confirmed at least 14 days before departure, and accessibility providers are verified for current ADA compliance. A detailed accessibility memo is included in the final itinerary.

Practical Travel Guidance

Organizes milestone trips such as anniversaries or retirements, including private cabin decorations, celebration meals in dining cars where available, and stopover dinners at restaurants near stations. Requests are accepted at least 60 days before departure to allow for coordination with Amtrak service staff and restaurant reservations. Costs for decorations and meals are itemized separately from planning fees.