Welcome back! The question posed this week invites thoughtful reflection: would you willingly forgo comfort and convenience to spend a few days immersed in nature, surrounded by the quiet solitude of the woods, all in pursuit of mental clarity and self-discovery? That challenge was embraced by one millennial woman who attended a weekend retreat framed as an adult sleepaway camp. What she did not anticipate was that the women she met there—each at different stages of life yet united by curiosity and vulnerability—would profoundly reshape the way she viewed the process of aging and living purposefully.
Before diving into that story, however, let’s shift focus to a timely matter many travelers are currently debating. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, do you really need to board a crowded airplane to reach your family or vacation destination? Perhaps not. There exists another, often-overlooked way to journey across the country—one that replaces stress with serenity. And if this newsletter has landed in your inbox thanks to a friend’s forward, consider subscribing to receive it directly. In the meantime, download the Business Insider app to stay connected wherever your travels take you.
Now, let’s begin this week’s edition—this dispatch is ready to depart. All aboard!
If your family conversations mirror those in my own group chat, you’ve likely heard murmurs of relatives opting to remain at home during the upcoming holidays. Airports continue to struggle under the weight of operational chaos—prolonged delays and sweeping cancellations have disrupted countless flights, largely a lingering consequence of the recent government shutdown. Although the shutdown has officially ended, the repercussions are still being felt throughout the aviation system.
So here’s another perspective: what if you reconsidered how you travel altogether? Business Insider’s travel reporter, Joey Hadden, has devoted more than seventy-five hours to experiencing Amtrak trains across the United States—testing everything from short commuter rides to lengthy cross-country journeys and overnight trips. Her reviews go beyond evaluating punctuality; they include detailed assessments of seating comfort, on-board dining quality, cleanliness, and passenger amenities.
Given that multiple Amtrak routes crisscross the nation both north–south and east–west, an increasingly compelling alternative to air travel emerges. Train journeys, while not immune to a few bumps along the tracks, spare travelers from the turbulence, long lines, and unpredictable inconveniences of air travel—without sacrificing comfort. Hadden reports that some of her most memorable adventures occurred aboard overnight trains, particularly in the company’s roomette and bedroom accommodations. For instance, she paid approximately $400 for a roomette that offered a private, enclosed environment featuring two plush chairs, convertible into two beds, as well as numerous indulgent perks: priority boarding, included meals, the services of a dedicated attendant, and exclusive entry to lounges available at select stations. Those desiring a more spacious setup can upgrade to a bedroom for an additional cost, further enhancing comfort.
Before finalizing travel plans—and yes, rooms are still available—there are a few practical factors worth noting. Connectivity can be inconsistent along certain routes, so Hadden advises travelers who need continuous internet access to prepare a backup plan. As for meals, train cuisine has long endured a reputation for mediocrity, yet Hadden’s experiences defy that stereotype: she enjoyed surprisingly refined, multi-course dishes that elevated the travel experience far beyond typical transit fare. And she offers one thoughtful tip to transform perception into pleasure: approach the train ride not merely as a means to a destination but as an integral, enjoyable part of the journey itself.
Switching gears, another story this week explores an emotional testament to family bonds. Identical twins Brinlee and Mariela Luster once lived in near-perfect synchrony—from attending the same college and majoring in the same subject to confusing people with their indistinguishable voices. Yet their lives diverged dramatically when, at just twenty-one, Brinlee was diagnosed with colon cancer. Mariela, ever attuned to her sister’s well-being, first noticed the troubling symptoms that led to the diagnosis. While Brinlee’s path redirected toward treatments and recovery, Mariela faced the emotional complexity of moving forward with her own ambitions while carrying the heavy guilt of continuing life unaffected. Their story, a poignant reflection on resilience and sisterhood, underscores how illness reshapes both the patient’s world and the lives orbiting it—a true tale of two sisters navigating parallel yet profoundly altered journeys.
Health also takes center stage in another feature that examines modern perceptions of skincare, particularly among men. Increasingly, men are investing in aesthetic procedures such as dermal fillers and eyelid lifts in pursuit of a youthful appearance. Yet, as dermatologist Dr. Peter Bittar observes, many overlook the simpler but foundational practice of maintaining a consistent daily skincare routine. Because so many skincare products and advertisements cater primarily to women, men often feel overwhelmed or uncertain about where to begin. Dr. Bittar, alongside dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, offers a refined, beginner-friendly skincare regimen designed specifically for men seeking healthier, smoother, and more vibrant complexions—proof that sophistication sometimes lies in simplicity.
Meanwhile, the employment landscape continues to evolve, and Generation Z is carving out a niche in an unexpected domain known as private staffing. Amid widespread corporate layoffs and heightened job insecurity, many young professionals are choosing to build careers serving the ultrawealthy. These roles—ranging from personal assistants and nannies to chefs and household coordinators—center on managing, enhancing, and often perfecting the daily lives of the affluent. For some, catering to the lifestyle demands of billionaires represents a pragmatic, if unconventional, alternative to the unstable climb up the corporate ladder. Of course, proximity to such immense wealth can generate pressure and unease; working within the orbit of the superrich may offer unparalleled opportunities, but it also demands discretion, emotional resilience, and exceptional professionalism. In short: if you can’t outcompete them, perhaps you can thoughtfully serve them.
From career transformations to cognitive longevity, Dr. Majid Fotuhi of Johns Hopkins directs our attention to the science of aging gracefully—both intellectually and physically. As he explains, many people cling to the outdated notion that the human brain inevitably deteriorates with age, akin to an aging machine that slows and fails over time. In contrast, Fotuhi emphasizes that the brain is a dynamic, living organ capable of regeneration and adaptation, highly responsive to the habits we cultivate. He personally maintains his mental acuity through an engaging blend of physical and cerebral activities: turning off GPS to exercise spatial memory, resisting sugary temptations like donuts, and participating in weekly dance lessons alongside his wife. His aim is not just to age, but to remain as mentally vibrant at ninety as he is today—a philosophy of intentional maintenance for true super-agers.
For lighter diversions, the weekend entertainment lineup brings a mix of nostalgia, comic-book spectacle, and cinematic reinterpretation. The newly released continuation of the beloved body-swapping comedy reunites Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, now streaming on Disney+. Also available on the platform is “Madame Web,” the latest entry in Marvel’s extended universe, featuring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney in a story tracing the origins of Spider-Woman—a project that, by many accounts, leaves Marvel wishing for a creative redo. Over on Netflix, the film “Nouvelle Vague,” starring Zoey Deutch, provides a fictional yet evocative glimpse into the making of the French New Wave classic “Breathless,” merging art history with modern storytelling.
On the shopping front, the holiday countdown itself can become a daily celebration. Treat yourself or someone you love with an Advent calendar—little boxes of joy housing everything from miniature beauty products and fine chocolates to fun surprises for children and pets. These calendars are rapidly selling out, making now the perfect time to choose one. For something wearable, Quince’s celebrated cashmere sweater—priced around fifty dollars—continues to capture attention for being both luxuriously soft and remarkably affordable, though not entirely without minor flaws in craftsmanship. And for early-bird shoppers, there’s exciting news: Vuori’s bestselling joggers, along with an array of other athleisure favorites, are currently available at deep discounts ahead of Black Friday. Business Insider’s style editors have already combed through the offerings to highlight the best deals in comfort and design.
Finally, journalist James Berry presents an important look into the financial and emotional toll of early-onset colon cancer, featuring firsthand accounts from five young adults whose diagnoses rerouted their careers, relationships, and fiscal stability. Their voices bring visibility to a growing medical and social issue that challenges the assumption of cancer as an older person’s disease.
All of these stories, curated by the Business Insider Today team—Dan DeFrancesco, Akin Oyedele, Grace Lett, and Amanda Yen—offer readers a nuanced portrait of contemporary life, spanning travel, health, culture, and resilience. Whether you find inspiration in a cross-country train ride, a renewed skincare routine, or the wisdom of aging well, this week’s edition reminds us that every journey—physical or personal—begins with a single thoughtful choice.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/bi-today-saturday-holiday-travel-by-train-2025-11
