Travel & Vacations Amish Style
We hope this note finds you well as the cooler days of October settle in. Here in the Heartland, the air has turned crisp, and the first leaves are beginning to show their Autumn colors. It is a season that invites reflection, gratitude, and the joy of gathering with family and friends. As part of our ongoing series on Amish leisure and visiting, this week we turn to a topic that may surprise some: how Amish families travel and take vacations.
For many Amish, travel is both a luxury and a blessing. Unlike most Americans, they do not own cars, so long journeys require careful planning. Families often choose trains for their smooth and comfortable ride, although the cost can be a deciding factor. When larger groups travel together, it is common to hire a bus or van driver, making the trip more affordable. These "Amish taxis" are a familiar sight in many communities, carrying families to weddings, funerals, or visits with relatives in distant settlements.
Travel stories are often remembered for their unexpected moments. One Amish woman recalled a trip when her father gave up seats on a crowded bus so that other passengers could ride. Though she was tired and reluctant at the time, the memory has stayed with her as a lesson in kindness and patience. Such experiences remind Amish families that travel is not only about reaching a destination but also about the people they meet along the way.
Packing for a trip is a practical matter. When traveling by train or bus, Amish families try to bring only what is necessary. Extra clothing is tucked into bags, and small projects such as sewing or mending are often carried along to pass the time. Children play simple games like spotting letters of the alphabet on road signs, turning long hours into shared fun. These small details reflect the Amish ability to find contentment in simplicity.
Destinations vary, but many Amish enjoy visiting national or state parks, where the beauty of nature provides both rest and renewal. Some families have traveled as far as Florida to visit Pinecraft, a small community near Sarasota that has become a Winter gathering place for Amish and Mennonite families. Others recall their first glimpse of the ocean or the mountains, experiences that leave lasting impressions. One family remembered crossing into Mexico during a trip to Texas, where the sight of beggars on the streets was both sobering and unforgettable.
Closer to home, Amish families often visit other communities, attend historical sites, or stop at attractions along the way. Even a trip for medical care or family obligations is often considered a kind of vacation, since it takes them away from the daily routine of farm and household work. Sightseeing, when affordable, is enjoyed as an opportunity to learn and marvel at God's creation, although it is never considered essential.
Hospitality plays a central role in Amish travel. Families usually stay with relatives when possible, but it is also common to be welcomed into the home of another Amish family, even without advance notice. Stories are told of travelers caught in snowstorms who were taken in by strangers, both Amish and non-Amish, and treated with the same warmth and generosity they would expect at home. For many, these experiences are as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Travel also strengthens family bonds. Long hours on the road become opportunities for storytelling, singing, and quiet conversation. Parents and children alike treasure these moments, which are free from the distractions of modern technology. In this way, travel becomes not only a journey outward but also a journey inward, drawing families closer together.
As Amish families grow older, their perspective on travel often changes. Parents who once stayed close to home while raising young children may find more freedom to explore once the children are grown. Younger generations, living in more prosperous times, may also be more willing to spend money on travel. Yet for all, the values of simplicity and humility remain guiding principles. Travel is enjoyed, but it is never allowed to overshadow the deeper commitments of faith, family, and community.
Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers
Here are a few happenings the families dedicated to weaving the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com have shared with us this week.
The Swarey Family
Mary shared a lighthearted story from her children's trip to school this past week. Their pony, Cowboy, was pulling the small cart as usual when they came to a bridge over a creek. Someone had drawn a large chalk heart across the boards, and Cowboy wanted nothing to do with it. He froze, then suddenly leapt across as if the heart might swallow him whole. The boys held tight and managed to stay in the cart, laughing once the excitement passed. Strangely enough, this is the same pony who never blinked when a kite swooped just above his head the week before. Horses certainly keep life interesting.
The Yoder Family
Last Sunday, the Yoder farm was filled with neighbors and friends for council services, which lasted from morning until late afternoon. After a simple midday meal of noodles, sandwiches, and cookies, the congregation continued until it was time for supper. The women prepared the food while the men swept the house and set up long tables. The first course included casseroles, baked beans with hot dogs, and cottage cheese. Dessert was a spread of pretzel pudding and turtle pie, served with plenty of coffee. The day was filled with fellowship, laughter, and the kind of hospitality that makes Amish gatherings so memorable.
"The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge."
— Amish Wisdom
