Amtrak Offering Roundtrip Residency To Social Media Influencers — But Not The Kind You Think

Amtrak is offering a free roundtrip residency to social media leaders “from all walks of life” who are willing to share their experiences aboard with their followers.

The railway service is looking for up to eight people for its #AmtrakTakeMeThere experience, and it’s pretty specific about the folks it does — and doesn’t — want to apply. “We’re not looking for glitzy influencers with millions of followers who quit their day job to travel the world,” the company says on the contest’s landing page. “We’re looking for real people to tell their Amtrak story — creatives, introverts, families, survivors, retirees.”

Winners will receive a two- to five-day round trip to visit an approved destination of their choice. During their trip, they’ll stay in a private sleeper car with a window view and a desk.

Those who apply will be judged based on a swath of criteria, including writing skills, photography, and videography skills, level of community engagement, and their overall personal brand on social media. The #AmtrakTakeMeThere application asks for links to contestants’ YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts for consideration.

“If you’re interested, we hope you’re a leader in your social media community, and your creativity and energy allows you to connect with your followers at a deeper level,” Amtrak says. “As an unconventional traveler, you’d bring a diverse and unique perspective to travel.”

Applications are being accepted on Amtrak’s website through Jan. 31. Winners will be notified Feb. 15.