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So where are you headed for your next long adventure? New York, Florida, Los Angeles(LA),
Grand Canyon, or not sure where to go? How about thinking a little bit offbeat this
time and take a train instead? While in beginning, the idea of numbingly long traveling
time might force you not to consider this choice but trust us - the gorgeous scenery
of the country side will make up for it.
Here are some ideas that can perhaps help you in making your mind:
Washington D.C. to Orlando - The Auto Train
Operated by Amtrak, Auto Train is an 850-mile long scheduled service for passengers
to move up or down the East Coast. It has specialized coaches that enables passengers
to take along their automobile, sport utility vehicle, van, motorcycle, and even
a small trailer. Customers ride either in private sleeping car rooms or wide coach
seats while their automobiles are carried in enclosed vehicle-carrying freight cars,
also called as autoracks. The train has lounge and dining cars, and is the only
route offered by Amtrak that allows smoking while passengers are on board. This
service gives you dual benefits - you avoid the painstaking long drive on the ever
busy Interstate 95 running through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
and Florida, and as an alternative to the expense of a
rental car, you have the convenience to the use of your own vehicle upon
arrival.
New York to Vermont - Ethan Express
Named after the Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen; the Ethan Allen Express runs
daily between New York City and Rutland, Vermont via Albany. The 240-mile stretch
is marked by outdoor adventures of upstate New York and Vermont. The train takes
you to the entire wilderness that these cities have to offer in addition to the
scenic beauty of Hudson River Valley, the ever famous summer wildflowers and magnificent
fall foliage. Managed by Amtrak, the Ethan Allen Express completes its scheduled
trip in approximately 5.5 hours. The responsibility of generating funds and distributing
it for the maintenance of the route and the express lies with the Vermont State
Department of Transportation.
Los Angeles and Chicago - The Southwest Chief
Previously known as the Southwest Limited, the Southwest Chief is a passenger train
that covers a long distance of 2250-mile (3600 km) through the Midwestern and Southwestern
America. Operated by Amtrak; it starts from Chicago and runs through Illinois, Los
Angeles(LA), California, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico,
and Arizona. If you haven't seen the countryside before; it's a wonderful
way to have a look at the stunning landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico.
Seattle to Los Angeles (LA) - Coast Starlight
Coast Starlight is a legendary train that has comfortable sleeping cars and coaches.
You'll find all the latest amenities once onboard. The Arcade Room is full of
video games for kids of all ages; the Dining Room is decorated with beautiful table
linens, curtains, and carpets and the restrooms always shine. The scenery along
route is incomparable. Somewhere you'll get a chance to see stunning snow-covered
peaks of the Mount Shasta and Cascade Range and sometimes you'll pass through
beautiful Pacific Ocean shoreline, long stretches of greenery, widespread parks,
and luxuriant valleys. The train runs daily and the length of trip is 35 hours.
New York to Miami - Silver Star
Run by Amtrak, the Silver Star is a 1500-mile train route that ferries passengers
from New York City to Miami, via the Northeast Corridor, DC, Richmond, Raleigh,
Columbia, Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. The services on board include
view liner sitting, sleeping and dining coaches, Business Class travel, complimentary
non-alcoholic beverages, audio entertainment, priority boarding and other amenities.
The magnificent scenery on the way transforms the endless hours of train travel
into a fantastic adventure ensuring that you enjoy every minute of it.
New York to New Orleans - Crescent
From the Big Apple to the Big Easy; the Crescent covers a distance of 1,300-miles
(2,200 km) everyday. The train is so comfortable that you can board it from Pennsylvania
Station in New York City (NYC) and get down at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
in New Orleans, Louisiana 30 hours later without feeling any of the 'drain-out'
symptoms. Whether you choose a neat, wide, and highly comfortable Reserved Coach
seat, or go in for Sleeper Service accommodations, be assured that no other train
can pamper you the way Crescent can. Expect warm food to be served at your seat
(if you have requested), walk around freely, and a wonderful chance to mingle with
staff and fellow passengers.
Chicago to California - California Zephyr
If you are a travel enthusiast or have ever traveled by train, you'll know that
California Zephyr is the most beautiful trains of North America. It has a distinct
aura of exquisiteness that no other train can follow. The train runs daily between
Chicago and San Francisco, California; and courses through the plains of Nebraska,
Rocks of Salt Lake City, and beauty of San Francisco. Some of the other attractions
on the way include Sierra Nevadas, Moffat Tunnel, Colorado's Gore, Byers, Glenwood
Canyons, Winter Park, and Donner Lake.
If you want to rent a car
in USA for short distance traveling,
America Car Rental helps you to find the best option online.
So these were some of the scenic destinations worth traveling through some wonderful
trains. Logging on to Amtrak's website (www.amtrak.com)
is the best way to check the schedules, fares, and do bookings online. We'll
be publishing a list of 'Best Kept Secrets of Amtrak,' so watch out this
space for more.
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