Best Trips Across North America

There are many different ways to visit famous landmarks and points of interest within North America. One exciting option is to travel by railway, which can be a fun adventure and often more cost-effective than driving across the country in a car or RV.

Cost

Amtrak is a fantastic way for families to travel together cheaply while enjoying the sights. The cost ranges from approximately $213 to $429 per person, depending on the duration of the trip and the chosen destinations. For example, a 15-day journey through the North American countryside costs $429 per person, which is how the blogger Derek Low chose to experience his trip.

Starting Points

When embarking on a trip across the North American countryside, travelers can start from either the East or West Coast. This choice can depend on where individuals live in the country or if they are flying in from another country.

The Miles, History & Scenic Tour

Booking a train ride is one of the best values for time, miles, and sightseeing potential. The journey spans 3,400 miles from coast to coast, showcasing scenic and historical landmarks along the way.

Trains are a reminder of the shared history throughout the United States, including: The taming of the Wild West The Gold Rush era The backbone of the Industrial Revolution

While many luxurious passenger trains have ceased to exist, AMTRAK remains committed to affordability.

For those who wish to travel coast to coast without stops, the journey takes about four days. If you plan to make stops, separate tickets are required for each leg of the trip. The journey departs from Emeryville, California, just minutes from San Francisco.

• California Zephyr train tickets cost around $130 from San Francisco to Chicago, Illinois.
• For an additional $83, travelers can transfer to the Lake Shore Limited, bringing the total to $213.
• A 15-day rail pass is available for $429, allowing travelers to split up their trip and explore more sights.

Key cities along the route include Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Denver. To see attractions in New York City, the Midwest, Lake Michigan, Cleveland, Boston, and Pennsylvania, passengers must hop on the Lake Shore Limited train.

Other scenic highlights of this journey include: The San Francisco Bay Sierra Nevada Mountains Donner Lake Book Cliffs Colorado River The Great Plains Kansas Rolling Hills Chicago Skyline

The Tour

Travelers should be mindful of the time zone changes throughout their journey on the Amtrak railway system. There are four different time zones to navigate, which may lead to feelings of "jet lag" during the trip.

The first leg of the journey begins in the San Francisco area, traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah, which takes about 17 hours. Passengers can enjoy the Sightseer Lounge Car, featuring large windows for optimal viewing pleasure. Occasionally, experts may come on board to share insights about the areas being passed.

Donner Lake, for instance, has a fascinating and sordid history, including tales of cannibalism from the infamous Donner Party.

Dining options on the train include: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

While seating arrangements can sometimes lead to sharing tables with strangers, this often sparks interesting conversations. The meals served on the train are surprisingly good, with options like racks of lamb, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

Travelers should prepare for temperature fluctuations depending on the season, especially in the Sierra Nevada and other areas along the route. The scenery includes mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, cityscapes, and vast deserts. However, be aware that cell phone signals may be lost at certain points during the journey. The sunrises and sunsets throughout the trip are absolutely exquisite.

There may be instances when the train crosses into different stops during the night. Passengers might need to disembark and board the train in the middle of the night, depending on their selected stops and departure/arrival locations.

Throughout the journey, travelers will cross many states, including Utah and Colorado, ultimately reaching the East Coast. An interesting sight along the way may include Amish individuals riding the rails, as they often avoid cars or airplanes and prefer trains as a last resort for longer distances.