The Amtrak rail service works a little differently compared with the rail system in Europe. Although the train travel system in Europe is very efficient, I also find it a little more stressful compared with my trips using Amtrak. With Amtrak, I was forced to be in the station an hour before my scheduled trip. It works similarly like taking the plane. This gives me time to relax while waiting for my trip.
Our first Amtrak trip was supposedly from Toronto to New York. However, my cousin offered to drive us all the way to New York from Toronto, an 11 hours drive. We toured around New York and visited famous landmarks including the Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller, Times Square and so on. From New York we visited a friend in Delaware. From Delaware, our friend drove us to Washington D.C. In D.C we took a day tour and visited the white house and the surrounding tourist areas. Stayed over for two days and then headed to Florida.
We left the Union Station in Washington D.C. around 3p.m and headed to Orlando, Florida. We stopped over Philadelphia Union Station for our dinner and continued our trip to Florida. At 8:30 a.m the following day, we arrived at Orlando, Florida. From there we took a taxi going to our hotel near the Universal Studios. We stayed in Florida for 3 days. From there we continued our trip and headed to Flagstaff, Arizona. The trip from Orlando to Flagstaff almost took us two days, if I remember it right. We arrived in Flagstaff, Arizona about 11 p.m. according to my watch set to central time. Check time zones when travelling. Arizona is under mountain time which is an hour earlier than central time.
Prior to travelling, I have already looked for a tour operator going to the Grand Canyon. I was so glad I found the AMERICAN DREAM TOURS. Their service was outstanding. Our guide, Kevin gave us a very personalized tour complete with high powered telescopes, lunch with champagne, and loads of fun along the way.
From Arizona we proceeded to L.A. Unfortunately in L.A. I booked a hotel almost an hour away from the City Center. Spend $100 for taxi alone which was not worth it. Anyway, frustrations are part and parcel of any trip, but you have to go on and not let disappointments ruin your holiday.
From L.A we went to Chicago on board the AMTRAK SOUTHWEST CHIEF. The route coming from L.A to Chicago is very historical, passing along New Mexico, the reservation area, it was such a fun and educational route. There is usually a tour guide on board these routes. It took us almost 3 days in the train but it was fun nevertheless, meeting friends and people along the way. That's the beauty of every trip we make. Meeting people and gaining friends not just visiting places. It is more our interaction with people and seeing life unfold before our eyes as we look out through our train window.
From Chicago, we went to Milwaukee and stayed for a week visiting friends and family, After which we travelled to Denver, Colorado and then Colorado Springs. After three days we went back to Wisconsin and then Toronto.
We enjoyed our trip no matter how long. We could not have done it if not for the North America Rail Pass. We were able to travel miles and miles, saw places and people. We could have spend thousands if we took the plane or spend arduous hours on the road if we drove to those destinations.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Booking Train Tickets Using Your Rail Pass
As per experience the best thing to do in order to completely utilize and enjoy the benefits of the North America Rail Pass is to plan your travel. Scheduling is important. You need to know where you want to go. Get a map and plot the places you want to visit. Check for places of interests or visit an old friend along the way. After plotting the places you want to go, decide how long you will stay in a specific place. Do you want to stay for three days gambling in Las Vegas or spend a night or two in the Grand Canyon? the Amtrak website shows detailed train schedule. This is very helpful in planning your trip. It will help you estimate the time of your travel, how long it will take you to travel from one destination to the other.
With your completed travel plan call the Amtrak customer service and book all train your trips. An issued ticket is required everytime you take the train. Once everything is booked, go to a train station and present the booking reference provided by the Amtrak customer service during reservation. Tickets will be issued to all your rail trips, just show your North America Rail Pass.
Aside from booking your trips, it is also advisable to book your hotels ahead in time. Early bookings will save you a lot of money. Most hotels and their booking affiliates offer lesser rates compared with the regular rates given to walk in clients. There are internet travel sites like Agoda which offers cheaper hotel rates for early bookings. Besides saving hundreds of dollars from early hotel bookings, this will also provide you the assurance and security of getting a hotel room especially when arriving late in your destination. You don't want to go checking for a hotel which suits your requirement at 1am in the morning after arriving from the train station. Pre-booking will also allow you to choose the best hotel that is suitable to your taste and budget.
You can also arrange to have a hotel transportation service. This is especially important when arriving at your destination during very late hours.
With your completed travel plan call the Amtrak customer service and book all train your trips. An issued ticket is required everytime you take the train. Once everything is booked, go to a train station and present the booking reference provided by the Amtrak customer service during reservation. Tickets will be issued to all your rail trips, just show your North America Rail Pass.
Aside from booking your trips, it is also advisable to book your hotels ahead in time. Early bookings will save you a lot of money. Most hotels and their booking affiliates offer lesser rates compared with the regular rates given to walk in clients. There are internet travel sites like Agoda which offers cheaper hotel rates for early bookings. Besides saving hundreds of dollars from early hotel bookings, this will also provide you the assurance and security of getting a hotel room especially when arriving late in your destination. You don't want to go checking for a hotel which suits your requirement at 1am in the morning after arriving from the train station. Pre-booking will also allow you to choose the best hotel that is suitable to your taste and budget.
You can also arrange to have a hotel transportation service. This is especially important when arriving at your destination during very late hours.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Where To Get the North America Rail Pass
I was surprised that most people I talked with don't know about this type of rail pass. I asked some Canadian friends and they never heard about it. I went to a rail station in Toronto(not a major one though)and asked the staff about it but they only gave me a puzzled look.
I checked some travel agencies but they don't know either, well at least the few I approached had no any idea what I was talking about. I was so frustrated. Where could I get this pass? it should be available in any train stations or a travel agency according to the research I did in the internet.
I found my way to Toronto's Union Station- the main train station. Finally, I got hold of a North America Railpass ticket. Then realized that these types of passes can only be obtained from the main train stations.
With the pass in my hand, I can now travel to as many destinations in the U.S and Canada as I can in one month.
I checked some travel agencies but they don't know either, well at least the few I approached had no any idea what I was talking about. I was so frustrated. Where could I get this pass? it should be available in any train stations or a travel agency according to the research I did in the internet.
I found my way to Toronto's Union Station- the main train station. Finally, I got hold of a North America Railpass ticket. Then realized that these types of passes can only be obtained from the main train stations.
With the pass in my hand, I can now travel to as many destinations in the U.S and Canada as I can in one month.
North America Rail Pass
The Europe rail travel system gave me an idea to tour the U.S. and enjoy the scenery by train.
Internet research led me to the best deal I ever wanted- The North America Rail Pass. This Pass enables you to travel both U.S. and Canada and enjoy the scenery of both countries in one month. You can go to practically any place in U.S. and Canada through Amtrak and VIA trains. Connecting buses can also serve on routes which are not accessible by train. Imagine traveling from New York to L.A, or Toronto to Seattle. How about visit Miami beach or Washington D.C, Whistler, Rocky Mountain National Park. Do you fancy having your picture taken in Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore? Why not gamble a few bucks in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Visit the Mansions in Rhode Island. Visit the Parliament in Ottawa or practice your french in Quebec plus you will be overwhelmed with the beautiful scenery along the way. Some historic routes like New Mexico even have tour guides on-board. You can make as many stops as like. Visit the 50 states or all the provinces of Canada. The possibilities are endless. You are only limited by your imagination and energy.
Internet research led me to the best deal I ever wanted- The North America Rail Pass. This Pass enables you to travel both U.S. and Canada and enjoy the scenery of both countries in one month. You can go to practically any place in U.S. and Canada through Amtrak and VIA trains. Connecting buses can also serve on routes which are not accessible by train. Imagine traveling from New York to L.A, or Toronto to Seattle. How about visit Miami beach or Washington D.C, Whistler, Rocky Mountain National Park. Do you fancy having your picture taken in Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore? Why not gamble a few bucks in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Visit the Mansions in Rhode Island. Visit the Parliament in Ottawa or practice your french in Quebec plus you will be overwhelmed with the beautiful scenery along the way. Some historic routes like New Mexico even have tour guides on-board. You can make as many stops as like. Visit the 50 states or all the provinces of Canada. The possibilities are endless. You are only limited by your imagination and energy.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
USA By Train
Traveling around Europe is easy with the very reliable European Railway system. The synchronized travel system makes traveling by train a breeze. Expect no delays especially if you are traveling around the Suisse Area. A second late means you have to wait for the next train to come by but don't worry it won't take long. Trains comes every few minutes so enjoy the scenery while you wait for your ride.
However, will traveling to North America be the same experience? Can you get a fast, reliable, state of the art railway system in the U.S? Not quite! America is mainly an automobile country. However, they still ran a railway system but don't expect it to be as reliable as the one's in Europe. I overheard one European passenger on the train I took going to Toronto commenting that America's trains are lazy.
The passenger rail service provider in the U.S. is AMTRAK and VIA is its counterpart rail service provider in Canada. Train travel is a good and cheap way to tour North America. Traveling by train maybe time consuming but it is more exciting that taking the plane.
However, will traveling to North America be the same experience? Can you get a fast, reliable, state of the art railway system in the U.S? Not quite! America is mainly an automobile country. However, they still ran a railway system but don't expect it to be as reliable as the one's in Europe. I overheard one European passenger on the train I took going to Toronto commenting that America's trains are lazy.
The passenger rail service provider in the U.S. is AMTRAK and VIA is its counterpart rail service provider in Canada. Train travel is a good and cheap way to tour North America. Traveling by train maybe time consuming but it is more exciting that taking the plane.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
What To Do Before Starting A Trip
After a visit to Switzerland, my sister ( my travel buddy) then decided its time to hit the road again and visit North America. With such a huge continent how can we ever tour the entire area like we did in Switzerland? and of course with cheap travels in mind. We are just travel lovers not millionaires so cheap travel but with lots of adventure and fun is our priority.
Before starting a trip, I always make sure to check everything necessary for my international travel. Do I have a travel insurance to cover me when accidents happen? I also have a travel guide handy for the destination I am intending to visit. Checking with your travel agents for any last minute travel deals is also helpful. Anyone will always want to save on their trips and checking the latest travel deals might just save you a few more hundred dollars for shopping.
Researching for tours in the internet for a specific travel destination will save time and money. It will provide you a lot of choices which will suit your needs and requirements compared with choosing from tour operators the hotel provides. Reading travel guides, places of interest, local customs and traditions about the place you are intending to visit will enhance your travel experience. It is also helpful if you know few conversational phrases which will make your trip easier. Locals will love hearing their language spoken by tourists especially if these are spoken well.
Always pack lightly. You don't want to go around town looking for your hotel with a huge traveling bag. Sometimes you only need to stay in a particular place for a few hours Most train stations or Airports have lockers where you can store you luggage and check out the area.
Going for vacations can be very rewarding and educational. You can be your own tourist guide if you know well in advance and have researched the places you need to go. A friend who lives in the area can also help you discover the non-tourist sites which can make your travel more exciting.
Before starting a trip, I always make sure to check everything necessary for my international travel. Do I have a travel insurance to cover me when accidents happen? I also have a travel guide handy for the destination I am intending to visit. Checking with your travel agents for any last minute travel deals is also helpful. Anyone will always want to save on their trips and checking the latest travel deals might just save you a few more hundred dollars for shopping.
Researching for tours in the internet for a specific travel destination will save time and money. It will provide you a lot of choices which will suit your needs and requirements compared with choosing from tour operators the hotel provides. Reading travel guides, places of interest, local customs and traditions about the place you are intending to visit will enhance your travel experience. It is also helpful if you know few conversational phrases which will make your trip easier. Locals will love hearing their language spoken by tourists especially if these are spoken well.
Always pack lightly. You don't want to go around town looking for your hotel with a huge traveling bag. Sometimes you only need to stay in a particular place for a few hours Most train stations or Airports have lockers where you can store you luggage and check out the area.
Going for vacations can be very rewarding and educational. You can be your own tourist guide if you know well in advance and have researched the places you need to go. A friend who lives in the area can also help you discover the non-tourist sites which can make your travel more exciting.
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