I have friends in Bellevue, Wash., who travel every Thanksgiving to visit relatives in Klamath Fall, Oregon. Yep, it’s a long drive and the weather can be notoriously lousy in late November. The days are short, gloomy and dark!
As a consequence of too many horror stories driving the distance, these friends started booking travel on Amtrak. Yes, the trip was still a long way, but if they remembered to book well in advance, the cost was very reasonable. Best of all, they didn’t have the stress of driving crazy, crowded I-5 for hundreds of miles in the rain with aggressive semi-trucks splashing waves of water on the windshield of their little Subaru every mile of the way!
Let’s say I wanted to go visit my cousin in Portland. I could hop on the train in downtown Seattle and arrive a few hours later in Portland. The cheapest seat runs about $70 round trip. I would spend almost that amount of money on gas if I drove. Also on the plus-side, I would be able to relax, nap, work, read, meet other interesting people and enjoy the scenery during the trip.
With more than 30 train routes throughout the United States, Amtrak travels to over 500 destinations in 46 states. It advertises that it gives passengers the best views North America has to offer.
Amtrak suggests that your train ride can be greener and cozier than a flight. Download the Amtrak National Route Map (PDF, 1.6MB) to familiarize yourself with the Amtrak train routes and don’t forget to View Regional Hot Deals before you go.
You might want to consider booking your next fall or winter trip on one of our Northwest Amtrak trains.
What has your experience been with Amtrak?
Here are the Northwest Routes:
For more information visit: http://www.amtrak.com/home
