Transcontinental

Way back when the pound was much stronger against the dollar, my best friend Hannah and I set-off to explore the U. S. of A. by rail. Despite having more track than any other country, passenger travel in the US is, in general, incredibly slow – delays of several hours are more the norm in the Midwest. Still, the trains are spacious, cheap, offer a fantastic way to enjoy jaw-dropping scenery you’d miss by flying, and they can often save on a night’s hotel accommodation.

From Boston, we zigzagged our way down and up, then down and up the entire country, with all the major tourist honeypots welcoming us via the iron road. However, it was the lesser-known places that our trains stopped at that gave us the most delights. Who’d have guessed that Raleigh, North Carolina was hiding a bustling nightlife of friendly bars and live music venues? The dramatic Gateway Arch aside, St. Louis has more free attractions than you can shake a stick at, as well as the slightly bizarre City Museum, made from reclaimed building materials and disused transport. Amtrak also took us to San Antonio, with its Stock Show & Rodeo Show. Think: the Ideal Home Show for cowboys!

As New York, Atlanta, Memphis and Los Angeles all flew past our windows, three months was quickly filled up with memories that will last a lifetime. We met some incredible people on and off the train and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.