Tag: Ride

This International Train Ride Zooms Through East Coast’s Fall Splendor To Canada’s Most Cultural City
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While many Americans are still basking in the sun, others are seeking out lush woodlands ready to pop in fall colors any day now.

Some of us prefer to take the backroads through vibrant foliage-lined streets, but why not let the conductor take the wheel…or buttons…or whatever the heck they use to guide you through one of the prettiest regions of the U.S?

It’s safe to say Americans need to take a page out of Europe’s playbook and travel by train more often, whereas this time of year is absolutely spectacular to hit the rails!

One such region is New York, both the iconic city and upstate all the way to the Canadian border and beyond.

In fact, the Big Apple is where you should begin your scenic journey on Amtrak’s Adirondack Train this fall as you zoom through the East Coast’s fall splendor to Canada’s most cultural city.

Pack Your Passport For New York’s Best Fall Adventure!

Any excuse to visit New York City is okay with me, and it makes for the perfect starting point for an epic fall excursion.

Departing the famous Penn Station, get ready to leave behind the bright lights of the city and embrace all that fall has to offer.

Central Park is cool and all, but wait ’til you see what Amtrak’s ‘Adirondack’ route has in store!

You’ll head north aboard a comfy train equipped with free wifi and offering meals, snacks, and beverages no matter which seat class you choose.

After passing Yonkers and Poughkeepsie, the scenery noticeably shifts once you arrive at the ‘Hudson’ stop.

The famed Hudson Valley showcases a rush of autumnal hues and serves as a gateway to the mesmerizing Catskills, too.

Lake Champlain: New York & Vermont’s Shared Shining Star This Fall

If you’re aboard for the whole ride, you’ll want to snag a window seat as early as possible!

Once you pass Hudson Station, your next stop is Albany, New York’s capital city. Here, many opt for neighboring Vermont, as few places are more gorgeous this season than the Green Mountain State.

Both New York and Vermont share one of the most Instagram-able sites for “leaf peepers” and that is beautiful Lake Champlain.

While the train stays on the New York side never crossing into Vermont, if there was ever a time to depart before Canada, this is it!

Amtrak’s ‘Adirondack’ route lives up to the hype as a “Top 10 Most Scenic Train Ride in the World”, as their website claims, largely in part to this stunning region brimming with a glowing lake surrounded by abundant kaleidoscopic trees.

Beyond the lake lies a set of historic towns, such as Saratoga Springs and Ticonderoga, before reaching the border town of Plattsburgh.

The latter beholds one of America’s most underrated historical sites, all while enjoying the sweeping views of Lake Champlain.

Fort Ticonderoga is a former French fort holding a tumultuous timeline throughout multiple wars but ultimately captured by the British in the late 1700s.

But hey, is anyone mad about fish & chips?

Last Stop: Montreal, Canada’s Most Cultural City

Once you’ve reached Plattsburgh, it’s time to reach for your passport. Crossing into Canada should be a breeze, especially visiting a popular city like Montreal.

Upon crossing our northern neighbor’s border, there are 2 stops left on the docket before your trip comes to an end:
- St-Lambert, QC
- Montreal, QC – Gare Centrale / Central Station
Both stops are in Montreal but on two different sides of the tracks. Okay, enough puns…

If you’re looking for a central location, it’s best to get off at Gare Centrale. You’ll be smack dab in Montreal’s bustling city center, which has great eats (like Joe Beef), beautiful architecture, and beaming parks with bright foliage.

The Adirondack Train departs New York’s Penn Station at 8:35 am, arriving at Montreal’s Gare Central at 10:15pm just in time to check into your hotel and recharge to explore all the wonders of this French-inspired city.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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September 19, 2024
Midwest Magic: This Underrated National Park Has Postcard Waterfalls And A Fall Foliage Train Ride
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Those in the know claim ‘Midwest is best’, but is that only because it’s a catchy rhyme?

Between so many underrated cities often overlooked by the coastal allure of sun, sand, and ocean breeze, much of the Midwest goes by the wayside.

With the exception of Chicago, travelers are missing out on some of the best fall escapes smack dab in the middle of the U.S., where fall colors transform city skylines and park treetops for miles on end.

One such place is even overlooked in their own state, let alone the entire Midwest region.

Forget Cincinnati and even trendy Columbus, and venture into Cuyahoga Valley National Park for epic waterfalls and a scenic fall train ride through a rush of vibrant foliage.

50 Years Of Year-Round Astounding Nature, But Fall is Best!

Located between Cleveland and Akron lies Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the Midwest’s most serene destinations to immerse in fall splendor.

Celebrating 50 years since being designated as an official National Park, the National Park Service (NPS) has announced ‘50 new ways to experience‘ this magical hidden gem.

Fall is when the crowds pick up, however.

The NPS recommends visiting on weekdays as early as possible or squeezing in a trip later in the day to better your chances of finding a parking space.

October is definitely the best month to leaf-peep and snap incredible photos throughout the 33,000-acre park.

There are ample hiking trails to check out the lush, vibrant scenery. NPS recommends these 3 trails for the best photo-ops this fall:
- Brandywine Gorge Trail
- Oak Hill Trail
- Ledges Trail
Go Chasing Waterfalls! Cuyahoga Valley Boasts More Than Fall Colors

Majestic waterfalls often seem like a distant dream to reach, but that’s not the case at all.

Sure, you can jet off to natural wonders such as Iceland, or perhaps visit cheesy over-fluffed attractions like Niagara Falls, but there are actually many other places with similar scenery tucked away in our National Parks – Cuyahoga Valley being one of them.

There are at least 8 noteworthy waterfalls well worth a visit within the park grounds.

According to the Conservancy For Cuyahoga Valley National Park, these waterfalls are the 5 most visible for your next fall adventure:
1. Great Falls
2. Bridal Veil Falls
3. Alexander Falls
4. Deer Lick Cave Area
5. Mudcatcher Falls
That being said, Brandywine Falls usually tops the list for visitors.

This flowing waterfall cascading nearly 70 feet into a picturesque gorge offers views both high and low, receiving rave reviews from recent visitors like, “This is a great waterfall. The boardwalk and stairs seems to be quite well maintained. It’s plenty wide enough for people (and their pets) to walk in each direction. The falls themselves were very picturesque.”

Plus, this waterfall is equipped to stay as long as you like with picnic areas, water fountains (no, not the actual waterfall!), and spotlessly clean restrooms, according to parkgoers in multiple reviews.

Grab A Window Seat On The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Hiking through the vast forestry of Cuyahoga Valley is a great time, but why not level up on a scenic train ride guided by the pros?

Sit back and relax as you pass through gorgeous scenery along the rapid Cuyahoga River, with promising chances to spot wildlife such as eagles, deer, and a variety of birds.

Suitable for all ages, the 2-hour round-trip is perfect to keep the kiddos entertained while the grown-ups enjoy an adult beverage on-board.

For fall, you’ll want to book the National Park Scenic excursion priced between $18 – 39 depending on your class selection.

The train departs from Peninsula Depot in Peninsula, OH and tickets are available for purchase online with plenty of dates to choose from.

Given the journey is only 2 hours in total, many visitors splurge on Upper Dome seating, offering domed carts with panoramic views where there’s no such thing as a bad seat!

If you miss out on fall, keep an eye out for the train’s North Pole Adventure as well!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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September 17, 2024
37 Bridges & 86 Tunnels: The Breathtaking Train Ride In Mexico Nobody Knows About

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Mexico is the most popular destination in the world for American travelers.

But if you’re looking to try something new outside of the usual beaches and bars that the country is famous for then you should consider this breathtaking train ride in Mexico nobody knows about.

I use the word breathtaking a lot, but the Copper Canyon railway really is breathtaking.

It runs along one of the world’s great routes, crossing viaducts over deep canyons and carving its way through mountain tunnels.

In fact, on your journey, you’ll pass over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels.

This is why the Copper Canyon railway is one of the best:

Why Explore The Copper Canyon Railway

I have a thing about trains (I love them!), so I’m always on the hunt for new, fascinating routes.

Copper Canyon is often referred to as the Mexican Grand Canyon, and a journey through it is one of the most exciting train rides in Mexico.

In fact, Copper Canyon is much larger than the Grand Canyon.

Located in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in northwestern Mexico, the Copper Canyon is a vast and stunning network of six distinct canyons within the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.

The Copper Canyon railway plots a course right through the canyon system.

You can take the journey from start to finish in one 8-hour trip, or you can disembark along the way to really explore the canyon’s beauty and culture.

Spectacular landscapes, outstanding feats of engineering, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. This is an unforgettable train experience.

When To Travel The Copper Canyon Railway

There is no bad time of year to travel on the Copper Canyon Railway. The breathtaking scenery changes with the seasons.

But it’s worth noting that the scenic train route you can enjoy depends on both the day you travel and the time of year you travel.

During the summer season, between 08/08 – 09/29, the route is longer, and you can ride the train all the way to Chihuahua.

On Thursday and Saturday, the train departs from Chihuahua at 7 am and arrives in Divisadero at 2.15 pm.

Outside of this peak summer season you can ride from Creel to Los Mochis on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and from Los Mochis to Creel on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

When planning your trip, it’s important to note that the train doesn’t operate on Wednesdays, and during May and June, it doesn’t run on Mondays and Tuesdays either.

The Chepe Express is the name of the tourist train that runs on this route and it offers a more comfortable and luxurious experience than the regional railway that runs on the same route and is primarily used by locals getting from A to B.

Booking Tickets For The Copper Canyon Railway

There are a handful of luxury providers that organize tours on the Copper Canyon railway, with new packages launched all the time, but I’ve checked out the prices and the cheapest way to secure tickets it to book with the Chepe Express website directly.

There are 3 different classes of ticket and carriage for the train: First, Executive, and Tourist.

A tourist class ticket from Creel to Los Mochis will cost $2,598.00 MXN ($141) while an executive class ticket on the route will cost $3,374.00 MXN ($183).

Finally the same journey in first class would cost $4,820.00 MXN ($262).

These prices may seem a little higher than you would expect to pay for a normal train journey, but this is no normal train ride.

If we put aside the breathtaking natural beauty you will experience (that you simply wouldn’t be able to see any other way) the train itself is a work of art.

Which Class Is The Right Class?

No matter which class of ticket you choose, you can expect to find spacious carriages with comfortable, wide, padded seats.

In executive class, you will enjoy reclining seats and panoramic windows to really make the most of the views too. plus, you’ll have access to a stylish bar where you can purchase drinks and snacks, as well as access to high-quality toilet facilities.

So, what will you get if you splash the cash and upgrade to first class?

Everything mentioned above plus extra space, a terraced car with an observation deck that offers the very best views on board, and a complimentary meal in the restaurant car.

Honestly, though, whichever class you choose, this train is plush, and the views you’ll see are genuinely awe-inspiring.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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July 28, 2024
Uber Will Allow Travelers To Book An Airport Ride 30 Days In Advance Amid Summer Travel Chaos
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Whether it’s domestic or international, travel has underwent significant changes, even some permanent ones. Covid may no longer be a huge concern at a majority of destinations worldwide, but its impact is still being felt across different sectors of the industry, where staff shortages are contributing to a summer of travel chaos.

Flight disruption is now becoming the rule rather than the exception, and the huge influx of passengers is resulting in excessively long delays at some major international hubs. In a bid to ease the traffic into and out of airports and reduce wait times, Uber will now allow travelers to pre-book their transfer up to 30 days in advance in several destinations.

If you’re planning on traveling in the next few weeks, this is your chance to secure a ride to the airport before most drivers are unavailable:

Airport Transfers Are About To Become A Lot Smoother

Uber is paving the way among same-category service providers in allowing customers to schedule a ride this far ahead, and they have a very good reason for doing that. This year, passenger traffic at U.S. airports has more than doubled compared to 2021, according to data provided by the Transport Security Association (TSA), and it could increase even further.

Now that the U.S. has finally lifted its much-criticized pre-departure testing regime, more than half of Americans who had been patiently waiting for rules to be eased so they could travel will be taking to the skies in a heartbeat. While this is good news in terms of tourism recovery, we have seen how the situation can turn anarchic when demand outpaces supply.

We all have had to stand in line for endless minutes until the next taxi or Uber was available, sore-headed and all, after a long flight journey, and it’s never a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, wait times for airport transfers are set to increase once summer is in full swing – they’re already long, and the season is only starting.

Luckily, with the new Uber Reserve option, customers can now book trips up to a month in advance to and from several airports within the U.S. and globally. Though it was launched last year in select locations, the update has now been extended to more than 55 hubs, both domestic and international, with the latest adds being the following:

Domestic*
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
International
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) – Milan, Italy
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN) and Malpensa Airport (MXP) – Milan, Italy
- Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (CIA) – Rome, Italy
- Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) – Rome, Italy
- Nice Cote d’Azur Airport (NCE) – Nice, France
- Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – Paris, France
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – Cape Town, South Africa
- O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) – Johannesburg, South Africa
- Lanseria International Airport (HLA) – Johannesburg, South Africa
There are, in total, 39 airports in the US where Uber Reserve is available. Customers are advised to check their Uber app to confirm whether the feature has been rolled out in the area

What Are Some Of The New Features?

Besides allowing early bookings, Uber Reserve gives travelers total peace of mind, as they have a guarantee their car will be waiting for them as soon as they leave the terminal. How so? The driver is required by Uber to wait up to 60 minutes – with no extra charge – just in case there are delays. Looking at the current state of things, we really couldn’t have asked for better.

There are other pretty cool features that might appeal even to those who are not huge Uber enthusiasts: when a flight is delayed for longer than 60 minutes, the Uber’s flight tracking integrated system will automatically adjust the expected arrival time, based on flight information, to ensure the driver is still there on time.

Whenever possible, drivers will also be assigned before pickup, as per customer request. On top of that, passengers can select drivers out of their ‘Favorites’ list on any Reserve ride. Lastly, curbside pickup and pickup at restaurants in some airports is now permitted, making it easier for passengers to find their car without having to walk to designated areas.

How Far In Advance Should I Request My Uber?

As air traffic increases and all travel lanes become heavily congested, it may be wise to schedule your Uber in advance to ensure you will be at the airport in time for your flight. Most importantly, pre-booking a transfer at your destination is key, unless you’re fine with waiting for the next available driver to come and pick you up… Along with every other person on your plane.

Airports like Cancun International can be incredibly busy during peak hours, when hundreds of thousands of passengers are either transiting air-side or rushing straight to the airport’s front doors to get the first taxi, and it’s sometimes impossible to find an ride in only a few minutes. Like we mentioned previously, travel demand is only going up.

Scheduling a Uber ride or pre-booking a private transfer, in Cancun’s case, can save you a lot of the hassle of trying to find a reliable driver when you’re just desperate to get to your hotel as quickly as possible. Fortunately, Uber Reserve is available in countless locations Stateside, and you can read more about further enlargements clicking here.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Uber Announces New Travel Services For Your Next Trip

Your Next Uber is Going to Cost You a Lot More

Uber Looks To Add Flights, Trains, Hotels and Car Rentals To App

Uber and Lyft Remove Mask Mandate In The United States and Canada

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June 20, 2022