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Best cozy Airbnbs in New York 2020

2020 would be much better if we all just retreated to the woods, hunkered down in a cabin, and lost ourselves in a book until someone told us it’s safe to come out again. You probably can’t afford to disappear for several months, but a cozy weekend getaway is still very much on the table. Upstate New York is home to some of the Northeast’s most beautiful Airbnbs surrounded by peaceful wilderness, from the Catskill Mountains to the lakes of the Hudson Valley. These cozy cabins, chalets, and treehouses in upstate New York are the perfect way to escape the anxiety of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature this fall.

1. A modern cabin in the woods, Heath, NY

Photo: Airbnb

Just because you booked a remote getaway in the woods doesn’t mean you can’t have a touch of luxury. This modern 3.5-acre hideaway comes with a heated pool, outdoor shower, hot tub, and a detached solarium that also functions as a bedroom. With two bedrooms, the house accommodates six guests.

$344 per night

2. Modern getaway with rustic views, Hudson, NY

Photo: Airbnb

Designed like a classic pool house, this modern retreat blends luxury with rustic charm. You’ll have your own pool and hot tub, heated floors, automated shades, and outdoor deck space. But the modern amenities don’t interfere with the surrounding mountains and forest. The house comes with floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure that you’re rarely without a view of nature.

$714 per night

3. Chalet with mountain views, Saugerties, NY

Photo: Airbnb

From the outside, the three-bedroom Wilderkill Retreat looks like a classic piece of 1850s architecture. On the inside, however, it’s incredibly modern and luxurious, with a baby grand piano, pool table, workout area, and home theater. This converted barn sits on 13 acres and also has a tennis court, hot tub, swimming pool, and a deck with views of Overlook Mountain.

$700 per night

4. A tropical vibe in the Hudson Valley, Rosendale, NY

Photo: Airbnb

If you’re one of thousands of people who had their spring and summer trip to Bali ruined this year, all hope isn’t lost. At first glance, this house on a pond in Rosendale looks like a classic Balinese abode. It was built with materials imported from Bali and consists of four separate “pods” connected by an enclosed walkway. You might not feel like you’re on a Balinese beach, but you’ll certainly feel the serenity of a relaxing woodland retreat.

$614 per night

5. An off-the-grid tiny house, Hudson, NY

Photo: Airbnb

Attention minimalists: This tiny house isn’t exactly a luxurious mountain chalet, but it has all the essentials, and it doesn’t get much cozier. The house is located deep in the woods on 20 acres of land and overlooks a meadow. It’s also conveniently close to private hiking trails. Be aware — there’s no electricity or running water, though an outhouse is situated about 200 yards from the cabin. So if you’re really looking to get away and commune with nature, this is the place to do it.

$93 per night

6. A seven-acre lakeside house, Preston-Potter Hollow, NY

Photo: Airbnb

This ranch is more like an entire private compound than a traditional Airbnb. The house itself is nothing fancy, with a wood aesthetic and country-style furniture, but the seven-acre property also comes with a koi pond, dock, small golfing area, and two spacious decks. The ranch has unobstructed views of the Catskill Mountains and is perfectly located for spotting wildlife. Given the size of the compound, the two-bedroom ranch is a steal.

$172 per night

7. All-season octagonal house in the Catskills, Hunter, NY

Photo: Airbnb

This small octagonal house manages to punch far above its weight. Located on Papillon Lake, this architectural standout feels like a traditional mountain cabin with a private deck overlooking the lake, plus wood, stone, and timber decor. It’s conveniently located near the ski resorts in Hunter and Windham — if you decide to visit in winter — and close to several hiking trails in the Catskills.

$150 per night

8. A contemporary treehouse, Willow, NY

Photo: Airbnb

Having a view of the forest is one thing, but actually sleeping in the treetops is another. This treehouse Airbnb overlooks a small pond on a wooded property just outside the town of Woodstock. It has all the amenities you’ll need to be comfortable, including a sleeping loft, contemporary kitchen, fireplace, and wide windows so you always have a view of your green surroundings. The treehouse is located on a 34-acre plot of land that also includes the host’s main house.

$360 per night

9. Rustic log cabin in the Catskills, Cornwallville, NY

Photo: Airbnb

Envision a woodland cabin where a Washington Irving character might reside, and it probably looks something like this log cabin in Cornwallville. When it comes to Catskill mountain getaways, it doesn’t get more authentic than this place. Located on 28 acres of woods complete with hiking trails, a creek, and waterfalls, the cabin was built by hand and comes with a fire pit, tire swing, and a front deck. For those trying to seriously escape the pressures of a daily routine, and disappear into a storybook mountain getaway, this is your spot.

$250 per night

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Blue moon taking place on October 31

You might not be able to celebrate Halloween in a traditional fashion this year. Trick-or-treating may not be possible, massive Halloween blowouts will almost certainly be canceled or scaled down dramatically, and haunted houses will require zombies to maintain a six-foot distance while scaring patrons. Whatever happens this October, at least one thing is for sure: There will be a blue moon on Halloween night.

A blue moon is a rare phenomenon referring to the second full moon in one month. Since a full moon occurs once every 29 days, usually there’s only one per month. In October, the first full moon falls on October 1, while the second will be October 31.

According to NASA, blue moons only occur once every two-and-a-half to three years, which really makes you appreciate the phrase “once in a blue moon.” Given the rarity of a typical blue moon, it’s even more special and unlikely that this blue moon falls exactly on Halloween night. That particular celestial event occurs only three or four times per century (the next won’t happen until Halloween 2039).

Unfortunately a blue moon doesn’t actually appear blue in the sky, although that would certainly be in keeping with the spirit of Halloween.

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Fall road tripping

Even those of us who’ve never owned a convertible see ourselves driving with the top down when we picture the perfect road trip. Blue skies, warm sun, music blaring: Somewhere in the history of car trips, summer became the quintessential backdrop. In the months that follow, however, when the leaves start changing and everything begins smelling of nutmeg and ginger, the open road becomes even more enchanting. From the season’s harvest to its holiday cheer, fall is the perfect time of year to plan a road trip. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Follow the foliage

Photo: anthony heflin/Shutterstock

Leaf peeping is one of fall’s great joys. The autumnal landscape is reason enough to plan a fall trip, and it’s best appreciated on a long scenic drive. Roadways across the country double as some of the finest leaf-peeping real estate, from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia to the Green Mountain byway in Vermont. Or any old road in New England, really. Across the country, along Colorado’s San Juan Skyway, that red-orange palette found out east is replaced by leaves so yellow they look gold. And just imagine the national parks that run along the West Coast.

Prime leaf peeping is always a road trip away in the United States, whether you have a weekend or week-plus to dedicate to leafy photoshoots. Figure out when the fall colors will peak in your state or destination if your dates are flexible. And remember, road trips, especially scenic ones, are all about the journey: Budget time for back roads if it means better foliage.

Stop at apple orchards, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches

Photo: JamesChen/Shutterstock

Fall signals the start of sweater weather, which means bundling up for some of the year’s best seasonal activities. Think apple picking, hay rides, fall fairs, and corn mazes, all of which make perfect stops for a road trip. Should you drive the Green Mountain Byway, for example, break up your leaf peeping with a detour to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, where you can stock up on cider and doughnuts for the car. No apple orchards on your route? There’ll almost certainly be a pumpkin patch, possibly an epic one. Leave a little trunk space for your future jack-o-lanterns.

Keep the car cozy

Photo: tartanparty/Shutterstock

Road-tripping at the height of summer sounds glamorous until you’re going 70 on the interstate, windows up, sun in your eyes, and everyone’s bickering over the right A/C temperature. Fall road-trippers, on the other hand, have every excuse to make their cars comfort-mobiles. Load up on blankets, pillows, wool socks, and whatever else will keep you cozy, even when the car is warming up. Pack a thermos each for endless refills of chai tea, maple coffee, hot chocolate, and warm cider. And stock up on car snacks that fit the theme. The farms, orchards, attractions, and festivals you stop at on your drive are a good place to start: Most peddle fall staples like cider donuts, kettle corn, caramel apples, and other (mostly) car-friendly fall treats.

Get spooky

Photo: Pavel Klasek/Shutterstock

Fall’s two biggest holidays set competing tones for the season. Thanksgiving is all warm and pumpkin-spiced while Halloween welcomes all things bone-chilling. A cozy car will be your sanctuary on a fall road trip, but you can have the best of both worlds by staying at a haunted hotel. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, comes to mind, as does The Equinox in Vermont, said to be haunted by Mary Todd Lincoln.

To really lean into the Halloween spirit, plan your road trip around a to-die-for ghost or serial killer tour, pick a highway with an amusement park that does fright night, or make a tour out of other haunted locales like bars or horror-flick filming locations.

Take Thanksgiving on the road

Photo: Tetiana Ladigyna/Shutterstock

We tend to think of Thanksgiving as a homebound holiday, but there’s often travel involved, whether that means going to see relatives or welcoming them from out of state. It’s less common to travel over the Thanksgiving break, though it’s a trend we’d endorse.

If you’re planning to visit family for Thanksgiving, make a mini-vacation out of it by opting to drive rather than fly. Or, if your relatives live all the way across the country, consider flying into a closer city and renting a car for the last leg if it’s within your budget. Bonus points if you turn up with hand-picked apples for a homemade pie.

A road trip is also a fun idea for a non-traditional Thanksgiving. It’s hard to imagine the holiday without its signature meal, but there’s no rule about making grandma’s stuffing in a rented kitchen, or reimagining Thanksgiving dinner at a campsite if your idea of a road trip includes sleeping under the stars.

Whether you lean into the seasonal theme or not, September, October, and November are some of the most beautiful months of the year to explore the country, even outside of New England. Give a fall road trip a chance and see for yourself.

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The post Sorry, summer. Fall is the ultimate road-tripping season. appeared first on Matador Network.

Regional fast food chains in the US

The first great American road trip took place in 1903. That year, someone bet a Vermont doctor that he couldn’t make it across the country in an automobile (he did, along with a companion and a goggles-wearing dog named Bud). A lack of convenient places to eat, along with other inconveniences like proper roads, made it far from easy. But it only took a little more than half a century for the road trip to become a hallowed American past time. The road trip soared in popularity thanks to more roads, better cars, and a staple of Americana that came up right alongside the road trip: the fast food restaurant chain.

The fast food pit stop solidified its place on road trip itineraries in the 1960s. At first, all chains were regionally specific, but several chains quickly grew until they became the omnipresent option on the main roads across the United States. It’s rare to pass a large exit that lacks a Taco Bell, McDonalds, Subway, or Burger King. Yet while the biggest chains might be better known, the regional chains that stuck to their roots are perhaps best loved.

“Regional chains are just better,” says Adam Chandler, author of Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom. “They’re often privately held or family owned, which usually translates to smoother operations and a more pleasant overall experience. Also, the localized menu items are reflective of where you are, which adds character to the whole dynamic.”

Sure, a regional fast food joint isn’t a farm-to-table experience with location-specific ingredients, but it can still unwrap a little of what drives each part of the country’s tastes. A Fat Burger instead of a Burger King, for example, or a Bojangles’ instead of a KFC. Of course, there are similarities across the board when it comes to fast food — meat-centric, fried, plenty of potatoes — but the slight variations are what builds a passionate regional fan base a la In-N-Out or Whataburger.

Photo: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

Some regions are luckier than others when it comes to regional fast food options.

“Between In-N-Out, Del Taco, Jack in the Box, Fatburger, and all the donut chainlets, California and the West make a strong case for the best regional fast food,” Chandler says. When picking the best region in the US for fast food, though, there’s another winner in his eyes. “I have to go with the Southeast though. There’s something special about what Bojangles’, Cook Out, Chick-fil-A, Biscuitville, and Krystal all do that don’t get enough credit.”

Many people are only familiar with the bigger national chains because, well, they’re more widespread. But for every large chain, there’s a regional option to try. Fans of Taco Bell, myself and Chandler included, might try Del Taco, a Western chain started by a lieutenant of Taco Bell founder Glen Bell that’s known for putting just about everything from burgers to carne asada fries to burritos on its all-encompassing menu. In the Midwest there’s Taco John’s while in Texas and the rest of the South you’ll find Taco Cabana and Torchy’s.

Despite the joys of Taco Bell and its regional counterparts, the fast food burger reigns king over drive-thru menu options.

“I think the strength of a burger is the standard by which all American food should be judged,” Chandler says. “And between steak burgers, smashed burgers, backyard burgers, mighty colossals, loose-meat burgers, pub-style burgers, and sliders, there are endless compelling variations on the theme.” He also adds, “If I’m 170 miles from wherever I’m headed, there’s nothing more fortifying than a basic fast-food cheeseburger. It’s cheap, familiar, uncomplicated, and it won’t ruin the rest of your drive.”

Whatever your menu item preferences, take a break from the national chains and seek out a regional outpost on your next road trip. You might just find a new favorite.

West: The Habit

Photo: Steve Bruckmann/Shutterstock

The West is primarily known for In-N-Out when it comes to burger chains. People are wild about these simple burgers, as evidenced by the mass speculation that ensued when a lone In-N-Out burger appeared on a street in the Queens neighborhood of New York City. If you’re on the road in the West, opt instead for The Habit. If In-N-Out can be compared to McDonalds, The Habit is Burger King. The burger chain is centered in California and built its reputation on the char burger. The teriyaki char burger oozes umami flavor while the Santa Barbara char adds a classic California twist: avocado and grilled sourdough bread. The Habit has a pared down and simple menu like the best regional chains, so the picks are easy. Be sure to order a malt or milkshake at the end for a well-rounded meal.

Midwest: Culver’s

Photo: JJava Designs/Shutterstock

Culver’s lacks the name recognition of the fast food burger joints like Shake Shack and In-N-Out on either coast, but that doesn’t make it any less notable. It started in Wisconsin and is regionally famous for its burgers on buttered buns, cheese curds using Wisconsin dairy, frozen custard, and proprietary root beer recipe. But Culver’s bread and butter (or in Culver’s case, butter on the bread) is the classic burger. Need more reasons to make a Culver’s stop? It was listed as the third most-loved fast food chain by the industry publication Restaurant Business.

Southwest: Whataburger

Photo: Philip Lange/Shutterstock

Few fast food chains inspire as much regional pride and passion as Whataburger. The Texas-based chain is easily spotted by its orange and white flying W logo. While Burger King may have taken the “have it your way” motto, Whataburger lets you order literally however you want — there are famously more than 36,000 ways to order a Whataburger. Each is Texas-large regardless of the toppings you choose.

“As a native Texan, I have to say Whataburger [is my top regional fast food chain] or it won’t be safe for me to visit home,” Chandler says. “Plus, they have awesome breakfast that you can get late at night, very solid burgers, and great seasonal sleeper picks like Dr. Pepper Shakes and Monterey Melts.”

Southeast: Zaxby’s

Photo: Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

After burgers, fried chicken is the reigning fast food category. It makes sense: Fried chicken is easy to make consistently, holds up well to travel, and is absolutely delicious. And while there’s no shortage of quality fried chicken spots in the South, Zaxby’s is the one you don’t want to miss. Every piece of Zaxby’s fried chicken is juicy and crisp all at once, and it’s crucial to dip it in one of the 15 sauces for the full experience (the tangy, mayonnaise-based Zaxby’s sauce is a must). The only downside is that the brand can’t stop adding the letter z to words where it doesn’t belong, like “zalads” and “fingerz”.

East: Wawa

Photo: Eric Glenn/Shutterstock

Technically, Wawa is a gas station convenience store. Don’t let that stop you from eating its famous hoagies and sipping its equally famous coffee, though. The Pennsylvania-based chain is so loved that it inspires headlines like “Wawa Isn’t Just a Convenience Store, It’s a Lifestyle.” Plus, since Wawas are already in gas stations, it’s the most convenient road trip fast food around for anyone who is a fan of made-to-order sandwiches. The rest of the country can keep its Subways and Quiznos. In the East, there’s nothing that compares to Wawa.

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Norway quarantine flight from France

Imagine setting off on a vacation to Norway, which you’ve been eagerly anticipating for months, only to discover upon landing that you have to quarantine for 10 days. That’s what happened to passengers on this Scandinavian Airlines flight arriving in Norway from France.

Norway had just added France to its “red list” — countries whose visitors would be asked to quarantine — when seconds later a plane from Nice, France, touched down in Oslo. Instead of embarking on an epic Norwegian adventure as they had planned, all 158 passengers aboard will now be required to self-isolate for 10 days.

The new quarantine rules took effect at midnight, and since the flight touched down just a few seconds later, all passengers must now quarantine at a private address. When informed that the plane landed exactly at midnight, the passengers reportedly erupted in applause. That was probably before they learned about the mandatory quarantine.

According to Elisabeth Johansen of the Norway ministry for Health, “the change to the red zone was from midnight inclusive, so whether [they landed] at exactly midnight or one minute after, they must quarantine.”

Along with Monaco, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, France landed back on Norway’s red list due to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

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Americans renouncing citizenship

Every election cycle, there’s always talk of a mass exodus of Americans moving to Canada. No matter who wins, that never quite seems to pan out. Apparently, it wasn’t an election but a pandemic, and a turbulent political climate, that proved to be the catalyst for Americans giving up their citizenship.

A new study from accounting firm Bambridge Accountants New York found that 5,816 Americans relinquished their citizenship in the first six months of 2020, which is an increase of over 1,210 percent from the six months prior (only 444 cases were reported in the last six months of 2019).

In the entirety of 2019, a total of 2,072 Americans renounced their citizenship, showing just how big a difference one year can make. According to Bambridge, the trend over the past six months can largely be explained by reporting tax requirements and the current political landscape in the US.

In a statement, Bloombridge Accountants partner Alistair Bambridge said, “The huge increase in U.S. expats renouncing from our experience is that the current pandemic has allowed individuals the time to review their ties to the U.S. and decide that the current political climate and annual U.S. tax reporting is just too much to bear. For U.S. citizens living abroad, they are still required to file U.S. tax returns each year, potentially pay U.S. tax and report all their foreign bank accounts, investments and pensions held outside the U.S. For many Americans this intrusion is too complicated, and they make the serious step of renouncing their citizenship as they do not plan to return to live in the U.S.”

It cost $2,350 to renounce your US citizenship.

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Kenya wildebeest migration

If you’ve seen The Lion King, you know all about the annual wildebeest migration (RIP Mufasa), but this year, the natural spectacle — just like everything else in 2020 — looks a little different.

Every year on the plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, crowds of visitors flock to see the impressive migration and the predators that lie in wait to make an easy kill. This year, however, international travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have been mostly preventing foreign visitors from traveling to the country, so the 1.5 million wildebeests are migrating without their company.

Photo: Todd Grimsley/Shutterstock

This weekend, thousands of locals visited the park to see the migration, many of whom had never done so before.

Patience Mumo, a 29-year-old tourist from Kenya, told Reuters, “Once I came here, my thoughts and my view about everything has changed. I am actually embarrassed that I have not come here the 29 years I have been alive.”

Tourism and Wildlife Minister Najib Balala said that since the country has lost hundreds of millions in tourism dollars, focus is being shifted to domestic tourism, which involves using national celebrities to promote events and attractions. Eliud Kipchoge, world marathon record holder, for example, has been employed by the tourism agency to promote travel to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

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Iceland releases two captive belugas

Six years ago, the conservation charity Sea Life Trust began an ambitious operation transferring two 12-year-old female beluga whales from captivity in China to the world’s first open-sea beluga sanctuary in Iceland.

The two whales, named Little White and Little Grey, were born in Russia in 2008. They spent the first years of their lives in a whale research center after which, in 2011, they were transferred to Shanghai’s Changfeng Ocean World, where they performed for nine years. In 2012, Merlin Entertainments acquired the amusement park and began an extensive research process to find a new home for the animals. This is how Little White and Little Grey found themselves in the care of Sea Life Trust, which devised a plan to transport them to Iceland where they could live in a more natural environment.

Photo: Sea Life Trust

After a 6,000-mile journey that included transfers via ferries, trucks, and a special branded Boeing747-400ERF freighter, the whales finally reached Iceland on August 7, 2020. The journey was set to finish in 2019, but according to the sanctuary’s Twitter account, the whales became sick on one occasion and needed more time to acclimate to the new climate. Since their arrival, Little White and Little Grey have been adapting to the colder temperatures and building up their blubber.

Photo: Sea Life Trust

This week, the belugas were released into the sanctuary that lies on the southern side of Iceland, near Heimaey. It offers a space that’s safe and protected from the elements; the whales will be under 24/7 care of scientists, who will monitor their adaptation into their new habitat.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to share the news that Little Grey and Little White are safely in their sea sanctuary care pools and are just one step away from being released into their open water home,” Andy Bool, head of Sea Life Trust, told Lonely Planet. “Following extensive planning and rehearsals, the first stage of their release back to the ocean was as smooth as we had hoped and planned for. We are carefully monitoring Little Grey and Little White with our expert care team and veterinarians and hope to announce their final release very soon.”

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7 weekend adventures by rail

After months of being stuck inside, we’re all going un poco loco for a dose of Vitamin D. Nature is the place to be in 2020, from the peaks of Glacier National Park to the lakes of the Adirondacks. The outdoors have never called out to us more loudly — it’s time to rediscover the landscapes that make this country so great.

If you’re looking for a long weekend in a national park, surrounded by mountains, along the coast — or just anywhere that’s not your backyard — put your mind and your travel plans at ease with Amtrak. Traveling by train gives you more control over your surroundings and more room than ever before: Amtrak has made a clear commitment to passenger safety and pledged to limit bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing onboard.

Combine this with their stringent cleaning protocols, the ability to book a private room for the family, and the fact that you can sit back and see the country without having to navigate it, and Amtrak is your best bet for a short vacation escape con calma. Here are seven ideas to get you dreaming.

Note: Some of the sites mentioned below may experience temporary closures or curtailed hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure to confirm accessibility before visiting.

1. San Luis Obispo to San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner

Bikes and surfboards welcome. Start your California journey in San Luis Obispo, but don’t get on board just yet — the Amtrak station is located in the Old Town Historic District, within walking distance of the unforgettable Bubblegum Alley and the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a historic Spanish church with open grounds.

Once on the train, you’ll be kept busy scoping out the Pacific Ocean as you head south (be sure to grab a window seat on the right). One of your first stops should be Grover Beach, where you can rent an ATV across the street from the station and go off-roading at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, head to Ventura for beach time.

Don’t miss the Oxnard stop, only five miles away from Channel Islands Harbor. It’s there that you can catch a boat to Channel Islands National Park, a remote cluster of islands off the coast nicknamed the “Galapagos of North America.” Finish your trip in San Diego, and treat yo’self to some of the best Mexican food in the country, from tamales to tacos al pastor.

2. New York City to Niagara Falls on the Empire Service

When you’re ready to trade in skyscrapers for vineyards and mountain views, head north out of NYC on the Empire Service. The Amtrak station in Poughkeepsie is minutes from Walkway Over the Hudson, the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. You can run, bike, or walk the 1.28-mile bridge over the river.

Next up, wine country. The Finger Lakes area is home to wine-tasting trails that are somehow both budget friendly and personable, with owners commonly found onsite answering questions and greeting guests. And since you’re riding Amtrak, you can load up on just about as many bottles as you want for the family back home.

The last stop is America’s most famous cascada — Niagara Falls. Take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist to appreciate the wonder from the water, or approach the base of the falls at the Cave of the Winds. A complimentary poncho is provided for both experiences.

3. Washington, DC to Charleston, WV on the Cardinal

This route has big-city stops that, on first glance, can make it seem like an urban line — it’s not. Hop on in DC and make your first destination Charlottesville, VA, where hot-air-balloon rides over the mountain ridges are a great way to take in the landscape. You could also drive or catch a bus to nearby Shenandoah National Park, home to more than 500 miles of hiking trails that weave through the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s horseback riding and whitewater rafting, too.

Follow the route as far as Charleston, WV, and you’ll be within striking distance of the impressive New River Gorge Bridge. You might not participate in the annual base-jumping competition that takes place here, but you can tackle the Bridge Walk: a 3,000-foot journey harnessed to a cable 850 feet in the air, all while balancing on a 24”-wide plank.

4. Seattle to Glacier National Park on the Empire Builder

Head east out of Seattle and grab a window seat to enjoy the splendor of the Cascades. The Bavarian-styled mountain town of Leavenworth makes for a fun stop, or you can continue on to Spokane, where the Amtrak station is only 20 minutes from Riverside State Park, a 10,000-acre recreation area with great camping near the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers.

Keep riding and before you know it you’re in Montana, aka Big Sky Country, and on your way to Glacier National Park. There are up to four stops here, season-depending — East Glacier Park is adjacent to the Glacier Park Lodge. Once you’re settled in, go fishing, wildlife spotting, or just take in the landscape that’s been deemed the “Crown of the Continent.”

5. Chicago to Grand Rapids, MI on the Michigan Services

Michigan has the longest freshwater coastline in the US, making it a great alternative for anyone wanting to get in the water minus the typical beach crowds. This route starts in Chicago and can lead you all around the Wolverine State.

Holland, MI is a city with a distinctly European vibe, and it’s absolutely worth a look. It’s famous for an annual tulip festival and De Zwaan, the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States. You can find both at Windmill Island Gardens, about a half-mile from the Amtrak station. From there, head to Saugatuck Dunes State Park, the place to go if you want to swim in Lake Michigan. It looks like an ocean — there’s no end in sight — and it feels like one, too, with noticeable tides and currents. There’s a sandy beach if you want to have a picnic or sunbathe. But the most important part? No tiburones!

This leg of the route continues to Grand Rapids, where you’ll find the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a 158-acre botanical and outdoor sculpture garden.

6. Sacramento to Rocky Mountain National Park on the California Zephyr

This is one of Amtrak’s most beloved routes, in its full form connecting San Francisco and Chicago by way of Utah and Colorado. Several of the legs are incredibly scenic, giving you unobstructed views of some of the most iconic sights of the American West.

Before crossing the California border, make a stop in Truckee to see Lake Tahoe, a 20-minute drive away (you can arrange for a tour or car pick-up at the Amtrak station). Then sit back and enjoy the ride through Northern Nevada and past Salt Lake City. When you hit Green River, UT, you’re just an hour from Arches National Park, one of Utah’s “Mighty 5.”

Granby, CO represents a nice end of the line to this particular trip, putting you just 15 minutes from the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. And if the elevation and hiking prove too much for your muscles, head down the road to Hot Sulphur Springs, where you can soak in mineral-rich water from seven natural springs heated by volcanic rock.

7. Los Angeles to Santa Fe on the Southwest Chief

The Old West lives on when you’re riding the Southwest Chief, stopping in vintage Route 66 towns like Flagstaff, AZ. There’s plenty to see in Flagstaff locally, but this is also known as Amtrak’s Grand Canyon Station. From Flagstaff, you can take an Amtrak bus to Williams to board the Grand Canyon Railway. The ride includes cowboys — shhh, don’t tell the kids — and a staged train heist for your entertainment. You’ll be dropped off steps from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

Another notable stop is Albuquerque, NM, home to the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and filming locations for Breaking Bad (the Amtrak station is a 10-minute drive from Old Town, where you can sign up for a Breaking Bad RV tour). On a clear day, don’t miss the view from the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest aerial tram in the Americas.

Next up is Santa Fe, a wilderness-rich city that guarantees un buen viaje. And then, where will you go from here? Back to LA, turn the long weekend into a week and ride the Southwest Chief all the way to its endpoint in Chicago, or somewhere else entirely? Whatever corner of the country you’re hoping to rediscover next, Amtrak has you covered.

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The benefits of train travel in 2020

Let’s be honest: We were all hoping that despite the craziness of 2020, we’d still be able to check off a location or two on our travel bucket lists, take pics for the ‘gram, and make lasting memories with friends across borders. While current events may have humbled many of those goals, they don’t necessarily make having new experiences impossible. The truth is, travel can still be had this summer with safety top of mind. After all, in the US, you’re just a train ride away.

All aboard, because Amtrak provides safe and convenient routes to get you back home, to your favorite people, or to your dream domestic destination. Imagine exploring some of the country’s best outdoors — the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Glacier National Park — or simply reconnecting with friends and family in the city with an ease and flexibility that is so needed during these times. Amtrak travels to more than 500 destinations in 46 states (and three Canadian provinces!), meaning there’s no shortage of options to help you rediscover the places (and people!) that make this country great.

In other words? Thanks to the benefits of train travel, your summer travel goals are still possible with Amtrak. Here’s how.

Your safety is priority #1.

One of the biggest travel considerations this summer is how to do so safely. Amtrak is answering this concern by limiting bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing onboard. If you’re traveling solo, you can use the seat next to you for your personal belongings. Traveling in a group? Close friends and family members will easily be able to find seats together. All employees and customers are required to wear face masks at stations and onboard trains, too.

Amtrak has also upgraded its cleaning protocols, installing plastic barriers where necessary and cleaning commonly used surfaces like door handles, countertops, and seating areas with EPA-registered disinfectants. Trains have an air filtration system with an exchange rate of fresh air every four to five minutes, and to keep your onboard experience as contact-free as possible, passengers can use a foot-operated “automatic door open” button to move between cars. If you’re hungry, know that all payments in the cafe are cashless.

Your time onboard can be totally exclusive.

Amtrak’s private rooms are perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families who prefer extra privacy. The Roomette includes two cozy seats that can be converted into beds, charging outlets, and complimentary WiFi, while the larger Bedroom features similar amenities but twice the space. Imagine you and your travel companions lounging comfortably as the train rolls on, playing your favorite songs as the soundtrack to your journey, a spectacular American view whizzing by the window.

Private rooms also grant you priority boarding and access to the lounge at major stations. Other onboard perks include three complimentary meals (for long-haul routes) and a dedicated sleeping car attendant to help with your luggage and provide turndown service. Now that’s how you travel in style.

You can arrive right in the heart of downtown…

The very first Amtrak ride — May 1st, 1971 — whisked passengers from Philadelphia to New York City. Philly’s 30th Street Station is right on the edge of downtown, while NYC’s Penn Station needs no detailed introduction. Instead of adding a 30-minute taxi ride to get into the city, on many routes, Amtrak drops you off right where you need to be, whether you’re in town to check in on family or for a much-needed break from the 2020 routine.

Note: 30th Street Station and Penn Station are destinations in themselves. Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago also have stations worthy of a visit in their own right (think of the potential for the ‘gram).

…or minutes from the great outdoors.

California dreaming? The California Zephyr, which runs daily between Chicago and San Francisco, includes a ride through the Rocky Mountains, with stops in the high mountain towns of Granby and Fraser. On the Crescent line — New York City to New Orleans — you’ll cruise through premier outdoor towns like Greenville, South Carolina, before arriving on the beautiful streets of the Big Easy. You could also get to bayou country from LA on the Sunset Limited, by way of the bold and beautiful desert landscapes around Tucson and in West Texas.

Browse the full route list and get dreaming about your ultimate American rediscovery tour.

With flexibility and budget options, you can’t go wrong.

The popularity of road trips and domestic travel are on the rise this year. Riding on Amtrak provides the same benefits without having to worry about weather, packing light, getting gas, or other driving hassles — and you certainly won’t use up your phone data trying to pull up directions, either. Once you’ve paid for that flexible ticket (maybe you scored a deal?), there are no more hidden charges; you can even change your ticket fee-free through August.

So don’t give up on summer travel — when you’re ready, Amtrak offers a great way to reconnect with family, catch up with friends, and reignite all the reasons you fell in love with travel in the first place. The world may be changing, but we can still let travel change us in the best ways possible.

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