Looking for Staycations?

It’s Mid-March and many are already planning the summer vacation. This year I hear people are skeptical about traveling out of the country, so the hassle of getting to the summer resorts, lake lodges, etc. has become even a bit harder to secure a good place.

I found something that I think would be interesting. The Coastal Starlight. A service by Amtrak that covers areas between LA and Seattle. The in-between stops are Santa Barbara, San Luis Opispo, San Jose, Oakland/Emeryville, Sacramento, Klamath Falls, Eugene, Portland and Tacoma. The scenery in those areas can be quite lovely.

The duration of this train ride is 34-36 hours. 1,377 miles. The diverse landscapes, and coastal views in an air-conditioned, comfortable seat would be ideal to sit back and relax. Take in a nice meal or two, a cold cocktail. Perfect for the solo traveler and anyone with mobility issues. One can visit and strike up conversations, enjoy a good meal, read, scroll social media and play games and watch movies. A sleeper car takes the place of a hotel room and give you ample opportunity for a nearby clean restroom when needed. Safe clean and comfortable. A Coach seat can run between $100-$200 and private roomettes $550-$800 and this cost will include meals. No need to schlepp suitcases through the train station to the nearest hotel, and the costs in most of those cities for a decent hotel is comparable, and then there’s outside meals! There are AARP member discounts and Sola Traveler specials. For an easy, yet interesting getaway, with the ability to see a lot of things, places and people it’s seems a sweet little get-a -way to me. Check out Amtrak Coastal Starlight for a nifty vacation from Seattle to LA or reverse with a few stops for exploring or meeting up with friends or family along the way.