00:00Want to ditch the airport chaos and just watch America roll by?
00:04This is slow travel on rails.
00:06There's something timeless about settling into a train seat,
00:10letting life slow to a gentle rhythm,
00:12and watching miles of jaw-dropping scenery unfurl outside your window.
00:16I'm your name, a travel expert obsessed with slow, soulful journeys.
00:21And today we're embarking on the best Amtrak routes in the U.S.,
00:25the ones where the ride becomes the highlight,
00:27not just a way to get somewhere else.
00:30Along the way, I'll share the top places to hop off so you can make every stretch count.
00:35Let's start with one of Amtrak's crown jewels,
00:38the California Zephyr running from Chicago all the way to San Francisco.
00:43This isn't just a way to cross the country, it's an epic adventure.
00:47Imagine sipping your morning coffee as your train winds through the soaring Rocky Mountains,
00:52then plunges into colorful Utah canyons and the wild cinematic landscapes of the Sierra Nevada.
00:58Out here, the rail journey is pure magic.
01:02For an unforgettable stopover, hop off at Glenwood Springs, Colorado,
01:07soak in the famous hot springs,
01:09or just wander the laid-back town nestled against the mountains.
01:12If you're headed further west, Truckee, California, is your gateway to Lake Tahoe's clear waters and spectacular hiking trails.
01:21Pro tip, splurge on a roomette for private views, comfy beds, and all your meals included.
01:27The Zephyr turns a cross-country trip into a moving retreat.
01:30Next up is the Empire Builder, connecting Chicago to Seattle or Portland.
01:36This legendary line slices through the vast northern plains, then wraps around the edge of Glacier National Park.
01:43Keep your camera ready for snow-capped peaks and untamed wilderness you can't see from the highway.
01:50Plan a stop in Whitefish, Montana to explore Glacier's trails or enjoy the vibrant local food scene.
01:56This charming mountain town is an outdoor lover's dream.
02:01Or ride further to Leavenworth, Washington, a storybook Bavarian-style town known for its festivals, alpine views, and hearty German food.
02:11Want the biggest wow factor?
02:13Travel westbound for more daylight through the park.
02:17Trust me, those sunset mountain views will stay with you.
02:20Now, if sunsets and ocean breezes call your name, the coast starlight is pure California dreaming.
02:27This line hugs the Pacific coastline from Seattle to Los Angeles, offering a front-row seat to cliffs, sprawling vineyards, and the dreamy blue Pacific.
02:37Pull into San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara for a laid-back coastal escape.
02:42Wander old mission streets, savor local wines, or lounge on endless sandy beaches.
02:47Whether you're journeying north or south, don't miss dinner in the observation car at sunset.
02:53The golden light, panoramic windows, and clinking cutlery make every meal a memory.
02:59For something cozier, the Vermonter runs from Washington, D.C. up through New England to rural Vermont,
03:05weaving through covered bridges, patchwork farms, and forests blazing with autumn color.
03:11In Brattleboro or Montpellier, step into quintessential small-town charm.
03:16Think quiet bookstores, local art, and cafes where time slows to a stroll.
03:22This is the perfect trip for fall foliage chasing, but it's beautiful year-round.
03:27Seats sell out fast in September and October, so book early if you want the best window views.
03:33Here's the truth.
03:34Amtrak slow travel is about more than reaching a destination.
03:37It's about breathing with the rhythm of the rails, rediscovering the art of unhurried adventure,
03:43and savoring all the overlooked moments in between.
03:47Whether you find yourself gazing at mountain lakes or chatting with travelers over morning pancakes,
03:53the journey itself becomes your story.
03:55So, which route would you ride first?
03:57If you're craving slower travel, go ahead.
04:01Let your wanderlust take the rails.
04:03Like if you're ready for an adventure at train speed, comment below with your dream stop,
04:08and be sure to subscribe for more slow travel tips across the USA.
