Travelling in the US without a vehicle

Travelling in the US without your own wheels doesn’t have to be a form of purgatory. Beat writer, Jack Kerouac, unwitting inventor of the modern American road trip, never owned a car or a driver’s license. Aside from the odd brief (and presumably illegal) turn behind the wheel of someone else’s vehicle, the author of On the Road relied on carpooling, hitchhiking and good old public transport to get around. You can travel on the Auto Train you must reserve space for each vehicle you bring and check in your vehicle prior to travel.

US cities have a sketchy record when it comes to public transport, but things are changing in many metro areas. Portland, Oregon is famous for its European-sized stash of trams, light-rail, buses and bike lanes. Up the coast, Seattle, an early innovator in urban mass transit during the 1962 World’s Fair, has recently invested in a new tram and airport rail link.

It’s not the only freebie. Public transport in the US can be ridiculously easy on the wallet for visitors, especially if you’re accustomed to forking out £30 for a weekly London Tube pass. The US that have a fun element along with a relaxing and soothing effect on your body and mind so that you can break away from stress and tensions that have kept you bogged down in your workplace.

But, in a country where the motor car has long been the default method of transportation, Kerouac-style innovation is still sometimes necessary and you can find assorted restaurants, modern day hotels, in addition to electrifying attractions, casinos, nightlife, concerts, golf courses etc.

Beautifully scenic ferry rides connect the scattered islands around Seattle, a positively sublime Amtrak train service stops in all the crucial coastal and inland cities, and buses fill most of the gaps in between. This is one activity that is carried out on the US side. And you can plan your trip with advance booking with Wholesale Escapes.

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