Chicago to Washington please help!

Hi, my friend and I are looking to travel from Chicago to Washington in mid-August coming, we were wondering what is the best way to travel?

We are both in or early twenties and looking to see some of America out side of the big cities.

What is there to see along the way?

What do you recommend?

Brian. Ireland.

Chicago to Washington please help!

Are you referring to Washington, DC or the State of Washington?

Either way, automobile travel is the best way to see the country, assuming you don%26#39;t mind the high price of gasoline. Gas prices here are quickly apporaching the $4/gallon mark.

There are a million things to see and do during your travels. It all depends on your particular interests.I recommend that you purchase a good travel book I%26#39;m a huge fan of the DK series of books.

A few web sites that I like:

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/

http://www.frommers.com/

http://www.concierge.com/

Chicago to Washington please help!

We are looking to travel to Washington DC, as we are on a bit of a budget I%26#39;m not sure about the car, are rentals expensive?

As for interests! We are just looking for some cool towns to go out and relax in, as we are both new to America we are unsure of the area.

Brian. Ireland.

You can take the train. I believe you have to be 25 to rent a car (could be wrong on that though), so that may not be possible, depending on your age.

Amtrak goes from Chicago to DC and that trip takes approximately 17 hours, if the train is on-time. The Chicago-Washington DC train is usually pretty good though, so it should probably take no more than 19-20, and may be closer to on-time. If you book in advance, the fare should be about $78. If you book train tickets close to the date, the fare can be as much as $120. There is one train on that route per day though, so unless you want to stay someplace overnight along the way (Pittsburgh and Cleveland are the major cities along the way), you would be going straight to DC from Chicago.

You could also take the train from chicago to New York City. That route goes through some absolutely gorgeous scenery in New York State, especially the last couple of hours before New York City, as the train goes right along Hudson River all the way from Albany, NY into New York City. NYC hotels are often ridiculously expensive, but you may be able to get a good deal (depending on your budget) in the late Summer. I%26#39;m seeing what appears to be the Paramount Hotel in Times Square in NYC showing up for $116 on some August dates, for example.

You could then go by train from NYC to Washington, DC. if you wanted, or head North by train to Boston.

Just throwing out ideas.

It%26#39;s a very quick flight from Chicago to Washington DC, though you won%26#39;t get to see much of the country. I suggest you fly, then use the extra time to take trains around the east coast, which has better train service than the midwest.

Be sure to fly into Reagan National (DCA) which is on the Metro line. You can book a one-way ticket on many airlines for about $100.