Every savvy traveler knows that it’s never too early to start thinking about your next getaway.
And, thanks to Amtrak’s newest promotion, it’s now easier than ever to plan your upcoming easy escape. In honor of Father’s Day, Amtrak is launching a 30% off promotion for all train travel in the U.S. between August 1 and November 7, 2019. The only caveat? You have to purchase your tickets before June 17. No promo code is needed to access the discounted prices, which are only valid for adult coach seats. To help inspire your travels, we rounded up some of our favorite budget-friendly, value-packed destinations included in the promotion.
1. Kansas City, Missouri
If you like music, history, art, barbecue, or baseball, chances are you’ll enjoy Kansas City. Book a room at The Fontaine, which offers up chic and affordable accommodations in the heart of the city. Before you skip town, be sure to visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (free admission). Check out our full Kansas City guide here.
Best deal: Score Amtrak tickets to Kansas City from Chicago for as low as $48.
2. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta offers plenty of budget-friendly attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium (which is home to more than 100,000 animals) and the World of Coca-Cola (where you can sample over 100 different beverages). Pro tip: Consider investing in an Atlanta CityPASS, which includes access to all the attractions mentioned above ($76 per adult, $62 per child ages three through 12).
Best deal: Travel to Atlanta from New York for $112.
3. Washington, D.C.
High-style hotels, great shopping, and waterfront views: Find all this and more in our nation’s capital. After checking into your hotel room – we love the glamorous Watergate Hotel – it’s time to start exploring. Be sure to visit The Wharf, a multi-billion-dollar complex located on the Potomac. Just across the river is Alexandria, Virginia, where you’ll find an emerging food scene, picture-perfect cobblestone streets, and more.
Best deal: Take the Acela Express from Boston to D.C. for $132.
4. Portland, Oregon
From biking to beers, Portland has it all. Book a room at The Hoxton, which offers guests sleek accommodations and a central location to downtown. Afterwards, explore the city via bike. Before you leave, though, be sure to stop by one of the city’s 58 breweries. (Portland has more breweries than any other city in the world.) Our full Portland city guide can be found here.
Best deal: Travel to Portland from either Los Angeles or Seattle for $85 and $25, respectively.
5. Savannah, Georgia
You may not know it, but Savannah is a food lover’s paradise. Yes, you'll find manicured gardens, charming cobblestone streets, and amazing architecture – but you’ll there's also affordable eats that are sure to please. From pickled oysters to fried chicken, to shrimp and grits, here’s where and what to eat in Savannah.
Best deal: Take the Amtrak from New York to Savannah for $97.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Whether you’re looking to save, spring, or splurge, Chicago is home to some of the best restaurants in America. After you’ve eaten your body weight in deep-dish pizza, retreat to your hotel room – we’re big fans of St. Jane for its Art Deco architecture and central location. And if you’re traveling as a family, read up on our expert-approved guide to navigating the Windy City with kids in tow.
Best deal: Score Amtrak tickets to Chicago from Boston for $81.