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Despite being able to zoom through the skies at breakneck speed, slow travel is making a comeback.

And by ‘slow travel’, of course I mean trains.

Taking a page out of Europe’s and Asia’s playbook, the U.S. has been teasing more train routes and bullet trains for years, but even the train routes already in place are often overlooked in favor of taking a faster, more convenient flight rather than snagging a ground-level window seat to enjoy the journey.

Obviously, the most notable name in America’s train industry is Amtrak. The most popular carrier for train travel released a list of their ‘most scenic routes’ and this West Coast adventure takes the cake for the most beautiful train ride in the U.S.

The Coast Starlight: An Epic Journey From Seattle To L.A.

If you’re an indecisive traveler like me, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route is the answer to your made-up travel problems.

This 35-hour journey takes you through just about every major West Coast city, along with stunning natural landscapes in between ranging from cascading mountain ranges to breathtaking blue-water coastlines.

Before diving further, don’t let the 35-hour runtime deter you; you’re welcome to hop off at any point, as there are dozens of stops, or stay for the full trek and attempt what’s sure to be a “raw dogging” record.

With daily departures from Los Angeles to Seattle and vice versa, the Coast Starlight offers a balanced mix of urban delights and natural attractions as you’ll pass by lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and some of the most fun-filled cities this side of the country.

No matter if you begin your journey in L.A. or Seattle, it’s the in-between that will leave a lasting memory.

Whether it’s window seat views of Santa Barbara’s stunning shores or towering pines throughout the Pacific Northwest, the whole trip is an Instagram post waiting to happen.

The Coast Starlight’s Hidden Gems

You’ll certainly recognize all the major cities you’ll traverse, such as L.A., San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle, Amtrak also highlights a pair of hidden gems as notable stopping points.

For outdoor adventurers, Klamath Falls, Oregon should top your list. This beautiful town is full of outdoor thrills from rafting tours, scenic biking trails, and of course, Crater Lake, one of America’s most postcard-worthy lakes.

The other hidden gem Amtrak mentions is California’s Central Coast hideaway, San Luis Obispo. This idyllic town is brimming with historic Missions, sprawling vineyards, and, according to HomeToGo, the top beach in America this spring.

But if you ask me, the real hidden gem is Paso Robles, California’s most underrated wine getaway that gives Napa a run for its money.

You Have To Check Out The Observation Car!

One huge benefit of train travel is avoiding being barked at by TSA. The hassle of airports is here to stay and as nice as the views are at cruising altitude, there’s an argument to be made that the experience of train rides is more fun and memorable.

With amenities like the Coast Starlight’s Observation Car, it’s like nothing you could experience on a plane with panoramic views of the world passing you by.

You’ll glide past rustic towns, iconic skylines, vast vineyards, and so much more that’s surely worth snagging a window seat whether it be in Coach or scoring a seat in the lounge.

Seating, Dining & Fares

Remember, the Coast Starlight route is hop-on hop-off, so you can divvy up the 35-hour journey as you see fit.

That’s an important question to ask yourself when booking your seat/accommodations. Obviously for shorter stints, you may want to go cheap with the lowest class, Lower/Upper Level Coach Class Seat.

Otherwise, more space is likely a priority.

Here is the full list of the Coast Starlight’s seating and accommodation options:

• Lower/Upper Level Coach Class Seat
• Superliner Roomette
• Superliner Bedroom
• Superliner Bedroom Suite
• Superliner Family Bedroom
• Superliner Accessible Bedroom

If you do plan on hitting up the beach, slopes, or mountain trails, Amtrak does allow bicycles, surfboards, and skis on board.

As for dining, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served and there is cafe service as well. For a full menu on long-distance trains, click here.

If you’re anything like me, you’re likely wondering what it costs before making the commitment. There are a variety of ways to book the Coast Starlight; one of which is by booking a rail pass, which covers aforementioned hop-on hop-off privileges.

Otherwise, you can simply go to Amtrak’s official website and search your desired destinations. In this case, if you were to fully commit for the full ride, you would enter Seattle to Los Angeles (or vice versa) or shorter routes, such as Portland to San Luis Obispo, for example.

Fares will vary depending on availability, season, and ticket class. Before booking, don’t forget to check out the latest promotions!

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Have you been dreaming of cobbled towns frozen in medieval times, hilltop castles that look as if they could belong in a Disney storybook––except they’re the real deal––and all those world-class museums you could visit?

Europe sounds like a great idea in 2025, especially with the host of nonstop flights launching from America to new, unexpected destinations tourists often skip, including a coastal metropolis in Italy and the sunniest city in Portugal.

So before you go along with the masses in flocking into Paris, London and the like, here are 7 underrated (but stunning, nonetheless) European cities:

Catania, Italy

The second largest city in Sicily, Catania is a beautiful gem littered with your usual pastel houses, magnificent churches ornamented in Baroque stucco, and picturesque piazze, overlooking a turquoise Mediterranean.

It has imposing Mount Etna, a legendary active volcano, for backdrop, and the food scene is unrivaled, with cream-filled cannoli served in local pasticcerie, and casual dining spots galore lining the lively port––for excellent seafood pasta, Trattoria Catania Ruffiana is the place to go.

Flights To Catania (CTA) From The U.S.

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines, starting May 2025

Belgrade, Serbia

The capital of a landlocked Eastern European country most Americans have only vaguely heard about, Belgrade is a bustling metropolis best known for its vibrant social scene, leafy avenues lined with cozy, art-filled cafés, and monumental sights.

Don’t miss Belgrade Fortress, a stronghold at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, a picture-perfect, cobbled Skadarlija, and Knez Mihailova, a pedestrianized street bordered by elegant buildings and fine-dining eateries where a three-course menu will still only set you back $45.

Flights To Catania (CTA) From The U.S.

1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday with Air Serbia

1 flight every Sunday and Thursday with Air Serbia

Bucharest, Romania

Serving as the capital of Romania, yet another Eastern nation Americans are only just starting to discover, Bucharest is one of the most unique cities you’ll ever visit, with an unlikely combination of Paris-style, Belle époque facades and graffiti-clad, Brutalist towers.

It’s a concrete jungle certain to quench your Soviet nostalgia, with communist-era apartment blocks, vintage tramways, and all that hearty, meaty-heavy Balkan food––for the best traditional ciorbă with sour cream, make sure you add Ciorbarie to your list.

Flights To Bucharest (OTP) From The U.S.

Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with HiSky

Limerick, Ireland

Forget an overpriced, overcrowded Dublin: next year, it’s time you discover the equally culture-rich, fascinating Limerick, in the West of Ireland, with a plethora of well-reputed pubs to its name, and a timeless Old Quarter that’s certain to appease the History buff in you.

It’s there you’ll find intact Georgian-era houses, storied pubs pouring the perfect pint of Guinness at a reasonable price, and Limerick’s pride and joy, the 13th century King John’s Castle, standing on the banks of the fast-flowing Shannon.

Flights To Shannon (SNN) From The U.S.

1 flight per day with Aer Lingus

1 flight per day with United Airlines––only seasonal, resuming May 23, 2025

1 flight per day with United Airlines––only seasonal, resuming April 4, 2025

1 flight per day with Aer Lingus

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines––starting May 2025

Limerick is served by Shannon Airport, a 25-minute drive from the city

Faro, Portugal

Located in the the extreme south of Portugal, where it’s perfectly sunny for over 300 days a year, Faro combines culture and a relaxed coastal getaway with its walled, cobbled Old Town and a sun-drenched, honey-colored main beach.

As the capital of the Algarve, it boasts train connections to lively resort zones like Albufeira and Portimão, famous for their luxurious beachfront hotels and riotous nightlife, and laid-back seaside towns, like the whitewashed Carvoeiro and a beach-fringed Lagos.

Flights To Faro (FAO) From The U.S.

Every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday with United Airlines––starting May 2025

Bilbao

Barcelona’s Northerly rival, Bilbao, is an equally eclectic port city, except it’s far cheaper and less touristy: it’s home to titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum, one of Europe’s finest, a trendy Ensanche district, dotted with art galleries and pintxo bars, and a sprawling, medieval Casco Viejo.

As the largest city in the Basque Country, a region of Spain that retains its own customs and language, it’s also a starting point for visitors keen on exploring the ancient territory, its sleepy mountain towns, and unruffled beaches.

Fly Nonstop To Bilbao (BIO) From The U.S.

1 flight every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with United Airlines, starting May 2025

Menton

The prettiest town in France, with a postcard-ready marina distinguished by a row of colorful houses, Menton lines the Franco-Italian border, and it offers you the best of both worlds: delicious pasta and narrow alleys, coupled with finesse, and extravagant social life of the French Riviera.

Despite being located a half-hour drive from Nice, and thus easily-accessible from the international airport, it feels comparatively quieter and more offbeat, and we’ll be honest with you, we’ve yet to find better gelato in Côte d’Azur than Menton’s Gelateria Sofia.

Fly Nonstop To Nice (NCE) From The U.S.

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines, resuming May 2, 2025

1 flight per day with United Airlines, resuming April 21, 2025

1 flight every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with La Compagnie, resuming May 16, 2025

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines, resuming March 29, 2025

1 flight per day with American Airlines, resuming May 16, 2025

1 flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with United Airlines, starting May 2025

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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Last Updated 5 months ago

Though undoubtedly popular, Latin America can be tricky to navigate as a tourist:

Yes, locals are welcoming and incredibly hospitable (in their vast majority).

Culturally, it’s nothing short of fascinating, and the strength of the dollar will really get you far.

However, on the downside, you may be subject to safety concerns you wouldn’t typically experience back home.

It’s not the case for all of them, but in some Latin American countries, this may include violent crime, endemic corruption, even in law enforcement, and widespread gang activity, particularly in large urban centers.

There are of course exceptions: according to the U.S. State Department, there are at least 4 LatAm cities that are less risky, making them ideal for first-time visitors.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Starting with one of the most beautiful capitals in Latin America, Buenos Aires is widely known for its vibrant art scene, stately Belle époque architecture, evocative of Europe’s greatest manmade wonders, lush city parks, and vibrant nightlife.

The best part is, whether it’s strolling the colorful La Boca, chilling by the Japanese Garden, or going out for dinner at Puerto Madero, a lively dockside lined by redbrick buildings and upscale steakhouses, your chances of getting harassed, pickpocketed or robbed are surprisingly low.

While we would still advise you to not leave your hotel with valuable items that can get easily snatched in crowded spaces, or avoid deserted, poorly-lit areas at night, Buenos Aires is not the kind of the city you walk around constantly on edge.

In fact, when it comes to exploring, this North or South Buenos Aires guided bike tour is a great way to tick off the city’s main highlights while hearing unique city tales from a local.

As Washington officials themselves have ruled, U.S. citizens should simply exercise normal precaution during their time in Buenos Aires: it is one of a handful of destinations in the Global South to rank at Level 1––the same as Iceland, Finland, Switzerland and the like.

Merida, Mexico

A short two to three-hour flight from many U.S. hubs, Merida is the largest city and cultural heart of the Mexican state of Yucatan: it’s one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the country, and it’s developed a reputation over the years for also being the safest:

From a certificate issued by the Karolinska Institute of Sweden, proving its status as a ‘safe community’, to the U.S. State Department’s Level 1 classification, a list that includes countries like Iceland, Finland and the like, Merida has had consistently-high safety levels.

Violent crime and robberies occur at far lower rates in comparison to other mid-size cities in Mexico, and despite usual safety advice applying––as the official U.S. advice reads, take normal precautions––Americans are under no significantly-high risk in Merida.

Lucky for them, as it is host to a number of Mexico’s most culturally-significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of Merida, one of the oldest on this side of the pond, the well-preserved historic center, with its ornate facades, and Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion.

For the budget travelers out there, you’ll be thrilled to learn Casa Montejo is free to visit, and it’s not something you want to miss: it’s been standing at its spot since the founding on Merida.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is both a bustling city and historically-charged seaport, with the kind of lively social scene you’d expect from a well-frequented Caribbean resort zone and the vibrant culture you’d often associate with Latin America’s oldest, most traditional capitals.

The Spaniards originally settled it in the 16th century, and to this day, much of Old San Juan retains that colonial charm.

Its cobbled streets are lined by boutique shops and street food stalls, and even a monumental El Morro fortress could easily belong in Europe.

Elsewhere in the Isla Verde strip, the otherwise quaint cityscape gives way to casual beach bars, nightclubs, and luxurious casino hotels, so there’s something in San Juan for every type of traveler, whether it’s sun and fun or a cultural immersion you seek.

In addition, San Juan is considered to be generally safe.

As a U.S.-administered territory, Puerto Rico enjoys higher standards of living compared to independent Latin countries and lower crime rates; in other words, violence is not the daily reality facing most Puerto Ricans.

While you can definitely set out to discover San Juan’s winding streets on your own, we would recommend booking a walking tour––particularly one that includes food sampling––to optimize your visit and ensure you don’t fall for tourist traps.

This Old Town Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings costs $157, and it’s one of the top-rated activities in the city.

Santiago de Chile, Chile

The capital of Latin America’s longest, most unusually narrow state, Santiago de Chile, is a fast-developing metropolitan zone resting in the bottom of a valley surrounded by the towering, snow-capped Andes mountains.

Though it does have a beautiful colonial center and is host to a number of Spanish-built landmarks, like the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, it’s a city most easily recognized for its thriving business districts, innovative skyscrapers, and disruptive modernism.

Walking around Downtown Santiago, with its cooler weather and gigantic, glass-and-steel high-rises looming over busy thoroughfares, one might be led to believe they’re in Chicago or Toronto instead––except it’s Spanish that’s widely spoken in the streets.

Regarding safety, while we wouldn’t advise you to leave your phone on a tabletop as you dine on an outdoor patio or wear valuables that may attract pickpockets, violent crime is less of an issue in Santiago compared to other Latin American metropolises like São Paulo or Medellin.

For an even safer experience, we would recommend you stay close to Downtown, where there’s a plethora of foreigner-friendly hotels to pick from and wide plazas that are well-surveilled: this fall, Mercure Santiago Centro is an affordable accommodation option costing $76 per night.

As the State Department reiterates, simply exercise increased caution when visiting, as you would in any big city.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.