road/train trip info please

Hi all,hear we go,were both young dudes/ageing hippies(50 ish) and were arriving in chicago from manchester england, in mid may, we are intending,well,of taking the train either to Seattle or t%26#39;other way or via denver salt lake,,,got that? hiring a car over the west side and doing a little touring there before coming back to the %26#39;windy city%26#39;

Is yellowstone ,mount rushmore ,mount hood areas a possibility or maybe vancouver or south to portland ?? come on yanks help us limeys out.

we are very flexible the only restriction 2 weeks.were up for anything

we may take in a show (jersey boys ) in chicago advice please and we definately want to spend our two weekends in lively places,so we can experience country western clubs or pubs??not that were great fans!

one way car rentals ?? flying back from seattle?? how much.

come on lads and lassies help us out ,please.

have a great weekend everyone and good luck.

road/train trip info please

With one way car rentals plan on paying a surcharge. Check rates at www.kayak.com - most of the major companies have office downtown.

Theater - www.chicagoplays.com

Theater reviews - www.chicagoreader.com - also good for music listings and dining information.

road/train trip info please

You%26#39;ll spend 3 days traveling by train or car to the west coast, so consider flying at least one direction. Take a look at Southwest, United, Alaska or American Airlines for cheapish one-way fares. I booked Chicago O%26#39;Hare-Seattle for $99 recently.

You do need to spend more time narrowing down your goals. Also, be aware of how the Rocky Mountains impact travel between the west and the plains. Mount Rushmore is not close to Mount Hood, and not even that close to Yellowstone. If Seattle is one of your priorities, Vancouver or Portland are nice side trips.

Best bets for lively fun - New Orleans and Las Vegas.

Amtrak%26#39;s Empire Builder runs daily from Chicago to Seattle/Portland. The train splits in Spokane WA so you can either go to Portland or Seattle. The train leaves around 2 pm and arrives in Portland and Seattle around 10 am. That%26#39;s two nights on the train. This is an extremely popular train, especially if you are considering a sleeper. They sell out fast. Coach not as bad. Amtrak prices sleepers by charging regular coach fares for each passenger (usually the lowest possible fare) and then adds one supplement for the room. All meals included, complimentary newspaper, coffee, bottled water, snacks and other perks come with a sleeper.

This train is quite scenic. Traveling along the great Mississippi River and on to Glacier National Park. The other train you refer to Amtrak%26#39;s California Zephyr is by far the most scenic rail trip Amtrak offers. After leaving Denver you snake your way through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierras reaching over 10,000 ft. in altitude. It%26#39;s a longer ride then to Seattle departing Chicago around 2 pm and arriving Emeryville (San Francisco) at around 6:00 p.m. with two nights on the train.

Either ride is good and your arrival cities are also great places to check out.

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