If you were travelling from Chicago to Washington DC...

[OllieC]

...would you fly, get the bus or drive? Where would you stay overnight if driving? What would you visit on the way?

Thanks!

[OllieC]

[Flunky]

My folks went to the USA and canada last year on "tour" and used the rail network. They said it was fantastic.

[OllieC]

Thanks Flunksta (& John for the pm)... The debate continues... Wendy thought I was being unreasonable when I said I didn't mind how we traveled - as long as it involved jumping a freight train, hitching a ride on the back of a pickup or getting one one of those old greyhound buses. Bound for Glory & On the Road are 2 of my favourite books...  ::)

[saddad]

Might be tricky tho' if the kids are going too  ;D

[Ceratonia]

Long distance trains in the US is pretty civilised, but seem to be the preserve of wealthy, elderly tourists. Check out the prices on the Amtrak website and you'll see why. You'll spend the whole journey chatting with people. Complete opposite of flying in the US, where you are treated like a criminal the whole time.

Greyhound buses are cheap and usually full of students (and soldiers.) I've had more than one greyhound journey where I've been listening to someone explaining to whoever was on the other end of the phone that they've just been released from prison. You'll spend the whole journey trying to avoid chatting with anybody....

If you drive, there's stacks of good stuff en route. It's about 700 miles of easy freeway driving, so could be done in a day, but I'd probably go via Niagara (a longish detour) or maybe stop over in the appalachian mountains. Driving is much easier/less stressful than in the UK. With a car, you can pretty much find a motel room on arrival almost everywhere, without any need to book ahead.

[telboy]

Ollie,
One part of the States I haven't travelled (yet).
Recommend hiring a car from 'Budget' & stay over in 'Super 8' motels. Most have breakfast facilities or are close by & all have pools. What season are you travelling?
Not sure of places of interest I'm afraid on your proposed route.