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Why Do Some Canadians Hide Their Trips to the United States?

November 1, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

For decades, crossing the U.S. border to attend a game, reconnect with loved ones, or enjoy a family vacation was second nature for many Canadians. But political tensions between Ottawa and Washington have shifted the landscape. Some continue to travel to the United States… but avoid telling friends or posting photos on social media. Between a fondness for their routines, political disagreements, and fear of judgment, these travelers now go about it openly… but not on the Internet.

American Vacations Have Become Difficult to Embrace Publicly

As CNN reports, Stefanie Ricchio knows New York well. This Toronto-based accountant has been taking her children there since they were born. Every year in April she marks her daughter’s birthday by attending a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. A family tradition she did not want to give up in 2026, despite the political climate between the two countries.

This time, however, she chose to keep the trip to herself. “I told myself that it’s not really something I want to publicly display, because I feel like I shouldn’t be spending my money on it”, she tells American media. She speaks of a tug-of-war between national pride and the memories she hopes to continue building with her daughter.

This unease sits within a broader movement. Since March 2025, the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump and his remarks about making Canada the 51st American state have nourished a movement of rejection. The boycott of American products has been accompanied by a questioning of travel to the United States.

The numbers bear witness to this shift. In 2024, Canadians had undertaken 39 million round trips to their neighbor. Travel then declined for 15 consecutive months year over year, through April 2026. According to a study by Environics Research published as part of Canada Tourism Outlook 2026, six in ten Canadians now avoid the United States, or consider traveling there with reservations. Specifically, 46% report actively avoiding that destination and 15% say they are torn.

Cross-border passages, however, began creeping up slowly again during the summer of 2026. They remained, nonetheless, 25.6% below those of the same period in 2024, according to Statistics Canada. Sporting events, concerts, and theme parks continue to draw visitors. But as Canadians begin to return to their neighbor in small steps, some still prefer not to publish anything about their escapades. The fear of criticism weighs on everyday conversations: Stefanie Ricchio fears that loved ones will ask why she does not simply attend a Yankees game in Toronto.

Between Personal Attachments and Border Wariness

For Kemi Wells-Conrad, founder of a Vancouver-based luxury travel agency, clients fall into two camps. Some cancel their American trips, and even avoid layovers at Canadian airports. Others keep their plans, especially when they travel with children or own a residence in the United States.

Hawaii remains a favored destination for its family-friendly resort complexes. According to the agency founder, some travelers even differentiate the archipelago from the rest of the United States, due in part to its distinctive culture. Yet, despite this, “I’ve clearly had people tell me, ‘Oh, I won’t tell my friends I’m going there’, or ‘I won’t post on social media that I’m going there’,

reports Kemi Wells-Conrad.

Barry Choi, a Toronto personal-finance and rewards programs expert, has taken a different stance. After initially keeping his trips low-profile, he began sharing them again on Instagram, where he boasts more than 12,000 followers. A decision that drew criticisms. Yet he defends the option to keep traveling, without endorsing the president’s choices.

“The reality is that I’m not going to the United States to visit Donald Trump. I’m going to see friends, family, and things we don’t have here in Canada,” he explains. During a stay in Florida, several locals even apologized to him for the president’s behavior, claiming they did not vote for him. A reaction that surprised him and reminded him that political tensions also affect Americans.

Donald Trump, a Real Brake for Some Travelers

Other travelers remain less convinced. Caleigh, a Toronto marketing manager who prefers to stay anonymous, recently crossed the border to attend a Hayley Williams concert in northern New York state. She hesitated until the last moment, particularly after new remarks by Donald Trump and the announcement of additional tariffs. She also feared that border controls would tighten.

Ultimately she published nothing on social media during the trip. Her phone was not searched at the entry to the United States, but her car was subjected to an inspection. “The mood has completely changed. The level of scrutiny has completely changed”, she says. As a child, she used to travel to this region with her family. This time, the experience felt radically different. She no longer plans to return to the United States. Even without talking about it publicly, the trip no longer seems worth it.

This Unique African Culture Has Survived in the United States for Centuries

October 13, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

A language born of slavery, spoken nowhere else in the world, still echoes along the southeastern coast of the United States. From North Carolina to Florida, the Gullah Geechee communities have preserved a culture born among the descendants of people enslaved in the English colonies of North America. Their language, their cuisine, their music, and their traditions have carried forward many legacies from West and Central Africa. Today, this distinctive culture continues to be transmitted in the region’s islands and coastal communities, as the BBC notes.

A culture shaped by the isolation of the islands

The roots of the Gullah Geechee culture trace back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when Africans were relocated to the English colonies of North America and enslaved. In the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, plantation owners specifically sought people from West and Central Africa for their agricultural knowledge, essential to cultivating rice, indigo, and Sea Islands cotton.

The harshness of slavery did not prevent certain African traditions from surviving. The geographic isolation of the islands and wetland areas even helped in their transmission and evolution. West African culinary techniques met locally available ingredients, giving rise to specialties such as red rice—a dish based on rice, tomatoes, spices, smoked pork, and sausage. The basket-weaving techniques brought from Africa were also adapted to the plants found in the Lowcountry.

This cultural continuity is also reflected in the language. Gullah developed as a means of communication among African populations speaking different languages and the English-speaking colonists. While its vocabulary rests largely on colonial English, certain words come from African languages. Oona, meaning “you all,” or nyam, “to eat,” are two examples.

Even the origin of the Gullah Geechee name remains uncertain. “Gullah could derive from Angola or from the Gola people of West Africa. Geechee could come from the Kissi people or from Geechee, linked to the Ogeechee River in Georgia”, explained Luana Graves Sellars, a cultural preservation expert and founder of the Lowcountry Gullah organization.

The Civil War then marked a turning point. After Union forces captured Port Royal Sound and Hilton Head Island in 1861, hundreds of people who had escaped slavery sought shelter behind the Northern lines. In 1862, the town of Mitchelville was founded on Hilton Head Island. It became the first self-governed town of freed Black people in the United States. Gradually abandoned after the war, it was largely deserted by the early 1880s before being ravaged by the Sea Islands hurricane in 1893.

A living memory, yet under threat

Two centuries after the birth of this culture, about a million people in the United States claim Gullah Geechee ancestry. Their heritage still manifests in daily practices, especially during gatherings and ceremonies.

Among its most iconic traditions is the “ring shout.” Participants form a circle, move counterclockwise, stomp their feet, clap their hands, and sing in call-and-response. For Luana Graves Sellars, this practice carries a particular force: “A ring shout has this effect. There are festive ring shouts. Religious ring shouts, ring shouts reserved for adults. But they seize your attention and almost make you want to participate”, she tells the BBC.

The language itself remains a central expression of this heritage. “To understand the Gullah Geechee language is to understand that everything we do is a form of expression”, said Sellars. Cooking also plays a central role. Rice and peas, shrimp with cornmeal mush, purloo or gumbo, continue to be staples in homes and restaurants across the region.

The Gullah Geechee legacy has enjoyed official recognition since 2006. The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor spans roughly 804 kilometers, from North Carolina to the southern tip of Florida. On October 12, 2026, it will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its designation as a National Heritage Area by the United States Congress.

Yet this recognition does not shield all sites tied to this history. The loss of ancestral lands, mounting real estate pressure, and climate change threaten several communities. “The cemeteries where our founders lie are under threat, the land passages that once connected the islands are no longer usable”, warns the expert.

In Hilton Head, Town Council member Alex Brown, himself from a fifth-generation Gullah family, summarizes the challenge of preserving memory: “Our people form a significant part of American history. The history of American democracy cannot be told in full without mentioning Gullah sites like Mitchelville.” A history long marginalized, but whose language, traditions, and places continue today to tell of the African presence in the southeastern United States.

United Airlines Upgrades Its App to Manage Disruptions

September 8, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

United Airlines enrichit son application mobile avec une nouvelle fonctionnalité - Depositphotos.com, rss.vladimir@gmail.com

Hurtigruten

United Airlines now allows passengers whose flight has been disrupted and who have been rebooked on a later departure to join a waitlist for up to three earlier flights.

The aim is to offer greater flexibility to travelers facing a change to their schedule, without requiring them to relinquish their confirmed booking.

Practically, the traveler selects up to three earlier flights within the United app. The airline then automatically monitors the availability on these flights.

When a seat becomes available, the passenger receives an SMS informing them and can then choose to take the earlier flight. Until that decision is made, their initial booking remains confirmed.

“This feature illustrates our commitment to making travel smoother and less stressful for our passengers“, explains Jennifer Schwierzke, Vice President of Customer Operations, Strategy & Execution at United.

A rollout ahead of a very busy weekend

The new service comes as Labor Day weekend approaches, traditionally marked by strong air travel activity in the United States.

United expects more than 3.4 million passengers between September 3 and September 8, 2026, about 300,000 more travelers than last year.

The airline also notes that more than 85% of its passengers use its mobile app on travel day, making this tool a central channel to manage the various stages of the journey.

The new feature complements the self-service options already offered by United in case of disruption.

Passengers can notably be automatically rebooked on another flight, receive vouchers for meals or accommodation when eligible, and track their checked baggage from the app.

The app becomes a central tool in the passenger journey

United has also strengthened several features of its app in recent months.

American travelers can notably use Digital ID in Apple Wallet, based on information from their U.S. passport, to facilitate certain steps of the airport journey, notably enrollment in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID service.

United has further integrated TSA wait-time estimates at its major U.S. hubs into its app. A feature designed to help travelers anticipate their security screening more effectively.

The company also offers new tools to ease connections. The app shows the route to the boarding gate, the estimated walking time, and flight information.

With ConnectionSaver, passengers can also be notified when a departure is likely to be delayed, enabling them to board despite a tight connection.

Finally, United has integrated Apple’s Share Item Location feature. Travelers equipped with an AirTag or other Locate-enabled accessory can share its location with the airline’s customer service to facilitate searches in case of delays or issues with baggage routing.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
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United Tests Meal Delivery Directly to the Boarding Gate

September 6, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

United Airlines expérimente un nouveau service à l’aéroport international Newark Liberty - Depositphotos.com @filedimage

TAP Air Portugal

United Airlines is testing a new service at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, designed to help travelers complete last‑minute purchases more easily.

As part of this pilot program, passengers can pre‑order, via the United app, a selection of meals, beverages and travel essentials. The order is then prepared and made available near their boarding gate.

The service is currently offered on certain flights departing or connecting at the Terminal C, at up to nine departure gates, located between C125 and C138.

These gates serve both domestic and international United flights, with aircraft ranging from narrow‑body jets to wide‑body planes.

An order at the gate

Passengers targeted by this feature receive a push notification in the United app or an email inviting them to place an order before departure.

The offering includes notably sandwiches, salads, beverages, kids’ meals, chips and sweets. The system is not limited to food: some travel aids are also offered, including over‑the‑counter medications, travel pillows and charging cables.

Once the order is ready, the items are placed on a dedicated shelf near the gate. The passenger can pick them up before boarding, enjoy them at the gate, or bring them on board.

“The moment right before boarding” is, according to United, one of the steps where the travel experience can be streamlined.

The company explains that Newark was chosen for this test because of its role as a transfer hub, where connection times can be particularly tight.

A system operated with OTG

For this pilot, United has partnered with OTG, an airport dining and service specialist. Orders are prepared from participating Terminal C restaurants, including Nonna’s Kitchen and Victory Grill.

The aim for the airline is to measure passenger interest in this kind of service and to collect feedback throughout the experiment.

United already plans to expand the test to Houston by the end of 2026. The system would then incorporate national dining brands and offer more options to travelers, notably the choice between picking up the order or having it delivered directly to the boarding gate.

If the experiment is rolled out more broadly, United also envisions integrating the feature into its rear-seat entertainment screens to allow passengers to order more easily during their journey.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Writer
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United Arab Emirates: Archaeological Discovery of a Bronze Age Tomb

August 16, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Emirats Arabe Unis : Découverte archéologique d'une tombe de l'Âge du Bronze à Al Ain, photo by Experience Abu Dhabi

CroisiEurope

The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism has unearthed an exceptional tomb dating to the late Bronze Age in the Al Ain region.

Measuring eleven meters in length, this underground burial chamber sheltered numerous remains as well as a rich array of grave goods. The rare objects recovered from these excavations will soon be exhibited to the public at the Al Ain Museum.

The tomb uncovered within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site stands out for its unique architectural features.

Built with reused stone blocks sourced from even older Umm an-Nar funerary monuments, the structure features an entrance oriented to the east and a stone door weighing more than 200 kilograms.

Vases, Weapons and Traditional Adornments Found

The arrangement of this space has enabled the hosting of collective burials from the Wadi Suq period through the Iron Age.

The excavations have yielded a varied archaeological material comprising vases, weapons and traditional adornments.

Specialist teams in paleoanthropology and archaeology at the DCT Abu Dhabi are currently carrying out in-depth examinations of these artifacts and of the human remains discovered on site.

Scientists are applying isotopic analysis and DNA techniques in order to study the diet, health, genetic origin, and migratory movements of these ancient populations.

Following these research and conservation efforts, the exceptional pieces uncovered in the tomb will join the Al Ain Museum’s permanent collections to be presented to visitors.

Ebola: Air France Flight Crews Barred from Entering the United States

July 5, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Les PNC d'Air France demandent l’obtention d’un droit de retrait sur la ligne vers Kinshasa - Depositphotos @RLGUESSAZ

CroisiEurope

After being shaken by hantavirus, the world watches with concern what is happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Since the beginning of May, the Central African country has been hit by a resurgence of the Ebola virus. On May 15, the government officially declared the 17th outbreak of Ebola virus disease to strike the country.

And unfortunately, the virus is spreading quite rapidly to neighboring nations. To date, more than 1,100 suspected Ebola virus cases have been recorded in Africa, including 263 confirmed cases and 43 deaths.

The strain behind this outbreak currently has neither a vaccine nor a treatment.

And the virus exhibits a case fatality rate between 30% and 50%. Under these conditions, the World Health Organization has declared the situation an international public health emergency.

Several countries have imposed restrictions on travelers heading to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighboring countries, starting with the United States.

These decisions, taken to prevent the virus’s importation, are now causing difficulties in the aviation sector, starting with Air France.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: travelers barred from entering the USA…

Since May 22, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a decree limiting entries into the United States.

Thus, the Donald Trump administration “suspends entry to the United States for foreign nationals who have stayed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Uganda, or in South Sudan within the last 21 days“.

However, whereas commercial flight crews had previously been exempt, with the stricter rule now in place, Air France cabin crew cannot travel to the USA after completing a rotation between Paris and the DRC.

The UNAC, a union counting 2,500 members within the company, fears after having “learned today, Thursday, May 28, 2026, that the cabin crew are now affected by the ban on re-entering the US territory.

Shipments are being rebuilt“.

Kinshasa is served from Paris at four flights per week. The flight is operated with an Airbus A350-900. Air France has 41 aircraft of this type in its fleet.

Discussions have begun between the unions and Air France management to establish a right of withdrawal for crew members who no longer wish to operate on the France–Democratic Republic of the Congo route.

Flight Attendants Not Spared by Ebola Restrictions

They could thereby avoid being barred from staying in the United States, and also sidestep the risk of contracting the virus.

“An extraordinary CSSCT meeting has, however, been requested by the UNAC to management more than a week ago.

We have renewed our request to organize an extraordinary CSSCT meeting and invite representative trade unions to join us“, the union specifies.

On its side, the airline has acknowledged receipt of the American decision.

It recalls that French and foreign passengers can no longer travel to the USA after staying in one of the countries affected by the outbreak within the last 21 days.

To read: Dominican Republic, Maldives: Air France redeploys its aircraft for the next winter

“American citizens or residents affected by this measure are still allowed to enter the United States, but only via certain specific airports.

As with all airlines, Air France is required to comply with the entry conditions imposed by the countries it serves.

Customers affected by these new rules will be informed, and commercial measures have been put in place to allow them to modify their trip without charges“, the national carrier told us.

For now, while the DRC is the source of the outbreak, Uganda has recorded several cases, but all neighboring countries of the giant African nation are now considered at risk.

According to Africa CDC, the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the countries that could be affected are: South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Congo, Burundi, Angola, the Central African Republic, and Zambia.

Published by Romain Pommier Journalist – TourMaG.com
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Nick Adams, Trump’s Tourism Ambassador, Responds to Criticism of the United States [ABO]

July 4, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Nick Adams, le Monsieur Tourisme de Trump ce 2 juin à Paris. Photos C.Hardin

CroisiEurope

Here in France, Nick Adams isn’t widely known yet, having been personally appointed by President Trump to the role of American presidential envoy for tourism, with the mission of strengthening the United States’ appeal to international visitors.

Born in Australia where he got involved in politics at a young age, he eventually settled in the United States in 2012 and became an American citizen in 2021.

Very Republican in his public statements, one can read in a document published by the U.S. Department of State, the equivalent of the foreign affairs ministry, that: “For more than ten years, he has appeared as a commentator on television and radio, in the United States and internationally, on topics such as conflict resolution and international relations. His work promoting American exceptionalism has earned him recognition from several governors across the country…”

Nick Adams has set himself the objective of attracting 100 million visitors per year to the United States by 2030, particularly in light of major international events that the country will soon host, such as the FIFA World Cup, the Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games.

With the observation that in 2025, the United States is the only country among 184 economies to see its tourism revenues decline, and at a time when budgets to promote the country are being slashed, the mission is somewhat challenging.

Yet the man is enthusiastic, jovial, and possesses that sales savvy aimed at bringing in and re-attracting as many visitors as possible to the United States. On the terrace of the Cheval Blanc hotel in Paris, which earned its Palace designation this Tuesday, Nick Adams answered our questions.

99.9 % of tourists traveling to the United States will not have their social media checked

TourMaG – It’s an undeniable fact that in 2025, demand for travel from Europe to the United States has fallen. This results from three factors: a sense that crossing the border is harder, the cost of living in the United States, but also — let’s be honest — a poor image of the American administration and President Trump. One of the leaders of a major French travel association recently stated:

“ We cannot say that Trump is the best ambassador for tourism to the United States. ” What is your response to these three points?

Nick Adams : Regarding the drop in demand, what we generally believe is that many people who had planned to come in 2025 realized that 2026 would be a far more interesting year in America, with the 250th anniversary, Independence Day celebrations, the FIFA World Cup and so many other events.

For us, the good news is that the data we have shows there are nearly 93,000 flights planned between Europe and the United States between June and October this year. That is a 3% increase in the number of flights from June to October 2025, which means there are more than a million additional seats to the United States.

Moreover, the World Travel & Tourism Council has forecast a 2.1% rise in tourism’s contribution to the U.S. GDP and a 12% increase in American jobs in the tourism sector.

Finally, the World Travel & Tourism Council has also forecast a 5% rise in the number of visitors to the United States in 2026. All the data I receive show an upward trend and that people are choosing to return to America.

Now, on the other points, I acknowledge there is this perception among people. However, I am here, in my role, to tell people the truth, the reality.

You spoke about the cost of living. Prices are rising; that is the reality, but it is everywhere, and I sincerely believe that America still offers good value for money.

Second, you mentioned rumors about scrubbing social media profiles of visitors, and I want to clarify this: 99.9% of tourists traveling to the United States will not have their social media checked. That is not true. It was never done. It has never happened.

I checked with the Department of Homeland Security, and they told me that the number of people whose social media have been checked since the start of the Trump administration is no different from the number under the Biden administration, nor under Trump’s first term, nor under Obama.

The figures are identical. Nothing has changed. It’s a false story that was manufactured and spread by people who do not like America, who do not like the president, and who want to damage the American economy and the American tourism industry.

And I’ll add something else for TourMaG readers: if you really want to understand what tourism in the United States is, go talk to your friends, neighbors, colleagues who have returned, and ask them. I guarantee that every person you ask will tell you they had a good time, and that’s all.

About the criticisms of the President: if there is anyone who truly understands the travel and tourism industry, it’s President Trump. Before leading this country, he built hotels, resorts. He is someone who knows what a problem at a hotel reception at 3 a.m. looks like, the issues of a bus trip with tight schedules… He has lived in this industry.

Additionally, your colleagues in the United States—the American travel industry, the Brand USA association—have, for decades, asked many presidents to create an American Minister of Tourism. “Please, create someone who represents us, who can be a spokesperson.”

That has never happened. But who made it happen? Donald Trump. That should give you an indication of why I think he is good for tourism and travel.

As for me, I have loved tourism and travel my entire life. It’s about exploration, discovery, personal growth, gastronomy, learning, meeting people, visiting relatives who live in another country, and reconnecting with friends you met in college.

And then, if you worry about going to a country depending on who is Prime Minister or President, or on government policy, in my view, that isn’t a good idea. The country doesn’t change.

“We are ready for the World Cup”

TourMaG – The World Cup is the major event in the coming weeks. Are you ready?

Nick Adams : Absolutely. Ready to go. We’re looking forward to it and it will be a great success.

There will be 78 matches in the United States that we have planned and prepared for a long time. We will also maintain the highest possible level of security.

TourMaG – Will you host Iran?

Nick Adams : Iran will be based in Mexico. We will welcome people from around the world. We are very, very, very excited and very optimistic about the World Cup results.

Brand USA, a valid partner

TourMaG – A question about “Brand USA.” You work with them. I’ve read that you value their work, yet their budget has been cut. They have gone from $100 million to $20 million. Do you want them to regain their previous budget?

Nick Adams : I am not involved in that and I do not have any power on this matter. What I can say is that they are still very active. They have just launched two very nice campaigns. They are a legitimate partner. I enjoy working with Brand USA.

There are a lot of people in the federal government who work with tourism: the White House, the State Department, the Interior Department, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce, the NTTO (National Travel and Tourism Office). These are all incredible allies.

I couldn’t do the work I do without their support and help. But I think the best news for Brand USA, for the NTTO, hoteliers, airlines and all tourism operators, is that my role has been created.

Best Train Trips in the United States This Summer

June 13, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Traversing the Rockies, skirting the Pacific Ocean, or reaching the Grand Canyon aboard a historic train… In the United States, several rail lines turn travel into a true journey experience. While summer holidays often herald crowded airports and saturated highways, train travel is attracting more and more travelers who seek slower pace and spectacular scenery. This renewed interest is far from incidental: Amtrak, the U.S. public railway company, logged 34.5 million passenger trips in the latest fiscal year. From panoramic cars to steam locomotives, certain American routes offer journeys among the continent’s most impressive landscapes.

From the Rockies to the Pacific, routes carved for the great outdoors

In the western United States, several lines let visitors discover iconic scenery without taking the wheel. Among them, the Canyon Spirit, formerly known as the Rocky Mountaineer, links Moab to Denver in two days, threading the Rockies and the red rock formations of Utah and Colorado. The itinerary passes through Glenwood Canyon, carved by the Colorado River, and provides access to Arches National Park. On board, travelers enjoy glass-dome panoramic cars, spacious seating, and meals inspired by regional specialties. Nights are spent in hotels along the route.

Further north, in Alaska, the Coastal Classic of the Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage to Seward in 4 hours and 30 minutes. This seasonal line, operated from mid-May to mid-September, runs along Turnagain Arm before traversing the wild landscapes of the Kenai Peninsula. Glaciers and waterfalls punctuate the journey to Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

In California, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner remains one of the country’s most popular itineraries. The line runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo along much of the Pacific coastline, with stops in several seaside towns, including Santa Barbara. “The train journey itself is breathtaking, winding along the southern California coast and offering fascinating views of the Pacific Ocean”, said Jason Abrams, head of public relations at Amtrak, to Travel + Leisure.

The Amtrak network is also betting heavily on this line this summer. New connections have been added between San Diego and Los Angeles to coincide with the FIFA World Cup, further boosting the Surfliner’s appeal for summer travelers.

Historic trains that hark back to the Golden Age of American rail

Other routes appeal mainly for their heritage value. This is the case of the Grand Canyon Railway, which runs daily between the town of Williams, Arizona, and the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The trip lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes in each direction and then travelers spend more than three hours on site before the return. A distinctive feature of the journey: some rotations are operated by vintage locomotives, recalling the glory days of American rail.

In Colorado, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad traverses some of the state’s most spectacular mountain scenery. This historic line links Durango to Silverton in 3 hours and 30 minutes aboard a narrow-gauge train classified as a National Historic Landmark, a designation given by the U.S. government for exceptional historical significance. Up to three departures are offered each day during the peak season. Travelers then have a few hours to explore Silverton, an old mining town perched in the mountains.

Another emblematic line is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, straddling New Mexico and Colorado. Considered one of the best-preserved steam railways in the United States, it follows the meanders of a canyon before crossing a viaduct rising 42 meters high. This route operates six days a week from late May to late October.

Finally, long-distance enthusiasts can board the Amtrak Cascades, which connects Eugene, Oregon, to Vancouver, Canada, in a little over ten hours. The journey traverses the Columbia River Gorge and affords views of Mount St. Helens. Jason Abrams also noted to Travel + Leisure that Amtrak’s new Airo trains were set to enter service on this line this summer, with “new levels of physical comfort, a more coherent travel experience, upgraded equipment and dining services meeting today’s travelers’ expectations”.