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Williams to Winslow and beyond, heading across the country

Williams to Winslow and beyond, heading across the country

Old May 2nd, 2017, 02:29 AM
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Williams to Winslow and beyond, heading across the country

Hello, I am hoping someone can help me take a road/train trip to at least halfway on our trip from the West Coast to East Coast. My hubby and I are travvelling to the US late April next year. We will fly into San Franscisco spend 3/4 days then fly down to Anaheim (Dysneyland, typical Beverly Hills tourist stuff) then we want to visit the Grand Canyon. (I did want to add Yosemite but have found it seems to be too long a trip from San Fran and we dont want to go to Vegas).

So, I have booked into Williams AZ for 2 nights and think we will enjoy the Grand Canyon Train to spend the day at the GC this way, then the next day we want to hire a car in Williams and drive to Winslow (I understand is approx 1.25 hours drive) - I am hoping this will be very easy driving as we are Australian and used to everything on the other side. My husband being a big Eagles fan wants to stop in Winslow and we thought both Williams and Winslow will show us the old Route 66 and find some memoribilia/photos etc

I thought then we would fly back to Phoenix but really dont want to back track so was hoping I could get advice on can we catch a train from Winslow (drop the car off there) and take a train either for a day or even two if a sleeper was possible to get us half way accross then fly to Boston which is where we would like to stop for a few days before taking another train down to NYC.

Researching your amazing country has certainly made me realise that crossing it is not an easy feat as it is so vast. My hubby cant sit all day on trains or planes so I am trying to break up the journey and it doesnt matter how long it will take, we can stop along the way and stay a night or two at any places along the way. I am just looking for some help - where is the best place to stop that may have good connections from a train station to accommodation for a night.

Also, Is the drive to Winslow fairly straight forward? I have looked on maps, yes but its really hard to gage when I know nothing about your country so really appreciate some help. I am finding searching for trains to cross is not so easy.

All suggestions most welcome!
Dreams64
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 04:47 AM
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How are you getting around Los Angeles? Disneyland and Beverly Hills are not near each other and there is no train between them.
I assume you are talking about taking the train to the Grand Canyon from Anaheim/LA? Why not continue on and take the train to Winslow, stay the night there and then continue on to Albuquerque where you can then pick up a flight to Boston? Are you flying back home out of NYC? If not, you could get a nonstop flight into NYC from ABQ and then train up to Boston.

Just realize that late April they can still receive snow in the Grand Canyon. I would also opt for a hotel at the canyon, not in Williams.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 06:41 AM
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I was recently criticized for letting someone know that it is possible to get from San Francisco to Yosemite by public transportation (mostly Amtrak). I think it makes sense for at least some people (maybe you). The Amtrak bus leaves the SF Transbay station at 7:05AM on the way to Emeryville (30 minutes) to connect to a San Joaquin to Merced. From Merced you board a YARTS bus about 2.5 hours into Yosemite Valley. The bus also stops at El Portal if you can't get lodging at the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
There are YARTS buses that go south from Yosemite to Fresno where you can get on the San Joaquin train as far as Bakersfield. From Bakersfield it is an Amtrak bus to Los Angeles. You do need a rental car to get around LA to the sites you mentioned.
If you enjoy the trains, take the Amtrak Southwest Chief all the way to Albuquerque and rent a car to drive back through Winslow and Flagstaff to Williams.
The train gets into Albuquerque a little before noon.
After visiting the south Rim of the Grand Canyon, Drive back to Albuquerque and turn in the car and then fly to Boston or New York.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 12:19 PM
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You would be better off with a car in the LA area since Disneyland is in Anaheim, a 45 minute drive south of LA in non rush hour traffic. Spend some time in Anaheim for Disneyland and California Adventure, then move to LA (or vice versa) for Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Getty Center or Villa, Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, Griffith Observatory and whatever else you want to see there.
Without a car, taxi from Anaheim to LA area would be at least $100 oneway without tip, Uber or Lyft about half that. I suppose you could take a Starline Tour from Anaheim to see part of LA, they may or may not take you where you want to visit but they normally include Rodeo Drive.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 04:09 PM
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thanks you are all very helpful and Tom, just ignore those who criticise as some of us dont want to drive as its too foreign on the other side of the road and I would not be confident so do need alternative options. We will not be going back to Williams so heading to Albequerque would suit - perhaps we can stay there then get on a plane East.

thanks also for the tips with LA, I saw a bus which goes from Anaheim to LA (not a long trip) and thought we could just spend the day walking around however it might be best if we stay a night or two near all the sights. Is there a hop on hop off bus in LA which drops you at different places?
So you think its better to stay at GC instead of Williams, yes I was talking about the Grand Canyon Railway which seemed like fun to get us there from Williams.

I really appreciate your input from the other side of the world with my planning and logistics, so big thankyou
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 04:16 PM
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Thanks also odie, I didnt realise I could take the train to Winslow from LA, that may make more sense to stop over at Williams for a night see the GC and then go on to Winslow for another night before heading to Albaquerque, that seems like the logical way to get halfway accross, can you send me a link to the rail network which I would need to book this through?
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 05:26 PM
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Dreams-It is the Southwest Chief train operated by Amtrak. Depending on what time you get into Williams, you may need two nights at the Canyon. It is certainly worth it to have the right amount of time there.

The "Standing on the Corner" Park can be seen in as little of ten minutes, but for those of us who are Eagles fan, it is fun to see. The La Posada Inn in Winslow is at the train station and is a historic hotel that would be my choice to stay at if arriving by train and without a car. It is also just a few blocks from the "SotC" Park.

http://www.laposada.org/hotel_history.html

https://www.amtrak.com/southwest-chief-train

As I said, planes east from ABQ are plentiful. There are nonstops into New York or one stops into Boston. The ABQ airport is small and manageable. It's the airport we use a few times a year to fly into to travel to our cabin in Arizona.
When looking for airfare, make sure to check Southwest Airlines as well as any of the on line travel agencies you may normally use. I actually always find American Airlines to have the cheapest fares into ABQ from my home airport, but it may be different if flying into Boston.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 06:35 PM
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Background of Winslow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EidgVpynqS8

odie is 1000% correct - Stay at the La Posada. Truly magnificent.
http://laposada.org/

These are the movie stars who stayed here - you can select the room they stayed and enjoy that slice of history.
http://laposada.org/hotel_history_guests.html

Meteor Crater is also a tourist attraction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcu-A1hotds

Rock Art Ranch has many ancient Indian petroglyphs that are well worth visiting. The ranch has its own long history. I slight walk down into a canyon is required - not hard. See video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v9RbPNSdz8

Walnut canyon is about 5 miles east of Flagstaff. It has ancient Anasazi Indian dwelling carved into cliffs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v9RbPNSdz8

Vaga
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 03:43 AM
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Thanks guys! That is most helpful especially ode1 with the train schedule and tip on staying at La Posada, will definately check this out and book in. I already booked 2 night in Williams and dont worry my hubby will find the standing on the corner one of his highlights, I imagine we will hang out there for more than 10 minutes lol (he will do all the photos etc - huge Eagles fan Its the only place I want to drive to then get rid of the car as I will be nervous. I know this might sound crazy to those who live there but driving on the other side of the road is distracting if you are driving in a country you are unfamiliar with.

Thanks too for your advice on planes from ABQ. I will love that the airport is small, perfect for me which is why I am not flying into LA - I was there 5 years ago and found it so big and overwhelming so will enjoy the smaller airports and I will keep my eye on American Airlines for cheaper prices. Is it worth hanging around ABQ for a couple of days or would you recommend another stopover between ABQ and Boston so we see another part, your states are all so very different

Vega - love all your links, that is truly wonderful and helpful so thankyou very much I will look through them all. My hubby will find the ancient indian history fascinating My trip is beginning to take shape. I still need to flush out what to do about LA itself whether to stay there a night or two but will work that out as I go along, for now I am concentrating on getting accross without too much struggle and a lot of interesting things to look at along the way
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 08:39 AM
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Dreams-I still strongly recommend you stay at the canyon instead of Williams. There is a connecting bus from Amtrak that will take you on to the canyon village so you can bring your luggage along.
Are you still planning on trying to rent a car for Winslow (sort of sounds like it from your last message)? You definitely do not need one but unfortunately for the other places Vaga mentioned, you do.
Albuquerque itself has a few interesting things to see-museums, gardens, etc but the more interesting things are outside of Albuquerque, like Acoma Pueblo. I don't think I would spend more than the day you will have in Albuquerque.
Just know that you should compare flight prices because American charges for luggage and Southwest does not so add it all up to see which is better with the best times.
When you are asking about stopping over between BOS and ABQ, are you meaning via train or plane? There is a lot of country between the two and plenty of things to see, but we don't know your interests.
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 11:34 AM
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Starline Tours runs the HoHo bus in LA, here is a link:
https://www.starlinetours.com/hop-on-hop-off/
As you can see, there are four routes (red and yellow are the most popular) and it is not a particurly cheap way to sightsee without a car. You might be better off using the Metro (some trains, mostly buses). Depends what you want to see.
Not sure what bus you are talking about between Anaheim and LA, there is the Disneyland Resort Express but that only goes to the airport. You want to generally avoid Greyhound. There are shuttles like Karmel and Zippy.
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 03:06 PM
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Hi again Odie1, yes I am listening, I will look at where I can stay in the Canyon and try to book somewhere. I wont need a car that way which will be great! Yes I was thinking of staying on the train perhaps from ALB, perhaps have a sleeper carriage to see more of the country that way but not sure where to get off then fly to Boston, or depending how long the trip is do the whole trip? My husband thought the sleeper would be fun and we get to see more so I will look into that option too. Thanks for the tips re the airlines will keep my eyes open. Thanks so much I really appreciate all your help and advice. If you think of a great place to stay over between ALB and Boston, let me know, we love everthing, nature, vintage, old America, brick and brack stores, eating etc etc. My husband collects toy cars so loves automobiles and anything related. Thanks again, such great help!
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 03:39 PM
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Thanks Jamie99, I will look out for the shuttles, I think that is what I was reading about and thanks so much for the link for HoHo - that looks great!
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 06:00 PM
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Dreams64: Would you recommend I take a train from Perth to Brisbane to see what Australia looked like? That's a lot of outback to marvel at. OK, maybe just to Alice Springs, or Ayers Rock, and fly the rest.

What's the point of taking a sleeper (since the idea would be to sleep) to the halfway point? Why not just fly all the way? Less cost, less tedium.

Just my take on things.
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 06:08 PM
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This s the shuttle bus company that gets you from Flagstaff up to the Grand Canyon (or Williams). http://www.arizonashuttle.com/cities/flagstaff/
The reason I suggested Albuquerque is that the other stops on the Southwest Chief are early in the morning before rental car companies are open.
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 06:19 PM
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"Would you recommend I take a train from Perth to Brisbane to see what Australia looked like?"

The Indian Pacific train is certainly on my list of things to do, as is the Ghan from Darwin (which is the one for Alice Springs).

And given a choice of a sleeper on Amtrak or a typical US domestic flight, I'll take the sleeper. (You can feel tedium when you're asleep?)
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Old May 3rd, 2017, 10:22 PM
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Thanks Tom, the shuttle bus link is a great help, and I love your ALB suggestion, we will definately end up there, I just wanted to know the best stop from there in case we decided to go further on the train.

This is our one shot at seeing as much of the US as we can, we wont be back as my husband cant do the round trip from Aus. We are going across by a cruise ship to Hawaii so he can have a trip he has dreamed of for 58 years, then we are flying to San Fran and seeing how far we can get accross without getting back on a plane (Thats where you all come in, and have been most helpful)

My hubby's dream is to walk accross the Brooklyn Bridge and I am trying to make it happen I am having a great time working out the best and easiest path, without hopping on planes and not seeing much as we will be on a plane with stopovers all the way home. The reason the sleeper appeals is that my hubby has a sore back and sitting for long periods is troublesome which is why I am thinking a sleeper might be an option for part of the trip, all of these are great ideas and I am going to enjoy researching them, thanks everyone
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Old May 4th, 2017, 12:22 AM
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Dreams64- if possible, I strongly recommend you spend the night in a lodge at the Grand Canyon. Nothing beats opening your door to see that sight right out your door or window. Not to mention having an elk grazing at the foot of the stairs at 9 PM, or in early morning. Or to walk to the brink just 25' from your building. It's worth a few bucks more, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Either El Tovar Hotel or Thunderbird Lodge.
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Old May 4th, 2017, 02:09 AM
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If you fly nonstop into New York, you can be there in just over four hours so that does not entail too much sitting-that would be on Jet Blue who supposedly (I have not flown them) has fairly comfortable seats. With a stop to Boston would be just under 6 hours total travel time (including switching planes, so you are not sitting as long for one stint-I have a bad back and switching planes so sitting a few hours, then walking, then sitting again for an hour or two is usually better for me).

You could always ride the train to Chicago and switch trains in Chicago and continue on to Boston on the Lakeshore Limited (about 24 hours).

The good news is that Winslow will hit most of the things you have on your list-vintage, old America and brick and back stores (there's a great one right on the opposite corner of "SotC" Park), plus it is part of the original Mother Road "Route 66."

You might want to look up the other stops along the Southwest Chief's Route and see if there is anything there that appeals to you. (Wikepdia actually has a decent description on it).
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Old May 4th, 2017, 02:31 AM
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I second the recommendation to stay inside the Grand Canyon for at least one night. We loved walking just a little way down Bright Angel Trail very early in the morning. Just take plenty of water!
Maswick Lodge seems to be easier to get a reservation than some of the others, and is perfectly fine. It's a quick walk to the rim and the Bright Angel Trailhead. The Pizza Pub main lodge is fabulous, and try the "huevos rancheros" for breakfast--wow!

Dinner or lunch at El Tovar lodge is nice, and check out the small museum there about the "Harvey Girls" who worked in the hotel during the early days of train service into the park.
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