That’s what hopping on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is all about. Imagine leaning back as you cruise from Seattle down to California, with nothing but stunning views from forests to beaches rolling by your window. It’s the chill, scenic route you’ve been dreaming of, minus the airport security lines and highway traffic jams.

Once you roll into Salinas train station, Monterey is just a short drive away. Whether you’re into the idea of catching a bus with locals or steering your own adventure by renting a car, you’re on the verge of diving into Monterey’s stunning natural scene.

Monterey Bay: A Slice of Oceanic Heaven

Monterey Bay isn’t just another spot on the map, it’s a vibrant underwater city bustling with whales, dolphins, and cheeky sea otters. It’s not every day you get to see such a bustling ecosystem at play, making it a goldmine for anyone remotely interested in what goes on beneath the waves. The bay’s rich marine life isn’t just cool to look at, it’s a crucial puzzle piece for scientists working on marine conservation.

Choosing the Perfect Whale Watching Tour

When it comes to picking a whale watching tour, a little research goes a long way. Hikinginbigsur.com has an overview of the best whale watching tours in Monterey to help you find the tour that fits what you’re after, whether it’s catching the big leaps of humpback whales or getting chills from the deep songs of blue whales. The right tour will take your Monterey visit from good to unforgettable.

Gear Up for Whale Watching

Heading out to see the whales isn’t as simple as showing up and looking out to sea. Bringing binoculars can turn those far-off dots into “Wow, did you see that?!” moments. Dressing smart with layers and rain gear means you’re all set to enjoy the spectacle without shivering or getting soaked. And if the sea doesn’t always agree with you, some seasickness meds can be a real day saver.

Why Conservation Matters

Spotting a whale up close is breathtaking, but it comes with a gentle reminder of our responsibility to these giants and their home. Monterey’s whale watching crews are pros at sharing the awe without the “aww, man” impact on wildlife, teaching us all a thing or two about keeping the ocean as splendid as we found it.

Beyond Whale Watching in Monterey

Monterey’s charm doesn’t end with whale tails. From the immersive Monterey Bay Aquarium experiences to the scenic drives that beg you to pull over and soak it all in, there’s a whole world beyond the whale watching boat. It’s about piecing together the full Monterey picture, from sea life to shorelines and everything in between.

More Things To Do In Monterey:

• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Explore Cannery Row
• Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf for some fresh seafood
• Drive the 17-Mile Drive
• Enjoy the outdoors at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Walk or bike along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation TrailTake a historical tour of Old Monterey
• Go wine tasting in Monterey County (There are many tasting rooms are located in Monterey and nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea)

Let’s Plan Your Monterey Getaway

Trading the city buzz for the soothing sights and sounds of the Pacific Coast doesn’t have to be a daydream. The journey from Seattle to Monterey with Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is your ticket to a blend of laid-back vibes and nature-fueled adventures. Peak season or not, making your plans early means you’ve got your seat secured for this one-of-a-kind ride. So, why not make it happen? Dive into the planning and get ready for an adventure that promises scenic views, up-close marine encounters, and a whole lot of relaxation. Monterey’s waiting!

The post From Rails to Whales: A Journey Along the Pacific Coast with Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Monterey’s Majestic Marine Life appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.

It’s a great opportunity to combine the cozy vibe of train travel and the cool experience of glamping in Big Sur.

It’s possible thanks to The Coast Starlight line by Amtrak.

We’ll walk you through how to plan this adventure.

It’s a different way to see one of the most stunning coastal spots in California.

Planning Your Train Journey to Big Sur

Choosing Your Train Route

Even though the The Coast Starlight does not go directly to Big Sur, you can still choose a nearby train station.

The stations closest to Big Sur are in Salinas, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. Once you get to one of these stations, you can rent a car to get to Big Sur.

Timing Your Trip

When you’re deciding when to go, keep in mind that Big Sur looks different throughout the year.

If you’re after great weather, late spring to early fall is the sweet spot. But if you prefer fewer people around and don’t mind some misty days, winter and early spring can give you a quieter, more private vibe.

Booking Tickets

Next, you’ll want to book your tickets. It’s a good idea to do this ahead of time through the Amtrak website or their app. That way you can get the best deals and rest assured that your travel dates are all sorted.

2: Getting to Big Sur after you arrive at the train station.

The Drive

The drive to Big Sur is definitely a highlight of the trip. No matter if you’re heading there from the north or south, taking Highway 1 gives you some jaw-dropping views.

Make sure to plan some stops at famous places like McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge. It’s all part of the fun!

The drive itself can be scary when the fog comes down and literary in seconds you almost don’t see anything.

The wether there is unpredictable and changes several times throughout the day. So there’s nothing you can really do about it. Just be careful when driving.

3: Picking out your glamping spot.

Big Sur glamping is famous for its awesome sites that mix a bit of luxury with the great outdoors.

Here are a few choices:

• Ventana Big Sur for a high-end glamping experience, Ventana has these cool safari-style tents set among the redwoods. They come with comfy bedding and even a fire pit.
  
  
• Treebones Resort has unique yurts that give you views of either the ocean or the mountains, offering a mix of comfort and rustic vibes.
  
  
• Big Sur Campground & Cabins is great for families, this spot has canvas tents that are super cozy on the inside.
  
  

Booking Your Stay

When it comes to booking your glamping stay, you’ll want to do this well ahead of time as well. These spots tend to get snapped up fast, especially during the summer.

4: Making the most of your time in Big Sur.

With your train ride and glamping booked, let’s look at some activities you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

Hiking

There are some incredible trails, like the Ewoldsen Trail or the path to Pfeiffer Falls, where you’ll get amazing views and really get to connect with nature.

Beach Time

McWay Falls is known for its incredible waterfall falling directly in the ocean. Pfeiffer Beach is especially cool with its unique purple sand.

Dining

Try out some local eats at places like Nepenthe or Big Sur Bakery. Besides great food you’ll also get to enjoy your meal with a pretty awesome view.

Here are a few more tips to make sure your adventure goes smoothly:

Pack wisely

Remember, even in the summer, Big Sur can get chilly, especially in the evenings. Make sure to bring layers and comfy shoes for hiking.

Stay Connected

The goal might be to unplug, but it’s smart to have offline maps just in case.

Respect Nature

Big Sur is a beautiful and delicate place. Always stick to the trails and leave no trace behind to keep it that way.

The post How To Combine Train Travel with Glamping Adventures in Big Sur appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.

The lovely Emirate of Dubai has several of the most famous tourist destinations in the Emirates, including recreational areas such as famous water sports that families come to enjoy with their children. In this article, we reveal a selection of these water sports that we suggest for any family looking to make their children happy with Gold’s Yacht.

The banana boat

That isn’t you slipping on a banana peel; that is you and your buddies slipping off a giant yellow inflatable while speeding over the sea. Parties of four or more straddle a blow-up ‘nana while being towed over the waves by a motorboat in the popular seaside recreation. It is not for the faint of heart or anybody lacking significant upper body strength. It’s also suitable for people of all ages. Do you mind being wet? You’d better hold on tight.

Fishing

Set sail from Dubai Marina on a yacht through the Palm Jumeirah for a morning of sun, sea, and hunting. Gold’s Yacht provides a two-man crew to handle the sailing, rod setup and even baiting if necessary. Simply cast your line, wait for a bite, then reel it in. Anything caught onboard may be cooked or taken home for a fish feast. It’s time to sharpen your talents.

Flyboarding

Face planting and a lot of adrenaline. Flyboarding is one of humanity’s most futuristic water-borne technologies for enjoyment. Strap your feet to a board and soar into the air as powerful jet nozzles spray water out, pushing you up to 15 meters in the air. You’ll be able to float softly over the water with minimal practice, and if you keep trying, you may be back flipping your way to a James Bond-style weekend of fun with yachtrentaldubai.com.

Jetpacking

Another water activity, another extraordinary piece of equipment. You’re hooked to a jetpack this time and float through the waves. Water gushes forth, launching thrill-seekers into the air with their legs dangling below. When it comes to legs, the key to balance is to maintain them stable. You’ll have cracked it if you can master it.

Jet skiing

Jet skiing made ripples in the personal watercraft industry when it first became available to the general public in 1972. The positively old technology is still in use in Dubai after more than 50 years. You’ll hear the motor roar before you see the happy skiers speeding over the coastline. There are rental companies on the JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, and La Mer beaches, so you’ll have plenty of alternatives.

E-Foil

With its unique technology, the latest water sport to hit Dubai, eFoil, has taken over the beaches. Riders may soar over any body of water at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, without the requirement for waves or towing from a watercraft. Because the activity is still in its early stages, the new board is only available in Gold’s Yacht and other yacht charters.

Donut ride

Another tethered yacht pastime is the donut ride, in which an inflatable doughnut boat is dragged through the water by motorized watercraft.

Jet car

Do you want to spend your time in Dubai actively? Consider heading seaside for aquatic activities! For anyone wishing to do something different in the Emirate, we have a new activity – a jet vehicle. You may enjoy the jet car activity alone or with others, and you will have a fantastic time in any case.

We are waiting for you at Gold’s Yacht to rent your yacht and enjoy all these amazing games with your loved ones. See you soon!

The post Luxury in the water appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.

Taking use of the contrast between Dubai’s urban and natural surroundings, a yacht charter itinerary may be developed to take charter guests across everything the area has to offer. One option is to explore the natural parks of Oman, as well as the Musandam Fjords. A Dubai charter itinerary can also include the world-famous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is hosted in the exclusive Yas Marina every November. The Formula 1 race is ideal for a corporate yacht rental or function, with trackside views of the action unfolding from the comfort of a private luxury boat.

Guide to Dubai Yacht Charter

Chartering a private boat in Dubai allows you to immerse yourself in the particular glitter of the city’s global social scene while marveling at its futuristic architectural marvels. Indeed, with a varied choice of activities on offer, charter guests may spend their time after leaving their boat wandering between renowned locations and hidden jewels. From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the world’s tallest hotel, time spent in Dubai is time spent exploring an entirely new universe. For a more tranquil experience, the Heritage Village in Shindagha recreates a traditional oasis village to give some insight into the UAE’s interesting beginnings. Similarly, the exclusive Vox Outdoor Rooftop Cinema above the Galleria Mall in Jumeirah promises a fantastic night out for moviegoers. With each of these sites conveniently accessible from Dubai’s marinas, charter passengers can anticipate having a great time in this area.

To start planning a luxury crewed yacht charter in Gold’s Yacht, go over and compare all of the superyachts mentioned below before contacting us. We will be able to advise you of the current availability of your preferred superyacht as well as give advice on the ideal time to visit this incredible destination.

Sunseeker 60ft. Yacht

Step aboard the extraordinary “Outlaw,” a Sunseeker 60ft. yacht in Gold’s Yacht that redefines luxury and elegance. This boat guarantees a memorable time on the water with its elegant style and exceptional amenities.

Elegant and spacious

The Sunseeker 60ft. “Outlaw” has a spacious interior with three cabins that can sleep up to 12 passengers. Each cabin has been meticulously constructed for comfort and relaxation, ensuring that you have a calm escape during your voyage.

A Culinary Delight

Indulge in a range of refreshments and treats on board. Enjoy unlimited soft drinks, including Sprite, Coke, and various diet options. Savor still and sparkling water to quench your thirst. Fresh fruit platters and Nespresso coffee complete the delightful culinary offerings.

Entertainment at Sea

Enhance your experience with entertainment options that include a music stereo system and a TV. Whether you wish to dance to your favorite tunes or relax with a movie, the “Outlaw” has you covered.

Convenient Amenities

The yacht is equipped with fresh towels for your comfort, and an E-Grill is available upon request for those who want to enjoy a grilled meal on the open water.

Your Luxury Getaway

“Outlaw” is ready to host up to 12 guests for a memorable journey. Depart from Dubai Marina’s new harbor and explore the stunning waters of the region.

Your Luxury Getaway “Outlaw” can accommodate up to 12 people for an unforgettable adventure. Explore the gorgeous seas of the region from Dubai Marina’s new harbor.

Unrivalled Design

The Sunseeker 60ft. “Outlaw” distinguishes out as a compact luxury yacht in her own right, thanks to its exceptional design and interior. As you begin your voyage aboard this remarkable yacht, you will discover a world of grandeur and comfort.

Aicon 85ft Luxury Yacht: An Unforgettable Experience

The Aicon 85ft. luxury yacht in Gold’s Yacht is a magnificent work of marine workmanship. This boat redefines luxury on the sea with its elegant appearance and flawless performance.

Elegance in Space

The Aicon yacht, at 85 feet in length, has enough capacity to accommodate up to 20 people for day trips and a cozy refuge for up to 6 overnight visitors. Whether you’re planning a day of sailing or a relaxing night on the water, this boat provides plenty of luxury and style.

Three opulent bedrooms

Step inside to find three luxuriously decorated bedrooms, each with its ensuite bathroom. The large accommodations offer a tranquil refuge for relaxation and repose, ensuring that every moment on board is a luxury one.

Crew with Prior Experience

A devoted crew, comprising a seasoned skipper and three attentive members, makes your voyage aboard the Aicon 85ft. yacht even more delightful. Their knowledge and attention to detail will ensure that all of your requirements are addressed.

There are several amenities available.

The boat is outfitted with a variety of facilities for your comfort and enjoyment. Unlimited soft drinks, including Sprite, Cola, and diet choices, are available. Snack on chips, almonds, and fresh fruits. Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, and if you’d like, the team can fire up the grill for a tasty supper. Gourmet culinary experiences on the water are possible thanks to the fully equipped kitchen.

At Your Fingertips: Entertainment

Without amusement, no journey is complete. The 85-foot Aicon boat has music speakers to create the mood, and fresh towels are constantly available. An E-Grill is available upon request for those who want to experience the excitement of grilling on the open water.

The pinnacle of fashion and performance

In conclusion, the Aicon 85ft. yacht combines breathtaking beauty with exceptional performance. Whether you want a day of excitement or a peaceful vacation, this boat provides both elegance and functionality. With its stylish design and first-rate amenities, it guarantees a wonderful voyage on the high seas.

Rent a luxurious boat in Dubai now!

Renting a yacht in Dubai has never been more luxurious! We have many boat selections from the world’s greatest brands. For a spectacular luxury yachting experience, each model in our vast fleet includes cutting-edge facilities, professional crewmembers, and top safety measures. Celebrate special occasions, avoid crowds for a few hours, or spend the night dancing beneath the stars by reserving luxury boat rentals in Dubai with us.

The post Yachts for rent in Dubai appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.

In the United States, high-speed rail is a particularly controversial component of the infrastructure debate. Proponents cite the potential economic benefits of faster trains, including energy savings, faster travel times than cars, and a potential boom in related industries. Some advocates envision a network that connects all major U.S. cities through high-speed rail corridors. In 2009, President Barack Obama proposed a national high-speed rail network; the plan called for ten interconnected high-speed rail corridors, with Chicago as the main rail hub. As vice president in 2011, Biden announced a six-year plan to build a high-speed rail network that would cover 80 percent of the country within twenty-five years. As of 2023, Congress has not funded any of these proposals.

Opponents argue that high-speed trains are a bad deal. They point out that most rely heavily on government subsidies and charge expensive fares, while remaining slower than air travel and less convenient than cars. Some estimates put the cost of introducing high-speed rail in the United States at up to $3 trillion, plus ongoing maintenance costs. Other critics say that most of the United States is not suitable for such a network, given how scattered major population centers are.

In the absence of a national plan, some states have gone ahead with their own. Brightline, a privately owned intercity passenger rail line in Florida, plans to introduce high-speed rail service between Miami and Orlando in 2023 and expand to western states by the end of the decade. Other plans have run into bureaucratic red tape and significant cost overruns. A high-speed line planned by the state-run California High-Speed Rail Authority to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco quickly became a tangle of local politics.

California’s infrastructure problems reflect a widespread dynamic: building and maintaining any infrastructure in the United States is much more expensive than in other countries. Experts attribute this to many reasons, including local resistance, labor and environmental regulations, and outsourcing of construction to private companies.

The post Why is the US lagging behind in high-speed rail development? appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.

During the railroads’ “golden age,” from 1865 to the early 20th century, when they had virtually no competitors, the infrastructure grew at an astounding rate.

During those years, the U.S. railroad network grew from 35,000 miles to a peak of 254,000 miles in 1916. Never before has any other country had such a grand network of railroads.

The U.S. railroads have been privately owned for virtually their entire history, except during World War I, when they were brought under the full control of the federal government.

After that, the companies were returned to their owners. This does not mean, however, that they were not controlled by the government.

Beginning in 1910, the legislation was amended to give the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) the right to suspend tariffs if it believed the railroad was abusing its monopoly power.

Railroad companies were obliged to coordinate their price lists, as well as their transportation routes.

On the other hand, strong influence had trade unions, under the pressure of which back in 1916 the railway workers received an 8-hour working day instead of the 10-hour and a guarantee of overtime pay in half.

As long as there was not much competition in the freight market, none of this had much effect on the railroads. Although it did result in insufficient investment in upgrades.

The situation was exacerbated by growing competition from road transport, which was linked to the U.S. highway construction boom.

The story of the gradual decline of the railroads is vividly described in a novel by the American author Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged, which was published in 1957 but is still very popular today.

In it, in particular, a train crashes because of the condition of the track, which had not been renewed in 100 years.

In fact, the situation was not that bad until the 1970s. In 1951, the railroads set a record for freight and passenger traffic.

They moved 40.5 million loaded cars and 483 million passengers on the network out of 223,000 miles. They operated 2 million freight cars and 42,000 passenger cars and 40,000 locomotives.

However, this did not save from gradually increasing competition. On the one hand, the market was conquered by trucks, the operation of which cost much less due to the lack of own investments in infrastructure by carriers.

Huge investments from the state budget were made to build and repair roads. As a result the share of cars on the US transportation market grew from 10 to 20% in the 1940-1950s.

On the other hand, internal water transport, the most economical according to fuel consumption, was developing. Aviation was becoming more and more important in passenger traffic.

The post Deregulation and restructuring appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.

American railroad workers are one of the pioneers in the technology of all-welded rails. Nowadays, continuous or “velvet” track dominates the network.

It is considered to be less destructive for the rolling stock. Besides, Americans were among the first to start using intermodal transportation – transportation by several modes of transport. They also helped in solving problems with low-volume stations.

The Association of American Railroads estimates that from 1980 to 2019, companies spent more than $710 billion of their own money on capital spending and maintenance related to locomotives, freight cars, track facilities, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure and equipment.

Net capital investment in the cost structure of U.S. railroads is 19%. This is more than in any other area of manufacturing, including computers. The national average for the real sector is about 3-5% of revenues.

Funds are directed to technical re-equipment and technology development. State support plays an important role in providing research to improve efficiency.

Years of development have led to improvements in track components and the way they are maintained, which have reduced the need for manpower.

Thanks to them, the productivity of railroads has increased considerably over the past few decades. Growth has been about 10 percent a year.

Studies show that shippers have benefited greatly from the productivity gains in the form of lower fares, adjusted for the price index.

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimate that customers saved more than $23 billion between 1985 and 2008 alone.

According to their study, if railroad technology had stayed at the same level (1980), freight costs, by contrast, would have doubled.

Particularly striking are the changes in railcar load capacity and train heaviness. Thanks to the increase of the axle load to 32.5 tons (with the improvement of the track), together with the use of aluminum alloys in wagon construction (which reduced tare weight), the loading capacity of one wagon for coal and other bulk cargo was increased first to 100 tons and later to 112 tons.

More powerful locomotives increased fuel efficiency. However, this did not ultimately lead to a positive economic result due to a significant increase in diesel fuel prices in the early 2000s. The U.S. predominantly uses heat-powered locomotives.

The post Capital investment and technology appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.

Parallel to deregulation, two important developments occurred in the nation’s freight market in the 1980s that largely predetermined the development of freight transportation.

The first was the shift in international trade from Europe to Asia. Imports from Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea were coming into the U.S. at West Coast (Pacific) ports and then shifting to densely populated cities to the east.

U.S. railroads have responded to this challenge by introducing a breakthrough technology: double-stack container trains.

They cut the cost of intermodal transportation by nearly half and successfully competed with automobile transportation.

Moreover, the trains were able to handle longer containers (over 40 feet), after allowing them to be transported by road in the 2000s.

New intermodal terminals were created, and a number of major railroad stations were redesigned for them.

As a result, containers are now the fastest growing and most profitable segment of the U.S. railroad business.

In 2013, intermodal revenue (about $15 billion) exceeded coal revenue ($14.3 billion), which has long been a major freight. Intermodal transportation in the U.S. breaks records almost every year.

If we take the time interval from 1980 to 2018, they increased from 3 to 14 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), that is almost 5 times.

In addition to containers, semi-trailers and automobiles are transported, but their share is small. According to the Intermodal Association of North America (IATA), international cargo accounts for 54% of the total.

A second major development that contributed to the development of U.S. railroads was the rapid expansion of coal mining in the Powder River Basin, Montana.

This was due to clean air measures and the need for low-sulfur coal supplies. Nearly half of U.S. coal is mined here.

Coal has always been and remains the largest cargo for U.S. railroads, accounting for about 40% of tonnage. Another massive cargo is grain.

At the same time, shipments of chemicals increased significantly – by 68% from 1980 to 2007. Including due to new types of transportation in special containers.

At the same time, shipments of a major rail freight such as iron ore in the U.S. collapsed by 62% over a third of a century due to depletion of local resources.

Shipments of general cargo (metal products, foodstuffs, timber, construction cargoes, and pulp) have also declined.

The post Reorientation and Loads appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.

The network was too large, for it was built on the assumption that steam locomotives had to be refueled every 100 miles.

It also served a huge number of customers and cities, which made for complex operations. Many lines faced problems of obsolescence and competition and congestion.

Much of the public debate about railroads in the 1970s was about low-volume lines.

The railroads wanted to abandon them as unprofitable. They didn’t want to wait for all the traffic to disappear.

At the same time, customers and local officials opposed it, on the grounds that jobs would be lost and regional economies would suffer.

The bankruptcy of the railroads, however, led to the passage of deregulatory laws. Under them, the U.S. Congress allowed companies to abandon unprofitable lines unless subsidies were provided by the state, local governments, or customers.

To make the process acceptable to the public, the government allocated temporary funding to the states to keep low-volume lines open.

In spite of this, many were abandoned and others were converted to short lines or regional railroads.

Nowadays, they play a crucial role in serving existing customers and in attracting new freight owners.

In all, more than 40,000 miles of track have been closed or mothballed, helping to reduce infrastructure maintenance costs.

The annual savings from abandonment of low-operating lines, as estimated by American experts, amounted to about $0.5 billion a year.

The market share of Class II railroads, as well as the volume of abandoned lines, has grown significantly.

The U.S. rail network shrank from 183,000 miles to 140,000 miles between 1980 and 2010.

Instead, major carriers moved to more profitable and efficient lines. The railroads focused on long-distance, low-cost transportation of long trains.

In other words, they came to what is called “route transportation”. As an example, the average trucking distance increased from 503 miles in 1965 to 919 miles in 2008.

Subsequently, a series of mergers reduced the number of Class I railroads and eventually produced several large established systems.

While there were 40 registered Class I railroads (18 of them large) in the early 1980s, there are now only 7 left.

This provided more opportunities for capacity consolidation and opened up opportunities for comprehensive planning of operations and investment.

The post Refusing to be redundant appeared first on Ster2R West-Che.