One of the most scenic rail routes in the West, the Amtrak Cascades, is coming back into service between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, on September 26.The Amtrak Cascades trains actually run parallel to the I-5 from Eugene, Oregon all the way up to Vancouver, B.C., but the route north of Seattle had been suspended due to border restrictions between Canada and the U.S, put in place amid the pandemic.ADVERTISING Trending Now For autumn leaf-peepers and those who love the Pacific Northwest’s sylvan splendors, this train trip offers an immersive experience of the PNW’s majestic mountains, forests, lava fields, waterways and wildflower meadows.Riders can also experience some of Washington State’s most distinctive cities and spectacular attractions, with stops in Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon and Bellingham before crossing the border into Vancouver, B.C.Of course, the impending restart could be impacted by the threat of a strike by freight rail workers, which was averted (at least for the time being) yesterday after the White House helped broker a tentative deal between the labor union and rail companies, following a bitter dispute that could have dramatically worsened existing supply-chain problems and further blighted the nation’s economy.Amtrak had already begun canceling some of its long-distance and state-supported intercity trains in anticipation of the freight rail workers’ strike. While neither Amtrak nor its workers were actually involved in the labor standoff, its intercity service would have been substantially impacted by the shutdown, since its trains outside of the Northeast Corridor (where it owns and operates its own track) run on track owned, maintained and operated by the freight railroads.Of course, travelers who opt to take their trips by rail these days also benefit by avoiding the prospect of chaotic airport and plane travel experiences, and unusually high airfare pricing; which is predicted to only worsen as we approach the end-of-year holidays, as fuel costs remain high and carriers continue to operate at reduced capacity, due to staffing shortages and other challenges.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

Uber is investigating a data breach purportedly committed by an eighteen-year-old hacker on Thursday, September 15, taking several of its systems offline while it investigates the extent of the breach.According to The New York Times, a person communicated to Uber employees, cybersecurity researchers and The New York Times itself, claiming responsibility and that he was eighteen, had been studying cybersecurity for a few years and had hacked Uber because he knew their cybersecurity was weak.ADVERTISING Trending Now He also sent the news organization and the researchers images of Uber’s source code and other proof that he was behind the breach.“They pretty much have full access to Uber,” said Sam Curry, a security engineer at Yuga Labs during an interview with The New York Times. He was one of the people the hacker had chosen to communicate with during the breach. “This is a total compromise, from what it looks like.”Uber is now contacting law enforcement and doing an internal investigation. Even the company’s internal messaging service, Slack, had been breached, the hacker having compromised an employee’s account and announcing the company had been hacked. He also posted an explicit photo on the internal information page.In fact, the hacker even explained to the news outlet how he’d been able to get access to Uber’s systems, texting an employee posing as a corporate IT person, retrieving their password that allowed him to gain access to Uber’s systems.“It seems like maybe they’re this kid who got into Uber and doesn’t know what to do with it, and is having the time of his life,” continued Curry.As of right now, there is no information on whether the breach impacted driver or rider accounts, though it is possible. Back in 2016, hackers stole information from 57 million Uber accounts and demanded $100,000 to delete the stolen data. Uber paid them, but didn’t inform users for over a year.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

U.S. railroads and unions have secured a tentative agreement and have averted a strike after 20 hours of negotiation and the involvement of Biden Administration officials. The President called the deal a "big win for America" and for rail workers, according to a report from Reuters."I'm optimistic that we can do this in other fields as well," Biden said. "Unions and management can work together for the benefit of everyone."ADVERTISING Trending Now U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh announced the deal earlier today."The Biden Administration applauds all parties for reaching this hard-fought, mutually beneficial deal," Walsh added. "Our rail system is integral to our supply chain, and a disruption would have had catastrophic impacts on industries, travelers and families across the country."The tentative deal, if approved, would give rail workers a 14.1 percent wage increase immediately and unfreeze pay as well as provide improves the time-off policies.Averting a rail shutdown is a win for Americans and the U.S. economy. The strike could have frozen almost 30 percent of U.S. cargo shipments and stoked inflation.Amtrak is currently working to resume service that was suspended ahead of the strike, according to The Washington Post.“This tentative agreement will keep our trains moving, stations bustling, and employees proudly serving customers as we move them across this great country,” Amtrak chief executive Stephen Gardner said in a statement.Amtrak was planning to operate some shorter, state-funded routes that were previously canceled. It is unclear if longer-distance routes would be restored Thursday.Regional rail services that were monitoring the strike situation had warned of potential shutdowns but did not suspend service. Adblock test (Why?)

U.S. passenger rail operator Amtrak yesterday announced that will be canceling three of its long-distance routes around the country, due to a potential strike among freight rail workers later this week, adding that it could be forced to cancel further trains.Reuters reported that, from September 13, Amtrak will start suspending its Southwest Chief route, which runs between Chicago and Los Angeles; the Empire Builder route between Chicago and Seattle; the California Zephyr route connecting Chicago and San Francisco; and a portion of the Texas Eagle route between Los Angeles and San Antonio.ADVERTISING Trending Now "While we are hopeful that parties will reach a resolution, Amtrak has now begun phased adjustments to our service in preparation for a possible freight rail service interruption later this week," Amtrak said in a statement issued on Monday.While neither Amtrak nor its workers are actually involved in the labor negotiations, the provider could be “significantly impacted” by the dispute because its trains outside of the Northeast Corridor run, “on track owned, maintained, and dispatched by freight railroads," according to NBC News.The impending freight rail workers’ strike, which could commence as soon as this Friday, could prompt Amtrak to phase in further route adjustments, and significantly impact Amtrak’s intercity service outside the Northeast Corridor, the operator said. The national rail service provider also warned that the situation could potentially force it to shut down all long-distance and state-supported routes, which primarily run between Chicago and West Coast hubs.Amtrak did specify that most trains between Boston and Washington D.C., and related lines to Albany, New York; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Springfield, Massachusetts would remain unaffected by the service disruptions, and that, "only a small number of Northeast Regional departures would be impacted."Amtrak writes in an advisory that it will attempt to notify customers whose trains are affected at least 24 hours in advance of their canceled departure, and will offer them the option to reschedule their trip or receive a full refund.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation announced a $30 million donation to The Nature Conservancy, extending the car rental company’s Routes and Roots: Enterprise Healthy Rivers Project.The project was first established in 2017 with an initial five-year, $30 million donation to The Nature Conservancy, and Enterprise revealed the latest pledge would also be distributed over the same five-year period.ADVERTISING Trending Now The latest donation was designed to further benefit many of the world’s most vital rivers, watersheds, streams and more in destinations across the United States, Canada and Europe.“At Enterprise, we are passionate about supporting causes and initiatives that positively impact the communities where our employees and customers live and work,” Enterprise Holdings Foundation President Carolyn Kindle said. “Our ‘Routes and Roots’ program is a shining example of this sentiment.”“Our employees are deeply passionate about this initiative, and we look forward to seeing the continued progress that this program will have on many of the world’s most vital waterways,” Kindle said.The Routes and Roots: Enterprise Healthy Rivers Project has already helped achieve significant conservation outcomes, including improving the health of nearly 5,400 river miles, keeping 54 million pounds of pollutants out of rivers and streams, conserving seven million acres of land and taking action that helps improve water security for 78 million people.In addition to the Routes and Roots Project, the Enterprise oversees many initiatives focused on positively impacting its communities, such as the ROAD Forward commitment of $55 million, the 50 Million Tree Pledge, the Fill Your Tank Program and more.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

Amtrak announced that it has enhanced the popular Share Fare program to allow groups of up to eight people can save big with a total discount of as much as 60 percent off.To be eligible, all passengers must travel together on the same itinerary and have tickets issued jointly, with larger groups receiving bigger discounts. The Share Fare program can be found on the rail company’s official website.ADVERTISINGReservations for Share Fares must be made at least two days before travel and are applicable on most published prices. The discounts are available across the country on Coach and Acela Business Class tickets using promo code V291 for travel on certain trains. Number of PassengersPassenger 1Groups of 2Groups of 3Groups of 4Groups of 5Groups of 6Groups of 7Groups of 8DiscountPay Regular FarePay Regular Fare17% off all Fares30% off all Fares39% off all Fares47% off all Fares54% off all Fares60% off all FaresThe offer is not valid on the Amtrak Hiawatha, Capitol Corridor, Keystone Service, Canadian section of the Maple Leaf, Canadian section of the Adirondack, Canadian section of Cascades, Pacific Surfliner and Pennsylvanian.The Share Fare program is not combinable with any other discount offer, and is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased and a 25 percent cancellation fee. Trending Now Here are the routes that the Share Fare program can be used:The Northeast Corridor—Washington-Baltimore-Philadelphia-New York-Boston (Acela, Northeast Regional)—Virginia – Richmond-Norfolk-Roanoke (Northeast Regional)California—San Francisco Bay Area / Sacramento – Bakersfield/Southern California (San Joaquins)Illinois—Chicago – Quincy/St. Louis/Carbondale (Illinois Service)Maine—Brunswick-Portland-Boston (Downeaster)Michigan—Chicago – Grand Rapids/East Lansing – Port Huron/Detroit – Pontiac (Michigan Service)Missouri—St. Louis – Jefferson City – Kansas City, MO (Missouri River Runner)New York—New York – Albany (Adirondack)—New York – Albany – Syracuse – Rochester – Buffalo – Niagara Falls, NY (Empire Service)—New York – Albany – Syracuse – Niagara Falls, NY (Maple Leaf)North Carolina—New York – Richmond – Raleigh – Charlotte (Carolinian / Piedmont)Oklahoma/Texas—Oklahoma City – Fort Worth (Heartland Flyer)Oregon/Washington—Seattle – Tacoma – Portland – Salem – Eugene (Cascades)Vermont—Burlington-Rutland-Albany-New York (Ethan Allen Express)—St. Albans – Essex Junction (Burlington) – Springfield – New York – Washington, D.C. (Vermonter)For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

New data suggests car rental prices have climbed nearly 50 percent since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, car rental prices jumped 48 percent from July 2019 to July 2022, which is much higher than the seven-percent hotel price increase over the same period and the 16-percent airfare cost increase.ADVERTISING Trending Now The study found that prices dropped drastically at the onset of the pandemic, but bounced back in 2021, culminating in record prices in July 2021. While prices have dropped from last year, they are still far more than pre-pandemic costs.Data from a recent NerdWallet study of 360 rental car reservations found that Enterprise is typically the cheapest of the car rental brands, while National is the most expensive. The analysis also showed that last-minute rentals are usually more affordable than those booked months in advance.If travelers were looking for relief moving forward, the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast found that worldwide car rental prices are expected to climb 7.3 percent in 2022 and another 6.8 percent in 2023.The industry remains capacity constrained and companies that reduced fleet sizes in the wake of the pandemic have not yet fully recovered, due in part to component shortages and supply chain disruptions that have reduced global auto production.To attract more business, car rental giant Hertz revealed earlier this year that college graduates under 25 years old who become a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member would get the Young Renter Fee waived when they rent by signing up through the company’s official website.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

Amtrak announced new cafe menus featuring reduced prices for select items on Northeast Corridor (NEC) and long-distance trains, starting on August 17.In response to customer feedback, the rail company is offering fresh, high-quality items for its breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Travelers will see 30 percent more options, such as hot meals, snacks, salads, sandwiches, lite bites, a significant increase in vegan offerings and new non-alcoholic beverages.ADVERTISING Trending Now Some of the new or reduced-price menu items include:—Breakfast: Bialy Egg Sandwich, Bacon & Cheese Egg Bites, and Seasonal Fruit with Mango.—Lunch & Dinner: Smoked Turkey & Havarti Sandwich, Vegan Asian Noodle Bowl, and Blue Corn Vegan Tamale.—Snacks: Fresh Vegetable Crudites, Beef Jerky, and Pistachios.—Beverages: Pomegranate Juice and new hot and iced coffee selections.Amtrak has also reduced the price of sandwiches and salads on all Acela and Northeast Regional trains for savings between $.50 and $1.50. In addition, prices have remained the same for a majority of the food and beverages items onboard.“Making changes to our menu based on customer feedback reflects Amtrak’s commitment to enhancing their travel experience, as passengers know we are listening to their requests for improvement,” Amtrak Vice President Operations & Customer Services Robert Jordan said.“In this time of rising costs, we are proud to offer our customers high-quality items on our menu at reduced prices,” Jordan continued.The reimagined menus will be available on all Amtrak trains along the Northeast Corridor, such as Acela, Northeast Regional, Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express, as well as Long Distance trains such as the Capitol Limited, Cardinal and California Zephyr.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

Amtrak is launching a flash sale on its Auto Train service with fares for travel from Florida to the Northeast available for as low as $39, plus the cost of travelers' vehicles from August 16 through August 23, 2022.The deal is valid for northbound travel from Sanford, Florida near Orlando to Lorton, Virginia near Washington, D.C. taking place from September 6 through December 15, 2022. Keep in mind that blackout dates include November 18-20 and November 25-27.ADVERTISING Trending Now Limited time coach fares start from $39 for one traveler and $78 for two while a Roomette featuring comfortable seating, newly-upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens, and a dedicated service attendant starts from $249 for one traveler and $349 for two.Meanwhile, travelers wishing to upgrade to a Bedroom for twice the space as a Roomette in addition to other amenities such as a complimentary dinner and continental breakfast onboard can do so for $449 per traveler or $549 per couple.Amtrak's Auto Train allows travelers to avoid the traffic for close to 900 miles along I-95 while still traveling with their vehicles, including cars, vans, SUVs, motorcycles and even small boats or jet-skis.Visit Amtrak.com/AutoTrainSale to learn more.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

After more than two years of pandemic concerns, tourist train trips in Latin America are back in a big way. It's very good news for lovers of the slow life looking to enjoy fabulous landscapes, culture and more with ease.From Mexico to Argentina, the rail tourism industry has returned, offering visitors tours in world heritage cities and fun experiences to enjoy as a couple or with the family. Here are four of the most popular ones right now.ADVERTISINGMORE Car Rental & Rail Hiram Bingham Belmond Andean Explorer, PeruThis luxury train belonging to the exclusive Belmond family, a company that operates luxury hotels, trains, and cruises around the world, makes an extraordinary tour of the Andes from Cusco to Machu Picchu, the ancient lost city of the Incas.Passengers are greeted with a welcome cocktail infused with Peruvian aguaymanto to enjoy while admiring a fabulous view of the highlands. They'll also enjoy gourmet food and exceptional regional wines as the day passes and the sun shines on the horizon of the Sacred Valley, another amazing spot of this tour. Hiram Bingham train makes an extraordinary tour of the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Machu Picchu. (Photo via Belmond). The menu on board consists of artisan dishes with the best of the renowned contemporary Peruvian cuisine as exclusive recipes based on the Sacred Valley corn, Angus American meat, and coffee from the cloud forest. Dinner includes Pumahuancas salt-crusted trout, confit duck in traditional Northern Peruvian sauce, and Kiwicha caviar. The menu is rich in local produce that changes with the season.The cocktails served, exclusive of Hiram Bingham, are the brainchild of the expert mixologist Aaron Diaz and include the refreshing Picaflor Andino, made with Pisco and citrus flavors, in addition to the Belmont Swizzle with rum Cartavio Solera, coconut, and pineapple, as well as the Expresso Bingham, inspired by the classic Espresso Martini.Chepe Express, MexicoThe Chepe Express makes an extensive tour of the incredible Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Ravines), located in northern Mexico. The journey lasts approximately nine hours and starts in Los Mochis, in the state of Sinaloa, until it reaches Creel, in the state of Chihuahua. Chepe Express makes an extensive tour of the incredible Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Ravines), located in northern Mexico. (Photo via Chepe Express). The trip features an amazing route that crosses tunnels and bridges from where passengers can admire the beauty of some of the most impressive mountains in Mexico. In addition, the service on board is of high quality including regional cuisine and an extensive drinks menu.Chepe Express has three types of accommodation: First Class, Executive, and Tourist, plus a car bar, restaurant, and terrace, where riders can relax with a breathtaking view of the mountains. In addition to knowing the cities of Los Mochis and Creel, passengers have the opportunity to visit charming villages such as El Fuerte, Bahuichivo, and Divisadero, located near Sierra Tarahumara, inhabited by indigenous communities.Tren a las Nubes, ArgentinaArgentina's Tren a las Nubes travels at more than 13,800 feet above sea level, the third highest in the world. It leaves the town of San Antonio de Los Cobres and reaches the Viaduct La Polvorilla—villages located in the province of Salta in the north of Argentina—in a journey of just over 13 miles. Tren a las Nubes offers its passengers an adventure through the highlands of Argentina. (Photo via Tren a las Nubes) The tour travels a fabulous path through the heights of the Andes, crossing canyons and great valleys. The route combines rail and road sections for passengers to take pictures at panoramic points. After leaving San Antonio de Los Cobres, the train makes a journey through some impressive engineering work made up of extraordinarily elevated bridges. At the end of the journey, passengers are transferred to the city of Salta on board a special bus service.Those interested in the history and culture of these destinations have the opportunity to visit the Church of San Antonio de Padua, a sanctuary that, year after year, welcomes pilgrims from the surroundings who celebrate with traditional music and dances. Another attraction is the Andean Regional Museum of San Antonio de Los Cobres, where visitors can enjoy works donated by the villagers to publicize their ancient culture, customs, and history.Turistren, ColombiaIn the city of Bogota begins the great adventure of the passengers of the Tourist Train of the Savannah who enjoy the experience of boarding locomotives restored to retain their classic style and that travel several miles of urban and rural landscapes of the surroundings of Bogota.After crossing the Colombian capital, the Turistren arrives in the town of Zipaquirá (which is surrounded by the beautiful Colombian savanna) in wagons where passengers enjoy the view in comfortable and large reclining seats. One of the main spots to visit is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, considered one of the modern wonders of Colombia for having been carved in salt. Tourist Train of the Savannah, in Bogotá, offers a tour on board classic train models. (Photo via Turistren). While the ride is not as spectacular as that of other trains in Latin America, the experience of traveling on restored locomotives is a lot of fun for domestic and foreign visitors. Turistren offers steam locomotive tours manufactured in 1921 and 1947 in the United States, as well as three others made by General Electric with diesel engines and old Swedish-made light trains that have been fully rehabilitated.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)