I want to travel by train across the US from east to west. Do you know if there's a good deal available with a stopover in Chicago?
The US almost destroyed the marvellous railroad system that helped build the nation, but fortunately, enough of it is preserved to allow a fascinating and spectacular journey from coast to coast.
Starting at New York's Penn Station, this involves a change of trains at Chicago's magnificent Union Station to the Southwest Chief serving Los Angeles, which departs at 3pm.
You could take the direct service, the Cardinal, to Chicago - but it's quicker and more interesting to change trains at Washington DC. You get three hours from 1pm to 4pm to stroll around the landmarks of the US capital, then board the Capitol Limited for the overnight journey to Chicago.
This is where the stopover element comes in. Like it or not, you have more than six hours to change trains. With your baggage checked through to LA, you are free to spend the best part of a day in this all-American city. The main attractions are close to Union Station.
A basic coast to coast ticket costs $399 (about £250) at Amtrak.com, but for more complex itineraries and railpass deals, seek advice from specialists such as Trainseurope - which has a team of US rail experts.
Email your travel queries to simon.calder@standard.co.uk
