Sarasota to Eugene train

A culturally-rich alternative to the nearby theme parks of Orlando, Sarasota's Gulf Coast location is hard to resist. It became the winter base for many well-to-do families in the early twentieth century, during which time much of the town developed a subtle Italian feel.

Not only is the climate similar to what you might experience in southern Italy, but many of Sarasota's buildings were constructed to resemble the country's renaissance masterworks too. A good example is the Ringling family's Ca' d'Zan Venetian-style mansion.

The Ringlings made their money from circuses before giving their name to the much-celebrated John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It contains 21 galleries of European paintings, archaeological artifacts, and American art totaling 10,000 objects.

With weather so fine, you'll probably be looking with more than half an eye at Sarasota's numerous excellent resorts and beaches, many of which lie on a group of keys within the city limits. Bonus: our research ranked Sarasota as the #3 cheapest Spring Break destination, so you can soak up the sun on the cheap.

Arriving in Sarasota is equally easy thanks to its Cattleman Transfer Centre and Fruitville Road bus stations. Between them, travelers can connect by bus everywhere from Tampa to Tucson. Amtrak also operates a Thruway bus service from the defunct Sarasota rail station to Tampa for onward connections by train on the Silver Service. This service runs between Miami and New York City via Washington, D.C.

As Oregon's second-largest city and one of the state's best vacation destinations, Eugene has so much to offer. Whether you're looking for culture and art, shopping and restaurants, or sports and entertainment, this vibrant city at the south of the Willamette Valley has got you covered.

Start your visit at the University of Oregon, where you can explore the historic track at Hayward Field, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, all within the spectacular grounds of the campus. If you arrive on a sunny day, don't miss the opportunity for a picnic or bike ride at the city's largest park, Alton Baker Park. Take an amble along the Willamette River, or even rent a canoe to relax on the water.

If you're lucky enough to visit on a Saturday between April and November, check out the Saturday market in Downtown Eugene to peruse local handmade crafts, live music, and many of the local foods.

Getting to Eugene is simple. Eugene Airport is only 15 minutes from the city and welcomes direct flights from 13 major cities. Amtrak trains also stop at Eugene's downtown station, and various affordable bus services, including Greyhound and FlixBus, all make regular stops in the city. We even rounded up a complete list of the places you can reach from Eugene for under $50.