Sarasota to Wilkes-Barre 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.

Wilkes-Barre is a Pennsylvania city surrounded by the Pocono Mountains. Like much of the Poconos, Wilkes-Barre has its fair share of resorts, outdoor adventure, and entertainment options. Slip down rocky slides and soak in glacial meltwater "tubs" at Kirby Park and Seven Tubs Nature Area, or enjoy the urban greenery at the River Common. Coal mining put Wilkes-Barre on the map, and you can imagine what life was like in the 19th-century boom by visiting Eckley Miners' Village in Luzerne County.

Nightlife in Wilkes-Barre is exciting, and it all starts at the Mohegan Sun Pocono, a casino resort and racetrack. Test your luck on the slots, cards, or horse races, or simply enjoy the luxurious dining options and spa on-site. Downtown Wilkes-Barre also has solid restaurants and bars to choose from.

Although Amtrak trains do not stop in Wilkes-Barre, Amtrak Thruway buses connect the city to Philadelphia, where you can transfer to several of Philly's rail lines. Plus, Fullington Trailways and Martz operate intercity bus service to Wilkes-Barre from Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, New York, and more. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is convenient to reach from town and offers flights on several major airlines.