CHICAGO to MIAMI by TRAIN

Board the Floridian for a Stateside trip, says Daniel Puddicombe

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I'm staring down at the frozen city below me from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower in Chicago - America's third tallest building. It's January, and my mind wanders to thoughts of warmer climates and my upcoming trip on Amtrak's new Floridian train service, which links the Windy City with Miami for the first time since the 1970s.

While a direct flight takes three-and-a-half hours, the Floridian takes 47 and crosses 10 states in the process.

Boarding the train in the early evening, Chicago's Union Station - with its amazing skylight and huge marble mezzanine area - is a hive of activity, but once on board and underway, my cabin is an oasis of calm.

On-board life

I'm travelling in a Roomette - a cosy, private cabin that contains two chairs that fold into a bed. While there's just enough room for my small suitcase and bag, there's also a dedicated luggage carriage if you're carrying more.