My name is Eric Bowen, and DARE Unlimited is the name under which I do business. I do work individually, from home, in partnership with one or more host agencies which provide industry contacts and logistical support. Correspondence you receive in reference to your trip may include my name, my business name, or the name of one of these host agencies. On those occasions when I may be out of town or otherwise unavailable and you need travel assistance immediately, please call International Tours of Houston at (713) 785-2682 or (800) 777-1986 during normal Houston business hours and give my name as a reference. They will take good care of you.

I have been on the move most of my life, including a memorable around-the-world cruise on the battleship USS Missouri during my service in the U. S. Navy. I am a licensed (although currently inactive) pilot with experience in tailwheel aircraft and aerobatics. I have worked as an over-the-road truck driver and still hold a commercial driver’s license. But ever since a formative experience in the cab of a locomotive at the age of two, my real passion has been trains. Not toys or models but the real thing, big and heavy and preferably snorting steam. I still remember my first overnight ride on the Missouri Pacific’s Texas Eagle at the age of four, and my first Amtrak trip on the Lone Star from Houston to Chicago. I worked as a volunteer for Project 1225 in East Lansing for a year when I was supposed to be attending school. My hobby and interest is collecting copies of the Official Guide of the Railways from the classic passenger train era and posting those historic timetables on my web site, Streamliner Schedules. And while I will be the first to acknowledge that Amtrak travel is not for everyone, whenever I have an opportunity to take a leisurely trip the rails are my mode of choice.

Over the years I have become the “go-to guy” for my family and friends when it comes time to plan a trip, whether that trip might be an expedition to Disneyland via sleeper train for a group of eleven or a quick getaway to New Orleans for two. Road trips, cruises, airline journeys, rail excursions—every trip truly is an adventure. Now I would like to offer my services to you, and I thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance.