It might seem old-fashioned but there’s still a certain romance to train tours. Although train travel might not help you reach your destination on time, it helps you make the most out of your journey. The comfy seats, scenic landscapes, and the chance to stretch your legs hold a certain adventure and charm.
So, why not try something different and choose a train tour for your next vacation. Here’s a list of some of the most interesting train tours across the country.
Napa Valley Wine Tour
The Napa Valley Wine Tour offers you a journey through the northeastern part of the Bay Area. The picturesque route was originally laid out in 1864 and features a 36 mile, three-hour-long journey. The rail line goes from Napa to St. Helena, and even moves north to Calistoga, a resort town. If you board the train at Mckinstry Street Station, you get to view the industrial section of the Napa Valley. This train tour gives you the option of getting off along the route to stay at one of the hotels in wine country.
California Zephyr
Established in 1949, the California Zephyr tours through the heart of the country in a 51-hour journey. The rail route starts in Chicago and ends in Oakland, California, near the San Francisco Bay. It pays homage to the pioneers who founded the West. The train tour makes pit stops at the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. It trails along the Colorado River, provides an up-close view of the red rocks in Utah, and settles into the San Francisco Bay, with the majestic Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Since this journey is long, the California Zephyr has sleeping cars, dining cars, a lounge, cafe cars, and bedroom suites that can fit up to six people.
Grand Canyon Railway
This railway, established in 1901, gives you a hassle-free tour of one of the most magnificent landmarks in the country, the Grand Canyon. Covering a total distance of 130 miles on a round trip, the train tour departs from Williams, Arizona, and moves through the pine forests in the north before settling into the expansive desert plateaus. The trip allows you to witness Native American reservations, the peaks of San Francisco, and the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. Inside the train, you are entertained by old western music and the folklore narrated by the crew.
White Pass And Yukon Route Railroad
When it comes to train tours, this one is on the more adventurous side. The White Pass and Yukon Railway takes you on a 120 miles round trip from Skagway, Alaska, to Carcross, Canada. The rail route follows the same path the stampeders took during the Klondike Gold Rush between 1897 and 1899. Featuring a narrow-gauge railway that travels on intimidatingly sheer cliff-drops, the journey takes you 3000 ft up, past mountain lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers. The regular train tour takes the miners’ supply path and ends at Carcross, Yukon. You, however, can choose to go past the Bridal Veil Falls and Dead Horse Gulch to stop at the White Pass Summit.
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
As it is difficult to take in the beauty of the entire Great Smoky Mountains at one go, this railroad offers two train tours. First, there is the Tuckasegee River Excursion that covers a distance of 32 miles. It takes you through lush valleys, historic bridges, and the set of the movie Fugitive. This train journey stops for an hour and a half in the charming town of Dillsboro. Next, the Nantahala Gorge Excursion covers a 44-mile journey through Tennessee, the Nantahala rivers, and Fontana Lake, before finally finishing in the Nantahala Gorge and moving back to Bryson. The train tour offers boxed lunches, private attendants, an open-air gondola, and a chance to witness the country’s great wilderness.
Colorado Rail Adventure
One of the most scenic train tours, the Colorado Rail Adventure takes you on a journey through the Colorado Rockies. Featuring five railroad journeys — the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Georgetown Loop Railroad, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad — this train route takes you on summits as high as 14,000 feet. Furthermore, the Colorado Rail Adventure includes visits to the Garden of the Gods, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.
Strasburg Railroad
Strasburg Railroad is among the oldest and the quickest of train tours. It covers a distance of nine miles and takes you through Amish Country in the heart of Pennsylvania. Originally used to move goods from the industrial areas to the coast, the Strasburg Railroad was converted to a passenger train in the 1960s. Though the route is brief, this train journey that ends in Plymouth, is an excellent, family-friendly trip.
Amtrak Empire Builder
Retracing the steps of the Lewis and Clark expedition, this 46-hour ride covers 2,206 miles. The train tour takes you to the beautiful Great Plains located at Glacier National Park in Whitefish, Montana; it explores a seven-mile-long tunnel through the Cascade mountains. It might not be the shortest of train tours, but it is definitely worth it.
Planning a vacation in a cozy cabin nestled in the midst of nature’s embrace is a dream for many people. However, with numerous options available, choosing the perfect rental cabin can take time and effort. Several factors must be considered, from location and amenities to size and budget. However, if you know what you are looking for, it will be easier to pick the best cabin rental that suits your needs and preferences.
When booking a cabin rental, one of the critical things to consider is the location. It will set the mood right for your complete vacation experience. When planning your vacation destination, consider the proximity of the rental cabin to the activities you plan to participate in or spots you plan to travel to. Look at the top spots for skiing, lakes, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks. Alternatively, if you prefer a secluded cabin, look for a location surrounded by wilderness and serenity. In addition to the basics, take into account the accessibility of the location and how it will fit into your itinerary.
The next thing you want to keep in mind is the size and capacity of the rental cabin. Ensure the options you are looking at can comfortably accommodate the travel party. Check the number of baths and beds offered and compare it to the available common areas. If you enjoy the great outdoors, consider the outdoor space that comes with the cabin. When traveling with a large group, opt for cabin rentals with spacious interiors and outdoor space. Alternatively, you can look for a range of cabins located together that will allow you all to spend time with other group members while also enjoying your privacy. Meanwhile, a smaller cabin with intimate settings may be more suitable if you want a cozy retreat for a romantic getaway.
Evaluate the amenities and facilities the cabin rental provides to enhance your vacation experience. Determine if necessary features such as a fully equipped kitchen, heating or air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and parking are available. Depending on your preferences, look for additional amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, outdoor grills, game rooms, or access to community pools or recreational facilities. These amenities can add convenience, comfort, and entertainment to your stay.
Establishing a budget is crucial when choosing a cabin rental. Determine how much you can spend on accommodation, keeping in mind other expenses such as transportation, dining, and activities. Research various cabin rentals within your budget range and compare prices, considering seasonal variations and any additional fees or charges. Consider the value offered by each cabin rental, weighing the amenities, location, and overall experience against the cost.
Before finalizing your decision, read reviews and testimonials from previous guests. These insights provide valuable information about the cabin rental’s quality, cleanliness, the host’s or management’s responsiveness, and overall customer satisfaction. Certain platforms or dedicated cabin rental websites often have tabs for reviews and ratings to help you make an informed choice. Pay attention to positive and negative reviews and feedback to understand the cabin rental’s strengths and weaknesses.
If you travel with furry companions, ensure the cabin rental allows pets. Some cabin rentals may have specific pet policies, restrictions, or additional fees. Check if the surrounding area offers pet-friendly attractions, trails, or parks, and inquire about any pet amenities provided, such as pet beds, bowls, or fenced yards. Choosing a pet-friendly cabin rental ensures that your entire family, including your beloved pets, can enjoy a memorable vacation together.
Prioritize safety and accessibility when selecting a cabin rental. Consider factors such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and security measures. If you or any members of your travel party have mobility restrictions, look for cabins with wheelchair-accessible entrances, ground-floor bedrooms, and bathroom facilities designed for accessibility. Additionally, inquire about the proximity of healthcare facilities or emergency services in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Reliable customer support is invaluable when renting a cabin. Ensure the host or management company is responsive and readily available to address any issues or concerns during your stay. Prompt communication, clear instructions, and a helpful attitude provide a seamless and stress-free vacation experience. Check if the cabin rental provides a dedicated contact person or a 24/7 helpline to assist you throughout your stay.
One should never ignore the possibility of changes in travel plans. Review the cabin rental’s flexibility and cancellation policy before making a reservation. Understand the terms and conditions of reservation changes, cancellations, and associated fees. Opting for a cabin rental with a flexible policy gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can adjust your itinerary if needed.
Lastly, consider your preferences and vacation goals when choosing a cabin rental. Reflect on the ambiance, style, and surroundings that resonate with you. Whether you prefer a rustic log cabin, a modern mountain retreat, or a lakeside cottage, select a cabin rental that aligns with your ideal vacation concept. Remember, this is your getaway, and finding a cabin that captures your imagination and creates lasting memories is more important than anything else.
Planning a family vacation is quite challenging. You must consider every member’s travel and adventure expectations and try to accommodate as much as possible in a single trip. Whether for domestic travel or past international experiences, from flights to hotel booking and dining options, you must consider every alternative available. This is where you’ll benefit from booking an all-inclusive vacation package. Here are some valuable tips to secure the best family vacation packages worldwide.
Decide on the type of vacation
Before comparing and searching for deals, decide on the type of vacation you want. Does your itinerary involve a lot of driving or flying? If it’s both, will you be able to cover a lot of places considering layovers and on-road delays? How many hours can you drive without taking frequent breaks? Does your budget allow for multiple rentals in every new destination? Can you shift from one location to the other during check-in and check-out times? And does the plan involve a lot of resort and beach fun or inland adventures like amusement and water parks? All these are essential factors to consider before booking an ambitious travel itinerary.
Book well in advance
Cruises, expeditions, and exclusive tours are all popular family vacation packages that get picked up when booking partners update the details. You don’t want to wait till the last moment, especially when you’re planning a vacation for the entire family. Also, booking in the off-season is a good idea to avail better discounts and deals. Family vacation packages are generally booked to fill a specific volume for the travel partner. So peak season, the prices will be bumped up to accommodate guests. However, these deals will be cheaper in the off-season to encourage filling in the empty spots.
Book with specific partners
Planning a family vacation means you’ll have to consider every member’s wish and find a way to accommodate their plans in the single travel itinerary. This can be pretty challenging if you simply browse for deals and packages with limited travel options. Specific websites and booking partners guarantee all-inclusive vacation offers for a reasonable price. For example, Expedia offers a unique booking filter called ‘Traveler Experience’ where you can select vacations based on experiences at the location. CheapTickets is another alternative offering excellent budget packages with a comprehensive travel itinerary and all-inclusive price. You can filter our results further by using meta-search engines like Momondo to select property styles and locate kid-friendly vacation deals. Many airlines also offer family vacation packages as part of a booking deal with flights and hotels included. The devil is in the detail of booking when using these websites.
Compare all-inclusive family vacation packages
When you travel with the family, it’s better to consider all-inclusive packages. All-inclusive packages cover your hotel stay, food, and a preplanned itinerary with a flexible schedule you can confirm in advance. With an all-inclusive deal, you’ll know upfront how much money will be spent per person. So, managing both budget and expectations at the location becomes easier. Once you pick a comfortable plan, allocating extra funds for other trip expenses is easy. All-inclusive deals further allow you to plan multiple excursions and activities to enjoy at the location in advance. For example, if you are traveling to the beach, resorts offer various water sporting adventures as part of the package. If the purpose of the trip is to explore new places, book tour packages offered as add-ons. With an all-inclusive deal, you’ll also get a good sense of the amenities included and excluded from the price.
Make travel goals
Even if you have a fixed itinerary to follow, it never hurts to have some fun travel goals to make the vacation more memorable. For example, traveling to a new destination, you can plan to try one local delicacy every single day. Or try to learn some essential conversation starters in the local language to discover more you can explore. Plan to try a new activity that you might have a fear of and have been postponing for the right time to pick. Traveling with family members, you’ll have a lot of audiences to encourage and boost your morale by trying the new activity – like paragliding or snorkeling, depending on the location. Plan and agree to mutual travel goals that everybody can enjoy as part of the trip. Planning together allows you maximum room to decide on activities and excursions that nobody will resist or get bored of on the trip.
Have realistic expectations
Package deals, even the ones that mention all-inclusive, will limit a certain number of activities and experiences. But there is no sure way to tell if the booking will be worth the price. Some experiences will be memorable, but you and your family should also be prepared for the few dull moments that make up the day. Hiccups in transportation and amenities are all part and parcel of any well-planned vacation, as there are some factors that you just can’t control. So get ready for some spontaneous change in plans, and even if it costs a bit more, the memories you make with family and friends are worth the money spent well. So always have realistic expectations and keep an open mind to enjoy the most of your trip.