Train VacationsFind the train vacation package right for you!

A grand way to spend a vacation is to take the opportunity to travel around and see sites that you have not seen before. One way to do this is by using your own car or renting one and driving around. However, this poses a few risks such as the GPS messing up and you getting lost. Although this could a source of great excitement for some, for many it would be a source of great stress and frustration. It can be much better to travel where your getting from one place to another is taken care of for you. This is when a sleeper train vacation can be spectacular. Yes, by train. With air plane travel and car ownership high, traveling by train is an option that many may not consider, however they are missing out. Trains offer the luxury of reasonably quick travel, comfortable sleeping berths, and the luxury of being able to stretch your legs without having to get off.

In the United States, the best train company to take a long term vacation with is Amtrak. This company has routes that cover the entire US, running along the East and West Coasts, the Northern and Southern States as well as cutting across the middle. Also, Amtrak has USA Rail Passes. These products are available for three different time periods, 15, 30, and 45 allow you to travel throughout the US and get off and on at a different stops, great for sight seeing at reasonable rates. If you want something a bit more structured, Amtrak has a service called Amtrak vacations in which you can choose from prepackaged rail journeys or work with an Amtrak travel agent to design your own. Another reason to choose a railways vacation and see the United States.

One does not have to stay in the United States to have a sleeper train vacation. In fact, when one thinks of train travel they most likely are thinking of Europe and it is true that train travel in Europe is more common than in the United States. Accordingly, it is easy to travel across Europe and if you have the time, it is cheaper than air travel. A European traveling vacation by train is made easy by the Eurorail passes. These passes are customizable to the countries you want to see and in some cases are designed to appeal to the customer that wants to see just a few countries. For example, The Eurorail Select pass allows you unlimited amount of travel that falls within a selected amount of time. The France/Italy pass is designed for a tour of those countries.

For more information see www.raileurope.com and for Amtrak, see www.amtrak.com

The United States is a great country in which to take a train vacation, as the massive nation contains all kinds of beautiful climates and diverse scenery. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, the continental U.S. comprises of beautiful coastal beaches, expansive plains, and hardy mountain ranges. Whether you are interested in taking a cross-country trip, or wandering through a particular region, a train vacation is a cost-effective way to travel while taking in the abundance of lush scenery.

With the advent of airplanes, the proliferation of personal cars, and the incredible amount of attention given to the draws of America’s exciting urban centers, the convenience of train travel has become an overlooked gem. Once the railroad was a symbol of industrial progress and the only link connecting the various populated areas of the country. Just as railroads are still used to carry freight cross-country, they can also be enjoyed by travelers looking for a unique experience.

The cost of a trip by train will vary depending on the specific niche you seek to experience. While a basic Amtrak excursion is easy to book online and quite inexpensive compared to air travel, there are also companies, which offer upscale train vacations that outfit their customers in a luxurious surrounding.

One particularly popular route for the latter kind of train vacation is the northwest-pacific region of the united states, known for its rugged beauty and local dedication to nature preservation. It is often possible to book a combination trip in which the first leg of the journey consists of a train ride from the northwest, through Canada, on to Alaska, and the rest of the trip is completed by a cruise through the wild waters of our most northern state.

The American Rail Excursions service is a leading provider of luxury train getaways that evoke the uniquely romantic atmosphere that is so difficult to achieve with more commonly used forms of transportation. The Amtrak service, often used by commuters for short distances, also offers well-known trips such as the Coast Starlight, which includes unparalleled Pacific views, and historically charged White Pass/Yukon Route.

Whatever rail line and route you choose for your luxury train vacation, it is important to first take into consideration one issue: your susceptibility to motion sickness. While a train vacation is certainly smoother than a commuter train, if you have a high susceptibility to motion sickness, you may want to try out a short trip before you book a longer scenic vacation- especially as the major feature of a train trip is gazing out the window to take in your surroundings.

For romantics it is very possible that nothing can compare to a couples train vacation. Whether it is the scenery, the history, or simply the time spent alone together, such a vacation always manages to bring a couple closer together. Couples may choose to spend an anniversary on such a trip, celebrate a birthday, or even book a trip for no other reason than to say ‘I love you’.

There are a number of spectacular train rides that are well known for their romance, and many lesser known ones. These train rides can last anywhere from a day to two or three nights. This article will briefly look at some of the more notable of these.

The most iconic couples train vacation is the Orient Express. The Orient Express operates over three continents. However, the most recommended trip is the Venice Simplon Orient Express. This train ride begins in Venice, then winds it way through the Alps before reaching Paris.

A Grand Canyon train ride combines the history of a fully restored 1923 steam engine with the awesome beauty at the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. After arriving at their destination couples can simply enjoy the view of one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.

England’s Leeds Castle train travels from London’s Victoria Station to this romantic destination where couples can walk the grounds, tour the castle, or lose themselves in the maze.

Via Rail in Canada offers couples a number of majestic journeys to choose from. These pass through destinations such as the prairies and the Rockies. Couples can choose the ultimate romantic experience by opting for the ‘Romance by Rail’ service, which features a private cabin, double bed, and twin ensuite bathrooms.

Mexico’s Copper Canyon train ride takes couples on a 390 mile journey over a land mass 300 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon. Couples can stop overnight and stay at a hotel before completing the journey from Chihuahua to the Pacific Coast.

Finally, we come to Australia’s Ghan. This train travels over 1800 miles between Adelaide and Darwin over two nights, passing through Australia’s beautiful ‘red centre’ as it does so.

A couples train vacation on any of these train rides is certain to rekindle the flame in any relationship. No matter where you are, there is almost certainly a train ride like one of these near you. Why not take advantage of it?

A shrill whistle pierces the fog as you stand on the platform, and the sounds of a mighty locomotive coming to life dance through your ears. “Eastbound 315 now boarding on Track Six,” the announcer’s voice rings out, and you hoist yourself aboard the coach. As you take your seat, the conductor strolls down the aisle, punching tickets and greeting passengers. The train begins a forward crawl, a slow and steady chug-chug-chug quickens and you are finally underway.

Nothing can compare with the comfort of traveling by train. The scene above sounds like something from a black-and-white 1940’s noir film, but it is a scene that still plays out every day all across North America. Despite what many may believe, train travel is alive and well, and a great way to begin a memorable vacation is to take to the rails.

For someone interested in a one-day trip, many tourist railroads operate all throughout the U.S. and Canada. Many of these tourist short lines operate on trackage formerly owned by the major railroads of days gone by. The Pennsylvania Railroad, the New York Central, the Baltimore & Ohio and many other “old-time” railroads may no longer exist, but you can still ride their rails on one of many tourist railroads. While many one-day rail vacations are strictly for scenery, many offer more than just a pretty view. Dinner theater trains and “murder mystery” trains are among the most popular, but nearly every small tourist line has its own unique qualities to make your rail vacation an enjoyable experience.

Steam train excursions are the most common nostalgic trips, and many steam locomotives still operate in limited excursion service throughout the U.S. and Canada. Rail fans of all ages, from the old-timers looking to recapture a bit of their youth to the young children who stare wide-eyed at a steam-belching behemoth from the past, can board a steam excursion and have a real taste of yesteryear.

For those interested in longer trips, many scenic rail vacation packages are available. Amtrak in the United States and VIA Rail in Canada operate regular long-distance passenger trains. People from all over the world travel to Canada for a railroad experience, as traveling across Canada by train is recognized as one of the best train vacations available.

Few things can compare with the experience of long-distance Canadian train trips in terms of beautiful scenery and comfortable, luxurious travel. VIA Rail, for example, offers vacation packages that include not only travel and accommodations but guided tours as well. Trips can be organized based on scenery, special events, lifestyles, wine tours…. the possibilities are endless.

For those most interested in a beautiful scenic trip, nothing beats a train vacation through the Canadian Rockies. Rockies Rail Experience offers weeklong steam train excursions via such locations as Banff and Crowsnest, and a “Rockies Rail Round Trip” steam excursion that includes locations such as Lake Louise, the Rockies, Icefields Parkway, Lethbridge and The Prairies. The Rocky Mountaineer offers similar trips, including trips through Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies, and the near-nationwide Trans-Canada Adventure.

For those more interested in relaxing in the fine accommodations that only rail travel can provide, the crown jewel of vacations is a trip on the Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury Train, recognized as “the finest luxury rail tour in the world.” Weeklong trips are luxuriously appointed, including comfortable suites, dining car and lounge car facilities and a staff that is always eager to please. For the sportsmen, Canadian Pacific even offers a 6-day Royal Fly-Fishing Adventure, where travel through the majestic Rockies is accompanied by fishing trips in the mountain streams of Canada.

Whether you are taking a day trip, a long trip or simply a nostalgia trip, treat yourself to a memorable experience, and take your vacation by rail.

Fun train vacations and excursions are not just exciting they are also affordable! These days, vacations can cost a lot of money. Airfare and hotel rooms can cost a lot of money; so many people are traveling by train. The great thing about this form of travel is that it offers the best view of the landscape. Flying in a plane will not give you a chance to see views of unfamiliar lands. While trains travel a lot more slowly, they give you a chance to see more of the world than planes do.

According to recent statistics, numerous travel agents are reporting that clients are showing a renewed interest in family travel via the railroad. Spending time with your family on a train will provide you with many great memories. Indeed, trains can be more than just a means of transportation—they can also *be* the vacation! For long journeys, passengers are allowed to get off and spend some time exploring the towns and villages. Many fun train vacations offer excursions to passengers so that they can go outside and get some fresh air for a little while.

As for accommodation, train cars can be a great source of comfort and even luxury. You can get a reclining seat, large window, warm meals served at your seat, and so forth. A lot of trains even have elegant dining rooms so that passengers can enjoy fine dining! Obviously, the amount of service you get will vary from one train vacation to another. Make sure you carefully look over every vacation package to see what each has to offer.

Just about every country in the world offers fun train vacations. You can view any type of scenery you want. If you want to view rolling moors, castles, and highlands, you can travel the rails of England and Scotland. If you want to view Alaska wildlife, you can travel the Alaskan rails. If you are interested in deserts, jungles, beaches, or savannas, you can find train adventures that will take you through those landscapes as well.

Some fun train vacations even expand more than one country! Want to travel through Europe on a train, stopping for excursions in Paris, Rome, Athens, etc? Want to take your family across Asia? What about Africa? These vacation packages are not just for families, either—they are great choices for solo travelers. Whether you want to go by yourself or with others, you can expect to see some amazing places and experience a lot of fun!

Intense scenery, luxury accommodations and the companionship of someone special are the ingredients of romantic train vacations.  Many train routes have obliged couples with all of this and more.

The legendary Orient-Express tops the list of romantic train vacations.  The Alps, sumptuous meals, and the rhythmic rocking seduce couples as the train travels from Venice to Paris.  The Orient-Express actually has many trains that travel all over Europe including London, Budapest and Prague.

Closer to home, the Grand Canyon Railway is a completely restored 1923 steam engine that carries passengers to the South Rim of the National Park.  Along the way, live musicians and free refreshments prep couples for an experience like no other.  Once at the park, couples silently absorb the intensity of the Grand Canyons hand in hand.

Another adventure for romantic train vacations is Mexico’s Copper Canyon.  This is a 14-hour trip from Chihuahua to the Pacific Coast.  Couples are welcome to spend the night at local hotels or haciendas along the way.

Local New Yorkers like to take the Metro North along the Hudson River for a romantic weekend vacation.  The train has stops in quaint little towns with shopping and overnight accommodations that are sure to be just the thing to kindle a little romance.

Amtrak has a number of destinations that are sure to please the romantics among us. There is a route from New York to New Orleans that will not only provide some fantastic scenery but also excellent cuisine and ambiance from beginning to end.

Let us not forget Canadian trains and the great Rocky Mountains.  There are many places in the Rockies that are only accessible by train.  Although many of the travel packages do not include sleeping on the train, the routes pass through plenty of towns that are fully accommodating to romantic travelers.  Often these accommodations can be booked with the train ride.

Almost all train trips can be transformed into romantic train vacations.  Some trains are definitely commuter trains and they tend to be less romantic, although, like New York’s North Metro line, there may be some surprises.  Overnight sleeping cars provide the best possibilities for romance.  They offer privacy and convenience while providing comfortable scenic viewing. Hotel like services such as making the bed and room service adds to the ambiance of overnight train travel. Whether for a day or a few nights, romantic train vacations are just waiting for the opportunity to indulge couples.

Have you ever considered a European train vacation for your next vacation? Climb aboard a high-speed electric train, taking you from romantic medieval castles to snow-covered mountains. See ancient ruins and Mediterranean coastal towns. Europe has one of the largest rail networks, which will take you to many beautiful and historic cities across Europe.

Touring the colorful countryside and beautiful cities of Europe will inspire you to want to take another journey sooner than you thought. Take in a museum, or perhaps shop for designer wear. Indulge in the ambiance of a quiet train ride. Sit back, relax, and watch the beautiful view as you travel to your next destination.

Train travel has been a part of the charm of exploring Europe for a long time. Some people prefer them over flying as you may save time not having to deal with airports.

The cost for a vacation tour can vary greatly depending on how luxurious you would like your trip to be. While a quite affordable nine day trip could range anywhere from $1400 – $1600, a luxury trip could be quite a bit higher in price. Breakfast is typically included each day, with the remainder of meals to be at your own discretion. The cost for a transatlantic flight from the U.S. to Europe is also not typically included in this price.

Think about beginning your trip in the beautiful city of London. The Tower of London, the National Gallery, the British Museum and Westminster Abbey are all stops not to be missed. Each stop on your vacation will seem like you have travelled to another time in history.

From London, another wonderful journey might be to head to the French countryside. Stopping in Paris is an adventure not to be missed. Take a walk down the Champs-Elysees or browse the many stylish shops. Think about having a delicious pastry at one of the many cozy sidewalk café’s.

Next you may want to head to Brussels. It is the capital of Belgium. Brussels is a city, which has become quite cosmopolitan over the past few years. Brussels has a split personality of French and Flemish, which lends to its mysterious and intriguing culture. It has truly become one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Brussels is also known worldwide as the place to go to find perhaps the best chocolate in the world. You will find shops with their own specialties and you will find it hard to resist trying the cakes and ice cream as well as hot chocolate.

Your train vacation should also include a trip through the Belgian countryside. Head into the province of Limburg and perhaps visit a museum there. It could very well enlighten you to the history of Limburg. Alternatively, perhaps a trip to a castle is more to your liking. Limburg also has extensive nature preserves for your enjoyment as well. Find yourself walking the narrow lanes of the Old Town area, seeing medieval squares first hand. Browse a few boutiques or stop into an inviting cafés before you return to Brussels.

Train vacations can be enjoyed by everyone, young or not so young. Whether you are a couple, enjoying a romantic holiday, or a family on the vacation of a lifetime, travelling by train is an experience that will not soon be forgotten. A new scenic landscape outside your window with every mile travelled. Waking to a wonderful breakfast aboard daily, before you start your adventure is the perfect way to get the day started.

Do not ever miss the chance to experience the beauty of Europe by taking a European train vacation!

During the years of 2010 and 2011, the readers of one particular blog might decide to try a train travel vacation. That blog happened to mention the train trip taken by member of the Good Morning America crew back in September of 2008. The blog writer compared the trains pictured on that morning show to those that had been in use in 1912. That was the year when one turbaned man took a train ride across the United States.

After that Persian visitor departed from New York City, he traveled up to Boston, and from there to New England and Canada. His route was almost the same as the route taken by the Good Morning in America crew back in 2008. In fact, this short visitor traveled even further than the members of that crew. Chicago was one stop on his train ride.

Vacation plans used to place people on a train. The long ago visitor mentioned in a 21st Century blog did not, however, arrive in the United States as someone on vacation. Neither did he come here in order to promote a book, although he did list his occupation as “author” on the manifest of the ship that brought him to America’s shores.

So why did that visitor endure the trials then associated with train travel? Did he hope to share with others a tale about using a sleeping compartment to on a train? No, in fact, this unusual man chose to sleep in his train seat. He never paid to use the train’s sleeping quarters. While traveling in that upright position, he completed a speaking tour of the continental United States.

Now it is interesting to note the absence from this speaking tour of a stop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. That is where a number of Amish people live. Those peace loving people share many of the beliefs espoused by the turbaned man who used a train to travel across the United States.

Today in Lancaster, a number of tourists choose to expand the itinerary for their vacation. They find that the can not resist the appeal of the Lancaster countryside, and so they include some unexpected train travel in their vacation. They board the train that carries them through the Lancaster countryside. They marvel at the Amish carriages and at the Amish farmers, clad in a simple black outfit.

Has any Amish resident of Lancaster County ever taken a train travel vacation? Perhaps they have. In the movie Witness, an Amish mother and her son travel by train to Philadelphia. They were planning to visit with relatives. Unfortunately, they never managed to complete their anticipated vacation.

If you ever been on a sea cruise you know how much fun and just how convenient they are. The convenience of being all set as far as accommodation and food goes. To have all conveniences in one place and still be able to move around, in this case from port to port, does neutralize any stress that may be involved. The only drawback is what if you want to explore further inland and still retain the same basic conveniences. This is where you would want to consider train vacations.

The Orient Express and the South African Blue train have an unprecedented level of luxury as well as a history associated with them that make them legendary. There was a documentary made by the BBC Knowledge channel with Monty Python’s Michael Palin. He remarked how beautiful and breathtaking a sight it is to sail into Istanbul but there is still only one way to arrive at Istanbul and that is by train. Maybe the views are maybe the same sights seen, travelling across Turkey by St. Paul on his epic ministry, by Alexander on his mission to conquer Persia and, who knows how similar the land was during the time of Troy and the Trojan War.

Have you ever been on safari in Africa, well why do not you see that breathtaking landscape travelling on a train. There is nothing like seeing the wildlife the way it was meant to be seen and not caged, with a broken spirit. The blue train in South Africa also goes through some of the most important historical sights in that country, such as decisive battle fields. The blue train is renowned for its luxury and the food served on board.

Like a land cruise, you can thus travel a large part of the country without the stresses of checking in and out of different accommodation. One can also get of at strategically planned stops to see the attractions at a slower pace and get some deeper insights if one wishes, kind of like stopping at a port when one travels on a cruise ship.

In Canada, the Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury train provides a scenic and relaxing choice of routes that cover the Canadian Rockies for those who love majestic highlands. There is even a route that takes one on a luxury fly fishing adventure and stops where the passengers can experience fly fishing in some of the most beautiful spots on the planet. Other trips back in history are the Pacific Express by steam; not only a train vacation but an educational trip.

In the United States, Amtrak train vacations include the ‘Grand Canyon Rails to Rim’ as well as the ‘Empire builder with Glacier Park’ trip. So if you are a fan of spectacular scenery and a bit of a restless soul then a train vacation is probably the best way to go on your next trip.