European train trips are an excellent way of experiencing Europe, because they are a flexible, relatively inexpensive mode of traveling, and because they offer a very unique way of getting to see not only the large cities, but also the beautiful and varied countryside. As a tourist, you will be able to experience multiple cultures and ways of life, but you will also likely have the opportunity to meet other travelers from around the world who have also chosen to travel by train, and with whom you can share and compare experiences.

Rail travel is flexible, safe, and reliable. It is possible for individuals planning vacations to order their rail passes up to six months in advance of the pass start date, which means that if you are a person who likes to have everything organized and confirmed, then rail passes are the way to go.

Depending on the type of trip that you are planning, and the number of countries that you wish to visit, you may choose different types of rail passes. By visiting a website such as Rail Europe, it is possible to explore dozens of different rail pass options, and to customize your rail pass for the type of vacation or travel that you wish to experience. For instance, if you know that you will want to visit a number of different cities or countries, but have not determined an exact timeline, or wish to have the flexibility of staying longer in certain regions, and then you may wish to purchase a flexipass. An example of one of the numerous flexipasses that are available is one that offers travelers fifteen days of unlimited travel within a time frame of two months. For more options, simply spend some time online exploring the many ways that it is possible to see Europe by train.

One final, and timely advantage of European train trips: They are environmentally far more responsible than air travel. If you are an individual that wishes to travel, but keep your personal carbon footprint to a minimum, then rail travel is the ideal solution for you.

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.