Five Train Vacation Types that Fit Your Unique Travel Style
Amtrak has more than 500 stations throughout the country. It travels to 46 of 48 United States and Canada. It is important to be familiar with the options available to you when planning a train vacation. Are you looking for a weekend getaway to your favorite city? Or do you prefer the full train experience with many stops and overnights? Find the perfect train vacation for you by reading on!
The Most Scenic Rail Journeys
Description: Independent Rail Journeys are multi-city/multi-destination train vacations that let you take in the scenery of North America’s most iconic settings, all from the comfort of your seat on the train and with the freedom and flexibility to explore and enjoy activities throughout your trip at your own pace. Scenic Rail Journeys have a particular start and an endpoint. They are based on popular routes and destinations along these routes, such as national parks or coast-to-coast trips. You don’t have to coordinate all the details, including hotels, sightseeing, activities and meals. You don’t even have to worry about getting from Point A to Point B by train. Glacier National Park Express, Peaks to Pacific Journey are two of the most popular rail journeys.
Why it’s right for you: An Independent Rail Journey takes the stress out of planning travel, accommodation, meals, and activities at every destination. This option is for you if you’re looking for an immersive, multi-stop train vacation that includes a well-planned itinerary.
Rail getaways
Description Rail getaways are single-city trains that can be as active or relaxed as you like. These fun, flexible getaways include hotel accommodations, sightseeing and entertainment. You can explore the destination at your own pace and don’t have to worry about all the details. These getaways are very popular as they offer the most convenient way to see a major city or national parks in just two to four days. There are over 500 Amtrak stations across the country that you can depart from, so it’s easy to find a direct route to your destination. Once you arrive, you can easily settle in your hotel and begin exploring the area with included hop on, hop off passes and popular sightseeing tours. The top rail destinations include New York City, Washington, DC, New Orleans, Glacier National Park, Washington, DC, Washington, DC, Washington, DC, and the Grand Canyon.
Why it’s right for you: If you have been longing to visit a new place or revisit an old favorite, you don’t want to worry about where you will stay and what you’ll do. Even though you don’t have time for a multi-day, multistop vacation, you still want to escape for a few days. A Rail Getaway is for you if you are nodding your head now!
National Parks
Description America’s National Parks are breathtaking sights to see, and the train is a great way to get close to these treasures. The national parks are surrounded by some of the most beautiful train routes, which allow for unparalleled access to views that cannot be reached by cars. Many travelers consider the train to be the best way to see the parks because of their historic connection with the train. Grand National Parks include Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon. Rails to Grand Canyon is another popular option.
Why it’s right for you: If you’ve always wanted to visit a national parks, but don’t want to drive or fly there, You want to have the complete national park experience with accommodation, tours, activities, and meals. You desire the national park experience of your dreams!
Roundtrip Rail Vacations
Description A roundtrip rail vacation allows you to start and end your journey at the same location as the return trip. This makes it convenient and doubles the number of sights you will see. Roundtrip travel is possible from any Amtrak station. Many train vacation packages can be arranged around roundtrip rail travel. Roundtrip rail vacations that are popular include Grand Canyon Getaway Roundtrip, from Chicago, and Niagara Falls Ultimate Getaway Roundtrip From New York.
Why it’s right for you: Roundtrip Rail vacations are convenient, especially if Amtrak station close by. It is also a great idea to start and end your train trip in a vibrant hub such as Chicago, New York City, Washington, DC, or Washington, DC. This makes it a destination in itself. You can enjoy the journey, relax and know what to expect on your return trip with included roundtrip rail.
Rail Experiences
Description Rail experiences are about both the journey and the destination. Amtrak’s iconic train routes take you to the most loved destinations in the country. Enjoy the American spirit and enjoy Amtrak trains. These packages include overnights aboard the train, and more information about traveling by train. Rail Experiences allow you to relax, unwind, and truly absorb the history and charm of long-distance trains. Grand Rail Experience and Northern Rail Experience are two of the most popular Rail Experiences.
Why it’s the perfect choice for you: Do you have a dream of a train vacation? Rail Experience packages offer a unique train experience. Many travelers make the most out of this by booking sleeping accommodations aboard the train with personal attendants, meals in the dining car, and other amenities that make for a memorable and unforgettable journey.
These 5 types of train vacations may not be what you are looking for. You can still customize any trip to make it your own. You can mix and match hotels, sightseeing tours and other details to suit your travel style. Any trip can begin right in your home – give us call to let one of our Rail Vacation Specialists help you plan your perfect train vacation.
Additional Resource:
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Rail_travel_in_India
https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/campus-services/sustainable-travel/buses-trains-shuttles/train-travel.aspx
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/railtravel
