Rail Travel Adventures

I would like to see and hear more about the train and trips that are train-related.  I don't like flying, and I venture too say, I am not the only one who would appreciate more train trips and information on secrets to rates, room rates, and otherwise.

-Rosemary, Thornton, Calif.

Trains can be an excellent way to view the scenery of a location while traveling. You might find Vacations By Rail beneficial. The site hosts itineraries for both guided and unguided rail travel.

Why not explore your home state of California by train? The “Historic Trains of California” itinerary is a seven-day trip which takes you through the redwood forests, the Pacific coast, and the Sacramento River. You’ll ride four different trains, stay in different hotels, and even get tours of the cities where you stop. This train vacation leaves from San Francisco, and the company can help you with additional train accommodations to get to your departure location. Call 877-929-7245 for more information.

Trains Unlimited Tours, or TUT, caters to people of all levels of experience with trains. You'll choose from tours that cater to tourists, railfan-tourists, and railfans. (These are usually expert railroad photographers and aficionados. Railfan trips are not suitable for everyday travelers). One of their itineraries, the Camas Prairie Rail Explorer, is a three-day charger passenger on the historic BC & CM railroad and returns you to Lewiston, Idaho each night for accommodations. There are plenty of photography opportunities on this trip. So if you are a shutterbug, you should take a closer look at this trip.

You might want to consider the 12-day “Fall Colors on the Mississippi” cruise. Starting in Chicago and ending in Minneapolis/St.Paul, you’ll travel both on train and boat on this vacation. You’ll tour Chicago, St. Louis, and Minneapolis/St. Paul on foot and rail, and you will also go on a seven-day steamboat cruise. Again, call toll-free, 877-929-7245 to book this vacation and to get help with getting connector trains to Chicago. It's only $99 for return trips to your home city.

Even Alaska is manageable by train. The Greatland Explorer offers a five-day, four-night complete itinerary through Alaska. Although there are optional activities which include flying, there are plenty of non-flying options.