Scenic Railway Travel

            There was a time, not too long ago, when riding the rails in America was not only practical, but even somewhat romantic. The first transcontinental railroad was completed shortly after the Civil War, and for nearly a century the railroad dominated American domestic travel. But then came the 1950s, the decade that saw the arrival of jet-powered commercial aircraft and the interstate highway system. Almost overnight, things changed: flights were much faster and traveling long distances by road much easier. The American railroad system began to decline, in terms of ridership and quality.

            It’s certainly not that way elsewhere. European rail systems are popular and modern, as my husband and I delightedly discovered on our visit to Switzerland last spring, and high-speed rail systems in Japan have set the standard for fast, efficient domestic train travel. Given the choice, most Americans would rather fly from one place to another, rather than take the train. But rail travel is still popular for people who just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, as well as the nostalgia of the experience. We’ve ridden the Rocky Mountaineer twice, in Canada from Vancouver to Banff and in the States from Moab to Denver, and both trips were great. We’d gladly do either one again, but there are many scenic train rides to choose from, especially overseas. USA Today recently ranked the best international scenic railways and routes.

·         Glacier Express, Switzerland. Proud to call itself the world’s slowest train, offering panoramic views of the Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt. During the 8-hour trip, you’ll go through 91 tunnels and cross 291 bridges.

·         Jungfrau Railways, Switzerland. Your ears will pop on this 45-minute ride through the Alps from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch. It’s pricey at $127 per person, but worth every penny.

·         Santa Claus Express, Finland. The jolly old elf resides on the Arctic Circle in Lapland, and you get there with a 15-hour journey from Helsinki, with tickets starting at just $25. Sleeper cars are pricier, but riders also have WiFi, power outlets and even showers.

·         Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe. Travel like European millionaires of the 1920s on a luxury train that’s a time machine on rails, with routes from London to Istanbul and many places in between. Its 18 carriages are well-appointed, and the dining is world-class. You’ll pay for it, though; the Paris to Budapest trip will cost over $4,000 per passenger.

·         Rovos Rail, South Africa. This luxury hotel on tracks provides “train safaris” that take you as far away as Tanzania. Itineraries range from two nights to two weeks, but they all offer stunning vistas and off-train excursions for game drives, golf and a visit to Victoria Falls.

·         Oriental Express, Malaysia. The Eastern & Oriental Express departs from cosmopolitan Singapore and takes you to the jungles of Malaysia, with 24-hour private steward service. There’s also a Dior spa on board.

·         Great Journeys New Zealand. Offering routes that take you to both islands for their stunning scenery, from the coastline of the South Island to the volcanoes of the North.

·         The Vietage by Anantara, Vietnam. This is a short train, with only two passenger cars and only six passengers each. Quiet luxury is the unspoken theme, with your fare including afternoon tea and a 15-minute back and shoulder massage.

·         VIA Rail, Canada. The scenic ride from Winnipeg to Churchill is unforgettable, taking you all the way to Hudson Bay and the polar bear capital of the world.

·         Spirit of the Outback, Australia. This is the only way to experience Down Under’s most beguiling place without an exhausting drive. You’ll board in Brisbane and spend 26 hours traversing Queensland all the way to Longreach.

If you’re ready to ride the rails over there or want to stay over here with a wonderful Rocky Mountaineer ride, we can get you there. Give us a call, and pretty soon you’ll be hearing, “All aboard!”