Winter vacation destinations beckon throughout the United States for nature-lovers and city-fans alike. Whether you're looking to escape the chilly snow or relish its lovely scenery, consider brightening your colder months with a U.S. rail vacation. The following ideas give just a sample of Vacations By Rail's myriad options:
The Grand Canyon awes sightseers year-round, yet only winter visitors meet the park's spectacular blend of sparser crowds, white-tipped mountains and sunny skies. Snowy ponderosa pine and spruce-fir forests await when you embark on a Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon.
For a northwest-bound journey, try the Snow Train between Chicago and Seattle. Passing by prairies and mountain peaks on its way from the "Windy City" to the "Emerald City," this trip features trails famously traversed by Lewis and Clark. Alternatively, the Snow Zephyr, traveling between Chicago and San Francisco, offers lounge car views of the Colorado Rockies and Sierra Nevada en route to California's "Golden Gate City."
If you prefer sweater weather to snowy weather, think about venturing south on the New Orleans Express vacation. A roundtrip rail journey on Amtrak's City of New Orleans bookends a lively stay in New Orleans, where travelers can wander the French Quarter, enjoy a beignet at Café du Monde, listen to live jazz, or discover unique neighborhoods.
For a more tropical getaway, luxuriate on the California Zephyr & Hawaii Cruise. Depart Chicago, and then spend a day sightseeing in San Francisco before boarding the Grand Princess for your Hawaiian cruise. Beaches, cultural sites and outdoor activities abound in your five breathtaking ports of call: Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui and Ensenada.
As you look forward to traveling this winter, remember the diverse range of rail vacations and rail and cruise combination packages waiting in the United States. Contact a rail specialist to find the perfect winter getaway for snow lovers and sun-seekers alike.
