There are two types of winter vacations in the U.S.: those that take place in warmer destinations where the woes of winter fade into memory and those that intensify the season's offerings and embrace fluffy snow and chilly temperatures. Whichever front you land on, a winter rail vacation is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime.
Winter vacations with snow are most prevalent, beginning in December through January and February. Wintry itineraries may take you to places like Chicago, where lake-effect snow creates a magical scene amongst the towering buildings. From Chicago, perhaps join Amtrak's Empire Builder for a trek through the white expanses of the northern prairies to Seattle or board the California Zephyr to ride through the snow-capped Colorado Rockies and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in pursuit of milder weather in San Francisco. Alaska also tops the list of the country's most popular places to travel in winter, thanks to its winter wonderland atmosphere. Of course, Alaska is also a prime place to view the northern lights, and there are few better places to see them in America than from the remote comforts of Bettles Lodge or Chena Hot Springs.
Join voyagers that appreciate sunny skies and sandals by traveling to one of the warm places to visit in winter. The bright blue waters of the Pacific welcome winter travelers to California's coast. One of the easiest ways to see the state's great cities is to board Amtrak's Coast Starlight. Tour packages featuring this train venture to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, highlighting beautiful views as the vacation unfolds. Warm winter vacations in the USA may also feature the Southwest, where the Grand Canyon reigns supreme, or the deep South, including New Orleans, where the temperature rarely dips below the 60s during the day. Begin your year refreshed and recharged in any one of these wintertime destinations.
(34 reviews)
Seek the magical aurora borealis on a sensational winter journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage, riding the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali. An evening in the wilderness provides a great chance to catch the Northern Lights, while an exciting dog-sled ride through the snow-covered tundra and a curling lesson help uncover the...
(26 reviews)
A UNESCO-listed attraction and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon beckons on this wintertime vacation. Find yourself transported back to the golden age of train travel as you join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its overnight journey from Chicago to Arizona. The rail adventures continue aboard the 120-year-old Grand...
Prepare for a 10-day cross-country rail vacation that showcases the best of the USA, from natural beauty to big cities. Start your journey by exploring iconic landmarks on a guided tour of New York. Next, relax aboard the Lake Shore Limited as it whisks you through scenic vistas to Chicago, where you'll delve into the Windy City's ...
(42 reviews)Winter is a special time of year in Alaska. The landscape transforms into a wonderland clad in fluffy white snow, and the short days set the perfect stage for the aurora borealis to take over the night sky. Adventures take on a new form and open visitors' eyes to the wonders and traditions of America's Last Frontier. This week-long Alaskan...
(16 reviews)By day and night, immerse yourself in the wonders of an Alaskan winter. With its far-north location, this state is one of the best places in North America to see the Aurora Borealis, and this journey features plenty of opportunities to do just that. Venture into the state's remote interior aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, and...
(26 reviews)En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unsurpassed. The dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific...
Embrace the Windy City and learn a bit of what makes it unique with an architecture tour on the Chicago River. The following day, travel 1800 miles aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans to the Big Easy where you can discover the amazing architecture, culture, and cuisine in this vibrant city. Enjoy some folkore and sample the Cajun and Creole...
(22 reviews)Forget everything you have heard about northern lights viewing and come along for this independent adventure into Alaska's backcountry to Borealis Basecamp. Set just 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, this unique hotel offers an aurora borealis experience like no other. Watch hues of red, green and purple undulate across the night sky from your cozy,...
(9 reviews)Powder-capped mountains and frosty landscapes beckon in America's winter wonderland, Alaska. Here, the days are short, the nights are long, and snow covers the terrain to create storybook scenery during your four-day vacation. Split your time between Anchorage and Talkeetna, venturing between them on the storied rails of the Alaska Railroad. With...
Beautiful vistas and incredible adventures lie ahead on this journey through America's Last Frontier. Travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Alaska Railroad, surrounded by pristine wilderness, and experience Fairbanks your way before heading into the backcountry in search of the elusive Northern Lights. Complete with a two-day stay at Chena...
(21 reviews)Alaska is a land filled with wild beauty and interesting destinations; enjoy the best of both worlds on this 6-day expedition. Your time here is marked by adventures through two great Alaskan cities and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Your journey begins in Anchorage, where you board the Alaska Railroad bound for Fairbanks. It is in...
(12 reviews)The heritage of Alaska is multi-faceted and deeply rooted; it is something that oozes from cities and bubbles to the surface in the furthest reaches of the state. Find yourself captivated by everything it offers as you explore the state from the interior to the coast on this immersive winter adventure. The excitement begins in Fairbanks, one of...
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