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Winter Vacations in USA

Winter Train Trips

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.

15 results matching: Winter Tours

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Northern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
Nearly Sold Out
Save up to $500
4.8 stars(24 reviews)
Independent
2025MarDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent
7 days from
$2,714 pp $2,514 pp
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Save up to $500
7 days from
$2,714
$2,514
per person
View Details
No Single Supp
7 days from
$3,795
$3,495
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Aurora Train
4.4 stars(8 reviews)
Independent
2025MarDec
2026JanFebMarApr
Independent
4 days from
$1,584 pp
View Details
4 days from
$1,584
per person
View Details
Northern Lights Swirling over Pine Trees
Save up to $500
4.8 stars(19 reviews)
Independent
2025MarOctNovDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent
6 days from
$2,980 pp $2,780 pp
View Details
Save up to $500
6 days from
$2,980
$2,780
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Pacific Ocean and Big Sur Coastline
4.5 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
2025MarAprMayJunJul...
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
4 days from
$638 pp
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4 days from
$638
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Alaska Wildlife
Save up to $500
Independent
2025MarDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent
7 days from
$2,200 pp $2,000 pp
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Save up to $500
7 days from
$2,200
$2,000
per person
View Details
Dining Hut under the Stars
Save up to $500
4.7 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2025AugSepOctNovDec
2026JanFebMarApr
Independent
8 days from
$2,740 pp $2,540 pp
View Details
Save up to $500
8 days from
$2,740
$2,540
per person
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Sunrise in Winter at the Grand Canyon
Save up to $500
4.4 stars(21 reviews)
Independent
2025MarNovDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent
6 days from
$1,330 pp
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Save up to $500
6 days from
$1,330
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Aurora Borealis
Save up to $500
Independent
2025AugSepOctNovDec
2026JanFebMar
Independent
6 days from
$2,025 pp $1,825 pp
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Save up to $500
6 days from
$2,025
$1,825
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Golden Gate Bridge
Save up to $500
Independent
2025MarAprMayJunJul...
Independent
10 days from
$2,284 pp $2,084 pp
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Save up to $500
10 days from
$2,284
$2,084
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
New Orleans Downtown Skyline
4.0 stars(9 reviews)
Independent
2025MarAprMayJunJul...
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$907 pp
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5 days from
$907
per person
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  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Winter Tours tours
Alaska Northern Lights & Aurora Train
9/Feb
KAY REET RASMUSSEN
5 stars
“The Matanauska glacier hike was the best thanks to guides kayle and morris
Collected by Trustpilot
Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp
15 Dec 2024
Anne Gorman
5 stars
“Excellent staff and wonderful accommodations. Activities were top notch. Food was great
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
19 May 2024
SUSAN PEDROZA
5 stars
“The crew were amazing, very nice and accommodating.
Collected by Trustpilot
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
03 Apr 2024
Chit Aquino
5 stars
“Bettles Lodge had a homey, family ambiance. Staff were very friendly and entertained us with their personal stories. I was so happy that the Aurora Borealis did not disappoint me. I will definitely recommend this adventure at Bettles Lodge.
Collected by Trustpilot
Ultimate Winter Wonderland: Iditarod & Northern Lights
12 Mar 2024
Christine Alderson
5 stars
“Great way to see the beautiful state of Alaska in the winter. Bus & rail transportations were wonderful.
Collected by Trustpilot
Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon - Chicago Round-trip
10 Jan 2024
ALLYN RICCI
5 stars
“It was a wonderful quick getaway for me, my husband, and 2 kids. They loved the train and we all experienced the Grand Canyon for the first time together. We will definitely be using Vacations by Rail for another adventure!
Collected by Trustpilot
New Orleans Express
03 May 2023
DORINDA UY
5 stars
“The first class accommodation at the lounge was perfect with the shower room ( complete with towels and toiletries), snacks and comfortable chairs. The meals in the train were savory and hot. Enjoyed every one of them. The train ride from Chicago to New Orleans went by pretty quickly with...
Collected by Trustpilot
Anchorage & Talkeetna Northern Lights Getaway
6/Jan
ELMIRA MOKRI
4 stars
“Wish there was more communication and more details
Collected by Trustpilot
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