Exploration is something most seniors might want to do in their golden years. A train journey to enjoy scenic views is the right way to go. The idea of sitting comfortably in a cabin, enjoying scrumptious meals onboard, and taking in some stellar sights while on the move is nothing short of a dream trip for many. All one needs to do is look for available tour options and pick one that suits their interests.
Train trips
Glacier National Park Getaway Round Trip from Chicago – Amtrak Vacations
Amtrak Vacations has a brilliant train itinerary for seniors who want to travel to Glacier National Park. One could enjoy views of the North Dakota plains and prepare to head into Big Sky country as they enter Montana. The six-day tour also includes a ride along the Going-to-the-Sun Road and a tour of the serene Lake McDonald Valley. One could also explore the park by themselves, which boasts exhilarating scenery and relaxation. The two-destination train trip is priced from $2,400 per person.
Colorado Rail Experience – Vacations By Rail
The train ride starting from $3,400 is a must-do for seniors as it lets one immerse themselves in Gold Rush lore. The Colorado Rail Experience tour also lets travelers take in the intricate scenes of the Rocky Mountains when one is exploring the state’s rugged terrain above six heritage railroads, including the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Georgetown Loop Railroad, the Leadville, and Colorado & Southern Railroad. The trip also includes a visit to the Garden of the Gods.
USA and Canada Grand Rail Experience – Amtrak Vacations
Seniors who wish to embark on a massive train journey could consider the USA and Canada Grand Rail Experience. The trip spans over 24 days and covers a total of eight destinations. One could book this starting from $5,700 per person. A few highlights of this train tour include spending time viewing the Niagara Falls, entering the CN Tower in Toronto, and admission to the Vancouver Lookout. It also includes sightseeing at all destinations. The issued San Francisco CityPASS® may include tours of the California Academy of Sciences, Aquarium of the Bay, Exploratorium, and The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Coastal Classic tour – Alaska Railroad
One could explore The Last Frontier on Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train. The tour may offer sights of Alaska’s wildlife, such as elk, grizzly bears, glaciers, and massive mountains. During the journey on the coastal classic, one would be able to take in sights between Anchorage and Seward and even explore most of Alaska’s landscape in a single day. This tour might also be cost-effective for many as tickets start from as low as $170 for the Adventure Class and about $350 for Goldstar Service per person.
Travel tips
Traveling by train can be a lot of fun. But seniors who follow a few travel tips can ensure that each aspect of their journey goes smoothly.
Carry appropriate clothing
The temperature aboard a train and at different locations can vary greatly. So, one should carry appropriate clothing to tackle any weather conditions. For instance, onboard the train, it is a good idea to carry a heavy sweater or sweatshirt to wear as needed. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are also ideal for longer journeys like train rides. One should even wear comfortable clothing while on a train.
Carry meals
Full meals or snacks may cost a lot in the dining car. So, one could carry meals during a train trip, depending on the duration of the journey. This will help cut down on unwanted bills during travel. It is also important to note that food should typically be had in one’s allotted seat.
Pack sufficient but not too much
If one is going on a long train trip, one may have to pack accordingly. But seniors should try to travel light and avoid carrying too many items onboard the train so they do not exert themselves during the vacation.
Get travel insurance
Despite all the fun there is to be had on a train trip, there could be mishaps that require urgent care. This is why it is advisable to purchase travel insurance for seniors, especially when traveling out of state or the country. Doing so could protect one financially against unforeseen circumstances during the train trip.
Don’t forget personal care items
One may spend several hours in a day or through the night aboard a train. So, carrying personal items might help one stay fresh throughout the journey. For instance, one could carry items like soap (or body wash), toothpaste and a toothbrush, lotion, hand sanitizer, tissues, and deodorant, as these may cover one’s daily hygiene routines.
Account for delays
An itinerary can only go so far, and one will experience delays of some sort with trains, owing to unavoidable circumstances. For instance, tour trains that travel local and cross-country routes may share tracks with freight trains. The latter may get priority, which could add a few minutes or hours to one’s schedule. So, it is important to account for these delays while traveling.
