5 Amazing Train Trips That Will Fuel Your Wanderlust
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There's something about traveling by train that stirs a sense of yesteryear and adventure in travelers. Thinking about the romance and glory of train travel in years past — from formal dinners to cocktail cars — is enough to make anyone want to hop aboard and head somewhere new.
Train travel is an amazing way to see places from a new perspective and can help make the most of a short amount of time. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views from one of these five train trips that will reignite your passion for traveling.
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Amtrak Coast Starlight
Running from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA, the Coast Starlight whisks you past waterfalls, lush forests, snowy Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound. While riding coach is a treat in itself, upgrading to first class means access to the Pacific Parlour car with dome windows and evening wine and cheese parties.
Tip: Book a seat on the west side of the car for views you won't get anywhere else.
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Rocky Mountaineer
Get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, and Banff National Park through spiral tunnels and lush mountains on this trip. Running from Seattle, WA to Calgary, Canada, the trip include hours in the panoramic-windowed domed observation car and luxurious meals from either the GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf menu, depending on your package. Nights, however, are spent in hotels along the route and not in a train car.
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The Venice-Simplon Orient Express
Running between London, England and Venice, Italy, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express brings the roaring '20s back to life. Travelers are shuttled between the two major cities in restored vintage 1920s carriages, and sights include the French countryside, the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck, Verona, and the canals of Venice. A boutique car, three dining cars, a champagne car, and a classic bar car are all part of the experience.
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Eastern & Orient Express
Ride through Malaysia to Singapore on this train ride, which includes views of ancient temples, green jungles, and charming villages. Green and gold décor with cherrywood paneling adorn the carriages, which includes a dining car and bar car. Add a champagne package or celebration breakfast to your stay for a romantic touch.
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The Ghan
This four-day, three-night train trip that takes passengers through the middle of Australia boasts stops in Alice Springs, Katherine, and Coober Pedy. With different levels of service — platinum, gold, and red — travelers can choose what works best for their budgets. Open to platinum and gold guests is the Queen Adelaide restaurant, which includes breakfast, a two-course lunch, and a three-course dinner, while the Outback Explorer lounge plays hosts to all-inclusive refreshments.
This train ride offers an array of off-train excursions, too, including the Simpsons Gap Discovery Walk, the Katherine Outback experience, and time to explore the Majestic Breakaways.