6 Train Travel Resolutions You'll Actually Want to Keep in 2023
Whether or not you're the type to make New Year's resolutions, it's tough not to dream about new travel experiences when thinking about the year ahead. There are so many different places to see and exciting activities to check off the list. Maybe 2023 is the year to visit a new national park, or finally take that trip across the wilds of Canada. Why wait?
If you're looking to embark on exciting adventures, have more meaningful and immersive experiences, and travel smarter in 2023, these six train travel resolutions are keepers!
1. Visit More National Parks
The 59 great national parks across America are always beckoning visitors, from the natural wonder that is the Grand Canyon to the spectacular geysers of Yellowstone and the snowy peaks of Glacier National Park. And while travel to a national park is on 4 out of 5 Americans' bucket lists, only 10% of Americans take the train versus other more common modes of travel like driving or flying. What may not be known is how easy, convenient, and scenic it is to take the train to America's most beloved national parks, with several routes leading directly into or directly adjacent to the park entrance!
Our favorite National Park trips:
- Grand National Parks of the Southwest - Bryce & Zion to the Grand Canyon
- Rails to the Grand Canyon
- Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon
- Glacier National Park Getaway
- Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Rail Journey
2. Discover the Natural Wonders of Canada
Travel to Canada from America has steadily increased over the last five years, mostly among people aged 55+, supported by the continued expansion of air capacity between Canada and the US. But what many people don't know is how easy and convenient it is to get to Canada by train, from any of the 500+ Amtrak stations across the country. And once inside the vast country, train travel on Canada's excellent rail network is the most scenic way to see more of the country from coast to coast. From Toronto and Niagara Falls on the East Coast to Jasper and Banff in the Canadian Rockies, and Calgary and Vancouver out West, the train can take you there.
Our favorite Canadian trips:
- Canadian Rockies Discovery Eastbound
- Ultimate Canada by Rail with the Rockies
- Canadian Rockies Adventure
- Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies by Rail
- Ultimate Canada and Rockies Westbound
3. Have a Train Experience
Rather than simply taking the train from Point A to Point B, why not spend some time enjoying the experience that brings a smile to so many people's faces? Take in the train experience by spending a night or two (or more) on board, enjoying the food, the accommodations, the company, and the incredible scenery out your window. Slow down, enjoy the relaxed pace, and remember what it's like to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Our favorite train experiences:
- Northern Rail Experience
- Grand Rail Experience
- Essential Grand Canyon Discovery
- Western Rail Experience
- USA and Canada Rail Experience
4. Embrace Sustainable Travel
With the new year comes even more of a global emphasis on living sustainably, whether it be altering energy consumption, changing personal consumption, or paying more attention to sustainable methods of transportation. In comparing rail with road and air transport, the train is much more sustainable, whether in terms of CO2 emissions, energy consumption, use of space, and even noise levels. Do your part and ride the train for your next vacation.
Our favorite train trips:
- Glenwood Springs and Denver Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago
- Pacific Rail Experience
- Peaks to Pacific Journey
5. Take That Cross-Country Adventure
Forget the road trip - see the best of America from coast to coast while traveling along legendary train routes to some of the country’s most popular destinations. Customize your journey to travel wherever suits your fancy - take Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago west to San Francisco, or the iconic Empire Builder route across the wilds of the Pacific Northwest to Glacier National Park and beyond. The journey is only limited by your imagination.
Our favorite Coast to Coast trips:
- Coast to Coast Across the USA
- Great American - Majestic Landscapes
- Ultimate Canada Coast to Coast
- The All American
6. Re-connect With Friends and Family
The train offers a wonderful way to reconnect with family, friends, and loved ones. Have a family reunion onboard the train, take the grandkids on their first train experience, or celebrate a special birthday or anniversary. The train lets you slow down and spend much-needed quality time together.
Our favorite train experiences to share:
