Riding the rails may seem like an old-time form of transportation or a long, drawn-out commute, but the train is really just another great way to see the world. Plan a summer getaway without all the planning and carting the kids around and let experienced guides do the work for you, especially in a wide open landscape like Alaska.
A well-planned tour can take your family through the wilderness, historic sites and wildlife wonders of the region like a pro. Take in the views from a relaxed seating position, get out into the wild with trusted itineraries and have all the travel logistics from hotel to city excursions arranged for you — all with the amenities and services of Vacations By Rail.
Embarking on an eight-day tour through Alaska’s endless natural beauty and wild vistas seems much more accessible (and relaxed) with someone else in the driver’s seat. Opt for a tour with a plan, but that also offers free time to explore. The Alaska Circle Tour Rail & Car is a great option.
Begin your wild family outing in Anchorage and explore the state’s largest city by day before boarding the Alaska Railroad en route to Denali National Park. While the younger children may enjoy playing pioneer and spotting wildlife, teens and older kids can go into the wild with endless activity options.
Spend the next full day in the park with a bus tour, where guides educate travelers on the history and significance of the park, as well as point out any wandering wildlife along the way. Once through the park, the next day brings travelers to Fairbanks, a cultural hub for Alaska’s gold history and pioneer culture. Visit sites like the Museum of the North and the Morris Thompson Culture Center, or check out the wild side of Pioneer Park and Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Guests of all ages can hike the trails suitable for them, or check out various wildlife tours.
Next up, a scenic drive to Valdez on the Richardson Highway, with mountains and glaciers filling the view from your train car window — the same views that gained Valdez the nickname Little Switzerland. Get out in nature with some kayaking, hiking and boat tours, or plan your trip in the snowy season and check out the local skiing and snowboarding.
The tour then brings travelers by ferry to Whitter, filled with views of icebergs and that quintessential Alaskan landscape you’re thinking of. Ride along through the world’s longest tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
The tour ends back in Anchorage and includes hotel stays each night, a rental car with unlimited miles for excursions, ferry rides, bus tours and more, all listed here.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 27, 2024Book the Ultimate Mother-In-Law Suite in New York City’s West Village
Family travel can be hard after welcoming a newborn. Some families want their in-laws or parents close to help and soak up all the time with the newborn. For families traveling to or living in New York City, Maison Hudson, a collection of new luxury residences in the city with hotel-like amenities, has an option perfect for grandparents or visiting family.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Destinations
Mar 27, 2024Outdoor Family Adventures on Offer with Four Seasons
Four Seasons Resorts offer outdoor experiences perfect for family travelers this spring. Check out some of what awaits your traveling brood:
Destinations / North America
Mar 27, 20243 Family-Friendly Hotels in Baltimore
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is surrounded by activities and attractions to keep families busy for several days, and for those who travel to get there, a trio of nearby hotels welcome children with amenities such as swimming pools, kid-sized bathrobes and bunk beds.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Festivals in New Orleans
Spring has sprung in New Orleans, Louisiana, for family travelers! Bring your crew to the Big Easy this season for a variety of family-friendly festivals, events and attractions.
ShareThis