Traveling the countryside without adding miles to your car may sound like a riddle, but it’s really just a clever family travel plan offering the best of both worlds. Enjoy quality time with the family and view rolling scenery without having eyes on the road with train travel.
It’s one of the oldest transportation options in the book and a beloved family favorite for good reason.
Hit the road the old-time way with this list of must-try train tours through the United States. Don’t let the mode of transportation fool you, this good, old-fashioned road trip boasts modern digs, well-planned itineraries, room for creativity and all sorts of comfort.
For adventure families and groups looking for a slightly epic wilderness experience, Alaska is already on your list. Travel deep into the Alaskan wilderness without the actual fear for survival aspect on a Vacations by Rail tour. Begin in Anchorage with visits to Denali National Park, including a bus tour through the wilderness. Read the full itinerary and all that’s included.
Another America by Rail tour, guests of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta tour Albuquerque, New Mexico, by rail, enjoying the iconic fall festival. For families seeking an all-around good time, traveling by rail to an already travel-worthy festival is a great way to extend your trip and take the pressure off yourselves for planning activities.
Go big or go home with an America From Coast to Coast tour, again by America by Rail. This 12-day trip brings families and train-loving travelers through the country with sightseeing tours, high-speed trains and fun stops along the way.
Cape Cod, Boston and Martha’s Vineyard
Take the scenic East by storm in August with an America by Rail tour through Cape Cod, Boston and Martha’s Vineyard. The nine-day tour brings families through the famously beautiful region, all with the comforts of high-end rail service.
For anyone less enthusiastic about sitting on a train for an extended period of time, the Napa Valley Wine Train is a perfect blend of train transportation and freedom. Visit nearby wineries in style, some better for adult children while others are for all ages, but choose a timeline that works for your family. Guests can hop on the train for a quick lunch tour, dinner experience or half- and full-day tours.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 20, 2025Embrace the Last Months of Cold at Idaho’s Hot Springs
Some family travelers prefer to visit tropical destinations in spring to escape lingering cold temperatures, peak season prices and big summer crowds. This spring, however, family travelers are invited to Idaho to embrace the end of cold season through outdoor exploration and natural hot springs.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Destinations / North America
Mar 20, 2025The Inn at Warner Hall Reopens
The historic The Inn at Warner Hall recently reopened its doors following a restoration and renovation. The property was the ancestral home of George Washington’s great-great grandfather, Augustine Warner I, also the ninth great-grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II. Established in 1642, Warner Hall is one of the country’s earliest manor houses and reopen to family travelers as of March 5.
Slideshow
Mar 20, 20256 Santa Fe, New Mexico, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Santa Fe, New Mexico, with us.
Airlines
Mar 19, 2025Neos Airlines Provides Amenity Kits for Kids
Children’s programming and games are standard on most transcontinental flights, and Neos Airlines is no exception. While the Italian carrier is relatively new to the U.S. market, launching its first New York (JFK)–Milan (MXP) flights in 2021, it now counts Rome (FCO); Palermo (PMO); and Bari, Puglia (BRI) (as of June 2025) as destinations from New York. It has also established a niche as an affordable carrier with premium attributes and a soft spot for family travelers.
Destinations / North America
Mar 19, 2025Upcoming Garden Festivals and Events in Virginia
Plan family travel to Virginia this spring and summer and experience the state’s fabulous gardens.
ShareThis