Travel Insider: Road trip by rail

Joe Maloney

Summer 2021

We’ve noticed an ignited interest in rail travel this year, as our rail journey virtual events have generated record registration numbers, and our AAA Travel Advisors have been flooded with requests about rail vacations.

Train travel has a unique charm. It offers the alluring contrast of an industry steeped in history, yet one that continues to evolve, innovate, surprise, and enchant. Train journeys allow passengers to unwind and relax, while enjoying a journey filled with spectacular views from bustling cities to remote, untouched wildernesses.

Here at AAA, we have so many incredible rail adventures to choose from, and our rail partners are offering some exciting new advancements and itineraries. In fact, train travel has become so popular, that Uniworld, a river cruise company, is adding new cruise and rail journeys. Now, in addition to a European river cruise, take a private train journey through Romania, the country that inspired the Count Dracula myth, to the Castles of Transylvania.

Amtrak Vacations and Railbookers offer unforgettable journeys by rail to National Parks, where you’ll experience some of the most beautiful, untamed landscapes in the U.S. and Canada. Their rail adventures also span across Europe, Asia, South Africa, and the South Pacific.

For the first time, Rocky Mountaineer, a popular luxury train in the Canadian Rockies, is coming to the United States this fall with itineraries departing from Denver! A stunning rail route called “Rockies to the Red Rocks” is filled with breathtaking scenery seen from an expansive glass-dome coach. Travel from Denver to Moab, Utah, or the reverse, through extraordinary landscapes, from captivating mountains to inspiring desert vistas. Meals are served onboard from a local cuisine menu with a special Southwest flavor.

AAA Travel is partnering with Rocky Mountaineer to offer a specially crafted, 6-day “Vineyards and Rail – Rockies to the Red Rocks” journey on Oct. 3, 2021, which includes visits to two wineries, 12 meals, services of a AAA Escort, and Silver Leaf luxury rail service from Denver to Moab.

Wherever you plan to travel by train, the journey becomes part of the experience. The train ride becomes a destination in and of itself. Look out the window and immerse yourself in the captivating scenery often inaccessible by other transportation options. Next time you’re planning a road trip, consider traveling by train—endless rail journeys are waiting. Visit AAA.com/RailJourneys to see a list of available itineraries.

Joe Maloney is vice president travel and retail operations for AAA Colorado.

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