I’ve discovered 5 extraordinary baby boomer train journeys, ideal for summer, fall or winter travel. Train trips have always created a sense of adventure and exploration.   Connecting us with the early years of our country when railroads were the way of moving people across the country.  There was glamour, fascination, and the thrill of traveling through less travel pathways.

Today they still provide the sense of adventure, luxury and old fashion sophistication.

Near or far, here are train trips that will having you saying “all aboard!”

How do you say once-in-a-life-time experience without saying it?  A train ride filled with romance, adventure, comfort, great cuisine and luxury will say it for you.  Get onboard one of Australia’s two train extravaganzas The Ghan – an all-inclusive epic journey across the heart of the country or The Indian Pacific – named after two oceans; this train travels from east to west, and coast to coast.

On the Ghan you may choose your level of service – Gold Service, the most popular with room to stretch and all the comforts of home.  With  all-inclusive food and beverage there’s no doubt it is a traveler’s favorite.  Bump up your experience with Platinum Service.  Discerning traveller experience a spacious suite and personal service, all-inclusive meals and beverages and everything you would expect from a First Class experience. Double thumbs up for this service.  Select an itinerary that gives you a chance to journey through Australia’s Northern Territory.  You have the option to choose – Darwin to Alice Springs, Adelaide to Alice Springs, Adelaide to Darwin or the reverse of either.

The Indian Pacific  takes you on a different route from coast to coast between the Indian and Pacific oceans.  It’s a spectacular route and you’ll have many stories to share when you return home. The service levels are the same as the Ghan with an additional level – The Chairman’s Carriage where you’ll truly upgrade yourself! Travel from Sydney to Perth, Sydney to Adelaide, Adelaide to Perth or vice versa, either route is filled with exceptional scenery.

Australia has so much to explore.  Consider one of their other routings. You will find more information on their website.

Utah Heber Valley Train Trip – Forget ski trips and replace them with a train journey through Heber Valley for family fun, couple’s fun or solo.  The scenic trail will put you in the scene with theme train journeys offered throughout the year. Including the North Pole Express.  Here’s a tip – make your experience truly exceptional with a ride in the luxury Observation Car which has been restored to it’s 1930’s glamour and and old world charm.

To truly experience this scenic route, plan for a slow-paced, fun-filled ride on one of the daily Scenic Trains through the breathtaking Heber Valley and Wasatch Mountains. You’ll travel around the beautiful Deer Creek Reservoir, and alongside the majestic Provo River to Vivian Park.

There is year ’round fun on the Heber Valley Train. Pull out your calendar and plan your journey during your favorite time of the year  – Provo Canyon Limited (Spring/Summer), the Lakeside Limited (Fall/Winter), and the Deer Creek Express (Year Round). And, yes, there’s food onboard! Choose a box lunch or check-out the Concession Car.  What’s a train ride without live entertainment. Whether its their local Fiddlers or if luck is on your side the Conductor may capture one of the bandits that always trying to rob the train.  There is never a dull moment on the Heber Creeper.

There are Themed trains throughout the year with the most popular being “Princess & Pirates,” “Kids Cowboy Train,” “Super Hero Train,” and the annual “North Pole Express” holiday train in November-December.

Be on the lookout for  Black Jack Raven and the  Soldier Hollow Gang! They may be lurking in the trees awaiting your arrival. Bring your camera and capture all the fun.

Next stop and we’re off to Europe with Tauck and a list of itineraries that take you to Vienna, The Alps and Milan. If you’re looking for a grand train experience, this is where you’ll find it. The Grand Rail Adventure is just that, a grand experience with Old World charms and romance.  Just in time for a big anniversary or celebration, you’ll capture the moment and have memories for a lifetime.  This itinerary has special occasion written all over it. Travel for 8 days with Tauck Exclusive on a private train – The Gold Eagle Luxury Train.  Only 58 guests with exceptional service and truly experiential travel.  A hands-on cooking session at Cascina outside Milan. A private concert with wine in an historic Vienna venue and organ concert at Como Cathedral. This super luxury journey include three nights onboard the Golden Eagle Luxury train – Danube Express and two nights at a luxury hotel in Milan.  Pack your bags! This is your dream trip.

Tour the Swiss Alps Grand Rail Tour  with Echo Trails on a 12 Day Swiss rail tour. It is the ultimate Alpine experience onboard some of the world’s most famous trains – The Glacier Express, Golden Pass line and Bernini Express to name a few. Hop off the train for a two-night stay in 3 and 4 star hotels providing European luxury along with all the amenities that say “dream come true!”  Filled with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps you’ll see sights only viewable unclose from your train window. Breakfast and dinner included is included – and here’s where  all inclusive means you can relax and put your wallet away.  Join in the fun with day excursions off the train with option to hike or walk local paths and there are always great cities tours.

Start your journey in Zurich with stops in Lucern, The Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus

St. Moritz and Bernese Mountains to name a few. If you’ve been wanting to see all of Switzerland, this is your chance.

Side note – Switzerland has one of the best transportation systems in the world.  Purchasing a pass allows you to also jump on and off city trams.

Stay close to home with a trip through the local mountain range on the Tennessee Valley Railroad.  It’s a train ride along routes you’ve driven many times before.  Now you can see it all up close with a train experience filled with new surprises. There are several options for an enjoyable train ride with Tennessee Valley Railroad. Step onboard in Etowah for a choice of two rides – half-day or full-day through the Hiwassee River Gorge.  The Hiwassee Loop, as it’s called, will take you over Bald Mountain and along Hiwassee River on a three and half hour ride.  For a little longer trip and more scenery take the Copperhill Special which is a full-day adventure along the same route but also takes you through Turtletown and Ducktown to the former mining town of Copperhill, Tennessee. With the two hour layover, you’ll have time to check out the city or cities.  Go for the general seats or upgrade to the VIP Observation Car with dome windows giving you a panoramic view.

Rocky Mountaineer takes you through the Canadian Rockies with views so spectacular you’ll spend all of your time watching the mountains zip by though the dome windows. Choose your routing from one of three itineraries First PassTo The West starting in Vancouver to Banff, or Journey Through The Clouds from Vancouver to Jasper, or Rainforest to Gold Rush – Vancouver to Jasper with a stop in Whistler.  Up next for Rocky Mountaineer, is a trip through the U.S. Rockies to the Red Rocks from Denver to Moab. And what a journey it is; filled with highlights truly best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield, and Moffat Tunnel. You can switch it up to travel east from Moab to Denver. What better way to experience the American Southwest on this two-day excursion filled with history and opportunities to hop off each night and visit iconic destinations surrounded by plains and mountains. For a first hand account of Annita’s experience on Rocky Mountaineer, take a listen.

There’s Amtrak too.  The Crescent Line leaves from Gainesville and can connect you to many destinations around the country.

Mornings on Maine Street With Bill Maine featured the train rides. Take a listen.

All aboard! The train is leaving the station – don’t miss it.