Seniors looking for a relaxing and scenic holiday experience should consider rail travel. Unlike airlines and other alternatives, train seats provide ample legroom, allowing seniors to stay comfortable even during long journeys. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak, offers a 10% discount on most train travel fares for passengers aged 65 and above. Besides, several other companies offer holiday packages tailored to seniors. But, one should examine all the options carefully before deciding.
Popular train trip packages for seniors
1. Glacier National Park Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago
This 6-day rail trip package is priced at $1,439 per person. The accommodation will be at Glacier Park Lodge. Like other Amtrak trips, this one has multiple customization options for passengers.
- Passengers can start from any of the 500+ Amtrak stations across the country
- Add extra nights in a favorite destination
- Upgrade to a private room onboard the train,
- Add additional sightseeing spots
- The option to take any itinerary in reverse (flip the order of accommodation, routing, and planner)
The trip includes 3 nights of hotel accommodations, 2 nights onboard the Amtrak train, and a dinner at the Glacier Park Lodge. The vibrant Glacier National Park visit is the cherry on the cake atop this beautiful train trip.
The Glacier National Park Getaway includes an exciting boat cruise in the scenic Two Medicine Valley and an exploration of the lush Lake McDonald Valley. Seniors can step out and explore the various breathtaking locations within the park upon arriving at their destination. This trip is known for its laidback vibe, meaning that senior passengers can sit back and relax while their train takes them through one beautiful scenic route after another.
2. Grand Canyon Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the country, with millions of tourists visiting every year. So, a trip to witness this majestic natural wonder will be an enriching experience for seniors.
This 6-day trip passes from Chicago to Williams, the Grand Canyon National Park, and back to Chicago via Williams. Priced at $1,109 per person, this trip traverses the historic Route 66 before passengers can board the Grand Canyon Railway for a ride into the Grand Canyon National Park.
The various trip inclusions are 3-night accommodation in designated hotels (Accommodation options include El Tovar Hotel, Maswik Lodge, Grand Canyon Railway, Bright Angel Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Kachina Lodge), the Grand Canyon Freedom Tour, two meals included (one breakfast and one dinner), and a Roundtrip Amtrak in coach accommodations on the Southwest Chief train, allowing seniors to travel from Chicago to Williams and back again.
3. Colorado Rail Experience
Escorted tours can be particularly beneficial for senior travelers as they include a tour guide to handle the booking logistics like itineraries, accommodation booking, and transportation planning. Also, the assigned tour guide will often be an expert in the destination location and provide insights into the culture, history, and hidden trivia of the place seniors are traveling to.
This trip involves a journey through the beautiful Colorado through an extensive 8-day Rocky Mountain expedition. Seniors can explore the hilly expanses aboard six iconic railways: the Leadville, Colorado, and Southern Railroad, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Georgetown Loop Railroad, the Cumbres And Toltec Scenic Railroad, and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
Seniors are more than likely to be intrigued by the rich history of the locations covered in this trip. The guide will showcase the mining and railway history of Colorado. The price for this trip begins from $3,295 per individual. It includes a visit to the iconic Garden of the Gods, a natural landmark with towering red rock formations that seniors will undoubtedly enjoy.
4. America’s Great National Parks
This train trip is priced at $5,495 per person. This is one of Vacations By Rail’s discounted train trips for seniors in the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). It covers five of the country’s most well-known parklands — Glacier, Grand Teton, Arches, Yellowstone, and Canyonlands. This rail tour begins with a classic overnight adventure aboard the Empire Builder. This will be following the pioneer route into Big Sky Country. The first picturesque destination of this trip is the Glacier National Park. After experiencing the Old Faithful cone geyser in Yellowstone and the scenic landscapes of Grand Teton National Park, the train journey continues into the red rocks of Moab, Utah, a zone in which the iconic natural wonders of Canyonland National Park and Arches are situated.
Train travel tips for seniors
Traveling by train has its share of benefits, but seniors need to take certain measures to ensure that these trips are enjoyable for them.
- Research the routes and stops in advance to properly plan for rest breaks or sightseeing opportunities during the trip.
- For long-distance journeys, upgrading to a sleeping car can significantly improve comfort.
- When creating the holiday itinerary, seniors should account for sightseeing, dining, and relaxation time in their schedule.
- Pack lightly, if possible, to enjoy more freedom.
- Since train coaches provide ample legroom between seats, stretch frequently to avoid discomfort.
- For seniors looking to avoid the hassle associated with logistics, considering escorted tours can benefit.