Senior Highlights....

RIDIN' THE RAILS:

IT'S MUCH MORE THAN JUST A TRAIN RIDE

"Today, when airplanes and automobiles have allowed us to travel in ways our parents never could, this country doesn't seem as exotic...I wondered: is it different seen by train. So I set out to see."--George F. Scheer III, Booked on the Morning Train

The romance of train travel is alive and well with seniors. Once a major form of transportation and sightseeing, trains were relegated to the backseat with the birth of car and plane travel. But the 90s has seen a rebirth of train travel, not only for getting somewhere, but enjoying the ride on the rails along the way.

Train travel is particularly popular with seniors, in that many have the time and inclination to take this (typically) slower form of travel. From today's modern 'superliners' to the renovation and rebirth of yesterday's steam trains for sightseeing, the romance of the rails is easy to find anywhere in America.

Of course, it's easy to reach many popular coast-to-coast destinations by rail. From L.A. to D.C. to everywhere in between, you can probably get there by rail with Amtrak. It's cheapest to by a round-trip ticket, if you only need to get there and back again. However, if you want to take your time, Amtrak's 'Explore America Fares' allow you to explore one to three regions in depth for up to 30 days. Another excellent option is their 'Air Rail' package, which gives you the best of both travel worlds, taking the train one way and flying the other way. Still another popular option with seniors is to take the 'Auto Train' so they'll have their car once they get there.

But train travel isn't just about getting from point A to point B. Today's trains feature lots to see and do along the way.

Along the west coast, the 'Coast Starlight' runs from L.A. to Seattle and connects many popular cities, including San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland. But along the way seniors can see stunningly beautiful vistas, from cool northern forests and the breathtaking heights of the Cascades to the verdant green of California's fertile valleys and the shoreline of the Pacific. Along the way, flavorful western menus grace the dining car and wine tastings and specialty beers provide other tasty regional diversions. 'California Corridors' itineraries provide dozens of connections specifically in southern California, including the matchless majesty of Yosemite National Park, the soaring grandeur of the giant sequoias and coastal redwoods, San Diego, the wineries and valleys, and much more.

L.A. is also the base and terminus for the 'Sunset Limited,' which runs all the way to Miami. The fabulous rock formations of Arizona and New Mexico are followed by Texas stops that include Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, the Rio Grand Valley, and the Del Norte Mountains. Further east, bayou country and New Orleans await. Then, it's the Gulf Coast beaches of Alabama and the Panhandle of Florida, before heading down the famed Atlantic coastline of the Sunshine State.

The 'Southwest Chief' runs all the way from L.A. to Chicago, including the scenery of the Grand Canyon (there's even a train to it); Albuquerque; the twisting canyons of New Mexico high country, with the Santa Fe Trail and Anasazi ruins; the majestic Rocky Mountains; Kansas City; and, finally, the Windy City. If you time your trip for September, you can even enjoy Railroad Days in Topeka.

If you want to head north before heading cross-country, the 'Empire Builder' offers service from Portland or Vancouver to Chicago (stops in Spokane and many small northern U.S. towns) and the 'California Zephyr' offers similar service from San Francisco (visits to Salt Lake City and Denver, as well as the spectacular scenery of Donner Pass and Glenwood Canyon). From Chicago, the 'Capitol Limited' can take you to Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and the Allegheny Mountains, before reaching our nation's capitol. The 'Cardinal' provides another option, with stops in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Charleston (West Virginia), and Charlottesville before reaching D.C.

On the east coast, sightseeing possibilities by train abound. The 'Metroliner' runs seemingly constantly between Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. From Manhattan, you can take the 'Adirondack' all the way to the refined European atmosphere of Montreal, with the unforgettable wilderness of the Hudson River Valley and the Adirondack Mountains along the way.

For even more colorful east coast sightseeing, book your seat on the 'Vermonter' this fall. This popular train heads out of Manhattan and into the beautiful New England countryside of the Connecticut River Valley. From the lovely architecture of Amherst to the vibrant colors of the trees, this is truly a memorable train trip. Of course, you can also head in the other direction and take the scenic 'Silver Service' all the way from New York City to Miami.

For all virtually every one-way, roundtrip, and All Aboard America tickets, Amtrak offers a 15% discount to seniors aged 62 and over. In addition, there are many special Escorted Tour Vacations, a huge selection of Vacations Samplers, and golf and casino packages that are targeted to the seniors market.

Along with general consumer travel on modern trains, older trains have made a comeback in the 90s, thanks to train enthusiasts and the support of passengers who like to travel on them. With train travel, the trip itself can definitely be the destination. From historic old trains to the Grand Canyon or through Alaska's legendary White Pass to winery trains through California vineyards, train travel is again big business.

Whether you want to head just north to wine country or across the country to the Atlantic Ocean, a call to Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) or a local travel agent should get you booked on the morning (or any) train.