RHYS BOWEN: Last fall I flew to England to join my college friends in a reunion. We’ve been getting together regularly over the years. At first it was every five years, then every three, then two and now we are reaching our sell-by date it’s every one.
These are old broads by any definition but some of us are still living our best lives. I stayed for a few days before the reunion with my friend Evelyn. She was married to an international consultant and they traveled a lot. He died a few years ago but Evelyn keeps on traveling. Last year it was a cruise that started in Indonesia and went up through Asia and around Japan. When we were together she said she had booked to travel the Silk Road. I looked surprised. Why? She said she’d just read a book about it and was curious. And so in November she did.
This was no easy travel. Bumpy roads, crossing strange borders. But she had a great time, (apart from too many mosques, she told me).
That made me think: where do I still want to go that I haven’t been? I’m trying to be realistic and know that I can’t do the hike around Mont Blanc, which I had always wanted to do. I’ve been to a lot of Asia and don’t want that nineteen hour flight again. I had always wanted to do an African safari but wonder if my back can take the jolting of a jeep over rough ground.
So what could still be on my bucket list? I’d always wanted to do a canal boat trip through France. I know France well, have been all over and love to go back, especially to the south. Ditto for Italy. I’ve never been to Puglia so that could be a future trip. And also Switzerland. I love the Alps and would happily ride trains all over Switzerland. But anything more exotic? I’ve never been up the Amazon. Or to Peru. I don’t think I’d tackle Machu Pichu and the altitude. I find more and more that I long to go back to the familiar: Cornish fishing villages, Villefranche Sur Mer, Venice, Tuscany. As long as I can keep traveling it’s fine with me.
How about you, Reds? What’s on your bucket lists?
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I’m like you, Rhys, in that there are places I once had on my list that time has crossed off for me. I’m not making that hike up to Machu Piccu either!
I’d love to do luxury train trips: the Orient Express, the Andean Explorer in Peru, the new Brittanic Explorer which goes through Cornwall and Wales. I’d love to visit Asia and southeast Asia: Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia. If I could find some sort of guided tour based around eating, that would be heaven!
I’ve long wanted to see Kashmir, but I suppose that’s out of reach until India and Pakistan reach an amiable agreement, so… a hundred years from now?
The Adriatic Sea from Albania and Montenegro, before everyone catches on and starts going there.
RHYS: Julia, we were lucky enough to visit Kashmir while it was still open. Such a glorious place.
HALLIE EPHRON: This is hard, because my Jerry was THE best traveling companion. I’m so much less adventurous without him. Our last trips were to Peru (Yes, Machu Pichu!) and Panama. I’d always hoped we could get to Texas for the whooping crane migration.
On my own, now, or dragging along a daughter or two, I’d be up for one of the small river boat cruises of eastern Europe.
JENN McKINLAY: I’m still up for anything but my short dream list is Iceland, Japan, and Kenya. On the immediate actually happening list is Spain, Portugal, and the Azores.
The Hooligans are fabulous travelers—curious, helpful, and independent so they have their own lists. It’ll be fun to see where their adventures take them and if I can hitch a ride. LOL.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: My parents went to Machu Pichu, Rhys, but it has never been on my bucket list. There are so many places in England that I still want to visit, and many that I want to revisit. And I have never been to Ireland! My kiddos are going for a week's tour over spring break and I'm very jealous. I want to go back to Paris and the south of France. I want to stay in a Tuscan villa and drink wine. I'd love to do one of those European river cruises, too. I feel very dull compared to Jenn!
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Oxford, Oxford, Oxford. I have never been there, and I cannot believe it. I would hop on a plane right now if I could. And then Ireland. And then a river cruise, although I am always hearing the people get sick.
Debs, I am here to tell you that staying in a Tuscan villa and drinking wine is ALL its cracked up to be. Fabulous in every way. I’d like to go back to Paris and just live there, with no tourist responsibilities
RHYS: All the above are so doable, Hank. Please go while you and Jonathan are still young and healthy enough to enjoy them!
LUCY BURDETTE: We are in the airport right now after a 12 hour delay so it’s a little hard to answer this question lol. But I will anyway. Iceland and Japan, yes. And now I know that Jenn would be a fabulous traveling companion. Among other good qualities, she can reach anything on the top shelf and put a bag in the overhead Compartment without breaking a sweat. More France, more Scotland and England, and definitely Switzerland. I feel like I should go to Germany because a lot of my ancestors came from that area. I’m delighted to hear that Rhys and her buddies intend to keep traveling! I am in.
RHYS: So my message to all you Reddies out there. Don't put off travel until you finds it's too late. I know the world is crazy at the moment but let's hope soon sanity will be restored and the world will be our oyster again. Where do you want to go?
Anywhere I could see the Northern Lights . . . Rome . . . Paris . . . Japan . . . .
ReplyDeleteI went to Alaska and Iceland, hoping to see the northern lights… Sadly, they’re still on my to-do list
DeleteJoan and Hallie, my daughter just watched the Northern Lights for hours from her plane window (!) on a red eye flight from Portland Oregon to Cincinnati. You should see her photos!
DeleteUnfortunately, Joan, the Northern Lights aren’t a bookable stop. I lived for 18 months in Alaska…and nope. May good fortune and fate put you and the Northern Lights in the same place and the same time. Cheers, Elisabeth
DeleteDeb, I’m with you. Would love to live in Paris, go each morning for a baguette and deux croissant , rent a car and drive to places I haven’t been or perhaps revisit the pleasant memories of places I have been. I’d like to stay once more in that little apartment off the rue Cler and spend the evening on a terrace with a glass of wine and a baba au rum. But travel is off my plate at present. Maybe forever. And flying anywhere is a crapshoot. Would I arrive at my destination without doors coming off in mid flight.
ReplyDeleteNot sure where I was going with all this! So guess I’ll just stay home.
The one thing I’ve always wanted to see is the Great Wall of China but that train has left the station. Sigh
I know how you feel, Ann and I always love it when I go back to France and I can sit in the morning and have that lovely fresh croissant and just wander through the market and find lovely fresh fruit as you said sigh!
DeleteThere’s quite a bit of the US I haven’t been to yet. I would like to also go all over the UK…England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales. Also, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. I would also do Italy on repeat.
ReplyDeleteA high school friend of mine and his wife are preparing to leave next week for a one year missionary assignment in Piura, Peru. As he put it, she is a highly skilled medical professional whose skills are needed in many areas and he is her arm candy. He’ll be doing office work. This choice of location came about after she visited Machu Piccu with a friend. I don’t plan to go visit them.
What a wonderful experience for them.
DeleteMy mother is almost 90, so for now, I'm sticking close to home. But, I'd pick back to Ireland in a second. There are places I've never been there, and it's the country of my heart. Back to Paris. And, my sister loves the river cruises. But, trains! When Julia mentioned luxury train trips, I thought, oh yes! I've heard Sulari Gentill talk about her trip on the Orient Express. I love the sound of trains, and I think I would love those trips. Maybe trains in Europe.
ReplyDeleteOh, so agree! I love Sulari’s book FIVE FOUND DEAD.— What a brilliant take on murder on the Orient express, and it absolutely made me want to go! (Without the murder…:-))
DeleteI love the idea of luxury trains except I find it hard to sleep being ticked around and the bathroom is at the end of the corridor in the Orient Express!
DeleteRhys, I love your photos! Especially the one of you with the harbor behind. You look so elegant and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI want to go back to Scotland (we saw so little last year but it was wonderful), Paris and France, Italy (I loved Umbria) England, Ireland… My husband wants to go to Spain so that might be our next trip. I’d really love to go to Australia and be there for a month. Will have to play and win the lottery for that one.
Julia, we had a week on Tortola, BVI, last month and did have a books, beach chairs, and delicious icy drinks. We opted to go to the beach bar just behind for lunch.
I’ve wanted to go to Tortola. It soubds perfect
DeleteRhys, Tortola is lovely but the roads are not great, 90% mountains, twisty switchbacks and often one lane. If I went again I’d have a driver.
DeleteSuzette, I think as the world seems to grow more stressful, my desire for a beach bar increases exponentially!
DeleteMaui, Kaanapali Beach Resort. Snorkeling and turtles at Black Rock, right at the resort.
DeleteI love the snorkeling at Black Rock - honus!
DeleteI am going back to Iceland (4th time) in late April. Just for 2 days (free Icelandair stopover) before flying to Copenhagen in May. Denmark is one European country I am visiting for the first time.
ReplyDeleteMy recent 40 day solo DIY trip to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam & Singapore checked off my 60th birthday bucket list trip to visit 4 different countries during Lunar New Year/TET.
But there's still plenty of bucket list trips on my list for 2027 and beyond: Peru/Ecuador/Galapagos, Australia & New Zealand are next on my list.
Oh Grace, it is lovely to see you commenting here again! I have truly missed you!
Delete40 day solo trip! That sounds like an amazing trip. Do you have a trip blog somewhere?
DeleteGrace! How wonderful to see you!
DeleteHello Grace!
DeleteYou are our Jungle Red champion traveler, Grace. You and karen. How wonderful you’re seeing so much of the world.
DeleteThat must have been a great trip, Grace. And soon you're off to Denmark. Have a wonderful time!
DeleteSounds like a fabulous trip, Grace! And more to come.
DeleteI'm a terrible traveler. Because I don't want to travel much in the first place. And then you add in the fact that I only want to travel to do the specific thing I want to do or see and then I'd be fine going home right afterwards.
ReplyDeleteSee, I want to go to England to go to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, hit the gift shop afterwards and then go have dinner at the Sherlock Holmes Pub. And then go to the airport, get on a plane and fly home.
Yes, I'm a task specific traveler. The only exception to this is Ireland. I'd love to be able to go and spend a month exploring different things I've read about in my Ireland tourism magazine I still have copies of. See locations where they shot Star Wars and Game of Thrones content. Visit the English Market. Go to the Jameson distillery (yes I don't drink but if I did, whiskey would be the drink of choice). Hell, I'm loathe to exercise but even I would want to take a hike to find myself in the midst of the rolling green hills where the photo I'd take could resemble one of those cinematic shots you see in movies.
Okay, I wouldn't be visiting any churches, but a traditional Irish session at a pub? Hell, maybe I'd even have a pint of Guiness just to be truly touristy. Or go to Galway and find out if I've "never seen nothin' like a Galway girl.", so I could find out if Steve Earle was telling the truth in his song.
Of course, it isn't that I'm putting this off until it's too late to do any of it. It's all a matter of time and money. Of which I have neither. And since I'm of the age where places don't seem to want to hire you anymore (but won't say it for fear of getting an age discrimination lawsuit thrown on them), I don't see that changing any time soon.
Oh Jay. I hope things get better and you get your chance to travel
DeleteI hope so too Jay. Love your commentary - makes me smile, I can imagine you hiking to take a self-photo in the rolling greens hills of Ireland!
DeleteSome of the best trips my hub and I have ever taken were when we had very little money. We flew on charter flights, stayed in true home b&b's in England, and also universities rent out dorm rooms during the summer for really (REALLY) cheap, and traveled by moped. None of those may appeal to you but there are ways to travel to spend less. Throw caution to the wind and go for it!!
Since we now have a bit of money thanks to our inheritance, and since we have never had any money, there was never any bucket list in my mind. We did go on a week-long cruise (96 passengers and crew), which was small and intimate, and beyond anyone’s imagination. For that reason, I cannot picture going on a cruise with a great number of people. Other places to travel are slightly interesting – maybe New Zealand, mostly because it doesn’t have snakes, or the Galapagos. However, for a place like the Galapagos, I am more and more conscious that I don’t want to be another person tramping through their environment – think that I am not an eco-tourist. For other places – well, I really don’t like cities – too many people.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I like to watch views of unbelievable art and construction, a la cathedrals, and wonder at magnificent natural countries and forest from David Attenborough, I think that should I have a wish it would involve good food. So, for that reason, I would choose a one-to-one trip around England with Rick Stein. We could explore the countryside, the farms, the fishing and at the end or middle of the day partake of local cuisine.
Or maybe I will just stay home and gaze at our beautiful and peaceful land – and travel through books. Surely it will come back when the snow melts…
Rick Steves, maybe, Margo? Wouldn't that be a fabulous trip?
DeleteMy late friend Judy, who led my first trip out of the US in 2001, started her own long life of travel when she joined Rick Steves, both living in the Seattle area, on several of his guided trips. I got the benefit of his advice secondhand through Judy.
You mean Rick Stein, right. The chef?
DeleteRick Stein? Hmm will have to look him up. Sounds like someone I should know about.
DeleteI thought you meant Rick Steves too. We've used his travel books and like them because he has advice on restaurants, hotels, excursions, etc for low, medium and high end travel costs and places.
Yes Rick Stein - the chef. he loves fish. He has lots of shows on Prime. His show on Cornwall is really interesting.
DeleteRick Stein is new to me! He sounds like fun. Traveling to discover food is awesome.
DeleteThank you for the encouragement Rhys! Yes, I agree it’s a doable thing… We shall see!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I did virtually NO international travel during our working years (Canada and one weekend in the Bahamas) though we did see a lot of the USA. Now we are in the sweet spot of being retired but still fully mobile and healthy, and our financial advisor tells us we can readily afford one substantial trip a year. So we do have a bucket list and we're marching through it, as we know the full mobility and health variable could change at any time.
ReplyDeleteThis August/September we're doing Central Europe -- flying to Bucharest, then taking an overnight train to Budapest and on by train to Vienna and Prague. Other trips on our list include Athens and a few of the Greek Isles; Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris as one trip; Portugal with our without a visit to a couple cities in Spain; an Italy trip revisiting Rome briefly and focusing mainly on Florence and Venice; the Holy Land if hostilities there ever settle enough to make it feasible again; a return to the British isles with more of a focus on Scotland and picking up different parts of England than we saw before, especially Bath. We are probably squeezing in a visit to Quebec next spring, not really counting as part of our "big trips" but still on our bucket list. An Alaska cruise is probably on the list. New Zealand interests us but after flying to Japan, we're not sure we can face the long flight without the delight of seeing our son on the other side. And it looks like there will have to be more trips to Japan, as I'm feeling like this might become home to him.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that my husband also has a hankering for Iceland, so it could very well slip in there somewhere, too.
DeleteSusan watch your belongings on the trains! It’s the only time we’ve had a bag stolen out of Prague.
DeleteThank you for that tip, Rhys. We have been very fortunate in our travels so far and I will make an extra effort about security to try to make sure this trip doesn't break our streak.
DeleteHopefully where you are vacationing in August is not like the rest of Europe where everything is closed in August. Many countries, all vacation the entire month of August.
DeleteI have checked off a lot of my list, mostly thanks to our kids. We are going to Portugal and Spain (and I hope to meet Elizabeth Vargan!) in a couple months with our newly engaged daughter, her fiance and his parents, who live in Petaluma and whom we have not yet met. Most of us will be walking the shortest route (120 km) of the Camino de Santiago, the centuries-old pilgrimage. My hip and back issues persist, so I may not be ready to do that much hiking, but luckily, there is transportation between nightly stops.
ReplyDeleteIn December we are hoping to organize a family trip to spend Christmas Eve with Steve's Warsaw cousins (in Poland Christmas Eve dinner is not to be missed). July '27 is our first river cruise, God willing, with friends. Our daughter and son-in-law were so charmed by the idea that they also signed up. They are moving to Bucharest at the end of summer, and the cruise is from Bucharest to Budapest.
Other than that, I would also love to go to Iceland, New Zealand and also see more of Australia than just New South Wales. That's a long flight, though, as Roberta now knows! And my grandson has taken Japanese for a couple of years, and I would dearly love to take him to Japan. And introduce him to my cousin's grandson, who teaches English in the north. Another really long flight.
The truth is, though, I am a terrible traveler. I get sick every place we go, including spending two and a half days in the hospital in Oxford last October. (Thought I was having a heart attack; it ended up being myocarditis, which is incredibly painful.) I now tell everyone: buy the travel insurance!!
Of course, the ability and wherewithal to travel is an incredible privilege that I do not take for granted, and something I could never have imagined doing when I was young. We are comfortable but not wealthy. But I would much rather have experiences than a fancy car, meals at pricey restaurants, or designer clothing.
I always wanted to do the Camino, Karen. My knees say no!
DeleteWe had the opportunity to do the Camino this year with a leader we know and respect, but both felt like the physical exertion was perhaps a bit too challenging. Also, we went on a pilgrimage to Rome last year and while I wouldn't trade the experience, it was much faster-paced travel than we usually choose and we just couldn't face that same frenetic pace again so soon.
DeleteOur son-in-law-to-be's parents are exactly our ages (his mother is a day younger than I am), so I suspect we will be hobbling along together, although I also suspect I will be the weakest link. I am pretty nervous about the whole trip, because I don't want to be a drag.
DeleteSusan, being able to set your own pace means a lot.
The Hubby wanted to walk the Camino, but by the time he retired and had the time/money to do it, his knees wouldn't cooperate.
DeleteI've been so envious of Roberta's New Zealand trip (another author friend has been there at the same time!), but NOT of the plane trip.
ReplyDeleteI want to do a cooking trip to Italy, a music and eating tour of Ireland, and a return trip to visit my friend in Sweden. I've lost ambition for anywhere where beds and chairs might not be comfortable or for super long flights, although I'm so glad I got back to Japan two years ago.
I agree, Edith. I do like good plumbing and a comfortable bed!
DeleteEdith, we did a near-month-long ramble around Ireland to visit pubs for traditional music and let me just say it was one of the most memorable trips of my life. If you like vistas and quiet, the Doneal region is gorgeous (and my favorite type of Irish music), but you cannot go wrong anywhere. We touched every “corner” of the country and then right through the middle. The people were welcoming , the food was unbelievably delicious, and the scenery was exactly as you’d hope it would be. We rented a car and loved the freedom. I used Rick Steves book for places to stay.
DeleteIf it were up to me, I'd probably stay home, but thanks to my husband, I've travelled to over sixty countries and I think I'm a better person for it. I have absolutely loved all our travels. So now I just wait and see what Bob picks next. I do think I'd like to take the train across Canada which is supposed to be beautiful. And I've never been to Australia. I like River Cruises because they are so easy. Big ships --no thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe train through the Rockies is spectacular. We once drove coast to coast across Canada.
DeleteIn 2024, I had the chance to take a trip to Antarctica (mind blowing - unadulterated nature). Definitely a trip of a lifetime. And I've been really lucky - my dad was in the Army, and then I was in the Army for 20 years, and then I did international law for US Central Command for 11 years, so I've had the opportunity to see a lot of the world. I think a highlight of my professional travel was a chance to visit Samarkand, Uzbekistan, an important stop on the Silk Road. I wouldn't say it's on my bucket list (I don't have one) but I'd love to do something closer to home - I love Gerri's idea of a train trip across Canada.
ReplyDeleteWow! I hope you’ve kept journals to share these with the next generation!
DeleteWhat an amazing travel history, Robin!
DeleteJust had an epiph - No traveling for me BUT, why not create something here that’s where we would like to be. The villa and wine in Italy? I’d so be there. I’ve often thought about a one way ticket. so, I’ve heard about a wine bar just a few miles away in an older town that’s beefing up it’s image. It sports an Italian Vibe. it’s too warm now to sit on it’s patio with wine and pretend so the trip could be planned for November cooldown. I could learn more Italian cooking, light the candles, play soft something Italian. Invite friends for a long dinner and the wine, of course. Maybe decorate a tad Italian. Not the same, surely - but something. Anybody have ideas to add to my dream trip at home?
ReplyDeleteI’d join you in the villa! That fantasy was one of the reasons I wrote Mrs Endicott
DeletePaula, after the dinner on the patio, everyone goes back to your place to watch one of those irresistible movies set in Italy (too many possibilities to name!)
ReplyDeleteSorry, that was me! For some reason, Blogger makes me anonymous EVERY time I want to comment...
DeleteCelia was telling m about the new Archbishop of Canterbury walking the old Pilgrim trail this month, which reminded me that's something I'd love to do. I'd also love to walk the Camino de Santiago - I've heard it's an amazing experience.
ReplyDeleteTo Canterbury? That would be fun to do. It probably went right past the house I grew up in
DeleteOne trip was on my must do list from an early age. Does anyone remember a children’s poem, “I’m going on a trip, a very long trip. I’m going by train over night”? Finally, I made that trip by train across the country from CT to Washington state (and back) when I was 62. It was as wonderful as my little girl self ever dreamed. One must do trip, enough for this woman’s life. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteThere is something special about trains, isn’t there. Cut off from the world
DeleteYou may be surprised to hear that my bucket list starts with renting a car in Chicago (with my husband doing at least half the driving, mind you) and visiting Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. It can't be a thorough look at each state--they're all enormous--but they must be so beautiful, and I've only been to Madison, Minneapolis, and Seattle. I'd also like to see Maine, New Brunswick, PEI, and Nova Scotia. There are still chunks of Italy, France, and Germany we haven't seen, although I'm off to Berlin again at the beginning of April for six days, instead of going somewhere new in Germany, because Berlin is such an exciting city. (I'll travel by train and meet a cousin there.) Lower down the list, but still definitely there, are Sri Lanka, Kerala in Southwestern India, and South Africa. Oh yes, and Korea. Whew! That's much too much of a list, but, hey, we can all dream, can't we?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, many of you mention Switzerland. Don't forget to call me if you come--I'm in the Bern phonebook. Or write me through my blog to give me some warning, so we can have coffee!
DeleteI do dream of going back to Switzerland and taking trains, Kim! My grandson is in Geneva now
DeleteThank you for that invite, Kim, I hope to take you up on that someday.
DeleteI love those kinds of driving trips, Kim. For our 10 year anniversary, we were planning to go to Ireland, but there was a big outbreak of foot and mouth disease, so instead we drove through Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Fantastic!
DeleteThen my husband needed to get his last 2 states, so we did a big loop through the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, and for my anniversary gift, an excursion into Nebraska so I could pick that state up. Like you said, you can’t see it all, but it was a great trip.
a friend of mine is living her whole wish list for places to go. Right now, she's sending pictures of herself and her adult daughter in western Canada where it was -32° for almost a week! She did everything from checking out the largest and best known ice sculpture competition to dog sled to ice fishing, all of it with blue skies and deep snowpack, but it didn't look appealing to me because they were swaddled in warm clothing and that much cold is way off my list. My month in Paris last year was probably the last major trip for me. I love Bali and Hong Kong, but they were joyful experiences with my Tim and not something I would revisit on my own. My Son and his family loved a recent trip to Japan and would like to go back. For me, these days, a lovely three week stay in Kauai is probably the best to look forward to. But a lovely train trip through Canada is something that I would consider.
ReplyDeleteI was just sitting down with my list of travel for this year - it’s starting to look like one of those string charts on a murder show. I am saying yes to everything while I have the health and time to do so. I was just in London and Scotland with a friend and can’t wait to go back. Did a quick trip to Paris this week. In June to Carcassonne to watch the start of a Tour de France stage. Another friend wants to go to PEI, so I’m trying to get her to commit. Tuscany for a few weeks for that villa and wine fix we are all craving. Calgary for Bouchercon, then Boston where my best friend is a keynote speaker at the Society of Women Engineers conference.
ReplyDeleteI think I will safely keep my Platinum Pro status on American for another year. The more I travel, the more I want to travel!
I will see you in Calgary, Lisa! I'm doing a day trip to Banff after the conf, a true bucket list item.
DeleteThere are lots of places I'd like to see: the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, the south of France, parts of the Italy, London, etc. But I want to *be* there. Like snap my fingers and poof! I'm there. It's the getting there and back that is a hassle. I don't want to suffer through long airport lines, small seats, recycled air, etc.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the teleporters?
LOL - on my flight back from Key West, I help three people get their bags up and out of the overhead. Let's lock in Japan, Roberta! I'm in! :)
ReplyDeleteFor people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to tralvel
For people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to tralvel
For people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to tralvel
For people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to tralvel
For people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to tralvel
For people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to tralvel
For people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to tralvel
For people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to travel.
For people interested in travel by train, there are a number of guide books available.
ReplyDeleteOne I used many times is Europe by Eurail. It is updated every year and includes detailed information on traveling by train.
It also discusses train rides which are not covered by Eurail and lists the most scenic train trips.
It gives helpful hints such as making sure you get on the right car since sometimes a train making a number of stops may separate some of the cars so that only part of them continue to other cities.
I have also used versions of guides that cover going across Canada. There was one put out by the Canadian Railroad and gave mile by mile descriptions of what to look for at different points. I went all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Toronto with stops in the Canadian Rockies and some other areas. I don’t think non-stop trips are still offered, but you can do it in segments.
I have also taken many train trips through the US. It requires more planning since there is usually only one trip a day going east and one going west on the long distance routes through the west. Chicago is the starting and end point for these trips.
There is Coast Starlight goes up the California coast. The Southwest Chief from Chicago through Arizona and New Mexico. The Empire Builder through the Northwest from Portland OR through WA and across the northern states to Chicago (or reverse) The Downeaster from Boston through various cities in NH and ME this one runs several times a day with several options to and from Portland ME to Boston.
The long distance trains have a variety of sleeping accommodations and meals used to be included if you booked the sleeping option, I don’t know if that is still the case, The meals were good and usually featured dishes reflecting the areas on the routes they went through.
Another thing to remember is that train travel can take longer in the US since freight cars take priority and if one is coming from the opposite direction the passenger train has to pull over to a siding until the other cars go through since they share the same tracks.
It is a much more leisurely way to travel, there are usually observation cars to watch the scenery passing by and most of the train stations are right in the city so you don’t have to deal with a long distance to get into the cities.
I have also been on trains going through various areas in Great Britain so you don’t have to be concerned with the driving issues,
Another plus is the seating is a lot more comfortable and you can move around.
I highly recommend this way to travel.
Sorry for the multiple posts. When I hit publish I kept getting an error message then I found it actually went through several times
ReplyDeleteSo late today. I was Sick all day! I finally felt well enough to get up, check my 500 emails, chime in here to Jungle Reds and do my daily Nordic languages lessons.
ReplyDeleteWhat is on my bucket list? Believe it or not, I travelled many times to Europe in my twenties, I studied abroad at Oxford. I visited Scotland many times. I visited Wales once. I have yet to visit Ireland and would love to someday.
What is left on my bucket list? My list includes a writing retreat similar to the writing retreat that Rhys offered several years ago; a cooking class in an European village, a silent book reading retreat at a castle, spending a week exploring the Cotswold villages, visiting Deaf owned restaurants in Europe, teaching baby sign language classes, and finishing my debut novel.
Rhys, your last line resonated with me. Do not wait too long to travel. I was reminded of my stay at a little hotel in Rome, Italy. I was with a tour group. I saw this elderly couple, who just arrived at my hotel and I think they were with another tour group. They were already feeble and tired. I think it was their first trip to Europe. I really felt bad for them.
Hank, there is a summer program at Oxford through UC Berkeley Extension. Alas, it costs $10,000 plus several hundreds of dollars. Who can afford that these days???