​Enjoy the spirit of a road trip without the hassles.  Train travel offers a richer travel experience, and provides surprisingly practical advantages too.
 
Have you ever wanted to experience the world as travelers once did during the golden age of rail?  Train travel is easily the most underrated form of long-distance travel out there.  Travel to amazing cities, scenic landscapes and spectacular national parks. 

I know, I know! Airports are finally busy and less efficient than ever and it seems like airline employees and TSA agents wake up on the wrong side of the bed every morning. 
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Please, get to the airport extra early right now, as TSA lines are long; you don't want to miss your flight!

During the dog days of Summer, while everyone is taking vacations and relaxing, I wanted to share some historical facts for your entertainment. It is important to know your history, or you’re doomed to repeat it. Here are 10 tidbits, not in any particular order. 
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• For over 30 years, Canada and Denmark have been playfully fighting for control of a tiny island near Greenland called Hans Island. Once in a while, when officials from each country visit, they leave a bottle of their country’s liquor as a power move.

Suite-like comforts and wild settings: These well-appointed tents call campers of all adventure levels to lace up boots in the great outdoors.

Nature, a safe and socially distant refuge, has been the balm of the pandemic. Instagram accounts once devoted to rooftop cocktails and luxury suites went full Sierra Club, with images of people-less sunsets, uncrowded hiking trails, and wildflower-filled plains. But for those who feel sleeping on hard ground and rustling up campfire fare isn’t quite “vacation,” outdoors-focused resorts with tented camp and glamping options step in to remove the discomforts and handle the chores, freeing guests to revel in the splendor of nature.
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As the following places illustrate, opportunities come in a variety of climates and cultures – from the African bush to the Australian Outback, tropical beaches to temperate rain forests, desert canyons to snowcapped peaks – collectively linked by love of the land.

You’ve made it to the ship, through the check in process, and are on board.  It’s somewhat like a hotel, but it moves. What can you expect in this new, yet vaguely familiar, environment? What’s expected of you?

1. Lifeboat Drill (or muster) is a mandatory participation event. On occasion I’ve seen nice couples looking over the rail at those of us dutifully wrapped in our orange jackets. Chuckling to themselves, they’re oblivious to the fact that they are breaking the strict policy of proper adherence to the Mandatory Coast Guard Lifeboat Drill. Many lines actually check ​

Like a baby’s tentative first step and a teenager’s first real kiss, every passenger embarks on a first cruise at least once.  For smooth sailing, these tips can help make your initial embarkation and first evening on board just a little more comfortable.

DO
1.  Bring along some single dollar bills for the luggage handlers at the pier. Of course that is if you’re planning to see the luggage again. They are not cruise line employees but members of the stevedores union.

Have you heard the good news?  Two days ago, on May 25th, President Biden signed the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, legislation that sets the stage for large ships to cruise in Alaska this Summer.  
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To board, all passengers over the age of 16 will be required to show proof that they have been vaccinated 14 days ahead of the cruise's start date. Starting August 1st, every passenger over age 12 will be required to be fully vaccinated to board.