Winter on Track
Pack your sense of adventure and step aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train (alaskarailroad.com) for the 12-hour daytime trip between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Trains journey northbound on Saturday and return Sunday, with midweek trips added in February and March. Lean back and take in views of Alaska’s roadless wilderness from large picture windows, visit the Vista Dome, and pick up snacks at the onboard Wilderness Café. Disembark at Wasilla or Talkeetna to join pre-booked excursions and tours, including dog mushing and snowshoeing.
Shorter but no less picturesque, the Cascade Canyon Winter Train (durangotrain.com) pulls out of Durango, Colorado, and travels deep into the San Juan National Forest. The 52-mile, 5.25-hour round-trip experience runs on select dates from November 21 through May 1. During the 60-minute layover in Cascade Canyon, step off to take photos, have lunch, and walk along the Animas River.
Tracing the path of the Saco River, the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Winter Mountaineer (conwayscenic.com) departs a Victorian-era station in North Conway, New Hampshire, and climbs steadily into the White Mountains, navigating the steep grades and iconic bridges of the Crawford Notch mountain pass. The 50-mile round-trip adventure runs on weekends between late November and March, with added mid-week departures between Christmas and New Year. Pre-book lunch, splurge on seats under the premium glass-topped dome, and enjoy four hours of untamed scenery on one of New Hampshire’s most memorable cold-weather rail rides.
Practical Matters: Compression Sessions
Between sweaters, jackets, and thick socks, winter luggage fills fast. Compression bags can help. These reusable soft containers reduce bulk by removing excess air. Some bags use zippers and require rolling or pressing, while others come with a small electric pump that does the work. Popular options include:
Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes: Made from ocean-recycled, water-resistant fabrics, these cubes feature a two-way zipper system that pulls out excess air.
BAGSMART Blast Compression Travel Packing Cube Sets: Sturdy cubes that come in multiple sizes to keep organized, with easy-to-use compression zippers.
Aerless: These modular vacuum-seal bags made from waterproof nylon include a pocket-sized pump that removes air.
This Just In: EU Travel
The European Union’s long-delayed ETIAS travel authorization system is now expected to launch at the end of 2026. U.S. travelers visiting Schengen countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, must apply online (etias.com) before departure if they plan to stay less than 90 days. The application fee is €20, and authorizations are valid for 3 years or until passport expiration.
This article is featured in the November/December 2026 issue of The Saturday Evening Post.
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