Banff, Alberta is one of the most popular resort towns in the Canadian Rockies. Photo credit: Doug Leighton/Travel Alberta & Banff Lake Louise Tourism.

Mountain rail tours can be some of the best ways to travel in the mountains.

From Europe to North America, we’ve traveled mountains by trains and loved every ride.

Tour operators worldwide are featuring new and legendary transcontinental rail journeys for every budget.

Whatever the rail route, you’re likely to see mountain landscapes and wildlife up-close-and-personal – more than on any car or plane ride.

For eco-conscious travelers, trains are considered lighter, faster and eco-friendly.  Rail tours can also offer public transport, like local trains, boat and bus, between stops.

If you’re a mountain traveler to North America, two must-see mountain destinations by rail are Grand Canyon in Nevada and the Rocky Mountains in Canada.

Rocky Mountains, Canada: On tours from Calgary to Vancouver, you’ll see Kicking Horse pass link eastern and western Canada.  From woodland-studded Fraser Canyon to the breathtaking 300-foot drop under Stoney Creek Bridge to Hell’s Gate, the names are as dramatic as the mountain views. The vintage-styled trains give a glimpse into locomotive travel’s golden area. While more modern trains offer all the amenities, a relaxed atmosphere and first class service.

The Grand Canyon, USA: The Grand Canyon is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States.  This popular destination is known for its gorges, mesas and cliffs, rich red rock and Colorado river.  Take time out to view its natural shapes from the park’s observation decks.  When planning a rail tour here, research the different package holidays which may include an overnight stay in the Grand Canyon National Park.  Keep in mind that the circular rail route in is approximately 1.5 miles long.  Rail travelers can climb aboard and depart at any point in the ride.

SWISS First has won the Best Seat Design Award from Global Traveler magazine.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has won Global Traveler magazine’s Best Seat Design Award for SWISS First.

The award is based on a Global Traveler (GT) reader survey of 25,000+ frequent and luxury travelers worldwide.

The new SWISS First seat is recognized for its design, comfort and privacy.

The SWISS First seat can be reclined into a totally lie-flat bed that is more than six feet long.

This contemporary-designed seat is equipped with:

• Down-filled duvet;
• Pneumatic air cushion;
• 23-inch in-flight entertainment screen;
• Generous work surfaces and storage;
• Adjustable sidewalls;
• Sophisticated lighting and
• Ottoman with backrest and armrests.

SWISS, Switzerland’s national airline, serves 73 destinations in 39 countries from its Zurich hub and international airports in Basel and Geneva.

The Global Traveler survey determines the best in 62 travel-related categories. It was conducted from January 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010.

Images courtesy of SWISS

Feel like an adventure roadtrip in New Zealand?

New Zealand tourism operator KEA is now offering discounted adventures in the company’s campervans and motorhomes.

Travelers can rent a 2 berth high-top campervan or a 4 berth motorhome for seven days at special rates.

Says KEA:

“With the weather warming up and the last of the snow melting off the top of New Zealand’s magical mountain tops, there is no better time to take a few days off for an adventure in a campervan or motorhome.”

Locally manufactured, the vehicles are outfitted with comforts and features including full entertainment system with HD compatible flat screen televisions and DVD players.

Each vehicle uses solar panels to keep its auxiliary batteries charged so travelers can park in more remote locations.

For more info, visit the KEA site.

Image courtesy of KEA

Are you planning a family holiday to New Zealand?

One cool and comfortable way to explore the country is by campervan like the ones offered by Britz Campervan.

The company offers two to six berth campervans and rental cars for varied budgets.

Says Sharron Clark, company spokesperson:

“We’ve outfitted our campervans with families in mind. There’s a decent sized fridge so you can stock up on all your family favorites so you’ll feel ‘right at home’ from the minute you pick up the keys and slip into the freshly laundered sheets. While you’re enjoying the scenery and conversation up front, the rest of your crew can enjoy the view and space out back – so everyone’s happy.”

Britz Campervans are designed to maximize space and include every element for a stress free family getaway.

All vehicles come fully equipped with everything from towels and linen to cutlery and can openers.

Images courtesy of Britz Campervan.

If you’re planning a road trip in the Dolomites, take a look at the UK company Wicked Campers.

The bargain campervan company is known for its “funky accommodation and wheels all rolled in to one wicked campervan.”  For mountain travelers in Europe, it’s a brilliant way to travel and  camp in style, comfort and on a budget.

Wicked Campers offers a choice of two and five-seater Toyota vans equipped with a bed for two, table, basic built-in kitchen, camping chairs, CD player and storage space and additional tents for larger groups.  What makes the campers “funky” is each van is individually graffitied like no other.

All Wicked Campers’ vans come with insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance which is valid in the UK and the rest of Europe.  They are available for one-way or round-trip hire.  Depots are located in London, Dundee, Loch Ness, Belfast, Amsterdam, Munich, Barcelona, Malaga, San Benedetto and Verditz.

For more info, check out Wicked Campers online.

Image courtesy of the Italian State Tourist Board.