Get Inspired | Travel Tips | Montecito Village Travel

The Wild Wild West Era

Written by Isabelle Guillaume | September 25, 2024

Time Travel by Train into the Old West 

The rhythmic clatter of train wheels on tracks, the never-before-seen landscape rushing past your window, and the feeling of stepping back into an era where the American frontier was wild and untamed - that is just a couple ways to describe the train travel experience. 

Take in the sights, sounds and adventurous spirit of America's historic railways. Unlike driving or flying, where your focus is on reaching your destination quickly, traveling by train allows you to slow down and fully immerse yourself in your surroundings.

From the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, the wild wild west offers stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural history, all the while MVT offers travel benefits, insider knowledge and experiences to plan your next vacation. 

Country Roads Take Me Home- Rocky Mountaineer

The majesty of the Rockies meets the comfort of luxury train travel featuring Rocky Mountaineers' Gold and Silverleaf. 

Known for its iconic routes through the Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest, Rocky Mountaineer is the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Picture yourself kicked back, sipping on a glass of wine, and watching the scenery roll by through panoramic windows—this is what train travel was meant to be.

Book Rocky Mountaineer with MVT for exclusive savings of up to $300 per person. Find an advisor today. 
Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf Service

With GoldLeaf Service you'll taste the difference, indulge your senses with gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chefs, and expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies. 

Stretch your legs in and your viewing angles in Goldleaf's bi-level glass-dome coaches. Sink into your spacious seat on the upper level and enjoy meals in the lower-level dining area. 

Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service

SilverLeaf service level gives you everything you need and more to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury: panoramic views, delicious meals and beverages brought right to your seat, friendly Hosts and complimentary baggage transfers. And miles and miles of memories.

Enhance your experience with SilverLeaf Plus, which elevates the already exceptional SilverLeaf Service to the next level with exclusive access to a lounge car, premium beverages and more! Available on Rockies to the Red Rocks only.

An Ideal Experience for Families and Friends

For a real wilderness escape, step back in time for an Old Fashioned Thanksgiving with family and friends at Vermejo with a holiday haven all to yourself. Bask in the splendor of Casa Grande or enjoy a little more intimacy in one of the cottages.
Stay at Vermejo’s best available rates and receive a 4th, 5th, or 6th night free over select dates. 

While you’re stargazing, and storytelling around a campfire, soaking in the peace of pristine natural landscapes filled with history and wildlife, and of course, feasting on a mouthwatering array of the finest foods, it’s easy to feel grateful. No matter what, this will be a Thanksgiving you’ll never forget.

Ted Turner Reserve Vermejo in northern New Mexico is an incredible place that showcases nature at its finest. Spanning over 550,000 acres, this vast wilderness is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including buffalo, elk, deer, and antelope, all thriving thanks to Ted Turner’s mission to "Save Everything."

Vermejo, Ted Turner Reserve’s crown jewel, invites guests to immerse themselves in its stunning landscapes and experience the beauty of a well-restored ecosystem. Plus, you can unwind in Casa Grande, a charming historic mansion that blends rustic elegance with modern comfort. 

If you’re looking for an adventure, the "Elevated Experiences: High Country Lakes UTV Tour & Hike" is a the way to explore the land. This 6-hour day tour takes you to some of the most scenic and remote spots on the reserve, like Casias or Glacier Lakes. You’ll kick off your day with a thrilling two-hour UTV ride through the mountains—perfect for spotting wildlife like elk and bears in the early morning light. The views are simply breathtaking!

Read more about the rugged beauty of the Wild Wild West here. 

From Coast to Coast on Railbookers

If you’ve ever dreamed of crossing North America by train, Railbookers has just the adventure for you. They’re all about taking the stress out of travel while offering the kind of journeys you can’t wait to brag about. With Railbookers, you get to experience some of the world’s most iconic cities and landscapes, all from the comfort of a cozy train cabin. Plus, they give you the flexibility to customize your trip, whether that’s adding a few extra days in your favorite city, handpicking your hotels, or sprinkling in some must-do excursions along the way.

Railbookers' USA and Canada Grand Rail Experience is a prime example—an epic 24-day rail adventure that showcases the very best of both countries.

 

On Railbookers there is no such thing as an ordinary trip—book an adventure that takes you from the bright lights of Los Angeles all the way to the wild beauty of Vancouver, with stops in eight iconic cities in between. Your journey kicks off in LA, before you glide through the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, soak up the history of Washington, DC, and dive into the hustle and bustle of New York City. And that’s just the start! From there, you’ll hop aboard the legendary "Canadian" train on a journey through some of the most stunning wilderness you’ll ever see. Think towering mountains, sprawling forests, and views that stretch as far as the eye can see—all while you relax in comfort, soaking it all in from your window.

The best travel tip from a travel advisor? Book now.

Keytours Vacations Invites You to Saddle Up for Adventure & Explore at Your Own Pace

Keytours Vacations offers a variety of rail and drive packages that explore the Wild West in depth. Their itineraries often combine train travel with self-drive components, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds. You can take a scenic train ride through the Rockies, then hop in a car to explore off-the-beaten-path locations like ghost towns, national parks, and historic sites. Keytours' expert guides provide detailed insights into the history and culture of the region, ensuring that your adventure is both educational and exhilarating.

Ready for an adventure? Keytours Vacations has crafted the perfect getaway with their Rapid City and Badlands Self-Drive Explorer itinerary!  With flexible options tailored to your interests, you can dive into everything from iconic sights to quirky roadside attractions. So, grab your camera and buckle up for an incredible 7-day journey filled with natural beauty, exciting activities, and a sprinkle of Americana!

 

All aboard the Grand Canyon Railway

Hop on the historic Grand Canyon Railway, where amazing journeys have been happening since 1901! Every day, Grand Canyon Railways sets off from Williams, Arizona, heading straight to the breathtaking Grand Canyon—one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Williams sits at nearly 7,000 feet, surrounded by the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world, so you can enjoy some cooler temps compared to the desert. It's a refreshing escape and a great base for all your Grand Canyon explorations. Plus, it’s just a few hours from both Phoenix and Las Vegas, making it super convenient to get here!

With live western music and entertaining cowboy characters on board, you’re in for a treat! Whether it's your first visit or you're coming back for more, the Grand Canyon Railway is the perfect way to soak in the beauty of this incredible place.

All Aboard for Fun

This isn’t just any train ride; it’s a trip back in time on our lovingly restored rail cars. As we travel, watch the scenery change from high desert to grassy prairies, and then to towering pines. Each view is more stunning than the last, leading you right to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.

Does the Bell Ring for You?

If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss our magical Polar Express! Families can hop aboard for a whimsical journey to the “North Pole,” where Santa Claus and his reindeer await. With hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies in hand, you’ll watch the kids’ faces light up as the story comes to life. It’s a holiday tradition that everyone will remember!

Stay Walking Distance from Downtown and Route 66

We’ve got your stay covered too! Whether you’re looking for a comfy room at the hotel or a spot for your RV, everything is just a stone's throw from the historic Williams Depot and a short walk to downtown and the iconic Route 66. With plenty of vacation deals, you can save some cash while experiencing all the magic of the Grand Canyon.

Why use a travel advisor?

With expert guidance and in-depth knowledge, travel advisors can offer a wealth of knowledge and connect you to the world - any mode of transport you chose! 

From custom itineraries to peace-of-mind from start to finish- booking with an MVT travel advisors add value to your experience that allow you to make the most of your time traveling.