The World’s Most Scenic Train Routes, Foods That Support Immune Health, and Ways Older Adults Can Cut Property Taxes

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Train travel offers something many other forms of travel don’t: the ability to truly see the landscape without rushing. For many adults, scenic train routes can provide comfort, accessibility, and unforgettable views — all from a cushy seat with large windows and no driving required. Below are some of the most popular train routes around the world, known for their relaxed pace and stunning views.

Often called the “slowest express train in the world,” this route travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Starting at the foot of the Matterhorn, over the eight-hour journey, passengers see snowcapped Alps, deep gorges, and alpine villages, traveling across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. Panoramic windows and onboard meal service with authentic Swiss cuisine make it especially comfortable and relaxing.

Discover the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains by train. Running between destinations such as Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a daylight-only rail journey deep into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This popular route passes through remote mountain landscapes that are best experienced by rail, with sweeping vistas visible right from your seat. Upgrade your trip and experience the Rockies in a bi-level glass-dome luxury coach so you don’t miss a thing. Seating is spacious, and overnight hotel stays break the trip into manageable segments. Stunning turquoise lakes, deep mountain tunnels, and frequent wildlife sightings make this an unforgettable journey you’ll cherish for years to come. 

Often ranked among the most scenic train journeys in the world, Scotland’s West Highland Line travels from Glasgow into the country’s rugged west coast, passing lochs, mountains, and remote wilderness largely inaccessible by road. The route follows the Clyde, continues through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and splits at Crianlarich toward either Oban or Mallaig. The Mallaig line is especially famous for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct — known from the Harry Potter films — before continuing through Rannoch Moor and on to Fort William, offering an ever-changing landscape of dramatic, unspoiled scenery from start to finish.

The Coastal Pacific train offers one of New Zealand’s most scenic rail journeys, traveling between Picton and Christchurch along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The route follows rugged coastline, remote beaches, and dramatic stretches where mountains meet the sea, passing through the wildlife-rich Kaikōura Coast, the vineyards of Blenheim, and the open farmland of the Canterbury Plains. With sweeping ocean views and constantly changing scenery, the journey delivers a relaxed, memorable experience in either direction.

Often cited as one of the most scenic rail journeys in North America, the California Zephyr travels daily between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area in just over 51 hours. The route crosses the plains of Nebraska, climbs through the Rocky Mountains near Denver, passes the Great Salt Lake, and continues west through Reno and California’s snow-capped Sierra Nevada before ending in Emeryville, with bus connections into San Francisco and Oakland. Observation cars allow relaxed sightseeing without leaving your seat. The ever-changing landscapes — from wide-open prairies to dramatic mountain passes — make the journey itself the main attraction. 

Scenic train travel isn’t about getting somewhere quickly — it’s about enjoying the journey itself. It allows you to slow down, stay comfortably seated, and take in landscapes that often go unseen from highways or airports. With no driving, traffic, or rushing between connections, the experience becomes part of the destination, offering time to observe, reflect, and truly appreciate the places you pass through along the way.

“The Open Window in July”
From the life overview of Dorothy K., 85, Des Moines, IA. Shared with permission.

As a child, whenever the summer heat became unbearable, my mother would open every window in the house. Screens rattled, curtains puffed like sails, and the whole place filled with the layered smells of cut grass, hot pavement, and whatever the neighbors were cooking. Like most at the time, we didn’t have air conditioning, just box fans positioned with the confidence of people who believed airflow could solve anything.

One afternoon stands out clearly. I was sitting at the kitchen table, working slowly through a glass of milk that was sweating in the heat. Outside, someone was mowing, the engine droning steadily, while a radio down the block played a song I’d hear years later and instantly recognize. My mother stood at the sink, humming along, her hair pinned up, tapping the rim of a spoon against a bowl as if keeping time.

A sudden breeze came through the open windows and lifted the papers on the table, sending one fluttering to the floor. It was my mother’s to-do list for the day. She laughed, a quick, unguarded sound, and said, “Well, I guess these are done.” It felt like a small rebellion against order, and we both enjoyed it more than we should have.

That afternoon didn’t change anything. But it stayed with me, the warmth, the noise, the easy laughter, proof that comfort doesn’t always come from keeping the world out. Sometimes it comes from letting it move right through you.

***

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The Silent Film Archive (Library of Congress National Screening Room)
A collection of early films that were made to be understood without dialogue, relying instead on pacing, gesture, and composition. These films are often short and well suited to watching in pieces, with a clarity that still holds up.

NASA Image and Video Library
A searchable archive of photographs, short films, and audio recordings spanning decades of space exploration. The material is presented plainly, with clear descriptions, and works well for quiet browsing or focused viewing without any need for technical background.

Europeana
A large digital collection from libraries, archives, and museums across Europe, covering art, letters, photographs, and everyday documents. It’s useful for quiet exploration and for seeing how ordinary life was recorded across different cultures and periods.

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Google Search can answer questions, help you find services, and solve everyday problems—but many people don’t realize how much better the results can be with a few small changes. You don’t need advanced computer skills to get more useful answers.

Start by typing specific words, not full sentences. For example, instead of typing “How do I fix my printer because it’s not working,” try “printer not printing” or “HP printer troubleshooting.” Short, clear phrases usually work better.

If you’re looking for something nearby, add your city or ZIP code to the search. For example:

If the results don’t look right, try changing one or two words and searching again. Google is very sensitive to wording, and small changes can make a big difference.

When reading results, look for well-known sources such as government websites (.gov), universities (.edu), libraries, or major news organizations. These are usually more reliable than random blogs or ads.

Google’s own help page explains the basics clearly here.

If you’re comfortable typing a little more carefully, these tools can save time:

You can also use Google’s Search Tools to filter by date. After searching, click Tools under the search bar to see newer or older results. This is helpful for medical guidance, news, or product information.

If you prefer not to type at all, you can use voice search by clicking the microphone icon in Google or saying “Hey Google” on supported devices. Google explains voice search here.

Google Search works best when you guide it clearly. A few small adjustments can turn confusing results into useful answers you can trust.

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Unmissable American gem: The Finger Lakes, New York offers seniors a serene getaway filled with tranquil lakeside vistas, accessible wine trails, and scenic outdoor activities that blend relaxation with gentle exploration.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Korean War–era TV comedy-drama set in a field hospital.

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