When I landed in Vancouver after a six-hour flight, I followed fellow passengers through the international terminal to customs. On the way, we walked through a room that made me stop in my tracks. It looked like a museum exhibit.

Known as the Pacific Passage, this room was designed by Aldrich Pears Associates to immerse visitors in the natural wonders of British Columbia upon arrival.

As I entered, I was entranced by the soundtracks of waves crashing and birds chirping through the overhead speaker. The room had a forest scene on the left, a body of water on the right, and sculptures by indigenous artists on display — a canoe in the water and a gigantic thunderbird suspended in the air, among others.

I've grown accustomed to a lifestyle with limited access to nature in New York. We have plenty of parks, but the skyscrapers and bustling streets dominate the landscape. I long for more natural escapes within my city, but I always assumed the lack of them was the price you pay for a convenient, urban lifestyle.

That's not the case in Vancouver. From the downtown area to the quieter surrounding neighborhoods, various tree types stood as tall as the buildings, if not taller. There was no shortage of shade, and looking over the city from hilltops and hotel balconies, I could see how forests were embedded throughout the skyline.

After seeing Vancouver's forests from a distance, I wanted a closer look. So I wandered Stanley Park and Jericho Beach Park. From the trails, it was easy to forget I was in the middle of a major city.

Hiking from one neighborhood to the next rather than walking through the developed streets was a scenic route I never expected to find.

I spent my first night at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, a historic hotel that looks like a castle.

I had stayed in a similar Fairmont in the past, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, where the castle-like structure matched the old-world European-style town. But I was surprised by the Vancouver hotel's location in the middle of the downtown area in a busy city.

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver looked like a medieval relic next to modern skyscrapers.

I spent my second night in Vancouver at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which overlooks Coal Harbour. From my balcony room on the 21st floor, I was astonished to spot a Chevron gas station in the water.

Installed in 2010, the Chevron Legacy is the only gas station for boats in the harbor. Its placement made sense, since I saw a marina full of yachts nearby, but I'd never previously thought about how boats fuel up.

NYC's Billionaires' Row is world-famous for its ultra-luxury residential buildings with glass facades that tower over Central Park. Vancouver's Billionaires' Row looks vastly different.

The elite Belmont Avenue in the West Point Grey neighborhood is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the city, including a 10-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion valued at roughly $72 million, according to Coast Reporter.

A 20-minute drive from downtown, Belmont Avenue is lined with mansions with large lots and ocean views. During my visit, I spotted a range of architectural styles, from Victorian to modern.

The most surprising part of these properties was the landscaping. Perfectly trimmed trees, bushes, and hedges stood above vibrant flower beds. They looked like grounds you'd find at a European palace.

I love living in New York, but don't plan to stay here forever. I've always thought that whenever I decided to leave the city for a place with more space and nature, I'd end up somewhere that left me longing for the urban lifestyle.

But visiting Vancouver made me realize I can have it all — the mountains, the hikes, and the bustling city streets. On the day of my departure, I daydreamed about what my life would be like if I moved there. And one day, I just might.

The 912-foot-long ship was stacked with 17 decks full of staterooms, venues, restaurants, and activities.

Every room felt thoughtfully decorated with sleek furniture, unique sculptures, and multicolored lights.

I noticed design themes throughout the ship. The brand's signature bold red color was always in sight, often contrasted with other bold colors, from pinks and greens to blues and purples. Most spaces also featured iridescent panels, adding a rainbow glow that made me feel coated in luxury.

Exploring the ship felt like wandering through a work of art — or being in a movie about the ultrawealthy. There was no shortage of Instagram-worthy photo ops to take selfies while feeling like a true VIP.

I booked a mid-tier cabin with a sea terrace that cost $5,910. It was a step above a stateroom with just a window and a step below a suite.

As soon as I stepped into the 225-square-foot room, I was blown away by how spacious it felt. Modern furniture matched the design style of the communal decks, and the cabin was full of space-saving hacks.

A sectional couch transformed into a comfy, queen-sized bed. A closet hidden behind an iridescent curtain revealed drawers and empty storage bins.

There were also high-end details that made me feel wrapped in luxury from morning to night, like a rainfall shower head and a tablet for controlling mood lighting, curtains, and TV entertainment.

When booking the cabin, I simply hoped for a wide-open view to stand in front of while feeling the breeze in my face.

It was much more than that.

On the terrace, I found a small table with two chairs and a large, cozy hammock. Spending time in the outdoor space watching sunsets, spotting passing islands, and getting a preview of each port stop before disembarking made the room worth the price.

Virgin Voyages cruises are only for guests who are 18 or older. Since I was traveling with a partner — and I don't have kids — I was excited to lounge on quiet, calm pool decks, dine at relaxing restaurants, and access a range of activities for grown-ups.

And that's exactly what I got.

The ship was packed with indoor and outdoor activities for adults. An indoor game room was full of long tables, board games, and puzzles. An arcade had virtual racing and retro machines, igniting a sense of nostalgia.

Outdoors, there was a deck with two large pools and several plunge pools.

All of these offerings were delightful yet unsurprising to me.

But on a cruise ship with no kids, I never expected to find a playground for adults.

On one of the ship's top decks, I found grown-up-sized swings and seesaws, a foosball table, a basketball court, and a giant chess set. I had so much fun playing like a kid with no child in sight.

Next to the playground was a slew of 1920s-inspired athletic equipment, from a boxing ring and punching bags to benches and bars for strength training.

While I steered clear of the ship's indoor gym because I don't like working out on vacation, I enjoyed kicking and punching boxing bags. It was so unique to the exercise I do at home that I forgot I was working out at all.

Sailing through the Mediterranean, there's a wide range of port stops. We stopped at four, each with standout features that set it apart.

Perhaps the most unique stop was Marina di Carrara, Italy. I took an excursion through a marble mountain range to see quarries where artists like Michelangelo traveled for the finest materials.

But the port that surprised me most was the last — Ibiza.

I expected nothing but a nightclub scene from the "party capital of the world," so I was amazed by the city's vibrant buildings and ocean views while wandering up and down hilly streets. I was mesmerized by Ibiza's old town, where I saw cobblestone streets, Renaissance cathedrals, and 16th-century walls lined with cannons.

Standing over the Bastion of Santa Lucia in Ibiza during the final sunset of my trip, I felt like I was in a storybook. As I soaked up the island view, I thought about how special the entire voyage felt, from the destinations to the ship itself.

Looking back, it was worth the price tag, and I can't wait to sail with Virgin Voyages again.

I traveled from Denver to Salt Lake City on Amtrak's California Zephyr — a double-decker train. My previous Amtrak rides had single-story cars, so I was excited to step on board and hoped my room would be on the top floor.

It wasn't.

And although the views of Rocky Mountain National Park were spectacular from my room, I could see further out from the dining car's windows on the second story, and I longed for a room with a higher vantage point.

Although Amtrak's booking platform didn't have an option to select a specific room, Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari told Business Insider that you can call the contact center, speak to a live agent, and request a particular room if it's still available.

He added that family and accessible bedrooms are on the lower level, regular bedrooms are on the top level, and roomettes are on both levels.

My Amtrak ticket included three meals. An attendant came by my room to reserve a seat in the dining car for each. I had breakfast just after we departed at about 9 a.m. I chose the noon lunch slot and the 5 p.m. dinner slot.

I didn't get hungry between breakfast and lunch, but around 3 p.m., my stomach started growling. In hindsight, I should have packed snacks for the ride.

The train had a café car with snacks, beverages, and microwavable meals for sale, but I decided to save my money and fuel up at dinner.

Hungry and eager, I entered the dining car a minute before 5 p.m. The empty tables were set with mini flower arrangements that looked charming against the rolling canyon backdrop out the windows.

At the other end of the car, I spotted a handful of employees looking at me and talking among themselves.

"I'm here for my dinner reservation," I said.

One replied that I was supposed to wait for an attendant to announce dinner over the intercom. Embarassed, I apologized and started to turn back. They told me to stay and sit at the first table while another employee went to the intercom.

I'd had nearly a dozen meals in Amtrak dining cars before, but this was the first time I'd made this mistake.

Some stops on overnight Amtrak trains are long enough for passengers to get out and walk around the platform for a few minutes.

I typically take this opportunity to get fresh air and stretch my legs, whether sunny or snowing outside. But when this train made its final long stop roughly 15 minutes before dinner, I was entranced in a book and decided to stay in.

After dinner, I regretted not getting off at that final extended stop when I craved space to stretch out and move my body.

When I arrived in Salt Lake City around midnight, I was grateful for fresh air and open space.

Anderson said one of the most underrated trips they've ever taken was to South Dakota in the summer of 2022, where they spent the Fourth of July camping at Custer State Park.

"We were able to get a last-minute camping spot, and it wasn't crowded," she said. "You could spend a week there because it's so beautiful, and there's so much hiking."

It was a sunny 75 degrees Fahrenheit — perfect for hiking, Anderson said. During her hikes, Anderson appreciated the park's unique geographic features.

"Custer Park is known for having these rock spires. I've never seen anything like it," she said. "You get a really good reflection of the rock formations on Sylvan Lake."

The park is also full of grasslands and wildlife, from donkeys to bison, she added.

"You can drive from Custer to Badlands National Park, and you can also stop by Mount Rushmore," Anderson said. "So you can easily make a whole road trip there."

In July 2023, Anderson explored hidden gems in eastern Idaho.

"Grand Teton National Park is really popular, but on the other side of the Tetons, the Idaho Teton Valley isn't very popular," Anderson said. "They have amazing wildflower hikes, mountains, and waterfalls."

Anderson said she also explored sand dunes nearby.

"No one was there when we went except for a few people on ATVs," she said. "But for sunset, we had the sand dunes completely to ourselves."

"Sedona, Arizona, is obviously a really popular destination, but a lot of people don't visit during the summer because it's really hot," Anderson said. But when she went in late August 2024, temperatures had cooled down a bit, and there were still no crowds.

"It would be a good destination for people who don't mind getting up early to hike and or like hiking at sunset," she said. "We hiked at sunrise and sunset to beat the heat, and we had a lot of the trails to ourselves."

Anderson recommends staying at Ambiente Sedona, an adults-only hotel, and spending the hottest hours of the day at the pool.

"In South Carolina, everybody goes to Charleston, but we went to this place called Carolina Heritage Outfitters in the Edisto River area of South Carolina," Anderson said.

Carolina Heritage Outfitters is a tour company that offers treehouse camping by canoe. Anderson told BI that her tour guide said it's a popular activity among locals.

"You canoe downstream a very easy 10 miles to a treehouse, stay overnight, and then canoe 10 miles back to the tour company," Anderson said. "That was one of the coolest things that we've done. We travel all the time, and we've never done anything like that."

Anderson said she's been to Wyoming many times.

"I think, in general, it's underrated as a state to visit for tourism. It is obviously popular because of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park," she said. "But you don't really hear about people going other than that."

South of the Tetons in Wyoming, the Wind River Range offers a similar experience and is far less crowded, Anderson said. For maximum privacy, Anderson recommends pitching a tent at the free campsites in the Green River Lakes area, as she did in July 2024.

"You do have to prepare because it is remote, there's no service, and we took a 20-mile dirt road to get there," she said. "But there's nobody else around. You can go swimming, and the landscapes are so beautiful."

Medicine Bow National Forest is another underrated destination in southern Wyoming.

"We went there in the summer of 2023, and they have amazing lakes and mountain peaks that made me surprised that it's not more popular," Anderson said.

"Mammoth Lakes in California is really popular during the winter because it has great skiing," Anderson said. "Fewer people go during the summer, but it's one of the best hiking destinations we've been to."

Anderson went in 2022 and hiked through mountains, swam and kayaked in the lakes, and marveled at waterfalls.

"It's like a quintessential summer experience," she said.

Thomas said she had the time of her life visiting Pakistan in June 2024.

"You would not believe the places I had all to myself," she said, recalling trekking glaciers and camping in solitude beneath mountains over 22,000 feet tall.

The country has many beautiful landscapes, and Thomas especially recommends hiking from Fairy Meadows to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-tallest mountain on Earth.

She also suggests travelers head to Rakaposhi Base Camp and stay at Hapakun Campsite for glacier views. They can also drive the Karakoram Highway, one of the world's highest paved roads that's surrounded by mountain views.

If you're a thrill seeker, visit Skardu, where you can drive motorbikes, paraglide, ride horses, or go on desert safaris.

She also recommends spending a night in the mountain village of Karimabad, which offers boutique accommodations and local markets with handmade goods.

History buffs should also visit Lahore's iconic UNESCO sites, such as the Lahore Fort citadel and Badshahi Mosque.

Montenegro is Thomas's all-time favorite country. She's been to the small European country multiple times, most recently in June 2024.

"It has everything for an amazing summer vacation," she said, including "picturesque old towns and cobbled streets with alfresco dining, beautiful beaches, mountain backdrops, and underrated national parks."

Thomas said Montenegro's beaches, mountains, and architecture are similar to what you'd find in Italy, but without as many crowds. After all, the Balkan country typically receives millions fewer visitors a year.

While there, she recommends visiting the coastal town of Kotor to take a boat trip around the bay or a cable car to the alpine coaster that goes down a cliff overlooking the bay.

Travelers can also enjoy the historic architecture in the nearby town of Perast, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

While in Montenegro, Thomas also suggests visiting Sveti Stefan for a beach day and Skadar Lake for kayaking.

Just south of Montenegro, Albania is an underrated spot for relaxing beach vacations and adventurous trips.

"Not only does it have a gorgeous coastline, but the mountains are incredible," she said.

Thomas visited the country in June 2023 and hiked to waterfalls, mountain passes, and alpine rivers. She said she didn't see many other tourists during her trip.

She recommends hiking in the Alps of Albania National Park and stopping at the Albanian Riviera, a coastline with turquoise water and white-sand beaches similar to what you'd find in more crowded spots in Europe.

The country's also home to Ksamil, which some have nicknamed the "Maldives of Europe," but Thomas recommends heading a little more north to Himarë instead. Both places have beautiful beaches, but the latter is usually far less crowded.

Every overnight train I'd been on previously, from the US to Europe, had one-story cars. So I was surprised to learn I'd be taking a double-decker train on my latest overnight trip.

My past Amtrak trips were on Viewliner trains, the one-story sleeper fleet that runs in the East and the South, but this trip was on the two-story Superliner fleet that travels on routes west of Chicago and New Orleans.

Although my roomette was on the first level, I wandered the top floor to see the railside views from a higher angle. I also appreciated that the dining car was on the top deck, so I had exceptional views during meal time.

The restaurant wasn't the only communal car upstairs — another was built purely for sightseeing, filled with booths and chairs facing two rows of windows.

I headed to the observation car just before noon, three hours into my trip. We were passing through Rocky Mountain National Park as the snow stopped and the sun brightened the landscape. I was mesmerized by the epic natural scene as I spotted highland cows — one of my favorite animals that I'd never seen in real life before.

I'd booked an Amtrak roomette before, so I knew what to expect when I entered the 23-square-foot space — two seats facing each other that formed a lower bunk by night, a pullout table between them, and another bunk that pulled down from above.

It had been nearly four years since my last overnight Amtrak ride, and as soon as I sat down, I could tell the seats were newer and far more comfortable.

An Amtrak spokesman, Marc Magliari, told Business Insider that the entire Superliner fleet was getting an interior refresh, and 76% of them — including my ride — had already been updated.

"The seats have the same frame, but the cushions are new, and there's more lumbar support in this current seat cushion design than the old seat cushion design," Magliari said. "If you see gray, vinyl seating, then you know that you are in a fresh room."

The vinyl felt much smoother on my skin than the pilled, blue fabric seats in my previous Amtrak accommodations. The upgraded seat cushions weren't stiff like the old ones either.

I thought the seats alone made the new Amtrak roomette cozier for a long ride.

Most train bunks feel like stiff cots, in my experience, but thanks to the new seat cushions, my lower bunk felt more like a mattress.

I snuggled up with a plush blanket and thick, fluffy pillows provided by Amtrak.

To me, train food beats airplane food any day. But unless you're on a luxury overnight train, I've still found food on the rails mediocre at best. So I was surprised when all three included meals were as good as many budget restaurants I enjoy.

Sweet and juicy strawberries topped my French toast for breakfast. The grilled chicken on my Caesar salad made for a flavorful lunch, and my three-course dinner featured premium ingredients like Brie salad and flat iron steak.

I was impressed by how much more satisfying these dishes were than the meals on my previous overnight Amtrak rides.

Less than two hours into the trip, I realized the train didn't have WiFi. This surprised me since my previous overnight Amtrak trips have included it. Normally, I'd be annoyed to learn I didn't have this amenity on a long journey, but I didn't mind this time.

I could check my phone with data during stops and while passing through cities and towns. And on the train, my book, my Nintendo Switch, and the views out the window were enough to keep me content for the 15-hour ride.

The Western US is rich with awe-inspiring natural landscapes, so I was stoked for the views on my journey. But I didn't think about the contrasting landscapes between Colorado and Utah. Watching the snowy mountain forests gradually transition into desert canyons was amazing.

I gazed out the window as frozen rivers melted, dry shrubs replaced tall green trees, and forest-topped mountains turned to bare red canyons.

It was remarkable, and it's the ultimate reason I choose to travel by overnight train again and again — long journeys on the rails give you a passing look at the country from a vantage point you won't find anywhere else.

It was my second time leaving from Moynihan Train Hall, Penn Station's $1.6 billion expansion. It was bright, clean, and easy to navigate.

Much like an airport lounge, the space is a quiet, upscale waiting area for select Amtrak customers. Inside, there are comfortable seats and free snacks and drinks.

First-class passengers get in for free on the day of their trip, and business-class passengers can pay $50 to access the club.

The space was beautifully decorated and very clean. Only a couple of other people were there when I visited.

I was surprised and overwhelmed by the wide selection, which included Kind bars, cookies, popcorn, chips, and candy. Looking back, I wish I had asked for a few more treats.

There were also free beverages like coffee, iced tea, and citrus-infused water.

As I was waiting for my train in the peaceful, comfy space with my free refreshments, I thought it was nice, but I wouldn't pay $50 for it.

In first-class Acela cars, there are two seats on one side and one on the other. My assigned seat was in a single row.

Before I sat down, I placed my backpack in the overhead bin to maximize legroom.

Below me, a footrest pulled out from the seat back chair. Next to my feet, there were two outlets to charge my devices.

Similar to an airplane, a tray table pulled out from the back of the seat in front of me.

And above, I had access to two lights with two different settings, although I didn't use them since my trip was during the day.

For breakfast, I could choose between four options, including an omelet or an empanada.

The orange juice came out immediately with a glass of ice. The train's shakiness rattled the glass, and I worried it might spill.

Three minutes later, my meal came out, and I was surprised to find that it included a croissant, too.

The fruit tasted cold and fresh. Every piece was just as juicy and flavorful as the last. The croissant tasted a little less fresh to me, but it was still warm and tasty.

Overall, I was satisfied with my meal, but the combination of the service, the food, and the seat didn't feel worth an additional $152.

I didn't notice any special luxurious details that would make it feel more first-class.

When I arrived in Baltimore, I was glad I got the chance to try the first-class experience. But next time, I'll save money and just book a regular ticket.

International travel often comes with connecting flights, which means there are multiple opportunities for delays and cancellations. So, airline loyalty can make a huge difference in how the carrier makes amends when things go awry.

Granger and Boyd learned this on a trip to Greece when Kynsley was 2. They booked with Delta, an airline where they'd built up a rewards status. What should have been a one-day, two-flight trip became a two-day, three-flight trip.

Their first flight was delayed, forcing them to take an additional connecting flight domestically to arrive the same day. Then, their international flight to Greece was canceled, so they were stuck overnight in New York City.

Granger recapped their entire journey with a manager. "Please show some more courtesy or sympathy for the travel plan," she recalls saying.

She said Delta then upgraded their entire group to first class for their round-trip flight to Greece.

"We'd spent so much money and accumulated so many points with Delta that we were able to use that as collateral in that situation," Boyd said. "They helped us all out because of the status that we had at the time."

Granger said it's important to ensure you understand all the passport and visa documentation your child needs to enter or exit the country you're traveling to, especially if your kid will be flying with another adult during your trip.

According to the US Government, many countries require a consent letter when traveling without both parents.

"Kynsley traveled with us to South Africa, and on the way back, she came home with my mom and dad," Granger said. "There were so many documents that she needed, rightfully so, to leave the country with her grandparents. I've read a lot of stories about people getting held up by not having those documents."

International destinations may lack certain comforts of home that babies and toddlers are used to, so Granger and Boyd suggest finding ways to bring those comforts along.

For example, when Kynsley was a baby, Boyd said she slept with a noise machine that played ocean and wind sounds.

"We traveled with the noisemaker so we could create the environment at home anywhere we went," Boyd said. "And we turned it up to 10."

Granger said they'd blast the sound machine at the front of her door on international trips.

"Even though at home it was lower, I knew all the noise happening outside, whether it was us or friends or family we were traveling with, would not distract her if she heard the sound that comforts her," Granger said.

Granger and Boyd brought a cheap, folding stroller on their trip to Greece because they thought it would be easier to travel with than a heavy-duty stroller. But once they started to roll it on the cobblestone roads of Athens, they regretted it.

"It's a very old, beautiful place, but our cheap stroller could not stand up to the cobblestone," Boyd said.

Their stroller broke, and they had to buy a new one in Greece. So, the couple advises looking at the terrain of your destination and finding a stroller that can handle it.

"Don't sacrifice on the stroller," Granger said. "Having something that's super sturdy but also very small might be worth the investment."

Granger and Boyd recommend the Guava Roam Stroller because it's compact, foldable, and sturdy on all terrains.

When traveling to another country with Kynsley, Granger said she packs a first-aid kit with "every option available over the counter," from cough and cold to allergy medications.

"She rarely needs them, but there's always something that comes up when we're in another country and I'm not positive about their equivalent for something like Benadryl, for example," Granger said. "So instead of scrambling, I just have my whole tool kit on me."

Granger noted that her medicine bag is often pulled to the side at TSA checkpoints, so it takes longer to get through security.

"But that hassle is way less than the stress that you might have being international, where you don't have the right tools for your baby's sickness at 4 a.m.," she added.

If you forget or run out of medicine, or your child has an unexpected health concern, you'll want to be prepared. So Granger advises researching clinics and pharmacies in the area just in case.

She added that many hotels have on-call services. For example, Kynsley and Boyd got sunburn in Abu Dhabi, and they had a pharmacist deliver aloe vera at midnight.

You may be tempted to take a bus tour to get a lay of the land in a foreign country. Granger and Boyd have done so with Kynsley, but they regretted it. On these tours, Granger said Kynsley just wants to move around, not sit still.

"I think kids are just too antsy to spend hours on a bus just hearing somebody speaking over the loudspeaker, explaining what's out the window," she said. "I think there have to be more options for engagement."

When the family went to Greece, Granger wanted to kick off the trip with a food tour. Boyd and Kynsley joined for 10 minutes before going back to the hotel.

Why? A high traffic volume on cobblestone side streets, from cars to bikes and mopeds, made them feel unsafe with their 2-year-old in a stroller.

"They were taking us to hole-in-the-walls to try local food, and it was just uncomfortable with mopeds flying by," Granger said. "When you think about the traffic situation, it becomes harder when a baby is too little and can't walk, and with a small kid."

When Kynsley was a baby, Granger and Boyd avoided public transportation because lugging baggage around with a baby is challenging, as is dealing with diaper changes when trying to catch a train. Now that Kynsley is 3.5 years old, they have started doing so in places like Europe, where they've found clean, efficient trains.

They said Kynsley sees the train as another activity and enjoys looking out the windows and walking up and down the cars.

"My No. 1 advice for traveling with a kid on a train is to avoid rush hour," Granger said. "So the middle of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., is a great time to take the train with the kid. But other than that, just avoid it."

Communication can be challenging in foreign countries where you don't speak the language. And when you're traveling with a kid, there may be urgent situations where you need to get information right away, like where the bathroom is located. Granger recommends downloading Google Translate.

"Most times, Google Translate is the way that we learn to speak another language — very proper, not the way that people actually speak, but I think they usually get the gist and will point me in the right direction," she said.

Granger said that being patient and considerate is important when asking for help.

"You have to find somebody who looks open to having that conversation because people are just enjoying their regular days of their lives, not on vacation like you," she said.

Before trips, Granger also learns basic words like "toilet" and "pharmacy" to facilitate communication.

Before booking, I should have researched how the location of a cabin can affect the amount of motion you feel while the ship is moving.

My ocean-view cabin was at the front of the ship, and I didn't expect to feel as much movement in my cabin as I did. Shaky nights made it tough to sleep on the ship.

Several seasoned cruisers on the voyage told me that the front of the ship was one of the worst places to feel motion. Higher decks in the middle of the ship felt calmer and more stable.

If you are as prone to motion sickness as I am, I suggest choosing a room in the middle of the ship.

One of the most distinctive things about cruising is that most meals, snacks, and drinks are included in the cruise rate.

But on large ships like Wonder of the Seas, more than a dozen restaurants with specialty offerings, like sushi, are not included and incur additional charges, either a one-time fee or by the dish. I paid $40 to $60 for each meal. 

I reserved all specialty restaurants before my trip, but I wish I hadn't booked so many once I realized the included restaurants offered a wide range of delicious food.

There was more than one buffet, and the main dining room served a three-course meal with changing menu items each night.

These included options that satisfied every craving. One of the best meals I had was in the main dining room.

Since I booked so many specialty restaurants, I didn't have time to try all the buffets or eat in the main dining room more than once. If I had known they'd be so satisfying, I would've saved money and eaten more of the included meals instead.

I hate dressing formally, but I knew cruises required formal nights, so I brought one nice dress. After the first formal night, however, I learned that the dress code wasn't strictly enforced. I noticed people wore a variety of outfits, from evening gowns to T-shirts.

I relaxed my look on the other two formal nights, but the dress felt like a waste of the limited space in my suitcase. If I had known it wasn't necessary to wear, I would've left it at home and brought multiple other articles in its place.

Since I brought only a carry-on suitcase, I hoped to get some laundry done on board, but then I saw the pricing sheet.

I live in New York City, and most apartments I've rented haven't included in-unit laundry, so I'm used to paying for my clothes to be washed. But rather than pricing by weight like local New York laundromats, Royal Caribbean charges for each article of clothing. Each shirt costs $4, and a dress costs $9, while washing just one pair of underwear costs $2.

I thought this would add up fast, so I didn't do any laundry on my trip. In hindsight, I should have brought a bar of laundry soap to hand-wash a few things. 

My favorite times to be on the top decks of the ship were early in the morning and late at night, when there weren't as many crowds. These were also the coldest, windiest parts of the day, which made me wish I'd brought more than one sweater and pair of pants.

I would've brought a few more pairs of pants and another sweater to keep me warm (instead of the poofy formal dress). Since I didn't, I ended up wearing the same pants and sweater nearly every morning and evening.

To ensure I stayed hydrated throughout my trip, I opted for the water bottle package while booking trip extras like restaurant reservations and excursions. For $16, Royal Caribbean delivered a case of 24 water bottles to my cabin. It seemed expensive for a pack of water, but I thought this was just part of the price of cruising.

When I was boarding the ship, though, I noticed people carrying their own cases of water. That's when I realized Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring their own nonalcoholic beverages.

If I had known this, I would've brought my own water and saved a few bucks.

While I enjoyed parts of my cruise, some of this knowledge could've made my trip much more comfortable.

On my next cruise, I'll remember what I learned about cabin locations, formal nights, and cool, windy mornings sailing in the Caribbean Sea.

The ship was more stylish than I could have imagined. Multicolored lighting, iridescent panels paired with bold artwork, and modern furniture gave it a futuristic feel. Pops of Virgin's signature bright-red color were everywhere, from furniture to accent pieces.

Colorful glows, from pink and purple to blue and green, lit the decks and elevators. I felt like I was surrounded by rainbows. Simply wandering the ship renewed my sense of childlike wonder, yet no kids were in sight.

I wasn't expecting my 225-square-foot cabin to feel spacious, but multipurpose furniture and clever storage hacks left me with enough floor space to stretch and move around.

The queen-sized bed transformed into a couch during the day, an ottoman was tucked underneath the desk instead of a chair, and the nightstand was thin and light, making it easy to move out of the way when not in use.

The balcony had a side table, two chairs, and a big, netted hammock. Two years later, I'm still thinking about how peaceful I felt curled up in that hammock in the middle of the ocean.

The last thing I expected to find on an adults-only cruise ship was a playground. But it wasn't just any playground — everything was jumbo-sized, from the seesaws to the swings. It was clearly built for grown-ups.

The cruise ship playground was surrounded by fun activities, like a human-sized chess set, a boxing ring, and a net suspended above an ocean view.

If there had been children around, I wouldn't have felt comfortable taking up space on this playground. However, surrounded by only adults, I felt free to enjoy these activities.

Going on the swings and playing competitive games made me feel like a kid again. Simply playing refreshed my state of mind in a way I wasn't expecting, and I think all adults could use it on a vacation.

When I wanted to beat the heat, I headed inside on deck seven, where I found a retro-style arcade and a game room full of board games, puzzles, and large tables to play on.

The board game selection was nostalgic for me. I spotted childhood favorites like Mouse Trap, Clue, and Cranium.

While wandering the indoor shopping strip on deck six, I stopped in my tracks when I spotted Squid Ink, a tattoo parlor. Virgin Voyages says it's the first-ever cruise line to offer tattooing on board. According to Cruise Gear, tattoo pricing starts at around $150.

I love getting tattooed, so I was delighted by the shop, but I resisted the urge to get one on this trip.

On my first cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, a lot of the food on the ship was included in the ticket price, but specialty restaurants incurred an additional price. Many cruise lines operate this way, so I was surprised to learn that none of the food on my Virgin Voyages cruise cost extra.

The all-inclusive dining was especially shocking, considering all the upscale restaurants on board, with offerings ranging from Mediterranean seafood and fresh pasta to sushi and steak. I indulged in the opportunity to forget about finances while dining.

On my first cruise, I spotted many people drinking and partying throughout the day, so I expected to see even more of that on an adults-only cruise. But the communal decks were calm during the day. It was easy to relax by the pools — one had music playing, while the other was silent.

I talked to a bartender about my differing experiences, and they said Mediterranean cruisers tend to be less interested in partying than Caribbean cruisers.

On a luxury ship without kids, I expected to enjoy my adults-only cruise more than my first cruise. But I didn't expect the Virgin Voyages cruise to make me feel like a child myself.

Playing for hours surrounded by rainbows and eating whatever I wanted without thinking about money allowed me to let loose in a way I hadn't in over a decade.

I would definitely cruise with Virgin Voyages again, and maybe next time, I'll add some ink to my arm.

The rail line operates overnight routes between Austria, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, and it goes as fast as 143 miles per hour, according to the company's website.

I booked the former, which are cabins with six regular assigned seats that deeply recline. Some routes have private cabins, but mine didn't.

"The quality of travel depends not only on the carriages, but also on the route," the statement also said.

Some trains only require a Eurail pass to ride, while others, including overnight trains, incur an additional discounted price.

With my seven-day Eurail pass, the train trip cost $14. It was the cheapest overnight accommodation.

I arrived about an hour and a half before my 6:53 p.m. train, so I had ample time to find the platform.

McDonald's in Germany has different menu items from locations in the US, like the hash brown burger.

The train arrived on time and I found and boarded my assigned car, number 254.

I made my way to my assigned seat in one of these cabins.

Two others arrived within the first few hours.

It had two cushions and reclined far enough to almost lie flat, but not fully.

It was just large enough to hold my ticket and phone.

However, I was surprised to find ample luggage space on two rows of storage racks above the seats.

An OBB Nightjet rep told BI that new cars that began running in 2023 have more outlets.

I thought it had a wide selection with snacks, pasta, and wraps.

"Toilets are always cleaned when the trip starts," OBB Nightjet said in a statement to BI. "In addition, our staff is doing regular checks during the night."

I hardly had any personal space.

I didn't see any pillows or sheets provided for guests, either.

The rep for OBB Nightjet told BI that pillows and sheets are only provided for guests in the bunk-style sleeping cars because the seating carriage is not recommended for long-haul trips.

I ended up switching to a different cabin with only two other people.

Even in a less-crowded cabin, I couldn't get comfortable on such a bumpy journey or with the knowledge that someone might wake me up to move.

My train arrived in Vienna at 7 a.m., and I was so exhausted that I ran around town looking for any hotel that would take me in so early in the morning.

Next time, I'll book a flight or take a train with private cabins.

In October 2021, I took my first overnight train ride from New York City to Miami. I spent the 30-hour ride in a private cabin with two chairs and two bunks.

Since then, I've spent six more nights on trains and have had a range of experiences, from sleeping in seats and bunking with strangers to enjoying private cabins. I've even slept on a luxury train, Europe's iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

I don't recommend booking seats and shared cabins on overnight trains, but private accommodations are a different story.

In April 2022, I took my first cruise — a seven-night Caribbean journey to Honduras, Mexico, and the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

A year later, I took a weeklong Mediterranean cruise to Spain, Italy, and France with Virgin Voyages, a luxury, adults-only cruise line.

Train and cruise prices vary too much for me to declare one to be more affordable than the other.

I've paid between $200 and $1,000 per night for private cabins on standard overnight trains in the US and Europe. My luxury ride aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cost $9,000 for one night. The most expensive rides were about 30 hours, and the least costly were under 15. Price also varied based on cabin square footage.

These tickets included a private space, meals, and priority boarding in the US.

On the other hand, my Royal Caribbean cruise cost roughly $300 a night for an ocean-view cabin. The ticket price included many dining options on the ship.

My balcony cabin on the Virgin Voyages cruise had a starting rate of roughly $845 per night for the seven-night voyage, though Business Insider received a media rate. All food on the ship was included in the price of the ticket.

In addition to food, my cruise tickets included access to shows and activities on the ship (more on that later).

In my experience, a train trip requires a lot of preparation. In 2022, I spent two weeks traveling by train through Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Since the countries aren't too far apart, I took only two overnight trains, and the rest took only a few hours.

In addition to mapping out train times, I had to book accommodations and plan activities, meals, and transportation at each destination.

While this was challenging and a bit overwhelming at times, it felt liberating to create my trip from scratch and decide how long I would stay in each place. In this way, traveling by train is freeing.

Cruise lines take care of most of the planning. You don't have to book each leg yourself like you typically do on a train.

The cruise line provides a schedule of activities and entertainment on board each day, so you can pick and choose at your leisure.

However, there is no flexibility when it comes to time spent at the port stop. Cruise ships stick to a tight schedule, and if you're late, you may be left behind unless you're on an excursion you booked through the cruise line. But if you plan your own train trip, you can give yourself as much time as you want to explore.

During my cruises, most port stops were about eight hours long. I booked excursions through the cruise line, including beach days, hikes, and tours. Some were compelling, but ultimately, I didn't feel I had enough time to get more than a taste of the destinations we stopped at.

When it comes to mass transportation, it doesn't get easier than boarding a train. There are no security checkpoints, and I've rarely experienced lines. You should have no issues as long as you give yourself enough time to find the track your train departs from.

When I board overnight trains in the US, I typically arrive between 15 and 30 minutes before departure. In European cities, where stations are often larger and the language is different, I give myself a full hour to figure out where I need to be.

When embarking on both cruises, I spent hours in line, and for good reason — thousands of people and their luggage had to load into a massive vessel safely and securely.

I can't deny that I dread this part of a cruise as much as I dread going to the airport.

My train accommodations have ranged from 20 to 45 square feet with a similar setup — seating that transforms into bunks at night and a pullout table next to the window.

Only one overnight cabin I've booked has included a full bathroom — the Amtrak bedroom accommodation. Most of the others have had a sink and vanity in the room and access to shared bathrooms in the car. Some of my rides have had access to a shower, and some have not.

Both of my cruise accommodations were roughly 200 square feet and had a king or queen-sized bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a full bathroom.

My Royal Caribbean cabin had a window, and my Virgin Voyages room had a balcony.

Space is very limited on trains, and there's not much to do on board. Exploring the train cars can be fun, and some trains have observation cars with massive windows for sightseeing. You can also get some fresh air during train stops that are 10 minutes or longer. But you'll likely spend most of your time in your cabin.

It may sound boring, but for me, a long train ride is an opportunity to be still for a while. When I spend my days exploring destinations, nights on trains force me to pause and relax without worrying about the time. I often take this time to catch up on reading, watch a movie, or listen to a podcast.

Since most of a cruise is spent on a ship, it's no wonder cruise lines fill them with pools, sports, fitness centers, and activities, from gaming to dancing and live entertainment. The amount of things to do will vary depending on what size ship you choose.

On board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, there were seemingly endless activities and unique offerings like laser tag, ice skating, and an escape room.

My Virgin Voyages cruise was on a midsize ship, but there was still plenty to do. My favorite part was the adult playground with jumbo-sized swings and seesaws.

Overall, I've had decent meals on overnight trains. In my experience, train menus only have a few options per meal.

I've noticed that Amtrak train food has improved over the years. Most recently, in January 2025, I particularly enjoyed a grilled chicken Caesar salad for lunch and a steak dinner.

And on board the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, I had amazing fine-dining experiences, from eggs topped with caviar to scallops and lobster.

Like activities, the number of food options on cruises varies depending on ship size, but both ships I sailed on spoiled me by satisfying every craving. From buffets to restaurants, I could have Southern comfort food for breakfast, pasta for lunch, and Korean barbecue for dinner.

The most memorable views I've had were on trains. From the Swiss Alps to the Italian countryside, there's something romantic about gazing out the window from a train bunk at an ever-changing view of the world around you.

It's also fascinating to watch the landscape transform throughout a trip. I'll never forget watching snowy mountains in Colorado melt into streams and canyons in Utah by sunset.

On day one of a cruise, I'm amazed by the view of the open ocean. Sunsets at sea are unforgettable.

However, by the end of the trip, I don't stop to appreciate the view as much. I think this is because, aside from port stops and occasional islands in the distance, the views from a cruise ship typically stay the same.

When I travel, I try to minimize my environmental impact as much as possible, and trains are one of the most sustainable forms of transportation. Amtrak trips have a lower carbon footprint than flying or driving, according to the company's website.

Meanwhile, the International Council on Clean Transportation says cruise ships produce more carbon emissions than flights.

According to a 2025 report by the European Federation for Transport and Environment, ships accounted for 12.7% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe in 2024, while trains accounted for 0.4%.

Cruises have more of a vacation vibe than overnight trains do. And with less planning and more amenities, they're also more relaxing. To me, cruise ships are like floating, all-inclusive resorts.

Still, my overnight train trips have been more memorable because the experiences felt more unique.

Train cabins don't look like hotel rooms, and from car to car, the constantly changing view surrounds you. Being in that environment for a long journey feels like nothing else I've ever experienced. Off the train, spending more time at destinations and exploring them freely makes me feel more immersed in each place.

Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line with a private island in the Bahamas. Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian each have their own Bahamian paradise.

Many Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries include a stop here. 

The ship sailed out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and also stopped in Roatán, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Admiral Cruises, a company Royal Caribbean acquired in 1988, leased the island until 2050 in 1985, according to Royal Caribbean. In 2019, the island got a $250 million makeover.

Two Royal Caribbean ships can dock at CocoCay at the same time.

I thought the band set the chill, Caribbean vibe as I walked off the dock.

Guests could munch on the island's burgers, hot dogs, salads, and cookies. 

Other excursions like zip-lining, snorkeling, and hot air balloon rides also incurred an additional price.

Green leads to Chill Island, orange leads to Oasis Lagoon, and blue leads to Thrill Waterpark.

I thought the tram was a nice touch, but I preferred getting around on foot.

Chill Island is the place to spend a laid-back day in a lounge chair in the sand. It has no music, making it the quietest beach on CocoCay. The beach is full of umbrellas and chairs, which are all free to use.

According to Royal Caribbean, the island has 6,000 lounge chairs and 12,000 umbrellas.

If you want more privacy, you can rent a daybed on the beach.

These floating cabanas cost $1,000 to rent when I visited.

Cruise ship drink packages extend to CocoCay.

Here, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities, like basketball, volleyball, and even life-size billiards. 

This includes lockers for your change of clothes and valuables.

This could be especially useful for families traveling with kids.

I went snorkeling at Chill Island and saw some pretty cool fish.

I spotted T-shirts and essentials like sunscreen for sale.

It is home to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, according to the cruise line.

There's also a swim-up bar.

The playground looks just like the Splashaway Bay found on Royal Caribbean ships. It is free for guests.

This area of the island hosts all the waterslides and the wave pool. When I visited, access cost up to $140.

When I was on the island, it cost up to $84 per person, but unfortunately, the winds were too high for the balloon to be used.

I could see some of the other 700 Bahamian islands in the distance, and I wondered what it would be like to visit them.

Since I'm not into the thrills of waterslides and zip lines, I would have rather spent time on a Bahamian island where I could have learned more about the culture.

But for those looking for a resort-style destination, CocoCay has it all. From sports and thrills to peaceful beaches, the island is sure to fulfill all your vacation desires.

I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck eight for $2,000. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000.

During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's own private island in the Bahamas.

The enormous ship had eight communal areas, which Royal Caribbean called "neighborhoods." Each neighborhood had its own activities.

During my cruise, the elevators were packed during busy parts of the day, so I found it faster to take the stairs on either side of the elevators.

Decks two and three have boarding areas to enter and exit the ship. Deck three is the lowest deck with staterooms.

Meals in the main dining rooms were included in the price of my ticket.

One of the venues, Studio B, is used for shows and large-scale activities like ice skating and laser tag.

Down the hall from Studio B is the casino, where guests can gamble on a floor full of game tables and slot machines.

While most shows were free, many restaurants like Izumi cost extra.

I thought the Royal Promenade felt like a mall.

A venue called the Royal Theater also hosts shows on decks four and five.

The Royal Promenade neighborhood also has two coffee shops — Starbucks and Cafe Promenade.

The Boardwalk deck caters to families with kids with a carousel, a candy store, and rock-climbing walls.

There are two restaurants on the Boardwalk: a hot dog stand, which is included for guests, and a Johnny Rockets, which has burgers and shakes for an added fee.

Across from the Boardwalk restaurants is Playmakers, a sports bar.

This is where Royal Caribbean hosts outdoor movies and a water show featuring dancers, divers, and acrobats.

At night, the boardwalk lights up for the show.

Just past the Vitality at Sea entrance is a café before the spa area and gym, which was full of cardio and strength machines I've seen in most fitness centers.

From the fitness center, there's access to an indoor track.

This deck is home to 20,000 plants, according to Royal Caribbean.

This lush neighborhood has many spaces to chill, including benches and outdoor couches. I thought it was the most relaxing area on the ship.

The restaurants are Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, and Giovanni's Italian. There's also Park Cafe, a casual eatery that is free for guests.

The Central Park deck also has two bars — Trelli's and Rising Tide, a moving bar that goes up and down floors five through eight.

The deck is a kids' area with an escape room.

Three large pools made me feel like I was at the beach, with water coming up and around the lounging chairs.

The deck also has a handful of whirlpools, small plunge pools for relaxing, and a water playground called Splashaway Bay.

In the middle of the pool deck, Sprinkles has all-you-can-eat soft-serve ice cream with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mixed flavors. It's included for guests.

The lounge has pools, a bar, a complimentary bistro, and stunning views.

Outside the Solarium, there's a bar called Vue with more ocean views.

The buffet served a wide range of food options, including everything from waffles and bacon to fried chicken and tacos.

There are also covered casitas for lounging that guests may reserve.

Up here, there's an indoor arcade, outdoor mini-golf, table tennis, basketball, water slides, and a stationary surf simulator.

Decks 17 and 18 are accessible only for guests with suites and include private pools and terraces.

As we left the port to start our journey, I marveled at how the ships passing by looked like toy boats in comparison.

When Granger and Boyd took Kynsley to Greece at age 2, they didn't want to lug their large, combination car seat stroller around, so they bought an inexpensive umbrella stroller that would be more manageable for days of walking.

Once they got to Athens, they realized that the lightweight umbrella stroller wasn't built for the terrain.

"In Greece, they have cobblestone roads," Boyd said. "It's a very old, beautiful place, but our cheap stroller could not stand up to the cobblestone."

Granger said the stroller's wheels broke, so they threw it in a dumpster and bought a mid-range stroller to handle the cobblestone better.

"When we got back home, we realized none of the options we had were ideal for travel," Granger told BI. "After doing a ton of research, we landed on purchasing the Guava Roam Stroller. This stroller changed everything for us."

Granger added that it conveniently folds down for easy packing and is sturdy enough to rely on in any terrain.

"I've made the mistake of not letting Kynsley sleep properly," Granger said. "She's gotten on the plane and been wide awake because she slept too early."

Granger has learned that if she wants Kynsley to sleep on a flight, she has to adjust her bedtime the night before.

"Let's say she went to bed at 7 p.m. and our flight is at 5 a.m. — she had her 8-hour rest already, so she's wide awake and ready for the day," Granger told BI. "But if she went to bed a bit later, waking her up around 5 a.m. would throw off her sleep, so she might go right back to sleep and give me a peaceful flight."

Granger said many parents don't know they can bring milk through TSA when traveling with an infant, but she used to do it all the time.

She said parents need to know that if they're bringing milk, they should prepare for it to take a while to get through security and plan accordingly.

"It's a process where they take it to the side and scan every bottle," Granger said. "So not giving yourself enough time could cause a lot of stress right at the top of the trip."

Granger told BI they'd missed flights over long security stops.

"Just make sure you're giving yourself way more time than you thought you need through security when you're bringing milk," she said, adding that you should arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

Granger and Boyd have often opted for Airbnbs over hotels for more space and conveniences like kitchen appliances. But they haven't always booked the right rental.

"A huge mistake we've made was booking Airbnbs that we liked aesthetically but that were not kid-friendly at all," Granger said. "One we rented in Houston had really high stairs, and we just couldn't relax."

Granger and Boyd recommend booking Airbnbs with one floor when traveling with young kids.

"Renting a car has always been by far the easiest, seamless experience because we don't have to rely on our portable car seat," Granger said. "You can rent a car seat with a car."

Looking back on their trip to Greece, Granger and Boyd said they should have rented a car.

"Greece was a hard trip to navigate because there are a lot of cultural things to experience that are not close by. We took ferries from island to island," Granger said. "We would have had a much more pleasant trip if we had rented a car."

On a recent trip to Abu Dhabi, Granger said renting a car was cheaper and more convenient than taking Ubers.

"We made little stops to go to malls and do small sightseeing we hadn't planned when we had downtime," she added.

"I like to plan from the time I open my eyes to the end of the day," Granger said. But with a small child, she said she's learned she needs to plan for downtime — especially after long-haul flights.

"Sometimes, I'm pushing too hard to try to complete all the activities I had on my mind, and she is just exhausted or jet-lagged," Granger said. "So, I think it's important to schedule breaks, or if you're traveling with somebody, allow her to hang back with another adult."

When Kynsley was 6 months old, Granger and Boyd regretted taking her to hot springs in St. Lucia.

"I really wanted to try those mud baths with the sulfur that's supposed to make your skin all clean," Granger said. "But it was way too hot."

So, Boyd sat in the shade the whole time.

"It wasn't something a kid would even do," Granger said. "There's no point of her sitting out there like a rotisserie chicken."

Another thing Granger has learned is to avoid standard sightseeing tours in cities — especially on a bus.

"I think kids are just too antsy to spend hours on a bus just hearing somebody speaking over the loudspeaker, explaining what's out the window," she said. "I think there have to be more options for engagement."

Instead, try kid-friendly water activities at any age.

"The beach and any ocean or boat activities have always worked," Boyd said. "She'll dip her feet in the ocean, or we'll go swimming. That's been a hit every time."

Granger recommends including a day in your itinerary that's all about your child.

"It's important to make sure that you're not just folding your kid into what you want to do," she said. "Do some stuff that's specifically for them."

For example, on a trip to Abu Dhabi, Granger and Boyd took Kynsley to SeaWorld, where she rode her first baby roller coaster.

"I think she felt really fulfilled," Granger said, "We could tell that at 3.5 years old, she thought it was a highlight."

Granger added that when Kynsley knows her day is coming, she's calmer when they take her on less exciting excursions like museums.

"It's like a handshake between us all," Granger said.

Does it look like I'm wearing pajamas? That's because I pretty much am. These are the most pajama-like trousers I own that I'd wear in public, although my mother would argue that they should only be for sleeping. 

But who cares? Once you get on the train, you'll be happy you're comfortable, no matter what you look like. 

After years of overpacking, I have a new rule: one pair of shoes per week of travel. That meant I could only bring the shoes on my feet for my six-day trip to Miami, so I picked the comfiest ones I had. 

I picked up these memory foam babies at T.J. Maxx for only $20, and they slip on and off very easily. This was great for being able to leave my room quickly with shoes on.

This is an old trick my mom taught me when I would get train sick during day trips from our home in Stamford, Connecticut, to NYC.

Going against the motion of the train made me feel sicker, so I stuck to one chair my whole trip.

A decade ago, I may have had a bigger problem with the toilet situation next to my bed in the roomette. But thankfully, I had packed some Poo Pourri, a spray that goes in the toilet just before you poop to eliminate odors.

Adjusting the lighting throughout the trip helped me feel like I was changing environments even though I wasn't.

Trail mix and granola bars kept me full in between meals. My meals were included with my ticket purchase, which cost $557.

There were about five options for meals. I went with short ribs and mashed potatoes for dinner, and it was decent. The next day, however, I tried the salmon and rice for lunch and found the salmon tough and dry. The rice also tasted like the salmon, which threw me off.

Even though eating in my room was an option, I didn't want my bunk to smell like food all night. It was also nice to sit in a different environment for parts of the ride.

The train took a short break every few stops, and passengers could walk around the platform for about 10 minutes.

Getting up to stretch my legs and take in some fresh air made the next few hours crammed in a room with a window that didn't open a little more bearable.

I tried to make the train feel like home, and at home, I dance periodically pretty much every day.

Shutting the curtains gave me a moment of privacy to be my goofy self, which also helped me keep moving.

I brought my own devices and didn't rely on the spotty internet connection to watch movies and listen to music and podcasts. Downloading these beforehand helped, and made the time go by a little faster. 

Looking out of the window was a constant reminder that I was on my way to somewhere new, and it helped me stay excited about my trip.

At the bases of the Camelback and Mummy mountains, Paradise Valley sits on roughly 15 square miles of land between Phoenix and Scottsdale. It's about a 20-minute drive to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

On 20 square miles along Utah's Wasatch Front, Park City is conveniently located near Salt Lake City and the tech-centric suburbs of Draper and Lehi, among others. Park City is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City International Airport by car.

Paradise Valley was developed for residents craving an escape from the fast-paced lifestyles in the neighboring cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, according to the town's website.

Today, Paradise Valley remains mostly residential, save for a few resorts and businesses on the town's borders.

According to World Population Review, Paradise Valley has roughly 12,400 residents and a median household income of $236,250.

Shawn Shackleton, a local real-estate agent, told Business Insider that Paradise Valley has had a primarily luxury market since she began selling homes there more than 20 years ago.

Park City wasn't always a luxury ski hub. When the city was established in 1884, it was known for its silver mining industry, according to the town's website. In 1930, when a ski jump was built on a mine site on top of a pile of wasted rock, Park City began to transform into a skier's paradise. During the 2002 Olympic Games, the town hosted ski jumping and bobsledding events.

The town has grown a lot since then, and it's gotten more expensive, local real-estate agent Derrik Carlson told BI.

Today, Park City has about 8,100 residents with a median household income of $140,875, according to World Population Review.

Shackelton told BI that larger lots and lower taxes have drawn affluent residents to Paradise Valley, from entrepreneurs and C-suite executives to medical professionals and retirees.

AZ Central reported that high-profile people, from musicians Alice Cooper and Alicia Keys to Campbell Soup heir Bennett Dorrance and pro athletes including Michael Phelps and MLB Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, have purchased homes in Paradise Valley.

From California to New York, Florida, and Chicago, techies, business owners, CEOs, and retirees are starting over in Park City, Carlson told BI. About half of Park City buyers are in the market for a vacation home and only reside there for about three months a year.

Curbed reported that A-list celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, have lived and vacationed in the private and exclusive Colony neighborhood.

If I consider moving elsewhere, I have to be realistic about the cost of living. So, when I returned home from both trips, I looked at the numbers using Payscale's cost-of-living calculator, which factors in prices for housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, and healthcare.

Paradise Valley's cost of living is 123% higher than the national average, while Park City's is 66% above the national average.

In both cities, housing is the driving factor for the high cost. Paradise Valley's home expenses cost 521% more than the US average, while Park City's are 268% above the national average. You'll find cheaper groceries and utility bills in Park City, while healthcare and transportation cost less in Paradise Valley.

Paradise Valley has a median listing price of $5.2 million, according to Realtor.com.

On the high end of the market, custom homes costing around $30 million are sprawled across vast, private properties in various architectural styles, from Southwestern adobe to modern luxury.

While exploring Paradise Valley, I noticed the more affordable homes were at the town's lowest elevations. As I approached the streets leading up into the mountains, I saw nothing but luxury estates.

"When you get up into the higher price points, many of the houses in Paradise Valley are individually gated," Shackleton said. "Some like the feeling of being their own private estate."

According to Realtor.com, Park City has a median listing price of $2.2 million, with more listings available for under $1 million than in Paradise Valley. Seeing slightly more affordable homes on the Park City market made living there seem more attainable than in Paradise Valley.

Still, the most expensive homes on the market cost up to $50 million for ski-in, ski-out mansions — some built in traditional mountain cabin style and others boasting modern architecture with flat rooftops and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Like in Paradise Valley, the price point seemed to rise with elevation. The most modest homes I spotted were at the bottom of the mountains. To see the mega-mansions, I went up to a ski resort deck and peered over the ledge. Estates sat on the edges of trails dotted with skiers. I imagined residents gearing up and sliding into the action from their front doors.

As a New Yorker, having a downtown neighborhood in whatever city I live in is important to me. And as someone who doesn't drive, walkability is also crucial. So, I was excited by Old Town, Park City's downtown area, where there are homes, restaurants, stores, entertainment venues, and even ski lifts.

"Downtown is designed to be walkable to get to Main Street or skiing," Carlson said.

On Zillow, only a few condos under $1 million are listed in this neighborhood — even the smallest houses cost seven digits.

Paradise Valley is about 10 to 15 minutes from shopping in Downtown Scottsdale by car, depending on the neighborhood, but you can't beat the convenience of walking.

Paradise Valley and Park City are both scenic locations immersed in nature. I'm sure I'd be happy to wake up to either mountain landscape each morning. Residents of both towns said they appreciate outdoor activities like golf, hiking, and mountain biking.

But the seasons have completely different weather patterns.

When I visited Paradise Valley in the spring, it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I felt perpetually sweaty, and I couldn't imagine doing any strenuous activities outside in the summertime when it's often in the 100s. But I'm sure I'd spend all winter in nature, enjoying sunny, breezy days in the 70s.

Winter weather in Paradise Valley is summer weather in Park City. And Park City winters are crisp and frosty. Growing up in Connecticut, I know the challenges of months of snow — bitter walks against the wind, ice soaking my socks, and endless shoveling.

But there's also something magical about a city feeling like a completely different place for a portion of the year. I loved spending entire days shoveling my friend's backyard pond in ice skates just to glide around for an hour before sundown and do it all again the next day. And when the snow melted, I was so grateful for the spring and summer months.

I'm sure winter weather would feel even more magical in Park City if I took up skiing or snowboarding. I thought having another hobby I could only enjoy in the coldest months would make me look forward to the winter.

Paradise Valley and Park City are both naturally stunning and provide opportunities for active lifestyles, large-scale living, and convenient city access. But Park City's walkable streets, seasonal variation, and more affordable real estate made me think it could be suitable for me someday.

My Amtrak bedroom had a sofa that folded out into a bed, a bunk that pulled down from the ceiling, and a chair that folded up out of the way.

Two wide windows and a full-length wall mirror made the space feel bigger. And even with all the furniture and amenities, there was enough floor space to stand up and stretch my limbs between hours of sitting.

Since I was working on my laptop sporadically throughout my trip, it was ideal to have a table that could be folded back into the wall for more space.

There was a cabinet to store toiletries and other personal items, too.

Only bedroom accommodations on Amtrak trains have private, full bathrooms inside, according to the train line's website. 

This may be especially handy for those traveling with jackets or formal clothing.

Another thing that surprised me was the variety of lighting options — more than I've seen in an economy seat on a flight.

On the top bunk, I saw more controls for air conditioning and lights and a small storage pouch.

I liked the braised short ribs meal with mashed potatoes and a roll that I had for dinner. To make it taste even better, I made a little sandwich out of the ingredients.

I recommend the Amtrak roomette for those looking for a more affordable overnight accommodation. It's half the size of a bedroom but still includes two bunks with a daytime seating arrangement. And, in my experience, it costs half the price.

One of Boyd's top tips for flying with kids is to start them young.

"You just have to jump out there and get your baby used to doing these flights," Boyd said. He added that flying with an infant is challenging because they can't express their needs — not to mention frequent diaper changes.

"With a toddler, it's a little easier because she's able to go to the bathroom, notice the TV, and play with toys," Boyd said.

Since she flew so much as a baby, Boyd said that as a toddler, Kynsley doesn't seem anxious when the plane takes off. Instead, she finds it fun to go faster and faster until they're soaring through the sky.

Granger said that while she and Boyd may get nervous during storms and turbulence in the air, Kynsley seems unbothered.

"She's really the cool, calm, collected person," Boyd added. "Her being calm actually helps me because I think, 'I can't be scared if my baby's not scared.'"

Granger and Boyd advise traveling with a group who can help with parenting duties.

"I always recommend traveling with family or a friend who's willing to watch the baby and let the adult be an adult," Granger said. "We had a bunch of family and friends with us on the same flight to South Africa."

Granger added that having so many loved ones around on their 15-and-a-half-hour flight to South Africa seemed to make 3-year-old Kynsley feel more comfortable on the plane, too.

"One of the big lessons we learned as a group is how to condense and pack appropriately for the trip," Boyd said, adding that they'd made the mistake of packing the wrong stroller and unnecessary car seats.

Granger advised that before checking your car seat, find out if there will be one at your destination, especially if you're renting a car. When deciding on strollers to pack, do your research to ensure they'll suit the destination.

For example, she said bringing a bulky industrial stroller on their trip to Greece was a bad idea because they had to take about 10 ferries.

"Look at the landscape. Is there cobblestone everywhere? Then you can't bring your cheap umbrella stroller because your wheels will break like ours have," Granger added.

When the family took a red-eye flight to Greece in 2023, Boyd remembers everyone around him sleeping — except for 2-year-old Kynsley.

"She stayed up the entire night until it was time to land, and I had my opportunity to get one hour of sleep," Boyd said. "She was super excited, so she wanted to play the entire time."

Granger said this often happens when she doesn't adjust Kynsley's sleep schedule the night before a flight.

"Let's say she went to bed at 7 p.m. and our flight is at 5 a.m. — she had her 8-hour rest already, so she's wide awake and ready for the day," Granger told BI. "But if she went to bed a bit later, waking her up around 5 a.m. would throw off her sleep, so she might go right back to sleep and give me a peaceful flight."

"I used to pump a lot and then bring a lot of milk through TSA, which parents should know you are allowed to do," Granger said. "It's just a rigorous process where they scan every bottle."

When traveling with milk through TSA, Granger recommends arriving at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

If you're traveling with a toddler and no milk, she suggests arriving one and a half to two hours before domestic flights and two and a half to three hours before international flights.

"If your child is mobile or prone to meltdowns, give yourself extra buffer time for security and bathroom stops," she added.

When I asked Granger and Boyd if they'd ever missed a flight with Kynsley, they chuckled.

From long TSA stops to ill-timed diaper changes, they said they've missed multiple flights — some by two minutes and others by a full hour.

"At this point, we just laugh it off and get something to eat," Granger said. "We travel a lot, so we know there will be mishaps. We just figure it out day by day."

Maintaining a light mood after a missed flight has led to some special memories for the family of three.

"I'll never forget when we missed a flight to New York before we went to Greece," Boyd said.

As they waited for the next flight, 2-year-old Kynsley was bored, so Boyd gave her his GoPro for the first time.

"I wanted to see what she would do, and she started taking pictures and filming our experience in the airport," Boyd said. "And now she really loves cameras because of that moment. So it was actually a really good day."

In Granger's experience, other passengers are typically courteous and understanding of a sightly bothersome young child — but there's a limit.

"It is a tough time traveling with your kid, but you have to be a good neighbor still — you can't let your kid stick their arm through the middle of the seat, throw stuff, kick the seat," Boyd said. "You have to be a responsible parent and make other people comfortable as well."

Granger and Boyd's strategy is to find something else she'd be interested in doing, like walking the aisles or getting a snack box as a reward for stopping.

Boyd said that when Kynsley cries or throws a fit on an airplane, he goes through the list of things she may want or need, from food and cuddles to walking the aisles and playing with toys.

"If your child is throwing a tantrum, just be calm because no matter what, it just is what it is," Granger said. "So just relax, engage with them, and see what they need or want or how you can play with them so that maybe you could stop the tantrum."

As a toddler, Granger and Boyd give Kynsley more freedom on flights, from what she wears to how she passes the time.

Throughout long-haul flights, they ask Kynsley what she wants to do — whether it be watching a movie, playing with toys, having a snack, walking the aisles, or even using the iPad, a device they don't allow at home.

"It's really about making her comfortable, especially because, at the end of the day, she didn't ask to travel," Granger said. "She's still a toddler, but she's autonomous, and we want her to feel excited about flying rather than 'Do what I say' for 10 to 15 hours."

Granger said she also allows Kynsley to pack her own bag "full of nonsense" for flights now that she's a toddler.

"Kynsley brought her Halloween costume to South Africa in November," she said. "She actually wore it and felt like the trip was fulfilling to her — even just the journey."