Breeze west aboard Amtrak’s Zephyr … Ride back to old Israel … Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Amtrak California Zephyer at Verdi, Nevada.
Amtrak California Zephyer at Verdi, Nevada. © Gareth Bayer | Flickr

USA: Explore the West by rail on Amtrak’s California Zephyr
As I looked around the observation car of Amtrak’s California Zephyr, everyone enjoying the passing scenery was squinting like Clint Eastwood or John Wayne. The West, it seems, is always sunny and bright. [dallasnews.com]

Middle East: A Train Ride Back to the Old Israel
The Israeli train of 2018 is shiny, fast and travels in a straight line. The historic Jerusalem-Tel Aviv line, which has been running on and off since 1892, isn’t likely to run much longer. [nytimes.com]

Asia: Vietnam Might Be the Best Country to Experience by Train
The Reunification Express may by the most cohesive, immersive way to experience a wide swath of the country. [travelandleisure.com]

Asia: Japan’s newest bullet train passes through the world’s deepest rail tunnel
The train pulls out of the station right on time, and so our journey begins. Soon we’re rocketing through the Seikan Tunnel and it feels as if we’re out as quickly as we soared in. [stuff.co.nz]

Africa: Kenyan parents traveling with children find comfort, safety in SGR trains
Kenyan parents traveling with their young children from Nairobi to Mombasa or between Kenyan towns have found convenience in the standard gauge railway trains. [xinhuanet.com]

Asis: India’s ‘Palace on Wheels’ Is One of the Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World (Video)
Travelers looking to take in some of India’s famed cities and attractions can now do it while onboard a luxurious train made for royalty by booking a trip on the Palace on Wheels. [travelandleisure.com]