The Coolest Ways to Travel Around the West
These are the coolest ways to get around the West, including air and scenic rail options.
AdventureSmith Explorations / Andrew Browning
The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West. These three modes of transportation are the 2026 winners of the How to Get There category. Check out the complete list of winners here. For our definitive and searchable travel directory to help you plan your next trip in the West, click here.
Alaska Railroad
Glenn Aronwits
This iconic rail journey connects coastal Alaska to inland wilderness, offering a slow-travel experience that lets you absorb the landscape’s grandeur at the perfect pace. The route showcases pristine wilderness, dramatic glaciers, and remote communities in a way that no highway can match.
AdventureSmith Explorations
Courtesy of AdventureSmith Explorations
For deep access to the West’s most remote wilderness, AdventureSmith offers small-ship cruises that combine comfort with adventure, using nimble vessels, expert guides, and all-inclusive itineraries designed to immerse you in the wild. Bucket-list travel at its best.
BARK Air
Courtesy of BARK Air
This airline prioritizes pooches in an unrivaled way, reimagining pet-friendly travel by letting your four-legged companion fly alongside you with first-class service. It’s an innovative game-changer for the growing number of travelers who refuse to leave their pets behind.
