As children grow up and leave home, many parents—now empty nesters—find themselves at a turning point. After years of fast-paced schedules and family obligations, they’re ready to rediscover themselves and explore life on their own terms. This phase opens the door to new interests, slower rhythms, and more intentional experiences.

Wander Rail was created with this moment in mind. It imagines a scenic train travel experience that blends the romance of rail with the simple beauty of moving at a slower pace. It offers travelers a way to see the diverse landscapes of the U.S. and Canada, from sweeping valleys to winding rivers, without the pressure or pace of traditional tourism. Wander Rail invites people to unwind, reconnect with nature, and savor the journey as much as the destination.

The problem: While slow, scenic travel is growing in interest, many potential riders, especially those new to train tourism, struggle to find clear, inspiring, and accessible information about what the experience is actually like. They want a site that shows the different destinations, and gives a sense of how it feels to be on board.

The objective: Design a website that makes it easy for users to search for scenic train routes, book a trip, and check in, all within a calm and intuitive experience. The site should feel visually immersive and reflect Wander Rail’s values of curiosity and connection, while removing friction from the core travel-planning journey.

The solution: Wander Rail offers scenic routes through quieter, less-traveled regions of the U.S. and Canada, without the unpredictability of freight traffic. The website is designed to show these routes in a way that feels inspiring and inviting, helping users imagine themselves on the journey. Planning and booking are made simple, clear, and stress-free, so users can move from curiosity to committed travel with confidence. Checking in is straightforward and can be done before leaving home. All they need to do is show up and enjoy the ride.