For years I have wanted to experience one of the world’s great rail journeys. I have had a desire to pack a light bag, climb on a train, sit back and watch the world go by. Lost in thought and looking at the vista.

Be it across Russia; through Europe to Asia Minor or East to West Across Canada the idea of sitting on a train watching the country, rivers, towns and cities role by. Looking out at the sea or at mountains and the endless miles is an idea that has fascinated me for years.

Travelling over Europe, America or Australia by plane is mesmerising but I have always wanted to see the detail, to get a real sense of the scale of the world in a way that clouds obscure.

Not for me a holiday on a stately ship or floating hotel. The idea of travelling on a cruise ship leaves me cold.

No for me it is the train that calls with its sense of getting lost and actually seeing a country or continent unfurl mile by endless mile.

This summer James turns 18 so he and I are going to take the plunge and do it.

Our plan at the minute is to fly to Houston or Atlanta. Hop on the train and travel overland to LA. A couple of days in LA and San Francisco before taking the coastal train and following the West Coast all the way to Seattle.

From Seattle taking the Northern Route to Chicago and then on to Washington before following the East Coast down to New Orleans and back to our starting point.

A circumnavigation of the USA by rail over 15 days.

There are some great forums to help with the planning, with useful tips like:

You need to board the “Sunset Limited” in Houston, Tx, which is scheduled to depart at 9:50 p.m. Instead of starting the rail pass in Houston, you pay $31 extra to ride the train to San Antonio. Your Rail Pass (which you purchased in Houston) does not go into effect until the next day (at San Antonio), giving you 22 extra hours to complete your trip.

So now we begin the planning in earnest working out the details and dates. But James is excited and really wants to see America. The first step is rail passes. An Amtrak 15-day pass coast around $450 (£350) a bargin and a great place to begin.