Looking for a great family trip in 2008? One that may be drivable and if not offers domestic travel rates?

Pennsylvania Dutch Country (PA) - Many think of the Amish when the Dutch Country comes to mind and there are ways to learn and explore about them. However there are a bunch of other fun and family friendly activities to do including: Strasburg Rail Road

Watch engine #31 travel the tracks through the snow covered farmland of Strasburg, Pennsylvania.

Trains, small and tall, are an obsession for Strasburg Rail Road president.

First we’ll climb aboard Strasburg Rail Road for a cozy steam train ride through the rolling hills of Lancaster County, then head across the street to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and look at the huge old steam trains and play with the hands-on children’s trains and tracks.

Christmas and model trains go together like mistletoe and smooches. This year, the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg is offering a collection of eight new model-train gardens, put together by the folks at Strasburg Rail Road.

Santa’s Paradise Express is about to pull out of the station. The popular holiday train ride features Christmas carolers, brass horns and a personal visit with Santa during its 45-minute journey through the Amish countryside.

Train lovers can experience the real thing by taking a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road, one of America’s oldest short-line steam railways. Operating hours are abbreviated in December, but special events include the popular Day Out with Thomas and Santa’s Paradise Express.

Whitaker Center is welcoming the holiday season with it’s first annual model train display. The exhibit, on loan from the Strasburg Rail Road, has different themes including a childrens favorite, Thomas the Tank engine, and a holiday favorite, The Polar Express.

The Ride to Paradise on an old-time train departs from Strasburg Rail Road – America’s oldest short-line railroad – and takes guests on a 45-minute jaunt through several miles of farmland.

I’ve taken the trip to Lancaster plenty of times…..a very kid-friendly vacation. My boys adore every detail of our trip. I must say that it almost rivals Disney for younger kids. So let me make a couple of recommendations: