Beginning this spring, Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations customers who booked their dream vacations have had the opportunity to help others do the same. Railbookers Group has partnered with Make-A-Wish to raise funds to continue to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, including memorable trips around the world thanks to the generosity of Railbookers Group and its customers.

 In addition to a corporate financial and trip donation by Railbookers Group, customers who book their trip can contribute $1 per traveling passenger (or £1 for United Kingdom-based customers) towards Make-A-Wish. Each of these donations will be matched by Railbookers Group, and donations will be directed to the customer’s local Make-A-Wish chapter. Funds raised through the campaign will help make children’s wishes come true, including potential travel with Railbookers Group brands.

“A diagnosis upends childhood, bringing months, and sometimes years, of fear and traumatic stress into the life of a child and their family,” said LuAnn Bott, vice president of revenue partnerships and services at Make-A-Wish America.

“We know that wishes can lead to improved medical outcomes and better chances of survival, and they wouldn’t be possible without supporters like Railbookers Group.”

 Since its founding in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 360,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses in the U.S. and its territories, and more than 550,000 wishes globally.

“We are so thrilled to be able to change the lives of children and their families through Make-A-Wish,” said Railbookers Group President & CEO Frank Marini.

“This partnership is a natural for us – every day we provide world-class service to our customers as they travel on unforgettable independent rail vacations around the world. We are excited to do the same for these amazing children who are enduring some of the worst critical illnesses. Giving them a chance to experience the trips of their dreams not only gives them an extraordinary experience but in many cases, has proven to help lead to more positive health outcomes.”

About Railbookers Group

Railbookers Group is the home of Amtrak Vacations, Railbookers, and Yankee Holidays. Railbookers Group takes the complexity out of rail travel for its travel advisors and guests worldwide. With the largest selection of carefully crafted independent rail vacations, travelers can customize any of Railbookers Group’s rail travel experiences to the most sought-after rail-enabled destinations throughout the world. From world-class luxury trains to overnight sleeping trains on breathtaking scenic routes, Railbookers Group offers a complete selection of accommodations, sightseeing experiences, and dining options. To learn more, visit www.railbookersgroup.com.

About Make-A-Wish^®

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, having granted more than 550,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 30,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org, and for more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org.