The car-free traveler can rent private luxury rail cars, which are attached to regular trains such as Amtrak, Canada's VIA and Mexico's national railways. Costs range from $5000 to $8,000 a day, which can be reasonable when divided by groups of 10 or even 20—there's plenty of room. Railway car rentals can include bar and meals under the all-inclusive price, as well as chefs who will customize menus for you.

For more information: AAPRCO

There's the novelty of private rail travel. There's the thrill of leaving your car behind. But there's another reason to opt for a private railcar: America's breathtaking landscape. The most popular scenic routes are Oakland to Chicago over the Rocky Mountains and the Los Angeles to Seattle route. Passengers can even arrange to uncouple the car from the main train at select cities along the way—then hop back on eight or nine hours later and continue their journey.

For more information: AAPRCO

To take the private railcar experience up yet another notch, consider a domed railcar. Amtrak has the Vista Dome, the Birch Grove and the Oliver Hazard Perry cars, which travel the Cardinal Route through Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.

For more information: Rail Serve

For the ultimate in private railcar luxury, rent the Caritas, a high-end, art-deco private railway car built in 1948 by the Pullman company. The Los Angeles to Chicago route costs about $25,000, but the car sleeps eight guests in three double bedrooms and a master bed. On day trips, the car can host up to 16 people.

For carefree car-free travel on two wheels, book a luxury bicycle tour. Try a six-day bicycle tour of Umbria, through truffle forests and vineyards and medieval towns. Or fly down to Northern Argentina and enjoy a challenging ride along some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the world.

For more information: Back Roads

A bike tour of less-traveled Slovenia starts at $2,995 and will take you through stunning Julian Alps, medieval villages and even spa towns. Arrangements can be made for non-cycling companions to ride alongside the group in comfort in a support vehicle.

For more information: Adventure Travel Group

Carefree car-free travel over water is best done by barge. If you want to see Europe on the canals and rivers of France, Holland, England, Scotland or Ireland, you can charter an entire barge. Each holds 6-20 passengers, complete with captain and chef. These vessels can take you to places that you wouldn't normally visit, such as small villages and vineyards.

For more information: Barge Company and Abercombie Kent

If you want to avoid driving a car, but still thirst to get behind the whell—try driving a barge. By yourself. Viking Afloat has self-drive barges that you can drive through England and Wales—with all the instructions you'll need (it's easier than it sounds) and details on points of interests, local pubs and restaurants.

For more information: UK Boat Hire