Pack when Traveling by Train

Careful packing is essential for any trip. Traveling by train is easy for short trips, and packing well is also easy.

Steps

Packing the Essentials

  1. Get the proper clothes for the occasion. If this is a long trip, then you may be able to pack more as you won't be moving as much.[1]
  2. Make sure to pack pajamas. You may be sleeping in a hotel, and pajamas are most comfortable.[2]
  3. Try to bring some everyday clothes. You probably wouldn't want to be stuck wearing formal clothes the entire time, if you're going to a formal event.
  4. Make sure to bring enough underwear and socks. These should be easy to pack.[3]
  5. Bring clothes you would wear when sleeping on the train. These should be fairly comfortable, but not your pajamas. Sweatpants and a comfortable long sleeve shirt are good options.
  6. Bring scarves, gloves, hats, etc if you're traveling during the winter months.
  7. Remember to pack toiletries. You can't guarantee there will be toilet paper, toothpaste, or other toiletries on the train or where you are staying.
  8. Avoid bringing valuables with. They face the possibility of being stolen.

Bringing Entertainment

  1. Bring a book (or two). Most train rides are fairly long, meaning that you'll have a lot of time to kill. This is a great opportunity for reading - either for pleasure, or for schoolwork. Choose one or two books to bring with you on the train ride, and keep them in your personal bag (not your luggage). You'll then have the opportunity over the whole ride to read and/or study.
  2. Pack something to draw with. There's something romantic about the idea of drawing the scenery out the window as you drive by on a train. Whether you're an artist at heart or just looking to kill time, drawing is a great way to do it. Bring a sketchbook and a drawing pencil, along with any other drawing tools you might enjoy. You'll be able to draw to your heart's content, and you'll have a memento from your trip to look back on later.
  3. Consider bringing games. If you're traveling with more than one person, bringing a card game for the ride might be a good option. Games are a great way to distract yourself from the boredom of a long trip, and they make the time seem to go by much faster. Traveling by yourself? You can still bring a deck of cards to play a game like Solitaire, or bring a trivia card game and quiz yourself while you travel.
  4. Bring good napping supplies. Sometimes, a long train ride begs for nothing more than a good nap. However, trains aren't always the most comfortable, making napping difficult. Consider wearing a scarf or another head-wrap to use as a makeshift pillow, or bring a neck pillow for relaxing. You'll probably want headphones and some music too, to block out the sounds of a busy train car.



Tips

  • Bring books, cards, drawing materials, puzzles, phone/gaming device, and headphones.
  • Try to get a friend to drive you to and from the train station. That way your car is not out in a parking lot where it can be stolen or vandalized.
  • Always check (and if necessary, double check) you have everything before you board the train.
  • If you're traveling daytime, another way to kill time is to view the scenery on your way, especially if it is your first time going to a train.
  • If you're going on an Amtrak train, check if it has Wi-Fi, as many trains already have them. If it does, feel free to use your phone, tablet, or other devices to kill time, too.

Warnings

  • Always watch your luggage, especially when entering and departing the train.

Related Articles

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  • Be Comfortable on a Long Car Trip
  • Do a United States Road Trip on a Budget
  • Book a Great Safari on a Budget

References

  1. ↑ https://www.americabyrail.com/Blog/tabid/78/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/379/Packing-Tips-for-Train-Travel.aspx
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/4gXleJicAMI?t=20
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrwtexpqLW8
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