Sit Comfortably Through a Long Train Ride
Most train rides shouldn't be too long, but if it's one of those international or cross-country rides that take many hours, follow these steps to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable ride. No matter what train you take, the ride should be enjoyable!
Contents
Steps
- Find plenty of leg room. Often, riders may find themselves urging to stretch their legs only to bump into the seat just a few inches in front of you. To solve this problem, book a seat in a fancier class (these classes usually have wider areas between seats) or, if no one is coming, momentarily stretch your feet out into the aisle (without kicking the person seated across from you).
- Read the magazine. Most trains provide in the back pockets of their seats. Sometimes, there may be interesting articles or helpful travel tips and attraction reviews.
- Bring along a good book. Long novels are best, though, if you want time to pass by quickly when reading. Start reading it on the train (if you can) and don't worry if you can't finish it.
- Take photos. If you have a camera with you, take pictures of the scenery outside (if you are sitting in a window seat) or if you have travel companions, take some funny pictures of them (as long as you don't disturb other riders).
- Keep quiet. If you plan on sitting in the quiet car of the train, keep to the word "quiet" and try not to take unnecessary cell phone calls or talk loudly to the person seated next to you.
- Try walking up and down the train cars once or twice when you feel jumpy, but don't do it continuously. It may bother riders.
- Take a bathroom break.
- Look at the scenery outside. Try to identify what it is (i.e. buildings) if you know where you're passing through. If you don't know, try to guess by the look outside.
- Make a trip to the snack car (if your train offers one). You can't be bored when you're munching on your favorite snack and gulping down your favorite soda!
- Try to communicate with the traveler next to you. If you're friendly, you may learn a lot about each other and find out a lot of similarities.
- Work. On any paperwork, projects, or other business that you can on the train.
Tips
- Try not to disturb or offend anyone with whatever you do.
- Bring along a small portable DVD player or anything else that you are able to carry and will keep you entertained.
- You may want to bring an MP3 player to make time fly by.
- Bring a notebook and pencil for writing a story, essay, drawing ,ideas, etc.
Warnings
- If you talk to the person next to you, don't insult or offend them.
- Remember to act natural and never do anything while riding that may endanger the riders or the train.
- Remember to keep your manners and be polite if someone asks you for something or to stop doing something disturbing.
- Do not use foul language or consume excessive amounts of alcohol as this can upset other passengers.
