by Linda M Hahn

Created on: November 25, 2011   Last Updated: April 27, 2012

Train travel is absolutely lovely at its best; at its worst, it is a tortured ride through hell, Amtrak hell that is.  Trains are the only viable alternative to flying, which is another tortured ride through hell, first shaken down by security, then jammed into a plastic cattle car with nowhere to run.  At the very least on a train, it is possible to go for a walk; and survival is statistically more possible when crashing from ground level.   There are a few things you can do to be prepared for the train trip.

There are ways to make yourself fairly cozy on a train. Getting up and walking around is very helpful; the blood flows and the legs stretch.  Also sitting in the lounge car and watching the view is relaxing and outright pleasant.  It provides a happy change from the confinement of a seat.  Provide yourself some entertainment for the trip, a music player, a laptop, a book, a deck of cards, or even craft materials.  Entertainment counts for a great deal on Amtrak.  It is worth its weight in gold when train riding for hours or days on end.

Take a food bag with several kinds of snacks and drinks.  Be imaginative, fried chicken, fruit, cheese hit the spot in the middle of nowhere, riding the train.  The snack bar does not provide much variety and the snacks they do have are very expensive.  Bring a chunk of change as well for the dining car.  There is a lovely old world atmosphere on the train and a romantic dinner in the dining car is probably well worth the price, $20.00 minimum and around $30.00 generally.  Most regular travelers cannot afford the prices, and if they are wise, they are carrying food.  The food bag is only heavy when first boarding.  A properly packed food bag will be nearly empty at the end of the line.

Be prepared for extremes of temperature. Take a sweater and coat for added warmth, sweat pants for comfort and slippers as well.  A blanket and pillow will also aid in your coziness while sleeping.  The only amenity offered by Amtrak is a small pillow.  Your comfort is your own responsibility.

The hard core rules are standard. If you smoke, you have no choice but to follow the Amtrak rules and wait for the next smoke break, four to six hours maximum. Do not argue with staff.  There is much low level hostility among the staff; if you give them trouble, they will have you kicked off the train with way too much pleasure.  The most important law of the trains is that you cannot be in a hurry or expect to be on time.  That is simply a matter of chance.

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