When I was younger, we used to travel by train pretty frequently. At least I recall traveling by train pretty frequently, but when I asked my mother, she didn’t seem to share these memories … one of us is definitely succumbing to time, which sounds much better than “old age”. I digress … last year, I started traveling by train again because it’s roomier than the bus and I really don’t like driving. With the number of road trips we’ve taken, you’d think that wouldn’t be the case, but I despise driving to the point I didn’t get my license until I was 20. Even then, it was only because I was having a baby and figured it was the responsible parenting thing to do.
I’d love the opportunity to do one of the Amtrak Coast to Coast trips and just be able to see all the amazing sites while gliding along on a relaxing train ride, but I’ve only had the pleasure of doing micro-mini trips thus far. These are my favorite kind of trip, especially from Charlotte, because it’s so easy to hop on the Piedmont and travel all the way up to Raleigh or, closer, to Salisbury for the weekend. With no end in sight for Covid-19, and travel limited to places you can get to by land, I imagine more people will be seeking out travel that gets them to their destination comfortably while allowing for a bit of site seeing.
Whether you’re going near or far, you don’t want to forget your train travel essentials. If you’re trying out the train for the time, feel free to make my train travel essentials list your own … here are a few of mine:
Pillow and a blanket
We actually took the train to Disney in 2018 and I made the horrible mistake of not packing a pillow and blanket for my daughter and me. My partner reminded me many times not to forget them because we’d be cold and uncomfortable and while I dressed in layers and brought my fuzzy socks, they did not compare to a blanket. In the end, he was gracious enough to let us borrow his blanket and it made a world of difference, especially for my child who had on a sleeveless dress. I left him with his pillow and ended up with a sore neck, while my daughter was able to use me for a peaceful rest; definitely remember to pack both the blanket and pillow.
Some form of entertainment
If it’s your first train ride, or you’re not going that far, you may be able to get away with just looking out of the window. If you’re taking a longer trip, you’ll want to pack some form of entertainment. If I’m with my kids, I like to take playing cards or download movies for us to watch on the go. If I’m alone, I like to take my laptop and get some writing or editing in or checkout books on my Libby app, so I feel productive and like I’m providing myself with mental stimulation.
Chargers
If you have plans of using the aforementioned entertainment items, this one is pretty self explanatory. Why do I add it you ask? Because I made the mistake of forgetting my phone cube not remembering there are electrical outlets on the train. Don’t be like me. Pack all your chargers and any items/pieces you might need to actually use said chargers.
Snacks
This probably goes without saying, food in the concessions cart is expensive. I will say, it’s really not *that* bad at breakfast, especially if you just get a kid’s meal but, outside of that, provide your own snacks. You’re not going to be able to warm anything up, so if you want something a bit heartier, pack sandwiches and place them in an insulated cooler bag that you keep cold with frozen water bottles. In contrast, you can pack warm meals in a thermos.
Cleaning Supplies
Listed last but definitely the most important, especially with the current state of the world, cleaning supplies. You’re not prevented from bringing liquids or sizes under 3.4 oz, so feel free to pack your Lysol spray for your seats, headrest, windows, etc … I also like to take a little pack of Lysol wipes to wipe down the hard surfaces and hand sanitizer for my hands. You really can’t be too careful.
With so many people out of work, working from home, home from school, how many people are planning inexpensive road or rail travel? If this isn’t your first time, what are your train travel essentials?
