20 Must Have Items For Your Next Amtrak Train Trip
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- Today we share the 20 must have items for your next Amtrak trip. We will show each one and explain how it makes our trip better. We have added the link the article on our website with all the links to each item. We hope these help your next trip be a much better experience. We use these items in coach, business class and in sleeper cars on our Amtrak vacations. There are some items you will want to pick up no matter if you are in a bedroom, roomette or riding in coach.
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Former Amtrak employee here the best thing to take on board with you is a power strip and a roll of duct tape. You only get one power plug too if you get a newer car and a power strip will expand that to five spots. On some of the older sleepers the curtains don't work as they should and a little bit of duct tape and give you a peaceful sleep at night with nobody able to look in
If not a power strip, search for a 1-to-4 power splitter. It's easier to pack compared to a power strip. Also recommended for a cruise ship where outlets are few.
Best Advice. TFS
Oh, yes! Great advice. My hubby & I do a lot of displays at historical events and we would never go any where without a power strip and duct tape. I used to also carry a little sewing repair kit with scissors, safety pins for emergency clothing malfunctions. We also bring little hooks for hanging things.
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A clothes pin would also do.
Bring that someone special. That person that you don't get to spend enough alone time with. I took my mother on what is most likely her last trip (due to age and ill health). We had such a wonderful time together and since she has traveled more by train than I have, she was able to help me out a bit on what to expect. The trip was less than a thousand miles, but the memories were priceless. Whatever else you might bring I believe that is the most important.
😍
That's what I'll be doing with my mom. Does your mother have any trouble walking? I'm worried that she will need special accomodations but not sure what to ask for. Also want to find the best room for her needs
@@sheeobley We got a roomette. If you ask for lower level there won't be steps to climb unless you want to go to the dining car. You can get food delivered and avoid that. Make your reservations over the phone because that is your best bet for being on the first level.
So I may be traveling alone... what to do w/ luggage when going to the restroom?
Spend as much time with her as possible I just lost my mom and I wish more then anything I could have more of those moments with her
"A water bottle holster is what's REALLY needed. I get tired of constantly holding a water bottle forever no matter which hand i use. But a HOLSTAH... now we're talking!"
Such good presenters and so entertaining. Love the way you guys let each other talk and don't talk over each other or interrupt each other. Laughing and smiling and such deep respect and love for each other. A pleasure!!!!
Thanks for watching!
Doing my first Amtrak ride in December, I've been watching as many of your videos as possible, repeatedly. I think I'm ready but will continue to watch until that time. Thank you for doing these!!
Have fun!
You forgot for the bathroom Poo-Pourri spray, lol
Ziplock bag withmy own blend of nuts.
Fellow Cat lovers! Me too! ❤️ 🐈
I bought a set of flannel sheets at the thrift store and I use one as a blanket, both in the sleeper car and in coach.
If you're traveling coach, bring a regular 6 foot household extension cord. It's perfect if you get stuck in the aisle seat next to a stranger.
A towel can double as a pillow or blanket in coach. I'm not a little guy, and I can almost lay down comfortably if I have both seats to myself.
I took amtrak to new york city, with my wife for new years eve. We had a room. It was a long trip but scenic.we couldnt fly for health reasons. We enjoyed it.
I will be taking a small flashlight. I also have a scanner so I can listen to engineer talk to dispatch and conductor talking to engineer. You find out why the train is stopping or any mechanical problems that might be happening.
I keep a straw on my keyring as well as a bottle top holder (for water bottles) I might get a small flashlight to attach to my keyring just everyday. soft, foldaway bags are brilliant for travelling. I have my neck pillow by my front door so I don't forget it when I'm leaving. Notebook and pen is a good idea for exchanging contact details or making notes about the trip. I bring a small medical kit which I put extra things like blister plasters and any medications I need to take (painkillers and antacids etc) I carry chargers, spare cables and folding wireless headphones. Suncream, Wipes and tissues and a small hideaway purse to keep emergency currency and my clips which are great for keeping hands free, I used it to clip my cap to my backpack last year. (Clips like climbers use which come in different weights and colours) I love travelling and I'm planning an amtrack journey after watching your videos. Regarding clothing and flip flops: I'd buy cheap stuff and just bin them after the journey which frees up space for souvenirs to take back to the UK.
I love your tours of the trains. My husband and I take trips to North Dakota, 30-hour trips, every year before he passed away. I love the train and appreciate your tours.
I take ginger root capsules and they've really made a huge difference in my vertigo. Glad you like the ginger chews. :)
One more I'd suggest: a blanket. The blanket they give you is tiny - maybe 4'x4' (though it was quite thick). If you like to be completely covered while you sleep, you'll want to bring a decent sized blanket.
OTOH, I was surprised at the quality of the pillows in the rooms. Quite comfortable. Almost made up for freezing at night (hah!)
A Quillow is a good choice, it's a quilt and a pillow-in-one, has a pocket on the back so you fold up the quilt (any size you like) and put the quilt inside the pocket, now you have a pillow, unfold now you have a quilt!
What is OTOH?
Good idea! I took the Amtrak Cascades to Portland from Eugene three times years ago back when I lived in Oregon. And that train was freezing!! ⛄
Just found you; kudos. Refreshing, informative and fun. Thank you. I’m a fossil-my first train trip was from Sioux City, Iowa in December of 1948 to Chicago and connecting to Milwaukee. The sailors from Great Lakes were trying to get home for Christmas and our train was late getting to Chicago; we (my mother and I) had to run for it and were shunted 20:50 to bar car as that was only room available. Mom squished between exuberant sailors and I slept on the booth table, cushioned by and covered with damp blue wool pea coats.
Excedrin Migraine and plain pink Benadryl for motion sickness headaches and nausea caused by rocking, stuffy trains. Wash them down with either club soda or regular Coca-Cola, also brought from home. Don't pay outrageous snack bar prices for them.
Regarding duct tape, I tear off about 12” and wrap it around a plastic straw. Comes in handy sometimes and is very space and weight efficient. Oh, clear duct tape!
Thank you for sharing. I'm going on a short train ride. This is my first train ride ever.. I'm in my 50's.. lol You've been helpful in my planning.
I am always cold too! Born and mostly raised in Florida and I have, in any given day, at least one jacket in my truck, even if it’s 100 degrees outside! All the stores and restaurants are always freezing! Cruise ships too!
Great ideas! I remember riding trains when the only devices used were electric shavers. In today's world of gadgets, there are more devices to pack than clothing. I don't believe Amtrak's cars are cleaned extensively, so I've learned to pack disinfectant-not antiseptic wipes, to clean commonly used non-porous surfaces in ziplock type bags along with disposable gloves in separate bags for use in rooms & lavatories upon boarding. I would also include a cheap pair of rubber flip flops to wear while taking showers in trains & hotels since I don't know whom I'm coming behind. Don't know what the black stuff on the shower floors is. I would allow shower shoes to air dry & store them in plastic baggies between uses. Athlete's Foot is no joke when vacationing. I've been using power strips, but the compact power hub is a great find. Thanks
Great ideas, thanks for sharing them!
I found shower caps made great shoe covers. You can get them at Dollar General, Dollar Tree and even Target and Wal-Mart.
I pack flip flops for any travel and wear them in all public showers and bathrooms, period.
The scuzz on my table tray? I scratched my name in it.🤮
And I only went barefoot in the shower. Seeing the tracks through the drain made me yearn for the days when you weren't supposed to flush in the station...
I hope amtrak has sponsored you. If they haven't, you need to send them an email with everyone attributing their travel to you guys.
Thank you!
I've watched most of your Amtrak videos and they're all very informative. What I haven't seen on CZcams is in- depth information about the major Amtrak train stations: Chicago, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles. Where do you check or pick up baggage, how do you get to the trains, Red Cap services, or any information on what you really need to know from walking into the station through boarding the train. Your information about this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Only the major stations have checked baggage, I think when you look up the station on the website or app, it will tell you.
They have a baggage claim at Chicago, you'll pass it going into the station from the train, don't know about checking baggage. My stations dont have checked baggage, so I carry all mine on.
The sleeper cars include the metropolitan lounge at Chicago. I preferred paying extra for the legacy club, it was quiet, not crowded, and a safe place to stash your bags on a layover, but they turned it into an event center.
@@scotcoon1186 Coach passengers can pay for a one-day pass for the Chicago station's Metropolitan Lounge. It's $35 IIRC, but I won't swear to it. If you have a long layoff and don't want to leave the station, it might be worth it. It is the only place in the station that I know of that has readily available outlets and good internet. It is more comfortable than the regular departure areas. Plus, you get to board when the sleeper car passengers do. You can store your bags there for free. I've done this a couple of times and felt it was worth the money.
You can find station information on Amtrak's website. It's sparse, but it will tell you whether or not they have checked baggage services. If you check bags, bear in mind that your destination must also have checked baggage service.
Hello you two, first of all after I get over my toothache of the sweetness that comes through the screen because of the fact that you guys are a beautiful couple and your daughter is cute too. i can watch your videos for hours every video is so informative and watchable. I think it is so nice how husband allows you sleep on the bottom bunk and lets wife ride in the direction of trave. .Thank you for your videos they are so helpful and make me want to take a train ride and. with your video instructions I will be all set for a great trip.
Love the tips! Thank you. I have to have a small flashlight with me always, it's very handy.
I love your channel. I'm not in life situation where I can travel right now, so I have to live through other people. You guys are great!
me too
Me three
Me 4! 😂
DC and Chicago have places to restock snacks. DC is the Walgreens in union Station. Chi is a cvs near the station. The sw chief has a resupply stop. A market about a block from the station is great. I bought bread fruit and cheese and a couple 6 packs of soda. I was in coach and exclusively ate food that I brought on board. The soda was was a six pack of 16.9 ounce bottles. For the cost of two drinks from the cafe.
Something that I would add is a fan or a heater.
Have you guys considered taking trips on scenic/tourist railways such as the Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona or the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge in Colorado? You do such a great job with the Amtrak routes that I'd love to see and hear your perspective regarding these types of train rides.
12:03 ... What liter size is your back pack ??
20:19... VERY NICE !! 😎👍
INIU Portable Charger, 22.5W 20000mAh USB C in & Out Power Bank Fast Charging, PD 3.0+QC 4.0 LED Display Phone Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone 14 13 12 Pro Samsung S21 Google LG iPad Tablet, etc.
24:06... I love travelling with Peak Refuel Freeze Dried Camping meals that require only 1.5 cups of boiled water....or DIY P&J Sandwiches in a bento box.
24:30... I like the Kleen Kanteen single walled metal bottles with the wide mouth. Easier to clean and boil water in. I've actually cooked chopped potatoes and rice in my thermos bottle
Thank you Thank you Thank you. I just returned from a trip following your advice from previous videos ( warm socks ,pillow,blanket,own food,slip on Shoes for bathroom trips, something to do) and so glad I did. I had a wonderful trip. I am going to take a hanger with clips to help with changing clothes in a dressing room. As I am booked in coach for next trip.
This video was BEYOND EXCELLENT!! I would add a small yet functional first aid kit; I carry one in my back pocket and I am ready for all minor scrapes and cuts, headaches & muscle strains, my asthma inhaler (different pocket), two pieces of cordage for tourniquets), several bandaids, triple antibiotic salve, plastic gloves and alcohol packets. Just a thought. Thoroughly enjoyed the video!!! Take care, be safe, best wishes and God bless. Chuck Knight. 🤠👨🌾✝️🙏🖖👍👋🐩🦌
Thank you for another great video. Having ridden coach class I would add bring some binder clips to route your charging cables. I also have an eye mask because the night lights can be annoying. Thank you again for creating wonderful content. Safe travels.
Yep especially if you are I. The front 💺
My 14 year old daughter and I took the Amtrak Cardinal from Indy to Philly back in June. I let her pick the movies she wanted to bring and we ended up having an impromptu Jane Austen film festival. The views from the Cardinal were amazing as well!
Luggage racks are great if you choose not to check your bags and you are in coach. No one is even interested in bothering your stuff either in the luggage racks or in your room. The neck pillows are great especially for coach. I like having an extra charger and the toiletry bags they have now are really nice both on the train and in a hotel. Thanks guys for another informative video. 😊
I brought a power strip, 12" TV, and blu ray player when the fiancee and I took the California Zephyr. Our Porter was quite impressed.
Thanks so much for being so informative and entertaining. I too have that same wonder woman bracelet- like spirits. Will update you on our NYC/MA trip!
great fun couple, always helpful, always comfortable
I've also put my extra/next day's clothes in a pillowcase and put that under my pillow in the Roomette. It made an extra layer of pillow and I could just take out my new clothes in the morning and they were "pressed" very nicely!! Thanks for all the helpful tips. ❤️🚉❤️
hahaha I 100% was one of those people who asked about your universal adapter, hunted it down on amazon, and bought it for my x-country Amtrak trip!
I'm taking a train for the first time next month (super excited!) and so I've been binging a lot of your videos. Your advice has been really helpful for me to plan my time and everything around it. ☺️ Anyway, wanted to let you know!
Same here! I’m leaving October 10th going to LA and then immediately back to Houston. 5 days! 💃🏾💃🏾
@@TheDayTripDiva Have fun on the trip, please tell us after you return how it was.
@@chrisdobrowolski2783 ttrrt🎉r
Check out my comment below yours a power strip and a small roll of duct tape I'll guarantee you'll use one of the two or both
@@chrisdobrowolski2783 I absolutely will! I’m really worked up over it now. 3 days now!! 🎊🎈🎉
Great list R&A. Thanks for the list on your website. I would add . . .
Yup . . . * Duct/gaffer's tape to a) help close shades that don't quite close; b) to route & secure charger wires; and c) to tape small towels over the vents if/when it blows too cold continuously. The gaffer's tape won't damage paint surfaces.
* Anti-reflection camera lens hood . . . for a smartphone! -- we got great pictures from my wife's Android and a hand tripod and this
Wow great ideas, that is next level with the window cleaning for the pictures. I will admit, if you are facing the sun at all you'll see the marks on those windows pretty good in your pictures!
I use black tape to cover things with lights.
For showers on trains or in cheap accommodations you can put passport/cards/cash/phone in a zip lock storage bag like you use in the kitchen and take it into the shower with you, but use one or two additional to waterproof your documents/phone when you are showering. That said, I haven't had anything taken on a train so far.
Great and helpful video thanks. I have admired your wonder women bracelet shout out to your honey for getting that for you.
The 4 long narrow rectangular packing cubes fit my backpack perfectly. I can slideout exactly what I want without messing up the rest of the packed items.
Awesome
I have a travel straw that was purchased from 4 Oceans, the organization that cleans up the plastics and other trash dumped into the oceans. My husband has to travel with his by-pap sleep machine so we decided instead to just use our phones for pics or short videos. one less bag to carry.
Great ideas!
“Yeti” brand mugs and bottles are the best for me.
1st time traveler watching your 3rd video back to back :) Love how you deliver the content with succinct details and how you play off each other. Thank you SO MUCH for covering motion sickness as it was of great concern prior to this video; now not so much!
Love the pillow idea!
I just recently found your channel, and I love it! We are planning our first ever train trip from Chicago to Flagstaff (Sedona is our final destination), and your content is very helpful!
Thanks!
A small fine mist sprayer filled with rubbing alcohol to spray the seats, knobs, floor, etc.
I haven’t been on an Amtrak trip but it is on my bucket list. Thank you for all the tips.
Thank you both so much for the great info! 🧡💜❤️
I pack fresh fruit on every trip to go with other snacks.
Great idea!
I'm glad you said that because I always eat fresh fruit and I wasn't sure if Amtrak would let me bring mine.
Love your info!!!!! ❤
Love your videos !! Very informative and real. Thanks so much !!
Wonderful video! As always valuable information for train traveling and any travels, greatly appreciate your videos they truly are so educational. God bless you both, and keep sharing with us all of your beautiful adventures!👍
Awesome information.....thanks very much!!
as always another great video
Thanks for your help! 🥰
I had to postpone my trip to Denver because of a health issue. Am now going in November. Not quite the same but.... I have a water bottle with a life straw in it. One time the water from the dispenser on the train smelled like sewage. Didn't drink it. Yuck. So if we get stranded in the wilderness and only have stream water I'm prepared. I have a duffle bag from REI that is similar. THAT is a game changer for me. Am going to have to change my packing strategy now that I'll be traveling in cooler weather. Sigh. Thanks for all you videos. They are mega helpful.
The straw is a great idea!
Thanks for the educational vlog and Go Braves!
Thank you guys you’ve been tremendous helpful with all your advices about hot to trip for the first time in Amtrak… I’m a very big fan of you.
Those flip flops (thongs in Australia) will last you another 10 years. you'll be right😀 I paid $10 for mine at Target in 2002 for mine and they only just fell apart 6 months ago that's over 20 years ago!
The core message seems to be "If you like it but you are afraid it won't be available because not many other people like it, bring your own supply."
Bring your own snacks, your own water bottle, your own sweater, and your own Kindle for reading material.
Helpful tips thanks
Enjoyed this, and your Amtrak tips, very much. We have only used Amtrak for short trips as we bikepack, so both videos are helpful in expanding our knowledge base as we consider longer trips.
Love it. Love you guys have fun.
Thank you!
I'm So Excited 1st time Going To Ride The Amtrak 24th September 😁
Wow, tomorrow, have a great trip!
I would love to see how much you pack for a trip hopefully you could make a video on that. Cheers
I've been watching your videos for a couple of months. You have given so much information for me and my husband. We left Atlanta Sept. 18th for Boston and then to Portland, Maine. We leave Sept. 24th for Atlanta tomorrow from Boston. So far we have enjoyed riding Amtrak. Thank you again for all of your help.
This is our first time on Amtrak.
@@gaynell1618 Well - how did it go? what did u learn 4 traveling?
@@sbeckas We enjoyed our trip on Amtrak. I'm so glad that I watched videos about it ahead of time. We learned that you don't have to get to the train station real early. (We went early because we used Uber and was worried about traffic in Boston.) I booked us in coach seats for 8 hours and that was very long. Next time I will try to make it shorter. The roomette was fine while sitting but when the beds were out there was very little room to stand for 2 people.
@@gaynell1618 I really appreciate your taking the time to let us know how it went
I just love watching your videos. You just seem like such great, kind, honest, knowledgeable people. Its been 20 years since I took an amtrak trip. My friend has never done amtrak and wants to try it. We are getting ready to do one soon. I watch a lot of your videos. I trust what you are telling us. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks! We hope you have a great trip!
Thanks - really helpful - as always!
Thanks for the video, I, loading my Amazon cart now
Bath wipes
Great idea
Love these videos! I’m on the Capitol Limited now heading to DC.
Thank you for all your great videos! We are traveling on the train for the first time next February and these videos have been so helpful. Thank you
On USB C, you can buy a cord with C on one end and regular USB on the other.
Great video, thanks for the tips
KIND bars are fantastic for a snack on a train! Always packed them whe. traveling by car and such doe work!
Love your work - very informative!
You guys are so precious! I have just recently found your channel and am binge-watching for two nights in a row now!! Thanks for all your hard work. It is so much fun for me!!!!
Welcome!!
You both are so cute and helpful! Thanks for all these great tips!
Our pleasure!
I bought a power strip/usb hub/extension cord that I love for domestic US travel (it’s only good for US voltages/frequencies, so I only use it in the US). It’s basically an extension cord that has two extra outlets, but it also had 3 usb A’s and a usb C, so technically you can charge 6 devices with it. So nowadays I really don’t even bring my charging blocks, I only bring that power strip and usb cables. It’s also got about a 2 meter cable (very sturdy btw) so it’s great in that you don’t need long wires.
I do go to Argentina quite a frequently, and thing is pretty much useless there. But any trip in the USA, I take that along.
My portable charger can be charged from the wall or by solar power. It also has a flashlight.
You can usually get extra if you ask, we just put all our clothes that we need on the train in our duffle bag and the clothes for the rest of the trip in our large suitcase that we store on the luggage racks. Hope you have a great trip!
Just ordered two of the items on your list, thanks so much for your reviews it makes travel much easier and enjoyable for thousands of people i'm sure.
Awesome, hope you have a great trip! We wouldn't go anywhere without a few of those things
Vert useful. Thank you.
I am from India and I found this video really so useful. Love the way you share little nuggets of info. Thanks so much!
New subscriber. I’ve never travelled on Amtrak but these videos are making me want to give it a try. Lol love your content. Very informative
Do it! It's fun, and coach fares are currently on sale for most routes. Just remember that it is the journey, not the destination. You can't count on arriving anywhere on time. One good thing about Amtrak is that the stations are normally located downtown, or at least downtown-ish, so there is a great dealt to do and see in the area.
Thanks for sharing! I ❤️ your channel. Your positive, but honest and calm approach is very refreshing.
I appreciate that!
You you tube channel is fantastic.
Very very helpful.
Much appreciated.
Will take a look at your website.
Thanks
I've discovered Manuka Honey as a general antibacterial first aid item. It's better than triple antibiotic ointment.
Just make sure it's a product of New Zealand otherwise it is not true Manuka Honey.
Love your channel came across it researching amtrak traveling you guys make it fun and educating
Awesome! Thank you!
You guys have a website we’re I can ask questions on Amtrak traveling specially from our area Providence to Orlando best options thanks
Love your videos. You two are so cute.
Another great train travel video!
Many thanks!
I feel great had 90% of similar equipment 😉
Thank you this was helpful
I love you videos, I haven't traveled by train yet, but hope to
Awesome, thank you!
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Estamos sempre aperfeiçoando
Abraços
I appreciate the work you both into these videos. My wife and I are taking the California Zephyr next spring, from Chicago. The information that you have provided has been on the money. I booked the trip last month we are good to go. Thanks, maybe we'll see you on the high iron.
Thanks, and have a great trip!