If you’ve had your fill of airport travel for a while, why not consider taking the train? Since it may add a few additional days to your itinerary, it may not be practical.
But, if it’s at all possible, you’ll find a smoother, more relaxing, sometimes decadent method of travel that delivers every time. As you’re getting ready to take the chance on this lovely alternative, here are ten things to keep in mind while making arrangements.
1. Not Packing Lightly
Even in the most luxurious cabins, say, aboard the Oriental Express, you’re still looking at a compact space. While one of the perks of train travel is not being limited to a mere three ounces, don’t take that as an invitation to go all in; you’ll end up feeling quite cramped in your quarters.
Beyond that, you’re sure to have to travel up and down stairs, potentially through tunnels, and move quickly when boarding the train. You’d really be setting yourself up for a terrible time if you were weighed down the whole time.
On long train rides, you can check baggage, also like a plane ride. Take a look at their requirements for number of bags and weight limits; you may feel more at ease checking your luggage with everything you need for your destination and just reserving a few items for the actual train journey.
2. Not Dressing Comfortably
While it’s possible you might meet someone who resembles Johnny Depp from his performance in Murder on the Orient Express, you still want to dress comfortably.
In a moment, we’ll discuss how you have to be able to move quickly and nimbly. The right Johnny Depp will love you in your skinny jeans, Banana Republic t-shirt, and ballet flats just as much as that A-line skirt, blouse, and Mary Janes.
It’s best to dress comfortably so you can move quickly throughout the station and the train and sit comfortably for several hours at a time.
3. Not Layering
In addition to being comfortable, you also want to dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures on board a train. For example, you may feel a bit warm when you first sit down – perhaps from all the moving about.
Then, once you settle in, you may cool down a little bit and want to be able to put your light jacket or sweater back on. If you booked a cabin for an overnight journey, the temperature may vary again. Layering will be key to help you find that perfect temperature.
4. Not Packing Your Chargers
While you should only take one or two pairs of shoes, not four, there’s one area you don’t want to skimp: electronics. By now, most train lines have plenty of outlets to charge our laptops, tablets, and cell phones on the go. But don’t expect that.
Instead, free yourself from the worry of hoping you’ll land in a seat close to an outlet and invest in one or two charging banks. Many reputable brands on Amazon, like Anker, have charging banks for all your appliances—many of which will support your devices for a few days before needing to be recharged.
5. Not Packing Snacks
One final note for the preparation stage: bring a few snacks. Again, you don’t want to pack the whole earth in your luggage. But food options vary wildly from train to train. Some may have gourmet burrata salads, while others only have basic sandwiches.
Either way, you’ll be glad to have that pack of peanuts in your bag while you’re working at your seat and those Digestive cookies when you’re having a cup of tea in your cabin at night.
6. Packing Odorous Snacks
Trains, like airplanes, can become rather stuffy if they’re not properly ventilated. Occasionally, we can crack open a window if it’s nice outside, but that’s not a guarantee. Try to avoid packing snacks that carry a strong odor, as it won’t earn you too many friends with fellow passengers.
7. Not Booking In Advance
It’s best to think of train tickets a bit like airline tickets. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have. Especially when you consider those 3-day or 7-day journeys, you want to have your pick of the litter when it comes to cabin options.
8. Not Arriving In Advance
Starting what’s meant to be a relaxing journey in a total state of chaos sets a terrible tone for the whole trip. Boarding an Amtrak train for a few days is quite different from catching the subway on the corner of Canal Street.
You’re lugging more baggage and need a moment to learn the lay of the land and find your cabin. Again, the best advice is to treat your train trip similar to a plane ride – just without all the hoops to jump through at an airport.
9. Not Rushing to Board
“Rush” may be a bit extreme. But, trains only stop at each of their stations for a few minutes. There’s no dilly-dallying because, unfortunately, the train crew can’t wait for anybody. When you hear the train approaching, be sure to gather all your belongings and walk to the end of the platform so you’re in position to board with ease.
10. Not Knowing Your Seat Number or Car
When you’re reading up about your train line’s baggage requirements, take a look at their seat assignments. Some are first-come, first-serve, while others are assigned, especially in international settings.
There are also different classes, including business class, for example. You’d hate to sit down and get comfy in your seat only to learn you have to move to another area where everyone else has already been first served.
One way to avoid too much seat shuffling is to splurge a little. Here’s a list of some of the most luxurious train rides out there today.
11. Not Booking a Cabin for an Overnight Journey
It’s easy to consider saving a few bucks and planning to sleep in your seat on an overnight journey. But it’s surprisingly uncomfortable. If you have the savings, consider booking a cabin for an overnight journey. It’ll provide you with the comfort you need to arrive at your destination well-rested.
12. Booking the Top Bunk
If you’ll be sharing your cabin with a fellow passenger, try to book the bottom bed. It’s surprisingly difficult to climb up and down a bunk bed with all your belongings without disturbing your neighbor. Imagine needing to rush to the bathroom or preparing to arrive at your destination and needing to climb down from a top bunk bed.
13. Not Anticipating a Lack of Connectivity
Depending on your route, you may not have easy access to WiFi throughout your entire journey. Most trains have WiFi available. However, it can be spotty if you’re traveling through more remote areas.
You also have to anticipate a lack of power outlets. It’s the old cliché about hoping for the best, but planning for the worse. It’s fairly standard to have outlets at every seat. But, just in case yours doesn’t have one for some reason, you’ll want to arrive with fully charged electronics and your own power bank.
14. Not Bringing a Book
When was the last time you had time to sit back and read a magazine or book? Life’s so chaotic that it seems we rarely have time for our favorite hobbies. Whether it’s a book, magazine, crossword puzzle, or knitting session, bring some old-fashioned forms of entertainment as the world passes you by.
15. Not Bringing Headphones
These days, our AirPods are pretty standard objects in our purses or backpacks. But you certainly don’t want to be that person who’s watching Emily In Paris on your laptop or cell phone for all the world to hear. Be sure to bring your headphones. With your trusty power bank, you can also charge them up when the time comes.
16. Not Taking In the Scenery
Here’s one way in which train travel differs from airlines: you’re free to wander around (in the areas you’re allowed, that is). Once you’ve secured your seat, don’t hesitate to stretch your legs from time to time.
Certain lines within Amtrak, like the California Zephyr, for example, have observation decks that allow you to take in the landscape around you. Don’t miss the opportunity, as the scenery is one of the things that makes train travel spectacular!
With epic scenery in mind, here are 20 of the most scenic train rides across the US.
17. Forgetting to Respect Your Passengers
Train etiquette is a very real thing. And each country seems to follow its own rules. A good example is not to stow your backpack on the seat next to you. You have to anticipate that seat belonging to someone and be ready to welcome them with a smile.
Be sure to stow your bags in the appropriate places, keep your feet in your area, and make room for others who will be sitting next to or around you.
18. Neglecting to Keep an Eye on Your Luggage
It’s easy to get comfortable. And what if you want to take a nap? These things are all understandable. But, to the best of your ability, always keep an eye on your luggage. It’s an unfortunate fact that there are untrustworthy people all over the world, and we always want to play it safe.
19. Not Knowing When Your Stop Is
Let’s say you’re having a really fabulous time or met some nice stranger on board the train. You may become so entranced in your conversations – or the scenery from that observation deck – that you miss your stop.
This could cause you a lot of stress as, again, this isn’t like riding the NYC subway, where you can just hop off at the next stop and circle back. Instead, know the exact time your train is supposed to come to your stop so that, even if you miss the announcements, you’ll know based on the time.
20. Not Considering an Upgrade
The class system is still very much alive on train lines. For example, if you want that white glove service at mealtime, you might want to consider upgrading to Business Class or securing a cabin for the night.
Otherwise, you can certainly hack it in coach with the snack bar, comfortable seats, and a table to slightly spread out. But, if this is your first journey and want to experience it in as much peace as possible, see if there’s room in the budget for a bump up because there are many more offerings on the table.
To sum it all up, here are 20 additional reasons why train travel is better than flying.
Enjoy the Journey
The best piece of advice someone can give you before your first journey is to note the stark differences between airline and train travel. Seating arrangements differ, cabin classes present different offerings, and there’s a bit more mobility to move about.
We hope you’ll have the most magnificent and relaxing ride. Wherever your final destination is, it’s likely we already have a destination guide prepared for you. Together, we’ll help you plan your journey to perfection.