I’ve always loved the idea of cross-country train travel. From a train, one can really watch America unfold: the plains becoming mountains becoming desert, the wide open expanses interrupted only occasionally by towns or ranches.
This week, I made my first cross-country train journey. I boarded the Amtrak’s Southwest Chief in Illinois, and, twenty-four hours later, disembarked in New Mexico. Leading up to the journey, I was both excited and nervous. A full day is a long time to be on a train, and I worried that I would be exhausted and out of sorts by the time I reached my destination.
I needn’t have worried. The trip was great, and, thanks to a little advance planning, I arrived in New Mexico only slightly worse for the wear.
Here are five tips for surviving your own cross-country train trip:
Stretch your legs.
Every time I walk on a moving train, I half-expect to end up in a stranger’s lap. With the train slightly swaying and occasionally lurching, it can be tempting to remain safely in your seat. But fight that urge and get up to stretch your legs regularly. Your legs will feel less stiff and creaky both en route and at your destination. Also, it’s important to remember that travelers on long train journeys – just like travelers on long-haul flights – are susceptible to deep vein thrombosis. Protect yourself by walking around at regular intervals and by getting off the train at designated smoking stops. Just be careful not to stray far from the platform – you don’t want to miss the conductor calling “all aboard!”
Pack some snacks.
Although meals and snacks are available for purchase on the train, you will want to come prepared. The food options tend to be overpriced and underwhelming. For our 24-hour train journey, we packed bagged salad and cut up tofu to make dinner salads, pre-made peanut butter sandwiches for lunch the next day, carrots and hummus, granola bars, crackers, and fruit. We had more food than we could eat, but we never worried that we would go hungry! Learn from our mistake: Bananas, while delicious, get banged up on the jostling train and are best avoided.
Bring plenty of water.
Hydration is important! It is possible to refill your water bottle on the train, but you will still want to bring plenty of water with you. The water spigots in the cars can release water slowly, and you might find it difficult to fill your bottle under the sink in the train washroom.
Plan ahead for sleep.
If money is no object and you are worried about catching some shut-eye, you can book a sleeper. The good news for the rest of us is that the coach seats recline pretty far (without infringing upon your neighbor’s space) and the footrests pop up to support your legs. Also, it has been my experience that fellow passengers are pretty respectful of everyone’s sleep time. But sleeping on the train is still not exactly a cakewalk, so come prepared. I find an eye mask and something for my ears (ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones) work wonders. It can be chilly on the train, so you might want to bring a blanket as well.
Do not forget your toothbrush!
Trust me on this one. You’re going to want your toothbrush.
Sources: CDC
Image credit: Robert Huffstutter