During my 52-hour train journey from Chicago to California, I brought some things I would have packed.
Ear plugs and sleeping masks would help me sleep better in my cabin.
To better pass the time, I should have downloaded movies and brought card games with me.
To dream that you have to wake up somewhere other than where you slept does not have to be a dream. You can actually travel like this: on the night train. While you are fast asleep, the train travels for miles. When I woke up the next morning I suddenly found myself somewhere else.
I recently had this experience for the first time. It was my first train journey. I moved from Chicago to California. Distance: over 3,000 km. The whole journey took 52 hours. So I did not spend one night on the train, I spent two nights.
Before that, I thought a lot about what to pack. Although this is my first train trip, I thought I would have made a pretty solid packing list. But as I drove, I realized there were some things I wanted to pack. Ten things to keep in mind on the next trip:
1. Ginger chewing gums to help with nausea
The idea of having to take ginger chewing gum with me came too late. I often suffer from travel sickness. Usually I am ready and have the medicine with me. Nevertheless, I would like to take ginger chewing gum with me to see if natural aids can make a difference.
2. I should have brought my own pillow for extra comfort
Suksamran 1985 / Shuttershock
I usually do not travel with a pillow in my luggage. However, in this case, it would have been nice if I had an extra pillow. The neck pillow would also have been helpful for a little extra comfort.
Most night time train operators like Amtrak, the American train company I traveled to, provide pillows and blankets for all passengers. Of course, everyone can bring their own bedding.
3. I will carry an extra blanket with me for fall and winter trips
I like to sleep with a big and thick duvet. The blanket that Amtrak offers to its passengers is not particularly thin. However, it is not as thick as a Down Comforter. So I recommend taking the extra blanket with you for future trips in the fall and winter. How and why it is especially convenient when traveling.
4. I must have downloaded some movies
Looking back, I wish I had pre-downloaded some images from providers like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Since there was no wifi on the train, I spent time reading and writing. It was fun, but for a change I wanted to see a movie or series.
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5. Card games would also have been a good way to pass the time
AwaylGl / Shuttershock
I really like playing card games. But I forgot to take some for the train ride. If I wanted to retire from my laptop or phone it might have been a non-digital business. I may have used the long train journey to get to know other passengers, chat with them, and play cards.
6. Next time I will pack my favorite wine bottle
I do not know if everyone can carry their own bottle of wine in their box. The wine served by Amtrak during the meal was delicious, but I like to bring my own bottle to enjoy in my cabin. On my next trip, I will definitely take my favorite red or white wine with me.
7. I should have brought more snacks
Anna Jandstra / Shuttershock
I had snacks with me, but I wish I had packed more when I was driving. The train company food was better than I expected. Still, it would have been nice if we had more snacks for a change.
I saw someone with a small refrigerator on the train. This would have been a great way to carry fresh snacks with you, instead of carrying pre-packaged foods with you.
8. The air freshener cabin may have been slightly improved
Even if you think some passengers are allergic to certain perfumes, I would have packed an air freshener. The train did not stink, but after a few days I wanted a new scent. If I had packed the air freshener, the cabin might have been a little more excited.
9. Train trips are noisy – ear plugs help
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I was not bothered by other passengers. At night everyone slept. However, the train may be a little bumpy and noisy. Ear plugs would have been helpful in suppressing the noise a bit.
10. In the future I will build a sleeping mask
I usually wake up late. I rarely have trouble falling asleep and I do not wake up quickly. Nevertheless, the light from the sidewalk of the train bothered me a little. I was able to cover it somewhat with my bag, but next time I would tie the sleeping mask as well.
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This article was translated from English and edited by Julia Knapp. You read the original Here.
Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.