Whether it be long or short, planned or unexpected, these six practical tips for a journey by train will help make the ride a pleasant, and even memorable experience.

Guest Post by Wendy Dessler

6 Practical Tips for a Journey by Train

Train rides are a great way to get from place to place while also taking in the sights of new destinations. In many countries around the world, long train rides are the best way to get from one place to the next, and there are many benefits to train travel. In general, traveling by train tends to be cheaper than by plane, and you also have the ability to watch the landscape change from your train window.

Whether you’re on an overnighter, such as the Amtrak Auto Train, for the first time, or just a long train ride, here are some practical tips for your journey by train!

1. Travel light.

One of the most frustrating parts of traveling is transporting your luggage from place to place. If you are moving internationally, this is even more of a challenge. When possible, avoid bringing more than you need. Trains generally limit how much baggage you can bring, so keep it light when possible. If you need to travel with a lot of belongings, consider mailing some of the items to your destination beforehand or consulting a moving service.

2. Bring toiletries and wipes.

After spending several hours on a train, you’re going to want to shower. Unfortunately, this likely isn’t the case, and you’ll have to make due with what you have. To freshen up along your trip, bring toiletries like wipes which can help you at least feel cleaner. Don’t forget your toothbrush and toothpaste, as these little things can make a big difference. For easy access, keep these toiletries in a small bag with you at all times so you don’t have to dig through a large suitcase to find essentials.

3. Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks.

Like airline food, train food often leaves a lot to be desired. Don’t forget to pack enough snacks to hold you over for the entire trip. While many trains have dining cars, this food is probably both expensive and undesirable. Bring a variety of snacks and foods to eat during your trip so you don’t go hungry between destinations. Because you’re stuck in such close quarters, try to avoid foods that are smelly or spoil quickly for the comfort of both yourself and those around you.

4. Bring earplugs and an eye mask.

Even if you’re not a light sleeper, it can be hard to get comfortable enough to sleep on a train. They are busy, and there will be new sounds and sights that can be distracting. If you are sleeping overnight on a train, be sure to bring earplugs and an eye mask to block out light and sound. A good night’s sleep will go a long way when on a journey by train!

5. Stretch your legs if you get the chance.

A lot of trains stop regularly along the route, and you might be able to get off for a few minutes to walk around. If you can, definitely take advantage of this and get some exercise. You might not realize how stir crazy you get until you are 10+ hours into your journey by train, and you realize you are not even halfway there. If you aren’t able to get out at stops to walk around, do some walking within the train. Explore the different train cars and let your legs stretch before nighttime.

6. Finally, take in the experience!

There’s something magical about traveling by train! Don’t be afraid to unplug and enjoy the experience. Train rides really slow down the traveling process and give you a chance to enjoy every moment. Make the most of it!

Photo Credits: Pixabay by Pexels, Porapak Apichodilok by Pexels, Bruce Mars by Pexels, Pixabay by Pexels, Caio Resende by Pexels, Gratisography by Pexels, Life of Pix by Pexels, Gabriela Palai by Pexels

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We Would Love to Hear From You

We enjoy dialogue with our readers, especially when they share off-the-beaten-path destinations and useful travel tips. Have you ever taken a journey by train? If so, we would love to hear about your tips. We invite you to leave your comments and questions below, and we always respond!

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Wendy Dessler is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.