This post is geared toward sleeper car travelers but much of it will also translate to coach (I hope... I've never done long distance in coach)
First and foremost, get the best accommodations that you can afford. Whether this is a roomette, bedroom or family bedroom, you will not regret it. Consider it as a haven you can withdraw to when you just don't want to talk to other people or deal with the world. Your own window. Your own facility (in some cases). Privacy.
Upon arrival you will be greeted at the platform by your sleeping car attendant (SCA). It has always been my experience that they will help you find your room, explain to you the workings of the various gadgets (fan, reading light, call button, etc...) On the Empire Builder my attendant was Tashi. He was a new citizen of the US and had been working on Amtrak for 8 years. He gave each passenger a small bottle of champagne and a small box of chocolates. He was the best attendant I ever had. I hope he is still riding the rails.
After you get settled in, leave your door and curtain open as you will be approached by the dining car attendant to get your mealtime preference. This is a personal choice. For me, I like to take either the first or second seating. One, because you are less likely to encounter them not having any of your preferred entree, but also because I can then go back to my room afterwards and settle in for the evening... or go to the lounge car and chat up some fellow travelers. This is one of the highlights of train travel and is definitely not to be missed.
The dining car attendant (DCA) will announce when your seating starts and you should then make your way there, waiting for them to seat you. Seating is 'family style', so you'll be sharing your meals with other riders. I've had great dinner partners and some not so great ones. My best was with Miss Rose and Miss Jean, two 88 year old women who had been friends for 65 years and were travelling cross-country together. They were a hoot and a half! My worst was a man on the City of New Orleans who didn't say a single word the whole meal until his phone rang and he answered it in Spanish. Then I realized he didn't speak English. Since I have some Spanish, I was able to chat with him briefly but by then I was done my meal and ready to head to the lounge. Whatever the cost, do NOT miss out on the dining car experience.
I like to ring for the service attendant about 20 minutes before my meal is called and ask them if they will make up my bunk while I eat. I am always polite and friendly to them... you get what you give in this world. If you like your bed softer, ask the attendant to put the extra bedroll from the upper bunk on the lower bunk. I prefer the lower bunk because it is a little wider and longer than the upper bunk and much easier to get into and out of. I then use the upper bunk to store my suitcase so it's not in my way if I should need to get up during the night. In the morning I do the same with breakfast, but sometimes they take a little longer in the morning because everyone wants their room broken down at the same time and there is only one attendant per car.
Some things that you will definitely not want to be without in your room are:
- power strip and device chargers. There is one outlet in the room. If you have a computer, cell phone, iPad, or any other device, you'll need a power strip. Spring for a good one that will protect your devices from any power anomalies you may encounter. Remember, your electricity is coming from the head end power unit so it may not be as reliable as what you get at home.
- book or music. This is probably the most recommended take-along you will see listed. Personally, I can't read on a train and I like the sounds of train travel so for me, this is less important. You will likely want some form of entertainment for after the sun goes down. You can usually get a local newspaper at a station stop and on some routes, you'll find a newspaper at your door in the morning. A deck of cards is also a good idea as is a travel checkers or chess set if you are traveling with a companion. If you are the gregarious type don't miss the lounge car. Especially after dark this is a great place to meet your fellow passengers, hear some stories, or just generally feel like a part of the community of train travelers. I look forward to spending at least one of my evenings aboard the train in the lounge cafe.
- ear buds or ear phones. Rooms on the train are NOT sound proof. To avoid inconveniencing other riders who may not share your musical or entertainment preferences, be considerate and use a personal listening device
- ear plugs. The train will blow the horn 4 times at EVERY crossing, even during the night. There is also the sound of the bells at each and every crossing and as the train approaches and leaves a station. If you think that these sounds will keep you from sleeping then you will want ear plugs. Since the sleepers are usually at the front of the train, you hear them more than you do at the back of the train. It's a trade-off, though. The cars at the front of the train rock and roll less than those at the rear because the locomotive acts as an anchor to stabilize the train*. ( *I was told this by a conductor on the City of New Orleans but it has never been confirmed to my satisfaction. )
- air freshener or Febreeze. There can be certain smells that accompany any group of human beings. There are also smells generated by the train itself. Being prepared to alleviate these smells will make your journey more pleasant. Select a scent that is not too heavy so you don't offend other riders. I've found that a vanilla based scent is usually best as I've never met a person who doesn't like the smell of vanilla.
- camera mount. This is one of my favorite ideas. I take along the suction cup mount that I use in my automobile and stick it to the window in a place it won't obstruct my view. Then I clip my cell phone into it and just hit the video button and let it record until it runs out of space. I download the video to my computer and start over again. This gives me a video record of almost my entire trip.
- light snacks. An apple or banana. Some pretzels... you get the idea. If you don't feel like making the trip to the lounge car having something to nosh on at your convenience will be very satisfying. If you board in Chicago you can usually get some of these at the Metropolitan lounge, but be considerate of other travelers and only take what you will use. I've seen people fill their bags with these items leaving nothing for the other folks.
- your camera. Duh. You are going to see many things. Most of them can't be seen any other way than on a train. If your camera is a good one you'll get some excellent photos on the train despite the motion. Using a flash during the day is not necessary and will only cause a glare on the glass, ruining your shot. If you must use a flash, hold the camera at a 45 degree angle to the glass and this can be avoided.
- toilet paper. I know, you are saying 'He brings his own TP?' Yes. The T.P. on board is as expected, the cheapest that can be had. I bring a roll of my own along and I am always glad I did.
- shower shoes or flip-flops. There is a shower available to sleeper passengers but as with any public facility you have no control over what fungi etc others bring with them and leave behind. Protect your piggies with a pair of shower shoes or a cheap pair of flip-flops. Ample clean and fresh towels and washcloths are provided, as is soap. I prefer to bring my own soap. Shampoo and conditioner are usually not provided though I have heard others say that it is. Best not to gamble and provide your own.
- sleeping bag liner. One of the best tips my boss ever gave me was to go to a sporting goods store before my trip. Go to the camping section and find a sleeping bag liner. These are light and usually cheap and you can get them in various sizes and fabrics. I got a large one, made of silk, for less than $20. It folds up into a 6" long pack that weighs nearly nothing and fits comfortably in the side pocket of my travel bag. At night I open it up and climb inside and I am using my own sheets. While I have NEVER heard of any cases of bed-bugs on an Amtrak train, you never know, and this simple preventive measure will mitigate the possibility and let you sleep more soundly.
- pillows. They provide pillows but many people are fanatical about where they lay their heads. Since pillows are sizable things and awkward to travel with, consider a travel pillow that can be inflated and deflated. These are also light and easy to carry.
This next idea came from Jerry B. Pilcher on the Amtrak Fans group on Facebook. Thank, you Jerry!
- Duct Tape - wrap a few feet or so of duct tape around a Sharpie pen as a convenient place to store the tape. Duct tape comes in handy for many things on a train, just as in everyday life! Like, rattling doors, holding the ventilator fan latch in place if it happens to be broken, holding curtains in place... pretty much anything that needs to be held in place.
Miscellaneous
Take along only as much cash as you will need. This can vary greatly depending on your route and length of your trip. You should tip your DCA and SCA. I've never known anyone to tip the conductor but I imagine that if they do something helpful to you, you may want to acknowledge them for that. The opinion as to when and how much to tip is as varied as the passengers on a train, so follow your own guidelines. I tip my sleeping car attendant at the end of the trip, usually about $20 for each night I am aboard. More for outstanding service, less if I feel their heart was not in it. I usually tip my dining car attendant at the end of the trip. I let them know I am going to do this after my first on-board meal so they don't think I am stiffing them. I generally give the dining car attendant $30, and I thank them for their service and making my trip more pleasant. We are, after all, guests on their train. If you feel that any particular employee went the extra mile, please be sure to let Amtrak know by asking the employee for his or her business card then using this link to tell Amtrak about your experience: Amtrak Customer Service
Food that you get in the dining car during meals is included in your fare. This includes one soft drink with each meal. I've asked for a second soda and gotten it free as well. Alcoholic beverages cost extra and you must pay for them after your meal. If you go to the lounge cafe you're on your own. Food and drink purchased there is NOT included in your fare. You can get all manner of goodies there but at a premium.
If you have the desire for alcohol, I recommend you plan ahead and bring your own. It is 100% legal and acceptable to do this with one major consideration: you MUST consume your alcohol in your room. You may NOT walk about the train with it or take it with you to the diner or lounge. If you try, you will be told about it.
The sightseer lounge is great for those parts of the trip that have awesome scenery but beware that it fills up fast and there is limited seating. Also, the coach passengers tend to gather there because, well, it's much nicer than being in the coach. It's a great place to meet your fellow passengers and experience the variety of personalities on board.
You are permitted to de-train at most stations but you should check with your attendant first as the rules vary from stop to stop, route to route. If you do de-train, do not wander too far. The train will leave when it needs to whether you are on it or not. I like to run or walk briskly the length of the platform just to get my blood flowing. Smokers are asked to move at least 50 feet from the train entrance. Listen up for two short toots of the horn and the 'All Aboard!' from the conductor. That is your warning that the train is preparing to leave the station. You'd better be inside of it when it does or your vacation will quickly become a nightmare!
Shortly before arrival at your final destination your SCA will come bye to remind you and to help you with your luggage if you need it. At this time do a sweep of your room and make sure you take everything you brought. If you leave it on the train you can kiss it goodbye forever.
MOST sleeper car attendants prefer that you NOT make up or break-down your own bunk. There is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Let them do their jobs.
Be respectfully quiet when moving about the train, especially after hours when most people will be sleeping. I've been awakened on a number of occasions by people shouting down the corridor to other people.
Take slippers or light footwear with you. You are NOT permitted to walk around the train in bare or sock feet and you WILL be told about it if you try. This is especially important when moving from car to car as the train may rock and your toes will be in jeopardy.
When walking around the train while it is in motion you can stabilize yourself by keeping your feet wider apart than you would normally. By creating a wider base and lowering your center of gravity it makes it easier to walk. Take short steps as well. It will take you a little while to get your "train legs" but you should be able to do it.
Showering on the train can be an adventure. If at all possible, time your ablutions so that you are doing them while at a prolonged station stop. While I've never personally experienced it, I've heard from others that during service stops the water may also stop running. If this happens it should be a short delay and the water will start flowing again momentarily.
After you get settled in, leave your door and curtain open as you will be approached by the dining car attendant to get your mealtime preference. This is a personal choice. For me, I like to take either the first or second seating. One, because you are less likely to encounter them not having any of your preferred entree, but also because I can then go back to my room afterwards and settle in for the evening... or go to the lounge car and chat up some fellow travelers. This is one of the highlights of train travel and is definitely not to be missed.
The dining car attendant (DCA) will announce when your seating starts and you should then make your way there, waiting for them to seat you. Seating is 'family style', so you'll be sharing your meals with other riders. I've had great dinner partners and some not so great ones. My best was with Miss Rose and Miss Jean, two 88 year old women who had been friends for 65 years and were travelling cross-country together. They were a hoot and a half! My worst was a man on the City of New Orleans who didn't say a single word the whole meal until his phone rang and he answered it in Spanish. Then I realized he didn't speak English. Since I have some Spanish, I was able to chat with him briefly but by then I was done my meal and ready to head to the lounge. Whatever the cost, do NOT miss out on the dining car experience.
I like to ring for the service attendant about 20 minutes before my meal is called and ask them if they will make up my bunk while I eat. I am always polite and friendly to them... you get what you give in this world. If you like your bed softer, ask the attendant to put the extra bedroll from the upper bunk on the lower bunk. I prefer the lower bunk because it is a little wider and longer than the upper bunk and much easier to get into and out of. I then use the upper bunk to store my suitcase so it's not in my way if I should need to get up during the night. In the morning I do the same with breakfast, but sometimes they take a little longer in the morning because everyone wants their room broken down at the same time and there is only one attendant per car.
Some things that you will definitely not want to be without in your room are:
- power strip and device chargers. There is one outlet in the room. If you have a computer, cell phone, iPad, or any other device, you'll need a power strip. Spring for a good one that will protect your devices from any power anomalies you may encounter. Remember, your electricity is coming from the head end power unit so it may not be as reliable as what you get at home.
- book or music. This is probably the most recommended take-along you will see listed. Personally, I can't read on a train and I like the sounds of train travel so for me, this is less important. You will likely want some form of entertainment for after the sun goes down. You can usually get a local newspaper at a station stop and on some routes, you'll find a newspaper at your door in the morning. A deck of cards is also a good idea as is a travel checkers or chess set if you are traveling with a companion. If you are the gregarious type don't miss the lounge car. Especially after dark this is a great place to meet your fellow passengers, hear some stories, or just generally feel like a part of the community of train travelers. I look forward to spending at least one of my evenings aboard the train in the lounge cafe.
- ear buds or ear phones. Rooms on the train are NOT sound proof. To avoid inconveniencing other riders who may not share your musical or entertainment preferences, be considerate and use a personal listening device
- ear plugs. The train will blow the horn 4 times at EVERY crossing, even during the night. There is also the sound of the bells at each and every crossing and as the train approaches and leaves a station. If you think that these sounds will keep you from sleeping then you will want ear plugs. Since the sleepers are usually at the front of the train, you hear them more than you do at the back of the train. It's a trade-off, though. The cars at the front of the train rock and roll less than those at the rear because the locomotive acts as an anchor to stabilize the train*. ( *I was told this by a conductor on the City of New Orleans but it has never been confirmed to my satisfaction. )
- air freshener or Febreeze. There can be certain smells that accompany any group of human beings. There are also smells generated by the train itself. Being prepared to alleviate these smells will make your journey more pleasant. Select a scent that is not too heavy so you don't offend other riders. I've found that a vanilla based scent is usually best as I've never met a person who doesn't like the smell of vanilla.
- camera mount. This is one of my favorite ideas. I take along the suction cup mount that I use in my automobile and stick it to the window in a place it won't obstruct my view. Then I clip my cell phone into it and just hit the video button and let it record until it runs out of space. I download the video to my computer and start over again. This gives me a video record of almost my entire trip.
- light snacks. An apple or banana. Some pretzels... you get the idea. If you don't feel like making the trip to the lounge car having something to nosh on at your convenience will be very satisfying. If you board in Chicago you can usually get some of these at the Metropolitan lounge, but be considerate of other travelers and only take what you will use. I've seen people fill their bags with these items leaving nothing for the other folks.
- your camera. Duh. You are going to see many things. Most of them can't be seen any other way than on a train. If your camera is a good one you'll get some excellent photos on the train despite the motion. Using a flash during the day is not necessary and will only cause a glare on the glass, ruining your shot. If you must use a flash, hold the camera at a 45 degree angle to the glass and this can be avoided.
- toilet paper. I know, you are saying 'He brings his own TP?' Yes. The T.P. on board is as expected, the cheapest that can be had. I bring a roll of my own along and I am always glad I did.
- shower shoes or flip-flops. There is a shower available to sleeper passengers but as with any public facility you have no control over what fungi etc others bring with them and leave behind. Protect your piggies with a pair of shower shoes or a cheap pair of flip-flops. Ample clean and fresh towels and washcloths are provided, as is soap. I prefer to bring my own soap. Shampoo and conditioner are usually not provided though I have heard others say that it is. Best not to gamble and provide your own.
- sleeping bag liner. One of the best tips my boss ever gave me was to go to a sporting goods store before my trip. Go to the camping section and find a sleeping bag liner. These are light and usually cheap and you can get them in various sizes and fabrics. I got a large one, made of silk, for less than $20. It folds up into a 6" long pack that weighs nearly nothing and fits comfortably in the side pocket of my travel bag. At night I open it up and climb inside and I am using my own sheets. While I have NEVER heard of any cases of bed-bugs on an Amtrak train, you never know, and this simple preventive measure will mitigate the possibility and let you sleep more soundly.
- pillows. They provide pillows but many people are fanatical about where they lay their heads. Since pillows are sizable things and awkward to travel with, consider a travel pillow that can be inflated and deflated. These are also light and easy to carry.
This next idea came from Jerry B. Pilcher on the Amtrak Fans group on Facebook. Thank, you Jerry!
- Duct Tape - wrap a few feet or so of duct tape around a Sharpie pen as a convenient place to store the tape. Duct tape comes in handy for many things on a train, just as in everyday life! Like, rattling doors, holding the ventilator fan latch in place if it happens to be broken, holding curtains in place... pretty much anything that needs to be held in place.
Miscellaneous
Take along only as much cash as you will need. This can vary greatly depending on your route and length of your trip. You should tip your DCA and SCA. I've never known anyone to tip the conductor but I imagine that if they do something helpful to you, you may want to acknowledge them for that. The opinion as to when and how much to tip is as varied as the passengers on a train, so follow your own guidelines. I tip my sleeping car attendant at the end of the trip, usually about $20 for each night I am aboard. More for outstanding service, less if I feel their heart was not in it. I usually tip my dining car attendant at the end of the trip. I let them know I am going to do this after my first on-board meal so they don't think I am stiffing them. I generally give the dining car attendant $30, and I thank them for their service and making my trip more pleasant. We are, after all, guests on their train. If you feel that any particular employee went the extra mile, please be sure to let Amtrak know by asking the employee for his or her business card then using this link to tell Amtrak about your experience: Amtrak Customer Service
Food that you get in the dining car during meals is included in your fare. This includes one soft drink with each meal. I've asked for a second soda and gotten it free as well. Alcoholic beverages cost extra and you must pay for them after your meal. If you go to the lounge cafe you're on your own. Food and drink purchased there is NOT included in your fare. You can get all manner of goodies there but at a premium.
If you have the desire for alcohol, I recommend you plan ahead and bring your own. It is 100% legal and acceptable to do this with one major consideration: you MUST consume your alcohol in your room. You may NOT walk about the train with it or take it with you to the diner or lounge. If you try, you will be told about it.
The sightseer lounge is great for those parts of the trip that have awesome scenery but beware that it fills up fast and there is limited seating. Also, the coach passengers tend to gather there because, well, it's much nicer than being in the coach. It's a great place to meet your fellow passengers and experience the variety of personalities on board.
You are permitted to de-train at most stations but you should check with your attendant first as the rules vary from stop to stop, route to route. If you do de-train, do not wander too far. The train will leave when it needs to whether you are on it or not. I like to run or walk briskly the length of the platform just to get my blood flowing. Smokers are asked to move at least 50 feet from the train entrance. Listen up for two short toots of the horn and the 'All Aboard!' from the conductor. That is your warning that the train is preparing to leave the station. You'd better be inside of it when it does or your vacation will quickly become a nightmare!
Shortly before arrival at your final destination your SCA will come bye to remind you and to help you with your luggage if you need it. At this time do a sweep of your room and make sure you take everything you brought. If you leave it on the train you can kiss it goodbye forever.
MOST sleeper car attendants prefer that you NOT make up or break-down your own bunk. There is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Let them do their jobs.
Be respectfully quiet when moving about the train, especially after hours when most people will be sleeping. I've been awakened on a number of occasions by people shouting down the corridor to other people.
Take slippers or light footwear with you. You are NOT permitted to walk around the train in bare or sock feet and you WILL be told about it if you try. This is especially important when moving from car to car as the train may rock and your toes will be in jeopardy.
When walking around the train while it is in motion you can stabilize yourself by keeping your feet wider apart than you would normally. By creating a wider base and lowering your center of gravity it makes it easier to walk. Take short steps as well. It will take you a little while to get your "train legs" but you should be able to do it.
Showering on the train can be an adventure. If at all possible, time your ablutions so that you are doing them while at a prolonged station stop. While I've never personally experienced it, I've heard from others that during service stops the water may also stop running. If this happens it should be a short delay and the water will start flowing again momentarily.
Most important of all, do NOT take the train if you MUST be at your destination at a fixed time. Trains are notoriously late and I've seen people miss funerals due to delays. If possible, build in a buffer day to avoid missing anything important and be prepared to be late. It doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen frequently. Go with the flow and your trip will be memorable for all the good reasons.
Great information!
ReplyDelete