Amtrak Packing For Coach And Sleeper Car 

Always travel with a bag of sugar free Halls. I usually give some (snack zip lock full) to the person that constantly coughs and bothers everyone and fills the air with germs. They are thankful and those around you are unknowingly thankful also). Not even bad for a flavored treat for your uncoughing self and even gives your water a change of flavor.

You guys should have your own channel on TV! Like the Food Channel, etc., There is something about you guys that is sooooo likeable! And professional. Thank you So So much for all these video's! And I have Zero suggestions, cause you both cover Everything!

I just discovered y'all four days ago while searching for Amtrak travel tips and I've been binge watching ever since. I learn something invaluable from every video. They're all very well thought out. Y'all are both so well spoken and are such a beautiful couple. Allie, I love your clothes. They're pretty, neat, look versatile and comfortable and look amazing on you. Maybe you could do a video for the ladies on travel clothes. Rob could too for the men.

All good advice. As a frequent AMTRAK traveler, I would also add: - Depending on the type of car and room you are in, and WHERE you like to have all your chargeable electronics when they need to be charged, I suggest you might want to bring a 2-wire extension cord (the smallest gauge wired your store sells, perhaps the kind intended for Christmas tree lights OR house Christmas lights), in a length adequate to reach from the room's outlet (often just a single outlet) to where your charger(s) are located. This length is probably only about the width of a Bedroom plus two or three feet extra at each end, so perhaps 12 - 16 feet long); this should cover Viewliner and Superliner Roomettes and Bedrooms. Such a cord bundles or rolls up pretty small, and can be a life saver. - Grounded Travel apparently has all their rechargeables being the type that can be charged from a USB charger/power supply, in which case the solution shown in this video is great. But some things cannot be powered/charged that way, and may have their own chargers which need to be powered from AC, not another USB charger. I always bring the smallest AC power strip that I can find (my current one has six outlets); it tucks into my backpack or into my carry-on style suitcase. Then this outlet strip plugs into the single Roomette/Bedroom outlet, and my various chargers plug into it. My usual complement of things that are plugged in all the time are: The AC charger for my Garmin GPS, the AC adapter for my radio scanner, the charger for my phone, and two chargers for my cameras (all my cameras take the same kind of rechargeable battery, so I keep two batteries charging at all times. I shoot lots of scenic video on the trains, and doing so burns through camera batteries, so having 'two in the oven' is important. That leaves one outlet free for anything else. If the AC outlet strip needs to be by the windows (for example) and the only outlet is over by the sink, toilet, or door to the aisle, the aforementioned extension cord gets the power from one to the other. All this is in some contrast to what Grounded Life recommends, and I think this is because they seem to shoot a lot less video per trip than I, or some others, like to do, and as far as I can tell, they don't bring a radio scanner or GPS along. And to be fair, some people are happy to use their phones for the 'GPS' functionality, but I like to have mine going at all times and not have it unavailable when I am using the phone for other purposes.

I have never traveled by train before, so videos like this are very helpful. BTW, you are the people that got me interested in Amtrak in the first place.

great insight for those traveling by train! packing recs are always needed 😊

Your channel was so helpful with information, that when my train was 23.5 hours late, I still survived with ease. The only thing that was difficult was sleeping on the floor of the train station in Shelby, MT because of extended delays. This was over Christmas. One thing I brought that's not mentioned, is a small transistor radio for an out west trip where there's no cell signal sometimes.

YOU GUYS TAUGHT ME EVERYTHING!!!! I’ve made at least 10 Amtrak overnight trips in the last 3 months! In fact I have another trip tomorrow night from Onterio CA back to San Antonio TX ,, Thank you so much for your knowledge,,, I now find myself telling peop how to travel by Amtrak

My wife and I have been on a lot of Amtrak Journeys around the lower US. Sure wish we had your videos when we were traveling. You folks are just great!

Extra bag for laundry

Great tips! In my "never leave my side" bags I also always have a bunch of pads, tampons, and baby wipes. I also carry an extra outfit or 2 - something light, tights, jersey dress, this sweatshirt, etc. - extra draws, and a toiletry bag made up of the travel sized toiletries. I've had to go without my big checked bags more times than I'd like to remember so I like to keep extra clothes and personal items on me at all times.

Traveling on the Amtrak is a bucket list item for me.

Great tips!! I have always packed Clorox wipes in ziplock bags along with a small can of Lysol spray disinfectant years before the pandemic. I also pack a pair of shower shoes (rubber or plastic) when showering away from home. I don't know who I'm going behind when travelling.

No condemnation for taking treats while traveling. I always have candy, cookies and chips. We always travel coach. Last time I carried a 36ct. box of individual chip bags on the train. If I wasn't afraid of getting kicked off the train I could have sold some of the bags and paid for the whole box. I'm always glad to have plenty of snacks for when the train is, inevitably, late.

I always love seeing how other folks pack and travel. If you ever want to cut a bit of weight/size on the measuring tape there are ones made for sewing that is a cloth tape in small plastic case that retracts just like the carpentry one you're carrying just a lot heavy duty and thus heavy. I like truly tiny so I actually have a paper IKEA measuring tape with me at all times but its a little short for lots of things so I definitely pull out a longer one frequently.

My 81yr old mom loves the train I took her Seattle and she loved it so much we followed your advice about bringing tape

I wish you would of gone over the dimensions of your checked bag. Maybe even the process of retrieving luggage at the smaller stations. Love your videos!

Thanks for all of your help on all of your videos I’ve watched. My daughter and I are taking the California Zephyr from Chicago and back round trip in coach. 104 hours plus delays! Staying two nights in San Francisco! Big day planned! We have so many snacks packed! All kinds of games and art supplies. A week worth of clothes. Big blankets, eye masks, ear plugs, headphones. Got my backpack. We brought a small fan that fits in the backpack in case we want some more airflow! Jackets gloves hats. The whole 9!

Amtrak has eye patch/cover/shields, neck pillows, ear plugs, blanket, etc. in a kit.

Excellent videos! Two things I would add is a plastic bag (like newspaper delivery bags) for slippers, for after walking around the train; secondly I like to have my personal pillow case for use whether in coach or in a sleeper compartment seat..then put into a plastic bag after use.

You should add a small flashlight and pepper spray to your always with you bag.

Great tips! I'll use several of them. I'm riding the Empire Builder the 1st part of October2023 so rewatching many of your videos. I'll be riding coach but am looking forward to it. It's been many, many years.

Great info; thank you!🙏 Looking forward to seeing you two on the rails someday!👍

I will be taking my first cross country train rain in april and your vids are all great this one no exception the only thing I would add to the backpack is a roll of duct tape some would consider it superfluous but it has saved my life before don't leave home without it

The scottevest travel vest has replaced my carry on bag/backpack. The vest has transformed the way I travel with all my essentials! I have no commercial interest in scottevest, it is just a travel solution that I have found to be indispensable in my world wide travels!

Just discovered your channel recently, and booked by CA Zephyr ticket from CA to Chicago yesterday for end of Sept trip. I am flying back, so that suitcase would not do for an airline carry-on. I recommend that anyone who might fly in future get a carry-on size that most airlines allow. For American Airlines: "Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)." Their policy for checked bags: "We calculate the size limits of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height. For all regions, except to / from Australia or New Zealand, your checked bag allowance is: Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm Weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs" Besides a carry-on bag, American Airline allows a personal item. "Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)." Tips from your other videos: A long charging cable in case you aren't right by an outlet in the Observation Car, or are travelling alone and stuck in an aisle seat with a passenger next to you. A portable charger. I like that duffle bag that folds up to a small pouch. I greatly appreciate you and your hubby. Thank you so much for your videos!

I'm thinking about doing a backpacking (as in everything in one single backpack) trip around the US via train - just don't want to be lugging a suitcase around everywhere. Your video is definitely food for thought! 😁

Always helpful, thanks!

Great ideas! You guys are very informative. Thank you very much.

Thank you so much for this information. I've just returned on the Silver Meteor from Philadelphia to Florida and we are now booked again on it in April. We ride coach in December but decided to try a Roomette this time. Thanks for the tips and tricks that will make our experience even better.

I think you two are absolutely amazing, very insightful and very meticulous. But there's one thing us brown skinned sisters want to know; which is, how do you maintain your natural straight hair while traveling. Please provide "us" ladies with additional details on your next vacation tutorial.

Your videos are priceless! Researching for an auto Amtrak trip.

Another great episode...very informative and also entertaining. Thanks for the good work.

Thank you going on my first vacation and it’s on Amtraks I’m so excited

Great stuff, thanks! For a bigger backpack, I like the gruvgear club bag with their bento organizers. They're mainly targeted for musicians and not cheap, but I've used it a ton. Their bento organizers are handy no matter what pack you use.

Extra bags is definitely how I roll! Especially when I attend conferences, festivals, etc., I have canvas totes for all of my swag. I get them cheap from Michael's. They fold up neatly and I travel with at least one canvas tote in each bag or suitcase, except camera bags, no room there.

Very helpful . . . again (as usual). We won't be doing vlog's so all the filming equipment won't be necessary. For many of my vacations, I like bringing 1~2 medium kitchen (garbage) bags for dirty laundry or even, uhmm, garbage in case the room-version fills up. Also a couple of detergent pods in a small bag, cushioned with paper towels, if one stops off at a hotel for a night and wants to clean one's clothes (allowing for re-using fewer packed clothes) as they are cheaper and often better than the one's at hotel or public launderettes.

I messed up so bad when I first took the Amtrak for the first time and I brought like 2 snacks thinking I would be able to eat at the dinner and then once I was told that was only for sleeper cars I got scared and had to eat that gross microwaves 8$ burger and 4$ apple juice for dinner and lunch and thank God I got a nice person next to me seated that also was sharing his snacks with my but definitely getting a roomette on my next 36+ hour trip lol wish I saw this channel before hand because it would have helped me so much hopefully this time will be 10x better thanks to u

Hello! I really enjoy each and every Amtrak video you create. This video was extremely helpful. I used the same method for my bags with a minor difference: I added a food bag. This was crucial for my trip last year when I used the rail pass to go cross country on the California Zephyr and back home on the Empire Builder because those routes are a few nights long and they were not offering dining car services for coach passengers at the time. I didn't think I was a picky eater but the cafe food just wasn't what I wanted to be eating when I knew I would be stuck on a train with strangers and no private bathroom. 😩 Luckily I had a bag full of vegetables that would be okay at room temp, some oranges, bananas, apples, bread/cheese with deli meat, instant oatmeal packets and a few sweet treats that I purchased at the grocery store the night before. It was a challenge lugging around the extra bag but I did it and only ended up ordering coffee in the am and maybe a bag of chips from the cafe- which suited my budget nicely. How to stay healthy while traveling? I'm interested because being introduced to more germs and bacteria seems to have my immune system irked when I travel. I'm lucky if I only catch a cold.

Nerds Gummy Clusters are THE BEST!!!

I just found your channel and I am in awe . Going to binge all of them absolutely love how you explain everything and aren’t in a rush. Have been wanting to do a trip like how you guys do !

I’m going on my fourth Amtrak trip in November, but I love binge watching travel videos like this. I like bringing my own drinks. (Cafe car is okay with giving you just ice for free, but I usually buy something as well.) I take a 46L Backpack with a little drawstring bag. Works well for me. A portable phone charger is necessary. Even if Amtrak is good with their power outlets, you just never know.

Very helpful. Interested in the back pack -thanks for posting it to your web site. 😊 safe travels.

Good morning thank you so much for info hope me and husband will try to travel in October 2022.Take care all and had a happy new year.🤟🙏🙏🙏😊🌈

I love your videos, they're so informative & professional and you cover everything. I subscribed to your channel, you guys are the main reason I am going on my first cross country Amtrak trip this October to Albuquerque. You mentioned the noise cancelling ear buds in one of the videos, maybe the one about the things you absolutely need for your trip, but I can't find the link on your website, or in any of the videos. What is the brand of the ear buds you use?

Thank you. You mentioned a couple times I hadn’t thought of. Great recap of what you pack. Informative but not overkill. Well done. Thanks !!

This was really helpful! I am going on my first cross country Amtrack ride. Not really sure what to expect but listening to all you are sharing is great!

What I plan to bing on the train which will be my first solo trip by myself. And first trip on a train is my purse my crochet bag and my clothes bag obviously And maybe my water cup, although I'm not sure.

Your channel really inspire thats the reason why RU-vid really recomend it, its interesting video inded.

Great information…. Side note: I have a accent chair that is the same pattern as your couch pillow… we have great taste😃 Be well !

Wow. That is great to travel by train. One day I’ll do it.

Damn. I can see your channel's potential. You're going to be big very soon. Your content of travelling trips cures people's boredom in quarantine. Keep it up! Just ignore the people in the comment section who has a verified checkmark, they often steal comments or basically try to self promote.

You always have such great info. Taking my first train trip in February. I have been watching your videos and have gotten some great tips. Thank you!

Question. As Amtrak often runs late, what suggestions do you have for folk that arrive late at night or very early in the morning? Are there taxi stands, car rentals or what preparations do you and your husband make when arriving at a stop where you don't have family or friends to meet you? Thank you both for such an enjoyable and informative vlog.

My husband and I are going on our second honey moon on March and we booked Amtrak to get back home and we are stalking your channel 😂

Very helpful, Allie. We are thinking of a cross country trip (Chicago -San Fransisco -Seattle -Chicago) for our 50th wedding anniversary Sept 2. We have just discovered your channel and have found so much good info. You make Amtrak travel seem delightful. However when we checked Trip Advisor, there were numerous very recent terrible reviews. Stories of people finding out when boarding they had been downgraded to a roomette from a bedroom (with no bedrooms available); no evidence of cleaning or sanitizing during the trip, attendants who were nowhere to be found, etc. Have you experienced any of these kinds of problems or seen/heard of people who have? We are concerned that we’d be spending a lot of money while our experience, good or bad, would be a roll of the dice.

Just viewed your video. A lot of the items are what I pack for a road trip! Thanks for sharing also I love the new intro. Stay safe and please continue to share your adventures.

Thank you, yes very helpful packing and luggage info.

Great channel and videography- I enjoy the thoroughness, I am really itching to do an Amtrak cross country trip

This was an informative and fun video 🎉🎉 I did add two items you mentioned to my checklist - slippers (makes sense) and a neck pillow (older now so l cramp easily 😂). You and your husband do an awesome job! Happy trails🎉🎉

I binged watch you guys all night had to force myself to turn off tv thank you

Once again, this is a very informative video! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with all of us.

Bought the traveling bag. Hope to use it some day.

I live in NYC and haven't travelled anywhere in almost 20 years because I've been broke. Situation is a bit better now so I decided to book a round trip Amtrak roomette from NYC to San Antonio to visit a friend there going through New Orleans and switch to another train to SA. On the way back it goes from San Antonio to Chicago, then switch to NYC via the Lake Shore line. Cost me $2,300. Leaving in about 3 weeks from now. Have you come across any single ladies on these overnighters in the 30 years plus range, or is it mostly other couples? I haven't left Manhattan in 2 years and it will be my first time on an overnighter. Always wanted to do it and after I started watching your videos about two weeks ago, I was finally convinced that I had to do this already and I booked my round trip roomette halfway across the country. I also have to say that your husband is a lucky man to have you.

Due to the release of billions of dollars from the federal government from the infrastructure bill I heard that amtrack will be doing many upgrades and not only to the track but all its services. Have you heard anything more about this? Looking forward to more videos in 2022👍🏿💙

That tape measure cracked me up. I guess I can sort of relate.

Candy is a must have 😂🍬🍭 on any trip

I'm so happy to have found your channel! My boyfriend and I are traveling with Amtrak from San Diego to Philadelphia, and we're stoked but very unsure of what to pack/expect. Can't wait to check out more of your videos, you guys are great!

Need emergency lighing if there is a electric problem or train accident to find your way I use a headlamp.

Pre-watching thought: Ironically enough it seems like I can pack less for a sleeper car than I can for coach. There's less room for your bags in a sleeper car as there isn't as much in the way of overhead space. This is one minor drawback of the otherwise absolute perfection that is sleeper car travel. Luckily my last sleeper car trip, a five-day trip, was on the Auto Train, so I was able to stash my 28" checked suitcase full of replaceable clothes and toiletries in my car, and all I needed in the room with me was my tech backpack, which slept at the foot of my on-train bed at night, and airline carry-on sized suitcase, which fit comfortably in that little nook above the seat below the coat rack, and a canvas bag for snacks. My next sleeper car trip in February is a bit trickier... it's an 8-day trip from DC to Orlando, and is NOT an Auto Train trip, so the luggage situation will be a little tighter. I think I'm gonna take the carry-on sized suitcase, snack bag, and my tech backpack, repeating the on-train arrangement from my last trip, and add a soft duffel bag for additional clothes that can also easily sleep at the foot of my on-train bed comfortably, and use packing cubes and possibly also a Pacum if I can get it in time to get as many clothes into the smaller luggage space as I can. I could possibly also check a bag but I try to avoid that when possible.

Great video, thank you!

Great info....THANKS!!

Not me watching this while trying to write a packing list for my trip while also only having a tiny carry-on sized back because who needs actual luggage anyway (Yes, I fly basic economy before my Amtrak trip. No, I don't know how to fit clothing in there but at least this video reminded me of bringing a warm cap and that foldable bag)

Just so you know, your protein bars are the ones made for women. I happened to show this to my Dr (sent it to her in an email) and she wrote me back about this one item. She told me that the “Bar’s” don’t provide enough protein for a guy. They actually need twice the amount we do. So, she suggested that you stop at a GNC or do some research and do a shopping trip where you can get individual ones to try that are for guys and when you find them then buy a box or two of the ones your hubby likes. I am in the process of doing that now. However, I am doing it for not only the BF but his older teenage son plus his youngest who is under 5 years old. I have taken your list and altered it slightly for each person and we decided to do a carry-on Duffle Bag for each person. I have an additional item (Refrigerated Medications) that I am happy to say the train is trying to make arrangements for right now. I have also bought a high rated cooler and some ice packs that can be froze and do last quite awhile (I believe 36 hours) so, they said they will get back to me because I am traveling with 60 days worth of medicine with me.

Very helpful. Thx

Have you and rob ever put your suitcase and bags in locker in Chicago me and my brother will have 5 hour layover in Chicago wolverines to California Zephyr.

Great video. Interested in clothing for women for travelling light. Thanks!

My hero. I am so appreciative for seeing what you take on your trips. Traveled to California recently. So ready for my next trip. Thank you 💗💗 and love from Arizona.

I have a backpack just like that. I found it while thrift shopping at a Goodwill Bin Store, a store the Goodwill Stores owns and sends all their items not sold in a certain time period where everything is literally tossed into large blue tubs no matter what the items are so there's a mixture and the price you pay if by weight of the item, so I got it VERY cheap several years ago. First thing I did was wash it and I still use it. I like it so much I bought a new one direct from the maker I keep in a new trash bag so later I have a replacement. You made a GREAT purchase with it. Happy travels!! I'm getting over being sick and even with the body aches etc. your videos are fun to watch still. Thanks for making me feel better. I have a question, is the 50-pound weight limit in checked gags per each bag or for the two bags together? Personally, I'd pack 25 ponds per bag as I like to travel light and out of consideration for the baggage handlers. The first time I traveled by train was on a first-grade field trip with my class from Temple, Texas to a stop in the middle of nowhere where our bus driver picked us up in the middle about of the 1960's. Oh the good ole days!

Thank you for all this information.

Thanks! I am making a spreadsheet for my trip a year from now. Your channel and website are fantastic

Great advice! Thank you for sharing it!

Great vid you guys!!

great information Sister you are so cute and easy to understand

Great video! My trip next week!

You guys are awesome. Thanks for traveling tips for Amtrak train.

Great Packing Tips 💕

Hi Allie, I was looking at someone vlog and they show where they had a rail pass. If Amtrak offer that again I'm going to get that. I would have 10 trips on one pass with 30 days to complete. Since I retired last year, I have the time now where I can do that. I'd start from New York to Chicago and go around the US and come back to New York on a different train.

any restrictions on bringing snacks or food? might ride from Southern California to Texas first time and want to save money by bringing my own food n snacks

Thank you 😊

I'd never go Coach on anything but short Commuter trips. It's risky and uncomfortable. Overnight or longer for me demands a sleeper with a private toilet and shower.

Those nerds gummy clusters are insanely good!!! Just thought I'd share my opinion on that. Thank you for all your advice.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Allie you forgot to mention what is in the checked luggage the blue suitcase.

Was about to ask where did you get the.......oh yeah website

Thank you so much you are very helpful! 🥰

Thanks for sharing some good information.

I am an advocate for packing lightly, a small carry on or backpack of less than 25 pounds. There is no need to pack your closet. No more than two of any clothing in your bag plus what you are wearing. Use a sink at a hotel to do your wash and hang it over a line in a bathroom if a laundry isn't available. Keep in mind you are traveling without working up a sweat, your clothes should NOT get very dirty. Frankly I end up many times just washing my undies...

So the bag you could care less about.. Holds the most essential and vital necessities that would sustain you on your long haul.. Am i getting this right 😅

You can find wet ones in individual packages at Walmart.