My #1 hack for sleeping overnight on coach is I play white noise on my phone & have it going into my earbuds. Takes care of any ambient noise. I also thinks it helps a LOT in coach if you're traveling with someone else. My teenage daughter and I take a long haul train journey every summer and at night we just curl up in those great big seats. She's a fantastic cuddler, and I'm SO lucky that my teenager still wants to hang out with her mom!
It has been a while since I last traveled by Amtrak, from TX to RI, to attend my grandson's wedding, in 2014, in December. I wish I had seen a video like this one, before my trip. God bless you for your terrific information and video. Wow. I wish I had seen this, before I went.
I always wrap my shoes/slippers etc..in small plastic shopping bag to have a barrier between the bottom of the shoes and anything else in my bag. The shopping bag adds no weight and keeps most bacteria contained. Love your videos ❤
That’s what I was coming here to say. I actually have bought shoe bags over the years (and they are washable) but the plastic store bags work well too especially for flip flops used in the shower. Great info Allie.
❤😊Dollar Tree disposable shower caps are good to keep your shoes or slippers covered, as well. You get a lot for $1.25. I always wear slip-on sneakers or shoes for my long-haul train trips. I always bring a long extension cord to share with the person sitting next to me. I almost always lucky to get a window seat; providing the extension cord prevents someone having to reach over me to charge their items.
Yes, cooking in the sleeper cars is a fire hazard, but I understand their reasoning. My grandmother brought a percolator coffee pot on a roadtrip with us once. Just when I thought she brought it for making coffee, she boiled wieners for making us hot dogs in the hotel room. The hotel room could handle the extra power usage better than a train car. 😊
Great suggestions!! To be clear, Amtrak does not provide towels, washcloths, shampoo, & bath soap for coach passengers. I always pack a cheap pair of rubber slippers or shower shoes & store them in a ziplock bag after drying. I don't think their showers are cleaned regularly & don't know who I'm coming behind.
Showers are only for sleeper car passengers. Coach passengers are not allowed to use them. But definitely you do need to wear slippers or shoes in the bathrooms.
Loops!!!!! My favorite thing from all of your videos. They weren't expensive at all and they are so comfortable when sleeping. I recommended them to the train attendants on my trip last month. You can barely hear anything, so in case of an emergency you would be able to hear, but I never heard people banging the bathroom doors during the night (I was in roomette #2).
@carolarabian9049 Soft earplugs that have a round loop that is easy to grab to put in or pull out of the ear. They come with several sizes to give everyone a good fit. Tiny carrying case so perfect for travel. Soft enough to wear as a side sleeper and blocks out a ton of noise. Trains can be noisy so things makes sleeping on trains so much nicer. The name brand is "LOOP".
Absolutely love your videos! I started going cross country via Amtrak in the late 80's, its always been a great experience. Personally I've learned wearing a good pair of jeans is a great idea, they can handle almost anything, sweats or yoga pants at night, and to always have an extra pair in case something spills (learned that last summer, it wasn't pretty, lol). Also, I have a camping blanket from costco that rolls up into a small bag that clips to the side of my backpack, as well as a mini umbrella I slid into the side picket of the backpack.
Thank you! My mom and I will be traveling extensively week. Luckily, I have several of the items you showed. I need to order ginger chews for my mom because she experiences motion sickness. Love your channels. ❤
24 in Ifly hard shell luggage fits perfect above Amtrak seats. I also have backpack with important entertainment stuff and a good snack bag. Nice info on your ch.
Thank you Allie and Rob, I love these videos. I've ridden Amtrak alone twice in coach but my boyfriend and I would like to spend the night in a bedroom. Your videos are very informational.
My number one travel must, is one ear plug. I find that when I get motion sickness, I just pop one ear plug in. It seems to do something to my equal Librium that combats the nausea. Please give it a try, I'd love to hear your feedback on it.
Great advice. I travel coach often and on the long distance train I have a "toilet bag," with wipes for bathroom surfaces and a roll of toilet paper (which I flatten). Some crews are better than others with keeping bathrooms clean and tidy, but it can be grim. It's easy to pack this in and if you don't need it, great. Plus everyone should take 2 minutes to dry off the sink after they are finished with the provided paper towels, because it always seems to be soaking wet. I haven't but I would on one of the longer trips bring some face wipes and a microfiber towel as towels aren't provided to coach passengers.
I have to thank you so much for the link for the backpack!! I found it on Amazon Canada. I don't need it for travel but I will ABSOLUTELY need it for work!! I work in admin at a University and I schelp a lot of "stuff" back and forth. My current backpack works but I think your backpack will be better. And if I ever get my trip on Via Rail booked I will be set!
Great info Allie. I personally have did a 3 bag system. Although I'm a single traveler. Bag 1: CPAP Machine. Bag 2: Suitcase with clothes for the trip. Bag 3: Backpack for games, laptop, & toiletries. Also I have watched ALL VIDEOS on here. I have enjoyed them. Always looking forward to more. Will yall be making a video about being a member? Have a blessed day/night.
I got a sleeper back in early 2020 because I had a chronic illness and have to use a CPAP but no one said they cut off the electricity repeatedly throughout the night 😳. how do you deal with that. I'm planning on traveling again by Amtrak across the country and I'm not sure what to do other than carry a big power station which is heavy. Thanks 😊
Have a small power adapter which you charge with outlet when power is on, and when power is off plug your cap machine into the power adapter which will give you power for a few hours. It happens remotely when no power it is usually when the cars have to be switched or added on or being removed. Otherwise you will have power most of the time.
@@KimtheElder There's 2 factors I see. 1. type of chronic illness. Which I hope you get healed from. 2. The train route. Some will detach & connect to another train. Plus any train that goes south of Washington D.C., will lose power due to the changing of locomotives from electric to diesel, or vice-versa.
On my multi-train trip in 2022, I used both a carry-on soft duffel bag (similar to yours, but not foldable) and a larger hardside wheeled rollaboard that I usually checked. I only put in the duffel what I would need for that train, and when I got to the hotel between trains I would switch things between the two bags for the next train. I found that noise-cancelling wireless headphones were a must in coach, and I also used them in roomettes when seated. Obviously I couldn't use them in bed so I need to get some noise-cancelling earbuds for the next trip. Both Bose and Sony make suitable headphones but I chose Bose and love them. Aside from cancelling noise, I can use them to listen to the music playlists on my iPhone.
I am kind of claustrophobic and the idea of windows that don't open bothers me. But I bought a little battery operated portable fan from "tech candy" and had this near me at night so I felt as though I was getting "fresh air". It helped a LOT. (It would have also been good if the room had been hot).
I bought Grand Trunk hanging toiletry bag (large size) for upcoming trip. It has mirror, LED light and detachable pouch. I will let you know how it works out.
Great information. May I add some of my travel tips? I wear regular Crocs on trips. I can wear socks and kick them off when going through TSA. I can use them as shower shoes in hotels. Dry them off and you can use them as bedroom shoes and regular footwear. I find them to be very versatile. I use the single use Purell packets. They are convenient to stuff in a pants or coat pocket instead of the travel size bottles. Use the packet once and throw them away. I know it is as not as environmentally sound as as refillable bottles but the convenience cannot be beat. Lastly, I buy travel size toiletries, and other items in bulk when I see them on sale. Surprisingly, Staples is always having BOGO sales on such items that are sometimes cheaper than Amazon or Walmart. Even if you don't travel a lot, those items are great to keep in your car, office or workplace, to put in student's bookbags or packpacks, for guest rooms, or just around the house for convenience.
We have the same travel adapter. We bought it when we were heading to China. You are right it is an amazing product. We have used in China and Great Britain as well as cruise ships.
I am going to go to Los Angeles for the first time in July during the week of the 15th and I will be riding Amtrak for the first time as well but as far as certain items that you mentioned I won’t be using those items on the train I’m taking certain items for my hotel room so that way I can save money while enjoying my vacation in Los Angeles. I will be on the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief for my departure route to Los Angeles and then for my return trip back home I will be on the Pacific Surfliner with a connecting bus to Emeryville to get on the California Zephyr to return to my hometown of Mount Pleasant and if you see me please feel free to come and say hi by the way I’m going to be traveling in coach both ways. Thanks for the great videos with Amtrak I really appreciate and enjoy them. I will not be taking any thing that I originally planned to take with me but I will be taking a few beach towels and a few other things for the beach.
I use a 13 gallon trash can liner to contain used clothes. Works great to separate them from clean items if I live out of my luggage, and great for taking to a laundromat during longer trips.
RU-vid recommended me your video and I am so thankful, really great stuff. btw I was wondering do you need an editor for editing your videos. turning into highly engaging.
Hi, I'm sure you know about these but what are your thoughts on that little travel; package that Amtrak sells as a travel kit.. It includes ear plugs a small blanket, an inflatable pillow etc. This little kit costs about 10 - 12 dollars. Any thoughts?
Thank You for this video my husband and I along with friends are going from NYc to Los Angeles in September Do you recommend any neck pillows and this list helped us we put our order in right away
I'm assuming that an immersion heater would be on the "no list"? If so, is there likely to be access to hot water (hotter than tap) for tea? Thanks for your informative videos! As a kid, I regularly road the train between Indianapolis and Chicago to visit family. Wonderful memories!
If you have a C-pap or bi-pap machine, and ar riding in coach, do you pack that in your big hard side suitcase?
6 месяцев назад
If you have room, put them in the overnight duffel. (They can start in the big suitcase and come out.) If you don't, bring them in their own bag; a bag that contains essential medical gear does not count against your baggage allowance. That matters most on trains with no checked baggage service, because the two bags you can carry on are all you get.
I saw a RU-vidr who brought a collapsible silicone kettle on coach... it seemed like such a good idea. I understand the potential hazard of leaving one plugged in in a sleeper car, but what about coach? (or even an immersion heater?)
I used a collapsible silicone kettle on coach, and kept it and the freeze dried backpacking meal packet on the floor. I was not going to risk spilling it on my lap. And immediately unplugged after use. I have food allergies that Amtrak does not accommodate.
Thank you for saying this. I’ve seen videos and read about people using a collapsible kettle on coach and even in the observation car at the tables. I was planning on bringing a very small one to heat up water for instant coffee and cup noodles. I’ll bring one and see how it goes, using it cautiously and discreetly. 😅 The kettle shown in this video is really big and I can see why that would be a problem, but what probably really got these people in trouble was bringing a wok (What??) 😂
I'm planning a very long Amtrak trip in a few months and also saw another video with a person using a small collapsible silicone kettle in coach and immediately added that to my mental packing list. But wanted to try it in real life to see if it would really work. So I did a very short 3 hr trip to try it out. I was also trying out using a backpack and a small suitcase, etc.--to see how much to pack for a long journey. I'm older and didn't think I'd want to lug a backpack around, but it turned out I was able to do it better than I would have thought. I was in coach both ways; on the outbound leg, I had both seats to myself, but during the inbound leg, I had an aisle seat and had a stranger seated next to me by the elec plug. Outbound leg, no problem, could use both tray tops to spread out and make hot tea and eat a pop tart. Inbound, only one tray table and cramped space for the kettle, the travel mug (make sure it's spill-proof!), paper towels, spoon, teabag, sweetener, snack... Plus pulling everything out of the backpack that's sitting on the floor. Not ideal, especially with tray table lowered. I had an extension cord, asked the person sitting next to me if I could reach over her to plug it in (she was very accommodating). Filled the kettle with bottled water; after it got to boiling temp, turned it off and immediately unplugged everything. Filled travel mug with boiling water...never occurred to me how dangerous that could be if it spilled on someone until I had that stranger sitting next to me! Train is very bumpy and everything kind of jumps around on the tray table. Had to keep my hand on the travel mug the entire time. I also discovered that after making the hot drink, it was too hot to drink for a while. Thankfully, I hadn't used up all the liquid that was in the bottled water, so I could pour that into the cup and get it to drinking temperature quickly. And another comment on using the kettle: while it's mostly silicone, it does have a metal heating element/plate and that has to cool before you can pack it away. It gets quite hot and it takes a long time to cool. And it has to sit somewhere while it's cooling. All this being said, I still plan to take the kettle on my long trip, but use it sparingly and judiciously on the train, if at all. But I'll also be in hotels overnight while waiting on the connecting trains for each leg of the journey. The kettle can definitely be used there. And I agree with all the other comments about the wide variety of food and beverages that can be prepared with just hot water. I plan on bringing some of that with me. Happy travels!
@@SparkleMay-r1x Remember, you can use a kettle in the observation car where there might be more room to spread out. FWIW, I'm 75 and have wanted to take a long train trip for years. Unfortunately, I live in the Vegas Valley. I was surprised to discover that passenger trains stopped coming here in the '90s. I've been considering Coast Starlight, California Zephyer, and Southwest Chief, but just getting to LA in time without an overnight there has been a challenge. There are buses, but not a lot of early morning westbound options.
Love your videos, but why would you tell us about the dirty floors, then take the shoes that walked on the dirty floors and put the bottom of the shoes against clothing and other items?
Please help….We are leaving from Roanoke VA which doesn’t have a “station” and we’re going to New York. How do we deal with our luggage? (We are going to be gone for 8 days, even trying to pack light it’s going to be a lot for 2 people)
Hey guys, hope all is well Wanted to say that I really enjoy watching your channel. I'm planning on doing a trip from NYC to Dallas if it exist. I was kinda confused with the schedule on the Amtrak site which seems kind of confusing...What is the best way to schedule my trip...? Thanx for your travelling information it is appreciated. 😊
Do they provide towels, pillows, blankets for coach?
6 месяцев назад
Long distance trains have them in theory but they often don't have enough to go around. Regional trains, even the overnight Northeast Regional train, don't provide them at all. So bring them along for coach trips. If you're taking a winter trip, your heavy coat may be able to double as a blanket.
no alcohol consumption on the train except in your room. And, I hope, no firearms.
6 месяцев назад
Don't bring towels... unless you need them at your destination! If you'll be staying in a hotel or with friends you're good to go, but if you're going to be camping you'll need towels for that. Those will go in the big bag, as you won't need them on the train.
My must have if traveling Coach is gloves and Clorox wipes for the bathrooms. I clean it before my daughter goes in. On the overnight trip, trains bathrooms are not good. It’s a passenger issue not the attendants . Be prepared. Thank you for your wonderful, informative videos! We have our first auto train trip coming up soon.
That seems so insane. I see people do that all the time. Break out cleaning supplies before and spending 10 minutes cleaning up invisible messes. Ignore the fact that if you’re within 10’ of someone sick, you’re getting sick. Do you all wear respirators or anything to block those germs?
For coach, add a light blanket and small pillow. I included a pair of sweat pants to change into at night- more comfortable than trying to sleep in regular pants, yet I wasn’t running around the train in pajamas. I also liked to have a water bottle and small little squirt bottle of flavoring so I didn’t have to rely on plain water but wasn’t always paying for and drinking soda.
Thank you for these videos Ali and Rob. I plan on going to Flagstaff via NY and it's great getting this awesome information! I even got to peek at what the roomette would be like.
Great ideas, but I use cheap disposable shower caps for my shoes when packing. You're placing nasty stuff you've walked in into your bags by placing uncovered shoes in them.
Allie I call it my mommy hearing😅😅. On a girl's trip I was sleeping in(I had 3 under 5 at home,wonder why I was sleeping??)out of frustration my sister, said, Mom,and I was rudely awaken. We hear it all.
i just wanted to say im new to the amtrak travel ways and i will be taking my first trip on the train this upcoming month and i am so excited and thankful for the information you give!! always so helpful ❤ safe travels
We brought the travel adapter for our recent sleeper car trip. The fit into the train outlet was a little loose, and as the train rocked it would work its way out and fall on my head as I slept in the lower bunk. We used a couple of band-aids to help it stay in place.
I have a quick question for you. When you talk about what not to bring, and you reference someone who brought a kettle and a wok with them to cook up special meals for their dietary needs (which seems over the top!). You mention that the sleeper car attendant said they could heat things up for them - I was under the impression that they weren't allowed to do that. Has that policy changed or was the attendant being extra accommodating in that particular instance. I would need to know in advance before deciding to bring anything with me to be heated up, since not all Amtrak meal menus accommodate someone who has to eat gluten free. Thanks!
I have so many questions. This is super helpful but I think I am missing something. 1. If each of you has a suitcase and each of you has a backpack and you are sharing the duffel bag for your "extras and toiletries". Where do those "extras and toiletries" go when you disembark to connect to the next train? It didn't look like there was any room in your suit case for those. 2. Based on your experience: would a laptop, the personal documents/small purse, a change of clothes, toiletries, my shawl, a portable charging station and a laptop cord fit in that backpack? I like the look and style of yours and want to get it...but just wonder if it is spacious enough.
She went on at length that this what fits in the stowage space. I'd say that like when camping, if it doesn't all fit in your backpack, you need to scale down your stuff.
I packed pj's, a change of clothes, toiletry bag, camera, kindle, adapter, small purse, electronics, water bottle, charger and smartphone all in my backpack with no problems. Fit perfectly in sleeper car and under seat on the airplane.
@@kathyfox5193 I didn't see the "at length" you are referencing. I watched the video a few times. Such great info from the video and I love it. Thank you for your feedback.
Allie has not been able to answer you yet so I figured I’d offer my thoughts. She actually showed her toiletry bag in the large suitcase when she first opened it. We probably can assume that all of the items in the overnight bag go in their backpack or large suitcase when they disembark the train. @annbolandloveslife
Regarding Viewliner luggage racks for coach passengers - Last time I looked, there are two racks with two shelves; each suitable for no more than maybe six (6) suitcases. They are conveniently situated at each end of the single level coaches; next to the toilets. In my opinion however, the actual limiting factor should be determined by the ease with which you can single handedly hoist your own belongings up the steep and narrow boarding steps without endangering yourself or anyone else. If you cannot do that, you probably need to check that bag. Yes, an attendant might be able to assist but they are also likely to be immersed in checking tickets and seat assignments. So please, to avoid back injuries and (more importantly), not to delay the already painfully slow boarding process for everybody else) do check that large suitcase. Only exception should be if you are disembarking at a small intermediate station with no bag claim facility. Thank you
I always travel on Amtrak and always do the bedroom because it makes the time go by nicely and u don’t get so Ancy being in coach for over a day😱😱😱 I wonder where u got that Suitcase at though because i could use something that big instead of having so many suitcases and needing red cap services😁😁😁 I actually just did a round trip from NYC to New Orleans for Mardi Grah in a sleeper and always pleasant experiences💯💯💯 Last time was to Topeka Kansas so had to transfer in Chicago but i always wanted to travel from east to west coast and heard the California Zephyr is the best views so thats on my bucket list💯💯💯 U should let everybody know about the wonderful lounges u get with a sleeper also at some the big stations👍👍👍 U guys are so good at these videos and yes 2 roomettes is better than 1 bedroom👍👍👍 Also if u have a documented disability(Even if minor) can always request the Accessible bedroom and its cheaper than the roomette because of accommodations needed but if nobody requests it than becomes available to anybody within 14 days of travel just is same price as regular bedroom at that point👍👍👍 Maybe one of my vacations i can meet u guys in the Observation Car or dining cars🤔🤔🤔
I watched many of your youtubes before riding the zephyr denver to emeryvill in a roomette then back on coach. You gave me an exxellant background and helped me avoid many pitfalls. Just to update you: the elevator/skywalk to the Hyatt was reasonably clean and quite odor free. Since uber is expensive and i was tired thst was a godsend.
I just finishded my first long distance ride, and watched a lot of your videos to prepare. So helpful! Wanted to comment on your advice to store luggage on the upper bunk - my attendant told me I needed to take it down. I hink the problem is specifically if traveling alone - the attendant has to change out those sheets if you mess them up, in addition to the ones you slept on.
I am surprised to hear you recommend flip-flops, or any open toe footwear. I thought the open toe footwear was discouraged. The attendants tell you that you must wear footwear outside of your rooms. No open toe footwear because you can pinch your toes walking between cars, like going to the dining car. I can see using Rob’s sandals to visit the community restroom or shower. But sometimes that can mean going up and down the stairs, which puts our toes at risk again.
