While going on long train trips, we must be cautious and prepare for everything as it will come in handy in times of crisis.
A user asked the forum, “What are some good tips for a long train ride?” Here are the top responses.
GET UP AND WALK AROUND FOR A BIT
“Make sure to get up and walk around for a bit every hour.”
GAMES AND GADGETS
“I’d recommend a gaming/music/internet gadget and a neck pillow. Do stand up, walk around, and stretch.”
BE CAREFUL WHEN YOUR MIND STARTS TO WANDER
“If your mind starts to wander, be careful of what or who you happen to be staring at.”
NETFLIX
“Netflix on the phone! I do this for long bus rides all the time!”
SLEEP
“I commuted an hour to school for four years on the train. I would sleep just about every train ride I took. Turn on the music, close your eyes, and wait to wake up at your destination.”
PORTABLE CHARGER
“Get one of those portable chargers that doesn’t need an outlet. Bring your food and a big bottle of water.”
SUDOKU AND MUSIC
“Sudoku. It’s such a great time.
Also, reading. Something easy to read in which you can get lost. I’ve tried reading Sepher Yetzirah on the train but barely read any of it. Portnoy’s Complaint, though, couldn’t put it down.
Music. Have a reasonably varied selection. You don’t want it to be too homogeneous because then you’ll go insane.”
POT BROWNIES
“Pot brownies. Lots of snacks. In France, we used to smoke a lot on long trips, but I doubt you could get away with that here.”
BOOKS
“I’ve found a good book that can make the time go faster than movies.”
PLENTY OF CASH IF YOU PLAN ON HITTING THE BAR CAR
“I took a train from Iowa to California a few years ago, and it was one of the best experiences of my life! Bring lots of music and cash if you plan on hitting the bar car, and get a nice spot on the observation car when you’re going through the mountains. Also, feel free to talk to people! Have fun!
If there is an observation car, I like to sit there at night and talk to people. It is usually pretty quiet, but there is almost always someone interesting to talk to. I also recommend having a good book, snacks, and something else you like to do (i.e., drawing, writing, etc.). Time goes faster than you would think.”
A GOOD PILLOW, BLANKET, AND A BOOK
“I love long train rides! I took the train from Toronto to Vancouver a couple of years ago, and it was incredible.
Will you have a cabin, bunk, berth, or seat? It will take at least two days, so I highly recommend a good pillow and a blanket or sleeping bag if you only have a seat. It will make your journey much more pleasant.
A book or two is prominent. You can also bring cards or a small board game to pass the time with other humans. Suppose that’s what you’re into.
Remember that you are traveling so that you’ll get to see about half(or a little better than) of your country(assuming you are American) uniquely. You’ll be passing through areas you couldn’t see any other way.
There may be a viewing car if you are lucky. Spend a lot of time there. Or look out a window. The scenery will no doubt be incredible. You’ll see a fantastic amount of wildlife.
Take pictures, lots of them. You’d be astonished if you could get there by a moving train. If you have a camera that is not also a phone, please bring that. Otherwise, make due and snap twice as many.”
BRING YOUR OWN FOOD
“If meals are not included, food on the train could be expensive (and it could be trash, too). Best bring some, if not all, of your own then. Fresh fruit is excellent; citrus holds up well in a backpack. A couple of small loaves of nice crusty bread well wrapped in plastic should easily stay fresh.”
USE A RESTROOM BEFORE YOU START YOUR JOURNEY
“Use a restroom before you leave, take snacks and something more substantial, and get audiobooks and podcasts.”
MAKE A PLAYLIST TO MATCH YOUR TRAIN RIDE DURATION
“A playlist (music, obviously), but calculate how long the train ride will be and match the time with all your added music. For example, I go on a 9-hour car trip every year, so I make a playlist of my favorite music. It usually repeats two times by the time we get there.”
MOVIES
“Pirate some movies you have wanted to see. Take into account that there may be somebody next to you.”
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This article was originally published on Mrs. Daaku Studio.