Endured a 15-hour railway voyage across the United States, remorseful about these 4 blunders during my trip.
Hopping on an Amtrak Overnight Train: My Regrets and Lessons Learned
In January, I embarked on an 15-hour Amtrak overnight journey from Denver to Salt Lake City. I splurged $400 (~350 euros) for a roomette, a cozy, two-square-meter space featuring two seats and beds. Although I had taken Amtrak before, I made a few blunders that I wish to avoid in the future. Here are a few takes from my adventure.
Four oversights on my 15-hour cross-country escapade
I should've booked an upper-level cabin
Consider the exceptional views from the top-tier cabins while booking your ticket. Lower-level rooms are functional, but the higher-up cabins offer breathtaking, panoramic vistas, particularly on iconic routes like the California Zephyr as it cuts through the Rockies.
Bring some nibbles for in-between meals
Though meals are included in the roomette ticket price, packing some quick, non-perishable snacks (like nuts or granola bars) can be handy during off-peak dining hours. Remember, the dining car operates based on demand, and your stomach won't want to wait sometimes.
Timing is crucial when visiting the dining car
Listen carefully for meal announcements and make a prompt appearance. Roomette diners get priority reservations, but popular dining slots fill up quickly. If possible, schedule your breakfast around sunrise to catch some stunning sights from the dining car on Superliner trains.
Utilize every rest area along the way
– Observation cars on upper decks offer wagonloads of communal seating with wall-to-wall windows, making them great spots for capturing picturesque landscapes during the day.– When stops are made at stations, stretch your legs if you're allowed to; short breaks (5-15 minutes) can do wonders for your travel fatigue.– Major stations often provide lounges and showers for connecting passengers; these amenities can be a game-changer, especially when making long-distance trips.
Optimize your sleeping arrangements
Roomettes feature fold-down beds with linens. The gentle rocking motion can lull you to sleep, but train horns might disturb light sleepers. Keep a pair of earplugs handy, just in case. Attendants usually convert the seats to beds while you dine, so you don't have to fiddle with the setup yourself.
- What about booking an upper-level cabin for a better view, particularly on iconic routes like the California Zephyr as it cuts through the Rockies?
- It might be beneficial to pack some quick, non-perishable snacks for in-between meals during off-peak dining hours.
- Timing is crucial when visiting the dining car; listen carefully for meal announcements and make a prompt appearance to secure a good slot, especially around sunrise for the stunning sights from the dining car on Superliner trains.
- Utilize every rest area along the way, such as observation cars on upper decks for capturing picturesque landscapes, taking short breaks at stations, and using major station lounges and showers for connecting passengers as they make long-distance trips. Also, consider optimizing your sleeping arrangements with earplugs to block out train horns.
