I have received great info from you by reading this forum. I have my 4 kids (6,9,11,20), my wife and I going around the country in from June 3 - 16th on Amtrak.
We feel we have most of our ducks in a row...One of my last questions is on coolers... I need tips! Size, what do we put in it? What about ice? We are "coaching from Orlando to D.C.. Coaching from D.C to Chicago... We have 6 reserved coach seats AND a family sleeper from Chicago to LA... On the way back we will do sleepers if and when available from LA back to Orlando.
Heck, I will take any tips... this is the first train venture for all of us.
Again, Thanks to all you pros...
P.S. My kids would love to meet a real-live engineer!
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The last time I brought a cooler on Amtrak I used dry ice and was pleased with the results. I used dry ice because my buddy in Chicago wanted me to bring him 15 pounds of frozen green chili from Albuquerque. I stuffed what little space that remained in the cooler with lots of sandwiches and drinks. I was told that the sandwiches would freeze, but they didn't. Maybe I was lucky. But I was very impressed with how little mess the dry ice created.
My best tip, however, is to bring along plenty of "Wet Ones: Antibacterial Moist Towelettes, Travel Pack, Citrus." You can buy them at Walmart. You will be amazed how being clean and refreshed can change one's perspective on life, without having to fuss with a sink.
Also, bring along plenty of cash for the cafe car, even though you may be eating in the dining car. The cafe car does not take credit cards. Speaking of which, you might try their cheese pizza. It only costs $3 and it has no preservatives or chemicals.
Of course, don't forget a blanket. It gets cold at night, earplugs, eye masks and maybe even sleeping pills. Traveling by coach can be pretty challenging at times. I have never travelled by sleeper so I don't know what tips I can give you in regards to that.
And don't forget to bring along a good book or two.
Posts: 324 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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If I could make a suggestion...a full size cooler is pretty hard to handle. If you have access to one of those soft collapsible coolers , they are perfect. Even in you have to bring 2. 2 small is better than one large and check all the bags that you will not need until your destination.
Posts: 35 | Registered: Oct 2002
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During my trip I used a large styrofoam cooler that I bought at a Walmart Superstore for under $4. It was larger than most 6-pack styrofoam coolers and had a sturdy plastic handle.
The cooler weighed next to nothing. Best thing about it is that it would not be the end of the world if it got damaged or you had to leave it somewhere. But, oh my, its insulating properties are very impressive.
Posts: 324 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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If you want to keep a cooler near your seat, don't get a big one! There is limited space under the seat in front of you, (Enough for a small carry-on bag or medium sized camera case) and about the same amount in the overhead bin. There is also a luggage rack for larger pieces on the lower level of Superliners.
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I got a good size soft cooler at Walmart, it was like $15(if you go there it's blue and metallic looking, it holds alot of goodies)it worked very well. I wish I had thought of dry ice though! Posts: 139 | Registered: Oct 2002
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It fits nicely underneath or in front of my footrest. Of course this necessitates that one's feet will be in an elevated position for the duration of the trip, but that doesn't bother me. Once all the food is gone, it makes a nice, convenient storage cabinet. And since I gravitate to the window seats, it doesn't get in the way of my companion.
As a veteran coach rider, I create a neat, little nest at my designated seat. When I leave my seat for an extended period, I shove all my stuff deep into my lightweight zippered, fleece sleeping bag liner that I bought at Walmart for $15. (Nobody ever messes with my stuff.)
Posts: 324 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Good hints from everyone. Ice isn't available on the train for coolers, it's tough enough to keep enough on board for the diner, lounge and sleepers. IMO, the lighter you can travel, the better. Storage space is available in the lower level of coaches and sleepers but during the summer, it tends to fill up.
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Just for clarification, I used that Corona cooler to illustrate the styrofoam's compact dimensions, not to imply that I smuggled liquor on board.
In the past I used to bring alcohol, but I don't anymore. I have found the price of the local red wines on board to be so reasonable, and its quality so good, I don't see the point. Also, I was surprised to discover that there are "happy hours" on board (the Southwest Chief, at least) and that can make the purchase of Margaritas and Whiskey Sours that much cheaper.
Last trip I used dry ice to keep my sandwiches and green chilis cool. I used an insulating layer of soft foam to keep the sandwiches from freezing and I was very pleased with the overall results. Dry ice costs about $1/pound and 10 pounds lasted me about 28 hours. It was much less messy than regular ice.
As I get older and approach an "age of reason" in my life, I find that I don't need to get drunk as much as I did when I was young and foolish. I find this to be especially true when I travel by train or cruise ship. It seems that, in my everyday life I will have a drink or two or three, but when I travel, I look this time as a way of examining my life and "drying out" a bit.
Posts: 324 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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I think all suggestions above are good, but I don't see mention of pillows; think Amtrak still furnishes small ones in coach but you might bring a couple along; we traveled with apples, granola bars, raisins, and the square-bottle drinks (Hi-C, apple or cranberry juice) which don't need refrigeration. Snack car food/service was good, but do go into the diner at least once on each train - still nothing like it! AND NOTE, the upper berth in standard rooms HAS ONLY ABOUT 4 INCHES HEAD ROOM - don't raise your head suddenly ! Also it's very hard to enter/exit - I think even unsafe except for a very fit adult or a child who's able to reach it or gets help. No better way to see the USA safely and in comfort! Happy trip ! James E. Bradley Hawk Mountain Chapter Natl. Ry. Historical Society Posts: 57 | From: Allentown, PA, USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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