Here is something a little fun and informative at the same time. To build the ultimate carry on list for Amtrak, list one item that somebody else hasn't already listed that you absolutely cannot live without on a train.
I would have to say a hoodie. Once you board a train your hoodie becomes a multi-purpose survival tool. It can help keep you warm, become a pillow, a seat cushion, block light or sound or just make you look cool. Added bonus is when it is 4am and there is a kid crying in the seat behind you if you pull up the hood and sigh the mom will take the kid out of your coach everytime. Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
A ticket, what else!!!
Posted by JONATHON (Member # 2899) on :
I allways take a toothbrush and Train stuff,(Scanner, Cammera, Region TimeTable,ect)
------------------ JONATHON D. ORTIZ
Posted by JFB (Member # 2520) on :
A few things I've found myself wishing other passengers had brought:
Shoes--and keep them on unless you're sure your feet don't smell.
A willingness to at least attempt to keep your toddler/child under control.
Headphones that only you--not the entire car--can hear.
Restraint with the cell phone.
All these and much more are easily packed in a small, convenient bag called manners.
Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :
no clothes johnathan?
------------------ --Anton L. pillsbury09@excite.com AIM: pillsburyMN
Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :
Consideration of other passengers. That goes for sleeping college students taking up two seats, parents of little kids, and anyone else who acts obnoxious
MP
Posted by boyishcolt (Member # 3001) on :
reading a time table before you ask a question that you can answer yourself "meals ready to eat" are good to bring in case you get standed on a break down or just for a change from the diner, ear plugs,duct tape,wet one's to clean your face when there is not water and small can of air freshener for some that that stink and smell up the observation car
Posted by JONATHON (Member # 2899) on :
I'd say shoes and clothes are automatic
------------------ JONATHON D. ORTIZ
Posted by DeeCT (Member # 3241) on :
A sense of Adventure seasoned liberally with a sense of Humor ---- and packed in your carry on bag a reserve of Patience !!!
Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :
lol, same with toothebrush
------------------ --Anton L. pillsbury09@excite.com AIM: pillsburyMN
Posted by boyishcolt (Member # 3001) on :
LOL Anton
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
A map of the route the train is operating over!
It can be from an old Official Railway Guide or from the Handy Railroad Atlas of the United States (a small but helpful Rand McNally publication) that I picked up in a regular bookstore 20 years ago.
Of course I rarely travel with the originals now.....I xerox the specific routes I'll be on ahead of time.
------------------ David Pressley
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
I think Jonathon has a good deal of common sense in this matter.
I was going to suggest toothbrush, but that has been taken, by the aforementioned fellow.
OK, the rules say I can only list one thing that hasn't been mentioned by somebody else (though that rule has already been broken, I will still abide by them).
And my answer is: A change of underwear.
------------------ Sing to the tune of Humoresque: Passengers will please refrain, From flushing toilets while the train, Is standing in the station, I love you.
2) Duct tape. (The cure for shrunken sleeping car curtains, assorted rattles, and squeaks)
3) Battery powered fan. (My fan uses four "D" cells. Very powerful. Essential for stuffy sleeping cars in summer)
4) Small, medium-weight plastic carrying bag. (The kind you get when making a purchase at a hardware or liquor store. It's not classy, but it keeps potentially leaky "grooming essentials" separate in your suitcase. Hangs on the hook inside Amtrak restrooms or shower compartments for easy access, too)
5) Sweatshirt. (Essential for overnight coach travel, even during the summer)
6) Cell phone. (For calling ahead to friends or hotels when my train is running late)
7) 99 cent shower flip-flops. (For trips to the shower and the restroom. No need to put on and tie your shoes!)
8) The famously spooky, 1949 black-and-white photograph of two New York Central passenger trains meeting, at midnight, at Buffalo Central Terminal. (When traveling by sleeper, I always hang it in my room for "atmosphere.")
9) My finely-honed, survival-of-the-fittest ability to "move fast" when boarding Amtrak coaches. (Amtrak seats are not identical. Many align poorly with the windows, others are flatter than a pancake. If you dawdle on the platform, and board behind the rest of the pack, your fellow boardees are likely to have grabbed the more desirable seats, leaving you with whatever's left over)
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 05-26-2004).]
Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :
Isn't the point of this post 1 item you need, not like 5-10
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
a philosophical attitude
Posted by joefamily (Member # 892) on :
We used an egg crate foam for a twin sized mattress for overnight in coach. Cut it in half and it fits the coach seat almost perfect. Tylenol pm and a pint of whatever gets you through the night. As far as you folks who don't have kids...go first class and don't bother us in coach.
