Jeff Mills Coastal Vacations Club Blog

Even if it’s the first time for you and your family to take a US train trip, packing the right essentials is simpler than you think.The best way to determine what you should bring with you is to consider the type of train tour you’ll take.

There are mainly two kinds of train journeys: excursion trains and long-distance trains. Excursion train trips are short scenic rides using vintage steam trains. They’re perfect for entertaining kids because they run exactly the way kids expect them to. The wheels of the train make rumbling noise as it rolls down the track, whistles are still used for sounding an alert, and steam clouds still puff out into the air.

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Road and the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are just a few examples of excursion train trips. Amtrak is the sole operator of all long-distance trains in the country. The names of its routes are quite inventive, ranging from California Zephyr to Coast Starlight to Southwest Chief. The train you’re boarding could have dining cars, double-deckers, and sightseeing lounges.

For those used on shorter trips, the trains may only have a single but well-stocked snack bar to offer.

What to Bring

Carry On Bag-Don’t jam everything in one bag if you’re going on a long-distance train trip. Gather your essentials and put them all in a hand-carry bag. Although the best trains offer a considerable range of amenities for the comfort of their guests, none of it will compare to having your own supply of travel necessities.

Toiletries-There’s no knowing when you’ll have a sudden need for soap, tissue sheet, alcohol, toothbrush, or even a pair of toothpicks.

First Aid Kit- A basic first aid kit won’t do. Consider your destination and make the necessary additions. If your train tour includes a stop at a desert, you should be prepared for heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and poisonous bites from desert-dwelling creatures.

Binoculars-Train trips going through the woods and passing by fjords, lakes, and other natural landscapes could pose a visual challenge if you’ve got poor eyesight or you wish for a better view. The best way to remedy this is by bringing your own pair of binoculars. With it, you won’t even need to go to the sightseeing lounge to appreciate the beauty outside your windows.

Entertainmen-tAny self-respecting train tour is sure to offer a wide variety of activities for the enjoyment of their kids, but it’s still better if you have your own ready supply of entertainment to keep your children settled in their seats. Your hand-carry bag should include toys, books, portable game consoles, and other travel-friendly sources of entertainment.

Extra Batteries-Keep everything running with extra batteries. You never know when your mobile phone, laptop, camera, or even your child’s favorite electronic toy or gadget will threaten to lose power.

Items for Sleep and Food-Save yourself time, money, and grief by bringing your own set of pillows and blankets as well as a good amount of food and drinks. Kids are always high on energy, but this also means they have a constant need for replenishment.

To ensure that you don’t forget anything, make a checklist and remember to double and triple check your luggage using the list. Pack lightly as you can; traveling can be tedious when you’re carrying too much baggage.

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Filed under: Family Vacation, Jeff Mills, Train Tickets, Train Travel