how to prepare for a train ride

You'll also find that it takes a bit to find your balance due to the lurching of the cars as you're walking through them. Enjoy scenic vistas from the train en route to Americas greatest national treasures. More: Preparing for a Hilly Century Include Intensity Every week, include an intensity ride during the week to build power. I swear by it its so much better than a neck support pillow while still being compact and lightweight. And like I mentioned earlier, sharing a hotspot is a surefire way to make new travel buddies its probably even better than sharing a bottle of wine. But still, there is the option of the Empire Service's catering if you're riding that train, but catering varies on that. Your private stock can only be enjoyed from the comfort of your Sleeping Car accommodations. Can you imagine spending more than 36 hours onboard a train without having planned ahead? Traveling East? Make Yourself a Pre-Departure Checklist Probably one of the most stressful aspects of traveling is getting ready for the trip. Mountain climber Make sure your camera is easily accessible so you dont miss out on any photo opportunities. But the reward of experiencing slow travel on a train journey is well worth a few mishaps (which can make for great stories later). "Looking out further across the horizon as opposed to at closer items passing by can help one adjust to the feeling of movement and the rocking of the train car," Butler advises, adding that using the onboard restroom while the train is at a stop may also help. "Make sure cell phone batteries are at full charge or bring a power pack you don't want to run out of battery and miss a photo opportunity," Alaska Railroad's marketing communications manager Meghan Clemens says. It will help you keep your pack under control and maybe make you less of a target for pick-pockets. "Bringing non-perishables or instant food that only requires hot water is always a good call," she says. One of my worst overnight train trips was from Bangkok to Butterworth in the third-class open-bunk carriage. Biodegradable wet wipes are great for cleaning down train tables, cleansing sticky fingers, and for using in the place of toilet paper when none is provided (not unusual on a train). Add an ID tag to all your bags. Some of my favourite rail journeys of all time are in the Caucasus, particularly the overnight trains between Tbilisi and Yerevan (Armenia) and Tbilisi and Baku (Azerbaijan). Read on! Another travel gadget I couldnt live without is my Kindle. She adds that cleanliness is also expected: "You can eat and drink alcohol on the train, but be sure to take the garbage with you and put it in the trash box inside the station it's [good] manners not to leave trash in the car.". It is always worth making sure that you check your shoe cleats are properly . For older kids, you could bring along travel games or books such as word search and Sudoku. For example, if you can only maintain your lactate threshold for 15 minutes, then make a note to prepare your ride accordingly. This roll-up travel pillow has been by my side since 2013 (dont worry, its machine-washable and I clean it regularly). On long-distance journeys, the most comfortable way to travel is by reserving a Roomette or Bedroom onboard the train. "It's important to anticipate stairs at the train station or [for] navigating through a few train cars once on board," she says. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. For the Base Phase, we recommend Sweet Spot Base for most cyclists, unless you have a lot of time to train. 1. One of the best things about traveling by train is that the luggage restrictions are typically less onerous than those of the airlines. I was quite sure my train should have been here by now, when a local came up to me and asked, "Warsaw?" So, three pants is good: one comfy, two for daytime (just in case you spill something on one pair) 3. Besides, who wants to have to worry about squeezing their stuff into train luggage racks. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. By 6 weeks before, ride the ADD at least three times a week, with two rides on consecutive days. Keep your weight on your heels to stop yourself losing balance and falling forward. "Take note of your scheduled arrival time and the names of the last stations before your stop, so you'll be prepared to exit the train when it arrives at your destination." "Feel free to get up and walk around to the various cars and stretch your legs," Clemens says. Pack an inflatable seat cushion to take pressure off your spine on long train rides, or a lumbar support pillow to prevent lower back pain after prolonged sitting. Can you imagine spending more than 36 hours onboard a train without having planned ahead? Per the New York Times: "Ms. Rush's ancestors on the Titanic are perhaps best known for their tragic love story. Train by Time Train by time rather than miles because how far you ride in X hours will depend on how hilly the course is, whether it's windy, if you are riding with a good group and other factors. The cheapest tickets tend to be midweek Tuesdays and Wednesdays." Options include a fleece blanket, pillow, eye mask, earplugs, and slippers for those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. "There may be dedicated cell phone talking areas, so don't be too loud, and don't let children run in the car." Make sure your endurance rides are REALLY endurance rides. That's normal, but one way to compensate for limited training time is to build back-to-back training blocks. When it comes to books that are ideal for reading on trains, Amazing Train Journeys and Monisha Rajeshs Around the World in 80 Trains are both apropos. You also wouldn't want to get left behind in the middle of nowhere. At a minimum, we'd recommend a set of Lycra cycling shorts. If you can do 100 miles, you can do 300. 3. Youre not going to get very far without the correct travel documents. Safe travels, Aimee! Grab your rail pass or paper tickets, if issued. Choose a Cross Country Route A variety of cross-country train trips are available, taking passengers to over 500 destinations all around the United States. 1 BTW, if you're only a few weeks from this ride you're probably overthinking it. All rights reserved. It's something you need to do for yourself to truly appreciate. Learn more about me here. Most trains are fitted with reading lights but theres no guarantee they will be working. Stretch out and relax with your very own bedroom during your Amtrak train trip! This restful atmosphere is the perfect place to get away for a while and seating is first-come, first-served. This fitness cycling plan is for riders looking to build up their stamina for a long-distance sportive or just for bigger weekend rides of five hours or more. Before the five-person crew of a missing submersible vessel began to descend to the ocean floor, they first had to be locked inside by a support crew who sealed it shut . Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Cond Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Where do I start when preparing for a long bike ride? Train Tickets- Make sure you have your eTicket on your electronic device or your printed paper ticket. Even if your bike is new, you should check whether your tires are pumped, your brakes are engaging, your chain is lubed, your quick-release is down and locked, and nothing is . How to Amtrak Amtrak 101 Tips I suffer from migraines that are often triggered by sleeping in a bad position, so I always travel with my own pillow. Enjoy! See inside for more Internationally, some services will give you a specific seat in a specific car arrive early to see where the car numbers are located. Consider bringing along some low-tech forms of entertainment, too, like travel games or even a simple pack of cards. Other Travel Essentials- What are your travel must-haves? Even if your train has a dining cart and youre able to eat a hot meal, I still recommend bringing plenty of healthy things to nibble on throughout the journey. Did you know approximately 63 percent of travelers have never traveled by Amtrak before? In the Caucasus, its a great idea to bring a few pre-sliced churchkhela. Maximise your training time One of the best ways to maximise your training time is to take your training indoors. TrainerRoad's Century Training Plan can get you ready for your 100-mile ride in a little as 3-4 hours per week. "Trains in Japan are basically very quiet and almost no voice is heard," Tobu Railway's officer says. Remember: You can get assistance from Amtrak's Red Cap service at select stations for a helping hand. Make sure you are prepared for changeable conditions, including everything from a lightweight jacket, sunscreen, wrap-around shades, and even overshoes should you expect particularly wet conditions. This list of 25 train essentials includes all the things I pack for a comfortable and safe train journey. The good news is that you dont have to try to fit a weeks worth of clothes into a bag the size of your kids school backpack in order to avoid fees. Conclusion. 'Freya Stark", Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. Wake up early and try not to stay up too late. Storage options may also vary by area. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. "December is generally a fairly big volume-building month, as is January," says Ben Day, Mitchelton-Scott Cycling . After a long day or night on a train, freshening up a little can help you feel cleaner and less rumpled. Fortunately, the airlines 3-1-1 rules for liquids and gels dont apply on trains, so you can bring items like yogurt or veggies with hummus, stored in a small travel cooler. Choose a minimalist backpack. Classic and well known routes across America. Books, audiobooks, a tablet, board games or deck of cards, noise-canceling headphones and good music playlists, a journal, binoculars, and a camera to capture the passing landscapes are all great choices. But it's still essential to pack smart. Travel Smarter! We have useful tips and information for travelers like you to make your first rail journey as enjoyable as it could be. Its nice to have something to give back in return. The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. And always lock the bathroom door when you're using it. Therefore, it's better to keep your luggage as compact as possible. Take your. Give your face a quick wipe-down with a water-free cleansing cloth, get the sour taste out of your mouth with a spray of Listerine Pocketmist, and kill off any germs you picked up from your armrests with a squirt of antibacterial hand gel. Use 'progressive overload'. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Copyright 2015-2023 Emily Margaret Naughton Lush. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Limit your carry-on baggage to two pieces per passenger. I plan on buying the sling bag you suggested. Create the perfect train vacation designed exclusively for you, by you! wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. ), I upgraded to the 25oz volume, which I actually prefer. Stage 1: Base Training Miles Start training at least 12 weeks before your planned departure date. Kids complain a lot when they are hungry, so pack a lot of fruits and other snacks. 2 Pack a small bag. On some trains in the Caucasus and in Vietnam, the only outlets are communal ones located in the corridors. Im curious what are your train essentials, the things you cant go without on a long journey? Do you want to buy a meal or something to snack on on the way? Consider a tote bag or day pack for this purpose. Ive been in a train on a ferry to cross from mainland Italy to Sicily, and I was there for the grand re-opening of Cambodias Royal Railways from Phnom Penh to Kampot. If youre travelling in winter, youre obviously going to need to take proper gear on the train. One of the best things about travelling by train is of course the scenery. Some of them are even first-time riders just like you! Combine the best of land and sea with these vacations exploring the breath-taking beauty of Alaska. However, you must bring it in your carry-on and be capable of administering the medication yourself. It is a common . Get Comfortable- Whether traveling in Coach or your own Private Sleeping Car accommodations, comfort is key. This was very helpful. "On European railroads, there is a large luggage storage area, but this is not always the case on Japanese railroads," Tobu Railway's inbound strategy officer explains. "Station stops aren't always announced or may be in a foreign language," Koszler says. Dont forget to check out my travel resources page for a list of websites and services I use to book train tickets around the world. Frequently Asked Questions. This 20-inch carry-on weighs just five pounds and is easy to lift onto luggage racks and maneuver down narrow train aisles. Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. You can eat/drink these at your seat, in your private Sleeping Car accommodations, and the Sightseer Lounges. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. Here are my favourite minimalist backpacks and day packs. Hey !! Prepare your bike. "Face masks can be removed when customers are in their private rooms it's the perfect option for customers seeking privacy and space on a short trip and added comfort and amenities when traveling overnight. This is especially important if you have special dietary needs or restrictions. I use mine on trains, buses, and as my regular sleeping pillow. The bad news is that you still have to lug your stuff through the train station and sometimes (depending on the train) heave it into an overhead luggage rackso it still behooves you to pack relatively light. Its big enough to hold my passport, my phone, my wallet, and one of my external hard drives i.e. Learn more from our most commonly asked questions from travelers. In the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, trains all have central heating. For those who are prone to motion sickness, staying seated may be best. While you don't have to arrive as early as you do for a flight, still give yourself a buffer. Tasty, healthy options that dont require refrigeration include nuts, granola bars, fruit, and trail mix. Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items. If budget and availability allow, upgrading your seat is perhaps the most important thing you can do to make a long train ride more comfortable. then pants or jeans for the dining, caf or observation car. Try to get in a good 60-90 minute ride every 2-3 days. Bringing on your own water is highly recommended. I only wish I had thought to pack an eye mask (duh). When youre packing for the train, be sure to keep the things youre going to need in the top of your bag or in your day pack. Pre-Departure Checklist Review this handy guide and make your trip as trouble-free as possible Baggage Policy & Service It can also come in handy for making your way around the train in the dark. Part of the appeal of traveling by train is watching a variety of landscapes slip by outside your window, but once darkness fallsor if you simply need a napyou might want to block out your surroundings for a while. If you possess a baseline level of fitness you can run more than a mile without stopping, or you can ride your bike 10 miles without pain then training can happen during the first weeks of your tour. Be sure that the horse respects you and that you have achieved complete "join up.". Phone calls are not allowed and all portable devices must be muted or used with headphones to avoid disturbing others. This article has been viewed 12,385 times. During these rides, practice pacing to finish as (or almost as) strong as you start: keep your heart rate effort at about 70 percent of your max (or maintain a pace where you can carry on a. Lets face it: A standard train seat may be comfortable for some, but it wont suit passengers of every size and height. One of the quickest ways to make friends on a long train journey (aside from #21, which well get to soon) is by bringing a few food items you can easily share around. Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. "The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting. Long train journeys are one of the rare times I can settle down with a book and not feel guilty that I should be working. Training for a long-distance bike ride need . last updated March 10, 2023. Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Train cars usually offer more leg and elbow room than airplane cabins, there are no seatbelt signs to keep you from getting up and moving around, and the slower pace of travel makes time zone changes less taxing. And yet, being stuck in a seat for hours on end means long train rides can still be tough on the body and mind. Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. Im traveling alone with my three kids 13-9yrs on the auto train. And if you tend to doze off, setting an alarm 10 to 15 minutes before your stop will give you time to fully wake and be ready to disembark. In general, Amtrak's seats are first-come, first-served, with the business car in the front and a designated quiet car (think: library-level conversation only), which usually has signs hanging overhead. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Follow my adventures through the Caucasus, the Balkans, Southeast Asia and beyond as I inspire you to fill your own travels with colour, culture and creativity. You'll also have a dedicated Sleeping Car Attendant (remember to tip them). For example, Amtrak allows two 50-pound carry-ons but also offers checked bags, while Eurostar allows two large luggage cases and a smaller carry-on. Probably one of the most stressful aspects of traveling is getting ready for the trip. For many first-time Amtrak travelers, the journey completely changed their perspective on what it's like to vacation by train. Maintain a cadence of 70 to 90 revolutions per minute 2 . 10. Don't worry too much about distance; go more for time. Its just not practical to carry all your luggage all the time, so I recommend investing in some good-quality luggage locks to keep your gear safe. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Not all trains have WIFI, either especially older locomotives. For example, if you're taking the California Zephyr from Chicago to Denver, your train may have to stop right before the Moffat Tunnel to allow a freight train to pass. Just remember to bring a bag to put them in when youre ready to pack up you dont want those tainted soles touching the rest of your luggage, trust me. I nodded. The best place to meet people or make new friends is in the Lounge or Dining Car. For a snack, try something that either won't make much sound or produce many crumbs when you are eating it. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. MOORPARK, Calif. (AP) An Amtrak train carrying 190 passengers derailed Wednesday after striking a truck on tracks in Southern California, and only minor injuries were reported, authorities . Fantastic, Im glad it was helpful! Dont just assume that your train seat or berth is going to have easy access to power. There was also the time I tumbled to the ground while getting off in Puno, Peru (clearly my motion sickness didn't gel with the elevation), and the time I was given a child's ticket for the Taiwan High Speed Rail when I was well into my 30s (well, I was asking my dad annoying questions in my elementary Mandarin). Stand tall with feet apart, chest out and stomach in. Tickets Charge your electronic devices and get them ready to show your eTicket to the conductor or station personnel. 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