I spent 53 hours on an Amtrak train. Here's what I'm glad I packed, wish I'd brought, and should have left at home.
A traveler recounts their 53-hour experience on Amtrak's California Zephyr, detailing the items they found useful and those they regretted packing. The piece serves as a guide for long-distance train travel, emphasizing the importance of comfort and preparation for multi-day journeys.
Why it matters
Provides practical advice for travelers navigating long-distance public transportation, which is gaining renewed interest as a travel alternative.
The author rode the California Zephyr, the longest train ride in the US, and made some packing mistakes. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I took Amtrak's longest train, the California Zephyr, from Illinois to California in 53 hours. I've been on several overnight trains, so I knew what to pack to stay comfortable and entertained. There were still some items I longed for, and others I regretted bringing. I didn't even use the biggest thing I packed. And the item I longed for most could have fit in my jacket pocket. I didn't think I'd make packing mistakes on my most recent long-distance Amtrak adventure. As an experienced overnight train traveler, I've had plenty of time to learn exactly what to pack for a night on the rails. But this wasn't just any overnight Amtrak train .
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