Traveling Across the United States
We’re going, going, going on a trip. I’ve experienced all elements from train to plane, taxi, tuk-tuk and elephant. On this trip, lets discuss the iron compass, or to better replace it with something familiar, the railroad. To begin, your trip is mainly based off of how you plan. I should know because recently, we took a trip around the United States on the Amtrak and I was wowed with the scenic views, cultures and hospitality that was given for such a tour of the USA.
The bigger challenge is; how do you travel with a toddler? Well aside from the parents, lets make a gear list. Train travel is much different from the airlines for starters, so you’ll be allowed to have access to things that you thought you would not.
Stuff you should pack
Cash (highly recommend for tipping) or Card
Cooler
Blanket
Traveling crib
Slip on shoes
I rather work in reverse so let’s go in. Yeah, traveling on a train it will hit you differently, for us as a family we ensured to reserve all sleeping cars on our tour of America, so at times you’ll find yourself either traveling to a bathroom (yes, there are bathrooms and the showers are hot!) or mosey to the dining car for a snack or lunch, breakfast, dinner. A pair of your most comfortable house shoes or slips on like Vans (TM) are a great start to enjoying the tour of the rail.
A traveling crib was mentioned, for us, we were able to reserve either two superliner roomettes (those have two bunks) or we reserved the family room (this room is huge and sleeps up to 4). The traveling crib can be unpacked and staged on the turned down bed, it can sit firmly and not tip over for the safety of the little-one. If you have the family room (which is the largest floor-plan) the room is large enough to where your room can be turned down for the evening, the Adults have one side and baby has the other.
Blankets, blankets, blankets I say this because the train can get very cold and at times the sheets are thin like gas station toilet paper. So, by having a slightly thick blanket, this can save you and yours the nighttime shivers. Also, having a plug-in cooler is a plus for carrying baby food and milk that for this trek. In the dinning cart they do have ice for your use, all you have to do is ask, oddly enough, the room attendees all know who is where at all times. So, this means that the train room attendant in your car will be aware of what room you’re in.
The ultimate last but not the very least is access to money, so always be kind and rewind and give leave a tip for well-deserved service. If you just want a late-night snack, ensure to be aware of the dinning cart hours because you don’t want to travel so many cars forward or back to show up to something that’s closed.
Speaking of the railroad experience, you’ll see everything that the road doesn’t show you. From waterfalls, untamed nature, or even the seacoast of the Atlantic or Pacific. And remember this, when you have a stop at a station, utilize the “Red Cap ” service. These guys know and understand the rail times and locations throughout your national tour. So major items to consider, I say again. Money, Cooler, Blanket, traveling crib and flippy floppies will take care of you and will ultimately enhance your experience.