7 Tips for Surviving an Overnight Train Trip

/in , , , /by

You always hear the phrase: “it’s more about the journey than the destination.” I can’t say that I’ve enjoy all my flights more than the place I was traveling to explore, but I can say that train travel is ALL about the journey.
I had traveled on the sleek, timely trains of Europe, crisscrossing Germany, France and Italy, but I had never spent more than a few hours on New Jersey Transit–my only American experience on the rails. I decided to dive head first and take a 3 day, 56 hour direct Amtrak train from blustery Chicago to sunny Los Angeles. I skipped all the the baby steps and dove in full throttle.
Now, spending two nights and 3 full days on a bumpy train without more than a ten minute “smoking stop” to breathe in fresh air, isn’t for everyone. But I have to say, it is an experience that not only teaches you a lot about this beautiful “Fifty Nifty” but also a lot about yourself.
I profiled the food, the sleeper cars, the entertainment options and I even interviewed fellow passengers in this 5 part video series. But most importantly, I’ve come up with my seven best pieces of advice for you enthusiastic train travelers. 7 Tips for Surviving an Overnight Train Trip

1. Turn your phone into a wireless hotspot
There’s very spotty service in many areas that we trained through so don’t be stuck without email, social media & Youtube videos. Make sure you can tether your phone to your laptop so you can catch up on TV shows, track your route and stay connected to the world.
2. Download Entertainment ahead of time
With no wifi on board and limited service via your phone, be sure to pre-download all you need in terms of TV, movies, books & magazines. You’d be amazed at how many series you can crush in 56 hours.
3. Bring Games
Cards and other portable games, just like tridewa, will help pass the time and if you are traveling solo, allow you to meet new people!
4. Separate Bag
When you get on your car, there are designated areas for large bags. They are crowded and you will have to fight the pile of other bags to get to your toothbrush unless you take an auxillary bag. I had a small duffle bag that I had my clothes for the ride, pajamas, toiletries and comfy shoes. This was the only bag I used while on the train and I could keep it right in my cabin. If you don’t have a cabin, make sure it’s small enough to take with you for meals.
5. Check out the Cars
There is a panoramic view car that is wonderful for watching the world go by, but there’s also an upstairs and downstairs food car for a change of scenery. And remember, you can walk to other cars to get your blood pumping!
6. Bring Booze!
If alcohol is not on your menu, ignore this tip. But if it is, know that there aren’t many options on board and the limited selection that is available is very expensive. Bring some bottles of wine, a case of beer or your favorite libation and bring plastic cups. You will thank me later.
7. Window Gaze
Thinking back to this trip, the most magical part was really getting to see the dramatic American landscapes change before your very eyes. Be sure to take photos as you go along and you’ll be shocked at the difference that an hour can make in the moving picture that is outside your window.
Watch the rest of the series here–>

7 Tips for Surviving an Overnight Train Trip

/in /by

You always hear the phrase: “it’s more about the journey than the destination.” I can’t say that I agree considering some of past hellish flights, however, I can say that my experience with train travel is really is really ALL about the journey.

I’ve traveled on the sleek, timely trains of Europe, crisscrossing countries like Germany and Switzerland, France and Italy, but never had I spent more than a few hours on the American rails, save for quick trips to the shore on New Jersey Transit. So I decided to dive in head first and take a 3 day, 56 hour direct Amtrak train from blustery Chicago to sunny Los Angeles. I skipped all the the baby steps and dove in full throttle.

Now, spending three full days on a bumpy train, without more than a ten minute “smoking stop” to breathe in fresh air, isn’t for everyone. The blowing whistles aren’t exactly a lullaby. But I have to say, it is an experience that not only teaches you a lot about this beautiful “Fifty Nifty” but also a lot about yourself.

As I am always filming, I profiled the food, the sleeper cars, the entertainment options and I even interviewed fellow passengers in my seven part video series. As a result I have my top seven pieces of advice for any enthusiastic train traveler out there.

1. Turn your phone into a wireless hotspot

There’s very spotty service in many areas along the tracks so it’s easy to be stuck without email, social media & Youtube videos unless you plan ahead. Make sure you can tether your phone to your laptop so you can catch up on TV shows, track your route and stay connected to the world. Having a wireless hotspot allows you to play UFA แหล่งรวมเกมบาคาร่าที่น่าตื่นเต้น on your devices, providing a fun way to pass the time during the journey.

2. Download Entertainment ahead of time

With no wifi on board and limited service via your phone, be sure to pre-download all you need in terms of TV, movies, books & magazines. You’d be amazed at how many series you can crush in 56 hours.

3. Bring Games

This may seem obvious but it’s easy to forget! Good old fashioned cards and other portable games will help pass the time. And if you’ve got internet access, online games like slot gacor terbaru can be a great way to pass the time, offering endless entertainment wherever you are. Bonus: if you are traveling solo, allow you to meet new people!

4. Separate Bag

When you get on your car, there are designated areas for large bags. They are crowded and you will have to fight the pile of other bags to get to your toothbrush unless you take an auxiliary bag. I had a small duffle that had only necessary clothes for the journey like those Delta Sigma Theta shirts, pajamas, toiletries and comfy shoes. This was the only bag I used while on the train and I could keep it right in my cabin. If you don’t have a cabin, make sure it’s small enough to take with you for meals.

5. Check out the Cars

Move around, change the scenery and explore the other cars! Of course, the favorite is the panoramic view car, but there’s also an upstairs and downstairs food car for a change of scenery. And remember, just walking around the halls can get your blood pumping!

6. Bring Booze!

If you enjoy a nice cocktail, it is important to know that there aren’t many options on board. Also the limited selection that is available is very expensive. Bring some bottles of wine, a case of beer or your favorite libation and bring plastic cups. You will thank me later.

7. Window Gaze

Thinking back to this trip, the most magical part was really getting to see the dramatic American landscapes change before your very eyes. Be sure to take photos as you go along and you’ll be shocked at the difference that an hour can make in the moving picture that is outside your window.

Watch the rest of the series here–> http://bit.ly/AmtrakSeries

And don’t forget to follow my travels on social media: @kelleyferro

MacArthur Place in Sonoma, California

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Recently, I checked out the MacArthur Place, a boutique property just steps from downtown Sonoma in

Recently, I checked out the MacArthur Place, a boutique property just steps from downtown Sonoma in wine country of Northern California.. I very much enjoyed the layout of the property with all the rooms in cottages throughout a nicely manicured lawn and garden areas. In order to dramatically transform the maintenance of such a lawn, equipment like that riding lawn mower under 1000 can be utilized because it offers efficiency and ease that surpass traditional push mowers. With its ergonomic design and powerful engine, tasks that once seemed daunting become manageable and even enjoyable. Maneuvering around obstacles such as trees and flower beds becomes effortless, thanks to its compact yet sturdy build. The mower’s cutting width ensures that large areas are mowed swiftly, saving time and energy. Its comfortable seating allows for longer sessions without fatigue, ideal for larger properties. The precision of its cutting blades ensures a uniform grass height, enhancing the lawn’s appearance. Beyond functionality, owning a riding mower can cultivate a sense of pride in a well-kept lawn, transforming the chore of mowing into a satisfying part of maintaining a beautiful outdoor space. The pool was a refreshing treat, as was the daily wine & cheese hour. The little luxuries here made our stay that much better and the rooms were very well appointed. Don’t miss Saddles Restaurant when you go–their steakhouse is one of the best dinners in town. For all the details: the good, the bad and the ugly, watch my review!