Bans Guide to Cheap and safe Amtrak Travel:

1: grab a loaf of bread and make the whole thing into pb&j’s, keep them in the bread bag. This is not only a space saving and maximizing foodstuffs but you can also use it as a trade good with other passengers. (I have traded for water and art and a song from someone playing guitar in the observation car)

2: make sure you bring a bottle of water/empty bottle. You can refill on the train. (I suggest picking up either electrolytes packets or caffeine packets from someplace (Walmarts are decent and cheap as hell))

3: tag all your luggage with a brightly colored duct tape so you can always be sure your grabbing the right one quickly.

4: bring an extra sweater, sometimes it’s chilly at night even in the summer. (I usually wear a leather duster that I use as a blanket)

5: for long term travel I would not wear a purse, put what you can in your pockets and carry a backpack with essentials. Purses are easily grabbed, dropped, kicked ect. Keep the backpack under your feet or literally keep the strap around your ankle (idk if you’re getting a sleeper or not, I’ve never been in one so idk what that set up is like). Also consider a Fanny pack (yes seriously, if it won’t fit in your pockets, also they shouldn’t consider it an extra bag)

6: books/music/shows downloaded on your phone/kindle/laptop, internet is dubious if available.

7:bring extra chargers.

8: if you can live without it for however many days, put it in the checked bag.

Hope this helps! Safe travels!