Number 1: AMTRAK trains are ALWAYS delayed – use the AMTRAK app to check when the train will be arriving.
Number 2: Tipping the car attendant staff is not just appreciated, it is expected, so bring plenty of $1 and $2 bills.
Number 3: Call the car attendant to get them to either make up / take down your bed and the reverse the next morning.
Number 4: Don’t rely on the Wi-Fi – it is patchy at best and the speeds are not that good (when there is any at all !!!). Bring some movies to watch with you if possible.
Number 5: Bring snacks – there is not always a dining car (although bottled water is always provided for free) for the long journeys.
Number 6: Ideally, bring both a blanket and a pillow, it can get very cold at night in the roomette.
Number 7: If you have trouble sleeping, bring both ear plugs and a sleep shade.
Number 8: Take a small roll of duct tape – it may sound crazy, but you will be glad you did on one of your trips!
Number 9: Bring a power adapter and a retractable extension cable – some power sockets are inconveniently located.
Number 10: Take either over-sized safety pins or hooks with suckers to hang things on the wall for easy access.
Number 11: Even if you have booked a roomette, make sure you go and explore the train, especially the observation car.
Number 12: To get glare free pictures, remember to hold the lens right up to the window (clean the window first though).
Number 13: Arrive with plenty of time to check out the stations themselves, some are over 100 years old and or boast some truley stunning architecture!