We took our first Amtrak Vacation this year and loved it so much that we took 3 more in the months that followed. Along the way we realized there were some things that were essential to having a great experience on an Amtrak Vacation.
Contents
Flip Flops
You’ll want these anytime you go to the bathroom in the night on an Amtrak train. If you are asleep with you shoes off, you won’t want to spend the time putting on shoes. It isn’t a good idea to venture to the bathroom in bare feet in the middle of the night!
We bought comfortable flip flops and put them right by the door in our roomette. These are the flip flops Rob uses on the train.
USB Power Pack
Power outlets are limited in the roomette’s, at only one per room so charging electronics overnight can be tricky. With one of these adapters, you’ll be able to charge you camera, phone and tablets overnight while you sleep. There are additional outlets in the observation car if you need to charge a bunch of things quickly.
- [From INIU–the SAFE Fast Charge Pro] Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use only the highest-grade materials, so we do have the confidence to provide an industry-leading 3-Year iNiu Care.
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Travel Adapter
The most important thing you can bring is a travel adapter with multiple USB ports. This adapter has 3 USB and 2 USB type C ports as well as the original outlet.
- International Power Adapter for Travel: TESSAN universal travel adapter has 4 different plugs built in which covers over 200 countries: Type C Plug: Most of Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Iceland, Greece, Portugal; Type G Plug: UK, Ireland, London, England, Scotland, Dubai; Type I Plug: Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, China; Type A Plug: USA, Japan, Canada; so this travel essentials is suitable for your worldwide travel
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Snacks
You are allowed to bring food on the train and you should really consider doing it. Even if you are in a roomette with free meals, the dining service isn’t open late and may not be open when you are hungry. On one of our trains the cafe was closed most of the day because of a cash register malfunction. The food is generally very good and reliable, but it can turn into a big deal if there is ever a problem.
Our go to snack on the train is Nugo Protein Bars!
- Families love NuGo Protein bars! Every NuGo Original protein bar is made with real, non-GMO ingredients, loaded with vitamins, and certified gluten free to help keep your family fit and happy. Perfect for packing into their little lunches – or your own.
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Good Toiletries Bag
You’ll be venturing to the bathroom often on your trip and sometimes the best bathroom may be on another level or in another car. You don’t want to carry everything you need by hand and there isn’t counter space in the bathroom to set everything down. A hook on the back of the door is provided to help you in this process.
- Dimension: Medium-10.8’‘L x 3.5″W x 7.9H(folded); Large-12.6’‘L x 4.5″W x 9H(folded); 4 separate compartments with zip and back open pocket for great organization. Suitable for your family trip to pack all men, women , and kids toiletries
- SPACIOUS YET COMPACT: HOTOR hanging toiletry bag strikes a perfect balance between spaciousness and compact design, measuring 11.4x9x3.35 inches when closed and expanding to a generous 37 x 9 inches when opened. This thoughtful sizing allows for the organization of large travel essentials such as shampoo, lotions, face wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and daily makeup. Its medium size is particularly suitable for overnight or short trips.
- Large Capacity: Medium size: Rolled – 11” x 3.7″ x 7.9″; Opened – 9.5” x 4″ x 26.5; Large size :Rolled: 12.2” x 4″ x 9″; Opened: 10.5” x 4″ x 29.8. 4 separate compartments with 1 TSA-approved cosmetic bag
Last update on 2025-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Headphones
If you are in coach you’ll have people getting on and off the train most of the night so you’ll want something to block out the sound. If you are sleeping in a roomette it is less of an issue unless you just want to drown out the sound of the train.
We generally travel with wireless headphones so our phones can be tucked away safely while we are sleeping. Allie uses these Bose Sleepbuds II on the train and loves them! She doesn’t hear a thing while sleeping.
UPDATE: The Bose Sleepbuds II have been discontinued and now Allie is using the much cheaper Loop Headphones
- NOISE REDUCTION – Loop Quiet earplugs are reusable and durable hearing protection, made from soft silicone. They reduce most noise and help you to get in your bubble. They have a noise reduction rating (SNR) of 24 decibels, NRR of 14 and come in 4 stylish colors.
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Handheld Fan
We bring a handheld fan with us just in case it gets to warm for someone in party.
- Great Summer Gift: An ideal gift for stylish girls, boys, men, women, and children; beach, camping, travel essentials; Design Patent Protection: The GAIATOP BP26 Handheld Fan is safeguarded by a US Design Patent (Patent Number US D964,544 S)
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Downloaded Entertainment
Many Amtrak trains don’t have Wifi and on some of them you’ll be in remote parts of the country away from the highway and cell service. It’s a good idea to download any movies or shows and music you want to listen to before you start the trip. We were surprised at how much of the trip we had no service at all.
Cash
Cash may not be accepted on the train to buy food, as of this writing it isn’t, but it is still accepted by the staff for a tip. You may want to tip the room steward, dining car steward or cafe attendant if they are helpful to you. Cash is the only way you’ll be able to tip them. Tips are not mandatory like on a cruise ship, but from what we saw about half of the people in the roomettes tipped.
Blanket
Depending on your train and the time of year it can get cold on an Amtrak train, think Empire Builder in December! A small blanket would be great to bring with you to the observation car or curl up with in your seat as you watch the world pass by.
Do you have any other items that you find essential on an Amtrak Vacation? Let us know in the comments what you need each time you board the train.
If you are having trouble deciding between coach and a roomette you may find our Amtrak Sunset Limited coach review helpful.
If it is your first time riding Amtrak you should also check out our Amtrak beginners guide.
