I could have flown from New York City to Miami in October 2021. It would have saved me 27 hours and at least $100.
But as a lifelong train lover, I’d always wondered what it would be like to spend a night on the rails. So when I realized there was a 30-hour Amtrak route from NYC to Miami, I felt like it was my chance to try out this type of long-haul travel.
Since I was traveling overnight, I booked a roomette accommodation for about $500. A step up from coach seating, it’s a 20-square-foot private suite that sleeps two people.
I romanticized my overnight train trip to Miami until the moment I stepped on the train. I don’t know exactly what I expected, but I felt antsy and anxious about the journey’s length and the constant motion.
Despite having my own room, I was pretty uncomfortable during my first overnight train ride. Thankfully, I had enough time to find ways to make it easier on myself.
First off, I wore the comfiest clothes I own.
Does it look like I’m wearing pajamas? That’s because I pretty much am. These are the most pajama-like trousers I own that I’d wear in public, though my mother would argue they’re only for sleeping.
But who cares? Once you get on the train, you’ll be happy you’re comfortable, no matter what you look like.
I went with the comfiest shoes that slip on and off easily.
I picked up these memory foam babies at T.J. Maxx for only $20, and they slip on and off very easily. This was great for quickly leaving my room with shoes on.
Since I often get motion sickness, I sat in the seat facing the same direction the train was going. It helped.
This is an old trick my mom taught me when I would get train sick during day trips from our home in Stamford, Connecticut, to NYC.
Going against the train’s motion made me feel sicker, so I stuck to one chair for the whole trip.
Since I knew my bathroom would be right next to my sleeping quarters, I brought Poo-Pourri to eliminate odors.
I might have had a bigger problem with the toilet situation next to my bed in the roomette if I hadn’t packed some Poo-Pourri to eliminate any odors.
I also adjusted the lights and the temperature to my liking.
Adjusting the lighting throughout the trip helped me feel like I was changing environments even though I wasn’t.
My ride included breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but bringing my own snacks kept me satisfied between meals.
Trail mix and granola bars kept me full in between meals, which were included with my ticket purchase.
Eating my meals in the dining car kept my room from getting messy and let me get out of the same space for a few minutes.
Even though eating in my room was an option, I didn’t want my bunk to smell like food all night. So I went to the dining car for every meal. It was also nice to sit in a different environment for parts of the ride.
Getting out of the train for a short walk during longer stops also helped.
The train took a short break every few stops, and passengers could walk around the platform for about 10 minutes.
Getting up to stretch my legs and take in some fresh air made the next few hours crammed in a room with a window that didn’t open a little more bearable.
To pass the time, get moving, and feel more at home, I took frequent dance breaks in my room, where I closed the curtains and blasted music in my ears.
I tried to make the train feel like home, and at home, I dance periodically to release energy throughout the day.
Shutting the curtains gave me a moment of privacy to be my goofy self, which also helped me keep moving.
I also brought my own entertainment, from video games to playlists.
I brought my own devices and didn’t rely on the spotty internet connection to watch movies and listen to music and podcasts. Downloading these beforehand helped, and made the time go by a little faster.
In between movies, shows, and video games, I looked out of the window and took in the views.
Looking out of the window was a constant reminder that I was on my way to somewhere new, and it helped me stay excited about my trip.
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