Utah to Virginia!
Hi! This is my first time using Amtrak and I just have a few questions that haven't been discussed in the FAQ & Tips page.
Just a little info before we get to the questions. I'm a F/23, and this is my first time using the Amtrak. My trip is UT to VA, with a stop in Illinois. I'll be traveling solo and I have COACH seats.
- My trip is UT to VA, I will leave Utah at around 4:20am and get to Illinois at 2pm of the next day. About 3 hours later is my next train (around 6pm). How likely it is that my train will be arriving in IL late? Will I miss my next train?
How soon do I need to get there? The station is about 20 minutes from my house.
If I do miss my train because we arrived too late, can I just get the next one the next day or will I have to buy new tickets?
- BIG question on luggage.... I'm staying in VA from October 28 to December 2nd, so I need a ton of things. What is the largest bag/luggage I can take? 24-26in? 28-30in?
And if I do take a luggage, can I also take a duffle bag for my essentials on the train and a backpack with my personal items plus a pillow?
If I were to check my bag, does it have a limit weight? How much is to check a bag? And if I don't, can I put it inside?
- I take some medications that NEED to be cold. I was planning on taking a tiny little lunch bag with ice and with a few other snacks but I'm worried the medication will get warm. Is there any way I could storage that, or ask a crew member to put that in their fridge?
Is the food in the train really worth it? I usually skip breakfast and eat small things for dinner so I would probably just spend $25 on lunch on 1 of the days and run to a grocery store in between stops.. or I'll figure something out heh!
Since this is my first time and I'm traveling alone, what are some tips and tricks? Since I'm traveling coach, I know I don't have a ton of space and outlet is limited to 1. I'm scared I'll be sitting next to a man. What can I do for this not to happen? Can I ask the crew to put me next to a woman? Or even, in a row alone?
How about wifi? I'll be downloading my music and movies but I need to work while traveling (I work with schedules and email), would I be able to answer calls and use our scheduling app while on the train?
Anything I should bring extra in the train? I have a list of things I could think of but I'm afraid I'm forgetting something.
I know shower is also limited, that's why I listed shower wipe to help me a bit. And I also know I could shower in Chicago. Where should I go for that? How much is to shower?
If you can only answer a few questions or all of them, I'll be soooo grateful!!!! If I think of other questions, I'll make sure to put them in here! I'm a bit nervous but it'll be an amazing adventure!
