I traveled over 8,000 miles on Amtrak in one year. These are the 10 items I never board the train without
I come prepared to charge my devices on the go.
Most Amtrak trains have outlets on board, so I keep a small bag of all the cords I need when I'm traveling.
I always carry chargers for my phone, laptop, and headphones, as well as anything else I need to keep my tech running.
Stationary helps me stay organized on the go.
I like having a place to quickly write down thoughts, so I always make sure to have a handful of pens and my favorite notebooks with me.
I also bring a planner, highlighters, and miscellaneous stationery supplies I might need when away from my desk.
I always carry cash, just in case.
During my travels, I've noticed that sometimes the café car's credit-card reader goes down. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's nice to have cash on hand.
This story was originally published on August 8, 2025, and most recently updated on February 26, 2026.
