How to Plan An Epic Coast-to-Coast Train Trip

Have you ever experiencedcross country trains?
The 3,000 mile railway journey across the United States is one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. You can choose from 5 different epic routes depending on what you’d like to see and do. The coast-to-coast train hits all the iconic cities and landmarks in the United States, and there is no better way to see those locations than from the window of a train.
Just think about all the exciting things you’ll get to see. Things, people who are travelling by plane, would miss out on.
Have a look at some of our tips on how totravel by train in USA,and get yourPacsafe Venturesafe™ adventure bag packed and ready for a memorable experience!

Plan Your Itinerary
Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? Plan your route. Sit down and create a detailed itinerary with some wiggle room for adjustment. This will allow you to get the most out of your train ticket. Don’t try to visit too many places though, or you might get burnt out. Pick your favorites and let the trip unfold.
Plan A Budget
This will allow you to get the most out of your experience. You don’t want to run out of money early and have to return home, missing out on the things you wanted to see and do. It’s easy to find prices for things online. We recommend researching this information prior to your trip to plan your monetary needs.
Buy the Right Rail Pass
Not all rail passes are created equal. Some tickets only allow you to get on regional trains while others allow you to use high-speed trains. Make sure you buy a train class you will be comfortable with. If you have some longer travel days, you may want to go for first class or even an overnight ticket. This can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your travels by train.
Does yourcoast-to-coast train pass give you discounts? Many rail passes give you great discounts on accommodations and attractions in most major cities. To save money, plan your adventures using some of the discounts.

Understand How Train Travel Works
Atrain trip across America can take up a lot of time and can sometimes be stressful if you have different expectations. Make sure you understand what the day may be like and adjust your plans accordingly. Sometimes, you may have to change trains or deal with delays and cancellations. Understanding this is a possibility will keep you prepared and it will make your travels less stressful.
Packing Tips
Pack smart when travelling by train. Some trains have set limitations on carry-on luggage, so ensure you pack a simple day bag with essentials. Pack snacks, your laptop, power cords and whatever you may need while on the train. Know that sometimes you can’t keep your luggage near you, so a locking bag is also helpful when your luggage is stored at the end of the train car.
Are you ready for your first coast-to-coastvacation by rail? It’ll definitely be a great way to see the United States. We hope our tips and tricks will help you embark on your own epic railway adventure.
 
The DivergentTravelers
Lina & David Stock run the popular adventure travel blog, DivergentTravelers. With travel to 75 countries on 6 continents, they are just getting started as they are now pursuing the Top 100 Travel Adventures in the world.