I traveled over 8,000 miles on Amtrak last year. These are the 10 items I never board the train without.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Kylie holds a bag on top of a suitcase on a train platform.
My travel bag is one of my favorite things I pack for train rides.

Kylie Stoltzfus

I rode in coach on an Amtrak train from Vancouver to Seattle for $50. It was cheaper and less stressful than flying.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The exterior of a coach Amtrak train car with an attendant stepping out a door on the right
Business Insider's reporter took the Amtrak Cascades train from Vancouver to Seattle.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I rode a train that rolls aboard a ferry. For just $30, it was a unique way to see the beautiful Italian coast.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Tammy Barr posing with train on a boat
I was surprised to learn that taking a singular train all the way from Sicily to Naples was even an option.

Tammy Barr

I took a 16-hour Amtrak ride in a roomette. Here are 4 things I wish I packed and 7 I'm glad I brought.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer journals on Amtrak while train passes by trees
I'm happy with the items I packed for my 16-hour Amtrak trip but I wish I had brought a few more things.

Molly Allen

I spent 60 hours on Amtrak trains with a carry-on bag and a backpack. Here are 7 things I regret not packing and 9 items I'm glad I brought.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
the author hold Poo pouri on the left, her open duffel is on the right
The author traveled 60 hours on Amtrak trains. Here's what she did and didn't pack.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I paid $168 for a 10-hour Amtrak business-class ride. Next time, I'll stay in coach and save $100.

Tech Insider : Travel
People in backpacks walk towards a train stopped at a platform
Business Insider's reporter booked a business-class ticket for a 10-hour trip on an Amtrak train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I've been riding trains across the US and UK for 26 years. I wish I'd known a few things before my first trip.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
people sitting in an observation car with lots of windows on a train
I love traveling by train.

Idealphotographer/Shutterstock

It takes most people 3 days to unwind on vacation. Meet the Slowcation.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
A turtle on a beach chair
"Slowcations" are long trips that are full of cultural immersion and relaxation in one country or destination.

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

I spent $1,000 to have a room to myself on a 30-hour Amtrak ride. It was the best experience I've had on an overnight train in the US.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
The author relaxes in an Amtrak bedroom traveling from Miami to NYC.
The author relaxes in an Amtrak bedroom traveling from Miami to NYC.

Joey Hadden/Insider

I've spent 160 hours traveling by train. It's the best mode of transportation for 4 simple reasons.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Left: The author in front of a blue train with a red stripe. Right: The author sits with her knees up in a train bed with blue cushions behind her and a window on the left.
Business Insider's reporter prefers traveling by train over any other mode of transportation.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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