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assortment of books and games they'll need to occupy themselves
while on the train. Adults may be able to enjoy the passing scen-
ery for hours at a time, but not so with youngsters, who need
plenty of distractions.
Here's some very good advice passed along to me by a vet-
eran train attendant: If you're traveling with a small child, be
sure to bring his or her favorite thing. When your toddler gets
tired, bored, or cranky, that tattered blanket, teddy bear, or doll
will help to make things all right.
Traveling in Coach? Bring a Blanket!
Amtrak coaches are air-conditioned, but sometimes the system
is hard to regulate. Even during the summer it can get quite
chilly at night in those large open cars. Amtrak does not provide
complimentary blankets for coach passengers (the Auto Train is
the one exception), but lightweight souvenir blankets are sold
onboard most of the long-distance trains. The trouble is, they
are often sold out. So if you're riding in coach, bring your own
blanket. Heed this advice and you will thank me for it! (I know,
I know—a minute ago I told you to pack light, and now here I
am, advising you to bring a blanket.) It doesn't have to be a big
one. A small thermal blanket or one for a twin-size bed that can
be folded in half for extra warmth will be fine. Don't pack it; roll
it up and tie it to your carry-on bag. As an alternative, take an
extra sweatshirt—or two.
And Perhaps a Pillow, Too
Amtrak does provide all coach passengers with a pillow. While
it's considerably larger than the puny ones handed out by the
airlines, it's still less than what you're probably used to. As I men-
tioned earlier, I bought a small down-filled travel pillow from a
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