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.

Working remotely full-time since March 2020, primarily from a New York City apartment, has highlighted the importance of an optimized home office setup. Several purchases have significantly enhanced the comfort and efficiency of this arrangement, transforming daily work routines and overall well-being. One key improvement was the acquisition of a LORYERGO monitor stand. Previously, a stack of books served as a makeshift monitor riser, but this dedicated stand elevates the computer screen to eye level, promoting better posture and reducing neck strain. Beyond its ergonomic benefits, the stand offers convenient storage space underneath, ideal for keeping home-office essentials organized and within reach. It even includes a small slot designed to hold a phone upright, adding to its functional appeal. To address discomfort during prolonged typing, a BRILA memory-foam keyboard wrist rest was introduced. Initially, a rolled-up towel was used for cushioning, but its tendency to slip prompted the search for a more stable solution. The memory-foam wrist rest proved superior, offering comfortable support for the wrists and featuring a grippy bottom that keeps it securely in place, preventing the desk's edge from digging into the skin. For the colder months, a small Focondot space heater became indispensable. Despite being written in early September, the memory of New York City's chilly winters underscores its value. This compact heater, surprisingly powerful for its size, effectively kept fingers warm in a drafty apartment. Its pink color also contributed to its appeal, allowing it to blend seamlessly as a decorative item rather than an obtrusive appliance. Scented candles were incorporated to enhance the ambiance of the workspace. Following advice from interior designer Nate Berkus, who suggested adding vibrant and homey touches like flowers or candles to a work-from-home space, scented candles were adopted. Unlike traditional office environments where they might be prohibited, these candles create a pleasant atmosphere in the home office, which doubles as a living room. The subtle flickering flame also adds a sophisticated touch during video calls, as observed by Berkus. A citrus cucumber water candle, purchased from Target, has provided weeks of enjoyable fragrance and visual appeal. A Hamilton Beach urn, holding 45 cups of liquid, has proven beneficial for maintaining a constant supply of hot water. While acquired before the pandemic, its utility has been particularly appreciated during remote work. As a frequent tea drinker, having hot water readily available eliminates the need to repeatedly refill and boil a kettle, streamlining daily routines. Future additions to the home office setup include a "C" table and a laptop charger extension cord. A "C" table, like the Honey-Can-Do model, is envisioned to provide an elevated and stable desk surface for working comfortably from the couch or an armchair. The inspiration came from a friend who demonstrated its convenience during a video call. Additionally, a laptop charger extension cord is sought to overcome the current limitation of being tethered to a desk due to a short charger, enabling greater flexibility to work from various comfortable spots around the apartment. These planned purchases aim to further optimize the work-from-home experience by enhancing comfort and mobility within the living space. #WorkFromHome #HomeOffice #Productivity #Comfort #Ergonomics #HomeDecor #RemoteWork #OfficeSupplies

The article recounts a 27-hour Amtrak journey undertaken by a mother and her 11-year-old son from Boston to St. Louis. The trip involved booking a private bedroom and several roomettes across different train lines. Initially, the journey began with a flight from St. Louis to Boston, but the return trip was deliberately planned via Amtrak to offer a different travel experience. The total cost for the upgraded accommodations for one adult and one child was approximately $1,160. This included a private bedroom from Boston to Albany for $270, a roomette from Albany to Chicago for $660, and another roomette from Chicago to St. Louis for $230. The author emphasizes that while these upgrades were not inexpensive, the additional space and comfort proved to be a valuable investment for the long travel duration. The journey commenced at Boston's South Station, where the tickets for the upgraded accommodations granted access to Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge. This lounge provided a comfortable waiting area with complimentary snacks, which was particularly appreciated given the son's frequent snacking habits. This lounge access was a benefit not available to coach seat passengers, highlighting one of the initial perks of the private bookings. The private bedroom on the first leg of the Lake Shore Limited train, from Boston to Albany, exceeded the author's expectations in terms of spaciousness. It featured a full-size sofa, a separate captain-style chair, and ample luggage space. A significant advantage was the en suite bathroom, complete with a shower, sink, and toilet, offering a level of privacy and convenience not typically found in standard train accommodations. The mother and son engaged in activities such as observing the scenery, conversing, and playing card games, fostering a bonding experience. Upon reaching Albany, the travelers transitioned to a different train and into a roomette for the overnight journey to Chicago. The roomette was considerably smaller than the private bedroom, approximately half the size, which was noted with humor by the pair. Despite its compact nature, the roomette provided two comfortable seats, a pull-out table, and a shelf that also served as a step to an upper berth for sleeping. It was later discovered that this shelf concealed a toilet, though it remained unused during their travel segment. For sleeping, an Amtrak employee converted the chairs into a twin bunk and pulled down another bed from the ceiling, both equipped with clean sheets and blankets. The experience in the roomette was still considered comfortable and adequate for overnight travel. The final leg of the journey involved another roomette from Chicago to St. Louis on the Texas Eagle line, a five-hour trip that proceeded smoothly. The combined cost for the roomettes on the Lake Shore Limited and Texas Eagle lines was about $890, which the author deemed worthwhile for the sleeping arrangements and extended space. The overall sentiment at the journey's end was positive, with the son expressing enjoyment of the trip. The author concluded that both the private bedroom and roomettes were essential for their comfort during the long journey, valuing the extra room provided. The article also includes advice for future long train trips, recommending buffer time after the scheduled arrival to account for potential delays and suggesting packing additional entertainment like card games, books, and snacks. Ultimately, the Amtrak journey from Boston to St. Louis was considered an excellent travel method, one the author would repeat. #AmtrakTravel #TrainTravel #PrivateBedroom #RoometteExperience #FamilyTravel #LongDistanceJourney #TravelUpgrade #TravelReview

The author recounts her experience on a 30-hour Amtrak journey from Miami to New York City, highlighting the benefits of booking a private bedroom accommodation. Having previously traveled in a roomette and on European overnight trains, she compares these experiences to her Amtrak bedroom stay, which cost $1,000 in October 2021. The bedroom, described as larger than a king-sized bed at 45.5 square feet, offered significant comfort and amenities that enhanced the long trip. The article details the features of the private bedroom, which included a sofa that converted into a bed, a pull-down bed from the ceiling, and a foldable chair. A pull-out table allowed for working on a laptop, and a dedicated vanity area with a sink, mirror, trash can, and cabinet for toiletries provided a sense of homeliness. A small closet offered storage, and a private bathroom with a door, shower, and toilet added to the convenience, an amenity particularly valued when traveling with others. Control panels for temperature, overhead speaker volume, and various lighting options further customized the space. The author emphasizes that the ample space in the bedroom, which allowed her to stand, stretch, and even dance, significantly improved her comfort level compared to smaller accommodations. This extra room was crucial for managing travel anxiety and the physical effects of a long, bumpy train ride. She suggests that splitting the cost with a friend could make the bedroom more affordable for future trips. The journey began at Miami Amtrak Station, where she boarded the train. During the trip, she worked on her laptop and enjoyed the changing landscapes outside her window, noting the unique railroad views not accessible by other modes of transport. Meals, including dinner, breakfast, and lunch, were included in the ticket price, with the continental breakfast being particularly praised for its variety and satisfaction. Despite the comfortable sleeping arrangements in the lower bunk, which she preferred over the top bunk, the author noted a desire for sandals to use in the shower due to its appearance. However, the overall experience of the bedroom, with its private facilities and spaciousness, made the 30-hour ride considerably more enjoyable than previous overnight train experiences. The final hours, after the bed was converted back to seats, felt the longest, underscoring the value of the private space throughout the majority of the journey. She concludes that investing in a bedroom is worthwhile for future long-distance train travel. #AmtrakTravel #OvernightTrains #TrainTravelUS #PrivateTrainRooms #TravelExperience #MiamiToNYC #LuxuryTravel #BedroomAccommodation