I spent 15 hours on a luxury train with only a backpack. Here are 5 items I'm glad I packed and 6 things I wish I had with me.

Monica HumphriesMay 31, 2022, 23:33 IST

I was glad I had my reusable water bottle but instantly regretted not packing binoculars when I saw another passenger with a pair.Monica Humphries/Insider/Monica Humphries/Insider/Westend61/Getty Images

I rode the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah.
The train ride was 15 hours over the span of two days, and I brought only a backpack onboard.

I arrived at Union Station in Denver, Colorado, ready to board the Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury, two-day train ride from Denver to Moab, Utah.

The exterior of Denver's Union Station.Monica Humphries/Insider

As I checked in with a train employee, I didn't realize I was saying goodbye to my suitcase. The next time I'd see the bag would be in my hotel room, 10 hours later.

A Rocky Mountaineer employee brings a suitcase to the bus.Monica Humphries/Insider

While it was hot and sunny outside, I was freezing inside the train. Thankfully, I had my jacket.

An arrow points to the jacket I was thankful I brought.Monica Humphries/Insider

I was thankful I brought a water bottle and filled it up both mornings.

A water bottle and wine glass sit on the tray table of the train.Monica Humphries/Insider

Even though we didn't have cell service, a phone charger was a must.

A backpack and phone charger on the Rocky Mountaineer.Monica Humphries/Insider

I was also glad I packed sunglasses for the bright, sunny sections of the ride.

I was thankful I packed a pair of sunglasses in my backpack.Monica Humphries/Insider

I packed cash, which made tipping easy.

The envelope of cash I gave my train host and chef.Monica Humphries/Insider

Between a windy observation deck and the blasting AC, my eyes were irritated by the end of the trip. Eye drops would have been a game-changer.

I wish I had packed eye drops.Tim Grist Photography/Getty Images/Monica Humphries/Insider

When I stepped onto the train, I spotted a passenger wearing a set of binoculars and felt an instant pang of regret.

An arrow points to a passenger's set of binoculars.Monica Humphries/Insider

A deck of cards will absolutely be in my backpack for my next solo train ride.

People play with a deck of cards.Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

I had a hat in my carry-on suitcase. I should have packed it in my backpack.

One smart passenger remembered their hat.Monica Humphries/Insider

Next time, I'll bring a blanket.

A blanket left behind by a passenger on the Rocky Mountaineer.Monica Humphries/Insider

Finally, a change of clothes would've given me more time to explore our train stop.

I wasn't thrilled I had to stop at my hotel first to grab a change of clothes.Monica Humphries/Insider

While my spare clothes and bucket hat were regrettably left in my checked bag, I had almost everything I needed for the long ride on the Rocky Mountaineer.

My backpack stored nearly everything I needed for the two-day trip on the Rocky Mountaineer.Monica Humphries/Insider

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