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I spent 57 hours on Amtrak trains from Montana to New York City and never got bored. Here's how I made the 2,000-mile journey fly by.
I spent 57 hours on Amtrak trains from Montana to New York City and never got bored. Here's how I made the 2,000-mile journey fly by.
Jordan Parker ErbApr 30, 2023, 16:44 IST
Insider's reporter had to find ways to stay busy on her 57-hour train ride.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
In January, I spent 57 hours on Amtrak trains from Whitefish, Montana, to New York City.
I don't get bored easily, but the thought of spending three days stuck on a train was daunting.
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I'm not one to get bored easily. Even so, as I was preparing for my recent cross-country train trip, I felt certain I'd lose excitement somewhere along the 57-hour ride.
Amtrak's Empire Builder train sits outside the train depot in Whitefish, Montana, where my journey started.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
I took daily naps, which were made more comfortable by bringing comfy clothes, as well as an eye mask and blanket.
Packing a sleep mask made it easy to block out light while napping during the day.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
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Using a hotspot, I was able to do a little work and spend time online.
When the WiFi was unreliable, Insider's reporter used a hotspot to get work done.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
Anticipating the spotty WiFi, I also downloaded several Netflix shows ahead of my departure.
Pre-downloaded Netflix shows helped the time fly by.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
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I connected with my inner child by bringing a coloring book (and my inner adult by bringing a regular book).
Books — both coloring and regular — were a necessity on the trip.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider
Best of all, I got to spend time doing nothing — alone.
The sunset along the Hudson River, the final leg of the trip.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider