When you are choosing your outfits, make sure that you save your most comfortable outfit for the end of the trip because that is when you will be getting antsy and any discomfort will irritate you more than is strictly reasonable. For the first outfit, start off with denim (of course, choose a style that is loose or a fabric with a decent amount of stretch) paired with a tank and a cozy cardigan. Train cars are kept cool so even if it is sweltering outside, you need to make sure that you have an outer layer handy. When I took the Southwest Chief from LA to Chicago during the summer, the woman sitting across the aisle from me was not prepared for the air conditioning and ended up putting on all the thin t-shirts she had packed in her luggage in an attempt to stay warm! I like to wear a tank top under my sweater so that if I get overheated (which often happens to me when I am in a confined space) I can easily adjust my outfit to reach a better body temperature.

Comfortable shoes are a must because you will want to get up and walk around the train. The western routes have sightseeing cars with big windows where you can enjoy the views and you'll likely want to take a trip to the dining car or snack car to get something to eat or drink. Even if you don't have a destination in mind, it is nice to stretch your legs and you will see many people doing a lap of the train every hour so their legs don't cramp up. I usually wear my Birkenstock Gizeh sandals, but sneakers in a bright color work equally well for melding style with practicality. 

When it gets close to your bedtime, you will want to slip into something more comfortable. If you are riding in coach, you will be surrounded by other people so your nighttime outfit will likely be different than your pajamas at home. I like to wear athletic wear because it is soft and stretchy, but is still appropriate in public. My winning combination includes yoga pants, a long tank top, a sports bra, and a hooded sweatshirt. The key is to avoid zippers, buttons, underwire or anything else that will poke and prod you in the night. Once again, you want to have the option to adjust your temperature easily by adding or removing the outer layer. On this blog I often implore my readers to not wear athletic wear in public unless they are working out, but this is an exception to that rule. Also be sure to bring a pair of socks in your carry-on bag so that cold toes don't disturb your sleep. Tthe ambient noise makes a train a surprisingly soothing place to sleep, so you don't want to stay up fidgeting because your clothes aren't comfortable enough. Plus, the interior lights are dimmed around 10 PM so you don't really have an option to do much else except rest!

The next morning you will probably be tempted to stay in your oh-so-comfortable athletic wear. However, if you plan ahead, you won't even mind putting on "real" clothes for the day. The MVP of your travel wardrobe, especially in summer, is the jersey maxi dress. It looks polished, but it feels like you could still be lounging in bed. Throw on a wrap cardigan to keep your arms warm and slip into a pair of sandals. You will be ready for breakfast in the dining car and for whatever activities await you at your destination.

The great thing about train travel is that unlike planes, you can actually keep most of your luggage with you. Amtrak lets you take two pieces of luggage plus a personal item with you on the train and then lets you check up to three more bags. On most trips (train or plane) I fit everything into a single suitcase plus a backpack so this policy is more than generous for me. When you are packing your suitcase, make sure that your nighttime outfit and second daytime outfit are on the top so that you can easily grab them when you need to get changed. 

When travelling by long-distance train, I also like to bring a large tote bag that holds all my "on-board" necessities. Just like you need to prep for a car trip, it is important that you plan ahead for a train trip so that you don't find yourself bored out of your mind three hours into a day or two journey. The woman on my LA to Chicago train that didn't bring a sweater also did not bring a book, magazine, music, or anything else that would serve as entertainment.

Outlets are plentiful on trains and many routes offer free wi-fi, so laptops, tablets, and smartphones all offer something in the way of distraction. Although I generally download a movie or two before the trip, I like to take advantage of the time to get in some quality reading. For this upcoming trip I am bringing two books that I have been itching to read, The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon and The Martian by Andy Weir. I will also pack a perennial favorite, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, so that I know I have something beloved that I can get lost in should I find myself getting a case of cabin fever. Also, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with your seatmates or with people in the sightseeing car! I've had plenty of fascinating conversations on trains.

Although entertainment options are important, you don't want to completely fill up your tote bag with books and gadgets. I always bring a blanket (especially important now that Amtrak no longer provides them at night), a full-sized pillow, and a pair of slippers.The pillow and blanket might seem like they would only be useful at night, but during the day they can turn your seat into your own personal oasis. I place the pillow vertically between my back and the seat for extra cushion and the blanket is another layer for when I find the air conditioning to be too chilly. When I am sitting at my seat, I also kick off my sandals and wear my slippers instead. Since I always wear slippers in my apartment, it helps me feel like I am somewhere I can relax. I always get lots of envious stares when I pull my slippers out of my tote bag. If you aren't normally a slipper person, then a pair of cozy socks will do the trick just as well.

Since you will be on the train for many hours, your daily routine is going to be upset slightly. This means you will probably be going longer between showers than you would on a regular day so you might feel less than your best. Some of the things that I like to keep close at hand on a long train trip are:

• deodorant 
• dry shampoo
• hand sanitizer
• tissues
• lip balm 
• hand lotion (but stay away from strong fragrances!)
• face wash
• painkillers
• mints

While there are food and beverage options on the train that I do take advantage of, I also like to keep a few snacks in my bag. A reusable water bottle is a must, but I also like to bring along juice boxes for when I want some variety. Applesauce, apples, and the Five Seed Almond Bars from Trader Joe's are great together for breakfast or separately as an afternoon snack. All of these items are shelf stable so they will last until my return trip without requiring any refrigeration. I know that some people plan ahead and bring all of their meals on the train, but I really enjoy the dining car experience because you get to chat with other passengers. 

Where are your Memorial Day weekend plans taking you this year? Share your favorite travelling outfits and tips for making a long trip more bearable in the comments!

Something Classic
Think of this as your interview tie. Choose a subdued color palette and a simple pattern, such as diagonal stripes. This is the tie you pull out when you need to look professional and want to err on the side of dressing conservatively. Your tie collection only needs one or two classic ties.

Something Fun
"Patterned tie" might bring to mind novelty ties with patterns of tiny pumpkins or candy canes. However, there are lots of fun prints in bright colors that are modern and stylish. This is the part of your tie collection where you can really let your personality shine through. Break out your fun ties for dinner parties, weddings, and to add pizzazz to your work clothes.

Something for Summer
You have a lightweight suit (perhaps a linen-cotton blend in tan), so why wouldn't you also have a lightweight tie for the warm weather? Seersucker is a great investment because it screams summer and won't go out of style.