Tips for commuting by train?

Im traveling from Illinois to Maine by train... any tips?

• Me and my bf are traving to maine this christmas to visit my mom. Here and dad have been divorced for just over a year now. he doesnt know im going (not the point). were going from chichago(705 pm) to washington, district of columbia(130 pm) then were stuck there for just over 8 hours. i need somethings in Washingtion that we could do for thoes 8 hours. we dont have money for a hotel but would like to maybe go out to dinner or something. any good places there? then from washington (10pm) were on the train again to Boston Back bay at 747 am then my next question. we need to take the subway or a cab to boston north station what would be better? and how much would a cab cost? the appromated time to get there would befrom 807 to 815 (thats what amtrack told me). then from boston north we leave at 910 am and arrive at portland at 1135 am. aside from thoes questions i want to know like some tips to traveling what to keep in mind when im packing and all that good stuff.. ive traveled before, but bye plane and bus with my mom. im super nervouse ive never like travled with out her. im scared of getting lost or missing our train but it seems like we have enought time.... oh and we have to sleep on the train too any tips for that? like a small pillow and blanket? what should i wear? jeans or sweats? any tips would be greatly appriciated thank you! oh and sorry for such a loaded question 4 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer.

• Answer:

  At Washington, DC you are at Union Station, which is only five blocks from the US Capitol building. If you call your Representative's office, you can get a personal tour of the Capitol Building by one of Rep's the aides. You can also get sightseeing tips and restaurant recommendations from their office. (It makes great dinner conversation, to say you've spoken to your Congressman, who told you to try a particular place.) You are also close to the National Mall with the Smithsonian Museums, the National Gallery of Art, pretty much most of the tourist sites. Also the Supreme Court Building and the Library of Congress. Check your major luggage so you don't have to lug it around. But don't check anything you'll need on the train. Union Station has some good restaurants. When packing -- pack a sweater and a light blanket. The trains vary in temperature. I've come into Boston with snow between the cars, and I've also had cars with the heat cranked up. You can also use the blanket to cover your stuff when you get up to move around. (Take your purse and electronics, or ask the person across the aisle to watch it.) A small pillow is good. At Christmas, the trains can get very crowded. You may be able to stretch out over 2 seats between NYC and Boston, depending on how crowded it is. Pack snacks. I take dried fruit, nuts, trail mix, crackers and cheese, an apple, pretzels, sandwich, that sort of thing. Nothing smelly. Plenty of water, don't drink the free stuff on the train. You can buy over-priced food on the train, but very little is healthy. (Although I do like the cheese tray.) Also take the A/C adapter to any electronics you bring. Amtrak has outlets next to most of the seats. You can always find magazines and newspapers that people leave behind, sometimes books. Laptops are good to watch DVDs on. It's important to move around. Every hour, get up and walk the train from front to back. It's a good stretch. You will also stop at Philadelphia and NYC: if you are awake, go out and either walk the platform or or go upstairs to restock food, but come back 5 minutes before they tell you to. The train WILL leave without you. Since you are doing 2 overnights, take toiletries in a small bag. You can wash up in the train or station bathrooms, and you will feel MUCH better after you've washed your face and brushed your teeth. Moisturize, too. Take a camera. You can get surprisingly good pictures through the window.