I took a 5-hour Amtrak ride with just a backpack and carry-on. There are 5 things I'm glad I packed and 3 I wish I had.

Amanda Shammas packed a variety of essentials for her five-hour Amtrak ride from New Jersey to Boston, but there were a few items she wished she had brought. The trip gave her enough time to settle in and relax, and she was glad to have packed several items that enhanced her experience.

Firstly, she was pleased to have packed her Kindle, which provided her with hours of reading material during the journey. Additionally, she brought a tripod, which proved useful in capturing content and creating extra space at her seat. Headphones were another essential item, allowing her to enjoy music or watch TV without disturbing other passengers.

However, there were a few items she wished she had packed. Among these, she regretted not bringing a travel pillow or blanket, as her seat was comfortable but could have been made cozier with added cushioning. She also mentioned that slippers would have been a helpful addition for walking around the train car. Another comfort item she missed was a neck pillow, which could have helped her relax during her early morning and late-night travel.

Lastly, Amanda wished she had packed motion-sickness medication, as she started feeling nauseous towards the end of the ride. This unexpected feeling caught her off guard, making her wish she had brought something to alleviate the discomfort. Despite her preparation, her five-hour Amtrak ride taught her the importance of packing thoughtful items to make her journey more enjoyable and comfortable.