Of all the modes of transportation, train travel is often the most confusing, when it comes to packing. Like plane trips, you are allowed 1 or 2 carry-on bags and heavier baggage, which should be checked in. You cannot access checked-in baggage, until you disembark. When it comes to carry-on baggage, which travel accessories are really necessary? The ironic thing about packing (especially last-minute packing), is that you realize what you should and shouldn’t have packed, only when you have boarded the train. You can prevent such irony by packing right. In this article, learn what items should make it or be erased from your train travel packing list.

How to Pack for a Train Trip

Train journeys can be a moving visual treat with scenic views and outdoor beauty, but after a while, the countryside seems to look the same. Come nighttime, and you won’t be able to see anything outside; so, pack something that will amuse you on the journey or keep your brain cells whirring.

Bookworms should make the most of a train trip by indulging in some heavy-duty, uninterrupted reading. Pack a

or two (or even more) to sink into your seat and read. A book of puzzles or brain-teasers will also keep you on your mental toes. Grab some or for light reading. You can also pack a lightweight journal or diary and jot down notes. An saves you the hassle of carrying heavy books, as it can store a whole library of literature in one small device. If you are traveling with company, then get a portable board game like a miniature or a .

If books are not your cup of tea, then get along a

, a handheld or a for your multimedia needs. A tablet PC is the most handy of all gadgets for a train trip; it is easy to carry around, use and store. Plus it allows you to do a variety of functions on a single device. Laptops fall into the same category. With Wi-Fi available on most train routes, you can surf the Web to keep yourself amused.

You could just pack an

and listen to music. Headphones are compulsory to avoid disturbing those around you. In all this talk of gadgets, your cell phone is a no-brainer. Another essential electronic accessory is the charger for a said gadget as electronic gadgets will run out of battery juice at some point or the other.

The amount and location of power outlets on a train, differ based on the type of seat (first-class has an outlet at every seat), so charge devices before making the train trip or get a lot of batteries, if you can’t find a free power outlet. If you’re traveling with kids, remember that they get very bored very easily and quickly. Pack some

or a board game or to keep them (and you) happy.

Whether this is your first train trip or your fiftieth, two “comfort” items needed for long distance train trips are a and a . It can get cold at night in the train, so get a lightweight small blanket or a pashmina that folds up easily to store in your bag; yet is snug enough to keep you warm. Instead of leaning your head on the window screen or struggling with the seat, get a travel pillow to lay your head on. A train attendant can provide a pillow if available but you may not feel that comfortable. A is ideal as it is conveniently portable. If you experience neck pain, get a neck pillow for added support.

Other comfort items that can be included in your train packing checklist are as given below.

• Keep , which contains soap, floss, toothbrush and toothpaste.
• are needed for wiping up a spill or to wipe hands clean. For washing your face sans water, pack some antibacterial wet wipes.
• A small will keep you looking fresh throughout the trip.
• In case of a long train journey, keeping yourself groomed can be a problem. Guys can pack an , so all they need is a power outlet. If not, they can pack a portable shaver and shaving cream.
• Ladies can keep a portable with bare essentials like eyeshadow, foundation and lipstick. A small comb or hair brush is a must-have for both sexes.
• Eye care items such as should be carried. Get some to soothe dry eyes during the journey.
• For a sound and uninterrupted sleep, get a pair of earplugs and an eye mask to block out noise and light.
• Pack a spare and an extra pair of socks in your carry-on bag. Try to pack wrinkle-resistant clothes.
• Kids on board means, an extra set of clothes for each child, especially for infants. Pack an extra blanket or two.
• Keep handy with you as there are no ATMs on trains and you will be able to withdraw money only at the next station. Carry a reasonable amount and a little extra in case of an emergency.
• The motion of the train, inactivity or too much disturbance can give you a headache, so remember to store a strip of Tylenol or for any aches and pains.

Yes, you do get food and water on the train. Overnight journeys and long distance trips will give you a chance to enjoy a nice meal in the train’s dining car. There is a snack bar from where you buy certain foods and beverages. But don’t depend on the train’s culinary facilities completely. Certain items you may be craving for at a particular moment, may not be available. The dining car and snack bar will be open at fixed timings. And snacking in a train can get expensive. So avoid such pitfalls, by carrying around your own set of culinary rations. This does not mean bringing the entire fridge. Some satisfying snacks to store with you for a train trip are:

• Fruits like apples, oranges, pears, especially those that won’t get crushed
• Chewing gum, especially if you smoke to keep those nicotine pangs at bay (smoking on the train is not allowed!)
• Crackers or chips
• Granola and energy bars
• Nuts and raisins
• Wedges and nubs of cheese
• Simple, spill-free sandwiches like peanut butter
• Ready-to-eat meals with no cooking required
• Flask of coffee or tea
• Juice packs

A word of caution though; depending on how long your journey is, pack snacks accordingly; else, you may find yourself hogging. Do not pack any food items that require refrigeration or reheating, as there are no such facilities on the train. Drinking alcoholic beverages at your seat, is allowed only in the Sleeping Car. There is tap water on the train but carry your own bottle of water, especially for a short trip.

Along with your travel items, remember to store the necessary train paperwork, such as your ticket or rail pass. Keep your ticket or pass at hand in your carry-on bag, as you will need to show it to train officials, while boarding the train or during your journey. While packing for train travel, remember that there’s a limit to how much you can carry. Two carry-on bags are allowed and their individual weight should not exceed 50 pounds. There are limits prescribed to the physical size of the bags as well. Pack wisely and minimally; try to take items that serve multiple purposes and are compact.

Losing a passport can cause the calmest of people to hyperventilate, especially if it happens while you’re abroad. I’d love to say don’t worry, but I won’t, because, losing a passport is not too different from losing your identity; more so, when you aren’t in your home country. Having said that, a calm demeanor comes in handy, so the sooner you recover from that panic attack, the better your chances get at recovering it.

Every country has varying rules regarding replacing a misplaced or stolen passport, but irrespective of your nationality, the first thing you must do is to report your loss to the concerned authorities. Get in touch with your country’s embassy or consulate immediately if you’ve lost your passport abroad. Along with that, you should file a police statement, informing them about your loss. It is important that you let the local police know, as they are the ones who will offer you immediate assistance, and will also help you contact your embassy if you need to.

If it’s happened in your country, you’ve got slightly lesser worries, but you must report it to your local passport agency immediately. Any delay in reporting the loss could result in your passport being misused, commonly known as identity theft. Once the loss is reported, you can begin the replacement procedures.

Q- What happens once I report the loss of my passport to the U.S. Department of State?
A- As soon as you report your passport as lost or stolen, it is rendered invalid with immediate effect. It can no longer be used for travel or as a proof of identity or for any other purpose, even if you manage to recover it later.

Q- I reported a lost passport, but I found it. What do I do with it?
A- Well, you certainly won’t be able to use it as it already is an invalid document. You must submit it to the address mentioned on Form DS-64. This passport will then be destroyed. You can request them to send it back to you, if you wish. They will do so after canceling the passport.

Q- What do I do if I urgently need my passport to be replaced?
A- You can pay an additional fee and expedite the passport procurement procedure. You will need to make an appointment with the Regional Passport Agency, but only under the following circumstances:

- If you need your U.S. passport to travel abroad within 2 weeks;

- If you need your U.S. passport to apply for a visa within 4 weeks.

Firstly, r-e-l-a-x. Although it is a frightful situation to be in, it is certainly not the end of the world. As I mentioned before, you must contact the local police who will register your statement. They will also help you get in touch with your embassy, if you aren’t able to do so yourself.

You need not be a seasoned traveler to know that you absolutely must keep a copy of the photo page of your passport in each of your other bags, with your travel mate if you have one, and also keep one with a friend or family member back home. Be extra cautious and have a scanned copy saved on your email as well.

Losing your passport can be a nightmare straight out of hell, but if you’re unfortunate enough to lose all your money along with it, too, it can result in a mini heart attack. Again, it makes sense to have some spare cash stashed in other bags, along with the copy of the passport that I just mentioned.

And then there will be times when you’ll find yourself robbed of your passport and your money and your phone, but there is still a way out. If for some reason you do get stranded, find a place where you can access free Internet so you can Skype someone back home who can help. Some public libraries offer free Internet and quite a few coffee shops or fast food joints around the world have Wi-Fi, so try to catch hold of someone with a laptop in there.

As a traveler, never underestimate the importance of saving copies of all your travel documents, including ticket information. While you’re on the move, regularly stay in touch with someone back home. This way, if you land in trouble, you’ll have someone watching out for you.

In a perfect world, there would be no boundaries, no immigration checks and happily, no passports. But until we actually reach that stage, we need to guard all our identification documents as well as we can. After all, nothing can kill an idyllic getaway like the loss of your passport.

Why should holidays be spent only traveling and sightseeing, when you can indulge in some fun activities in and around your home front. One of the best aspects of having a staycation is that you can indulge in all sorts of activities without worrying about what others have to say. After all, you are having fun at your expense in your backyard; why should someone else have the right to question you about the things you do? Here’s an extensive list of ideas, for you to enjoy your staycation with your family and friends.

*Clicking on the images will give you a better view.

Some of my best memories as a kid have been, playing for hours together in the backyard; mostly with my cousins and a few friends. I vividly remember playing Hopscotch, House etc., during the vacations and I should say that they were indeed one of the best times of my life. Those days of loitering around in the sun, in addition to spending quality time with my family, posed as an opportunity to explore the surroundings to the fullest, as well as to learn something new on a daily basis. These ideas are definitely tried and tested ways of enjoying a stay-at-home vacation. The best part is, you can try something on a daily basis during the tenure of the vacation.

On days when it is too hot to venture outside, or when you simply aren’t in the mood to go out and play, you can try out some of these indoor ideas and have a great time at home. Have you ever given a thought to the number of things that can be done just sitting at home? Take a look.

If you can spend your holiday in a worthwhile manner, then there’s nothing like it! Enroll for a hobby class, or conduct some yourself, visit fairs, or organize them; do what you like in your spare time, but do not let boredom get the best of you.

Vacations are fun times and doing things that make you happy will ensure you have a good time. Shopping, trekking, picnicking, sailing or simply loitering will definitely be worth a staycation.

Here’s all I have to offer for now, as my brains have stopped working temporarily, and I’m out of ideas for a family staycation. Those of you wishing to ditch your kids and have a romantic vacation with your spouse, you might want to try some romantic staycation ideas. Here’s where I sign off, longing for a vacation of any kind for myself.

The winter is almost over, and spring break is upon us. If youre thinking about taking your family for a fun vacation this spring or summer, consider a road trip. Road trips are great for children because theyll see more of our great country than they would in a plane. Its also fun to stop at different landmarks on the way, not only to see the great stuff our country has to offer, but also to stretch your legs and stop and smell the roses. Family time is irreplaceable, so take your time getting to where youre going. However, with any long trip, there is a chance that kids might get restless. If you travel prepared, though, youll have a happy trip.

Road Games

There is a huge variety of games, kids can play while on the road. From trying to find license plates from each state, to singing road trip songs, these classic games can be played with little to no money. If you visit your local bookstore, you can find a section of books that have all of these games in them already. However, if you dont want to spend the money on these books, you can create them yourself. Find pictures of license plates from different states and collect them together for your kids to see, before they hit the road. You can also grab a CD from your local library that has all the sing-along songs on it for you to enjoy.

Books

For the bookworm in your family, head to your library or bookstore and stock up on books they have always wanted to read. If your kids can read without getting car sick, its a great time to practice reading skills and catch up on books theyre excited about. Make sure these are books for fun; let them pick out whatever they want. It is vacation, after all!

Technology

If youre OK letting your kids use technology on family vacations, let them bring along portable DVD players or game centers. This can keep them occupied and not fighting for hours. However, put a time limit on any technology they use. Nothing is more annoying than trying to talk to your kids, while they are busy texting on their phones or playing games. Maybe allow them to use the technology between certain stops, but no more. Also, be sure you have a rule that, during meals, they cannot use their devices. Family vacation time is time for the family to spend together, not on their separate devices.

Food

Food is the best way to keep kids happy. Children often get hungry before adults do, so keeping several options for snacks on hand can help, keep your kids calm and full. This can also help you save money while on the road by making it, so you dont have to stop at rest stops or restaurants, where youre sure to spend a lot of money.

Sleepy Time

Vacations are time to rest up, so let your kids sleep during the car ride if they are able. Bring along pillows and blankets and even some favorite stuffed animals and calming music and let them cuddle up in the back seat – as long as they are still wearing their seat belts, of course! This will not only keep them quiet, but also prevent them from getting crabby due to exhaustion.

My wife and I just returned from a 10-day trip to Las Vegas. Here are 10 family fun things to do besides the obvious – gambling.

1. The Mob Museum: This just opened Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2012. It received National Press Coverage. It deserved it, because it offers a fascinating look at organized crime in any form you can imagine – the Mob, the Mafia, Gangsters, and Racketeers. Budget at least two hours for this museum, because there are lots of exhibits, hands-on activities like firing a Tommy Gun at a target and a real electric chair, and walls and walls of photos and stories. Some of the exhibits are graphic, and perhaps small children should be shielded. The story of Las Vegas itself, how various influences like the Mob, the Hoover Dam, the geography, played key roles in putting this town on the map. Officially called the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, it tells the story of organized crime not only in Las Vegas but throughout the United States. The museum is located in a former Federal Court House at 300 Stewart Ave. The best way to reach this museum is finding your way to Fremont St. in downtown Las Vegas. Stewart street runs parallel to Fremont Street Experience, two blocks North. Adult admission is $18; $10 if you are a Nevada resident. If you ever wanted to see Al Capone up close, this is the place. 702-229-2734. Photo shows one of the many exhibits.

2. The Monorail: Here is a fun way to see the backside of the Las Vegas Strip. The Monorail runs behind the casinos, revealing not only the glitter and glamor of the strip, but the warehouse and construction equipment storage lots that make the city seem more real. The Monorail allows you to travel between the casinos with little effort. It starts at the South end of the strip at the MGM Grand, runs North to the Paris Las Vegas, Imperial Palace, Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Hilton. We chose to ride it both directions its full length to give us a different view of the Strip. A ticket is $5 for one trip, $13 for a one-day pass, or $28 for a three-day pass. You can ride it one way and come back the other as long as you don’t leave a terminal. Once you do, you have to buy another ticket, unless you have an extended-day pass. Sadly, its last stop northbound is the Sahara Casino, which is now closed. Buy your ticket at the gate.

3. Double-Decker Buses: These vehicles are so beautiful, we had to ask if it was a city bus or a tour bus. They have two decks, the top for the best view. They operate the full length of the Strip and include the downtown area, best known as the Fremont Street Experience. You can ride this bus for a $5 ticket that is good for two hours, or you can buy a $7 ticket that is good for 24 hours. Bus stops are located along the Strip.

4. Fremont Street Experience: The downtown casinos are in the unenviable position of having to compete with the Strip. In a clever move, the business owners closed off two blocks of Fremont Street to traffic and covered it with a huge laser screen. At night, this two-block section literally throbs with good music, a laser light show on the overhead screens, and big crowds. It is a lot of fun, and is very exciting. Whitney Houston was featured on the laser show to honor her life. During the day, it is a little less family-friendly. The number of people is fewer, and the less-desirable elements of Las Vegas are there.

5. Beatles Love: My wife said this was her reason for coming to Las Vegas. The show proved worthy. Beatles Love is a celebration of Beatles music interpreted in a wild and crazy circus of gymnastics, theatrics, mime, with more creativity than one can imagine. Spectacular is the word we used. It is hosted by the Mirage Casino. Tickets are available in most of the casinos and once in a while at the half-price ticket stations along the Strip, but after shopping around we found the best way to get reasonable tickets was to contact the Mirage directly. Our medium priced tickets were $104 each with some fees added to make them $128. We paid with a credit card over the phone and picked up the tickets a couple of days later at the Mirage box office. There are no bad seats in the theater, regardless of price. There are a few restricted-view seats that really would not be worth the loss of view for this tremendous show. This is a Cirque du Soleil production. Much of the music is from the Sgt. Pepper/White Album/Abbey Road era.

6. Grand Canyon, South Rim: We found a 2-for-1 coupon for a bus trip to the Grand Canyon Arizona, the South Rim. Cost per person about $80. Another $20 bought a IMAX ticket for a show on the Grand Canyon as the National Geographic Visitor Center, well worth it. The bus picked us up at our casino hotel at 6 am and we returned at 11 pm. That is 17 hours. We spent a total of two hours at the Canyon. It was worth it, but be prepared for a long day, most of it spent riding in a bus, with stops for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other ways of seeing the Grand Canyon are by helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, both flying out of Las Vegas. Faster and more expensive, they both are at the mercy of the weather. On the day we went, there were clouds and snow in the Canyon and helicopter travel was banned. Views of the Grand Canyon are so awesome a camera seems almost inadequate to capture the scene. If by chance you are planning a visit to Flagstaff, Arizona, in the near future, the distance to the Grand Canyon is much shorter than from Las Vegas.

7. Death Valley, California: This is a much shorter trip from Las Vegas than the Grand Canyon. It took about two hours driving a rental car, though bus trips are available. While the temperature in Las Vegas was in the low 60s, it reached 79 on the car thermometer in Death Valley. During the summer temperatures can reach 130 degrees. This is the lowest geographical point in the United States, with a sign marking it at 282 feet below sea level. The valley surface is both flat, rocky, and mountainous, depending on the location. It is a National Park and requires cash or credit card admission. A 7-day entry pass is $20 which covers the vehicle and all passengers. Borax was mined in Death Valley in the early 20th century. Aim for the Furnace Creek Visitor Center where you can find food and beverages, gifts, and a museum, run by the U.S. National Park Service. Most of our fun was found on Artists Road and Badwater Basin, in the area of Furnace Creek.

8. The Auto Collection, Imperial Palace Casino: This vast collection of classic automobiles is more than a museum – it is a sales showroom. Many of these cars are for sale. That cleansing of inventory keeps the collection fluid, with an ever-changing variety of cars on exhibit. Some of the notables the day we were there were a big collection of classic Rolls Royces, two 1957 Chevrolets, a couple of old VWs, race cars, and a sport utility used on the HBO series the Sopranos. There is a gift shop. Pick up a coupon for a 2-for-1 entry deal. Tickets are $8.95.

9. Buffets: Nothing is more fun than having a big selection of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Las Vegas answers that craving with buffets at most of the casinos. Prices range from $7.95 at the Orleans to $21.95 at the Rio. The Rio, which was a $10 cab ride (including tip) from the Flamingo, offers the biggest buffet. It seems as long as a football field. The variety is endless. We thought the prime rib at the Flamingo buffet was the tastiest item of any buffet.

10. The Ethel M Chocolates Factory: This is an offshoot of the Mars Candy Co., which makes M&Ms. This is their gourmet line of chocolates. There is a factory tour, a tasting, a gift shop, and an enormous cactus garden. Learn how chocolate travels from the bean to the taste buds. We traveled there via rental car, as it is in the town of Henderson, outside Las Vegas. The address is 2 Cactus Garden Dr. 702-435-2655. Admission is free.

Further Tips: Look for coupon books. They are available in the casinos, at newsstands, and are handed out on the street. These coupons give discounts on food, entertainment, and travel. Other fun things we did included the Titanic Exhibit at the Luxor, the Eiffel Tower at Paris, the World’s Largest Gift Store at the North end of the Strip, the Dolphins at the Mirage, and the outlet shops.

Fun and family activities in Las Vegas are endless. You just have to look beyond the obvious – the gambling.

Buy the local newspaper. Everyday it features a Visitor Guide to point you in the right direction, and includes a map and details on how to get around town using public transportation.