I took my first overnight Amtrak train from NYC to Miami. Here are 11 ways I made the 30-hour ride more bearable.

I could have flown from New York City to Miami in October 2021. It would have saved me 27 hours and at least $100.

But as a lifelong train lover, I’d always wondered what it would be like to spend a night on the rails. So when I realized there was a 30-hour Amtrak route from NYC to Miami, I felt like it was my chance to try out this type of long-haul travel.

Since I was traveling overnight, I booked a roomette accommodation for about $500. A step up from coach seating, it’s a 20-square-foot private suite that sleeps two people.

I romanticized my overnight train trip to Miami until the moment I stepped on the train. I don’t know exactly what I…