Okay so why does Amtrak have these weird little water dispensers?

Why not place the dispenser part several inches up so you can actually use it?

They do have weird tiny little disposable cups to match -- but why would anyone think it was a good idea to manufacture these ridiculous ice cream cone water cups anyway?

And why then would anyone decide they should purchase them -- in bulk?

They are pointless single-sip things you can't put down.

This is my first trip that I've seen Amtrak have the cone cups as well as a more traditional cup with a flat base that you don't have to hold then toss). Love some options!

If you're traveling with your own bottle because you like to have more than 2-3 sips on a longggggg trip, you can't use these water dispensers because they're too small and the angles too weird and water goes everywhere.

I tried filling my water bottle with them and it didn't work… but then I improvised!

Getting Around Nonsense Design

I tore off the bottom of the stupid cone cup and made a funnel so I could get water directly into my bottle and stay hydrated!

I don't know why I didn't think of this years ago (or why Amtrak wouldn't just have water dispensers with enough space to fill more than 3 ounce cups that immediately become trash)

Share Your Best Train Hacks!

What do you do when you take the train to make the trip comfortable?

Do you travel with a blanket?

I have seen SO MANY people whip out full size blankets — maybe 75% of travelers on some routes! — because the trains are quite air conditioned. Even though it’s possible to pack much more when you travel by train, I could never imagine bringing an entire blanket with me for any trip. Even on my latest trip to New Orleans during that wild heat wave in June, tons of people were wrapped up in blankets during the journey.

What would you never leave home without for your next train journey?