Travel agents curate unforgettable vacations for their clients using their industry knowledge — along with a few insider secrets. Often, travel agents have exclusive access to private discounts, memberships, tours, and industry tips that the average traveler doesn’t. We set out to uncover some of the best-kept secrets and expert advice that only the most seasoned travel agents know.

FAM Trips Are More Than a Free Vacation

One of the most coveted perks of being a travel agent is the opportunity to go on “FAM trips,” short for “familiarization trips.” But these all-expenses-paid or heavily discounted vacations aren’t just for leisure. They’re funded by tour operators, airlines, and hotels in hopes that agents will recommend the destinations, hotels, and tours to their clients. 

For example, a relative of mine who is a veteran travel agent with over four decades of industry experience says that some of her most unforgettable FAM trips still influence her bookings today. These experiences range from a thrilling helicopter tour over the mountains of Oahu to a leisurely cruise down Europe’s longest river, the Volga. 

While the cost and inclusions vary depending on the type of FAM trip, most expenses — such as accommodation, transportation, and meals — are paid for by the brand. These exclusive opportunities create lasting brand relationships and instill confidence in agents, allowing them to steer clients toward the best options they can personally vouch for. 

Agents Can Unlock “Hidden” Discounts

Nowadays, many vacationers feel equipped to book their own travel online, but they might not have access to the best discounts. Often, travel agents do. Travel agents are the bargain hunters of the industry, using their insider knowledge to unlock offers you’d never find otherwise. 

According to The Travel Team (a full-service travel provider for corporate, group, and leisure travel), travel advisers leverage their long-term relationships with hotel chains, car rental services, and cruise lines to gain access to exclusive perks and discounts. Finding deals is actually a significant part of their job: “Most travel advisers spend a lot of their time wading through dozens of vendor offers to find the right ones for their clients,” the company explains on its blog.

These types of deals are often time-sensitive, unadvertised, and unavailable to the average customer. If you’re setting out on a group tour, a luxury vacation, or an action-packed getaway, a travel agent could be the key to cutting costs (by hundreds or even thousands of dollars) without sacrificing quality. 

Peak Season Isn’t Always the Best Option

Every destination has its own peak season, but some destinations have multiple busy seasons throughout the year, which can cause problems for unknowing travelers. Seasoned travel agents are experts at pinpointing the best time of year to visit a destination based on cost and experience, creating a perfect balance between the two. 

For instance, a summer trip to the coast of Italy might sound like a dream come true, but an agent may advise you to book during a quieter time of the year (called a “shoulder season”) when the weather is still mild and the crowds are far fewer. “For those who are willing to skip the summer splashiness of … July jaunts around Europe, there’s a lot more ability to stretch a dollar (or euro),” Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora travel agency, said in a recent interview with The Points Guy.

Travel agents also know about local events and holidays impacting tourist numbers and costs. For example, Vazquez explained that before and after the 2024 Olympics in Paris, there was a unique opportunity for travelers to save money and avoid crowds during a regularly buzzing summer in Paris, as most tourists (and locals) avoided the city in the weeks surrounding the Olympics. Similarly, Italy will be impacted by the Catholic Church’s Jubilee for the entirety of 2025, with estimates of 32 million pilgrims traveling throughout the country. A travel agent can steer you toward a less busy time to visit. 

Luxury Hotel Programs Offer Agent-Only Access

Any traveler can join loyalty programs at hotel chains like Hilton or Marriott, allowing them to earn points, perks, and upgrades. However, it usually takes an insider to unlock some of the world’s most luxurious hotel memberships. 

The Four Seasons, for example, does not have a public loyalty program. Instead, it operates an invitation-only program called the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program. This program is granted to only the “highest-tier luxury travel agencies,” explains Fora Travel, a network of travel agents. 

By booking through a travel adviser affiliated with this program, travelers receive Preferred Status during their trip. That comes with exclusive perks and amenities at all Four Seasons hotels worldwide, including hotel, dining, and spa credits, along with free upgrades when available.

They Can Handle Airline Mishaps Better and Faster 

Travel is unpredictable, and when significant delays and cancellations happen, getting reimbursed and rebooked can be challenging. For example, a recent flight from Los Angeles to China made headlines when the plane was turned around because a pilot forgot his passport. One passenger told CNN that she received two meal vouchers totaling $30 and filed a claim on the airline’s website, from which she could expect a response in 14 business days. 

Although this is a standard response, it can be frustrating for travelers. However, travel agents can easily navigate these situations thanks to their experience and their relationships with travel providers, which often allow them to secure better refunds and rebookings for their clients.  

“Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays, making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away,” Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate and journalist, explained in a recent interview with U.S. News & World Report. Agents receive up-to-date notifications of all clients’ trips — they might know your flight will be canceled before you do. 

Sometimes, travel agents can even obtain higher reimbursement or vouchers through their relationships with airlines, and, if necessary, book a complimentary stay at an airport hotel. Instead of hours of stressful phone calls or navigating airline websites, a travel agent will file claims for you, making a flight cancellation only a minor snag in your getaway.

Questions around currency exchange often vex travelers. Should you pay for a credit card purchase in your home currency or the local currency? Will you be charged an exorbitant foreign exchange fee at the ATM? Well, there’s now another wrinkle in the currency exchange equation travelers should be aware of. If you plan to use the popular rideshare service Uber when traveling abroad, here’s what to know about Uber’s new Preferred Currency Pricing — and why you should probably skip it on your next trip.

The Basics of Uber’s Preferred Currency Pricing

Hailing a cab in a foreign city can turn into quite the headache if you’re unfamiliar with the language or local customs. That’s why Uber has become a popular option for many travelers. The service — now available in over 10,000 cities in around 70 countries — allows you to plug in your destination in your preferred language and automatically be charged for the ride with your linked credit card. You can also monitor the progress of your trip and the route in the app and contact Uber’s support team if anything goes wrong. 

In February 2025, Uber introduced a new feature called Preferred Currency Pricing, currently available in select markets. When requesting a ride in a country away from home, users will be able to see pricing and pay for the ride in their home currency instead of the local currency.

There’s an important catch, though. While Uber says it won’t mark up the exchange rate, the company will automatically add a 1.5% surcharge into the trip fare when using Preferred Currency Pricing. And because users are enrolled in this option automatically, you could end up paying more for rides in a foreign destination without even realizing it.

How To Opt Out of Uber’s Preferred Currency Pricing

When paying by credit or debit card for a souvenir or a meal in a restaurant, it’s almost always a better option to be charged in the local currency while traveling abroad. Many establishments will offer customers the choice to pay in their home currency, but this often comes with a markup compared with the exchange rate offered by your credit card. 

Because of the 1.5% fee, the same is true with Uber’s new option. While it may be convenient to skip the exchange rate math and see pricing in a familiar currency, you’ll probably want to opt out of the service to avoid overpaying for rides on your next international trip.

To do so, go to your Wallet in the Uber app, select the option for “Set preferred currency,” and choose “No preferred currency” to always pay in the local currency on your Uber rides.

Note that, as of April 2025, this option is only available on rides in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to users whose home currency is U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, euros, or British pounds. If you are taking a ride in a country where Preferred Currency Pricing isn’t available yet, the fare will show in the local currency.

Consider a Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees

An important consideration is how you plan to pay for Uber rides internationally. If your linked card is one that charges a fee for foreign transactions, you may be tempted to use Uber’s Preferred Currency Pricing, since these fees are typically around 2.5% to 3% on every transaction.

However, many credit cards don’t levy these fees. If you don’t already have a card with no foreign transaction fees, it may be worth signing up for one. While some of these cards charge an annual fee, there are also some that don’t, such as the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card and the Capitol One Savor Rewards credit card.

Featured image credit: Nisian Hughes/ Stone via Getty Images 

Nobody enjoys going through airport security, but there are several tips and tricks to make it less painful. On June 23, 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record-breaking 2.99 million passengers at U.S. airports, and the numbers don’t seem to be dwindling. That means keeping the line moving is crucial to a positive terminal experience. Here are 10 important tips TSA officers want you to know to help operations run more smoothly. 

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Download the Free myTSA App

Planning to bring bulky or hazardous items such as strollers, unloaded firearms, knives, skis, golf clubs, or musical instruments on your trip? The free myTSA app is your best friend. The app’s “What can I bring?” feature will let you know whether to pack the item in a checked bag or a carry-on; it also highlights items that are prohibited. Even if you don’t plan on packing anything unusual, the app notifies passengers of flight updates such as delays, cancellations, estimated checkpoint wait times, and PreCheck lane availability. 

Don’t Use a Nickname on Your Boarding Pass

If your full legal first name is Benjamin on your passport or driver’s license, using just “Ben” on your boarding pass may raise suspicion when you’re going through airport security. Entering your full name as it appears on your ID when purchasing your flight is the only way you will be allowed to board successfully. This is particularly important for those who may have gotten married recently but still have yet to be issued an ID with their new last name.

Arrive Early

The TSA officially recommends following your airline’s guidance on when to arrive at the airport. With most U.S. airlines, that means getting to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic travel and three hours for international travel. Most flights board 20 to 30 minutes before departure, so take that time — along with checked baggage cutoff times — into consideration, too. During busy seasons such as summer and holidays, account for longer screening lines, and stay up to date on your flight status so you know of delays and cancellations before you get to the airport.

Practicing Good Hygiene Is Essential

Since thousands of travelers are coming into contact with the same surfaces, TSA officers (like everyone else) want to prevent the spread of germs and viruses as much as possible. First, always wear socks with your shoes when you fly, so you don’t have to walk barefoot through the airport when taking off your shoes for security screening. Slip-on shoes, rather than bulky lace-ups, will help you speed through the process.

Using hand sanitizer and keeping personal items that often come into contact with your face packed away are all good ways to stay hygienic. And, unlike with your laptop or tablet device, keeping your mobile phone in a carry-on bag or a personal item like a purse or backpack is perfectly acceptable. Placing it safely zipped inside will prevent the spread of bacteria since the bins are where passengers place their shoes.

Keep Your Bag Organized 

Packing cubes aren’t only beneficial for helping you pack — they also prevent you from time-consuming TSA searches. If X-ray scans can’t easily identify items in your luggage, a more thorough search is required, so make sure you keep toiletries, clothes, electronics, and food items separate. The TSA recommends that travelers use clear zipped bags for toiletries and jewelry, as well as backpacks and purses with laptop compartments to make the screening process quicker. The neater your bag, the better.

Most Medications Are Fine 

The TSA doesn’t require travelers to carry prescriptions in their bottles, so carrying a pill organizer with unlabeled medications in it is perfectly acceptable to board your flight. Medically necessary inhalers, ointments, gels, or aerosols are also allowed in your purse or carry-on so long as you mention them to TSA officers during the screening process.

If you’re traveling with liquid medications — a bottle of cough syrup, for example — be aware that you’re required to inform officers of those, too. Travelers are permitted to bring more than 3.4 ounces of liquid medications in their carry-on, but only in what the TSA describes as “reasonable quantities for your flight.” 

Most Food Is Fine

It might seem surprising, but packed foods can be put on the conveyor belt — as long as they are solid and not in liquid or gel form. Mostly anything goes: pies, casseroles, sandwiches, you name it. For easy inspection, do not pack them in your bag and let TSA officers know what they are before screening. If you have questions about what type of food products are allowed in your carry-on or checked bag, the agency publishes a helpful guide here. 

Consider Enrolling in TSA PreCheck

Want to avoid the hassle of removing your shoes, belt, light jacket, and laptop from your bag? Enrolling in TSA PreCheck ahead of your departure promises a speedier journey to your gate, as it’s typically a lane for frequent travelers who are more familiar with the screening process. According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less. Also note that children ages 17 and under can go through the TSA PreCheck lane with their enrolled parents, as long as they are traveling on the same reservation.

Never Joke About Explosives

It goes without saying, but even if you don’t mean any harm, joking about a bomb or a weapon at the airport is never a good idea. If you even discuss the matter, TSA personnel may ask you to step out of line for further questioning. Avoid being pulled aside to have a serious discussion with the TSA or local law enforcement — and potentially missing your flight.

If You’re Asked To Step Aside, It Isn’t Personal

At times, TSA officers may see or hear something that’s cause for concern, but they’re only doing their jobs if they ask you to step aside. Inspections are also randomly conducted, so don’t feel offended if you’re asked to answer more questions or offer a more rigorous search of your bag or pockets. The more compliant and cooperative you are, the quicker you’ll get to your gate.

From hot-stone treatments at the on-site spa to gourmet meals delivered via room service, many hotels offer a variety of amenities to pamper you on vacation. But some properties go above and beyond to give their guests a dash of something extra to make their experience more memorable. Depending on your destination, these quirky offerings range from unique late-night snacks to unusual animal experiences. You likely won’t forget your stay at these eight hotels around the world with one-of-a-kind perks.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

The Peabody – Memphis, Tennessee

Guests of the iconic Peabody Hotel in Memphis can partake in an unusual tradition that dates back to 1933. Each day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., you can watch the hotel’s five resident mallard ducks march through the hotel’s elegant wood-paneled lobby accompanied by music. 

It all began when hotel manager Frank Schutt and his friend returned from a hunting trip in Arkansas and jokingly placed three of their live call ducks in the fountain after consuming too much Tennessee whiskey. The guests loved it, and soon the mallards made the Peabody their permanent home. The hotel — arguably one of the most historic properties in the South — opened in 1869 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tradition Julen Hotel – Zermatt, Switzerland

This four-star Swiss chalet is nestled next to the iconic Matterhorn peak, but it also has some furry friends nearby. At Tradition Julen Hotel, which traces its roots back to 1910, guests can meet hotel owner Paul Julen’s flock of 300 or so Valais Blacknose sheep in a barn at the edge of the village. 

From mid-December to mid-April, those who spend the night on Wednesdays can meet in the lobby at 5 p.m. to take a taxi to the barn to hang out with the sheep. In July and August, the sheep graze on Gornergrat, a rocky ridge of the Pennine Alps, so you may also encounter them on a hike through the area’s stunning nature.

Le Pavillon – New Orleans, Louisiana

If you find yourself in the mood for a late-night snack on vacation, Marriott’s Le Pavillon New Orleans has you covered. The hotel serves complimentary peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, hot chocolate, and glasses of milk every night in the lobby from 10 to 11 p.m. 

The service began on September 10, 1988, when a guest ordered a single glass of milk from the bar and explained that he needed it to accompany his PB&J with his daughter — a ritual they shared every night. The bartender on duty was the general manager of the hotel, and he requested kitchen staff make sandwiches for the pair. Soon, everyone working that evening wanted one as well, and a popular tradition was born.

Hotel nhow – Berlin, Germany 

Proclaiming itself Europe’s first “music hotel,” Hotel nhow Berlin is located in between the trendy neighborhoods of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. The hotel’s design reflects its hip surroundings with bold magenta décor and stylish furnishings. 

But the highlight for musically inclined guests is the ability to experiment with rhythm or see what it’s like to record a podcast in the property’s two available custom recording studios, available to rent for a fee. Featuring state-of-the-art sound technology, the soundproof studios have a breathtaking view of the Berlin skyline and Spree River — a lovely way to inspire your creativity.

Four Seasons Hotel Houston – Houston, Texas

You don’t need to worry about packing high-fashion accessories for your visit to Houston if you’re planning to spend the night at the Four Seasons. The hotel allows guests to rent a designer handbag on a complimentary basis for an evening through Vivrelle, a unique membership club on the property that rents out luxury handbags. Select from couture brands such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, and more. Opened in 1982 in Houston’s downtown business district, the five-star accommodation sure knows how to make visitors feel pampered. 

Fairmont Vancouver Airport – Richmond, British Columbia

If you have an early morning flight from Vancouver or a late-night arrival and prefer to stay close to your terminal, Fairmont Vancouver Airport is a convenient option. And you don’t have to be an avian enthusiast to enjoy a complimentary bird-watching backpack, complete with binoculars, snacks for the trail, and maps.

The hotel is located along the British Columbia Bird Trail, one of North America’s best locations for spotting migratory birds making the journey between Patagonia and Alaska. The trail is the temporary resting place for blue herons, western sandpipers, snow geese, dunlins, and other fowl you likely won’t find back home. 

The Carlyle – New York, New York

Your very own “fragrance butler” will help you select a scent by luxury perfume brands such as Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, and Tom Ford when you stay at the Carlyle, an upscale hotel by Rosewood on New York City’s Upper East Side. Guests can ring the butler at any time during their stay for a quick spritz to freshen up. It’s a great way to try out a new scent before you splurge at the mall back home.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar – Nassau, The Bahamas

Downward dog and the child’s pose are certainly more relaxing by the beach, but at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, guests can say “namaste” to the hotel’s resident flamingos during an outdoor yoga session. The birds are friendly with fellow yogis and, of course, are also quite good at balancing on one foot. After yoga, be sure to explore the sprawling grounds of this luxury resort, which includes a water park.

Considering a move abroad? While there are several factors to take into consideration — such as culture, weather, and location — one of the most important considerations is how the move will affect your bank account. One issue that affects cost of living is income tax. Certain countries levy more than a 50% tax on personal paychecks, the highest of which is Finland at 57.3%. If you’re looking to take home more of your hard-earned salary, you’ll be pleased to know that some nations don’t levy income tax at all. Here are six countries where you won’t pay a cent of income tax.

The Bahamas

Many are attracted to this Caribbean paradise for both its beautiful warm weather and its status as a tax haven. Not only do the Bahamas have no personal income tax, but there are also no taxes on capital gains, gifts, or inheritance. Instead, the Bahamas largely generates revenue through value-added taxes (VATs) and stamp duties on the purchase of property.

In order to be considered a resident of the Bahamas and qualify for the lack of income tax, you need to spend at least 183 days of the year living in the country, or establish a permanent residence there. Those who don’t fall into either of those categories are subject to withholding tax on personal income.

Monaco

Monaco hasn’t had any personal income tax since 1869, thanks to an ordinance from Charles III, Prince of Monaco. That said, while Monegasque residents won’t pay any tax on income generated within Monaco’s borders, they may still be subject to any taxes if they earn money elsewhere. It’s also worth noting that French nationals are required to pay income tax to the French government even if they reside in Monaco, as per a 1963 bilateral agreement between the French and Monegasque governments.

In addition to a lack of any income tax, Monaco also imposes no wealth tax or annual property tax on its residents, though there is a tax levied on profits earned from the sale of real estate and for industrial and commercial profits. But living in Monaco comes with one notable drawback — locals are prohibited from gambling, despite the country’s reputation as a gambling mecca. This rule dates back to the mid-1800s, when Princess Caroline forbade locals from gambling at Monegasque casinos so that they could maintain their money. 

Antigua and Barbuda

The push to eliminate income tax in this small Caribbean nation was first proposed in 2016 as part of a national tax reform initiative, and an amendment officially passed in 2019 that formally abolished income tax. There is, however, an exception for those who earn income through self-employment. For such earners, Antigua and Barbuda levies a progressive tax anywhere from 0% to 25%, based on total income.

For those considering moving to Antigua and Barbuda, the country offers a citizenship by investment program, which requires a minimum contribution of $230,000 to the country’s National Development Fund. While this may be a large amount to commit up front, the lack of income tax may be beneficial in the long run.

United Arab Emirates

Over 88% of the 11 million-plus people residing in the UAE are expatriates. Many people flock to the country for business opportunities and tax relief, as the Gulf state levies no tax on personal income — a trait shared by other nations on the Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. This lack of tax also applies to money earned through dividends, interest, and foreign real estate.

However, if you own and operate a business in the UAE, you may be subject to a tax on corporate profits, which was introduced in 2023. Those earning less than AED 375,000 (approximately $102,000 USD) are still entitled to a 0% tax rate, but those earning more are subject to a 9% tax on their profits.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu — made up of around 80 islands in the South Pacific — became an independent nation in 1980. The country soon began to attract new residents and investors thanks to its lax tax laws. There are no income taxes of any kind in Vanuatu, whether on personal income for residents, international investors, or corporations. To make up for lost revenue, the Vanuatu government levies an indirect 15% value-added tax on goods and services.

Even if you don’t live in Vanuatu full time, you can apply for tax residency through investment, which comes with a $130,000 financial payment into the country’s economy.

Brunei

The East Asian nation of Brunei offers tax relief across the board. There’s no income tax, nor any tax on export, sale, payroll, or manufacturing. The only exception applies to companies, which are subject to a 22% tax rate as per the Income Tax Act of 1949. 

However, there’s one quirk to be aware of for those who earn money in Brunei. Employees and employers must contribute 5% of their income to a government-run employee trust fund called the Tabung Amanah Pekerja. This program is a public pension fund akin to Social Security in the U.S.

A Note for U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders

There are two countries in the world that impose a tax on the worldwide income of expatriates, no matter where they live: the United States and Eritrea. So, even if U.S. citizens move to a nation that provides income tax relief, they’ll still have to file U.S. taxes. In order to rid yourself of this tax burden, you’ll need to renounce either your U.S. citizenship or your green card.

Green card holders can fill out a Form I-407 to abandon their permanent residence status within the United States. Renouncing your citizenship, on the other hand, requires several steps — including obtaining a second passport, ensuring you’ve been tax compliant for the last five years, meeting with government officials, and filing one final tax return when the process is complete. 

Long-haul train trips can be an exciting way to travel from place to place, as you can enjoy the scenic beauty of your surroundings without having to focus on the road ahead. But for all the sightseeing opportunities that trains offer, it can be challenging to get a good night’s sleep. As someone who’s taken their fair share of overnight train journeys, I can tell you that the constant chatter from fellow travelers, coupled with the bumpy nature of some train tracks, can make it difficult to doze off and sleep soundly through the night. Here are a few helpful hacks that I’ve successfully used before that can help you get a good night’s sleep aboard a train, too.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Opt for the Quiet Car

If you have the financial means, sleeper accommodations are the best way to ensure privacy and comfort on overnight train trips. But those tickets can be cost-prohibitive, leaving some of us looking for cheaper options in coach class.

Luckily, companies such as Amtrak in the U.S., Shinkansen in Japan, and ÖBB in Austria are just a few of the rail providers that offer a dedicated quiet car for passengers, which may be an ideal place to post up for your overnight trip. 

People in the quiet car are asked to limit their conversations to a minimum and speak in subdued tones. Phone calls are strictly prohibited in most quiet cars, and passengers are required to wear headphones if listening to any videos or music. In my personal experience riding Amtrak, fellow passengers are generally quite respectful of these rules, and rarely need a reminder from the conductor.

While there’s nothing to be done about environmental train noise, quiet cars will have a lower level of passenger noise than other cars. As a bonus, certain quiet cars feature low lighting, which creates a more relaxing atmosphere conducive to sleep.

Explore Eye Masks and Earplugs

Sleep masks, noise-cancelling headphones, and earplugs are an absolute must for any overnight train traveler. You never know if you’ll end up sitting next to a snorer, or if your neighbor will have their phone screen turned up to full brightness. (Believe me, it happens way more often than I’d ever hoped it would.)

One of my favorite products for overnight train journeys is this weighted sleep mask, which helps limit outside stimuli and encourages sleep. This mask is ergonomically designed to block out light entirely, which I’ve discovered is quite helpful when the train pulls into a well-lit station or if you’re trying to get some shut-eye in the middle of the day. 

A pair of soft earplugs is essential as well, as they’ll block out both noise from other passengers and the clattering of the train rolling down the tracks. Noise-cancelling headphones also do wonders. My favorite are the Apple AirPods, either for playing relaxing songs or even white noise to lull me to sleep.

Choose the Window Seat

On Amtrak, coach seats are first-come, first-served, while business class and private rooms are assigned. If you’re traveling in coach, I recommend showing up early so you can hop on the train and snag a window seat, as it helps to have a wall to rest your head against. I’ve found that sitting on the aisle, on the other hand, may invite a slew of distractions — nothing disturbs a deep sleep like having your arm bumped by a passenger walking down the aisle to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Invest in a Travel Pillow

The moment I first used the neck pillow I purchased during my travels, I wondered how I ever took an overnight train trip without it. Memory foam pillows are particularly helpful, as they contour to your neck and help create a soft cushion between your head and the hard wall of the cabin.

Assuming your train has tray tables in front of every seat, you could also try an inflatable travel pillow. When deflated, these pillows fit easily into a carry-on bag. Once inflated, the pillow stands tall and has a hole on top for you to rest your face against, and holes on each side to stick your arms through. Lower the tray table, place the pillow down flat, and lean forward for maximum comfort.

Set Alarms (Or Request a Wake-Up Call)

Nothing strikes fear and anxiety into my heart quite like the prospect of sleeping right through my stop. This has kept me from getting a good night’s sleep far more often than I’d like to admit. 

One thing I’ve found that puts my mind at ease is setting multiple alarms as an added caution, though, of course, this comes at the risk of disturbing other passengers. You could also consider buying a vibrating pocket alarm to shake you awake when the time comes. 

If you’re traveling in Amtrak’s sleeper section, you can also request a wake-up call from the train attendant. As you near your stop, the attendant will come by your room and make sure you’re aware and ready to depart. While Amtrak offers no formal wake-up service in coach class, I’ve found that if you politely ask a crew member for assistance, they’re often happy to help.

Stretch Before Bed

Before trying to fall asleep, get up and stretch your muscles. This encourages blood flow and can leave you feeling less achy when you wake up. If traveling in coach, you can head to one of the communal cars, such as the cafe car or the observation car, where you can find a private table to do some basic arm, neck, or leg stretches.. Do a few minutes of leg stretches, then return to your seat; you’ll likely feel better in the morning and noticeably less stiff — I know I do.

Wear Comfortable, Loose Clothing

Loose clothing can help you get restful slumber, because it allows for more freedom of movement and also helps with the circulation of air. Whether you run cold or hot, consider packing layers in breathable fabrics so you can easily adjust to the temperature onboard. Stretchy pants and baggy hoodies are both great choices; I wear the latter aboard trains quite often. (Bonus: Pulling the hood over your head provides some additional privacy.)

Make Use of the Footrest

Whenever I’m riding on one of Amtrak’s long-distance routes, I always take advantage of the small barlike footrests attached to the seat in front, which allow you to prop your legs up and improve circulation. While you won’t be able to lie completely flat, combined with the seat’s recline, you should be able to get comfortable enough to sleep through the night. Many European trains also provide reclining seats and similar small footrests for added comfort.