My first choice is the YMCA and my Y membership is good at any other Y for a small fee. I travel to and from small citys like Toledo, Flint MI, Erie PA and Dubuque IA. Big Citys are Philly and Boston. Now I noticed a number of Ys have left downtowns for the burbs. In NY City the Y was a nightmare but that was 15 years ago. The Mayflower had day rates for 50-60 bucks. I have noticed that perhaps LA Fitness now has some downtown locations. Seems Amtrak has left this out of the equasion and should have pay showers at their Metropoliton Lounges. Come on 4-5 days without a shower may have worked when i was a young hippy but now I am getting that old people smell
Considering that the people who travel overnightand use the Metropolitan Lounges already have access to showers on board, why should Amtrak considere adding showers to the amenities offered on the lounges?
Johnny
Deodorant AND a change of shirts cover a multitude of sins (and missed showers). I must say -- and I'm an old guy myself who tries to be doubly careful -- there's a tendency among oldsters to think yesterday's, or last week's, shirt is good enough.
No so! We may sweat less as we age, but the little we do still adds up.
Also: That undershirt is subject to the same rules!
I've never showered on Amtrak, partly out of laziness but also because my longer trips are always punctuated with stopovers that give me the opportunity to shower less adventuresomely in hotels.
Fred, I agree with you that it can be adventure--I have done so three times this week, and expect to do it twice more week after next.
Also, taking a shower in a roll-in shower can also be something of an adventure; try as I might, I have difficulty keeping from wetting the entire floor of the room; I prefer being able to get into a tub and hold on to something there.
My wife refused to take a shower on board.
The community showers for roomette pasengers and in VIA's sleepers are superior to the bedroom annex showers.
Iused to recomend baby wipes to freshen up with. I have found a new product, ekko wipes, these are larger, and seem stronger, and are reusable.
It sure would be handy to have showers in at least Chicago, for those transferring form train to train.
A Spa car with pay showers,Turkesh Steam Room ,NordicSauna,barbers and a Asian Massuse and nail salon! Sorta like the New York Central Barber Cars
DragomanSome sort of "day spa" with showers, etc., might make sense at key high-volume stations. A number of major airports have such services, and most air passengers aren't "on the road" as long as many rail travelers! It is coach passengers, who do not have access to the train's showers, who may need it the most. Or maybe coach passengers could pay a fee for access to the sleeper showers?
solarIused to recomend baby wipes to freshen up with. I have found a new product, ekko wipes, these are larger, and seem stronger, and are reusable. It sure would be handy to have showers in at least Chicago, for those transferring form train to train.
In the USA all the bigger truck stops have pay showers. Maybe a similar set up.
In my USA and Canada train travel days, roomette and bedroom passengers did not have access to a showere. So, on multi-night long distance trips, coach or sleeper or even private car if there were more than few in a party, I forgo showering, and simply scrubbed myself down with towels, paper towels if nothing better was available, and in Amtrak startup days, this often meant remembering to bring a supply with me. I was happy if hot water and soap were available! On a multi-night El Capitan trip (bfore Amtrak) I got up at 3AM to use the restroom without being ogled with this process.
In the Spring and Summer of 1952, one could rent a shower at Chicgo Union. Is this still available? What about LA Union?
There still are public baths in the larger cities. (If that is what you want to call them.)
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
It's been a while since my last Amtrak LD trip, but IIRC the spacious downstairs Superliner bathroom is a good place for coach passengers to freshen up.
Take along a washcloth, hand towel and soap in a small plastic bag inside your luggage alongside spare shirts and underwear. Just have to be organized!
I don't remember, but I don't think it's possible to sneak into the shared roomette shower - might get you booted off the train ....
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Maybe just stop by at the car washer rack and hose yourself down?
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
Coaches used to be called "day coaches". Sleeping cars are called sleeping cars. By implication, coaches are for those traveling short distances, or traveling on a budget. If you're traveling a long distance and need to shower on the way, maybe you should consider a sleeper instead. If you can't afford the sleeper, maybe Amtrak can't afford to give you a shower. After all, their main function is to transport you. They do provide washing facilities in ther stations and aboard the trains. Do airlines provide showers for travelers on long (intercontinental) trips? Should they?
Tom
ACY Coaches used to be called "day coaches". Sleeping cars are called sleeping cars. By implication, coaches are for those traveling short distances, or traveling on a budget. If you're traveling a long distance and need to shower on the way, maybe you should consider a sleeper instead. If you can't afford the sleeper, maybe Amtrak can't afford to give you a shower. After all, their main function is to transport you. They do provide washing facilities in ther stations and aboard the trains. Do airlines provide showers for travelers on long (intercontinental) trips? Should they? Tom
Agree!
I wonder if pay, timed showers might work in coaches. Amtrak should do it if it could break even on the investment. Something along the lines of what's often installed in campgrounds. A couple bucks a minute, navy style.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
I used to travel "coach" across Canada on the Canadian. A good shower in Montreal got me started, and then I'd rent a room at the Fort Garry in Winnipeg for a couple of hours as the train stopped there for several hours. Granted, Montreal to Winnipeg is a long strech, and I was quite ripe for a shower by the time I got to Winnipeg. From Winnipeg I was good to go once again until we reached Vancouver.
ACY Do airlines provide showers for travelers on long (intercontinental) trips?
Interestingly enough, Emirates offers 5 minute showers on its A380s. It is important to note that only first class passengers are able to use them. They have fold down beds and other amenities.
The original question was in reference to coach travel. I have a feeling First Class on Emirates is something entirely different, although how would I know? I've never even considered doing it.
I haven't, either. I don't even want to know the price for a ticket.
trackrat888 My first choice is the YMCA and my Y membership is good at any other Y for a small fee. I travel to and from small citys like Toledo, Flint MI, Erie PA and Dubuque IA. Big Citys are Philly and Boston. Now I noticed a number of Ys have left downtowns for the burbs. In NY City the Y was a nightmare but that was 15 years ago. The Mayflower had day rates for 50-60 bucks. I have noticed that perhaps LA Fitness now has some downtown locations. Seems Amtrak has left this out of the equasion and should have pay showers at their Metropoliton Lounges. Come on 4-5 days without a shower may have worked when i was a young hippy but now I am getting that old people smell
Trackrat888: Another "bathing wipes" option is two brands sold at REI stores and I would guess online at REI site as well. Come about 8 to a pack for +/- $8./pack.
Two or three does a remarkably god job in place of a shower, for me. Have used for days on end dry-camped in our RV, or on some train trips on Amtrak. No body odor! Also, recommend (not cheap) Icebreakers New Zealand wool travel garments: T shirts, polo shirts, socks. Trousers aren't so practical though, not like usual pants for pockets, crispness of appearance. These clothes take days or weeks to absorb enough odor to need washing, so you can pack fewer shirts and socks and still stay sweet smelling (with your bathing wipes, of course!)
www.icebreaker.com/
www.rei.com
ACY The original question was in reference to coach travel. I have a feeling First Class on Emirates is something entirely different, although how would I know? I've never even considered doing it. Tom
I have, long ago. You'd notice a difference.
Probably a big difference in the size of my bank account, too.
If I were a coach passenger and desperate for a shower I'd use this approach: I'd stroll into the sleeper and seek out the attendant. I'd smile and be humble as I explained my plight, and as I did so I'd wordlessly hand him a folded $20 bill. I'd bet he'd make sure I had fresh towels before he walked away from me. On the odd chance that wouldn't work I'd simply go into the next sleeper and look for that car's attendant.
I have never in my life had someone who'd take my proffered tip without fulfilling my request. You'd be surprised and delighted at what wonderful benefits this practice can effect from hotel check-in clerks and maitre d's. Why not car attendants?
It's contrary to Amtrak policy, but you might get away with it.
The diner separates coaches from sleepers. The dining car staff will prevent you from entering the sleepers, if any are present.
GREG WEBER The diner separates coaches from sleepers. The dining car staff will prevent you from entering the sleepers, if any are present.
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