Sleeping on an Overnight Train: Top or Bottom?

Unveiling the Secrets of Overnight Train Travel 80 Hours of Lessons That Prove Your Sleeping Spot Matters

80 hours on overnight trains taught me the importance of choosing the right sleeping spot.

By VoiceAngel’s Fashion Express

Sleeping on an Amtrak train On an overnight Amtrak train, VoiceAngel’s reporter slept on the top bunk and regretted it. – Joey Hadden/Insider

Hey fashionistas, gather ’round because we’ve got an important fashion dilemma to explore: the eternal question of top or bottom bunk while sleeping on an overnight train. Trust us, this decision could make or break your journey in the most literal way possible.

Imagine this: I’m cruising away on my first-ever sleeper train, feeling so posh in my cozy little roomette which houses two people. The seats fold out into a bed, while there’s a convenient bunk above for the adventurous souls who want a better view of the passing landscape. Staring at the attendant, with a sparkle in my eyes, I confidently declare, “Top, my dear. I choose the top bunk!”

Little did I know, this decision was about to catapult me on an intense rollercoaster ride. And I’m not talking about a metaphorical one here. No, no, my friends, it was a bone-rattling, teeth-chattering experience. The whole train ride from New York City to Miami felt like I was auditioning for a role in “The Fast and the Furious.” And let me tell you, Vin Diesel’s not ready for me to take over just yet.

There I was, struggling to find some peace of mind as the train shook, rattled, and rolled beneath me. You see, the top bunk, suspended in the air like a beautiful fashion statement, made sleep almost as elusive as finding the perfect pair of jeans. It was a bumpy, restless night where I woke up countless times, startled and disoriented, wondering if I was still on a train or in some parallel universe where beds enjoyed rock concerts. And then there were the moments when I held on for dear life, convinced that gravity would snatch me like an overpriced designer bag slipping from your grasp.

Sure, the sunrise view from up there was Oscar-worthy, a magical sight that could make even Anna Wintour smile (okay, maybe not). But let me tell you, my darlings, no sunrise in the world could justify the rocky nightmare that unfolded on that top bunk.

Fast forward to my subsequent train adventures. Armed with the wisdom gained from my first foray into the train-sleeping world, I opted for the bottom level during my three overnight rides. And boy, what a difference it made! Sure, there were still bumps in the night, but they were more like gentle fashion nudges compared to the bone-shaking tremors I endured earlier. I finally found solace, my body embraced by a sea of tranquility (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but you get the idea).

So, my fashion-forward friends, if you ever find yourself faced with the ultimate style choice of top or bottom bunk, take my fashion advice and go for the bottom. Your precious beauty sleep deserves a smooth sailing experience. After all, who needs a blurry sunrise view when you can trade it for a well-rested, fabulous you strutting the corridors of the train like a runway superstar?

And there you have it, a tale of fashion woe turned into a nugget of wisdom, delivered with all the charm and humor Fashion Express can muster. Until next time, stay stylish and remember, even the most glamorous of journeys need a comfy place to lay one’s head. Cheers!

Did you ever experience the top vs. bottom bunk dilemma on a sleeper train? Share your hilarious stories and fashion disasters in the comments below! Let’s keep the fashion conversation rolling.