Right now I am on a train, traveling 600km back to my home town on a journey that normally takes 8 hours. Today however, I can add three more because of a sudden railroad strike. I can tell you it’s pretty boring. No music, no news, but a very upset ticket collector.

Anyways, no worries I have my laptop with me to keep me busy. So my question for you is what can someone that travels bye train, can do to feel good even if it takes a lot?

Here are a few thing that I’ve thought of.

1. Enjoy the view. If there are things you can view make sure you don’t miss them. For more than 25km we’ve been traveling along the Danube and the view was fantastic.

If you have your camera with you, take pictures.

2. Work on your laptop. It could be a business trip and you may want to read those charts again. If that’s the case take your laptop out of its case and push the buttons a little.

If it’s not business that you can do with it, then you may want to watch a movie, write down your thoughts like I’m doing now, a poem or who knows, play a video game.

3. Talk to your neighbors. From my experience, it’s easier to talk with other people on an airplane rather than on a train. I don’t know why this happens, but it did for me. However, if you want to chit chat with the person on the next seat you can start a conversation and see if it’s worth it. You can always find new things from them.

4. Meditate. I do this often. The train is not full and I have no distractions right now so this may be a good idea for me to meditate for a few minutes. I’m sure you would feel better.

5. Take short naps. If you’re traveling at night if it’s a comfortable chair you may even sleep. No one can blame you for taking short breaks and close your eyes. Studies revealed that a power-nap is very refreshing for the body.

6. Read a book. Since not everyone owns a laptop or not everyone carries a laptop while traveling, you may want to take a book with you. Nothing compares to reading a good book on paper, so why not do it? If you’re not much of a reader, why don’t you start now?

7. Cross-words or music. This is more like fun things to do. Get your iPod with you and listen to your favorite album while you solve crosswords.

8. Don’t forget to stretch. A train is not like school. You won’t get a prize for sitting on that chair for so many hours. Stand up every 30-60 minutes and stretch for a while. Your back will say thank you when you get to your destination.

9. Touch base. If you don’t have coverage problems like I do, then you may want to either send an email to your old pals you haven’t talked with in the last few months or maybe give them a call. I’m sure they’d appreciate. So will you.

This may not sound like the best guide for traveling on a train, but I just told you what works for me. If you have your own ideas and habits why don’t you let us all know!

ps: Arriving in the station and I’m happy after spending 11 hours on a train.