Mostly I fly to Chicago to start my Amtrak adventures, taking the blue line into town. Since I retired, with money now being tight, I stay at the Chicago HI hostel for a night or two before heading to Union station. I always get some food items to bring on the trip, either from the hostel kitchen, such as hard boiled eggs, or I visit the Walgreens type shops near the station. I buy a gallon size bottle of water for the trip too.
Previously, I enjoyed travel in a roomette, but recently, for reasons of economy, I mostly travel in coach.
As you might imagine, having a nice seating companion is a big factor in my enjoyment of the journey, or being able to use the two seats for myself if the train is not crowded. I have often slept in the lounge/observation car at night, as I do find it hard to get comfortable enough to sleep in a single coach seat, but can sort of manage with the two seats to myself.
I like to make notes as I travel, so often jot down a few thoughts about the previous days events, people that I have chatted with, sights seen, etc, etc. I am always travelling for leisure, not work, and I very much enjoy meeting and chatting to my fellow travellers when possible.
The daily routine starts with a visit to the café car, a hot drink and an extra cup of hot water for my own instant porridge when I get back to my seat. Reading, daydreaming, spending time in the lounge, and so the time passes. I sometimes buy a hot dog to supplement my own food supply.
With a lucky mix of passengers, the coach car can become something like a mobile "village", as folk start chatting with other passengers over the course of a few days, similar to the lounge vibe, but more enduring as folk see the same faces constantly.
I hope the above does not sound too much like a poverty stricken person's lament, I very much enjoy my economy travels!