Art
I have already taken a dozen or more such trips by bus or car ..etc. Problem is not the physical travel . It is the circumstances around this trip. Even the outcome of the trip (posititve or negative) opens a can of worms in our family life.

Add to that, the trip comes in a time when we have an URGENT project at work where we have to work evenings and weekends. Also, my other car has broken down and my son couldn't use it to help with some chores and tasks.

And, you wouldn't beleive me when I add : ants have raided our house, and the garage door is not working. Swear to God I am telling the truth.

Briefly speaking, the trip comes in a time when my head is spinninng and I can hardly figure out 1+1 =

So, even the simplistic suggestion (take more cash in small bills ) is a welcome reminder.

BTW
We have just returned from the trip
And I found out the best tool to take with you anywhere is your BRAIN. Don't leave it behind. A big smile goes a long way too.

The outcome of our trip was negative, but we are working on things. It is not TEOTWAWKI yet.

Gadget wise, we didn't use any "tool". I used the bag's water bottle holder, and used one or two pieces of gum. There were plenty of cash in small bills in my front pocket, and plenty in the bag and wallet. We didn't need to spend a night in a hotel although an important person wasn't there and we thought of returning next day , but we had no gurantee he would be there next day, so we folded the trip.

I took with me a small bladeless MT (I removed the blades).
It was not used anyeway. Medical pouch and FAK were not needed either.

Our original return trip was at 8:40 pm. We went back to the railway station at about 1:45 pm and asked for an earlier trip back home and were pleasantly surprised that the train was just leaving in 5 minutes.

I took lots and lots of small bills.
The daughter took the techie stuff (smartphone ..etc)

Food and beverages were available as you describe, but DD is not a big eater anyway, and I don't eat much when I am on the move (at home is another story LOL). We spent the time running stairs/elevators chasing this or that and getting lost between offices.

Outcome was negative, but we should always be ready for whatever comes, and try to make the best of it. Finally I managed to eat something in the train in our trip back home.

Small note about gadgets and stuff
My bag was navy blue. One of the spare pens leaked inside it. The stain in the bottom corner was not noticeable until I put the bag in my lap and saw a blue stain on my clothes.

Not a big deal compared to the negative outcome of the trip, however, it is worth it to be alert. If we had to meet with some folks in higher position, I would be embarrased with the stains on my clothes. I didn't take any spares to keep bag load to a minimum !!!!

bummer things didn't work out on the DD front. Good use of of the thought process though. These expeditions are good food for thought.

Tomorrow I am going on a day trip to the far end of the state, Kartchner Caverns with my DS, dad and godfather. We will be on heavily traveled man freeways and as good a cell coverage as you can expect. Still, we will have a loaded ice chest provisions, extra gallons of water, sleeping gear and lots of other PSK items.

Hope for the best, train for the worst.

... depends on the city ...

I'm partial to the "Phased plasma rifle in a 40 watt range".

Hey, just what you see on the racks, pal.

-Blast

What Ahnold wants, Ahnold gets. Now break out the plasma rifles smartly.

A tip for light speed travelers: You can take a 4 foot long board, move it at well above the speed of light, and it will drop into a two foot hole. Once it drops into the hole and stops, you have somewhat of a mess however. It is important to remember this if you are the one traveling at the speed of light. Watch out for potholes - they are smaller than they look!