I'm going from NY to WA. This will be my first time ever on a train.
I'm actually in NH but only 2 and a half hours from Albany - where if I left from here I'd have something like a 9 hour layover. It's not as cheap as flying first class - but I'm hoping it will be fun and memorable.
I'm looking at booking the Roomette's for both trains (Albany to Chicago 16hrs over night & Chicago to Spokanne 38hrs).
I've been reading this site for a few hours now & it's brought up some questions.
Sleeper car attendants - I'm guessing you would tip these folks. What all do they do? I was planning on carrying very little cash and using my Debit Card for extra stuff. So I want to be sure I have enough to tip them. Generally what is a good tip?
Can I order my meals in my room - have them brought to me? I don't want to get seated next to someone who I might find offensive (ie, BO, loud, rude etc.). I just want to relax and enjoy the scenery. I figure if I want to mingle with people there is always the lounge car and what ever.
Finally, the first train is the 49 Lakeshore Limited - the 2nd train I have a choice on the 7 or 27 Empire Builder. What's the difference in the numbers? And anything anyone can tell me about either train would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
D
I'm actually in NH but only 2 and a half hours from Albany - where if I left from here I'd have something like a 9 hour layover. It's not as cheap as flying first class - but I'm hoping it will be fun and memorable.
I'm looking at booking the Roomette's for both trains (Albany to Chicago 16hrs over night & Chicago to Spokanne 38hrs).
I've been reading this site for a few hours now & it's brought up some questions.
Sleeper car attendants - I'm guessing you would tip these folks. What all do they do? I was planning on carrying very little cash and using my Debit Card for extra stuff. So I want to be sure I have enough to tip them. Generally what is a good tip?
Can I order my meals in my room - have them brought to me? I don't want to get seated next to someone who I might find offensive (ie, BO, loud, rude etc.). I just want to relax and enjoy the scenery. I figure if I want to mingle with people there is always the lounge car and what ever.
Finally, the first train is the 49 Lakeshore Limited - the 2nd train I have a choice on the 7 or 27 Empire Builder. What's the difference in the numbers? And anything anyone can tell me about either train would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
D