1. Any suggestions on "do's and don't's" ?

2. We are going coach class, is there a place for us to plug in and recharge camera batteries?

3. Is there train phone service available?? Is it expensive?

4. Any chance of access to email and the internet so we can keep in touch with mom back home and post travel pictures to the web?

5. Comments on food and prices, should we plan on taking as much of our own as we can to save money?

6. Is the train usually full, what is the cost of upgrading to a sleeper car? Is it worth the money?

7, Is the train usually on time or close to it?

8. How would you rate the overall service on this train as compared to other Amtracks trains?

9. During station stops, is there a chance to scoot out and restock snacks and soda?

10 Any saftey concerns we should know about?

Thanks in advance for your helpful responses

1. Just do it, no matter what happens, it will be an adventure you and your son will long remember. I've made several western trips with my son over the years and it is a wonderful thing to do.

2. There are standard electrical outlets at some seats but not all, if I remember correctly. Look for them when you board. Seats are not assigned specifically.

3. No phone service on the Empire Builder and if it were, it would be expensive.

4. No chance of internet access. Use the phone at longer station stops to keep Mom advised, or forget about mom and everything back home and enjoy the time with your son.

5. All meals in the dining car are included with a first class ticket, otherwise you pay as you go. Prices are comparable to a moderately priced restaurant. I usually opted for a late breakfast, skip lunch, then an early dinner. Dinner choices are vegetarian, fish, chicken or beef entre and includes soup to dessert. Lunch choices are fewer, breakfast items are the standard things you would expect to see. There is a snack bar in the lounge car for fill in food for a hungry teenager, but it tends to be expensive and you would do better to bring along some of your own.

6. Call Amtrak and ask what the cost for upgrading to a sleeper would be. It is substantially higher but does include all meals in the diner and gives you a private place to be and I always sleep better in a bed than in a coach. Their standard bedroom is satisfactory for two.

7. Forget about whether or not the train is on time. It usually doesn't matter on a trip like yours. If you're so late connections will be missed, Amtrak will take care of arrangements. On time performance varies by day and season but the Builder is one of the better performers.

8. Generally, according to what I've read, people regard Amtrak's service east of Chicago to be inferior to that experienced west of Chicago.

9. Yes but ask the train crew how long the stop will be and make sure you remain within ear shot of any station announcements which might be made.

10. No safety concerns, but if you travel coach, select seats toward the center of the car as the area around the ends of the cars is noiser. On high level equipment, get seats away from the center stairway where there is more foot traffic.

Sounds like a lot of fun. The ride along the Columbia River is one of my favorites. There won't be much to see in Wisconsin this time of year although the Mississippi river is interesting. Some don't, but I've always enjoyed the high plains of Montana for its mile after mile of fast railroading and its never ending sky.

I highly recommend you take advantage of the dining car. The social atmosphere is one of the best parts of train travel. You'll dine with other travelers from all over and you'll get to share stories or whatever. Prices are very reasonable. Breakfast and lunch will run about $7 for a plate and dinner about $12.

Some more tips:
Wear rubber soled shoes you can easily slip on and off, such as slip ons or velcro fasteners. This comes in handy at night for nocturnal bathroom runs.

Get one of those toiletry kits you can hang from a coathook. We got one at Target for $15. It works really well in the train's tiny restrooms. There's a coathook on the door.

Here's an Amtrak link with some tips for first-timers: http://intercity.amtrak.com/trains/guide.html
Also, check out the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) at http://www.narprail.org Look in the left frame for the "Travel Tips" link.

Finally, try to keep in mind that while Amtrak does offer a great time, it isn't perfect. There may be a few minor glitches along the way. The on-board crew should treat you well, but there are still a few "bad apples" here and there. If you encounter any report them to the chief of on-board services.