b'Can I check my bags? Are there Will I have internet access and mobileWhat facilities will my hotel have?specific baggage guidelines? phone reception during my trainOur hotels are carefully selected to provide Travelers can bring one piece of checked luggagejourney? good value for money, high quality service on escorted tours and up to two suitcasesInternet access is not available on many trains.and comfortable rooms, all in convenient on independent vacations. Luggage shouldCell phone reception may not be reliable,locations with amenities close at hand. Hotel not exceed 50 pounds or have outside linearespecially along the more rural or remoteaccommodations are equipped with a private dimensions of more than 75 inches in portions of your route. bathroom, telephone and color television. Many the USA and 62 inches in Canada. Travelers hotels also offer hairdryers, minibars, safes, may also bring a carry-on bag not to exceed What if I have special accommodations,tea and coffee making facilities. Full details 50 pounds in the USA and 25 pounds indietary or general assistance needs? about the facilities available at all of our hotels Canada. Purses, camera bags, laptop bags andSpecial requests regarding sleeping will be forwarded to you with your vacation other small items are not part of the carry-onaccommodations, meals and onboarddocumentation. parameters and are welcome in personallyassistance should be made at the time ofDo you recommend pre- ormanageable quantities. You will not have accessbooking or shortly thereafter. The soonerpost-night hotels?to your checked bags during the train journey,Vacations By Rail is aware of these special so you will want to pack a change of clothes,requests, the better the chance that we canWe do! Because of the chance of flight delays, toiletries, medications, and other items you needconfirm them. However, special requests arecancellations, and missed connections at the in your carry-on bag. For international itineraries,not guaranteed at the time of booking. Pleasestart of the trip and potential train delays at we suggest the following dimensions as ideal: notify Vacations By Rail well in advance if youthe conclusion, pre- and post-night hotel stays 24 x 15 x 9, weighing about 34 pounds. plan to bring oxygen or other equipment forensure a restful and hassle-free beginning and your medical use or if you will be travelingend to your trip.Is porterage included? Do youwith a wheelchair or motorized vehicle. It isHow many people go on onehave packing tips? important to note that many of our tours,of your tours?Luggage transfer is included on many of ourespecially those visiting national parks, stay in escorted tours, ensuring your suitcase ishistoric lodging. Due to the historic nature ofThe maximum number varies from tour to tour, transferred from hotel to hotel for you whilethese properties, facilities are not equipped withbut it is usually between 20 to 45 people. on tour. For those itineraries where porterageelevators or ramps and may not be accessibleWhat are excursions like?is not included and on independent vacations,to travelers with mobility challenges. Excursions are included in the price of your you are responsible for transporting your ownAre gratuities included? vacation. They are designed to give a balance of suitcase. With that in mind, we suggest if youGenerally, on escorted tours gratuities forcultural, historical and social interest and to give are traveling with a companion, take a smallerincluded meals and luggage handling at you insight into the areas we visit. In Europe suitcase each rather than a larger one betweenall hotels are included. Tips for luggage especially, we try to use trains for excursions, you. It is easier to find space on a luggagehandling, train sleeping car attendants, maidhowever we sometimes utilize motorcoaches rack for two small cases than one large one. service, your Tour Manager, coach driver,or boats to get to places of interest. Where Suitcases with wheels are very useful. Moststep-on guies and any other meals and drinksmotorcoaches are used, these are of high hotels have irons available, so dont worry aboutnot included as part of your tour are notquality and aim to keep driving journeys to a clothes being folded a few times. If you intendincluded in the tour price. Tipping is at yourmaximum of two hours between stops. On most to purchase souvenirs, be sure to leave space discretion, and recommendations will be madeexcursions, in addition to your Tour Manager, in your suitcase for them.in your final documents. For independentwe are accompanied by a local guide to impactAre there outlets onboard the train? vacations, gratuities are not included for mealsspecialist knowledge of the sights being visited. Standard 110-volt electrical outlets are availableor luggage handling. Guidelines for tipping Some excursions are to off-the-beaten-track in train cabins in the United States and Canada.will be included in your final documents.destinations that simply would not be stumbled There is a limited number of power outletsupon without this local knowledge.within Coach Class seating. If you are seated in Coach, we suggest planning ahead and arriving with fully charged personal electronics.'