We are two female friends traveling in Europe this October. We are wondering about EURAIL, perhaps purchasing a train pass. We are debating whether it is worth traveling by train, or should we simply stick to a car? <BR>Any bad experiences with the train we should know about? Thank you for information.

Kathy, <BR>It's difficult to offer a response without knowing how long you plan to be in Europe. The length of your stay and your planned itinerary are key points in determining whether car rental or Eurail pass is more economical. Give us some more specifics.

<BR>Kathy -- My husband and I have traveled the last two summers (two week and three week trips respectively) by trains. The advantages are: 1)no one has to drive and miss seeing things; 2)you get to meet real European people and talk to them (if you have a common language -- we often found English speakers in most countries); trains land you in the center of the cities; probably some others I haven't thought of. Try it, you'll like it!

I had posted a similar question about March to which I got some responses. I would agree that trains make more sense, drving in Italy for example, is not easy . However, if you are going for just 2-3 weeks, you don't need to buy the pass, just buy point to point tickets. This is mpore useful because you can choose trains wherever it is the best option, for e.g. the trip from Florence to Siena is more easily done by bus and not train. Same for say, Geneva to Annecy. There is a web site which can give you the ticketprices for train journies. (I suggest you scroll down to my posting in March 1998). Have fun! <BR>

Kathy, traveling by train is <BR>generally the best way to travel through Europe (unless you wanna get to know a very specific region, say Bourgogne. Then a car would be highly recommended). <BR>In this case, if you plan to constantly take trains and especially long-distance rides, Europass or Eurail (depends on which countries you want to visit) is the way to go. <BR>You'll never forget all the people you meet on the trains (especially in the bars). You'll speak every language you know, with people from different parts of the world, different ages and backgrounds. <BR>If you like to mingle with people while traveling, this is the best way.

Kathy-- One thing to consider is taking trains overnight, saving your days for sightseeing. Some North Americans, however, do feel uncomfortable in the couchettes. There are six bunks, so you share your sleeping compartment with strangers of both sexes. I've done this both alone and with my husband, and don't mind it. People are usually extremely tactful. In a compartment with an Italian couple, we had essentially no common language, but had a wonderful conversation anyway-- all in charades! (There are also private, First Class compartments, for considerably more money.) Even if you don't get a Eurail Pass, try the trains just for the experience. Martha

My friend and I will be travelling from Paris to Prague, Prague to Budapest, Budapest to Munich, then Munich to Paris. We will travel from Dec 19th-Dec 30th,we want the cheapest fare (second class?), and we are over age 26. <BR>Which is best: buying a Eurail pass (if so, which is best for this journey)or buying tickets at the train station (pros/cons)? <BR> <BR>I have heard that it is best to purchase tickets from the train station however I would like to know prices ahead of time so I know if I'm getting the best deal. <BR> <BR>Can anyone help!