I need to make a decision soon as to travel via Eurorail or car. We will only be in Europe for 13 days. We are flying into Amsterdam in May 2000 and wish to see some of Belgium, France, Germany and maybe Switzerland Alps. What is the best choice? <BR>How much can you pack when taking the Eurorail? Thanks for your help.

We just did a 21 day driving trip with 4 people and the car was the best for us. It really is your choice based on cost and convenience. Get a current listing of railpass prices. The data I have was printed back in January, 99 a europass which includes France Germany Italy and switz for a 1st class saver was $296 was 5 days in 2 months per person when 2 travel together, to add a zone, netherlands, it was another $45. That is just a sample. Car rental, we had 3 weeks unlimited mileage, stick shift with going into Eastern Europe for $672 (plus gas, tolls and parking). Most railpass books provide an idea what the rates are individually between locations. Rental car, although prepaid, was fully refundable in our contract if not used. So, figure out your itinerary, call DER or autoeurope for car prices and look at a rail pass price list inorder to get your answer. Lugage is a personal thing, but less is best. After all you will be carrying it in either case. From our experience, most traveling by rail (comfortably) try to take only a 21/22 inch rolling type per person, but it is personal preference.

Lots of whatifs: <BR>1) Whether using trains or cars, pack as little as possible (we take one rolling bag carry-on and a small tote/backpack). Train steps are HIGH, so hoisting heavy bags up those stairs should be classified as an Olympic event. Cars are SMALL - too much luggage, and you have to bump up a whole category or two, costing you extra in rental fees AND GASOLINE. We had two cars for our 8 women - the cars sat five, but the trunk just fit our 4 rolling bags and 4 totes. <BR>2) As Mary Ann pointed out, rail passes can be expensive - but there are so many that you really need to do a 'cost analysis' (can you say "tedious and mind-boggling?") to figure out which works best for you. Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg have a combined railpass; France, Germany and Switzerland each have their own. In addition, there are rail 'n' drive passes (so many days trains, so many days car rental); there are 2 week passes, 3 month passes, etc that cover all of Europe, some of Europe...grab your hair and scream AAARRRGGGHH. For a good site to do your research: <BR>http://www.eurail.on.ca/ <BR>The general rule of thumb is: two people and car/train are a break-even; more than two, it's cheaper by car. Other factors, like car size and distances can make that rule one to be broken. Another consideration: If you are going to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Lyon, Munich (as examples) then don't bother with a car. Just take the trains between each city (cars are a nuisance in cities); if you are going to be only touring the countryside, a car is better (easier to get off the beaten path). Take it from the planner of a dozen plus trips to Europe for groups of girls from 4 to 11, you will have to do some work (eeyuuu - math) to figure out the best mode of transportation... <BR> <BR> <BR>

Jeff, My choice would be to drive. From Amsterdam to Ghent, to the Ardennes, Luxembourg, through France to the Alsace, to Basel. Head back through Freiburg, down the Rhine to Koblenz, if you have time a short trip up the Mosel,back to Koln and on to Amsterdam. May is a lovely time to be where you're going.

I personally find the train much more relaxing than driving, especially in foreign countries. So in part it depends on your personality, in addition to the other considerations mentioned by the above posters (number of people travelling, whether you plan to be primarily in cities or the countryside, etc.). Train travel is very easy and fast in Europe, plus you get to relax and enjoy the scenery, meet other travellers from all over the world, and don't have to worry about directions, parking, etc. I personally think the railpasses are a great deal unless there are several of you. Regardless of whether you decide to drive or take the train, don't bring too much luggage!! You're going to be moving around an awful lot, judging from your itinerary, and schlepping those bags around is going to be a huge pain. Each person should bring only one small (carry-on size, 20-25 inch) suitcase with wheels, and one smaller bag or backpack. No one needs more than this, whether it's for a weekend trip or 6 weeks (I've gone twice for 6 weeks with just one carry-on convertible suitcase/backpack).

Well, here's my suggestion. We have traveled in Europe for up to four months at a time, having done rail passes all the way up to a three month unlimited one, and have also rented a car for two months. Decide where you want to go. If your main stays are in big cities, forget the car. The train takes you to the heart of the cities and will save you an infinite number of scares. On the other hand, if you plan to focus on night to night stops in small villages, etc. then go for the car. With two people traveling instead of four, the cost difference between train pass and car will probably be a wash. If you have a train pass, you can even travel the Rhine and the Mosel by KD boats from town to town. Do that as a day trip, or part of your regular trip, taking luggage as well. Spend a night in Koblenz, Rudesheim, or wherever. Have fun either way.

Sorry, I forgot in previous message to mention luggage. We travel for four months with same luggage as for two weeks, just have to do laundry that often. We each take one large rolling bag (sort of a duffle on wheels) and each wear a backpack. The backpack enables you always to have one hand free for opening doors, etc., and works as a carry-on on the plane as well.