I looked at the post about railpasses for the clueless, and I fit in to that category but didnt want to read thru so many posts.

If I purchase a eurail select pass thru raileurope that include germany, austria, and italy, is it possible for me to make the reservations for the specific trains on the german rail website and italian rail website? Or must I do it thru raileurope?

Normally I wouldn't make any reservations in those countries. Trains are frequent and there is almost always a seat. If not just stand until the next stop. When I do make reservations I make them at the rail station. The cost is usually €3, about $4.

I don't want to end up standing, and some of the train rides will be long ones.

Wanted to also add that I think there may be limits on reservations for railpass holders; that is why I want to be sure I can travel on the trains/dates I want.

Are you sure you need a pass? To get a rough idea, enter your itinerary on railsaver.com and be sure to click only if a pass will save me money. Keep in mind that you have to pay supplements to book seats. For the faster trains in Italy the cost is 15€ to reserve a seat. You might find not getting a pass and taking a few flights on budget airlines more economical.

Let's assume I need a railpass. If that's the situation, what is the answer to my original questions?

To clarify:

Reservations in Germany and Austria are up to you, and mostly not necessary. Friday nights, Sunday nights, Easter holidays - those are times when trains can fill up.

In Italy it's different (as in France by the way): The fast trains require seat reservations - the reservation comes with a ticket you buy outright. If you have a pass, you still need to make (and pay extra for) the reservations.

Be absolutely sure that you are saving money with a pass. These days that is by no means guaranteed, especially if Italy is involved. Trains in Italy cost a lot less per km travelled than north of the alps.

Use that railsaver website and get as much pricing as you can.

You do not have to deal with Raileurope - they often charge more than others, much more sometimes. Then again, sometimes they have bargains. Look around.

Www.ricksteves.com explains it all very well.

http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/index.html is helpful, too.

You can make your seat reservations on arrival in Europe, usually right up to the last minute, although a day or two in advance is better of course.

If you are going to buy a pass when you go to make seat reservations do it all at once and save time. Two years ago, I was too lazy to learn how to get my own tickets re: prems etc and bought a pass from BETS.... I easily spent 5 hours in frustrating lines trying to get a seat. In retrospect I would have much preferred learning how to get my tickets before hand with a seat guaranteed than standing in lines, I distinctly remember standing in line at Gare Saint-Lazarre for 2+ hours as the departure time creeped closer and closer...bad decision on my part...

I no longer consider passes convenient or price saving for France. I am also only referring to my experience in France. Travel in other countries may negate my opinion on cost savings.

Julie