I will be working in Germany for the summer and would like to take advantage of my free weekends to travel Europe. I have been to BDI-online.de and eurorailways.com to search for point to point train prices. Can someone suggest other sites for similar searches? ....or suggestions for finding inexpensive trips? Additionally, I will have a rental car that I will need to park at the train station. Any ideas on daily parking rates, or if its even an option to the leave a car for the weekend at most stations?

http://bahn.hafas.de (note: no "www") or www.raileurope.com or search for mercurio here on this forum for the webpage of every country in europe.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

to the top, for Lynn<BR>

&lt;&lt;a rental car that I will need to park at the train station&gt;&gt;<BR><BR>Las time I checked, there was more than one train station in Germany. Even more than one in the Black Forest.<BR>

Dear Ummm, <BR>Maybe you should read the entire message before you post a response. In the future, if you can't be helpful, spread your joy elsewhere!<BR>-Lynn

Just curious, Lynn, but if you have a rental car, why take the train at all?<BR>Unless it's your employer's and there are restrictions on its personal use, I'd give thought to, at least, interspersing weekend travel by car and by train. If you opt for car travel, I may have an idea or two that may be of interest.

Well, where does it say which station? Parking at WHICH station?<BR><BR>your sweet little ummmmmmm...<BR>

My concern with driving the rental car to/from destinations is my weak understanding of the language in order to translate road signs. Later, in the summer I should be ready for this.

One key principle to understand about road signs is that directions typically refer to the next nearest town, and then maybe also the next big town. Frequently not road or highway numbers.<BR>

I guess we'll never know which station.<BR>

topping, for the continuing mystery!<BR>

up, from position #260<BR>

Lynn,<BR>I just took the train station location as a general question. Lots of stations have overnight/weekend parking. In Luzern, the overnight rate is about $20.00. Don't worry about people like Ummm...<BR>I would second Wes' opinion about driving. You will be in a very easy part of Europe for driving and signs are pictorial for the most part. The key one you may have to worry about is the priority sign (a yellow diamond) which indicates cars on the right have strict right of way. Also, on the Autobahn, stay on the right unless passing. Depending on where you go, a car is the best bet. By train, there are lots of suggestions for inexpensive trips (over weekends etc) with great rates at any major train station. Believe me, you will have no problem finding places to go!<BR>Have fun,<BR>Jan

This just keeps getting clearer.<BR><BR>Luzern: good example. Since the header says Black Forest, and the body of the question says GERMANY.<BR>

Lynn,<BR>It would be unfortunate if you delayed taking the opportunity to drive since doing so will really hamper your opportunities to find and explore charming towns and villages and "off the beaten track" sights and sites. Here's a resource that may alleviate some of your concerns. <BR>Go to:<BR>www.ideamerge.com/motoeuropa and click on Online guide in the left hand frame. If you then go to the column "On the road" you can get graphics of all European road signs by clicking on "Road signs and signals". Go to "Phrase book" and in multiple languages you can find typical phrases that may be helpful, i. e., "check the oil, please", "where is the .....",etc.<BR> <BR>Now, if you go to the column captioned "Countries" and click on Germany, you'll find photos of various signage and translations of their content, i.e. "Einbahnstrasse" - one way street; "Fahrbahnwechel" - merge to one lane, etc as well as specific rules of the road. You'll even find the times and stations to dial for English language radio broadcasts. <BR> <BR>I've driven all over western Europe and other than drivers in Italian cities, I've found European drivers to be considerate, expert, knowledgeable and strict adherents of driving regulations. <BR> <BR>Don't deny yourself the opportunity to really explore Europe by auto.<BR> <BR>

Lynn, the following site has many, many railway site links (I believe it is the one Rex referred to):<BR><BR>http://mercurio.iet.unipi.it/misc/timetabl.html<BR><BR>Good luck with your driving once you feel comfortable. No reason not to do it at your own pace, but the signs and roadways are wonderful everywhere that I've driven in Germany. When you do feel ready to drive, you should search here for suggestions ... particularly Wes' advice for Germany. He has incredible driving/touring itineraries.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful Summer!<BR><BR>

Thanks to all who posted helpful messages! <BR>I have passed along this valuabe information to about 10 of my co-workers who will be making the trip with me. We have all becomed hooked on this web-site. <BR>Thanks again for your sharing your insight.<BR><BR>-Lynn