Coming and Going
Eurailpass Isn't Always the Best Option
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TRAINS OF THOUGHT
To Eurail Or Not to Eurail
It's the bargain that has allowed generations of Americans the freedom to roam abroad, allegedly. That would be the Eurailpass, and this year it turns all of 50 years old. These days, a premium pass grants unlimited travel to 21 countries in 15 days for $689, which is definitely a deal if you're into that sort of thing. For $449, there's also a "second-class youth" pass for people younger than 26; again, it's good for 21 countries and 15 days. (Trivia: Austria is the most popular country among pass holders, Switzerland the least.) Keep in mind, however, that in many cases you will still need to purchase a reservation for the train you want to take, which can cost about $1.30 to $2.60, sometimes more.
And so, as another European travel season looms and the need for saving dollars has never been greater, more travelers are scaling back, cherry-picking tickets they need from the various rail companies involved. This can often be done online in advance (although sometimes only with effort, as in the case of Trenitalia, Italy's national rail service).
The main thing to keep in mind is that not all trains are created equal, even within the same rail line, and it pays to study schedules closely. For example, while you can get from Berlin to Vienna in 9 1/2 hours on Deutsche Bahn (http:/
Similarly, a one-way ticket from Rome to Venice can cost about $71 for a 4 1/2 -hour trip. On a regional train, it's $52 for what ends up taking six hours -- but hey, think of it as more time to enjoy the Italian countryside (http:/
Lastly, CoGo knows that it's the low-cost air carriers that are generating all the buzz these days. But before you book on, say, Easyjet (http:/
TICKER
"We're bringing back free drinks," US Airways' Web site trumpeted last week. And so the airline is, as of today. Or at least the nonalcoholic ones are free. Even though other major carriers piled on charges for checked baggage, telephone reservations and in-flight snacks, US Airways was out there alone in charging passengers for their Coke and coffee. Apparently customer reaction was not good, and it did not die down. Cocktails, wine and beer are still $7. . . . How much is that doggy in Seat 4B? On Spirit Airlines, it's now $100 one way, an increase from $85. The low-fare airline, which permits only small pets in carry-on totes (no Marmadukes in cargo), is just following the tail of such airlines as American and Delta, which increased their pet fees last year.
BARGAIN OF THE WEEK
AirTran is offering a systemwide sale. Fares from BWI Marshall range from $49 to $169 each way; from Washington Dulles and Reagan National, one-way fares are $64 to $140. For example, the round-trip fare on nonstop flights between National and Atlanta is $154, including $21 taxes; other airlines are matching. Fly by Nov. 4; blackout dates apply. Higher fares for Friday and Sunday flights. Ten-day advance purchase required. Book by March 5 at http:/
Reporting: Scott Vogel, Nancy McKeon, Andrea Sachs Help feed CoGo. Send travel news, road reports and juicy tattles to: cogo@washpost.com. By mail: CoGo, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.
