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From: ken@rochester.UUCP (Ipse dixit)
Newsgroups: net.travel
Subject: Re: Need Eurrail Info
Message-ID: <15945@rochester.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 8-Mar-86 10:31:31 EST
Article-I.D.: rocheste.15945
Posted: Sat Mar  8 10:31:31 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 11-Mar-86 01:27:44 EST
References: <2682@pucc-h> <5170001@acf4.UUCP>
Reply-To: ken@rochester.UUCP (Ipse dixit)
Organization: U of Rochester, CS Dept
Lines: 35

>However, the *ease* of purchase associated
>with the Eurrail pass is worth a lot.  With a pass, you do not have to
>wait in long lines to purchase tickets, and with a first class pass,
>your reservations are automatically confirmed.

It also gives you the freedom to change your itinerary at will. I did
this several times during my 3 month trip. For example, I arrived in
Copenhagen one day to find people sleeping on the floor of the railway
station. The waiting lines were ridiculous. Alright, I thought, I head
on to Oslo and do Copenhagen on the way back.

>My advice would be to get a first class pass, even if you qualify for
>the Youthpass.  With a second class pass, you have to pay extra for
>confirmed reservations, express trains, and sleeping cars.  These are
>all free with a first class pass.

The difference in comfort between first class and second class in
Northern Europe is marginal. Watch out for national holidays - locals
pack second class at such times. I had to buy a first class pass but I
often found the company in second class more interesting. I never made
reservations, except for the TGV and sleepers. Once in a while you end
up standing in the aisles, but I prefer that to waiting in line. You
get a better view of the scenery that way too. :-)

The vade mecum of train travel is the Thomas Cook Continental
Timetable.  It is invaluable for planning and saves having to wait in
line at information counters.  Don't buy it here - the price is
ridiculous. Front up at a Thomas Cook office on arrival in Europe and
purchase one - something like $10 I think. I have also seen it in
the YHA travel shop, Southampton Court (off Covent Garden), London.

	Ken
-- 
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Snail: CS Dept., U. of Roch., NY 14627. Voice: Ken!