Here's a step-by-step list of things you should do when trying to order rail passes.
Difficulty Level: easy Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
- What is your age? If you are under 25, you can expect some discounts. The same is true of senior adults. Age requirements vary by rail line.
- How long is your tour? This means the total time you will be away from home. Rail passes are sold in time increments.
- How many countries do you plan to visit in that time? List them, and then look for a pass grouping that matches your itinerary. Some passes are sold for single countries or regions.
- How many cities will you visit? This is important because once in a city, people tend to use local transit and stay for a while.
- Will the days you'll need a rail pass be consecutive? Most people will answer "no." For them, often it is cheaper to buy passes good for any five days in a month instead of 10 or 15 consecutive days.
- Is a city you'll visit in another country located near a border? If so, it might be cheaper to buy a standard ticket for that short distance than to add the nearby country to your pass.
- Check the dates for travel carefully. Some rail lines observe holidays with which you might not be familiar. Many scale back service on weekends or during the off-season.
- Does your itinerary take you across routes that have surcharges attached? Generally, these trains are faster and more direct. They might require supplements and reservation fees not covered in the pass price.
- Calculate the cost of covering your itinerary without a pass. There are cases where passes actually are more expensive than individual tickets.
- Choose the final pass option from among two or three finalists. Don't just look at the prices, but at the savings and flexibility each provides.
- You can find links on the About.com Budget Travel site for most of the above steps.
- Booking the passes through a travel agent might provide more options if you have to change or cancel your plans.
- Many rail passes also entitle the bearer to perks such as discounted or free travel on selected cruise lines. Be certain you are aware of all the benefits.
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