Train Travel Can Mean Substantial Savings on Europe Tour

Question: With the low dollar, is it cheaper to tour Europe by train than by air?

Answer: Depending on your itinerary and length of travel, train travel can offer substantial savings, with unlimited mileage offered by Eurailpass and similar bargain plans by individual railroads. Your travel agent has details.

Q: Must one book a cabin on the Alaska ferry liners, and do they let senior citizens travel free?

A: Seattle and Port Rupert ferry liner passengers who don’t have staterooms can sleep in lounges or on deck. Senior citizens can travel free only between Alaska ports during the off-season. Contact Alaska Marine Highway, P.O. Box R, Juneau, Alaska 99811, (907) 465-3941.

Q: Where can I get schedules, hotel and entertainment lists and other information for the Seoul Olympics this summer?

A: Free information booklets are available from the Korea National Tourism Corp., 510 West 6th St., Suite 323, Los Angeles 90014, phone (213) 623-1226.

Q: Are package tours available through American Youth Hostels; if so, where do they go and what’s the cost?

A: The organization’s World Adventure tour program has 64 trips for all ages in the United States and other countries, some costing less than $1,000 for 16 days, including air fare, meals and lodging. For a free brochure, write to American Youth Hostels, Dept. WA, P.O. Box 37613, Washington, D.C. 20013-7613.

Q: Recently I rented a car advertised for $19 a day but was told I had to buy damage insurance, gas and other extras that doubled the price. Isn’t this illegal?

A: State attorneys general are considering an advertising code to require full disclosure of all extra charges and their inclusion in the advertised rate, plus your right to refuse damage insurance.

Q: I have always thought that one could take unlimited baggage on a cruise, yet I was just informed that I am limited to two bags per person on my air/sea package. Have things changed?

A: Unlimited baggage is still accepted on most cruises, but airlines limit you to two checked bags and two carry-ons that can be stowed under the seat or in the overhead rack. For couples, this amounts to four stowed and four carry-ons, usually sufficient for most cruises.

Q: While I always use a travel agency, sometimes I’d like to talk to someone who’s been to a particular place very recently. Does anyone provide such a service?

A: A list of 100 destinations and persons who have been there and who will tell you, free, about their experiences is available for $15.95 from Travel Smart, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 10522, phone (800) 327-3633.