Backpack & Budget : How to Beat Europe Rail Price Hike

If you are planning to purchase a Eurailpass for travel during the first half of 1994, you can save money by buying it before a price increase becomes effective Jan. 1.

Eurailpasses are valid for unlimited rail travel in 17 European countries, letting you hop on most trains at a whim. For those who don’t want to be locked into a specific itinerary, or who don’t want to pay full fare or stand in line to buy tickets before each trip, the passes make a lot of sense.

The countries that honor Eurailpasses are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Passes valid for first-class rail travel are available to travelers of any age. Youth passes, good for second-class travel, are available to travelers age 25 and younger. Perhaps most important to remember: Eurailpasses must be purchased before you go abroad, and you must begin your travel within six months of the date of purchase.

Until Jan. 1, the one-month Eurail Youthpass will cost $508; after that, the price rises to $578. The two-month Eurail Youthpass is now being sold for $698; on Jan. 1, the price is $768. Starting Jan. 1, a new 15-day Eurail Youthpass will be available for $398.

If you don’t need to travel every day, consider Flexipass versions of the Eurailpass, which allow you to travel for five, 10 or 15 consecutive days within a two-month period. Again, you can avoid the price increase by buying before Jan. 1.

The five-day Youth Flexipass now costs $220; on Jan. 1, the price rises to $255. The 10-day pass goes from $348 to $398 on Jan. 1. And the 15-day Youth Flexipass rises from $474 to $540.

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A new, unlimited-travel rail pass, called the Europass, will be introduced Jan. 1. This pass can be used for a specific number of days within a two-month period in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. There will be 11 versions available.

You can choose to travel in three, four or all five of the countries for five to 15 days. Travel must be completed within two months. There are first-class (open age) and second-class (for those 25 and younger) versions.

For example, younger travelers could purchase a Europass for seven days of travel in France, Germany and Italy for $254. Or they could buy a pass for 10 days of travel in France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland for $338. Fifteen days in all five countries will be $478.

If the number of rail passes available is leaving you a little confused, think about what you want to be able to do when traveling in Europe, then see a travel agent. The agent can also give you prices on the open-age, first-class versions.

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Here are some train tips for budget travelers to keep in mind:

* On a recent journey between Zurich and Rome, I was shocked to find that two cans of soda and a ham sandwich from the train’s snack cart cost $11. Best advice is to pack a picnic lunch so you’re not stuck eating at inflated rates.

* You can save on accommodations by spending the occasional overnight on the train. Some seats extend, so if the compartment isn’t crowded, you can stretch out. Pass holders can also prearrange berths in couchettes. Second-class pass holders are charged about $17 for a berth in a six-person compartment and $26 in a four-berth compartment. Expect to share a compartment with strangers of either sex.

* Keep your valuables in a pouch under your clothing, where they are not easy to reach if you nod off. And store luggage within your sight in an overhead rack.

For more information on Eurailpasses, call Boulder, Colo.-based Rail Europe (tel. 800-438-7245) or contact Council Travel Services, 1093 Broxton Ave., Suite 220, Los Angeles 90024 (tel. 310-208-3551).