Travel Europe on the Cheap: Spring Transportation Specials

With the Euro currently pushing 1.31 dollars, it will pay to take advantage of every enticement you can as you plan your European vacation. Auto Europe and Rail Europe have announced lower prices and spring travel specials which you can review by clicking "read more."

Having trouble deciding between relaxing rail and flexible rental car? We have information on renting vs. leasing, and here are some arguments for the train vs. car conundrum.

Auto Europe Spring Specials

Free One Car Class Upgrade in Europe
Auto Europe is offering free upgrades in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the UK when you book your rental with us. For example, book a compact class car and receive a midsize class car.

Save On Car Rental In Ireland Beginning at $13.99 a Day
Early booking savings in Ireland! Car rentals in Ireland start at only $13.99 per day for pick up's now through March 20, 2005. For details, visit

Save 20% On a Mercedes-Benz or Sports Car Rental Booked Online Drive your dream in Europe! To take advantage of this special, book your rental now!

Save up to 15% on European Car Rental Services
Additional Early Bird Savings! Book online and receive up to 10% off your European car rental http://www.autoeurope.com/index.cfm&aff=aboutus

Save 5% on any Buy Back in Europe
Auto Europe is offering savings of 5% on the European Buy Back booked online. Choose from over 19 factory new models, savings begin at 17 days. Perfect for Student Travel or Long Term Stays in Europe!

Portable GPS Rentals available with any Car Rental
Experience the pleasure of using a GPS with your next rental in Europe for as little as $99. This handy dash mount comes with your rental country map and can be taken out of the vehicle. No more searching for that out-of-the-way special cafe!

Rail Europe's news for 2005:

Lower prices on Youth passes - for the first time in 40 years, the prices of Eurailpasses were reduced (by 3-8% over 2004 prices, depending on the pass) on those passes for travelers under 26.

BritRail new Youth in 1st class - BritRail Passes have always had a discounted Youth pass in standard (2nd) class for those under 26. Now, these young people will be able to travel in 1st class at a discount (starting at $237 for 4 consecutive days of travel in 1st class, compared to $157 in standard class; regular adult fare in standard is $209, in 1st is $315). In addition, all BritRail travelers (not just youth) can save 25% on BritRail Passes booked between now and February 28, 2005 or in the months of November and December (Off-Peak Special).

2 new Swiss rail-hotel packages - featuring two scenic Swiss trains: 1) Glacier Express Tour - starting at $340 per person double occupancy for 3 days, 2 nights in 3-star hotels (St. Moritz and Zermatt) plus ride on ride on the Glacier Express; 2) Golden Pass Tour - starting at $590 per person double occupancy for 6 days, 5 nights in 3 star hotels (2 nights Lucerne, 2 nights Interlaken, 1 night Montreux), riding on Golden Pass Panoramic train, excursion to Jungfraujoch. Both tours include daily breakfast, transfers to/from any Swiss airport or border crossing plus 50% discount on any Swiss Travel System product.

Rail Europe's new four-color, 32-page brochure for 2005, "Europe on Track®", is now available, featuring new railpasses, add-on tours and options, as well as a rail route map, point-to-point rail travel times on popular routes, information on Rail 'n Drive Passes, high-speed trains such as Eurostar and Thalys, and useful answers to frequently asked questions on traveling by train throughout Europe and the U.K.

The 2005 brochure may be downloaded from Rail Europe's web site, or ordered by calling 1-888-382-7245.

(information above provided by Auto Europe and Rail Europe)