High Speed Trains and Hot Travel Deals

What's the fastest way between Paris and Brussels? The high speed Thalys train will whisk you from city center to city center in an hour and 25 minutes at a nominal speed of 186 mph. Want to know more about the Thalys? We have a route map and information on the Thalys high-speed trains.

Is the Thalys going to be expensive? What if you could get tickets for half price through the summer? Well, you can! Tickets must be booked before August 15 and travel must take place between June 14-August 31, 2005. See Rail Europe for the Thalys summer special.

Rather dawdle along in an automobile on your European vacation? If you're a savvy traveler planning to hit the road for more than 17 days you'll save money and get a brand new car with a lease, my favorite method of procuring a car for my travels. Renault Eurodrive has some tips for you.

Tips for the Savvy Traveler - From Renault Eurodrive

Renault Eurodrive recommends tourists can 'Travel Smart' by considering comparable alternatives to their vehicle of choice when traveling in Europe. In some cases, such alternatives offer a bigger car class for the same price as a lower car class, or a similar car at a less expensive price.

Here are some dollar-stretching ways to help vacationers 'Travel Smart':

• Visitors to Europe on an economy-sized Renault Clio budget might choose to hop into the roomier and equally practical Modus for the same price ($899 for 17-day lease/$21 per additional day). Very popular with Europeans, the Modus is a brand-new larger economy model, offering more space for passengers and luggage. The Modus is also available with automatic transmission gasoline or with manual transmission diesel; both versions are priced at $979 for 17 days. Additional days are $22 and $21 respectively. These rates are the same as for the equivalent Clio models.
• Instead of the five-passenger Espace manual diesel minivan ($1,859 for 17 days/$29 per day for additional days), travelers can save money -- and gain elegance -- by going for the five-passenger Grand Scenic diesel with GPS priced at just $1,449 for 17 days/$25 additional day. Even more money can be saved by forgoing the GPS ($1,349 for 17 days/ $23 for each additional day).
• Switch to the five-passenger Grand Scenic automatic with GPS ($1,599 for 17 days/$26 per additional day) instead of the five-passenger Espace automatic diesel minivan with GPS ($2,119 for 17 days/$30 per additional day). Save even more by forgoing the GPS ($1,499 for 17 days/$25 per additional day).
• Get more car for the money by taking the seven-passenger diesel Trafic Generation ($2,099/$32) which offers much more luggage space and room than the seven-passenger diesel manual Espace minivan ($1,999/$31).
• Feel the sporty power of the Megane Classic sedan (manual trans., gasoline; $1,069 for a 17-day lease/$23 per each additional day) for less than the Laguna sedan (manual trans., gasoline for $1,169/$25). The Megane Classic features much more luggage space in its roomy closed trunk than the Laguna.
• Or, go with the Megane Classic sedan with automatic transmission ($1,319 for 17 days /$25 per additional day), instead of the Laguna Automatic ($1,469/$27). There's also the Megane Classic Diesel ($1,219/$24) as an alternative to the Laguna Diesel ($1369/$26).

All rates are valid for vehicles picked up by December 31, 2005.

Most people agree that having a car is the best way to see Europe. But many don't know there's an economical, more flexible alternative to traditional automobile rental, which comes complete with the best insurance package anywhere.

Similar to American leasing plans, the Renault Eurodrive program is technically a "purchase-repurchase" plan. A new car is registered in the customer's name. Renault finances the cost of the purchase. Customers are charged only for the time they need the car. As in a conventional lease, customers essentially buy a brand-new vehicle of their choosing and the manufacturer agrees to take it back at a pre-arranged date. The lessor makes just one up-front payment essentially equal to the difference between the buying and selling prices. The Renault program is simple (all the paperwork is done prior to departure) and can work out to be a big money-saver. Most of the savings result from a special law that permits short-term leases to be tax-free for non-residents. In addition, other tax laws in France allow the manufacturer to resell the vehicle later at a substantial financial advantage. It all works out to a win-win situation for visitors and manufacturers alike.

Most travelers have no problem qualifying for the bargain. The Eurodrive program is designed for non-EU residents traveling in Europe between 17 days and six months, a time frame perfectly suited for students, teachers, retirees, expatriates, interns, journalists and many others. (In certain cases, leases can even be extended to one year.) Customers are charged a set fee for the first 17 days of the Renault lease and a nominal per day fee for the remaining time. Students should be pleased to hear that the minimum age for leasing is just 18. And good news for seniors, there is no maximum age limit. Many rental agencies, on the other hand, require customers to be at least 23 or 25 and no older than 70.

When leasing from Renault Eurodrive, the value adds up fast. Not only does each customer get a factory fresh car of his or her choosing, but every lease comes with a full factory warranty, unlimited mileage, and a fully comprehensive insurance policy with no deductible, covering collision, personal injury, fire and theft. And as if that's not enough, drivers will be secure in knowing that Renault's Europe-wide network of 17,000 service agents and qualified service stations located all over Europe are ready whenever needed. In the event of a mechanical problem, there is never a charge for parts or labor under factory warranty. Should the need arise, based on contract conditions Renault can arrange for towing and repair and help with car replacement, car rental, and hotel reservations if necessary.

Renault's service and support network is extensive including toll-free English-speaking roadside assistance available 24 hours every day of the week. Leasing also means much fewer geographic restrictions than renting. Just about all of Europe is open road, with 35 Renault pick-up and drop-off locations in nine countries. The benefits of leasing can be enjoyed in dozens of countries. Renault also makes it easy to pick up in one country and drop off in another. Not only that, but the process of ordering, taking delivery and returning a leased vehicle is as easy, if not easier, than the rental process.

For more information or reservations, contact Renault Eurodrive, tel: 800-221-1052, e-mail: info@renaultusa.com. Or log on to www.renaultusa.com.

[Above information from a press release supplied by Renault Eurodrive]