As of 16 June 2009 and through the end of the year, Deutsche Bahn (the German national rail company) is offering train ticket specials that are worth consideration:

If you are travelling solo or in an odd-numbered group, the Dauzer Spezial should be of interest.  It allows the purchase of one 2nd-class return ticket anywhere within Germany for only €29 EUR!  These tickets are limited and come with a few not-so-oppressive conditions:

• Must book at least 3 days in advance
• Night trains will require a supplement
• Can purchase over the internet or at a DB vending machine (it is an extra €5 EUR for booking over the counter or telephone)

We’ve also heard (but sadly have not been able to confirm) a similar special that is an even better deal for those travelling as a pair or in an even-numbered group – the Germany Special ticket.  For only €49 EUR you get two 2nd-class return tickets anywhere within Germany (€24.50 per person)!

Once you have compared your tranport options with Passport Junkie and have decided that the train is how you want to travel – take advantage of these offers!

The European train network consists of a loosely organized group of national rail companies, making planning and booking international travel a bit confusing for the foreign visitor.  While the RailEurope booking site can make this process easier, you’ll typically pay more and you won’t be presented with electronic ticketing options.  While there are developments on the horizon that may improve the situation as soon as next year, if you wish to plan and book international European rail travel on your own today, each travel segment in a trip must be booked separately with the appropriate ticket seller for that segment.

The general rule to know is that each segment must be purchased from the national rail website which corresponds to the departure city for that segment.  Typically there are multiple possible routings (unique combinations of connection points/cities) for multi-segment train journeys.  So how does one know where to start and who the appropriate ticket sellers are?  That’s where Passport Junkie can help.  When you search for travel between two cities on the site, you’ll be presented with information about the various itinerary options applicable to your departure and arrival cities:

• For direct or nonstop train travel options (1 travel segment), a link to the appropriate ticket seller for that train is provided
• For itinerary options requiring 1-2 train changes en route (2 or 3 travel segments), the site describes each travel segment and provides a link to the appropriate ticket seller for that segment
• For travel itinerary options requiring 3 or more train changes en route (more than 3 travel segments), the site provides guidance on potential methods for booking and links to the described booking resources

Example – booking rail travel between Amsterdam and Roma (Rome)

A search on Passport Junkie for Amsterdam to Roma results in 3 options being displayed within the rail travel section:

1. 2 Segments – Amsterdam to Paris to Roma
2. 2 Segments – Amsterdam to Milano to Roma
3. 3 or more Segments

After reviewing the information presented about each, you decide that option #2 is preferred.  Passport Junkie explains that by booking each of these segments separately, electronic tickets can be issued, which can be picked up at the station from a ticket window or from a machine (by using the credit card with which the tickets were purchased).  The site further explains that in order to book this option, the following steps should be taken:

• Book a ticket for segment #1  – Amsterdam to Milano – as this segment departs from Amsterdam, tickets can be booked on NS Hispeed, the Netherlands’ national rail website
• Book a ticket for segment #2 – Milano to Roma – as this segment departs from Milano, tickets can be booked on Trenitalia, the Italian national rail website

Looking forward – why international rail travel in Europe should get easier!

By 2010, several of the larger European rail companies are expected to be on an integrated computer reservation system, which should make the booking process simpler.  In addition, international train travel in Europe will begin to be liberalized (de-regulated) – new competitors may emerge to challenge the national rail companies (and maybe result in lower fares – think Ryanair for train travel!), and some national rail companies may be privitized.  Whatever happens, Passport Junkie will stay abreast of the latest changes and continue to make the planning process less painful for  budget travelers.

Getting around the United States by air is usually the fastest way to go, and with the downward trend in airline fares these days, sometimes it will be the cheapest as well.  But there are additional considerations to be aware of – chiefly, that buying airline tickets generally commits you to a specific schedule, as making itinerary changes at a later date will likely incur significant additional expenses.  If you are considering flying within the United States, here are a few important facts and web resources for you:

Checking Flight Schedules, Booking Flights

• Passport Junkie (naturally) shows you all the airlines that offer nonstop flights between two desired cities
• Kayak allows you to search current schedules and fares for any pair of cities and for nearly all US airlines
• The largest airline not visible on Kayak is Southwest Airlines – for any trip, they are worth checking as they usually have or match the lowest fares offered for economy class travel (Southwest Airlines aircraft are 100% economy seating)

Additional Fees for Baggage and Ticket Changes

• Compared to airlines  in other countries, airlines in the USA have generous carry-on baggage allowances – passengers can bring two pieces of carry-on luggage – one small item (purse or laptop) and one larger item (small rolling suitcase, medium-size backpack).  Especially large or heavy items (such as external frame backpacks, or large internal frame packs) must be checked into the luggage hold. For checked items, most US airlines charge an additional $15 USD – $25 USD per bag.  Ever the rebel, Southwest Airlines does not charge for checked luggage.
• Making changes to an airline reservation (changing the date of travel, for example) typically incurs an additional “change fee” of around $100 – $150 USD, IN ADDITION to any difference in fare (if the fare for the flight is more expensive on the day you make the change vs the original date of purchase, you must pay the difference as well as this “change fee”).  Again, Southwest Airlines provides an exception to this rule, and does not assess change fees (though if the fare amount has gone up, you still must pay any difference in fare).

At the Airport – What Else to Know

• Baggage check-in and security procedures at US airports can require significant time (compared to air travel in other countries, security lines in particular are quite long) – in most cases, you should arrive at the airport at least 60-90 minutes before your flight departs. Keep this additional time in mind when comparing your travel options (vs train or bus for example).
• Additionally, there are very specific restrictions for carry-on luggage, especially for any liquid items (toothpaste, shampoo, wine bottles, etc). Even if the item is unopened, no liquid container over 3.4 ounces (100 mL) is allowed as a carry-on, instead it must be checked into the luggage hold for your flight. To learn more about security regulations and procedures, check out the Transportation Security Administration website.