European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 25, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Kurt a s Vic v.-, -1�?~vjt Quot w my 1 a a a a a a v of t 1 trowel ,4 Fleet of inter City express trains eaves the rail Yard in Hamburg Germany rain rail passes Combine Economy and Freedom Quot a a t i 7- Iti la it amp amp a svelte. J a a i a a a Ltd a a a a Temh Dulk j . A. A a i. A Fries to go Mcdonald s fast food is now available on some German  Norm Zeigler travel outdoor writer one of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is Riding its excellent trains. Unlike the United states which has allowed its passenger rail network to deteriorate to a sad remnant of what it once was Europe has invested in and believed in trains As an integral part of its transportation infrastructure. Trains offer several advantages Over other modes of travel. They eliminate the stresses of traffic jams High Speed highways and bad weather driving. They enable travellers to avoid the impossible parking situations in most big cities. And unlike air planes they can drop off their a passengers right downtown. For families with Small children train travel has other pluses it leaves both parents free to entertain and manage the kids. And it allows some Freedom of movement so Little ones Are less Likely to get cramped and Cranky. Train travel covers a Broad spectrum. Those searching for the Romance of bygone Days can ride a contemporary version of the storied Orient express. And in some parts of Europe mainly in the East steam trains still Chuff along narrow gauge tracks. At the other extreme Are High tech Bullet trains such As France s trans Gran Viesse Tiv and Germany s inter City express ice whose advocates say they Are getting close to Matching the airlines on City to City travel time for some routes. European governments continue to provide funding for advances in rail travel. The train technology of the future is magnetic levitation. Currently the germans have an operational magnetic levitation train that can travel at speeds approaching 300 Mph. Since the dropping of Borders Between european countries a number of rail pass options exist for travellers according to Petra Jola train agent for information ticket and Tours a destinations unlimited at Ramstein a base Germany. A number of passes Are available for use in All european Union countries. These include inter rail euro Domino euro Domino Junior and euro min group. But the Best known and one of the most time honoured traditions among american travellers is the eur ail vacation. For most eur Ailers this Means a trip with a freewheeling itinerary and spontaneous decisions. This is made possible by the format of the pass. The original eur Alpass allows the Holder to travel when and where he or she wants within a 17 country rail network. In Many places the pass is also valid for free or discounted travel on ferries buses and sightseeing excursions for example Rhine River  eur Alpass is available in several different versions. Among them Are the youth pass which is Good for second class travel for travellers under age 26 the save pass Good for first class travel when two or More people Are travelling together from april 1 to sept. 30, the minimum is three and the flex pass which is Good for a limited number of Days of travel during a certain period for example 10 Days Over two months. Generally Eura impasses Are Only available outside Europe. But american service members and Dod civilians stationed in Europe May Purchase them from military travel offices. Here is a sampling of discount train deals in different european countries a France the Carissimo youth pass for travellers under 26, provides a 50 percent discount during certain periods and a 20 percent discount in other periods. It can be purchased Only in Large train stations within France. Cost is 190 francs about $33 for four trips and 350 francs for 8 trips. The carte Kiwi allows a 50 percent discount for travellers under 16 who travel with Between one and four other people. Applicants must present proof of their age and a photo. The card is valid for one year and costs 430 francs. A Germany a couple of years ago the 16. Travel94 Way 25, 1994