INTRODUCTION - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 2

Why Eurail?
Many visitors to Europe fail to realize that the European rail network (which we
refer to simply as “Eurail”) can take you to practically every nook and cranny on the
Continent, so they assume they must rent a car. At first glance, those European
fly-drive packages might appear enticing, but the more you investigate them, the
less appealing they become. In general, car rentals have one basic fault—the price
you are quoted may not be the price you pay; it usually is higher. One important
facet of a fly-drive package is the VAT (value-added tax), which ranges from 15 to
25 percent in European countries. In some countries, foreign tourists are eligible
for refunds on certain purchases [contact 800-KNOW-VAT (800-566-9828) or vis-
it www.globalrefund.com for more information], but there are no VAT refunds on
car rentals. Reference to the VAT may be tactfully avoided in car rental information
or perhaps hidden in the fine print of the terms. After determining the low cost of
a rental car with unlimited mileage privileges (which also includes the privilege of
buying unlimited gasoline), don't forget to multiply the bottom line by the VAT of the
country and add that figure to the cost.
Another item frequently overlooked is insurance. As a general rule, add to the
quoted rental cost another 20 percent for personal accident insurance, collision
insurance, and taxes. After that, prepare yourself for another shock—the price of
gasoline in Europe is about three times what you'd pay in the United States, plus
gasoline stations are not nearly as numerous as they are stateside.
Also consider that the number of European road-traffic fatalities is more than
four times that in North America, and that watching the road ahead is not really
what most folks go to Europe to do, nor is deciphering the signs an easy feat. Most
European automobiles are small, compact vehicles. That four-passenger economy
car you're thinking of renting could never carry four passengers and their lug-
gage—so, bring on the Mercedes at three times the price and double the gas. By
now, you will realize why Europeans park their own cars and ride the trains them-
selves.
The more you open your eyes to rail travel, we think, you'll find there is no better
way to go. One key reason for going to Europe is to mingle with Europeans. Trav-
eling day after day in a motor coach filled with other American tourists or riding
for hours in a small rental car with your spouse helping you navigate and the
kids crammed in with the suitcases is not, in our opinion, the best way to mingle.
Europeans use their trains. They will be sitting next to you or across from you in the
diner. You will be sharing the same experiences, so conversation will come easily.
It's a great way to make new friends.