Though it can be confusing, you can't beat Europe's quick and convenient rail system. And the easiest way to navigate the train network as a foreign traveler is with a Eurailpass or a Europass in your pocket. The advantage of a multi-country train pass is the freedom you have to travel between countries without worrying about what you're spending on new tickets every time you hop on the tracks. "You'll spend just as much or less on a Eurail pass that covers all of Europe as you would on individual tickets," says Tina Napoli, travel consultant for Council Travel in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Why compromise the vacation of a lifetime with questions about cost when you can get a package deal? Since there are so many different types of passes, purchasing the one that's "just right for you" can stump even the most experienced traveler. What you should keep in mind is your basic itinerary because knowing where you want to go is essential to choosing the correct pass. Where you want to go, of course, can be a vague idea - this isn't rocket science. In fact, the fun of traveling lies in exploring the unknown and being unsure of the adventures that are going to pop up around the next corner. The Rail Europe Group currently offers nearly 50 different packages to travel by train in Europe. The Eurail pass covers 17 countries, not including Great Britain or Czech Republic. It's good for touring most of Europe, traveling by train for more than 15 days, and cost efficient while touring the most expensive countries in the north. It's flexible options include choosing 10 train days in a two-month travel period or one month of consecutive days. That's probably the single most important train decision one makes - whether to have the option to travel on a limited amount of days, or to have every day a possible train ride. Clearly, before you cross the pond you need to decide what's good for you. For example, think about what types of excursions you feel comfortable doing, and at what pace you'll want to do them. Sometimes 15 or 21 consecutive days of traveling, which you can buy with a Eurailpass or a Eurail Saverpass, can lead to a hectic schedule and put a damper on your dreams of a relaxed vacation. You may feel forced to travel to as many cities as you can to get in all the "good stuff." But you'll inadvertently leave out the beautiful countryside in between. Your photo album, and memories, will consist of cathedrals, buildings, and monuments that you can't remember the names of. You won't be able to relive those magical feelings of seeing mustard fields, hills and mountains - so different from what we find on American soil. But you will remember your fatigue when you passed through city after city. Variations on the European rail passes include combination train/car deals. Riding the train to a destination and then renting a car there will give you freedom to discover even the most remote destinations, those nooks and crannies unreachable by train lines. Venturing off the beating path is exciting and an enticing option. But driving on foreign roads may be complicated and you might miss the sightseeing you came for while you're busy concentrating on the roadmaps. Another way to hunt down those hidden European wonders, particularly those of Eastern Europe such as Prague, is the hop-on hop-off Busabout pass. "It's good for someone who's travelling alone who doesn't want to do a bus tour but wants to see these places," Napoli says. If you have the time and patience to sit on the various colored bus loops en route to a final destination, Busabout may be an option. And while you can get on and off the buses anytime, you'll have to eventually find the next departure on the confusing time charts and follow the entire loop, passing through cities you don't particularly want to see, to get to your destination. It is also worth mentioning the buses don't have the amenities or the speed you'll find on the train. Whichever mode of transportation you use to cruise the European continent, keep in mind that not all travelers are students looking to learn. When traveling by train or bus, particularly on the longer legs of your trip, your bags (despite the gargantuan size of your backpack) need to be treated as part of your entity. Napping backpackers should beware, because a little shut-eye can leave you prey to thieves. Still, the vast majority of train travel is safe, and a little watchfullness goes a long way. t's not unusual to feel disoriented on Europe's public transportation. After all, America is the great land of gas-guzzling SUVs. And on top of this disorientation, you will in all probability not understand the languages of the various countries you travel to. It's a good sign if you're feeling uncomfortable because you're recognizing you don't know anything and admitting your lack of knowledge. These are the first two steps of learning and at this point don't be afraid to ask some fellow backpackers or train officials to help you out. It will make you feel good that you are communicating across cultures and will increase your knowledge of the places you're visiting. All this goes to show you are the only one who can decide which track you're going to follow. To get a list of all possible passes visit www.atntravel.com, www.counciltravel.com or www.raileurope.com. For the UK, call (888)BRITRAIL or go to www.britrail.co.uk For Busabout details visit www.busabout.com or write to info@busabout.co.uk For those who want the thrill of driving European roads, check out Auto Europe at www.autoeurope.com