Getting around Europe is easy. The problem is planning ahead and deciding how to get from one place to another on your type of budget, especially with a eurail pass. Below is advice on aeurail pass, bus pass, and discount car rental

Bus Passes
A great way to experience Europe on a budget is by bus. Busabout offer transportation services throughout Europe through a network of zones. Prices are favorably lower than any rail pass or car rental, starting at $209. Finally, you can make reservations for hostels right on the bus to insure a place to lay your head! Go to http://www.busabout.com.

Eurail Pass
Europe lays claim to one of the most efficient rail systems in the world. There are several options available when traveling by a Eurail Pass in Europe. When traveling, one should think about renting couchettes, or sleeping quarters, on the train. By paying $12 to $15 U.S. equivalent, you share a four-to-six-bed room with others and arrive to a new destination in the morning. Couchettes must be reserved before boarding the train. No prices are listed due to fluctuations between agencies.

Eurail pass
Covers 17 countries, not including Great Britain or Czech Republic. Good for touring most of Europe, traveling by train for more than 15 days, and cost efficient while touring most expensive countries in the north. Flexibility includes choosing 10 train days in a two-month period to one month of consecutive days. Eurail drive pass allows four first class rail days plus two car days in a two-month period.

Europass
Valid only in Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. Add-on zones (Austria/Hungary, Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg, Greece, Portugal) are available for a fee. Flexibility varies from five train days in two months to 15 train days in two months.

Britrail pass
Eurail or Europass are not valid on British trains. The Britrail pass covers England, Scotland and Wales. It does not cover Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, although the Britrail Plus Ireland does. Flexibility varies from four days in two months to 30 consecutive days of travel. For details call (888) BRITRAIL or go to www.britrail.co.uk.

Purchase your rail pass: Rail Europe, www.raileurope.com, Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door www.ricksteves.com, or your local student travel agency (USTN or STA in the phonebook).

Car Rental
Driving around Europe is said to be the best way to see it. The catch is that gas is expensive and there can be a lot of hidden insurance and taxes involved. Nonetheless, if you have a small group that wants to see a certain region of Europe or visit the countryside, renting is a viable option. Auto Europe is a more popular choice. www.autoeurope.com.