Euro rail

hi all,
i've never been to europe and would like to visit next yr.i was looking at euro rail.is this just like using regular transit but between countries? I would still have to book a hotel?

Eurail passes are a great way to see Europe. There are several options available for them too so depending on where you are going you can sutomize them to your needs. They don't usually include sleeping arrangements so if you are on a night train you usually have to reserve a sleeper car or a couchette (small bed usually 6 to a train cabin). I would suggest typing in eurail on google and you can get to the officail website. Train travel is awesome in Europe so hop aboard! Good Luck and happy travels!

Train travel in Europe is very fast & convenient - trains are frequent and they go everywhere. They are usually on time too (at least north of the Alps - oops a bit of prejudice there) so timetables are reliable and tight connections can be made. It is totally unlike the North American rail experience.

Eurrail passes are a good deal and if you plan your trip beforehand, you can calculate the number of countries in which you need rail travel and buy the exact pass that suits you best. They are also valid on some boats\ferries such as those on the Rhine and Lac Léman (Lake of Geneva) - but not channel ferries.

If you want to stick to one or two countries there are also rail passes issued by particular countries. When I lived in Switzerland, my visitors often bought Swissrailpasses which are also good deals burt only valid within the country.

Incidentally, one reason these are such good deals is that they are designed only for non-European visitors and are subsidized to promote tourism. You have to buy them in North America before going. I don't think they are available for purchase in Europe, even with a Canadian passport.