education in the usa

If you're reluctant to fly or if the prospect of driving for days on unfamiliar roads makes you want to dump out your suitcase and stay at home ... may we suggest a train trip? Train travel makes transportation an enjoyable and valuable part of your journey as opposed to a necessary displeasure; you can see miles of countryside as you gently speed towards your destination.

Get a sleeper car and make the train your roving hotel as you take a cross-country jaunt through some of the most beautiful, rugged landscapes in the world. Whether you're traveling in the U.S. or Canada, Canrail and Amtrak offer a number of scenic routes that will help you to slow down and get a good look at the world outside your window.

Canada
VIA Rail Canada (888-VIA-RAIL) offers two rail passes of interest to visitors. The Canrailpass is good for 12 days of unlimited economy-class travel throughout Canada within a 30-day period. (You may purchase up to three additional days of travel.) Prices are $941 CAD for peak travel (June 1 through October 15) and $588 CAD for travel the rest of the year. Children, college students and seniors can purchase the Canrailpass at discounted rates.

The Corridorpass covers travel within the southern parts of Quebec and Ontario -- which includes popular destinations like Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Niagara Falls. The pass is good for unlimited economy-class travel over a 10-day period and costs $337 CAD for adults. You can buy a first-class version of the Corridorpass for $804 CAD. Discounts on both types of passes are available for children, college students and seniors.

U.S.A.
Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) currently offers three variations on its U.S.A. Rail Pass, which is good for travel across the United States. Prices are as follows:

8 segments in 15 days: $389 (adult), $194.50 (children age 2 - 15) 12 segments in 30 days: $579 (adult), $289.50 (children age 2 - 15) 18 segments in 45 days: $749 (adult), $374.50 (children age 2 - 15) A segment is defined as an embarkation and debarkation -- so if your itinerary requires you to change trains, you'll have to use multiple segments on your pass. The U.S.A. Rail Pass is not valid on select trains (including the Auto Train and the Acela Express). The pass is available to both U.S. and international citizens. Amtrak also offers a California Rail Pass, which is good for seven days of economy-class travel in California over a 21-day period. Adults pay $159 and children age 2 - 15 pay $80. The California Rail Pass is available on the following services: Capitols, San Joaquin and Pacific Surfliner corridor trains Most connecting Thruway services Coast Starlight between Los Angeles and Dunsmuir, California Editor's Note: All rail pass prices are subject to change without notice.