Rail Europe turns back time for tickets

— -- Rail Europe is celebrating half a century of its popular Eurail Pass and is inviting travelers on board with a special promotion. Beginning May 12, the company will offer its Eurail ticket at the 1959 rate: $125 for a five-day, three-country rail pass.

The Eurail Pass may be turning the big 5-0, but a new generation of modernized trains is hitting the tracks equipped with upgraded sleeper carriages, meals cooked on board, bar cars and WiFi.

"For over 75 years, Rail Europe has provided North American travelers access to the most romantic and truly European method of travel," says Frederic Langlois, president of Rail Europe. "We all know train travel as convenient, cost-efficient and eco-friendly. ... Once on board, you can leave behind the stress of everyday life, sit back, relax and enjoy the view from your train window."

On this anniversary, Langlois predicts that air travel in Europe will be obsolete in the not-so-distant future on short routes. "Traveling by train allows you to avoid many of the usual pressures associated with travel. Once on board a train, you don't have to worry about airport or traffic delays," Langlois says.

The discounted pass is available only online at raileurope.com, while supplies last. Travel is good for six months from the date of purchase.