New Winter Rail Offers: Half-Price Canada and Chunnel Discount

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com, a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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You have two new rail promotions to consider for winter travels: Half-price on VIA Rail Canada and a Eurostar discount.

VIA Rail Canada extended its systemwide half-price sale. Buy now through November 17, at least three days in advance, for travel November 13 to February 14, subject to the usual holiday blackouts and limitations. Sample fares include $C771.50 for a sleeper cabin Toronto-Vancouver, or $C71 Toronto-Montreal. VIA also continues its ongoing “Express Deals” promotions on selected trains at as much as 75 percent off the regular prices.

Travel through the Chunnel in Eurostar’s “Standard Premier” class for 20 percent off and you’ll also get a $20 gift card at Amazon.com. Buy tickets from Rail Europe through November 16, travel through January 31, with the usual holiday blackouts. The discounted London-Paris fare starts at $131, featuring extra roomy seats and a free snack and drink. But if you’re the frugal sort, regular second class starting at $60 (at a lousy time; $87 on most other departures) is perfectly comfortable.

Nothing significant new from Amtrak.

this week.

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