In the face of mounting airline delays and increased baggage restrictions, taking the train in Europe is turning out to be a smarter and greener option, to help reduce travel expenses and your carbon footprint.

The Eurail pass, the badge of honor for so many backpack-toting college students reaching their own milestone birthdays, is turning 50 next year. And due to the weak dollar overseas and rising fuel costs, train travel is once again becoming an affordable option for American travelers.

Trains are even getting the edge on intra-European low-fare carriers because trains in city centers, and there's also no real limit on the amount of luggage you can carry -- and you don't have to let it out of your sight.

The traditional Eurail Pass has evolved over the years and is now called The Global Pass. It links the railroads of 20 mainland European countries, adding Croatia and Slovenia just this year.

Besides the Global Pass, there are several passes that practically allow you to tailor make your own itinerary, depending on the number of countries you want to visit.

You should first plan where you want to go and for how long and then figure out how many of those days you want to travel on the train. Choices are either first- or second-class and reservations are sometimes needed even for the cheap seats.

Eurail passes are good for passengers who appreciate the scenic journey. Passes also benefit budget travelers because they carry added value, like discounts on ferries, buses, cable cars and museums.

For more information on the Eurail pass, visit www.eurailgroup.com. Reservations can be made at www.raileurope.com