A Passel of Handy Passes

One way to save on transportation and sightseeing in Europe is to take advantage of government-issued passes designed for foreign travelers. But beware: many must be bought in the U.S. in advance, an inconvenience offset by the fact that they will thus be immune to any vacation-time decline in the dollar. The pick of the passes:

> Eurailpass gives unlimited first-class train travel in 15 European countries (not including Britain), 15 days to three months ($190 to $460), covers some lake, river and sea travel, with reduced rates on other transportation.

> Portugal's free discount card, for travelers using the country as the gateway to or from Europe, offers one free night at a hotel plus discounts on auto rentals, sightseeing and shopping.

> BritRail Pass, for 7, 14, 21 or 30 days (from $100 to $200 first class), includes connections to the Isle of Wight and Lake Windermere steamers. Another pass ($12) opens doors to 500 stately homes, castles and historical sites.

> France's Air Inter pass allows unlimited air travel within the country (7 or 14 days, $135 or $210). France-Vacances plan ($95) offers seven days of unlimited second-class rail travel, four days of Metro and bus service in Paris, transportation from Paris airports, plus a one-day train trip with rental Renault 5 and 100 km free mileage.

> GermanRail Tourist Card provides unlimited travel for 9 or 16 days ($95 to $180) and includes reduced fare on Rhine and Moselle steamers.

> Scandinavian Rail Pass is good for 21 days' unlimited rail travel (first class about $220) in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

> Italian rail pass is good for 8, 15, 21 or 30 days (from $58 to $160), first or second class. Italy's Museum Card ($1) is good for free admission to 277 state-owned museums and archaeological sites.

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