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Rail Europe — a North American distributor of European rail travel products — posted robust first-quarter sales figures. The number of rail passes and point-to-point rail tickets sold increased 45 percent compared with first-quarter 2003 data.

Last year, prices of rail passes and tickets fluctuated before the value of the dollar fell below the Euro. Prices set last year have remained in effect this year, helping North American travelers stretch their travel dollar, according to Rail Europe.

The company also recorded an 82 percent increase in sales of one- and two-country rail passes, such as France Railpass, Swiss Pass and France ‘n Italy pass compared with last year. Sales of rail passes valid in three or more countries rose 14 percent.

The sales reflect a recent trend of Americans making shorter, more frequent trips to fewer European destinations compared with previous years, according to Rail Europe officials.