Buy One Get One Half Off

I know this is twice in one week, but I had to pass on a deal for those of you currently visiting colleges (seniors on the recheck and juniors on initial explorations). Amtrak and Campus Visit have partnered together to offer reduced-price train fares. It works this way: the student buys a full-price adult fare ticket and their parent or guardian travels for half-price through December 16, 2009. It's like BOGO for train tickets instead of shoes. To obtain this discount, you need to know the following:

1. This offer is only good for high school juniors or seniors traveling with a parent or guardian.
2. Tickets must be booked at least 3 days in advance, no exceptions.
3. Up to 2 additional children (ages 2-15) per parent, travel for half-off a full-fare ticket.
4. Some black out dates apply (Sept. 4 & 7, Nov. 24-25 & 28-30).
5. This discount is NOT valid on the Acela trains.

That's cool, but how do I get such a great deal?

1. Go to www.campusvisit.com/amtrak and fill out a short form about your trip.
2. Press the submit button to get your special Amtrak promotion code-- WRITE IT DOWN (you'll need it).
3. If you haven't already done so, register for the Amtrak Guest Rewards program (you'll earn 1,000 bonus points).
4. Book your ticket BY PHONE: 800-USA-RAIL or 800-872-7245, using your special promotion code (see, I told you you'd need it again).
5. Pick up your tickets FROM AN AGENT (you can't use the kiosk-- sorry!) and enjoy your trip.

Nothing truly substitutes for a visit when you're trying to decide where you want to spend the next four years of your life. A deal like this only makes the experience sweeter!