Deal of the Week

Beginning this weekend, Amtrak is offering a low-season Special All Aboard America Fare for coach passengers traveling in one, two or all three of Amtrak’s regions that encompass the continental United States. The rates, which are good through June 15, are $138 for one region of travel; $188 for two adjacent regions, and $228 for three. (Summer rates for the same program range from $178-$298 and are good through Aug. 20.) The tickets are good for 30 days and must be purchased by May 15. They allow unlimited stopovers--a first for Amtrak--but stopovers must be stipulated before travel begins. Amtrak envisioned this as a touring program, a spokeswoman said, allowing access to several destinations in any region or regions. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and availability is limited. Tickets must be purchased within seven days of reservations and are non-refundable. They can’t be used on all trains and some other travel restrictions apply. Sleeping accommodations are available for an extra charge. There are no blackout dates. For information and reservations, contact your travel agent or (800) USA-RAIL.

Free for the Asking

A 12-page “Guide to Virginia’s Civil War Battlefields and Sites” is available from the state’s Division of Tourism, along with a “1995 Virginia Is for Lovers” and a Virginia highway map. The Civil War guide includes photographs, maps and descriptions of battlefields, national parks, monuments and museums. A listing of 1995 commemorative events is also included. Contact the Virginia Division of Tourism, 901 E. Byrd St., Richmond VA 23219; (804) 786-4484.

This Week’s Holidays

Banking and government offices will be closed or services curtailed in the following countries and their dependencies this week because of national and religious holidays:

Monday: Guinea

Tuesday: Senegal, Taiwan

Wednesday: Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, Taiwan

Thursday: Ethiopia, South Africa, Thailand

Friday: Armenia, Mozambique

Saturday: Malaysia, Nepal

Source: J.P. Morgan