crc95: I wouldn't hesitate to use public transportation in Paris or in the rest of France. In the USA, that would be my last choice. San Francisco and Washington isn't too bad but those are also not too extensive. I haven't tried Chicago. NYC and Boston are beyond horrid. The rental car option is the way to go. As far as air travel, yes, we have the convenience factor which is more than outweighed by lousy service and delays - say nothing of the security b/s. Amtrak is a national disgrace. I took it once from Boston to Richmond. Slow, noisy, and dirty. I will never make that mistake again. For some reason, Americans do not want to pay to keep an infrastructure developed and maintained. Maybe when the price of gas hits $5 or more a gallon we will change. Donerail