We see hybrids, bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, hitchhiking and car pooling. Soon, men and women in business suits probably will be hopping freight cars to get to work.

But so far, the oil-price crisis has barely affected the fares Amtrak was charging last year, including for vacation trips out yonder.

For example, the coach ride from Washington to New York on the Northeast Regional train costs $69, only $2 more than a year ago. Or, you can make the trip on the Acela Express for $129, $6 more than last summer.

On the Capitol Limited from Washington to Chicago, the coach-class price of $78 is the same as a year ago, and the Silver Service line from Washington to Miami is only $2 more, at $115.

Comparing travel by train to plane or auto trips may be one of those "apples and oranges" arguments. Air travel is quick but lacks the sights, unless you're into cloud counting. Traveling by auto has its scenic rewards, but it's expensive and tiring. Rail travel is long and tranquil, with views out the window and leisurely, comfortable meals in a dining car contributing to the clickety-clack joy of the trip.

And with a 15-percent discount luring seniors 62 and older, a summertime Amtrak excursion from Philadelphia to a place such as Albuquerque, N.M., can make you forget the price of gas. Planning a custom route is easy on Amtrak's Web site, www.amtrak.com. Just click on the Interactive Route Atlas and choose from a variety of routes, with stopovers for sightseeing along the way. If you don't have Internet access, call 1-800-872-7245.

Just for fun, I plotted a trip to Albuquerque, leaving Philadelphia on July 15. I planned overnight stops for sightseeing in Washington, Chicago and Kansas City, before arriving in Albuquerque on July 22, at a senior's cost of $354.

If you're still worried about your budget, relax. Albuquerque, one of the most scenic places in the country, is second to Tulsa, Okla., as most affordable city, according to AAA.

In Albuquerque, seniors are treated to "Honored Citizen" status, which means, among other discounts, that bus fare is only 35 cents a trip to cultural locations. Old Town, in particular, is unique, with seven wonderful museums, including one that features the world's largest collection of live rattlesnakes. Bypass that one if you wish, but be sure to take in the Museum of Art & History and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Two other unique museums are the National Atomic Museum, which is America's official museum of nuclear science and history (it's scheduled to move into a new building and be renamed the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History next year), and the Turquoise Museum, where guests can visit the depths of a turquoise mine and study Southwestern jewelry.

Old Town, which is centered on the adobe San Felipe de Neri church built in 1793 with 5-foot-thick walls, boasts about 300 boutiques and other shops.

The city is most famous for its colorful hot-air balloons and its Spanish and American Indian heritage. During the annual International Balloon Fiesta in October, more than 700 balloons fill the clear blue skies; it's one of the most photographed events in the world.

Every weekend of the year, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center presents dances, art demonstrations and food, history and current-affairs exhiibits.

The famous Route 66 travels through Albuquerque as Central Avenue, with vintage neon signs guiding travelers past the Rio Grande Botanic Garden and through Old Town, the main business district and Nob Hill with its restaurants and shops.

On the outskirts of town, there are golf courses, hiking trails and spas. For information about this sunny, welcoming town, go to the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site, www.itsatrip.org. And get discounts at http://itsatrip.org/!UserFiles/pdf/ABQ_Coupons.pdf. You'll find such bargains as half-price admission for your companion at the Albuquerque Swing & Country Dance Club, up to 50 percent off certain jewelry items at Trader Barb's Gallery, 10 percent off tours of Old Town, and a free chocolate chile pecan pie with the purchase of 12 bags of chile spiced nuts at the Blue Plate Special.

Senior Traveler: On This Page

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July 20: Game Traveler

July 27: Travel Deals