How to Travel to Germany

Germany is a popular tourist destination for its lush forests, colorful history, captivating mountain views, romantic vineyards, active city life, exquisite architecture and relaxing beaches. Germany's diverse states (called "bundeslnder") offer a satisfying vacation that can be tailored to the interests of any visitor. Prepare for your Deutschland travel experience by following a few key steps.

Instructions

1




Learn about Germany's history, culture and regions. Germany is home to Bavarian medieval castles and charming seaports (like the one in Hamburg). The stormy past of the Rhineland-Palatinate region offers modern villages seeped in history. The Black Forest region is known for the breathtaking Alps, thermal springs, Gothic architecture and wellness spas. Each region city in Germany has its own character, shaped by influence and monarchies, that reflects in architecture, lifestyle, language, local traditions, cuisine and regional culture. Read The Oxford Journal's "German History" before you mold a traveling experience to suit your interests.

2




Determine where you want to travel in Germany. Oftentimes, this may correlate directly with the type of vacation experience you are seeking. The northern beaches of Germany---along the North and Baltic Seas---are popular destinations for relaxing on white beaches, experiencing a first-rate resort or sight-seeing through an active seaport, such as Bremen. Germany's well-known capital, Berlin, is a dynamic city with an active nightlife and intriguing historical and architectural experiences---a solid destination for a high-energy, urban traveler. Many tourists also plan a vacation around charming Munich, a city known for Oktoberfest. You may also want to experience historical markers, such as Trier---the oldest city in Germany---for its Roman Empire ruins, or major sites of Germany's dark past, such as one of the WWII concentration camps (Dachau) or Nazi-related museum exhibits and walking tours. Visit the birth sites of Martin Luther, Albert Einstein or Beethoven. For tourists looking to experience a German vineyard, the Rhine and Moselle valleys are known for romance, fine wine and natural beauty. Research what Germany has to offer and evaluate your travel interests; a melding of the two will contribute to an unforgettable vacation.

3




Decide the time of year for travel. Although Germany is a popular travel destination year-round, Americans will find that fares raise and lower during various parts of the year. High season in Germany is from May to September, when sunny days are frequent, festivals abound and outdoor activities (such as cycling) are more enjoyable. Germany is flooded with students and tourists during the summer months, and hostels and hotels may be more difficult to reserve. Traveling to Germany from November through March may lessen the financial burden of an international vacation and offer less-crowded tourist sites (unless you plan on skiing in Bavaria). Study annual festivals, events and activities that may require season-specific travel, and bring an umbrella; overcast, rainy skies appear any time of the year.

4




Set a vacation budget. American travelers should expect high costs in Germany, although prices fluctuate in each region. Germany's currency is the Euro; Calculate an up-to-date conversion on XE's website (see Resources). Calculate food, lodging, flight, activities, transportation and miscellaneous purchases into the travel budget. Looking for ways to travel on the cheap? Visit Germany during the off-peak season or consider staying in a hostel during your visit.

5




Complete essential travel preparation. Get a United States passport; A valid passport is required for international travel (see Resources below). Obtain a Visa, if traveling in the country for an extended period of time. Additional preparations should be considered before traveling to Germany: possible travel health insurance, a refresher course on the metric system, learn about German culture etiquette, practice learning some German language skills and bring an electrical adapter (if needed). Book a flight through a travel agent or reputable online vendor (consider hotel-packages when booking), investigate hotel and hostel options and make pretravel reservations (such as a car rental or train ticket). Purchase an in-depth, credible travel book to provide essential supplemental information during your vacation. Study the German train system, driving laws (much of Germany does not have a speed limit) and language.