FlyerTalk Forums - Planning trip to Germany

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)

- Germany (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/germany-626/)

- - Planning trip to Germany - please help! (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/germany/1483361-planning-trip-germany-please-help.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by myatripobox (Post 21084190)

As well as this, trains are expensive in Germany.

I would guess from this statement that you've never actually been on a train in Germany -- or should that be Europe?

I am halfway through a 2 week trip in Germany now. While everyone does speak to me in German first, if I speak in English they will try to communicate. The millions of tourists in Germany every year do not all speak fluent German. I only have some high school German which is surprisingly helpful but I think probably not required. High school was a long time ago but it's amazing how many things I remember. I try to use German when I can, but people talk fast.

I never considered driving as I don't really like driving at home so there's no way I want to deal with it on vacation. The trains are great and you don't have to worry about parking. Although the trains are not always very on time as I had expected for some reason.

The country is full of interesting things to see and do. You'll have a great time. Take your time though and don't try to do too many places. I liked Hamburg a lot. I had been to Cologne before but liked my time there as well. I am in Trier right now and totally love it here. I am off to Koblenz in the morning.

Prague instead of Vienna

If you are on a budget, Prague is cheaper than Vienna (and cheaper than Berlin).
It is also on the way from Munich to Berlin, if indeed you do fly back out of Berlin.

And to beat a dead horse, train over car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelBrighton (Post 21065186)

Secondly, going to Munich for the Oktoberfest could be tricky. Many hotels are probably already booked and those that have rooms available will nearly double the cost of the room. If you really want to go there then, you'd be wise to look for a hotel outside the city.

I can attest to that. I reserved my double room in Munich last month, and there were barely any left. It cost me 325 Euro per night (Sept 23 to 26). The hotel I'm using in Mannheim (the closest city to Munich in terms of expense for my current trip) is 79 Euro per night (Sept 19 to 22) and Nürburg on the 22 is 79 Euro also (assuming I don't have a hospital stay that night... :D).

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelBrighton (Post 21071092)

The countryside in Bavaria is quite lovely. Exploring it without knowing any German will be difficult as people in the countryside are not likely to know much English. So, if you stop somewhere for lunch, for example, how will you read the menu? How will you order dishes? How will you ask for the bill?

You came here asking for advice. Almost everyone has suggested using the train. That's advice from people who have already done (several times, in my case) what you are planning to do.

Pretty sure with a Phrasebook you can overcome some of those issues. Plus with a smartphone you can always search the web if need be!
Cheers
Howie

Before you enter Germany out of the European Union, I would strongly recommend to read this article http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/germa...ially-now.html