Tuesday, December 25, 2012

5 Things You Will Love at Germany





Germany is filled with a strong sense of cultural heritage, where men still don lederhosen and women dirndls. There is beer by the stein under the shade of old chestnut trees. No matter what part of the country you visit, there are thick layers of history: from Roman relics to medieval castles and from Baroque palaces to communist-era apartment blocks. But, for all the tradition, Germany is a modern country. It's a leader in avant-garde fashion, culture, and art, reflected in its many museums and the vibrant Berlin art scene.

Planning a German Vacation

Step 1

Make your travel arrangements and reservations. Popular modes of transport include airlines, train, car and boat. If you plan to rent a vehicle, check with your insurance agent to verify what coverage applies in Germany. Your U.S. driver's license is valid for up to six months in Germany, so vacationers do not need an international or German license.

Step 2

Confirm your passport's expiration date. German officials require your passport to be valid for three months past the ending date of your trip. Renew your passport, if it will not meet this requirement.

Step 3

Check on your immunization history 45 days prior to departure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that vacationers to Germany have current routine immunizations including measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diptheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) and poliovirus vaccine. CDC also recommends Hepatitis B for travelers to Germany.

Step 4

Plan your itinerary in Germany. Consult guidebooks and friends who have traveled to Germany for recommendations on what to see and how to spend your time. Make reservations for accommodations ahead of time. Avoid American hotel chains. Stay in a German hotel or Gasthaus for an insider's view of the country. They are often sources of local spots to visit that are not listed in guidebooks. Purchase tickets for popular tourist sites online to avoid waiting in long lines. Sometimes online ticket prices are lower than in-country prices.

Step 5

Plan for German electricity by taking a transformer to adapt the electricity to U.S.-made electric appliances. German electricity is 220 volts and 50 Hz. Get a multiuse plug adapter or Type "C" Europlug and Types "E" and "F" Schuko plugs, if you plan to take electrical devices. You will need both a transformer and a plug adapter unless they are combined into one device.

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