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.
