Planning a trip to Germany soon? Make it more enjoyable by following these seven tips.
Visits to Germany are among the most popular in the world. There are various options and choices for great cities, museums, and much more. It’s not difficult to meet friendly and welcoming Germans.
There are so many things to do in this country that you’ll need help finding something in your interest to occupy your time while visiting. The best thing about Germany is that it can be visited throughout the year due to its temperate climate.
Planning a trip to Germany soon? Make it more enjoyable by following these seven tips.
Learn some German words & phrases
It’s always a good idea to learn some basic German words and phrases before you travel to Germany.
Why
It will make it easier to communicate with people in Germany, especially if they don’t speak English. Germans are generally friendly and helpful, but learning “please” and “thank you” can go a long way!
The following tips will help you communicate effectively in German:
- Use common words and phrases to get around
- Practice with an online tool like Duolingo
- Look for a German teacher to guide you
- Listen to podcasts or watch TV shows in German
- Visit Berlin’s Goethe Institut for free language classes or take a private lesson with a teacher from a language school
- Don’t forget about body language!
Book your hotel early on in your trip planning process
If you’re planning on traveling to Germany, book your hotel as soon as possible.
Germany is a popular tourist destination, so many hotels book up well in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll likely find yourself without a room.
The best way to ensure you get the room you want is to book early. This is true whether or not you’re using an online travel agent like Expedia.
You can see what hotels are available at different times of the year by using this simple guide from TripAdvisor. It also shows which hotels are available right now and which don’t.
Stay away from tourist traps
Tourist traps are all too common in Germany, especially when traveling by car or train. If you are looking for cheap accommodations and food options, avoid these places. You will also end up spending more money than expected and have an unpleasant experience.
Instead, look for something that is not so crowded or commercialized in nature. This way, you will get better value for your money and enjoy the best possible time while in Germany.
Another biggest mistake you can make when traveling in Germany is getting on a tour bus and following someone else’s itinerary. Instead of being led around by someone else, take your path by getting off at every stop and exploring as much as possible while you’re there. You’ll have a much more memorable experience this way than if you were just following a group around all day long!
Use your time wisely
It is well known that Germans are efficient and punctual. Nevertheless, they also live life to the fullest. They might be known for their long working hours, but when it comes to vacations, the Germans make sure they use every minute of their time wisely.
You can expect fast-paced train rides and efficient public transportation in Germany, but you should also expect a relaxed atmosphere that gives you plenty of time to enjoy yourself. Forget about your daily routine and let yourself be surprised by the many unexpected events and attractions that come with traveling in Germany!
Make a new friend
One of the best ways to get an insider’s perspective on Germany is by making friends with locals. They can advise where to go and what to see and do when you’re in town.
To meet people, look for opportunities at local events and festivals. They are often held in public squares or parks, where many people gather. Take advantage of these gatherings by introducing yourself to friendly-looking strangers who might want to chat with you about their city or country. You may even discover that they’re natives from other parts of Germany who decided to move to the city where you’re staying!
Enjoy your trip
If you are interested in visiting Germany or want to plan a vacation and it’s your first time traveling there, these tips should give you an idea of what to expect and how to plan your trip. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the great food, breathtaking scenery, and history that Germany has to offer.
