travel GERMANY!!

German is a clean, modern and safe country with plenty of things to see and do throughout the year. The prospect of visiting any foreign country can be nerve wracking, but Germany is a country that is surprisingly painless and convenient to navigate. Here are a few things to consider when planning your trip to Germany.

1. Language and Communication

   • While German is, of course, the national language of Germany, you will find that most Germans speak excellent English. Many Germans are bi- or trilingual, and foreign language education at most schools is mandatory. This means that if you ever have a question or need help, you probably will not have a difficult time making yourself understood. Still, it never hurts to have a pocket dictionary with you, and if you do make an effort to learn a bit of the language, you will undoubtedly impress the Germans that you meet.

   Transportation

   • Germany has an excellent public transportation network of trains, buses, streetcars and subways. If you are in the country for an extended period of time, you may consider buying or renting a car, but most travelers have no need for a car while visiting Germany. Parking (especially overnight) and gas are both expensive. The best way to get from city to city is to use the trains--if you're coming from the United States and plan to do a lot of traveling, you should look into a Eurorail pass (www.eurail.com). This is a discounted pass that will give you several days of travel for the price of one or two train tickets.

   Weather

   • Weather in Germany changes with the seasons, and the overall climate is similar to that of the Midwest United States. Clear and sunny summers contrast sharply with gray and frigid winters. Depending on what time of year you are traveling, make sure you dress appropriately. Also, most of the major festivals and popular events--such as Oktoberfest--take place in the summer or early fall. Keep that in mind when planning your trip.

   Money

   • As a European Union nation, Germany uses the euro as its currency. The euro is currently a stronger currency than the dollar, but aside from the exchange rate, prices are fairly reasonable in most cities. Most major bank cards will work in German ATMs, and most major credit cards are accepted in German shops and restaurants as well. ATMs and credit cards with generally use the best exchange rate of the day when processing transactions.

   Cultural Tips

   • Germans are sensitive about issues pertaining to the Second World War, so it is best to avoid that topic when first meeting people. Germans are also intensely environmentally conscious--an enormous amount of their energy comes from green sources, and they are fanatical recyclers. Try to use the appropriate garbage cans; often there will be separate places for plastics, garbage and paper products. Finally, tipping at bars and restaurants is seen as a token gesture and not an obligation. Waiters and waitresses make most of their money from hourly pay. Rounding up to the next euro is usually acceptable when paying a check.