Flying alone first time & first time to Europe?

[Silent1CB]

So far, this is just in the idea stage. Not even a plan yet. DH will be deployed next year. Someone suggested that I meet him 1/2 way in Europe when he gets time off rather than have him fly all the way home, just to have him yanked back to reality of deployment. DH said he's heard that idea too.

I would want to start saving money for such a trip now if that's going to happen. But first, I'm wondering about flying alone for the first time. And visiting a European country alone and for the first time until we meet up probably in Germany. Then don't know where we would go off to.

I only speak English. This makes me a little nervous. We have an older male friend who is very world traveled.

Maybe I can have him escort me to Europe....then leave DH & I alone. Yet fly me back home when trip is over.

Sounds like a crazy idea so far to me. It would all just be easier to have DH come home, but I don't know if that's best for him.

 

[hereyago]

I presume you didn't travel much alone before meeting DH? You are a military wife-thank you and your husband for the sacrifices you have made btw- you can do anything!!!!!!!!


The idea is still in planning stages and you have time to learn basic language and even get those small translation books and learn about the countries. I went by myself to Europe 14 years ago and had a blast.


You can do this!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Silent1CB]

I presume you didn't travel much alone before meeting DH? You are a military wife-thank you and your husband for the sacrifices you have made btw- you can do anything!!!!!!!!


The idea is still in planning stages and you have time to learn basic language and even get those small translation books and learn about the countries. I went by myself to Europe 14 years ago and had a blast.


You can do this!!!!!!!!!!!

No, I didn't travel before meeting DH. I was working my way through college. And didn't come from a family that put much focus on travel. Actually, no one in my family has been anywhere except USA & Canada. Me included. I'm in my mid-40's. College was a very long time ago.

 

[Pakey]

I have travelled to Europe a few times and am in China right now. I only learn a few words like please and thank you. Signage always has English and there are many people who speak English.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Navigating any major European airport is no problem for English speakers. Much of the signage is in pictograms and many airports post text signs in multiple languages.

While no one should assume that every European speaks English, many do. Be polite and those who can speak English will try to help. Many enjoy the opportunity to practice a bit of English.

You could try to have you final destination as an English speaking location. Choose Gibraltar, Malta, Ireland or England.

 

[MiniGirl]

I agree. You can do it. As a PP mentioned, major European airports are very easy to navigate. Also, just like here, hotels that are near the airports often have shuttle service available back and forth. If you can manage to arrive on the same day, you can meet at one of those hotels for your first night, and then navigate the area together.

It has been years since I've been to Germany, but I loved visiting the Black Forest and cruising the Rhine river.

Seriously, I think meeting somewhere in the middle is a great idea and less exhausting for you dh, and I'm sure his returning to his unit relaxed and well rested as opposed to exhausted from traveling is important to both of you and those he'll be returning to. You can do this.

 

[NMAmy]

I lived in Germany for a year and I went without knowing a word of German. My ex was in the military and I'd taken Spanish and French in school. You'll be fine.

This is a great adventure for you and will make things much easier on your husband. Really, you can do this. You don't need anyone to go with you.

 

[NHdisneylover]

It is polite to try and pick up at least a few phrases--but virtually every German under age 50 (and a heck of a lot of the older ones) speaks English. It is truly very easy to get around here (especially if you stick to tourist areas or near US bases) for a few weeks without the language.
I assume you would have base access? If so, you can also shop, eat, etc in what is essentially a mini USA if it makes you feel more comfortable (I personally think it is much better to experience Germany, but to each their own).
I would suggest meeting either in Munich or Heidelberg (about an hour from the Frankfort airport--which is the largest in continental Europe) as both areas have huge US populations meaning the number of English speakers is even higher.
I do not know what the rules are like, could you stay at one of the military resorts, like Edelweiss in Garmisch?

 

[lovesmurfs]

So far, this is just in the idea stage. Not even a plan yet. DH will be deployed next year. Someone suggested that I meet him 1/2 way in Europe when he gets time off rather than have him fly all the way home, just to have him yanked back to reality of deployment. DH said he's heard that idea too.

I would want to start saving money for such a trip now if that's going to happen. But first, I'm wondering about flying alone for the first time. And visiting a European country alone and for the first time until we meet up probably in Germany. Then don't know where we would go off to.

I only speak English. This makes me a little nervous. We have an older male friend who is very world traveled.

Maybe I can have him escort me to Europe....then leave DH & I alone. Yet fly me back home when trip is over.

Sounds like a crazy idea so far to me. It would all just be easier to have DH come home, but I don't know if that's best for him.

You can do it, if you decide to.

A note, though, that my DH was deployed to Afghanistanin 2007. We had initially talked about me visiting in Europe, but the reality was that the military paid to fly him all the way home, and it was a much more relaxed furlough for him to only deal with his travel arrangements. His leave actually was delayed by several days, and if I had flown somewhere to meet him, it would have reduced the time we had together.

It was also nice for him to visit his family while he was on leave, which he wouldn't have been able to do if we had met somewhere in Europe.

Best wishes!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I lived in Germany 2 years. As others have said- signage is multilingual, many/most Europeans do speak English (though I agree 100% on making an effort to learn basic phrases as a courtesy and never assuming people speak English.) You don't need anyone to go with you, really truly.

Someone mentioned the AFRC resort Edelweiss in Garmish, that would be a great destination. You'd fly into Munich and drive down. It is beautiful country there, we often vacationed in the area. We've not stayed at Edelweiss (I agree it's nicer to see the country you're in by staying there) but it may be more comforting to you to be in an American place. There also is a commissary and a BX nearby though it's not a big "base" persay. (Oh and Neuschwanstein- the castle that inspired Walt Disney, is a hop skip and a jump away

Another option some folks do for deployment R&R is to meet up in Hawaii. Not knowing where you're flying from, may be a little bit longer trip, but perhaps more comfortable to you since you'd still be in the US. Again, there is a AFRC hotel in Waikiki. I know they offer R&R specials (as does Shades of Green), I'd almost imagine Edelweiss does too.

Other option certainly as mentioned is to go to an English speaking country in Europe. Down side to that is they drive on the wrong side of the road! Personally, I'm happier to pantomime where is the bathroom vs trying to drive on the left

Hope you can get something settled out, would definately be easier on your DH!

 

[Magic Mom]

I suggest meeting in Munich. It is a beautiful city, and there is so much to do and see in that area. If you are feeling adventurous find some great German hotels to stay at, or if you are feeling a little less adventurous, stay at the Edelwiess Lodge in Garmisch. Its a US Armded Forces Recreation Center/Resort in the Alps. Gorgeous resort. They have R&R specials(40% off rooms and meals). And they have dozens of tours and activities through the area. (Just a note though, I think the food at Edelwiess is mediocre-and overpriced so plan on eating out if you stay there. There is a wonderful little place, the Gasthaus Brauwastle, about 2 blocks away. It's a local place not touristy with great food and beer.)


Edelweiss

 

[Planogirl]

You won't have any trouble finding people who speak English in northern Europe. I think that you'll be surprised at how easy it is.

 

[jsmith]

His R and R flight out of theater is going to come in to Germany anyway-and you can get a good non stop flight from almost any major US airport to Frankfort-and that wont be that much different than flying domestically-except you wont have to pay to check the first bag, its longer, and the food is free. a good number of the regular flights out of theater come to frankfort-so he can meet you there-then you wont be alone in a foriegn country for long-and the USO there will help you out if you are. Then he is is there to help with onward flights in Europe-rental car and such. If you do not have a tourist pass port-get one now-you can not travel as a tourist in Europe on a military No Fee passport with out a SOFA stame which you will not have.
The one downside would be if you got there and he got delayed. Honestly this is not something i would plan because R and R dates move around alot-and to get a decent price on a commercial ticket you need to buy it about 90 days out at a mimium-especially if you are flying in the summer. It would be a huge bummer if you got to Germany and wound up spending your entire time there alone because hubby couldnt make it when you were there-on the other hand if his unit doesnt shift the dates to bad its an awesome idea-i get the emails from Edelweiss all the time and they do have great packages-as does the Hale Koa in Hawaii.
My husband does not take EML leave during deployment-he says its easier to just go and stick it out and come home and take a nice trip during block leave. He did escort a medical case to Germany in December-and i looked at flying over to meet him then-buying a ticket on Monday to travel on Wednesday was going to run me about 900 dollars-not bad for that short of notice-but we had already booked a trip to Italy and spain this summer and i didnt want to spend the extra money then so i didnt go. Airfare to most of Europe in the summer runs in the 1500 dollar range right now-so plan accordingly.
Also you could always look into Space A on an AMC flight-cheap-but you have to be really flexible.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

How FUN!!! Go for it.

 

[FireDancer]

I would get a phrase book with common phrases but as PPs have mentioned you will more then likely find English speakers in any major, and even most minor, cities in Europe.

As for flying alone, I fly way more alone then with anyone and think it is easy. You only have to worry about you and your luggage and can go by your schedule. In many ways I find solo travel the better of the two.

If you want to do it you can.

 

[Silent1CB]

You can do it, if you decide to.

A note, though, that my DH was deployed to Afghanistanin 2007. We had initially talked about me visiting in Europe, but the reality was that the military paid to fly him all the way home, and it was a much more relaxed furlough for him to only deal with his travel arrangements. His leave actually was delayed by several days, and if I had flown somewhere to meet him, it would have reduced the time we had together.

It was also nice for him to visit his family while he was on leave, which he wouldn't have been able to do if we had met somewhere in Europe.

Best wishes!

Those are 2 points I also thought of when the idea was mentioned to me. Logistics of not knowing when exactly, and keeping him all to myself. lol

 

[LukenDC]

When my uncle was in the Navy on extended deployments, my aunt would meet him in Naples, Italy. It was easy to do and a special experience for both of them.

Europe is very accommodating to English speakers and you will easily find bi-lingual assistance. Germany is a modern country and has many similarities to the US, so I doubt that you would experience extreme culture shock. If you are worried about getting from the airport to a hotel or other location, then you can easily arrange to have a driver waiting for you at the airport. It's nice to see someone holding a sign with your name on it as you exit baggage claim in an unfamiliar city. Alternatively, you can take a airport shuttle van by following sign to ground transpotation.

 

[supercarrie]

I am American but live in London. I travel across Europe fairly often, and have been to Germany twice so far this year along with France and Portugal (in a couple weeks).

I don't speak a word of German, and was just fine. Almost everyone spoke fluent English and those that didn't spoke enough English to understand what I was requesting.

Airports in particular will generally be signposted in both English and the language of the country, or as people mentioned there will be picture signs directing you.

I actually prefer long flights on my own, I travel faster and easier without worrying about other people, and really relax and enjoy it (as much as you can enjoy a long-haul economy class flight!)