Germany ABD questions for recent travelers

[Skatetigger]

Hi folks-

I have some questions for those who have traveled to Germany. We're leaving in just over 2 weeks so getting very excited.

1.) About what time do you leave every morning and what time is breakfast usually served from? Sounds silly but going to try to still get in some workouts while I am there (in the places that I can)

2.) Do the breakfast buffetts have cereal and or oatmeal available. I may bring along some oatmeal packets along for some of the breakfasts as too many of those wonderful sounding breakfasts that i have read about might lead to some clothes not fitting when I get back . So I figure I'll save the treats for the rest of the days some mornings.

3.) How long was the longest bus ride and do they show any sort of videos when you are on the bus. I tend to get motion sickness (planning on taking Dramamine) so I can't really read on the bus and hoping that there's something to distract me while riding.

4.) For those who were picked up by ABD guides, where did you meet them in the Frankfurt airport

5.) I know this has been discussed in one of the other forums but wondering how easily folks were able to use credit cards in most places. We're planning on bringing some Euros as well as a prepaid travel card but just wanted to get an idea.

I think that's it for now, thanks in advance.

 

[crisi]

Hi folks-

I have some questions for those who have traveled to Germany. We're leaving in just over 2 weeks so getting very excited. -

Ours was a year ago. This is from memory

1.) About what time do you leave every morning and what time is breakfast usually served from? Sounds silly but going to try to still get in some workouts while I am there (in the places that I can).

I recall having to be on the bus most mornings around 9am. Breakfast was at the hotel buffet and was self serve from opening on. The Neuschwanstein day is much earlier.

There is often enough "free time" during the day to do a workout, and frequently you can do it sightseeing. The walk up to the top of the Philospher's Way in Heidelburg is a pretty good workout. And the 12 mile bike ride was divided into "scenic" and "sporty" groups. The sporty group had a pretty good workout.


2.) Do the breakfast buffetts have cereal and or oatmeal available. I may bring along some oatmeal packets along for some of the breakfasts as too many of those wonderful sounding breakfasts that i have read about might lead to some clothes not fitting when I get back . So I figure I'll save the treats for the rest of the days some mornings.

Cereal yes. Oatmeal, I don't recall. Lots of granola and yogurt (muesli). Very European breakfast buffets. But enough options you can watch your weight. Often smoked salmon, fresh fruit. You don't need to go for the sausages and pastries (I'm gluten intolerant, it made my breakfasts downright healthy).

3.) How long was the longest bus ride and do they show any sort of videos when you are on the bus. I tend to get motion sickness (planning on taking Dramamine) so I can't really read on the bus and hoping that there's something to distract me while riding.

Long bus rides on this trip - one about four hours or so. We watched a movie at least once. Two hours out to Neuschawstein. There is scenery to look at. Believe it or not, you might get sick of seeing castle ruins outside the bus window.

4.) For those who were picked up by ABD guides, where did you meet them in the Frankfurt airport

We were met by ABD people at the airport, but our guides were at the hotel - we never saw the person we met at the airport again.

5.) I know this has been discussed in one of the other forums but wondering how easily folks were able to use credit cards in most places. We're planning on bringing some Euros as well as a prepaid travel card but just wanted to get an idea.

EASY. There weren't many places that didn't take a credit card - I don't think we ran into anything - except the tram at the castle in Heidleburg.

 

[healthrn]

Thank you Skatetigger for asking those questions and Crisi for answering!

I am planning to workout too when I can. I bet there are no Zumba classes
:0(

For some of the Dinners I was planning to wear a black skirt with a nice top with sandals. Does that sound ok or is it less formal then that?

For some of the days we are touring and it may be warm are shorts and sandals ok or should I just wear sneakers?

Are you Saying Crisi that we do not need to bring many Euro's with us? How much do you suggest?

Thank you I am getting sooooooooo excited

 

[crisi]

Thank you Skatetigger for asking those questions and Crisi for answering!

I am planning to workout too when I can. I bet there are no Zumba classes
:0(

For some of the Dinners I was planning to wear a black skirt with a nice top with sandals. Does that sound ok or is it less formal then that?

For some of the days we are touring and it may be warm are shorts and sandals ok or should I just wear sneakers?

Are you Saying Crisi that we do not need to bring many Euro's with us? How much do you suggest?

Thank you I am getting sooooooooo excited

MOST dinners are not at all dressy. There were two that were "worth dressing up a little for" - but most people did bring nicer clothes for dinner. The first night and the dinner at the Sleeping Beauty castle.

Germans themselves don't really wear sneakers and shorts when out and around - although if that is what you are comfortable, you'll be fine. If you want to "fit in" when away from the group, walking shoes or sandals and pants or skirts. Particular not the athletic shoes - which scream "American tourist."

I'd bring a couple hundred dollars worth of Euros. There are cash machines all over as well, except in Trendelburg. So you can get Euros out of a machine just like you get dollars at home. Trendelburg is the stop after Heidelburg, early in the tour.

 

[healthrn]

MOST dinners are not at all dressy. There were two that were "worth dressing up a little for" - but most people did bring nicer clothes for dinner. The first night and the dinner at the Sleeping Beauty castle.

Germans themselves don't really wear sneakers and shorts when out and around - although if that is what you are comfortable, you'll be fine. If you want to "fit in" when away from the group, walking shoes or sandals and pants or skirts. Particular not the athletic shoes - which scream "American tourist."

I'd bring a couple hundred dollars worth of Euros. There are cash machines all over as well, except in Trendelburg. So you can get Euros out of a machine just like you get dollars at home. Trendelburg is the stop after Heidelburg, early in the tour.

Thank you for your time and information!

 

[crisi]

Thank you for your time and information!

You are welcome. It was a great trip and I'm very envious that you are about to leave.

 

[Miss SD]

You are welcome. It was a great trip and I'm very envious that you are about to leave.

Glad to hear you say (write) that, crisi. I've been reading and lurking on these boards for a while and I respect your opinions, especially on financial issues. (I just booked this tour for next June.)