Question about Europe!

[mebbradley]

Hi, Everyone!

I am getting ready to leave in the next week or so for Europe and this is my first trip! I'm going to Berlin, Germany for a week and one day. Any suggestions for packing or things like that?

Thanks!

 

[laurie31]

Rick Steves has a great packing list; you can alter it to fit your particular situation. The old adage about "figure out what you want to pack, then take half the clothes and twice the money," is true. No one ever wishes they had overpacked!

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm

You would probably also enjoy reading his tip board for Germany, as well as the Berlin board on Trip Advisor. (google: Berlin trip advisor forum). The main Germany board would be helpful as well.

If you haven't already, get a German phrase book. Most people in Berlin likely speak some English, but it's polite to at least be able to say "Good day," "please," "thank you," and "do you speak English?" in German. Other helpful phrases are "How much does this cost?" and "Where is the bathroom?"

Be sure you have food and water for the flight. You will get a meal, but it is a long time to be on a plane and it's good to have your own stuff, just in case. We take empty Camelbak bottles and fill them after security. You can also buy water after security, but a water bottle is a good thing to have with you anyway. You will get hot and thirsty while out sightseeing. You can refill it from public drinking fountains.

Make sure you notify your credit card and ATM banks that you are traveling. Also, take their fraud department's toll free number with you. We DID notify our bank and our card still got frozen for suspected fraud. Once we called, it got sorted out, but if we hadn't had the number, I don't know what we would have done.

Get your cash from ATMs once you arrive.


Have a great time!

 

[mebbradley]

Rick Steves has a great packing list; you can alter it to fit your particular situation. The old adage about "figure out what you want to pack, then take half the clothes and twice the money," is true. No one ever wishes they had overpacked!

Ahh. yes, I still have to dump stuff out of my suitcase to make a shoe-box fit. bah. lol

You would probably also enjoy reading his tip board for Germany, as well as the Berlin board on Trip Advisor. (google: Berlin trip advisor forum). The main Germany board would be helpful as well.

Looks like I have some reading to do!

If you haven't already, get a German phrase book. Most people in Berlin likely speak some English, but it's polite to at least be able to say "Good day," "please," "thank you," and "do you speak English?" in German. Other helpful phrases are "How much does this cost?" and "Where is the bathroom?"

I took German for a year in college, so I remember how to say most of that! I should try and find my book and review, thou!

Make sure you notify your credit card and ATM banks that you are traveling. Also, take their fraud department's toll free number with you. We DID notify our bank and our card still got frozen for suspected fraud. Once we called, it got sorted out, but if we hadn't had the number, I don't know what we would have done. Get your cash from ATMs once you arrive.

yikes! I'd forgotten about that!

thanks for all your advice!

 

[plutotek]

One nice thing is you don't have to worry about the water as it tastes really good. Even though the school system requires them to take English during school, they probably don't use it enough in some cases to be fluent. We had a waitress that couldn't help giggling a bit as I tried to ask for the check, but complimented me on my effort.

Speaking of which, unlike the US, when you go to a restaurant, the assumption is you are going to be using the table for the night, meaning you have to ask for the check when you're ready; they don't just bring it. Also, if you feel like tipping, keep it minimal. It's not a commonly accepted practice as it is in the states.

Enjoy your trip. We hope to return in a couple of years, touring the same area you're going to; we've already been to Bavaria/Salzburg.

 

[locolala]

Get a nice comfy pair of dressier walking shoes, most Europeans DON'T wear running/tennis type shoes unless they're working out at the gym or running. That was the biggest thing I learned in my time overseas.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Hi, Everyone!

I am getting ready to leave in the next week or so for Europe and this is my first trip! I'm going to Berlin, Germany for a week and one day. Any suggestions for packing or things like that?

Thanks!

Wishing you an amazing Adventure!

 

[MAH4546]

Get a nice comfy pair of dressier walking shoes, most Europeans DON'T wear running/tennis type shoes unless they're working out at the gym or running. That was the biggest thing I learned in my time overseas.

Europeans love sneakers. Germany is the home of Adidas and Puma.

 

[PollyannaMom]

You may need outlet adaptors for your electronic items.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Europeans love sneakers. Germany is the home of Adidas and Puma.

But you rarely see basic white ones on anyone but tourists here (accept when actually participating in a sport). Dressier browns and tans you see often--but they are the ones not made for working out.

Also the tip thing above is correct. One Euro per person or about 5 percent (so if rounding to an even number comes out about that even if less than 1 Euro per person that is fine. Taxis are also minimal tips (round up to the next Euro if it is at least 50 cents or else just add a euro).

We have been HOT this month. Obviously check the weather right before you come but at the moment I would suggest very light weight clothing. Bring a swimsuit and towel so you can cool off in one of the many outdoor swimming pools (Frei Bad)--a German summer tradition. Remember that very few places will be air conditioned so this will feel good if we keep hovering around 100 degrees.

Bring a suitcase which rolls really well to handle all of the uneven sidewalks and for traveling on trams and trains.

220 adapters for outlets.

Berlin is a great city and I am sure you will have a lot of fun.

 

[tomthebarncat]

Have fun, as we are in the middle of a major heat wave. There is alot of free stuff to do in Berlin, take advantage of that. I would also suggest that when you speak English, talk very slowly and you will be surprised how many people will understand you and try to help. Street food is very good and inexpensive (Brat & Beer) should only cost a couple of euros. Be prepared for dogs everywhere as we Europeans love to take our pups out and about. Do not get caught on the bus/trains without a ticket as the fine is about 50 Euros, they are on the honor system, and undercover police ride them as well. Watch out for pickpockets, as you would in any large city. I have a travel book around her somewhere for Berlin, as I was thinking of going in August. I will look for some links for free stuff and post them. Welcome to Germany and have a great time, this country has been my second home for 12 years now, so if you have any questions, I would be glad to help.

 

[tomthebarncat]

Here are some ideas for research, etc:

Berlin Hidden Places= www.berlin-hidden-places.com, ideas for getting off the tourist track
Berlin Tourism= www.visitberlin.com, everything about Berlin and more
Berlin unlike= http://berlin.unlike.net, hip and happening guide for up to date reviews, etc for the younger,hipper crowd.
City of Berlin= www.berlin.de, official city website
ExBerliner= www.exberliner.net, online guide to their english city magazine.
Museumportal Berlin=www.museumsportal-berlin.de, and all encompassing guide to the plethora of amazing museums the city has to offer, what days they are open and which ones are free, etc.


I hope this helps!

 

[mebbradley]

One nice thing is you don't have to worry about the water as it tastes really good. Even though the school system requires them to take English during school, they probably don't use it enough in some cases to be fluent. We had a waitress that couldn't help giggling a bit as I tried to ask for the check, but complimented me on my effort.

Speaking of which, unlike the US, when you go to a restaurant, the assumption is you are going to be using the table for the night, meaning you have to ask for the check when you're ready; they don't just bring it. Also, if you feel like tipping, keep it minimal. It's not a commonly accepted practice as it is in the states.

Enjoy your trip. We hope to return in a couple of years, touring the same area you're going to; we've already been to Bavaria/Salzburg.

Thanks! I think we will only be eating out once or twice, most of our meals are provided for by the confrence.

Get a nice comfy pair of dressier walking shoes, most Europeans DON'T wear running/tennis type shoes unless they're working out at the gym or running. That was the biggest thing I learned in my time overseas.

Thanks but unfortunately, I'm only allowed to wear my sneakers or ballet flats that I can put my insoles into. I have a foot injury from cross country

Wishing you an amazing Adventure!

Thanks! I've been looking forward to this for quite some time!

You may need outlet adaptors for your electronic items.

Yup! Thanks! After I posted this, I swear I got like 6 emails from the people organizing the conference about converters and things like that!

But you rarely see basic white ones on anyone but tourists here (accept when actually participating in a sport). Dressier browns and tans you see often--but they are the ones not made for working out.

We have been HOT this month. Obviously check the weather right before you come but at the moment I would suggest very light weight clothing. Bring a swimsuit and towel so you can cool off in one of the many outdoor swimming pools (Frei Bad)--a German summer tradition. Remember that very few places will be air conditioned so this will feel good if we keep hovering around 100 degrees.

Bring a suitcase which rolls really well to handle all of the uneven sidewalks and for traveling on trams and trains.

220 adapters for outlets.

Berlin is a great city and I am sure you will have a lot of fun.

Thanks!

Have fun, as we are in the middle of a major heat wave. There is alot of free stuff to do in Berlin, take advantage of that. I would also suggest that when you speak English, talk very slowly and you will be surprised how many people will understand you and try to help. Street food is very good and inexpensive (Brat & Beer) should only cost a couple of euros. Be prepared for dogs everywhere as we Europeans love to take our pups out and about. Do not get caught on the bus/trains without a ticket as the fine is about 50 Euros, they are on the honor system, and undercover police ride them as well. Watch out for pickpockets, as you would in any large city. I have a travel book around her somewhere for Berlin, as I was thinking of going in August. I will look for some links for free stuff and post them. Welcome to Germany and have a great time, this country has been my second home for 12 years now, so if you have any questions, I would be glad to help.

I should be quite alright with the heat, we're just coming out of a heat wave over here as well. It was 104 degrees the other day!

Thanks! I wish we had more free time over there that we could explore, most of our time is scheduled and such. I am really looking forward to attending Worship in the Historic Berlin Dome.