Which European Cities to See In and Around Germany on the Cheap?

[TinkOhio]

My daughter and her friends will be traveling to Germany this May as part of their school's travel abroad program. The cities that the will be staying at are Ravensbruck, Erfurt, and Berlin, all for around one week at each place. They will have have the opportunity to leave Erfurt and Berlin and head out on two one-day trips, and two two-day trips. The girls have already planned to stay with a friend in Oslo, but they are trying to pick another over-night destination that isn't too far away. Can anyone recommend a fun and interesting place for college kids to visit for two days? And are there any day trips that you would recommend taking while staying in Erfurt and Berlin? Any economical and safe ways to travel on their own while in Germany?

Also, what are the best ways to pay for things while they are there? How much currency and what types of cards are recommended?

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[duketennisgal]

Dresden and Prague are both easy from Berlin, Warsaw and Krakow are both doable as well. Might be a bit further than they are looking at but they are definitely doable.

I think they just started a high speed route from Berlin to Munich. Munich is one of my favorite European cities, however it's not a super inexpensive city.

Train travel is super easy and relatively inexpensive. I've always felt very safe and think they should have no issues.

Check out some travel websites (tripadvisor, fodors, frommers, etc.), there are a few good credit/debit cards to have for travel. I would get them cards where they can withdraw money over there as the rate will be much better.

 

[Alesia]

Also, what are the best ways to pay for things while they are there? How much currency and what types of cards are recommended?

They'll want to have cash on hand. It's not uncommon for shops and restaurants to not take credit cards, even in larger cities. Those that do will often either charge a fee or have a minimum purchase requirement.

The easiest way to get cash is from an ATM.

 

[gardengalB4]

We took along a Capital One credit card.... they charged no exchange fees like many other cards.

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks for the tips!

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated!