Why Visit Germany?
With perfect harmony between the old and the new, efficiency and creativity, and antiquity and modernity, Germany is a country that offers many things for all kinds of travelers. Museums for history buffs, creative cafes for hipsters, lively local events for party-goers, and mountains for adventurers - no matter who you are, you will find a place to belong in Germany.
When to Visit Germany?
July and August are the best times to visit, with the perfect summer temperature, a high chance of clear days, and a livelier environment throughout the country, with lots of people outside and outdoor activities to participate in. However, since it is the high season, everything is more expensive, and the cities are much more crowded than in other months.
April - June and September - October are also great times to visit if you are looking to avoid crowds and keep your costs low since these are shoulder seasons, and the weather may become a little unpredictable.
How to Get to Germany?
If you are coming from outside of Europe, you can find plenty of cheap flights to Frankfurt via Skyscanner or Expedia.
If you are already in Europe and are on a budget, you can also take a bus from anywhere with Flixbus for only a few EUR.
How to Get Around Germany?
Flixbus is the best option when it comes to traveling to different cities in Germany. It is cheap, reliable, and very well-connected throughout Western Europe. There are also many discounts and promotions that could save you a fortune, so keep an eye out for their 1 EUR bus tickets.
When it comes to traveling in big cities like Berlin and Munich, metros are the best option. They are fast, relatively cheap, and cover a wider area than buses or trams. Download metro maps here: Berlin | Munich
Daily Budget
Traveling here can be quite expensive and isn't necessarily budget-friendly, though there are still options to manage costs. You can expect to spend around $50 - $70 USD per day per person, including food, accommodation, and transportation.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Germany?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Germany:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
- Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
- Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
- Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
