duerfeldt

My Husband (62) and I (57) want to travel to Germany in Sept or Oct. We are not sure the best way to go. Should it be a river cruise, tour company or on our own? We have never been to Europe and are a little nervous to try this on our own, but we don't really want to be tied to a large group of people. We do not speak the the language. We have been told that Southern Germany is the best place to visit. Please, can anyone give some direction? Thanks so much.

Brenda

Michael

If you have never been outside your country on your own, it might be best to take a tour. On the other hand, if you were planning to simply travel between cities--for example: Berlin, Dresden, Munich--you could do it on your own without too much trouble. Guidebooks will give you an idea of what to see, where to stay and how to travel.

PalenQ

Many Germans in the travel business like railway officials and conductors will speak enough English - I don't speak much German - a few words - always nice to use a few pleasantries IME and have never had a problem in Germany. Trains are fantastic and you get to meet othe locals on them too - hard to do it a car or on a bus trip.

Trains go everywhere all the time and are language proofed with lots of universal symbols and signs and excellent info posted around stations- as it is a first trip I'd go first class - should be IME lots of empty seats so you can just show up and hop on - in 2nd class you may want to make a cheap seat reservtion to get adjoining seats - anyway for a good fix on German trains check www.budgeteuropetravel.com - download their free online European Planning & Rail Guide's section on Germany for lots of rail itineraries and where to go; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

There is a German Twin Railpass if doing more than a few long-distance trains may be good but if just in a place like Bavaria then use the bargain Bavarian Lander Ticket where for about 30 euros two can travel unlimited for the day on regional trains - fine for going short distances. Each region of Germany seems to have those great deals - also good on city trams, S-Bahns, U-Bahns and buses. But if wanting flexibility to hop the much faster trains then the pass (the more days you buy the cheaper per day they become) may be a good deal.

greg

Unless you are heading to country side with mostly older folks, the locals at places first timers would visit would speak English, very good English.

First, recommend dropping "we have been told" thinking. What is "best way to go" is what matches your interests, objectives, and constraints. You would be forever second guessing yourself if you follow only what "some one told me this, someone else told me that". Identify what you want to get out of this trip and your constraints - number of days, cost, amount of walking, etc. Then you have criteria to identify if what you are reading and hearing are relevant for you for this trip.

In a river cruise, you would most likely to be the younger end of the travelers. Read the reviews are www.cruisecritic.com.

Doing on your own, if you are willing to invest your time, would "best" match your objectives and constraints. Furthermore, each trip would help you build up experience to improve your future trips, if you have future plans.

Here is one of several inspirational threads about someones else who started thinking of a tour, then decided to do on her own: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-in-italy.cfm

PalenQ

greg said it so eloquently - you can be a tourist or a traveler - the latter will have a few bumps in the road but Germany is an advanced well-organized country so those bumps should be minor - again trains are a snap - driving is a snap (if you stay out of the fast lane on the autobahn or if in it barrel it to top speed then still be prerpared to be honked at if not going fast enough!)

Tours tend to pack things in with a lot of time on a bus - a nice bus but still on a bus - trains to me are much more comfy and relaxed, especially in first class - some of the finest trains in the world - puts Amtrak to shame.

PalenQ

We have been told that Southern Germany is the best place to visit.>

I can see where they would say that - Bavaria and Munich have so so many neat things in a compact area - easy to take short train trips to castles of your dreams - neat old cities like Rothenburg or Holocaust sites at Dachau.

But don't neglect the Rhine - nice boat rides between say Rudesheim and Koblenz thru the famous Rhine Gorge and by the iconic Lorelei Cliff where so many ancient mariners crashed to their deaths.

Berlin is fantastic and easy to do on your own. Pre-booking your hotels is now a snap with many easy sites offering lowest prices - a railpass lets you hop any train anytime - just go to the station.

vincenzo32951

Given everything you've said, I would recommend a river cruise.

With all due respect to our experienced travelers here, they are just that -- experienced travelers. You're not, and it sounds as if the anxiety of planning and dealing with the details might make your trip less than enjoyable.

Go on your own the next time.