I will be going to Germany for one week in late September and I need some travel advice. I'm completely new to traveling--I've never left N. America--so I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible about what to bring for clothes/shoes and spending money; I'm also trying to learn traveling etiquette. I am privileged (and grateful!) to have a German host (a long-time friend from grad school) for my first European experience. However, I'd like to educate myself as much as possible, so that I'm better prepared for the trip.
Having said that: Can any of you suggest whether I should buy a railpass ahead of time or is that not necessary? Does anyone consider a particular travel guide or German phrase book to be better than others? If so, which do you recommend that I buy? Also, I have a question about German wine...but I think I'll save that for another post.
Any info would be appreciated!

For the best results, re-post this with a better title - include 'Germany' in it...

Hi K,

>..whether I should buy a railpass...<

Enter your itinerary at www.railsaver.com and click "only if it saves money".

What's your wine question?

Thanks TuckH...I'll do that now.

Phrase book: I'd go to a bookstore or look online. As long as it's small in size is OK. I like my Lonely Planet French one very much. Look at the numbers and restaurant section, those are what I use most.

Packing: I use a 22" suitcase on wheels or medium size duffle bag. You don't need alot for one week. I suggest neat looking pants and shirts (are you male or female?) and at least two pair of comfortable shoes or boots. With a sweater or light jacket to layer over.

Train: I doubt you'll need a rail pass for one country and one week. I just buy my tickets point-to-point 2nd class at the train station right as I want to go. It's very easy.

Spending money: If you have an ATM card tied to a checking account, take that. You can use it to withdraw euro directly after you arrive. I also carry $200-300USD that I keep in reserve for airport travel and could be exchanged in an emergency. Also 1 credit card. Travelers checks only if you don't have the other options available (because they are a hassle these days).

...now what about the wine???

Hi ira,

My question is very broad: I'm curious about German wine in general and what's worth trying while I'm in Frankfurt. I ONLY drink red wine,i.e., I tend to shy away from the white, sweet tasting stuff, so I don't know what to look for while I'm visiting. Any suggestions?
BTW, please keep in mind that I'm NOT very knowledgeable about wine but I'm trying to learn/try new things while I'm abroad.
Look forward to hearing any suggestions...

Hi K,

>I ONLY drink red wine,i.e., I tend to shy away from the white, sweet tasting stuff, so I don't know what to look for while I'm visiting. Any suggestions? <

The white wines of Germany aren't the same as US Chardonnay or White Zinfandel. They are drier, fruitier, more floral, spicier and lower in alcohol.

Moselle, Saar, Ruhwer labels are very interesting.

Also consider white waines of Alsace and Austria.

Here's a nice place to start:
http://www.winepage.de/

I always simply order "house wine" (red, rose, white) in Europe. It will be served in various size carafe or pitchers. I assume this is similar in Germany (I've only been to Venice, Paris, and alot of time in Switzerland). This is the easiest thing to do in restaurants and I have never been disappointed. I only drink white and have never been served anything I'd call "sweet" with this method. Plus it is very reasonably priced.

Thanks for the advice, Suze. I'll give your wine ordering suggestion a try.

Also, I appreciate the advice about ATM use and cash to have on hand. That's the kind of stuff that I normally wouldn't know until I go.

To answer your question: I'm female and I will be traveling a lot by myself (my host will be working during the day).I've got some clothes that pack well (no wrinkles) so I should be able to utilize only a small suitcase--keeping my fingers crossed on that attempt!
I'm glad to hear that you purchased your train tickets point-to-point, as that sounds easy enough.

Regarding German Wine: Dito to ira's comments.
German whites are usually better than the reds. Contrary to what foreigners usually associate with German white wines (sweet), Germans almost exclusively drink very dry and pure wines.
Rieslings are the stellar grape and some of the best are being produced in the Mosel and Rheingau regions. That is not to say that there aren't any good ones from other regions, too. German Rieslings are currently being sold at top prices on auctions all over the world - and for a reason IMHO.
Other grapes that are popular include Grauburgunder (aka Pinot Grigio) and Sylvaner.
In general German winemakers have improved their quality dramatically over recent years.

It's easy to buy train tickets in Germany. There are these convenient boards in the train stations that list all the information you'll need. For one week you really won't need a rail pass.

Suze's advice is right on! I travel for anywhere from 3 weeks to 9 weeks with only a 22" (carry-on) size suitcase.

More advice:

I never bring much American money. Just be sure your debit card has the Cirrus, Plus, Star or Interlink symbol on the back. Check with your bank to make sure you can use your debit card in Europe. One usually needs a 4 digit pin number. Your bank may charge a fee for getting cash, so I'd suggest that you try to estimate how much you'll need so you don't have to make too many withdrawals. (My bank charges $5.00 for each cash withdrawal in Europe.)If you get too many euros, however, and you have to change it back into dollars, the rate isn't as good as when you buy them.

I wear a money belt, even in a country as safe as Germany, but that's just me.

It really is true that many Germans speak English, so you may not need to use a phrase book, though it's always a good idea to learn what you can. My suggestion would be to get a small guidebook that has German phrases in the back.

Germany's a wonderful place to visit. Have fun!