I have never traveled outside the US and would like advice or suggestions on how to plan a short trip to Geilenkirchen, Germany.

The food is better, the buildings are different and people speak another language. Other than that, there's not much difference from where you are now. Just plan as you usually do, it will work.
And yes, you will need some €'s too.

You are lucky that you will travel to a region with lots of attractions.

Geilenkirchen is close to Aachen, which is one of the most attractive cities in Germany. Aachen has a magnificent cathedral where Charlemagne was crowned in the the 800 A.D. (see his throne, the cathedral, and the treasury), a medieval city hall, famous spas (the hotel Sofitel Quellenhof has an excellent spa), a casino and very good cuisine (for suberb regional cuisine and typical ambiance, I recommend the Postwagen, tucked to the side of the city hall, for gourmet cuisine, I recommend La Becasse - with a Michelin star).

I would also suggest a trip to Köln with rich Roman and medieval heritag, Düsseldorf and - in the Netherlands - Maastricht.

Pack light...you can always buy new cloths there and that's a lot of fun. Don't take any expensive jewlery along...it's easily lost/stolen. Don't go to any american style restaurants (ala Mcdugals).... eat locally. Study up on where you are going so you know what to expect. So much to tell you but you'll learn! Travel is fun and rewarding! Have a great time and explore.

You might check your history books. I believe Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope in Rome. Aachen was just his home palace. He spent most of his time traveling all over his empire.

Please tell more about what you actually like to see and do, what are your expectations and how much time and money you want to spend.

"Don't take any expensive jewlery along...it's easily lost/stolen."

Besides using common sense as every where in the world that statement is the most hilarious I have ever read.

WE GERMANS wear expensive earrings, necklaces, rings when we go out to the opera or even shopping in well established areas. NOTHING happens!

Just don't wear that stuff when you go to a strange neighborhood like train stations etc. or to any red light district; but in the latter you rather take off that stuff and then you might forget it - in the course of heat

Generally speaking - because poverty is not yet that widespread Germany is a pretty safe country to travel.

SV

spass, yes using common sense should be practiced no matter what part of the world you are in. unfortunately it's not practiced by many. read any travel book and that's a golden rule- leave the jewelry at home. I personally know of more than a few people 'losing' jewels on overseas trips. Your remark seems a bit disparaging and since this person is new to travel my remark is not out of line. your remark implys you may be one of those looking for tourists wearing jewelry. Guten tag!

pj
Advise regarding the danger of loosing jewlery is a completely different story than WARNING people against WEARING jewlery in Germany. The latter is simply hilarious!

SV

Mainhattengirl;

You believe correctly - St. Peter's it was, Christmas Day, 800 A.D.

spass, please loosley interpret my wording. loosing things can be interpreted in many ways. and if you like wearing your rolex watch/diamond necklace on holiday...that's fine for you. It certainly raises a red flag to me and about a bazillion authors on travel. if you like to flaunt your wealth go for it. hopefully your items are well insured.