Hi,

My fiance and I are going to Germany for 2 weeks to spend our Honeymoon. We will be there from March 31 to April 12th. Do you have any suggestions for the type of clothing to wear and what the weather will be like? We are from Texas so we are used to hot, hot weather!

Congratulations on your wedding.

The weather should be in the mid 50s during the day, so it might be chilly for you. Here is a site that will help with the weather question (there is an almanac near the bottom) http://www.wunderground.com

If you are traveling from place to place it is best to pack as light as possible, mix and match clothing,
layer for weather and only take a couple of pairs of shoes.

An example:
1 dress or skirt
3 pants; one demin, one dressier and then whatever
2 shirts for each pant
2 warmer sweaters or zip ups
I would think you'd need a light weight coat and umbrella
1 walking shoe
1 dressier shoe

April is the proverbial time when you can have three seasons in one morning. Expect the unexpected, but basically chilly mornings, rain is likely, if a wind springs up it feels colder, but there can be hints of spring and occasional warm afternoons.

But unless you go for long periods of outdoor activities, you can always duck into the nearest café and warm up, I'm not suggesting you bring arctic outfits.

A good windcheater, maybe with a zip-in liner that can come out, and good walking shoes, better than sports sneakers in case it gets wet etc., Rockports or something like that - break them in well before the trip.

Worse comes to worst - you can always buy something there, it will become a nice souvenir.

Almost three years ago we visited Germany the first two weeks of April. We had scattered rain mixed with sunshine most days, one day of light snow. As always, layers were the answer: Light polar-tech with a wind breaker. Medium weight trousers. We bought umbrellas there.

If you are going to the mountains, it will be colder and more likely to snow.

Regards, Gary

Some good suggestions. Expect almost any kind of weather from Texas spring (60s or 70s) to nearly winter and almost anything in between. Layers are the answer.

Here are some things DH and I take when we travel at that time of year

- 2 pairs waterproof (Gore-tex or similar lined) walking shoes; alternate wearing each day
- silk long underwear; it doesn't take up much room and if it gets chilly you'll need it
- scarf; you'd be surprised how it helps keep you warm and its stylish.
- small folding umbrella that fits in the day bag
- light weight or lightly lined waterproof or water resistant coat
- cashmere sweater - the warmest for the least weight and space. I've worn mine in late June in Germany

I'd also suggest one hand washable lightweight top just in case you get summer weather.

Have fun!

Where in Germany are you going? It does make a difference if you are going to be down in the mountains of Bavaria, or up on the North Sea or smack dab in the middle near Köln or Frankfurt. The weather is very changeable. I have seen it be lovely and warm or rainy and blustery. since it is spring, I would prepare for some rainy days. You can go shopping here if you need something. Get a cool Deutschland sweatshirt and you have a souvenir too!

Thank you for your replies. We are starting the trip in Berlin and working our way down to Munich, driving through a bit of the Romantic Road and then ending on the Moselle. Any brand recommendations for clothing and shoes or anything for that matter would be greatly appreciated. I love to be prepared.

Temperatures can be in the range from -5 to +25°C. The weather can be everything between brightest sunshine, pouring rain and a snowstorm. More detailed predictions are impossible. Spring is usually a mix of everything here, and every year is different - my experience from seeing 42 springs in this country. Weather statistics and temperature averages are not of much use.

The weather cannot be predicted for more than a couple of days in advance, so even to us packing for a two-week trip in our own country is pure guesswork. Bring clothes that can be worn in layers and put on or peeled off according to the conditions. That is how Germans pack, we call it "Zwiebelsystem" ("onion system&quot. And don't forget rain gear, you will need it.

Bring stuff that can easily be washed in the hotel room sink and dries quickly - I'd rather suggest fleece than cashmere!

I don't think you need special brands of clothes to travel with.

Because the climate is so different from your home does make it tricky. Lands End mail order and online have lots of good choices at reasonable prices.

Get your shoes/boots asap so you can wear them around and make sure they are OK. Nothing worse than new shoes for a trip to Europe!

Now that we know just how much you'll be moving around, which means you need to travel very light so you don't get sick of having to pack and unpack too many things too many times, I suggest that you get some garments of the new microfiber type, those that weigh little, wash easily, dry quickly, and seem to last forever. Brands - many, like Ex Officio, Magellans, Travel Smith, lots more. You can get away with two of each (shirt, undies, socks, etc.) - get into the habit of a quick wash with shampoo at night, if one isn't dry by morning, wear the other.

Also take a towel of that incredibly absorbent material that you'll find on those same websites - wring out your laundry before you hang it up, and use the towel for any other occasion, they take up very little room but are great again and again.

If you do it right, you'll manage well with just carry-on.

We live in Florida and recently completed a trip to Austria and Bavaria. Layers and fabric were key.

My microfibfer camisoles were a great base layer and I packed a lot of the Nike Dri Fit (many of the sports clothing manufacturers have a version of this) and Polar Tech zip neck tops. These washed in the sink and dried on the towel racks overnight.

There are some great sales now on these types of apparel and I bought a few pieces at Marshalls this past weekend at great prices for my next trip.

I also really like my small Mycra Pac raincoat. It weighs nothing and fits in a small pouch. And I can wear it alone or over layers. A small travel umbrella is also recommended.