My wife and I are headed to Germany in late March and are freaked out by stories from those who have traveled there. Tips like "Take Ketsup and toilet paper" when you go because it isn't the same are popping up. It's not that I don't want to do "as the Germans do" but are there a couple of things I should pay attention to as far as bringing those "must have comforts of home" with us?

Thanks,

Billy

I haven't heard of those two examples, but you will not find wash cloths at most of the hotels. Some people bring their own. That may or may not be an issue for you. So far, I haven't found anything that I needed and couldn't find.

It is true that washcloths are not as common there, so if you really need those, then take your own. Sorry, but I had to chuckle at the idea of taking ketchup and TP. I think the ketchup tastes fine in Europe, although I rarely eat anything there that requires it. As for TP....how can I put this delicately....unless you have allergies or unless you are hypersensitive to anything that isn't Charmin, don't bother.

I confess that I always keep a small packet of tissues in my purse, but I keep those with me whether I'm traveling or not.

I was just about to hit the post button when I thought of another thing that isn't as easy to find in Europe. That would be artificial sweetner. If you require that, then I recommend taking it along. At least it's not as bulky as TP, and if it spills, it's not as messy as ketchup.

They have both ketsup and toilet paper! I'm not sure if what you read was from 30 years ago, but let me tell you this. On my first trip to Europe 30 some years ago, I'd say the ONLY country that had Germany beat in the good toilet paper department was Switzerland. In England it was like wax paper. In France, it was like the rough paper towels you'd get in school restrooms. The Germans always seemed to be a little more up to date than the U.S. in terms of technology and toilet paper. Except for the toilets back then, which seemed to have a little hill in the middle of the water, like a castle surrounded by a moat, where your waste (trying not to be too gross here!) sat, waiting for the flush.

I was there in 1996 and never had a problem. I just bring what I would normally take on a trip. I do have a friend that takes peanut butter to Europe as apparently she can't find that. Not to worry, if you've forgotten something, you can buy it there. Only a nuisance because you have to look for a store.

Surfergirl, LOL!! I remember the waxy TP in England when I was there in 1980, YUK!! But I haven't seen it since.

A few years ago I was in Austria and we saw those weird toilets like the ones you are describing. These toilets had a little hill with sort of a plate on it, to catch the you-know-what, as if you want to see it one last time. amp;

twohorse, I just noticed this is your first post to this board. I hope it won't be your last. Most threads don't take such an ugly turn.

Welcome to the board.

Germany is not a third world country. Just pack your clothes and bathroom suupplies (sans TP) and go. You will be fine. Regarding washcloths, if you need them I would buy a bunch at an inexpensive store when in Germany. Cannot imagine using a washcloth more than one day because how will you wash and dry them? Buying a batch there will give you a supply and you can just throw them away as you go along your trip. Or at least that is possible in Italy.

About ketchup (ketsup). Are you renting an apartmenmt where

Sorry, somehow clicked the post my reply button..curses!

Anyway twohorse, are you and your wife renting an apartment in Germany where you will be preparing your meals? Or will you be eating in restaurants. Unless you will have a kitchen I cannot imagine why you would want to bring ketchup with you..I don't think you want to carry a bottle of ketchup into a restaurant.

Or are you going to be living in Germany versus just visiting there? If so, that is a complete different story and I could see you wanting some items from home. Best wishes.

PM I love it!!! and I asked for it. I can't believe how many have responded so quickly. I understand that this is a very old country and I don't want to seem like such a tourist, but there are a few things we must have. (Hershy's Choloate Syrup) is a must! Thank you all for such wonderful comments. We're flying into Frankfurt, headed south to Fussen and visit the castles, then a couple of days in the black forest, buy a coo coo clock and head home. We can't wait. if anyone can think of something we should take, please let me know. I will be checking in often.

twohorse, while you are there, try Nutella on your toast. It's a chocolate hazelnut spread. You can buy Nutella here, but most Americans (like myself) discovered Nutella in Europe, where it's more easily found.

Let me re-state that: Do NOT take Nutella with you on the trip, just try it while you are there. Once you've tried it, you will want to buy it at home too.

Well, peanut butter is now everywhere, even in France, where I used to live and you had to go to the health food section to buy it. My husband loves their version of sweet & low because it has that ingredient that was banned in the U.S. years ago after they fed a massive amount of it to rats -- he says men have aftertaste issues with nutrisweet! Now, for the Hersheys chocolate syrup. Hmmm. That's a toughy. I did see it at Selfridges in London a couple of years ago and I saw it in a shop in Paris. I'm pretty sure they have it in supermarkets all over Europe, although I remember, at least my English friends, don't like the taste so much. Mind you, they find root beer appalling, and you definitely don't see root beer in Europe, as a rule.

I agree taking those little traveler's packs of kleenex, because their version is not so soft, and it always comes in handy (even in the U.S.) when you go to a restroom (DON'T call it a bathroom!) and there's not a square to spare!

I'd also take a small towel, because you may not like some of the towels that are provided. Seriously. Some are like the kitchen towels you use to wipe glasses. Butter is also generally without salt, and in some places you won't find salt & pepper shakers at the table.

LoveItaly: what a great idea about a pack of washcloths. I thought I knew everything to take. I'm pretty sure you can get pkgs like this at the warehouse stores (Costco, Sam's Club) just to save shopping for that in Europe. Wash & toss - terrific. I'll add to my travel list. Thx