Hi! I need a travel adventure in July. I am thinking of flying from Chicago to Munich to visit a friend living in Germany. Thinking of spending a week with her visiting her area of the country; and would then like to explore somewhere else in Europe for another week or so. I've never been anywhere in Europe. Sad I know! Where do you suggest I go? I can hop on a train or fly if that makes more sense. I do like to explore, but at this time I also need some down time and relaxation.

Do you recommend somewhere else all together this time of year? Need a big change of scenery. Need to escape! Traveling solo.
THANKS!

Your choices are almost endless!

To better answer your question, perhaps you can answer these for us: do you want beach or city or small town? Is there somewhere in Europe you've always wanted to go (a city or region)? Do you have a budget?

I would head straight to Salzburg and then to the Wolfgangsee.

There are so many wonderful places within a radius of about 4 hours of Munich. What do you like to do?

You post doesn't say whether your friend actually lives in Munich, or whether it is just your arrival airport. Is it somewhere other than Germany you want to consider, or just somewhere other than the Munich area?

If this is your first time to Europe and you want to explore a little, it might make sense to get some variety and try something different for your second week rather than stay within a couple of hours of Munich.

Thanks for inquiries for more info!! I GREATLY APPRECIATE your help! As noted above, the possibilities are endless and I'm feeling overwhelmed with my options.

My friend lives in Regensburg, Germany; so Munich is my airport arrival spot and could be my train departure spot for a new country. I will probably stay with her the first 5-7 days. This will be my first time to Europe and I would like to explore a bit outside of Germany for my second week. Having never been to Europe, any of the countries could be contenders.

In terms of what I like to do....hmmmmmm....I generally like to see some sights, but not be in the thick of the tourism. I enjoy being "off the beaten path" if possible. I like history and museums and such, and would enjoy all the Europe offers in this area; but I don't want to be in museums or galleries all day, just a little. I enjoy experiencing the "markets and unique boutiques" in an area, but don't need to shop til I drop. I have plenty of shopping in Chicago! I love to be outside. I enjoy kayaking, hiking and biking. I also like to sit on a shore with my feet in the water. I can't sit on a beach for days on end, but time on any body of water, even a river, makes me happy.

I recognize that going in the summer, I'll have no choice but to face some crowds at some of the popular destinations; however I work as a principal in an elementary school, so summer is my only time for an extended trip.

I've been feeling VERY stressed and overwhelmed lately with work stuff and family stuff. So, I don't want this vacation to be about racing around, trying to see as much as possible and do as much as possible as fast as possible. I'd like to experience new places and have a bit of adventure, without a hectic pace and burdensome schedule.

I've thought about the idea of participating in a class of some sort that has me cooking or taking pictures (I enjoy photography) or something else fun in the morning and experiencing the city or country in the afternoon or on other days...but I'm not sure about that idea.

I recognized traveling between countries and then having to travel back to Munich to fly home will require potentially full days for travel. My schedule is flexible, I'm thinking around two weeks, maybe a little more for the full trip. I'm also flexible on the specific dates of travel and am thinking July. My budget is mid-range. I can't travel luxe the full trip, but also don't have to mind every penny and lodge with the kids at the hostel. Although I'm sure that could be fun too! I wish air fare weren't so high right now, but alas...I can't fight that either.

Sorry this was so long...but since you asked... THANKS again for your help!! The potential of this trip is overwhelming and I greatly appreciate your insights!!

Do a search on "Hiking in Bavaria" and you'll find plenty to do.

If you are going to be in Regensburg, then Prague makes an excellent choice for something different. There is a direct train connection - 04:23 hours. It is big city, though.

For small town, less visited, Germany, you could make your way to Passau along the edge of the Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest), then perhaps to Salzburg, Hallstatt, St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, before returning to Munich. The last three will surely meet you need of being near water and taking it easy. Google them for images.

The Altmuhl Valley, west of Regensburg also has some nice nature areas and some pleasant towns, like Eichstatt. I don't know a lot of other towns in this area. You could work your way as far west as Nordlingen, and Dinkelsbuehl.

From the additional information you provided it sounds like you really don't need the hassles of flying into another major city and then trying to get out of it to something slower paced, before doing it all again to get back to Munich.

Regensburg is a lovely city and should be fun to explore with your friend. I recommend the boat trip to nearby Weltenburg Abbey (from Kelheim) if you can fit it in.
not sure of other destinations to recommend. I don't think you would enjoy the major Italian cities in the summer--too hot and crowded.

I agree with everything Aramis has written about with the addition of Nurnenburg and Rothenburg with your friend or without. Easy trips from Regensburg-but Salzburg is also a good place to use as a base-if you venture as far as Vienna-check out airfares o Air Berlin for the return to Munich(actually from anyplace if you need a flight. Enjoy. Salzburg will be touristy but if you get out in the surrounding towns and lakes should be much easier. Have a wonderful trip. Sandra