By: Kelli King, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Germany is finally open to tourists, and they are happy to welcome us. There are so many things to see and do, but you have to get there first.
International flying isn’t like it used to be. As of August 15, 2021, you must show proof of vaccination (15 days after the final shot), a negative Covid test (PCR test taken less than 72 hours prior to entry and/or a rapid antigen test taken less than 48 hours prior to entry) or proof that you have recovered from the virus with the last 6 months. This information is checked numerous times before boarding your aircraft. A digital copy is not accepted, so make sure you have a hard copy with you. In addition, you must submit a digital registration on entry (www.einreiseanmeldung.de). You must carry your proof of vaccine with you at all times to avoid the 10 days quarantine. If you travel with just a negative Covid test, you must quarantine for 10 days, but this can be shortened to 5 with another negative Covid test. For up to date information regarding entry requirements, go to de.usembassy.gov.
And remember, once you board, that mask stays on the entire flight, only briefly removing it to eat or when in the lavatory. This is as added layer to flying, but will be enforced, so plan to have a comfortable mask for the flight.
And speaking of masks, most German restaurants and indoor facilities require a medical grade mask for entry. This is not a cloth mask that we commonly use here in the states. These are the N95, KN95 or FFP-2 masks. I suggest taking a few along with you to have on hand. If you need to buy one there, they can be found in many stores, including Aldi.
Once you arrive at your destination (we arrived in Frankfurt), you go through the usual passport control and customs. Navigation is very easy as the signs in the airport usually have English as well as German. Inside most major airports is an information desk. I have always had a person who speaks English at the desk and they are very helpful. They can direct you to public transportation, rental cars and even bathrooms (which are surprisingly hard to find, in my opinion).
I highly recommend using the trains and busses throughout Germany. Rail Europe and Deutsche Bahn are both easy to use. Each has an app, and show all train/bus schedules on both apps.
If you choose to rent a car, do some research on driving in Germany. The signs are hard to understand at first. Additionally, the Autobahn has its own rules. When we arrived, we assumed the Autobahn was one, long highway. We were mistaken. The Autobahn is like the US interstate system, weaving all over the country. If you drive, you can’t avoid driving on it. We were there with our son-in-law who is stationed there. He said it took him awhile to figure it out. So, as I stated previously, do some research before setting out.
If you want to use your cell phone while in Germany, check your carriers international plan. Our provider offered a plan for $10 a day to use my existing plan in Germany. Having a data plan helps you to access planning apps, transportation apps, maps and a translation app (these work best when using data or wifi). The trains have wifi as well as most hotels, but if you are going to explore, being connected with data is an added bonus.
We spent one week in Germany and did not have enough time. We were in Bavaria for our stay and focused on Garmische-Partenkirchen (gapa.de). With breathtaking views and hugs with my grandkids, all the preparation were well worth it!
Please reach out to Kelli, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
