Travel to Germany - Advice please - Page 2

Hello Sonia,

don't worry, almost everybody in Germany speaks English, some better some not so good. We travel to Germany quiet frequently and for us the best way to book flights is with Travelocity. I did run comparison with other providers but Travelocity was always the lowest price. Since you are going to Aachen you might want to fly into Duesseldorf instead of Frankfurt. My parents live in Dueren, which is about 40 km (25 Miles) away from Aachen. My Mother is a retired English Teacher and i am sure both of my parents will be happy to help if needed. Also i know quiet some German Shepherd People in the area and i will be more than happy to give you their Names and Phone Numbers (e mail address) if you like. They probably will be in Aachen as well.

Let me know if you need more information: mwilson@spotfloridarealestate.com

I was born and raised in Germany.

We bought one of our German Shepherds in Germany and did fly with LTU. They have AC and light in the section of the Cargo where the Dogs are.  

Monika

If you are planning to rent a car and drive, then the most important thing to have is good maps.  The German road/highway sign system is extremely good, and extremely consistent throughout the country.  But you need to do some homework so that you understand this signage system.  Once you do, then the system is exceedingly helpful.     In spite of that, it is really helpful to have a driving partner who can help with watching the signs.    My experience is that you can go almost anywhere you want in Germany, even without speaking German, so long as you have a good map and are alert to the signs.  I like the Michelin maps; it takes about six of them to cover all of Germany, and you can get these at  travel oriented shops.   Or if you'd rather wait until you get to Germany, most  gas stations along the Autobahns  have these or similar quality maps.

Just thought I'd update this, as I bet many will look for this topic.  My husband and I just got back from driving around Germany and Belgium.  After having been there, I say now, take a map but rent a car with a GPS.  OMG...that was wonderful!  It had a diagram showing us where we were right then, and where we were going, and it talked us through every turn from begaining to end..in English. It can be programed to talk to you in several languages.  I think we would have been lost many times without the GPS.  Many many turns back and forth, this way and that, I always felt like I was going in the wrong direction.  My husband has an excellent sense of direction, and even he said he would have been lost without the GPS.  If anyone had ever told me I would drive at night from Belgium back to Dusseldorf at NIGHT, even getting on the autobahn...I would have said they were crazy, but it was not hard to do with this GPS in the car, it was worth every Euro paid for renting the mini-van that had it.  Another hint...don't drop off the dogs at the baggage claim at the airport and THEN go to fill the tank with gas.  Despite the wonderful GPS, we kept missing this one turn off to return us to the airport on our way back to return the rental car, and we kept making a five mile loop...three times.  The dogs almost took off for Alaska without us!  I also have to say Eurocar was significantly less expensive than some of the other car rental places at the airport, and they were more accomodating.

Veronica

I like to camp in the parking lot at the German events. Its lots of fun to mosey around and meet the people and the dogs in person in the informal setting in the evenings, well worth doing without a private bathroom and a comfy bed IMO.

SS

That sounds like fun, Shelley, and a good plan.  I think I'd like to try that!  How do you camp out in the parking lot?  Do you bring a little tent and cook stove?  I never did the football tailgate party thing.  ~ Veronica