Realistically, What can I do to go to Germany?

Question

I just graduated high school, and I am taking a year off to travel. Anywhere in Europe would be ideal, however I have a good friend who lives in Munich, Germany. I have noticed that a lot of people my age (18) tend to talk a lot about going somewhere, but for one reason or another, it doesn't work out. I am wholeheartedly motivated to travel there, but I want to have it be more than just an unrealized dream. How can I make it a reality? If at all possible, I would prefer the anwsers to be as specific as possible, but I also understand that many people have better things to do. Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

I may be mistaken, but I believe that if you are in Germany for more than 3 months, all you have to do is pop over to another country for a day or three and then pop back and you have another 3 months to stay.  Is that right?

If you are going to be mainly in Germany, and not traveleing around a lot, don't waste money on a Eurail pass.  You won't use it enough to make it worth your while.  When traveling, purchase tickets separately.  If you do plan on doing a few weeks of intense traveling, then you may want to look into the Eurail pass.

Are you staying with your friend?  If not, you should plan on paying anywhere from $10 to $40 per night on a hostel.  Depends on the season.  If you are there during the summer and/or Christmas time, plan on paying closer to $40, and you should always make reservations during those times.  During the fall, winter, and spring, your costs can be considerably lower at hostels.  Look for the "mom and pop" places, not the Hostelling International places.  Those are a rip off!  In the fall especially, you can find places to stay for pretty cheap.  It's awesome.

Plane tickets can be costly, but there are ways around it.  Check out www.kayak.com to compare prices.  If you plan on flying into London, try Air Canada.  Sometimes they randomly have cheap prices to London.  Also, I have found that booking straight from Northwest Airlines gives me the cheapest overseas flights.  Especially if you are looking a few months in advance.  Look ever single day, so that you can get a good idea of what a good price is, so that when you  see that golden price, you know to buy it.

For really smart traveling, go to www.ricksteves.com.  NO ONE knows cheap amazing travel better than that company.  They rock.  Seriously.

Good luck, and have fun!  

Roni

Answer 2

First you need a passport. It is between $75-$100 and takes about 3 months to get it from the date you apply. Start saving! Europe is expensive. The euro is alot stronger than the dollar: $160 only get you 100 euro. Book hotels, book a flight, rent a car. A round trip ticket is about $2000.

Last summer, before we moved to Germany, we took a 2 1/2 week vacation. Germany, France, Italy, Monaco, Switzerland. NOT including rental car and flight tickets, it was about $5000.

If you are serious about traveling Europe, start budgeting and put X$ away every month.

Answer 3

What passport do you have ?? it makes a difference to what's possible.

As you refer to high school I guess your American. If that's the case then you can travel to Germany for 90 days as a tourist  using the visa waiver procedure (Unless your a convicted felon). If you wish to stay longer then you need a visa.

Remember that you will need to support yourself and Germany is not cheap. If you intend to work to support yourself then you need a Work Permit. These are not easy to get and as you have no practical experience I doubt you will be granted one.

I suggest that you limit your trip to 90 days. Your visa waiver will let you visit other countries that have joined the Schengen Agreement. Most of Germany's neighbours have.

Ian M