Spring (April–June)
Mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Cities start to feel more active again, and outdoor areas open up. Good time for walking-heavy trips without peak crowds.
Summer (July–August)
Warmest weather and busiest season. Long daylight hours make it easy to fit a lot into each day. Popular areas and trains can get crowded, especially in Munich and along the Rhine.
Fall (September–October)
One of the best times to visit. Cooler weather, smaller crowds, and seasonal events like Oktoberfest in Munich. Good balance of activity and comfort.
Winter (November–March)
Colder, but Christmas market season (late November–December) is a major draw. Cities feel quieter outside of holiday weeks, and indoor activities become the focus.
Visit major sites like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island. The city is spread out, so plan to use public transportation between areas.
Walk through Marienplatz, step into traditional beer halls, and explore the surrounding region. Munich feels more organized and classic compared to Berlin, with a strong local identity.
One of Germany’s most recognizable landmarks, located in southern Bavaria. It’s about a 2-hour trip from Munich and requires advance planning, especially in peak season.
Known for castles, vineyards, and small towns along the river. You can explore by train, car, or river cruise with easy stops along the way.
Places like Rothenburg ob der Tauber have preserved town centers, walkable streets, and a slower pace that feels very different from the major cities.
If you’re visiting in winter, these pop up in city centers across the country with food, drinks, and local goods. Each one has a slightly different feel depending on the location.
Germany has several major international airports, and the best one depends on your itinerary.
Flights from the U.S. typically arrive overnight, landing in the morning.
Trains connect directly from major airports into city centers, so you usually don’t need a car right away.
Germany’s transportation system is one of the easiest in Europe to use.
Trains (Deutsche Bahn)
Fast, reliable, and connect almost every major city and region. High-speed ICE trains are efficient for longer distances.
Public Transportation (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Trams)
Cities have well-connected systems that are easy to navigate. Tickets are time-based and often work across multiple transit types.
Driving
Renting a car is useful for exploring smaller towns or regions like Bavaria. The Autobahn has sections with no speed limit, but traffic rules are strictly followed.
Walking
Most city centers and smaller towns are very walkable once you’re there.
Power Outlets
Type C and F plugs (230V). You’ll need an adapter from the U.S.
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time
Cash vs Card
Credit cards are accepted in cities, but many smaller places prefer cash. It’s normal to carry some euros.
Tipping
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding ~5–10% is standard.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water at restaurants is usually still or sparkling (and you’ll be asked which one you want).
Language
English is widely spoken, but basic German phrases are appreciated.
Basic phrases to know:
• Hallo — Hello
• Danke — Thank you
• Sprechen Sie Englisch? — Do you speak English?
Every 6 minutes a new round unlocks, and you can eat your way around the world for two hours. 🌍🍽️
Masons in Kaiserslautern: Korean BBQ, Jamaican jerk chicken, raclette potatoes, crispy baked ricotta from Monaco, and the Belgian cookie cheesecake you’ll still be talking about the next day. €39-45 per person. Bring a group and pace yourself, because they charge for leftovers.
Save this for your next trip to Germany
Sedona got me again 🌵
This was my second trip, and somehow I liked it even more. Every visit adds another trail, viewpoint, or restaurant to the list, and the list keeps getting longer. This time I stayed near Airport Mesa, with sunsets right outside my door and none of the crowds.
My Substack has everything I’d tell a first-time visitor: the lodge I’ve now stayed at twice, the experiences I’d do first, and the restaurants I’d plan my days around.
Subscribe for free so you don’t miss the next one. Link in bio ✨
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
