Vacation Packages From family

Vacation Packages Travel Planner Options: My Travel Planner | Attractions | Events | Accommodations | Outdoor Adventures | Agri-Tourism | Golf Courses | Regions | Photo Galleries | Vacation Packages From family vacations to outdoor adventures to intimate retreats, vacation packages and discounts are available to fulfill the whims of any traveler. For more information, use the links below to find packages by region. Please use the map on the right for guidance. Post a free link to your vacation package on VisitNebraska.org by simply emailing us . Panhandle Region Prairie Lakes Region Sandhills Region Frontier Trails Region Pioneer Country Region Metro Region Lewis and Clark Region Panhandle Region Oregon Trail Golf Getaway Take in 18 holes of golf, with cart, at the trailside course of your choiceRiverview Golf Course or Monument Shadows Golf Course. Package includes one night of lodging, 18 holes of golf plus cart, and coupons for meals at local restaurants. Cost is $100. For more information, contact Nan Fanning at 308-635-1600 or send E-mail to 3830@hotel.cendant.com . Back to Top Time Travel to the Northern Panhandle Reconnect with the spirit of days gone by while visiting an Old West cow town in northern Sioux County,Nebraska. First, set up camp at the High Plains Homestead , home of the Drifters Cookshack and Bunkhouse. Surrounded by rugged badlands and framed by the ponderosa-clad Pine Ridge of northwest Nebraska, each of the six Bunkhouse rooms is furnished to invoke a sense of the Old West. Every room offers a private bath and air-conditioning but no telephone or TV. Meals are available at the Cookshack throughout your stay, and if it fits into your plans, belly up for the open-pit grilled steak or pork back rib dinners served on Friday and Saturday nights. Your complete time-travel package also includes admission to the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed/Kill Site , an archeological excavation in progress. Also take time to visit the worlds largest mammoth research facility, the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs , South Dakota, where you can tour an active paleontological dig for Ice Age fossils. Reserve at least one morning or afternoon for a visit to Toadstool Geological Park , which is noted for its lunar-like geological formations and scientifically valuable fossil deposits. The park also contains the longest known mammal trackway from the Oligocene epoch; the trackway is featured in the self-guided trail brochure. Following your day trips, enjoy an evening back at the Homestead front porch with its magnificent view of the Milky Way. Costs (including room tax): $215.00 for a single adult; $255.00 per adult couple; $275.00 for a family of two adults and two children. (Family rates will vary depending on family size.) These costs include: Three (3) nights stay at High Plains Homestead , with breakfast each morning. Admission to Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed/Kill Site . Admission to the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs . Park admission fee to Toadstool Geological Park . This offer is not valid in conjunction with other discounts or promotions. Reservations are required. For details or to make reservations, call Mike or Linda Kesselring, High Plains Homestead, at 308-665-2592, e-mail drifter@highplainshomestead.com , or visit the Web site at www.highplainshomestead.com . Offer is good June 1September 5, 2005. Back to Top Upland Game Hunting & More (Package 1) We invite you to get away to Sidney, relax, and try your skill at upland game or target practice with sporting clays. This package includes: One night’s stay at the Days Inn Half a day of hunting at Prairie Springs Dinner at the Buffalo Point Restaurant (includes a cocktail) Adult movie admission for the Fox Theatre It is not often that you find a location offering such tranquility with rolling hills, fresh water springs, open ponds, and scenic prairies abundant in brush cover and grass. Start your weekend with a restful night at the Days Inn in Sidney. In the morning, enjoy an expanded continental breakfast including Belgium waffles before heading out to Prairie Springs Upland Game Hunting (located 33 miles north of Sidney) for half a day of hunting quail, pheasant, or a combination of game (quail, pheasant, and chukar). All necessary hunting permits must be obtained by hunters and are available at Prairie Springs. Upon your return to Sidney, plan a stop at Cabela’s for lunch at the High Plains Cache and a tour of their world famous wildlife exhibit. Later in the day, you can relax and enjoy dinner in the rustic atmosphere of the Buffalo Point Restaurant and then take in a movie at the Fox Theatre . If you’d like to extend your stay and visit more of Sidney, call 800-421-4769 for a complete tourism packet. The cost of this excursion is $195 per person (price includes tax). For reservations, contact George at 308-254-2121. For more information on Prairie Springs, visit www.prairiespringsllc.com . Back to Top Upland Game Hunting & More (Package 2) We invite you to get away to Sidney, relax, and try your skill at upland game or target practice with sporting clays. This package includes: One nights stay at the Days Inn One full day of hunting at Prairie Springs Lunch (provided by Prairie Springs) Dinner at the Buffalo Point Restaurant (includes a cocktail) It is not often that you find a location offering such tranquility with rolling hills, fresh water springs, open ponds, and scenic prairies abundant in brush cover and grass. Start your weekend with a restful night at the Days Inn in Sidney. In the morning, enjoy an expanded continental breakfast including Belgium waffles before heading out to Prairie Springs Upland Game Hunting (located 33 miles north of Sidney) for a full day of hunting quail, pheasant, or a combination of game (quail, pheasant, and chukar). All necessary hunting permits must be obtained by hunters and are available at Prairie Springs. After a pleasant lunch at Prairie Springs, head back out to continue your hunt. Upon your return to Sidney, relax and enjoy dinner in the rustic atmosphere of the Buffalo Point Restaurant. If youd like to extend your stay and visit more of Sidney, call 800-421-4769 for a complete tourism packet. The cost of this hunting excursion is $226.00 per person (price includes tax). For reservations, contact George at 308-254-2121. For more information on Prairie Springs, visit www.prairiespringsllc.com . Back to Top Prairie Lakes Region All-Girl Getaway Spend a weekend, just the girls, shopping and relaxing in North Platte. This package includes: One night at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in North Platte in a Jacuzzi Suite $250 in Mall Bucks Gift certificate for two to Whiskey Creek Gift certificate for two executive chair massages from On Site Massage Check in at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, where a swimming pool, whirlpool, and 24/7 exercise facility await you. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and milk are available in the lobby from 89 p.m., and the Express Start Breakfast Bar featuring the Worlds Famous Cinnamon Roll is a great way to start off the day Shop till you drop (or at least until your Mall Bucks are gone!) at Herbergers, JCPenney, Maurices, Buckle, Vanity, and the many other stores in the North Platte Mall. Mall Hours: MF: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a little girl talk over dinner at Whiskey Creek and then sit back and relax as Shari Keys, L.M.T., gives you each an executive chair massage right at the Holiday Inn Express. Every mom deserves this kind of pampering! While in North Platte, you may also want to take in the 20th Century Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln County Museum, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, and Cody Park. The cost of this package for two is $475. For more information or to make reservations, call 888-562-9500 or e-mail teresa@hiexpressnp.com . Back to Top A Just for Kids Weekend in North Platte #1 Enjoy an entire weekend of family fun! Experience North Platte with your children. For a family of up to six, this package includes: Two nights at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in North Platte in the Kids Suite, complete with king-sized bed, a set of bunk beds in its own small private room, microwave, mini refrigerator, and Nintendo 64. Gift certificate to Perkins Gift certificate for 14 children at the North Platte Area Childrens Museum Gift certificates for Cody Park Rides and Concession Gift certificate for Cody Park Swimming Pool Fridays Schedule: Check in at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, where a swimming pool, whirlpool, and 24/7 exercise facility await you. Stop by the lobby for fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and milk before bedtime. Enjoy your first S.M.A.R.T. nights sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Saturdays Schedule: Wake up and enjoy the Express Start Breakfast Bar featuring the Worlds Famous Cinnamon Roll. Spend some time exploring the North Platte Area Childrens Museum. Take the kids for a drive around Cody Park, and stop to feed the animals with your animal kit (provided at check-in). Swing by the Cody Park Concession Stand and use your gift certificates to enjoy the best soft serve ice cream in North Platte. Then experience the rides at the Cody Park Amusement Center. The Cody Park Swimming Pool, open from 1:008:30 p.m., is your next stop. Have either lunch ordinner at Perkins with your meal gift certificate. After all of that excitement, get a second S.M.A.R.T. nights sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Sundays Schedule: Enjoy another morning of the Express Start Breakfast Bar. Do a little shopping at the North Platte Mall, Super Wal-Mart, and the many unique and specialty shops of downtown North Platte. Be sure to tour the 20th Century Veterans Memorial, a tribute to all branches of the military. The Lincoln County Museum and Buffalo Bill Ranch are great stops as well, both offering a historic look at North Platte. Crane-viewing maps are also available during the crane migration season for sightseeing drives. Then head back home and rest up from your big weekend. Monday's Schedule: Tell everyone at work and school how much fun you had in North Platte! Total package costs $320 for two adults and up to four children. For more information or to make reservations, call 888-562-9500 or e-mail teresa@hiexpressnp.com . Back to Top A Just for Kids Weekend in North Platte #2 Enjoy an entire weekend of family fun! Experience North Platte with your children. For a family of up to six, this package includes: Two nights at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in North Platte in the Kids Suite, complete with king-sized bed, a set of bunk beds in its own small private room, microwave, mini refrigerator, and Nintendo 64. Gift certificate to Perkins Gift certificate for 14 children at the North Platte Area Childrens Museum Gift certificates for Cody Park Rides and Concession Fridays Schedule: Check in at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, where a swimming pool, whirlpool, and 24/7 exercise facility await you. Stop by the lobby for fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and milk before bedtime. Enjoy your first S.M.A.R.T. nights sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Saturdays Schedule: Wake up and enjoy the Express Start Breakfast Bar featuring the Worlds Famous Cinnamon Roll. Spend some time exploring the North Platte Area Childrens Museum. Take the kids for a drive around Cody Park, and stop to feed the animals with your animal kit (provided at check-in). Swing by the Cody Park Concession Stand and use your gift certificates to enjoy the best soft serve ice cream in North Platte. Then experience the rides at the Cody Park Amusement Center. Have either lunch or dinner at Perkins with your meal gift certificate. After all of that excitement, get a second S.M.A.R.T. nights sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Sundays Schedule: Enjoy another morning of the Express Start Breakfast Bar. Do a little shopping at the North Platte Mall, Super Wal-Mart, and the many unique and specialty shops of downtown North Platte. Be sure to tour the 20th Century Veterans Memorial, a tribute to all branches of the military. The Lincoln County Museum and Buffalo Bill Ranch are great stops as well, both offering a historic look at North Platte. Crane-viewing maps are also available during the crane migration season for sightseeing drives. Then head back home and rest up from your big weekend. Monday's Schedule: Tell everyone at work and school how much fun you had in North Platte! Total package costs $300 for two adults and up to four children. For more information or to make reservations, call 888-562-9500 or e-mail teresa@hiexpressnp.com . Back to Top Lake Maloney Golf Package for Four Take Friday afternoon off and enjoy a fun-filled weekend for four at Lake Maloney, located just south of North Platte. This package includes: Two nights in the three-room king executive suite, complete with in-room Jacuzzi, at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Gift certificate for four to Anchor Inn Restaurant on Friday night Limo service for Friday night 18 holes of golf and cart rental for four golfers Gift certificate for four to Whiskey Creek Steakhouse on Saturday night Fridays Schedule: Check in at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, complete with swimming pool, whirlpool, and 24/7 exercise facility. Climb into the waiting limousine to travel to the Anchor Inn Restaurant in style for dinner and cocktails. Relax in the limo as you ride around the lake and take in the beautiful view. Enjoy your first S.M.A.R.T. nights sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Saturdays Schedule: Wake up and enjoy the Express Start Breakfast Bar featuring the Worlds Famous Cinnamon Roll. Spend the day playing 18 holes at the Lake Maloney Golf Course. Head to Whiskey Creek Steakhouse for dinner and cocktails. Get a second S.M.A.R.T. nights sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Sundays Schedule: Enjoy another morning of the Express Start Breakfast Bar. Do a little shopping and sightseeing around North Platte. Then head back home and rest up from your big weekend. Monday's Schedule: Tell everyone at work how much fun you had in North Platte Golfin the Lake! Total package costs $1,050 for four adults. For more information or to make reservations, call 888-562-9500 or e-mail teresa@hiexpressnp.com . Back to Top Lake Maloney Golf Package for Two Take Friday afternoon off and enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Lake Maloney, located just south of North Platte. This package includes: Two nights in the two-room king executive suite with in-room Jacuzzi at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Gift certificate for two to Anchor Inn Restaurant on Friday night 18 holes of golf and cart rental for two golfers Gift certificate for two to Whiskey Creek Steakhouse on Saturday night Fridays Schedule: Check in at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, complete with swimming pool, whirlpool, and 24/7 exercise facility. Dine at the Anchor Inn Restaurant. Take a relaxing drive around the lake and experience the beautiful view. Enjoy your first S.M.A.R.T. nights sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Saturdays Schedule: Wake up and enjoy the Express Start Breakfast Bar featuring the Worlds Famous Cinnamon Roll. Spend the day playing 18 holes at the Lake Maloney Golf Course. Head to Whiskey Creek Steakhouse for dinner. Get a second S.M.A.R.T. nights sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Sundays Schedule: Enjoy another morning of the Express Start Breakfast Bar. Do a little shopping and sightseeing around North Platte. Then head back home and rest up from your big weekend. Monday's Schedule: Tell everyone at work and school how much fun you had in North Platte! Total package costs $480 for two adults. For more information or to make reservations, call 888-562-9500 or e-mail teresa@hiexpressnp.com . Back to Top Deer Hunting Package Bring yourself and a friend for five full days of guided deer hunting at Seifer Farms in Sutherland and five full nights in a standard room at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in North Platte. Meals during the hunt are on your own. Suggestions include a sack lunch from Freshway Sandwiches in Sutherland or dinner and drinks at Oles Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge in Paxton. At night, relax and refuel with five gift certificates for two to Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill, Applebees Neighborhood Bar & Grill, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, Rogers Fine Foods in North Platte, or Butchs Steakhouse in Hershey. Package begins the second week of November 2005. Hunters must obtain hunting permits; visit www.ngpc.state.ne.us for information. *$500.00 Deposit to Hold Date. Cost is $2,785. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top Pheasant and Duck Hunting Package This weekend hunting package offers one full day of guided hunting for two at Seifer Farms in Sutherland and two nights in a standard room at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in North Platte. Duck hunting begins in the morning, followed by pheasant hunting in the afternoon. Meals during the hunt are on your own. Suggestions include a sack lunch from Freshway Sandwiches in Sutherland or dinner and drinks at Oles Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge in Paxton. Also receive a gift certificate for dinner for two at Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill in North Platte. Package runs October 2005January 2006. Hunters must obtain hunting permits; visit www.ngpc.state.ne.us for information. Cost is $565. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top Pheasant or Duck Hunting Package Hunt either pheasant or duck for one full day at Seifer Farms in Sutherland. Package includes guided hunting for two and two nights in a standard room at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in North Platte. Meals during the hunt are on your own. Suggestions include a sack lunch from Freshway Sandwiches in Sutherland or dinner and drinks at Oles Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge in Paxton. Also receive a gift certificate for dinner for two at Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill in North Platte. Package runs October 2005January 2006. Hunters must obtain hunting permits; visit www.ngpc.state.ne.us for information. Cost is $485. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top Weekend Golf Package Tee up for a Saturday or Sunday of golf in the Wild, Wild West! Iron Eagle Golf Course in North Platte invites you and a friend for 18 holes of golf, including cart rental. This package also includes two gift certificates to Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill and one night in a standard room with one king or two queen-size beds at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. Cost is $235. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top DELUXE Weekend Golf Package Treat yourself and a friend to a Saturday or Sunday of golf, including cart rental, at Iron Eagle Golf Course in North Platte. At the end of the day, follow your run with two gift certificates to Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill and one night in a Jacuzzi suite at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. Cost is $269.99. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top Weekday Golf Package Bring a friend to Iron Eagle Golf Course in North Platte for 18 holes of golf, including cart rental, any day Monday through Friday. Afterward, treat yourselves with two gift certificates to Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill and one nights stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. Cost is $225. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top DELUXE Weekday Golf Package Swing over to Iron Eagle Golf Course in North Platte for 18 holes of golf for two, including cart rental. That evening, celebrate with two gift certificates to Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill and one night in a Jacuzzi suite at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. Cost is $255. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top Go-Kart Package Its the perfect way to rev up your weekend: one gift certificate to Cody Go-Karts in North Platte, plus a gift certificate to Village Inn Restaurant and one night in a standard room at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. Cost is $210. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top Waterslide Package A cool deal for a hot day: Four all-day passes to the Waterslide at Cody Go-Karts from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Also receive a gift certificate to Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and one nights stay in a standard room at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. Offer good June 1Sept. 5. Cost is $195. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top Go-Kart and Waterslide Package Water, sun, and family fun! Receive four all-day passes to the Waterslide at Cody Go-Karts from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily, plus 10 Go-Kart passes. That evening, treat the family with a gift certificate to Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill and one night in a standard room at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. Offer good June 1Sept. 5. Cost is $220. For reservations, call Teresa at 1-888-562-9500. Back to Top Sandhills Region Ainsworth Golf Package Nebraska is often described as a lesson in contrasts, and this golf package proves it. Two vastly different golf courses await discovery in the Nebraska Sandhills: Ainsworth Municipal offers challenging fairways and incredibly fast greens, while Deer Park offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the rolling countryside and tributaries of the Niobrara River. The package includes 1 or 2 nights at Ainsworth Inn Bed and Breakfast plus breakfast, 1 or 2 meals in the Tearoom, and 18 holes at both courses. Generally no tee times are necessary. Be sure to ask about side trips to a nearby ghost town, ranch tours, or scenic tours along the Niobraradesignated a National Scenic River. Cost is $152 per person for 1 night; $236 for 2 nights. Call Linda at Ainsworth Inn Bed and Breakfast , 402-387-0408, or send E-mail to ainsworthinn@yahoo.com for details or to make reservations. Back to Top Seeking Feathered Friends? Then seek refuge in two of the best bird-watching locations in the state: Valentine Wildlife Refuge and Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge, both in Cherry County. This region lies in the middle of the transition between the Rocky Mountain coniferous forest and the deciduous regions of the east. The Central Niobrara Valley is also home to various isolated plants and animals that have survived in the cool canyons since the end of the Ice Age about 10,000 years ago. While in the area, stop by Smith Falls State Park to see the highest waterfall in Nebraska. Or explore delightful downtown Valentine, which features one of the best bookstores in all of Nebraska, The Plains Trading Company. Also be sure to visit The Gallery, a unique quilt and gift shop renowned to quilt enthusiasts, and Fashions for Women, whose apparel is second to none. After a long day of trekking, come home to the award-winning Holiday Inn Express in Valentine. Relax in the indoor pool and hot tub, and awaken the next day to an outstanding continental breakfast of biscuits and gravy, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels, cereals, fresh fruit, and more. This package includes two nights in a standard room at the Holiday Inn Express, a gift certificate for packed lunches for two from Subway, and a gift certificate for two to the famous Peppermill Steak House in downtown Valentine. Cost is $243.95 for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and $283.95 for Friday and Saturday. Taxes not included. For reservations, call 1-877-376-3003, e-mail holidayex@sandhillswireless.net , or fax 1-402-376-1133. Back to Top Get Stars in Your Eyes You are cordially invited to the Nebraska 12th Annual Star Party, July 31August 5, at Merritt Reservoir. This remote areas sparse population, dark skies, 3,100-foot altitude, and dry upland plateau offer a low-haze, high-transparency, out-of-this-world stargazing experience. Veteran observers are astounded by the brightness of the summer Milky Way and the ability to view faint stars as they rise unobstructed above the horizon. For those who are new to the hobby of astronomy, a daily field school is available. Visit http://nebraskastarparty.org for more information. The Holiday Inn Express in Valentine is the perfect place to get a good days sleep so you can see the stars at night. After a long night of stargazing, come back to the hotel for an outstanding continental breakfast of biscuits and gravy, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels, cereals, fresh fruit, and more. This package includes lodging in a standard room for Sunday, July 31Thursday, August 4 (five nights). Enjoy dinner for two with a gift certificate to the famous Peppermill Steak House in downtown Valentine, and receive a $50 gift certificate to the Plains Trading Company, where you're sure to find the perfect book on Nebraskas skies, Nebraskas Sandhills, or Nebraskas western lore. Cost is $595.00. Taxes not included. For reservations, call 1-877-376-3003, e-mail holidayex@sandhillswireless.net , or fax 1-402-376-1133. Back to Top Frontier Trails Region Play Lexington Weekend Golf Getaway Enjoy one full weekend of golf and good times for up to four people! Start the day at any one of Lexingtons three surrounding golf courses. Follow up with a satisfying dinner and a good nights rest at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. For a foursome of golfers, this package includes: Three golf gift certificates for four to be used at Wild Horse Golf Club, Lakeside Country Club, and Cozad Country Club. Two nights stay in two rooms, each with two queen beds, at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Lexington. One meal gift certificate for four at either of two Lexington legends: R.C. Galley Restaurant or the Veterans Club Steakhouse. Fridays Schedule: Check in at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, where a swimming pool, a whirlpool, and a 24/7 exercise facility await you. Golf today or on Saturday. Enjoy dinner at either restaurant on us with your gift certificate. Enjoy your first night of Smart Sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Saturdays Schedule: Wake up and enjoy the Express Start Breakfast Bar featuring the Worlds Famous Cinnamon Roll. Golf all dayon one or two courses, in whatever orderits up to you. Each golf certificate includes 18 holes of golf and cart rental for a foursome of golfers. Get a second night of Smart Sleep at the Holiday Inn Express. Sundays Schedule: Wake up from your Smart Sleep and enjoy the Express Start Breakfast Baragain!Golf the third course today. Then drive home and rest up from your big weekend. On Monday . . . Tell everyone at work how much fun you had golfing in Lexington! Total package costs $915 for four golfers. For more information or to make reservations, call 1-866-669-9731 or e-mail jeff@hiexpressnp.com . Back to Top Embrace Art and History in Cambridge Travel to Cambridge, halfway between Omaha and Denver on Routes 6 & 34, where this small town is bursting with nostalgia, culture, and a renaissance spirit. Authentic experiences include historical architecture, artists studios, antiques, a museum, restaurants, quaint shops, and living history toursset at the scenic point where the Republican River meets the Medicine Creek, known as Nebraskas most scenic lake. Your package will be arranged by Gerald and Gloria Hilton, hosts of the Cambridge Bed & Breakfast, Nebraskas only AAA Three Diamond-rated B&B. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this nearly 100-year-old home and its architectural and artistic splendor take this experience far beyond basic lodging. This package includes: Two nights lodging, double occupancy, with breakfasts at the Cambridge B&B. Dining gift certificate for two at the highly acclaimed Town Talk Restaurant. Cambridge Surprise Gift Basket featuring local coupons and products to enjoy. Cost is $230 plus tax for two people. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Gloria Hilton at 308-697-3220, fax her at 308-697-3267, visit www.cambridge-bb.com , or e-mail her at Hilton@swnebr.net . Back to Top Come to Cambridge: Southwest Nebraska's Playground Halfway between Omaha and Denver on Routes 6 & 34, the small town of Cambridge offers some big travel experiencesworld-class accommodations, golf, restaurants, shops, art, and historyall in a picturesque natural setting where the Republican River meets the Medicine Creek. The Medicine Creek State Recreation Area, just 10 minutes north of town, is known as Nebraskas most scenic lake (Harry Strunk Lake). Cross Creek Golf Links, an 18-hole sensation, is Nebraskas longest golf course, offering challenge, scenery, and diversity in equal measures with both links and park styles of play. Golf Professional Matt Shaner will ensure your experience is top-notch. Later, relax and refresh at the Cambridge Bed & Breakfast, Nebraskas only AAA Three Diamond-rated B&B. A symbol of extreme pioneer sophistication and architectural brilliance, this home offers you a lodging experience you'll never forget. Owners Gerald and Gloria Hilton could have written the book on Hilton hospitality." This package includes: Two nights, double occupancy with breakfasts at the Cambridge B&B. Dining gift certificate for two at the highly acclaimed Town Talk Restaurant. Two rounds of golf (36 holes) including cart at Cross Creek Golf Links. Cost is $260 plus tax for two people. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Gloria Hilton at 308-697-3220, fax her at 308-697-3267, visit www.cambridge-bb.com , or e-mail her at Hilton@swnebr.net . Back to Top Time for a Road Trip? Whisk your family away from the everyday hustle and bustle for a two-day excursion that will take you from the humdrum to the really fun. Swim in our large pool and relax in our warm spa. No need to go out for dinnerthat will be brought to you. Feast on pizza and bread sticks in your spacious room. Then go out and enjoy two hours of bowling. When finished, swing back to the Western Inn South for a good nights rest. When you awake refreshed, head over to Perkins Restaurant and Bakery for a hot breakfast to get you going for the day. You can spend the day touring MONA (Museum of Nebraska Art), the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Morris Press (cookbooks), or Cabelas. This vacation package includes: 1 nights lodging at the Western Inn South (2 queen beds). 1 large pizza, bread sticks, and 2 liters of pop from Little Caesars. 2 hours of bowling and shoe rentals for up to 4 people at the Big Apple Fun Center. 4 hot breakfasts at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. Total cost is $99.95 A savings of over $30! To make reservations, call 800-437-8457 or e-mail jgove50@hotmail.com . Reservations must be made in advance. Not valid during holidays or with other discounts. Western Inn South 510 3rd Ave Kearney, NE 68845 www.westerninnsouth.com Back to Top Play the West Golf Tour Discover why Golf Digest ranks Nebraska as one of the nation's best undiscovered treasures with this affordable vacation golf package. Play five great courses for one great price. Cost is $170 per person—or variable if you design your own package. The fee includes three rounds of golf plus cart, and two nights lodging in one of five area hotels. For more information, call 888-740-2488, send E-mail to info@playthewest.com , or visit http://www.playthewest.com/ . Back to Top A"maze"ing Hastings Vacation Package Come to Hastings between June 3 and August 28, 2005, and youll be a"maze"d at all the wonderful things you can do! Start with the Hastings Museum, which offers three enormous floors of exhibits and features the summer traveling exhibit "Mazeapolooza," with life-size mazes of ropes, mirrors, and puzzles for all ages. Don't forget to catch the latest movie playing at the Lied Super Screen Theatreon a screen five stories tall! Later, stop by the Champions Branch of the YMCA, where the whole family can enjoy waterslides and the enormous Adventure Challenge maze in addition to fitness courts, miniature golf, and go-karts. For lunch or dinner, eat your fill at the Garden Caf and Bakery. Fill up your gas tank at Burlington Express. Dont forget to explore the maze of fantastic products made only in Nebraska at the Nebraska Food and Gift store. And follow it all with an amazing night's sleep at the Comfort Inn or Holiday Inn. Cost is just $182* (including lodging tax) for four people. The package includes: One night at Comfort Inn or Holiday Inn. Combo Admission for four to the Hastings Museum and Lied Super Screen Theatre. Complete Family Admission for four to the Champions Branch of the YMCA $20 coupon to the Garden Caf and Bakery. FREE economy car wash at Burlington Express with the purchase of 10 gallons of gas. 20% off your shopping spree and a free tour of the maze of Nebraska-made products at the Nebraska Food and Gift store. *A SAVINGS OF MORE THAN $32! For reservations, call the Holiday Inn at either 888-905-1200 or 402-463-6721 or the Comfort Inn at 402-463-5252, and ask for the A"maze"ing Hastings Vacation Package. Advance lodging reservations are required and are subject to availability. Not valid in conjunction with other discounts/promotions. Back to Top A Taste of Sweden Immerse yourself in the rural charms of Holdrege, Nebraska, during its annual Swedish Days Celebration, June 17 & 18. This package includes one night at a local Bed and Breakfast; the remainder of the itinerary is completely up to you! Choose your activities from a number of Swedish Days events such as the Parade, Swedish Breakfast, Swedish Supper and Stang Raising, Park Festival, Silver Run, and Fishing Tournament. Or divide your time among the Nebraska Prairie Museum, local restaurants, and shops. Cost is $125 per couple. Package includes lodging and $40 in Chamber Bucks, which will be accepted at all Swedish Days activities. Space is limited, so act early. Deadline is 1 p.m. on June 1, 2005. For reservations, contact Jayme at the Plains Motel: call 1-866-249-2288, e-mail jdkjgk@rcom-ne.com , or fax 1-308-995-3955. Back to Top Pioneer Country Region Pawnee County Bison and Back Roads Tour Nebraskas back roads offer the prime opportunity to sit back and shift into low gear. Now you have an even better excuse to pack up the family wagon and head over to Pawnee County. Take a guided tour of a sustainable bison farm. Pay a visit to the home of Harold Lloyd, a Nebraska-based silent filmmaker whose work ranks alongside Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton for making some of the most popular and influential silent films of the era, where you can view one of his films. The Pedal Clinic in Pawnee City, with its displays of pedal cars and unique toys from yesteryear, appeals to kids of all ages, while the Pawnee City Historical Society Museum offers 19 buildings filled with pioneer artifacts. For those who like to shop, plenty of treasures await at Heavenly Treasures Quilt Shop, Memory Magic Scrapbook Store, Glynns Floral, Petes Pharmacy & Gifts, Home Comforts, and Pawnee True Value. This package includes tours of both farms, the Harold Lloyd home, the Pedal Clinic, and the museum, plus two meals and an overnight stay at the B&B of your choice. Cost is $124 for 2 adults or $176.50 for 2 adults and 2 children under age 12. For information or to make reservations, call 402-852-2444 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or send e-mail to my.blue.heaven@alltel.net . Please make reservations at least one week in advance. Back to Top Catch the Spirit of River Country Along the Wide Missouri River Peru Brownville Indian Cave State Park Coleman B&B in Peru Cost is $349. This package includes two nights for four people at Coleman B&B, plus lunch at Cottys, in Peru and Barbaras Bistro in Brownville and a buffalo cookout at Indian Cave State Park. Catch of the Day Tour With Josh Whisler Spend some time along the "Mighty Mo" with Josh Whisler, lifelong resident and former mayor of Peru and author of Whislers Hunting & Fishing Report. Josh says "we already have the bait." Hike or Bike Along Steamboat Trace Trail Enjoy wildlife, woodlands, wetlands, river bluffs, and carvings along this rails-to-trails conservancy along the Missouri River linking Brownville, Peru, and Nebraska City. Walking Tour of Historic Brownville Traipse around beautiful Brownville and take in the shopping, museums, Palmerton and Bond art galleries, and more. Stop for lunch at Barbaras Bistro. Eight miles round-trip. Indian Cave State Park Buffalo Cookout View the ancient Native American petroglyphs, hike the trails, or enjoy an interpretive show in the outdoor amphitheatre. A day in the park is great for all ages. For more information, log on to www.AskAda.com , click on "Nebraska," or contact the Association of Destination Agents, c/o Linda Tynon, PO Box 202, Peru, NE 68421, or call 402-872-7275. Back to Top Metro Region Melia Hill Inn Golf Getaway Get away from it all with a relaxing stay at the Melia Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast plus 18 holes at both Quarry Oaks and Iron Horse golf courses. Golf Digest named Iron Horse, with its breathtaking views of the Platte River, one of "Americas Best New Courses" in 2002, while the magazine selected Quarry Oaks as one of "Americas 100 Greatest Golf Courses" in both 2003 and 2005. The cost of the Golf Getaway is $230 per couple and includes: 18 holes of golf at Quarry Oaks (SundayThursday) 18 holes of golf at Iron Horse (SundayThursday) A one-night stay at the nearby Melia Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast (only a 10-minute drive from both golf courses) Other area attractions include the Strategic Air & Space Museum, Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall, Mahoney and Platte River State Parks, Schramm Park and Aquarium, and several antique malls and shops on Silver Street in Ashland and along I-80 near Omaha. The Melia Hill Inn can accommodate up to four couples per night. Enjoy the time away with friends or a romantic weekend for two. For reservations or more information, call Jen at 402-944-6000 or e-mail jens@quarryoaks.com . For more information on the golf courses, please visit quarryoaks.com and golfironhorse.com . Back to Top Small Town, Big-Time Romance Whisk your significant other away from the hustle and bustle of the work week to a romantic, relaxing, rejuvenating getaway to Fremontand sweep him or her off their feet again. Dine in 1940s elegance on the Fremont Dinner Train. Then sneak off to one of Fremonts premier hotels to relax in your private Jacuzzi suite while sipping champagne and nibbling on chocolate-covered strawberries. Feel free to complete your weekend by strolling through the historic downtown areas antique shops or through the gardens surrounding the Louis E. May museum. While youre there, dont hesitate to dine on superbly prepared Nebraska beef at any one of the wonderful restaurants in townyou wont be sorry you did! Costs start at $300 depending on accommodation choice. Package costs include motel accommodations, admission to the Louis E. May Museum, and tickets to ride the Fremont Dinner Train for two adults. Advance reservations are required. Call Jennifer Hull at 877-828-8400 for reservations and information. Credit cardsonly for reservations. Back to Top Enjoy the Artswith Embassy Suites Now you can truly eat, sleep, and breathe the arts with several exclusive weekend packages from Embassy Suitesbrought to you in conjunction with Broadway in Omaha, the Nebraska Choral Arts Society, Omaha Community Playhouse, the Omaha Performing Arts Center, the Omaha Symphony, the Omaha Theater Ballet, Opera Omaha, and the Rose Blumkin Center for Performing Arts. Each package includes one nights accommodations at Embassy Suites in Omahas Old Market, complete with a full cooked-to-order breakfast, an evening managers reception with free cocktails, valet parking, and roundtrip shuttle service. The package also includes tickets to performances as specified plus entry into the Joslyn Art Museum and Lauritzen Gardens; families receive performance tickets plus free entry into the Omaha Childrens Museum. For more information, see our brochure or visit our website at www.embassysuitesomaha.com or call 1-800-EMBASSY. Back to Top Family Mini-Vacation Can't get away for much more than a weekend this summer? Treat your family to a fun-filled three-day, two-night mini-vacation in Lincoln from Baymont Inn & Suites. Enjoy all of the amenities of Champions Fun Center—including NASCAR-style go-carts, a new four-story freefall, miniature golf, water wars, bowling, and more than 70 arcade games. While youre there, your family can dig into a full meal from DaVincis. The meal includes a large one-topping pizza, cheese rolls, family-style garden salad, and two quarts of soda. Baymont amenities include continental breakfast, an indoor pool and spa, a game room, a fitness center, free high-speed wireless Internet access, and a complimentary copy of USA TODAY. Two family-friendly restaurants, Applebees and Golden Corral, are adjacent. Cost is $198 plus tax for one to four people, including choice of a double/double or king room. Game day and general admission tickets for the Lincoln Saltdogs and passes to the Lincoln Childrens Zoo are also available for purchase at the front desk. This offer is good from May 15 to August 15, 2005. For more information or to make reservations, call 402-477-1100 or e-mail bi4547gm@baymontinns.com . Back to Top Calling All History Buffs Calling all history buffs! Set your compass for Fremont, Nebraskaeastern Nebraskas Antique Capital. Enjoy a weekend of exploration, discovery, and fun with a complete getaway package. A shopping adventure awaits with six stores featuring antiques and collectibles from more than 100 dealers. Explore Fremonts past at the Louis E. May Museum, then climb aboard the Fremont Dinner Train to dine in 1940s elegance with period music, dcor, and a five-course meal. Cost starts at $240 for two adults and two children, depending on accommodation choice. Additional people will be accommodated upon request. Tax and gratuity are not included. This offer is not valid in conjunction with other discounts or promotions. Package is subject to availability. Advanced reservations are required. For details or to make reservations, call Nicole Kingston at 800-HOLIDAY or send E-mail to fremontsales@heartlandhospitality.com . Back to Top Lincoln Family Getaway Looks like a trip to Nebraska is just what the family ordered! Engage in a weekend of wonder, discovery, and fun with a complete family getaway package including deluxe accommodations and passes to the Lincoln Childrens Museum, Folsom Childrens Zoo, and Pioneers Park Nature Center. Cost is $154 to $174, depending upon chosen accommodations. Package cost includes two adults and two children; children under 2 are admitted into attractions free. Additional attraction passes are available for purchase by request. Subject to availability. Advance lodging reservations are required; to reserve a room, call the Embassy Suites at 402-474-1111. Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid in conjunction with other discounts/promotions. For more details on the package contact Tracy Rathe at 402-477-0128, ext. 107. Back to Top Play the Nebraska Golf Trail -- www.negolftrail.net Discover the very best of Nebraska Golf! Choose from five award-winning golf courses, each located within an hour of one another. The new Nebraska Golf Trail allows you to customize your golf package on our Web site and play the courses you want to play. Your choices include... ArborLinks Golf Course Nebraska City www.arborlinks.com Iron Horse Golf Club Ashland www.golfironhorse.com The Players Club at Deer Creek Omaha www.playersclubomaha.com Quarry Oaks Golf Course Ashland www.quarryoaks.com Woodland Hills Golf Course Eagle www.woodlandhillsgolf.com Not only does the Nebraska Golf Trail allow you to build your own golf getaway, but it also allows you to set up lodging on your trip. Choose among four first-class lodging partners when setting up your trip. They include... Embassy Suites Omaha Harrahs Casino and Hotel Council Bluffs Lied Lodge and Conference Center Nebraska City Park Plaza Regency Hotel Omaha For more information, please call toll-free 1-866-272-7453 or e-mail bburns@arborlinks.com Back to Top Kelly Inn Omaha "Par-fect" Golf Package Stay and play with the best! Conveniently located off I-80 at the corner of 108th and L, Kelly Inn Omaha is proximal to four of Omahas premier golf courses: Chili Greens, Pacific Springs, Tregaron, and Shoreline. For just $135* (Sunday Thursday) or $145* (Friday Saturday), participants will receive: Deluxe guest room accommodations for one night Complimentary continental breakfast at Kelly Inn Omaha Two 18-hole rounds of golf and cart at the course of your choice A free golf gift compliments of Kelly Inn Omaha For more course details, visit www.golfinomaha.com Reserve your package today! Call 402-339-7400 or 800-635-3559, or send E-mail to omaha@kellyinns.com . *Advance reservations are required. Mention Par-fect Package to receive the special rate, per room, per night. Complimentary golf gift and golf passes are given when you check in. Tee times are based on availability and must be made in advance. Offer is valid through October 15, 2004. Back to Top Lewis and Clark Region The Heartland Experience Experience a real country adventure in northeast Nebraska. Your excursion starts off near Crofton at the scenic Corps of Discovery Welcome Center. The friendly people there will guide you in the right direction. Head to Prairie Blossom Trails to take in the beautiful wildflowers while strolling along the wagon trails of the original pioneers. Then visit an old-fashioned farm to learn more about dairy cows, chickens, ducks, guineas, and the history of farming from Marvin and Evelyn. Enjoy an overnight stay in the country at The Pheasants Den, a rustic lodge near Obert with all the comforts of home and a view perfect for stargazing. Continue your journey at the historic St. James Marketplace to taste home-baked goods in the Sunflower Tea Room, shop for homemade crafts, and tour the St. Philip and James School. Follow the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway (Nebraska Highway 12) to experience Kreycik Riverview Elk Ranch, featuring a covered wagon ride along the scenic Niobrara River where you can hand-feed elk and bison. Cost is $275.00 per couple. Tours are available on weekends from May 1 to October 1. For more information, brochures, and reservations, call the Corps of Discovery Welcome Center at (402) 667-6557 or e-mail cdwc@byelectric.com . Back to Top The Historic Commercial Hotel B&B Tucked within the rolling hills of the Verdigree "Alps," the 1890s historic Commercial Hotel B&B awaits. Along the way, stop at Sallys Antiques and Sweets for flavored coffees, cheesecake, and unique antique treasures. Or take a covered wagon ride along the scenic Niobrara River and feed the bison at Kreycik Riverview Elk Ranch near Niobrara. Over the weekend, tour the surrounding towns including the quaint village of St. James with its St. James Marketplace. Enjoy a "sit 'n' sip" in the English Garden at the B&B, or see the many beautiful and interesting sights in the area. Cost is $199 per couple. Package includes an overnight stay and coupons for St. James Marketplace, Sallys Antiques and Sweets, and the wagon ride at Kreycik Ranch. Tours are available on weekends. For more information or to make reservations, call the Corps of Discovery at 402-667-6557 or e-mail cdwc@byelectric.com . Back to Top The Rosegate Adventure Start your journey with a restful evening in Northeast Nebraska at the refurbished Rosegate Inn, nestled in the picturesque countryside near St. James. The next morning, tour the historic St. Philip and St. James Schoolnow St. James Marketplaceand view its Sunflower Tea Rooms and handmade goods. Stop by Sallys Antiques and Sweets for flavored coffees, cheesecake, and unique antique treasures. Later in the day, take a covered wagon ride along the scenic Niobrara River and feed the bison at Kreycik Riverview Elk Ranch near Niobrara. Or view exotic Scotch Highland cattle and enjoy the native grasses and wildflowers as you stroll along the pioneer wagon trails at Prairie Blossom Trails outside Fordyce. Cost is $205 per couple. Package includes an overnight stay and coupons for St. James Marketplace, Sallys Antiques and Sweets, and the wagon ride at Kreycik Ranch. Tours are available on weekends. For more information or to make reservations, call the Corps of Discovery at 402-667-6557 or e-mail cdwc@byelectric.com . Back to Top Lewis and Clark Trail Excursion Experience history and modern luxury along the magical Lewis and Clark Trail! This one-of-a-kind package features covered wagon tours of the scenic Elkhorn River and Kreycik Ranch; a two-night stay with free breakfast for two at the historic Argo Hotel; a tour of St. James Marketplace featuring a tea room, crafts, and display on Private George Shannon; and a visit to Sallys Antiques and Sweets for flavored coffees, cheesecake, and unique antique treasures. The package also includes four $20 gift certificates, which can be applied to the following attractions: Kreycik Ranch, St. James Marketplace, The Argo Hotel dining room, and Sallys Antiques. One gift certificate per attraction. Cost is $225 per couple; additional cost for children. Brochure is available upon request, or on arrival. To learn more, contact Sandra McDonald at 402-388-2400 or send E-mail to argo@gpcom.net . Back to Top Nebraska's Premiere Golf Package Visit Columbus, Nebraskas central hub for hospitality, dining, and championship golf! Enjoy 18 holes of golf, with cart, at both of the areas finest golf coursesElks Country Club and Quail Run Golf Course . Also, indulge in a prime rib dinner fit for any Masters Champion at Columbuss culinary gem, Dusters Restaurant & Gottberg Brew Pub . At the end of the day, retire in style with award-winning accommodations at the Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel. Cost is $99 per player (tax and gratuity extra). Fee includes golf and riding carts at both Elks Country Club and Quail Run , plus a prime rib dinner, and one nights stay at Sleep Inn (two players to a room). Tee times are available one week in advance only. For more information, contact Lori Murray at 402-562-5200 or send E-mail to sleepinn@megavision.com . Back to Top View more Tourism Partners. Free Nebraska Travel Guide! Home | Travel Planner | Scenic Byways | About Nebraska | Press Room | Stuff For You | Industry News | Request More Info Official State Website | Security, Privacy & Accessibility Policy Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism A Division of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development P.O. Box 98907 Lincoln, NE 68509-8907 1-877-NEBRASKA © 2003, Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism. All Rights Reserved. This site developed by Snitily Carr .

Cruise Vacation Guide: Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Line Specialists, Itineraries and Special Guides Norwegian Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Agents, Norwegian Cruise Specials Norwegian Cruise Vacation Guide: Norwegian Cruises Tours Virtuoso Norwegian Cruise Cruise Consultants Norwegian Cruise Vacation: Call 1-800- 330 8820 to book NCL America Cruises NCL America Hawaii Cruises NCL America Freestyle Hawaii Norwegian Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations Cruise Specials Alaska Cruise Specials Bahamas & Florida Cruise Specials Bermuda Cruise Specials Caribbean Cruise Specials Hawaii Cruise Specials Mexican Riviera Cruise Specials Panama Canal Cruise Specials Itineraries Norwegian Alaska Cruises Norwegian Bermuda Cruises Norwegian Caribbean Cruises Canada,New England Cruises Norwegian Europe Cruises Norwegian Hawaii Cruises Norwegian Panama Canal Cruises South America Cruises Norwegian Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Hawaii Cruises: In this section you will find great Norwegian Cruises to all the destinations. There are a lot of romantic Norwegian Cruise honeymoon destinations. If fine cuisine is important try our Norwegian Cruise culinary vacations. Ask our Norwegian Cruises Specialists about oue exclusive specials. You can inspect the Norwegian Cruises fleet on this site---You will find everything here except the sunscreen. We guarantee you that our Norwegian Cruise Specialists will provide you with every up to the minute special available!. You can get a lot more than you pay for with us---like free shore excursions, free upgrades, past passenger rates, even pre and post hotel packages, business or first class air discounts. Each of our Norwegian Cruise Specialists are extremely knowledgeable, with over fifteen years of industry experience on the Norwegian ships serving as sales managers and consultants. We are experts in the art of cruising, will serve as your advocate and will always available to you. Norwegian Cruise Line America Escape to Paradise Norwegian Cruise Line's Freestyle Cruising , the policy of freedom and flexibility ensures a hassle-free vacation that rivals the finest land-based resorts. Anticipate the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line's newbuilds, the Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, offering year-round cruises in Hawaii and exploring Canada/New England and the Caribbean. NCL has completed its plans to convert the existing fleet to Freestyle ensuring guests the highest level of service and maximum enjoyment on each cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line's Freestyle Dining It's your choice! Choose what time you dine. Where you dine, and whom to dine with. Endless dining choices have been added to each ship. Choose a different style of food and restaurant theme for every night of your cruise! Learn more about Freestyle Dining and "Set Yourself Free" on your next cruise! Norwegian Cruise Lines entire fleet* has been converted to accommodate a whole new concept in cruising-Freestyle Cruising. Imagine a world-class resort on the high seas, where unobtrusive, one-to-one attention indulges your every whim. At-your-pleasure Norwegian Cruise Line's dining lets you eat virtually when, where and with whomever you choose. And nearly unlimited freedom and flexibility provides you with a truly relaxed, hassle-free vacation. With Freestyle Cruising, the sky's the limit. Where in the world would you like to go? Europe? Bermuda? Alaska? The Caribbean? Perhaps you've always wanted to voyage to the bottom of the world? Cruise the Hawaiian Islands? Or revel in the riotous colors of fall foliage along the New England and Canadian coast. With a heritage of seafaring excellence, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a considerable array of itineraries to some of the most exciting destinations in the world. All told we visit over 150 ports, in 40 countries, on four continents. We make romance on Norwegian Cruise Line the norm. Norwegian Cruise Line Honeymoon/Anniversary Packages Whether you've sealed it with a kiss, or vow to do it all over again, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a romantic way to embark on, or continue a life of wedded bliss. Our honeymoon and anniversary packages are filled with special touches like breakfast in bed, a Bali-press massage for two, or a cozy dinner with views of paradise. Life is a romantic destination. Let Norwegian Cruise Line take you there. Norwegian Majesty--- You deserve the Royal Treatment! The moment you see her, you'll understand why she commands such a loyal following. The Norwegian Majesty has always been stylish and sophisticated. Now she's also been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d - adding 110 feet that's filled with new staterooms, a second pool and dining room, a new casino, another outdoor bar, NCL's hallmark Le Bistro restaurant, a coffee bar and lots more deck space. And everything else has been spruced up and refurbished. The Majesty now gives you even more room to roam, more sparkling places to enjoy and more quiet corners to relax in. T ravelwizard.com is highly recommended by Don Ho, the King of Hawaiian music. What ever you do don't miss Don Ho's incredible show if you are vacationing in Hawaii. Travelwizard.com has recently been featured on numerous Discovery Travel Channel specials. Look for us next on the "Honeymoon Adventures Specials" and the, "Honeymoon Hotspots Specials." No one delivers a better luxury cruise experience than our luxury cruise consultants who have dedicated their careers to the cruise industry. When you complete our, "Norwegian Cruise Planner" We will assign one of our professional cruise consultants to your request. They will be a specialist with the cruise line you requested, will contact you promptly with all your options, and will give you their direct phone number so you can always easily contact them for additional advice, or assistance in case of an emergency. Note: The Norwegian Cruise prices listed in this guide are published fares - we often have cruise specials at substantially lower rates. Please use our "Cruise Vacation Planner" and our agents will tell you about all available specials. We are a member of Virtuoso - Specialists in the Art of Travel. Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "a network of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, ESPN TV, Fine Living TV, and Neiman Marcus Awards Program and National Geographic. During this time of price volatility in the travel and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until you make a deposit. Click here to book your Luxury Norwegian Cruise Vacation Click here to submit a vacation planner to our Virtuoso Travel Specialists Client Testimonials about our services Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Norwegian Cruise Information Norwegian Cruise Ships Norwegian Cruise Dining Norwegian Cruise Activities Norwegian Cruise Services Norwegian Fleet Other Helpful Travel Links Helpful Cruise Info Contact Us Free, Full Service Norwegian Cruise Cruises Vacation Planners Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your Luxury Cruises vacation with our full service Virtuoso Cruise Consultants . We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Luxury Cruises Specialists, and will arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! You may call our Luxury Cruises Consultants, but first--- we'd really appreciate it if you complete our " Cruises Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1-800 30 8820 to book your Norwegian Cruise vacation. For Luxury Vacations: "Worldwide Luxury Vacation Planner" For Luxury Tours: "Worldwide Tour Planner" After you've completed your vacation planner you may call 1-800 30 8820 to book your luxury vacation. Thank you very much! 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All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked. State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 We are on the Better Business Bureau Honor Roll. Travel Agent Opportunities Contact Information Advertise with Travel Wizard 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Norwegian Cruise Dept. All rights reserved.

Germany travel, these are

Germany - Wikitravel Germany From Wikitravel Europe : Central Europe : Germany Flag Quick Facts Capital Berlin Government federal republic Currency euro (EUR) Area total: 357,021 sq km water: 7,798 sq km land: 349,223 sq km Population 83,251,851 (July 2002 est.) Language German Country calling code +49 Internet TLD .de Time Zone UTC +1 Germany ( Deutschland in German ) is a country in Central Europe and a founding member of the European Union . It is bordered to the north by Denmark , to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic , to the south by Austria and Switzerland , and to the west by France , Luxembourg , Belgium and the Netherlands . Table of contents 1 Regions 1.1 North 1.2 West 1.3 Middle 1.4 East 1.5 South 2 Cities 3 Other destinations 4 Understand 4.1 History 4.2 Politics 5 Culture 6 Get in 6.1 By plane 6.2 By train 6.3 By Boat 6.3.1 Scandinavia 6.3.2 Poland 6.3.3 Russia 6.3.4 Baltic States 6.3.5 Switzerland 7 Get around 7.1 By car 7.1.1 Using the Autobahn 7.2 By train 7.2.1 Long distance 7.2.2 Regional travel 7.2.3 Online information and bookings 7.2.4 Fares 7.2.5 Informations for railway freaks 7.3 By plane 7.4 By recreational vehicle and campervans 7.5 Hitching a ride 8 Talk 9 Buy 9.1 Currency 9.2 Tipping 10 Eat 10.1 Imbiss 10.2 Bakeries and butchers 10.3 Biergarten 10.4 Brauhaus 10.5 Gasthof/Gasthaus 10.6 Restaurant 10.7 Typical dishes 10.8 Local specialities 10.9 Seasonal specialities 10.10 Miscellaneous 10.11 Vegetarian 11 Drink 11.1 Beer 11.2 Cider 11.3 Coffee 11.4 Glühwein 11.5 Spirits 11.6 Tea 11.7 Wine 12 Sleep 12.1 Hotels 12.2 B&B's 12.3 Hostels 12.4 Camping 13 Learn 14 Work 15 Stay safe 15.1 Emergencies 15.1.1 Medical emergencies 15.2 Racism 15.3 Gay and lesbian travellers 15.4 Papers, please! 16 Stay healthy 17 Respect 17.1 Photography 18 Contact 18.1 Telephone 18.2 Internet 18.3 Postal Service 19 External links [ edit ] Regions Germany is a federal republic consisting of 16 states (so-called "Bundesländer" or short "Länder"). Grouped roughly by geography, these are: [ edit ] North Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania ( Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ) Lower Saxony ( Niedersachsen ) Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein Bremen [ edit ] West North Rhine-Westfalia ( Nordrhein-Westfalen ) Rhineland-Palatinate ( Rheinland-Pfalz ) Saarland [ edit ] Middle Hesse ( Hessen ) Thuringia ( Thüringen ) [ edit ] East Brandenburg Berlin Saxony ( Sachsen ) Saxony-Anhalt ( Sachsen-Anhalt ) [ edit ] South Baden-Württemberg Bavaria ( Bayern ) Map of Germany [ edit ] Cities Germany has numerous cities of interest to tourists; these are the top five travel destinations. Berlin - the reunified and reinvigorated capital of Germany; known for its division during the Cold War - and the Berlin Wall Hamburg - Germany's second city, famous for its harbour as well as its liberal and tolerant culture Munich ( München ) - Bavaria's beautiful capital city and Southern Germany's leading city, site of the famous Oktoberfest and the gateway to the Alps. Cologne (Köln) - Germany's fourth largest city, 2000 years old with its huge cathedral, romanic churches and archeological sites also well known for its carneval and its Christopher-Street-Day parade. Frankfurt - Germany's leading financial center, transportation hub, seat of the European Central Bank (ECB), international trade fair center (Book Fair, Motor Show), hub of multicultural activity (30% Immigrants), and site of numerous world-class museums and theaters. [ edit ] Other destinations Other popular tourist destinations in Germany from north to south: North Sea coast ( Nordseeküste ) Baltic Sea coast ( Ostseeküste ) North Frisian Islands ( Nordfriesische Inseln ) Rügen Lueneburg Heath ( Lüneburger Heide ) Weserbergland Harz Spreewald Rhine Valley ( Rheinland ) Ore Mountains ( Erzgebirge ) Black Forest ( Schwarzwald ) Lake Constance ( Bodensee ) Bavarian Alps ( Bayrische Alpen ) ( Berchtesgaden , Garmisch-Partenkirchen , Mittenwald , Neuschwanstein castle) Königsee nearby Berchtesgaden, Bavaria St. Bartolomä Bad Reichenhall Bergisch-Gladbach [ edit ] Understand While relatively small by world standards, Germany's attractions tend to be bigger than in the surrounding European neighbour countries, which is no surprise as Germany is the biggest country in Central Europe , runs Europe’s biggest economy, and has the largest population on the continent (excluding Russia). The country's financial capital ( Frankfurt ) features an unusual skyline for Europe with its many high-rise buildings, including the continent's tallest office tower. Berlin , though not as dominant in Germany as London in England or Paris in France , has been touted as one of the world's coolest big cities since the early 90s. The world's most famous beer culture is centered around Southern Germany's leading city ( Munich ), where beer is traditionally served in 1 liter mugs; Munich is also the site of the annual Oktoberfest , Europe 's most visited festival. German cars such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen (VW) are famous internationally for their quality. This quality is matched by Germany's excellent network of roadways including the famous Autobahn network, which has many sections without speed limits and lots of speed hungry drivers on it. Germany also features an extensive network of high speed trains - the InterCityExpress ( ICE ). [ edit ] History The roots of German history and culture date back to the Germanic tribes and posterior to the Holy Roman Empire. Indeed, Germany as a single state has existed only since 1871, when a large number of previously independent German kingdoms united under Prussian leadership to form the German Empire (Deutsches Kaiserreich). The empire ended in 1918 when Emperor (Kaiser) Wilhelm II was forced to abdicate after Germany's defeat in World War I (1914-1918). The Empire was followed by the short-lived Weimar republic, which tried to establish a liberal, democratic regime. However, the young republic was plagued with massive economic problems, strong antidemocratic forces and inherent organizational problems of the Weimar constitution. 1933 witnessed the final rise to power of the nationalistic and racist National Socialist German Workers' (Nazi) Party and its charismatic leader ( Führer ), Adolf Hitler, to power. Under the Nazi dictatorship, democratic institutions were dismantled and a police state installed. Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, handicapped people, socialists, communists and other groups not fitting into the Nazi ideology faced persecution, and ultimately murder in concentration camps. Hitler's militaristic ambitions to create a new German Empire in central and eastern Europe led to war, successively, with Poland, France, Great Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States - despite initial dazzling successes, Germany was unable to withstand the combined attacks of the Allies. After devastating defeat in World War II (1939-1945), Berlin was divided into four sectors, controlled by the French, British, US and Soviet forces. With the beginning of the Cold War, the entire country was divided into an eastern part under Soviet control, and a western part which was controlled by the Western Allies. The western part was transformed into the Federal Republic of Germany, with Bonn as the capital. The Soviet-controlled zone became the communist German Democratic Republic (GDR). Berlin had a special status, with the eastern part featuring as the capital of the GDR. The western sectors of Berlin were de facto an enclave of the Federal Republic. On August 13, 1961 the Berlin Wall was erected, and hundreds of Germans trying to escape from the communist regime were killed here in the following years. In the late 1960s a desire to confront the Nazi past came into being. Mass protests beginning in 1968 successfully clamoured for a new Germany. Democracy, human rights and anti-fascism became fundamental values of The Federal Republic of Germany. Post-war education had helped put Germany among countries in Europe with the least number of people subscribing to Nazi ideas. Willy Brandt became chancellor in 1969. He made an important contribution towards reconciliation between Germany and the communist states Germany was reunited in 1990 after the fall of the GDR's communist regime in 1989. The reestablished eastern states joined the Federal Republic on the 3rd of October, a day which is since celebrated as the German National Holiday ( Tag der Deutschen Einheit ). Together with the reunification the last post-war limitations to Germany's sovereignty were removed. [ edit ] Politics Germany is a federal republic, consisting of 16 states ('Bundesländer'). The federal parliament ('Bundestag') is elected every four years in a fairly complicated system, involving direct and proportional representation. A party will be represented in Parliament if it can gather at least 5% of all votes or at least 3 directly won seats. The parliament elects the Chancellor ('Bundeskanzler' - Angela Merkel) on its first session, which will serve as the head of government. Formal head of state is the President ('Bundespräsident' - Horst Köhler), who has only ceremonial and representative duties. Nevertheless every decision made by the paliament has to be signed by the president. He can also suspend the parliament (Bundestag). But all executive power lies with the chancellor. The 'Bundesländer' are represented at the federal level through the Federal Council ('Bundesrat'). Many federal laws have to be approved by the council. This can lead to a situation where Council and Parliament are blocking each other if they are dominated by different parties. The two most important parties are the Christian Democrats ('Christlich Demokratische Union (CDU)') and the Social Democrats ('Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD)'). Due to the proportional voting system, smaller parties can also be represented in parliament. The only "smaller" parties of any importance are the Liberals ('Freiheitlich-Demokratische Partei (FDP)'), the Green party ('Bündnis 90/Die Grünen') and the 'PDS', successor of the GDR's communist party, which still has a strong backing in the east. There have been some attempts by right-wing parties to get into parliaments, but they have failed at the 5% requirement. [ edit ] Culture Unlike the citizens of virtually all surrounding countries, most Germans are insecure and uneasy about their cultural heritage. They feel that German culture has been deeply compromised, even tainted by the Nazis who abused it to demonstrate German superiority. As a result, in Germany it´s frequent to find people - especially young people - openly declaring that they´d rather be not German and that there are many foreign places they´d prefer to live in. Part of this attitude comes from the German self perception as being fiercely individualistic. Identifying oneself as part of a group, an idea or a religion is often seen as uncool. This said, Germans have a strong sense of German culture and civilization as such. There´s a couple of names that you will come across over and over again: Goethe, Schiller, Beethoven, Wagner, Nietzsche, Kant, Mann, Brecht, Klee and many more are authors, composers and philosophers of the 19th and 20th century who are profoundly admired, though only a minority will actually be familiar with their works. Germans like to think that in the 19th century, Germany was the one "Land der Dichter und Denker" - the land of poets and thinkers - in the world. And to an extent there´s truth to that. Obviously, there have been significant German artists for many centuries - just think of Albrecht Dürer in the 15th and the towering figure of Johann Sebastian Bach in the 17th century. But most notably in the short timespan between the foundation of the German Empire in 1871 and its end in 1918, prolonged until 1933, Germany experienced something like a cultural outburst. It created a treasure of modern philosophy and science, understanding of the world, artistical expression in painting, sculpturing and music, literature and architecture, world-conquering products and Nobel prize-winning innovations that had no rival in its time. While you will find that a large part of German museum buildings and its contents come from that period - an era when politicians sought to symbolically create a culturally united Germany by commissioning monumental "temples" of culture -, it´s this ideal that Germans hold the present against. And obviously, the present doesn´t fare too well with that. When asked for their favourite authors or artists, a majority of Germans will put forward names from the past, while contemporary authors and artists are often perceived as lightweight and insignificant by comparison. Not only in this respect Germans are deeply nostalgic. Another reason for many Germans perceiving that culturally the good times are long gone might be the love/hate relationship with post-war US-American anglicized culture. You will notice how many billboards, shop windows and media spaces carry English phrases and expressions though they´re clearly not directed at foreigners. In public communications, advertising and media, English many times is preferred from German. Profoundly German companies like mobile network operator T-Mobile, part of telecommunications giant Deutsche Telekom, carry English claims (currently "For a better world for you"). Until recently, virtually all German pop musicians sang in English which is felt to be more modern and precise - only recently there has been a revival of German pop and rock music. Generally, many Germans feel touched by these subjects, and addressing them will make for a lot of interesting conversation. The existence of world-class opera, theater, concert halls, museums and galleries even in smaller cities is important even to those who never attend them. Entrance to these places is often heavily subsidized and thus cheap to students, unemployed and retired persons, underlining that access to high culture is a German national concern. When meeting Germans abroad, particularly in rather tropical countries or the USA, there´s two things most of them will admit to miss, no matter if they identify with being German or not. One is the bread (see further below), and two is the ubiquitousness of refined culture. While you´re in Germany, do become part of it. Talk to people, hear their opinions, and make up your mind for yourself! [ edit ] Get in Germany is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement . European visa policy will be covered in the article about the EU. In brief, a visa to any other signatory state of the Schengen Agreement is valid in Germany too. No visa is required for citizens of other EU member states, and those of some selected nations with whom the European Union or Germany have special treaties. Inquire at your travel agent or call the local consulate or embassy of Germany. As of May 2004 only the citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for entry into Germany. Note that citizens of these countries (except EU nationals) must not stay longer than three months in half a year and must not work in Germany: Andorra , Argentina , Australia , Austria , Belgium , Bermuda , Bolivia , Brazil , Brunei , Bulgaria , Canada , Chile , Costa Rica , Croatia , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , El Salvador , Estonia , Finland , France , Greece , Guatemala , Honduras , Hong Kong , Hungary , Iceland , Ireland , Israel , Italy , Japan , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Macau , Malaysia , Malta , Mexico , Monaco , New Zealand , Nicaragua , Netherlands , Norway , Panama , Paraguay , Poland , Portugal , Romania , San Marino , Sweden , Switzerland , Singapore , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , South Korea , United Kingdom , United States , Uruguay , Vatican City , Venezuela Also, there are no border controls between Germany and other Schengen Agreement nations, making travel less complicated. There are a number of ways to get into Germany. From neighboring European countries, a drive with the car or a train ride are feasible; visitors from further away will probably be using air travel. [ edit ] By plane The most important airports are Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC) and Düsseldorf (DUS). Berlin (TXL) and Hamburg (HAM) have some relevance to international travellers as well. Low-cost airlines mostly use smaller, out of the way airports, like Hahn , Baden-Baden , Dortmund , Paderborn or Lübeck . The airport of Cologne has grown to the biggest hub for discount airlines like German Wings, Hapag Lloyd Express, EasyJet or Deutsche BA. Connections to the nearest cities is more cumbersome than for larger, more established airports - but the details vary greatly with the location, of course. [ edit ] By train Regular train services connect Germany with neighboring countries.The downside with train travel is that due to incompatible systems, you will not be able to use any of the European high speed trains to cross into or get out of Germany; you have to use the more conventional "intercity" trains. There are exceptions, however. The Thalys brings you from Cologne ( Köln ) to Paris in approximately four hours. (See http://www.thalys.de/ ) Or you could take the ICE to Amsterdam from Frankfurt (3h 15), Cologne (2h 30) or Düsseldorf (2h 15). The train journey from Frankfurt to Paris using the ICE will take about six hours; going from Hamburg to Paris can take eight and a half hours. see http://www.bahn.de/ - website of the German railway corporation. Click on "Int. Guests" to see the site in English. [ edit ] By Boat Some international ferry services exist, notably to Scandinavia and Great Britain . An incomplete list of connections follows: [ edit ] Scandinavia From Rodby , Denmark to Putgarden From Gedser , Denmark to Rostock From Trelleborg , Sweden to Rostock , Travemuende and Sassnitz From Malmo , Sweden to Travemuende From Gothenburg , Sweden to Kiel From Oslo , Norway to Kiel From Helsinki , Finland to Rostock and Travemuende From Hanko , Finland to Rostock [ edit ] Poland From Swinoujscie (passenger ferries only) [ edit ] Russia From Kaliningrad , Russia to Sassnitz and Luebeck From St. Petersburg , Russia to Kiel , Sassnitz and Luebeck [ edit ] Baltic States From Klaipeda , Lithuania to Kiel From Liepaja , Latvia to Rostock From Riga , Latvia to Luebeck [ edit ] Switzerland From Basel by Rhein-Schifffahrt down the Rhein river. [ edit ] Get around [ edit ] By car Germany has a world-famous network of excellent roads and highways ( Autobahn ), but gasoline prices are kept high by taxation; in 2005 prices float around 1,25 € per litre. At gas stations you'll have the choice between Diesel, "Benzin" (unleaded gasoline), Super and SuperPlus (high octane ). Here and there you might find "Erdgas", too, this is compressed natural gas , not gasoline. In Germany, you may first fill up your tank and pay afterwards. Car rentals are available in most cities. When renting a car, be aware that most cars in Germany have manual gearbox (stick-shift), so you might want to ask for a car with an automatic gearbox if you're used to. The police will show blinking signs reading "Polizei Halt" (police, stop) if they want to stop you. [ edit ] Using the Autobahn German drivers tend to drive faster and more aggressively than you might be used to, especially on the parts of the highway system without speed limit, which is taken to be literally. Always have a look over your shoulder when changing lanes. Especially motorbikes at 200 km/h (125 mph) and more may seem to appear out of nowhere within a second. Use the right side if it's free, even if everybody seems to like the middle (if exist) and the left track. But be careful if you overtake another car left to you, it is allowed only within cities, in traffic jams or at low speed. Never ever reverse on a highway when you missed an exit. Go to next exit and make a U-turn. Autobahnen have an emergency lane where you're allowed to stop only in case of a breakdown; for everything else, always use the frequent service areas. Note that it is dangerous to stay in the car on the emergency lane, especially trucks may run off their line and crash into your car's back or side. Arrows on the small posts along the Autobahn guide you to the next orange emergency phone. These will automatically connect you free of charge with an emergency call center which will help you get the police, an ambulance or just a mechanic. These phones should be the preferred choice over using your mobile since they transmit your exact location. In some areas emergency tracks are used as extra lanes in times of heavy traffic. But this is always announced by electronic light signs. In case of a breakdown you may also call the ADAC, by members the world's largest automobile club. The number is +49 180 2222222 from fixed lines and 22 22 22 from mobile phones regardless of network. On the Autobahn, the ADAC must come to you free of charge. In other situations, there may be costs involved if you're not a member. If you're a member of a foreign AA or automobile club, you may want to check if the ADAC honours your membership. [ edit ] By train Germany has a dense railway system, which reaches almost every part of the country. Unless you travel by car, the train will be your major mode of transportation. Crossing Germany from Munich in the south to Hamburg in the north will take only 6 hours at best. The majority of the trains are operated by Deutsche Bahn ("German Rail"), the formerly state-owned railway company privatized a few years ago. The trains are usually reliable, and a comfortable and safe way of travel. If not otherwise indicated, the information in this section is about DB-run trains. There are some independent railway companies which run regional trains or aim at specific target markets, like business travellers. http://www.bahn.de/ - German railway corporation [ edit ] Long distance All major cities are linked by ICE (InterCity Express) and regular InterCity trains. The ICE are high speed trains, reaching top speeds of 300km/h; and even though they rarely cruise at such high speeds travel is faster than by car and quite comfortable. Be sure to get a reservation - it's not mandatory, but you may end up standing or sitting on the floor without one. The high speed ICE is the most expensive option, of course. On the major lines, an ICE or IC train will run each hour or so during the day. There are also EuroCity (EC) trains, which connect the larger European cities. For inner-Germany travel, these are virtually identical to the regular ICs. German Rail Passes provide unlimited transportation on all German Bahn trains and are easy to use for foreign visitors. In the off season reservations even on ICE trains are ususually not necessary, particularly in first class. This allows travelers to simply show up at the train station and take the next train. [ edit ] Regional travel Apart from the long-distance trains, there is a vast network of regional trains ("Regionalbahn"). The service will take you almost everywhere the intercity trains won't go or stop. Trains include 40 year old cars as well as brand-new carriages. Many are used by commuters - if you wish to have a relaxed travel, avoid the early mornings or later afternoons. Don't hesitate to inquire at the ticket counter at what times the trains are usually packed. On most trains, the cars may be marked with numbers one or two. This refers to the class of the rail car, "one" is first class, "two" is second class, etc. Do not board a first-class car if you do not have a first-class ticket. If you are unsure what type of ticket you have, it's probably second class. [ edit ] Online information and bookings All information and an online timetable for the Deutsche Bahn (as well as for a large number of other public transport providers incl. buses) are available from the Deutsche Bahn homepage. The page is in German, but timetable inquiries can be made in English http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/e . You may also book your tickets online with a credit card. The most comfortable option is to take an "online ticket", which you can print out at home. Note that these tickets are non-transferable and that you'll be required to show your BahnCard or credit card as an ID. (Note that you do have to print them on paper - a PDF export or something similar is invalid.) [ edit ] Fares There are some special promotions and prices the rail company offers at various times. Your best course of action is to check their website, or to ask at a train station or their telephone hotline for current details. However, some general points to keep in mind are: If you buy a return ticket at least three days in advance you can get discounts of 25% and even 50% if your trip includes the night from Saturday to Sunday. Unlike standard fare tickets you must use the trains you booked the ticket for and cannot choose an earlier or later ones. Children up to fourteen years travel free when accompanied by at least one of their parents or grandparents. If you plan to travel by train a lot, you may consider getting a BahnCard , which gives you discounts on all ticket purchases. The BahnCard 25 costs €50 (€100 for first class) and gives you a 25% discount on all further ticket purchases. Spouses and kids of BahnCard 25-owners can get additional cards for €5. The BahnCard 50 is €200 (€400 for first class) and gives you a 50% discount on all tickets. You can get this card for half the price if you're a pupil or student (up to 26 years of age), a pensioner of more than 60 years or disabled. The German Rail Pass and the Eurail Pass allow for unlimited travel throughout Germany and Europe on a selectable number of days. These tickets are only available from travel agencies outside Germany. See Special offers for travelers from outside Europe ( http://www.bahn.de/p/view/international/englisch/travelservice/offers_non-europeans.shtml ) for more information. [ edit ] Informations for railway freaks There are several railways of special interests in Germany. These are e.g. the Rasender Roland on Rügen the Molli in Bad Doberan the Harzquerbahn the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn in Wuppertal the H-Bahn in Dortmund the Schwebebahn Dresden Cog railways are in Stuttgart, up Drachenfels, up the Zugspitze Mountain and up the Wendelstein Mountain. [ edit ] By plane Airlines like Deutsche Lufthansa connect major cities in Germany to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel - especially when you travel with luggage - domestic air travel is used mostly for business purposes. Recently (2003-2004) many airlines have been offering very low prices due to the high competition in the industry, so it makes sense to compare the prices for plane tickets to those of the railway tickets if you want to go to some major cities. Make sure though, that you get where you want to! Low-cost airlines are known for naming small airports in the middle of nowhere by cities 200 km away (e.g. Frankfurt-Hahn is not Germany's major international airport Frankfurt/Main). [ edit ] By recreational vehicle and campervans Recreational Vehicle (RV) is a broad term used to describe a large enclosed piece of equipment with wheels designed to be moved from place to place for people to temporarily live in and be protected from the elements while away from their permanent domicile. Campervans are vans that have been fitted out for use as accommodation. They are considered as an alternative to the purpose-built recreational vehicle or motorhome because they are smaller and handle like most vans. Many RVers in Germany stay at RV parks, most of which feature electrical, water and sewer service (full hookups). If you are interested in a list of RV parks in Germany try Camper-Tour ( http://www.camper-tour.de/ ) or Michael's Reisemobil Seite ( http://www.reisemobil.online.cx/ ). Some nice RV parks are listed with fotos in http://www.womo4u.de/womo_stellplaetze.htm . Promobil is Europe's biggest print-magazine for RV's and also provides a list of RV parks in Germany online ( http://www.promobil.de/ ). RVers need supply and disposal units to get fresh water and dispose sewage water. If you are looking for a complete list of supply and disposal units in Germany check http://www.womo4u.de/womo_vunde.htm . [ edit ] Hitching a ride It is possible to hitchhike in Germany and most Germans speak (broken) English, so talk slowly. Drivers rarely expect you to give them any money for the ride. However, it is usually a good idea to stand near a gas station close to an 'Autobahn' connection and ask drivers politely where they're going and if they have a free seat, rather than write your destination on a sign and stand next to a slip road (motorway access, "Autobahnauffahrt" in German) since most cars drive fast and it takes a long time until someone stops. The usual hitchhiking guidelines apply (stand where cars tend to drive relatively slow and so on). It is also quite common to arrange a ride in advance through the Internet. See for example http://www.mitfahrzentrale.de [ edit ] Talk The official language of Germany is German . The standard form of German is called "Hochdeutsch" (High German). This is accent-free German, the "official" form of the language. It is understood by all and spoken by many Germans. However, most regions have their own dialects, which might pose a challenge to those who speak even good German - and sometimes to native speakers as well. Most Germans learn English at school, so you should be able to get by with English in most places. Many people in the tourist industry also speak French or Spanish, but if you can't speak German, English remains your best bet. Even if the staff doesn't speak English, you are likely to find someone who does and is more than willing to help you. If you are speaking English with Germans, you should be aware of the following points: Learn at least a few common German phrases like greetings, how much something costs and so on. The most important question is probably "Entschuldigung, sprechen Sie Englisch?" ("Excuse me, do you speak English?"). Never ever start a conversation in English! Like other Europeans, most Germans tend to be picky about foreigners expecting them to speak the foreigner's language, but on the other hand will happily try to squeeze out even the most broken English if you first ask them to in the local language, i.e. German. Germans less fluent in the English language often say "become" instead of "get" because the German word "bekommen" ("get") is phonetically so close to "become". Since it's polite to reply "Bitte" if someone thanks you, Germans may literally translate this with "please" instead of "here you are" or "you're welcome". Another source of confusion is that Germans call mobile phones "Handy" and regard this as an English word. While Germany uses the 24 hour format for times, people often use 12 hour times in conversations. There is no real suffix like "AM/PM", though you can add "vormittags" (before noon) and "nachmittags" (after noon) when it's not clear from the context. Expressing "fractional hours" differs slightly among various regions of Germany. The "normal" way of doing it is: Quarter past one - Viertel nach eins also Viertel zwei Half past one - Halb zwei (half two) A quarter to two - Viertel vor zwei also Dreiviertel zwei In addition, Germans say two-digit numbers "backwards": instead of "twenty-two" they say "two and twenty". Numbers below 20 are said the same way as in English. This becomes especially important when you inquire for prices, although most who speak English with you should use the correct form. For more German, consult the German phrasebook . [ edit ] Buy [ edit ] Currency Germany is part of the European Union and the Eurozone; as such it replaced German marks with the euro (symbol: €) in the year 2002. Since it has been only a few years since the introduction of euro cash, a few people will still use the old national currency names. For example, it is entirely possible that a German would still refer to "Mark" and "Pfennig". They mean euros and cents, so just mentally substitute the two. Do not expect anybody to accept other types of currency, or to be willing to exchange currency. An exception are shops and restaurants at airports and also - more rarely - fast-food restaurants at major train stations. These will generally accept at least US dollars at a slightly worse exchange rate. If you wish to exchange money, you can do so at any bank, where you can also cash in your traveller's cheques. Currency exchanges, once a common sight, have all but disappeared since the introduction of the euro. Again, international airports are an exception to this rule. Do not accept German marks from anybody. While you can still exchange them for euros at central bank offices in bigger cities, this will mean a lot of hassle for you. German banks have agreed on a standard debit card called "EC card" this is far more accepted as plastic payment methods than credit cards from American Express, VISA and others. Nevertheless, credit cards are often accepted, but to a lower extent than in other European countries or the United States . If you want to pay by credit card, it is best to check in advance if your card will be accepted. Most ATMs will allow you to withdraw money with your credit card, but you'll need to know your card's PIN for that. [ edit ] Tipping It's common in Germany to round up the bill in restaurants or pubs. Since the introduction of the Euro, a tip of about 10% is customary if you were satisfied with the service. Of course you can tip more, if the service was really good. However, there is no obligation to tip, especially if the service was bad. Unlike in some other countries, service staff is always paid by the hour (albeit not always that well). A tip is a matter of politeness, and shows your appreciation. [ edit ] Eat German food sticks pretty much to its roots and a typical dish will consist of meat with some form of potatoes and gravy, accompanied by vegetables or salad. However, the modern German cuisine has been influenced by other European countries such as Italy and France and gets a bit lighter. Dishes show a great local diversity and it might be interesting to discover those. Since most bigger employers have a canteen for their employees, you will find fewer sandwich shops and takeaways than in the Anglo American world and therefore the eating out culture in Germany is dominated by the Gasthaus/Gasthof and Restaurants to have proper food. Putting places to eat in 6 categories gives you a hint about the budget/taste. Starting from the lower end, these are: [ edit ] Imbiss 'Schnellimbiss' means quick snack, and is what you will see on the sign of German stalls and small shops that sell primarily sausage (Wurst) and fries (Pommes Frites). Sausages will include Bratwurst, which is fried and usually a boiled pork sausage. A very German variant is Currywurst: sausage chopped up and covered in spiced ketchup, dusted with curry powder. Beer and often harder liquor are available in most.'Döner Kebab' is Turkish lamb or chicken stuffed into bread, similar to Greek Gyros and Arab Schawarma. The American junk food giants like McDonalds, Burger King and Pizza Hut are in most towns. Nordsee is a German seafood chain, they offer 'Rollmops' - pickled herrings - and many other fish and seafood snacks. [ edit ] Bakeries and butchers Germans have no tradition for sandwich shops, but you will find that bakeries / butchers sell quite nice take away food and are serious competition for the fast food chains. Even the smallest bakeries will sell many sorts of bread or rolls, most of them darker (for example, using more rye flour) than the white bread popular around the world and definitely worth a try. [ edit ] Biergarten Here you will get the obvious drink and in Bavaria you can bring your own food. Most places will cater simple meals. [ edit ] Brauhaus Microbreweries sell their products straight to the customer and you will find some nice food there as well. [ edit ] Gasthof/Gasthaus Probably 50% of all eating out places falls into this group. They are mainly family run businesses and are often owned since generations. You can go there to have a drink only, but if you want you can eat German food often with a local taste. [ edit ] Restaurant Place to have dinner in many flavours (German, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Turkish …). Do not wait to be seated, simply choose a free table. [ edit ] Typical dishes Rinderroulade mit Rotkraut und Knödeln: this dish is quite unique to Germany. Very thin sliced beef rolled around a "pickled gherkin" until it looks like a mini barrel (5cm diameter) flavoured with tiny pieces of onion, German mustard, ground black pepper and salt. The meat is quick-fried and is then left to cook slowly for an hour, meanwhile red cabbage and potato dumplings are prepared and then the meat is removed from the frying pan and gravy is prepared in the frying pan. Knödel, Rotkraut and Rouladen are served together with the gravy in one dish. Schnitzel mit Pommes frites: there are probably as many different variations of Schnitzel as there are restaurants in Germany. They have in common a thin slice of pork often covered in egg and bread crumbs that is fried for a short period of time and it is often served with fries (that's the Pommes frites part). Variations of this are usually served with different types of gravy: such as Zigeunerschnitzel, Zwiebelschnitzel, Holzfäller Schnitzel and Wiener Schnitzel. In the south you can often get Spätzle (pasta that Swabia is famous for) instead of fries with it. Spätzle are egg noodles typical of south Germany – most restaurants make them fresh. It is very common to find Schnitzel on the menu of a German restaurant, it might even be the most common dish in German restaurants. Rehrücken mit Spätzle: Germany has maintained huge forests such as the famous Black Forest, Bayrischer Wald and Odenwald. In and around these areas you can enjoy the best game in Germany. Rehrücken means venison tenderloin and it is often served with freshly made noodles such as Spätzle and a very nice gravy based on a dry red wine. Bratwurst “fried sausage”: there is no country in the world with a greater variety of sausages than Germany and it would take a while to mention them all. Here is the shortlist version: “Rote” beef sausage, “Frankfurter Bratwurst” pork sausage made in the Frankfurt style, “Pfälzer Bratwurst” sausage made in palatinum style , “Nürnberger Bratwurst” Nuremberg sausage – the smallest of all of them, but a serious contender for the best tasting German sausage, ”grobe Bratwurst”, Feldjäger, Thüringer Bratwurst, Currywurst, Weißwurst…….. this could go on till tomorrow. If you spot a sausage on a menu this is often a good choice. Often served with mashed potato, fries or potato salad. Pfälzer Saumagen : known for a long time in Palatinate, but difficult to find outside of this area. The dish became well known to the general public in Germany as then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s favorite dish, especially when this was enjoyed by him and the Russian president Mikhail Gorbatchev on a State visit in Germany in Deidesheim . Pictures of the feast are shown in the restaurant “ Deidesheimer Hof” in Deidesheim. Literally this is pig stomach filled with a mash of potato and meat, cooked for 2-3 hours and then cut in thick slices often served with sauerkraut. [ edit ] Local specialities Starting from the north of Germany going south you will find a tremendous variety of food and each region sticks to it origins.The coastal regions are fond of seafood and famous dishes include “Finkenwerder Scholle”, going south to the region of Cologne you will find Sauerbraten (a roast marinated in vinegar). Labskaus is a dish from the north and the opinions about this dish are divided, some love it, others hate it. It is a mash of potato and meat decorated with rollmops and a fried egg and gurken on top. The Pfalzer area has Saumagen (stuffed pork's stomach), Swabia is famous for Spätzle (a kind of noodle), "Maultaschen" (noodles stuffed with spinach and mince meat, but lots of variations, even veggie ones, exist) and at the coast there's a variety of fish dishes. In Bavaria this may be Schweinshaxe mit Knödeln (pork's leg with knödel, a form of potato dumplings), "Fleischkäse mit Kartoffelsalat" (kind of meat pie and potato salad), "Nürnberger Bratwurst" (probably smallest sausage in Germany), Weißwurst (white sausages). The south is also famous for its nice tarts such as the "Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte" (tart with lots of cream and spirit made from cherries). A delicacy in Saxony is Eierschecke , a slices with a covering of eggs and cream. [ edit ] Seasonal specialities White “Spargel” asparagus floods the restaurants in April/June all over Germany and it is delicious especially in and around Baden-Baden and the small town of Schwetzingen ("The Spargel Capital"), near Heidelberg, as well as in the area southwest of Berlin, especially in the town Beelitz. Many vegetables can be found all around the year and the are often imported from far away. Whereas asparagus can be found only for 2 months from mid April to mid June and is best enjoyed freshly after harvest it stays nice for a couple of hours or till next day. The asparagus is treated very carefully and it is harvested before it ever is exposed to daylight and only then it remains white. When exposed to daylight it changes its color to blue and it might taste bitter. Therefore, white asparagus is considered to be better by most Germans. The standard Spargel meal is the spargel stalks, hollandaise sauce, boiled potatoes, and some form of meat. The most common meat is ham, smoked prefered; however you will find it teamed with schnitzel (fried breaded pork), turkey, beef, or whatever is available in the kitchen. White asparagus soup: one of the hundreds of different recipes that can be found with white asparagus is soup. Often it is made with cream and has some of the thiner asparagus peaces. Lebkuchen : Germany has many nice Christmas biscuits and gingerbread. The best known are produced in and around Nuremberg . Stollen is a kind of plaited bun during the Advent season and yuletide. Original Stollen is produced only in Dresden , Saxony , however you can buy Stollen everywhere in Germany. [ edit ] Miscellaneous Germans are very fond of their bread , which they make in many variations. This is the food that Germans tend to miss most when away from home. Most people like their bread relatively dark and dense and scorn the soft loaves sold in other countries. Bakeries will rarely provide less than twenty different sorts of bread and it's worth trying a few of them. In fact, many Germans buy their lunch or small snacks in bakeries instead of takeaways or the like. Prices for a loaf of bread will range from 0.50 € to 4 €, depending on the size (real specialities might cost more). [ edit ] Vegetarian Vegetarian cooking hasn't caught on in Germany, but in general you will be respected and get some food. Most restaurants have one or two vegetarian dishes, or will prepare something without meat; but there aren't many places which are particularly aimed at vegetarian or vegan customers. Sometimes, restaurant owners will make fun of your food preferences and attempt to give you something you asked them to leave out. There are a number of pure vegetarian and even some vegan restaurants- to find them consult for example http://www.vegan.de/guide/restaurants/ (german) or www.fleischlos-geniessen.de (VEBU restaurant list, the restaurants are not necessarily vegetarian in general.However, there are usually organic food shops ("Bioladen" or "Naturkostladen") in every city, providing veg(etari)an bread, breadspreads, cheese, icecream, vegan cream topping, tofu and saitan. The diversity and quality of the products is great and you will find shop assistants that can answer special nutritional questions profoundly. [ edit ] Drink Legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for anything stronger. [ edit ] Beer Germans consider their beer to be the best in the world. And although other nations may disagree, the brew is usually very good and far superior to the bland stuff from the "international" brands. For centuries, beer-making was governed by the Reinheitsgebot (purity law), which states that German beer may only be made from certain ingredients. The Reinheitsgebot has come down with the European integration, but traditional breweries continue to stick with it. Specialities include Weizenbier , a refreshing wheat beer which is popular in the south, Alt , a kind of dark ale and Kölsch , another kind of beer from the city of Cologne . There are also seasonal beers, which are only made at different times of the year. Beer is usually served in 200 or 300ml glasses (in the northern part) or 500ml in the South. In Bavaria, 500ml is a small beer and a litre is a large one. Except for Irish pubs, Pints are unusual. For Germans, lots of foam is a sign of freshness, thus, beer is always served with a lot of head. Additionally, Germans are not afraid to mix their pure beer with other drinks. Beer is commonly mixed with Sprite and called Radler ; "Cocktails" of pils/Altbier and soft drinks like Fanta, Coke and so on are also very common but seem to have a different name in every town. Pubs are open in Germany until 2 in the morning or later. Food is generally available until midnight. Germans typically go out after 8pm. Note also, that in Germany the legal drinking age is different than in most other countries. Beverage containing natural concentration of alcohol, wine and beer for example, may be drunk in public by children from the age of 14 if they're with their parents, if not from the age of 16. Spirits are allowed from the age of 18. [ edit ] Cider Undisputed capital of "Apfelwein" cider in Germany is Frankfurt . Locals love their cider and it is very popular around here. It is often served in a special jug called "Bembel". The taste is slightly different from Ciders in other countries and it tends to be quiet refreshing. In autumn when apples are turned into cider you might find "Frischer Most" or "Süßer" signposted at some places. That means this is first product in the chain of "Apfelwein" production and one glass of it is nice. Two or three glasses and you will have a problem. In Trier "Apfelwein" is called "Viez" and very sour. [ edit ] Coffee Germans drink coffee . Lots of it. Coffee is always freshly made from ground coffee or beans - no instant. However, persons coming from countries with a great coffee tradition (like Italy , Portugal , Turkey , Greece or Austria ) might find the coffee that is served in normal restaurants a bit boring. Usually children in Germany don't drink coffee because it's not healthy for them. [ edit ] Glühwein Visiting Germany in December? Then go and see one of the famous Christmas markets (the most famous taking place in Nuremberg , Dresden and Aachen ) and this is the place where you find Glühwein (English: Mulled Wine), a spiced wine served very hot. Just to comfort you in the cold winter. [ edit ] Spirits “Kirschwasser” literally means cherry water, it certainly tastes of cherry but on the other hand it is not regular drinking water. There is a long lasting tradition in making spirits in Baden and “Kirschwasser” is probably the flagship product and it might encourage you to taste other specialities such as Himbeergeist, Schlehenfeuer, Williamchrist and Apfelkorn. “Enzian” Bavarians like their beer as well their Enzian. A spirit high in alcohol that is best as a digestive after a hefty meal . [ edit ] Tea Tea is also very popular, and a large choice is readily available. Especially the region of East Frisia has a long tea tradition. [ edit ] Wine In the same that German think that their beer is the best in the world they are passionate about their wines. The similarities don't stop here, both products are often produced by small companies and the best wines are consumed locally and only the remaining ones are exported. The production of wine has a 2000 year old history in Germany as learned from the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier , but of course this was a roman settlement at this time. Sunshine is the limiting factor for the production of wines in Germany and therefore the wine production is limited to the south. White wine plays a main role in the wine production, but some areas produce red wines (Ahr, Baden Württemberg). White wines are produced from Riesling, Kerner and Müller-Thurgau grapes (there are a lot more, but to name them all would be too much), and produce generally fresh and fruity wines. German wines can be rich in acid and are quit refreshing. It is generally accepted that Riesling grapes produce the best German wines, but they demand a lot of sunshine and they grow best in very exposed areas such the Mosel, Rheingau, Bergstrasse, Kaiserstuhl and Pfalz. The best way to learn about wines is go to the place where they are grown and taste them on the spot. This is called "Weinprobe" and is generally free of charge though in touristic areas you have to pay a small fee. Good wines usually go together with good food and therefore it is well worth it to visit some of those places. Wine producing areas are: Ahr Ahr is the paradise of German red wines. Half of the production is dedicated to red wines and it is densely populated with “Gaststätten” and “Strausswirten”. A saying goes: Who visited the Ahr and remembers that he was there, hasn’t actually been there. Baden Franken : don't think Bavarians make only beer. In the northern part of Bavaria you can find a very nice wine. Some wines produced in Franken are sold in a special bottle called "Bocksbeutel". Hessische Bergstrasse : located on the slopes of the Rhine valley it is a quiet small wine producing area and wines are usually consumed within the area in and around Heppenheim . Mosel : the steepest vineyards in Germany can be seen when driving in the Mosel valley from Koblenz to Trier . Rheinpfalz : biggest wine producing area in Germany. Has some excellent wines to taste and a lot of nice villages embedded in vineyards. Tasting wine in Deidesheim is a good idea and several prime producer of German wine are all located on the main road. Want to see the biggest wine barrel in the world then go to Bad Dürkheim . Rheingau : is the smallest wine producing area, but it produces the highest rated Riesling wines in Germany. Visit Wiesbaden and make a trip on the Rhine to Rüdesheim . Rheinhessen Sachsen : One of the smallest wine regions in Germany, nestled along the Elbe River near Dresden and Meissen . Württemberg As it was mentioned before, here the rule, that the wine production is consumed by the locals, strictly applies. The wine consumption is twice as high as in the rest of Germany, regardless of whether it's red or the white wine. The specialty of the region is the red wine called Trollinger and it can be quite nice by German standards. Saale-Unstrut : located in the state Saxonia-Anhalt at the banks of the rivers Saale and Unstrut it is most northern wine area in Europe. [ edit ] Sleep Germany provides a lot of options for accommodation, including hotels, B&B's, hostels, and camping. You might also consider staying with members of a hospitality exchange network. [ edit ] Hotels Many hotel chains have franchises in the major German cities, and a variety of local hotels exist. Be wary of absurdly expensive broadband connections. For example, the Hilton Berlin ( http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=BERHITW ) uses the awful EUROSPOT service, which is 30 EUROs a day, and limits bandwidth use. Ask before you book, and be careful about their definitions. "Broadband" sometimes means dialup. [ edit ] B&B's B&B's ("Pensionen" or "Fremdenzimmer") provide less comfort than hotels for cheaper prices. [ edit ] Hostels Hostels provide simple, budget accommodation primarily in shared rooms. They are good places to get to know other travellers. In Germany, as in many countries, two flavors exist: international youth hostels and independent hostels. International Youth Hostels ("Jugendherbergen") are owned and run by the association "Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk" (DJH), which is part of the Hostelling International (HI) network. Their more than 600 hostels are spread all over Germany in big and small cities as well as in the country side. Not only individual travellers are guests, but also by school classes and other youth groups. To sleep there, you have to be or become a member in a youth hostel organisation belonging the HI network ( http://www.hihostels.com ) . Detailed information about this and each of their hostels can be found on the DJH's Website ( http://www.jugendherberge.de/international/ ) . Privately run independent hostels are an attractive alternative for a similar price. More than 60 already exist in Germany, getting more and more every year. They are located in bigger cities, especially in Berlin , Munich , Dresden , and Hamburg . Only few are in the country side. Sometimes run by former travellers, hostels refrain from having strict rules. Especially small ones are frequently places where you can feel at home. There is no need to be a member in some organisation to sleep there. About half of the hostels have organized themselves in a "Backpacker Network" ( http://www.backpacker-network.de/ ) , which provides a list of their members hostels. A more complete list is Marcus's hostel list ( http://www.hostel-list.de/ ) . If you are interested in other traveller's opinions about hostels try www.hotelz.com ( http://www.hostelz.com/ ) . If you looking for a Free Fast and Easy way to find a hostel check www.hostelineurope.com . [ edit ] Camping There are many campsites in Germany. Some travellers just put up their tents somewhere in the country side. In Germany this is illegal, unless you have the landowner's permission. [ edit ] Learn German universities can compete with the best universities in the whole world. Since the vast majority of the universities are state-owned, studying in Germany is usually very cheap (50-500 Euros/semester). German Academic Exchange Service ( http://www.daad.de/ ) Goethe-Institut ( http://www.goethe-institut.de/ ) offers German language courses [ edit ] Work While unemployment in Germany is at a rate of more than 10 % at the moment, there are jobs for those with the right qualifications or connections. Non-EU foreigners wishing to work in Germany should make sure they secure the proper permits. Since this can mean extended acts of bureaucracy for non-EU citizens, it is likely not a good method to help your travelling budget. If you want to stay in Germany for an extended period of time, but do not speak German, your best bets are large multinational companies in the banking, tourism or high tech industries. Frankfurt , Stuttgart , Munich and of course Berlin are likely the best places to start looking. A good knowledge of German is usually expected, but not always a prerequisite. [ edit ] Stay safe Germany is a safe country, but there are some districts that you might avoid at night by the unwary, or by lone women. However recent statistics show a significant drop in major crimes like murder or robbery. Pick-pockets can be a problem in large cities or at events with large crowds. Big cities also have their share of beggars and punks, but these are hardly ever dangerous. You don't need to give beggars money. Germany has one of the world's best social systems that nobody has to beg. Those are often "professional beggars" who beg for a second income. Germany has a dense network of emergency services, check the next paragraph on how to call them. [ edit ] Emergencies The nationwide emergency number is 112 for medical emergencies and fires, while the police emergency number is 110 . Even if you call the "wrong" number, your call will be forwarded to the right emergency services. These numbers can by dialed toll-free from any phone booth or (mobile) phone. Mobile phones without a valid SIM card will still allow you to dial the 112 emergency number. If you're reporting an emergency, the usual guidelines apply: Stay calm and state your exact location, the type of emergency and the number of persons involved. Don't hang up immediately, the operator may have further questions. [ edit ] Medical emergencies The hospitals (Krankenhäuser) have emergency rooms which are open around the clock. They will deal with all kinds of medical problems, although you may have to wait if your problem is minor. In life-threatening situations do not try to get to the hospital yourself - call an ambulance via 112 or 19222 , the emergency number that connects you with the local ambulance service. Pharmacies are called "Apotheke" and are marked by a big, red "A" symbol. At least one pharmacy per city or suburb will be open at all times. Each pharmacy will post the name and address of the nearest open pharmacy in the window. There will also be a dentist on stand-by in each town. The number is usually available from the yellow pages. [ edit ] Racism Germany is often considered to be a rather racist country, primarily towards non-Europeans/non-whites/non-Christians. To some extent this might be true (especially in the East) but Germany's history combined with some dramatic television news in the 1990s have left a lasting impression with many people around the world. The real situation is far (!) less dramatic and of course much more complex. Note, for example, that there is no right wing party in the parliament. In reality, however, Germans are no more racist than people in other Western industrialized countries. Most large cities in Germany are extremely cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic with large communities of foreigners including non-whites and religious minorities. People in Germany are aware of the issue and will usually be tolerant or at least politically correct. Most foreign visitors never deal with issues of open discrimination or racism. The most common forms of racism against non-white visitors here include are queer looks (often caused by uneasiness or insecurity), some snubbing and at worst (very, very rarely) verbal insults. In some parts of the former East Germany, the situation is slightly different. Higher unemployment rates are a fertile ground for racist ideas. In addition, there has been an educational lack of peaceful, tolerant co-existence with foreigners in the GDR. Consequently, there are more incidences of racist behaviour than in the West with somewhat more frequent outbursts of physical violence, although such events remain rare and out of the ordinary even in eastern Germany. It is important to remember that Germany is in general an extremely safe country with a very low violent crime rate. When away from large crowds or tourist areas, Non-White tourists should be somewhat cautious, but a paranoid attitude would be overdoing it. [ edit ] Gay and lesbian travellers On the whole, attitudes are tolerant towards gays and lesbians particularly in the cities, most of which have vibrant scenes. In small towns and in the countryside kissing and holding hands may provoke stares. Many politicans and famous stars in Germany are homosexuals, and this is not generally held against them by most of the population. Germany allows gays or lesbians to adopt children like in the United States , which has recently been passed. [ edit ] Papers, please! In large cities the police is working to control illegal immigration. As a result, it's a very good idea always to carry your passport and visa papers, if applicable - especially if you happen to be visibly of non-European descent. And apart from that, it's the law. If you don't, you could at best face a considerable delay as your story gets checked, and at worst more serious consequences. Again, remember that German police are generally very helpful, but they have heard all the stories about "I forgot my papers" before and will likely be skeptical of your explanation. If you'd rather like to keep your papers at the hotel, take at least a photocopy with you. [ edit ] Stay healthy Sanitary and medical facilities in Germany are very good. The phone book lists telephone numbers for various medical services, many hotlines and services exist that are open during "off hours". The emergency ambulance (for serious accidents and so on) can be reached via the telephone number 112 (the fire brigade). Health care in Germany is a complicated issue, with several types of mandatory public and private health insurances involved. You may wish to check with your insurance about their co-operation with German health insurance companies. Tap water is usually safe for consumption, you may wish to employ caution with public sources of water (restrooms et cetera) but even these should not be harmful. Exceptions will be labeled ( "Kein Trinkwasser" , no drinking water). Many lakes and rivers, as well as both the North Sea and Baltic Sea are generally safe for swimming. This depends on the locale, however. And while there may be no life-threatening pollutants in most bodies of water, you would do very well to inform yourself about local regulations. Finally, if you intend to visit the North Sea, you should inform yourselves about the tide schedules. Getting caught in a tide can be fatal. There are no tides in the Baltic Sea. Finally, while there is really no dangerous wildlife in Germany, you should be aware of rabies ( Tollwut ) which has been a problem in some areas in the past. If you want to go to Germany for hiking or camping, you should inform yourself about the situation at your destination and take appropriate precautions. Normally, you won't have to worry about it however. You usually need a permit to camp or make a campfire and German authorities can be quite strict about this. In some parts of Germany there is a risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis. Innoculation can be advisable. [ edit ] Respect There are no real taboos in Germany that don't apply in other Western countries. Northern Germany (Berlin especially) is a lot more relaxed about etiquette than the south. Drinking in public is frowned upon, for those so inclined, but no punishment will ensue (if you become aggressive, that's another matter of course). On German beaches, it's usually okay for women to bathe topless, however full nudity is uncommon and frowned upon - especially for men. Nudist areas on beaches, however are very common and are labeled "FKK" ( Freikörperkultur , literally free body culture). In most saunas nudity is compulsory. One should sit on a toilet even when urinating, and clean it after each use with the brush kept beside it. Rumors that it is illegal in Sachsen-Anhalt to use a toilet standing up are, however, unfounded. Feeding pigeons is prohibited in many cities. It is hard to imagine that you will get fined even if confronted about it by a policeman, but it is entirely possible. You don't feed rats in the street; and likewise, you shouldn't feed pigeons either. It is important to bear in mind that Germans at first glance seem to be, generally, somewhat less polite than folk in English speaking countries - but it is only the nature of the language: don't be offended by curt remarks, that's simply how you talk in German. Do not be afraid to approach Germans. They are a very direct and honest people: if they can or want to help you, they will, if not, they will tell you so. Note that technically it is against the law to insult others, so swearing at someone or "giving him the finger" in public is rare and could lead to unforeseen complications. Be very tactful with regards to the subject of the Second World War. The legacy of that war is well understood by Germans and it can be a very shameful burden shared even by people born forty years after its end. What might appear from an outsider's perspective to be "an innocent joke" might actually go down in a much more awkward way. It's also not very intelligent to say "Heil Hitler" or anything like that in public -- it can get you in really big trouble and possibly even arrested. Conversely, some foreign tourists and residents complain that Germans themselves bring up topics such as WWII or recent events (eg. the Iraq war). Other complaints revolve around Germans pushing and shoving in public and staring at strangers. Do not, under any circumstances show any swastikas or other symbols related to Nazis. It can land you in jail. Denial of the Holocaust is also a crime in Germany. However do note that symbols similar to Nazi symbols are used by rightwing groups, often in coded form. [ edit ] Photography In Germany it is illegal to film or photograph of a person without their permission if you want to publish the result. The exception are of course crowds or people just happen to stand in front of something else you take a photo of. When in doubt, ask for permission. For private use both is allowed. Please be aware that taking picture in special situations, like bathrooms, lockerrooms or swimmingareas are probably forbidden.There are some new laws in progress that will forbid taking pictures of people in intimate situations. [ edit ] Contact [ edit ] Telephone The international calling code for Germany is 49, and the prefix for international calls is 00; the area code prefix is 0. Some number blocks are reserved for special use: Number starting with 010 let you choose a different phone provider (see below), 0800 and 008000 are toll-free numbers, 0180 are service numbers (which may or may not be more expensive than a local call). Avoid 0190 and 0900 prefix numbers. These are for commercial services and often incredibly expensive. Germany has a highly advanced communications network; coverage for mobile phone is very good unless you go into really outlying areas between small villages. All mobile providers use GSM technology at the 900 and 1800 GHz frequency ranges. This is different to the GSM 1900 standard used in the United States, but modern "multi-band" handsets will usually work in all GSM networks. Non-GSM phones cannot be used in Germany. Germany is one of the few countries in the world that feature the UMTS technology in metropolitan areas. The vast majority of Germans own mobile phones; the disadvantage of this is that the once-common phone booths have started to disappear except at "strategical" locations such as train stations. If you stay for an extended period of time, consider buying a prepaid phone card from one of the mobile phone companies; you won't have trouble finding a T-Mobile (in a "T-Punkt"), Vodafone, E-Plus or O 2 store in any major shopping area. Mobile telephony is still comparatively expensive in Germany, depending on your contract you may be charged about €0.10 to €0.50 per minute (and more for international calls). Since the liberalization of Germany's phone market, there is a multitude of phone providers on the market which are all fake so don't buy them. If you're calling from a private fixed l