TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO IN MUNICH

                             Travelguide to Munich

Munich – Germany’s wealthy, sophisticated city, with a fabulous backdrop of the snow capped Alps. Famed for its annual beer festival Oktoberfest, but there is more to Munich than beer guzzling. Munich’s charm is its ability to be cosmopolitan and high-tech whilst at the same time having a rustic town like charm. Visit in summer to make the best of the municipal parks or winter for the Christmas Markets.

EnglischerGarten (English Garden) :

 Not  really a garden as such but Europe’s biggest Municipal Park. With sights to explore such as the Greek Temple, Chinese Pagoda, Japanese Tea House, a river and lake, endless cycle paths and a great selection of Beer gardens- why would you not pay a visit? Hot sunny days bring out the locals who prefer to sunbathe au-naturelle with many a tourist happy to join them!

 

NeuesRathaus (New Town Hall) :

This is one of Munich’s best known landmarks, and as you can imagine a popular place to visit in the city. There is a viewing point on the 9^th floor, which can be reached by a lift. It is a fine example of Gothic architecture to be appreciated from afar or explored up close.

 

Pinakothekder Moderne (Galllery of Contemporary Art) :

This massive museum features four collections; art, design, architecture and works on paper. The building in itself is interesting taking seven years to construct, it can be by its concrete rectilinear façade. It is the largest museum to be built in Bavaria since the end of the war.

 

Olympiapark:

You can actually skate on the Olympic ice rink and swim in the Olympic pool. The 287m high Olympic Tower boasts a stunning view of the city, here you will also find the obligatory overpriced rotating restaurant. Pick from a selection of tours like the one that takes you inside the athlete’s building, their locker rooms and showers, the stadium and down to the stadium field. You will also find the massive entertainment, Olympiahalle, featuring massive international concerts, dance performances, sporting events and collectors’ road-shows.

Marienplatz:

This square is the heart of the city and brings tourists time after time to soak up the atmosphere and marvel at the Gothic façade of the New Town Hall. Try and be around at 11am or 5pm to catch the show from the Town Hall Bell Tower, accompanied by a glockenspiel depicting a medieval dance and the wedding of Duke William V and Renata von Lothringen. This is also the perfect place to take a break and sample true Bavarian beer in one of the many establishments dotted around the square.

 

Whereto stay in Munich :

You will find the most expensive area to stay is in the city due to the luxury hotels and easy access to all the major attractions. Many hostels are also found centrally and are of a good standard. Head for the traditional Lehel area if you are looking for hotels with heaps of character. If you are staying in Munich during any of the major festivals such as Oktoberfest then be sure to book well in advance and expect to pay more than outside of these events.

Whereto eat and drink in Munich :

The inner city areas of Altstadt, Schwabing, Maxvorstadt and Isarvorstadtare where you will find most of the good eateries. Leopoldstrabe is lined with fashionable bars, restaurants, cinemas and shops; this is the place to be seen in Munich. Schwabing has been Munich’s premier entertainment district for some time; here you will find a great choice of bars, cinemas and pubs. Munich, quite surprisingly, has a great deal of multicultural cuisine so if you tire of the hearty traditional Bavarian fare there is plenty of other options available.

Howto get around Munich :

Walking is made easy by the central pedestrian zone from the Hauptbahnhof to Marienplatz. If you need the aid of a motor you will find Munich’s transport system  a whiz. The underground will get you everywhere you need to go with different ticket options such as the Stripe Ticket which will take you on a multi stop trip in one direction or the Day Tickets with multi use all day. These can be purchased from ticket vending machines at stations, including one at the airport if you’re really organized.

 

Thebest time to visit Munich :

 If beer’s your thing head for Munich’s autumnal celebration of the brown stuff in September. The weather is at its finest between May and September, bringing tourists in their droves between these periods. Spring makes a lovely time for a visit when it is less crowded and the sun still shines. A winter visit is not out of the question if you can handle the below zero temperatures.

BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS FOR GERMANY

         BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS FOR GERMANY

Good news for budget travelers: Germany is a relatively cheap country to visit, and Berlin ranks among the most inexpensive big cities in Europe. And we have some advice for you that will make the Dollar go even further - without taking the fun out of your vacation: Have a look at our Germany budget travel tips and save money, from flights and hotels, to restaurants, public transportation, and sightseeing.

Saveon Flights to Germany :

The earlier you book, the cheaper the flight; and you can lower your airfare even more by visiting Germany off-season. 
The most expensive times to fly to Germany are in summer (June-August), and during the holiday season (December). So how about traveling to Germany between January and May, or during October and November? Prices and crowds will be much smaller.

 Rental Carsand Train Passes on a Budget :

If you want to rent a car in Germany, reserve it online while you are still in the U.S.; you will get much better deals if you get your rental car in advance.

To rent a car in Germany, you need a valid driver’s license from your home state or province. The legal driving age in Germany is 18, but usually drivers have to be over 21 to rent a car.

A few car rentals request an international driver’s license, so check before you go; if you need an international drivers license, you can easily get it at any AAA location.

Want to see Germany by train? Stretch the Euro with special passes and discount train tickets like the "Happy Weekend Ticket", which allows you to travel to your heart's  content for a whole weekend (35 Euro).

Stayin a German Hostel :

Get a good night's sleep without worrying about money by staying in a German hostel. Most hostels offer simple single and double rooms (between 30 - 90 Euro) with private facilities. If you don't mind sharing a dorm with other travelers, you can save even more money and rest your head for as little as 12 Euro a night.

 Cheap Eats in Germany :

 Eating out in Germany doesn't have to break the bank; there are many inexpensive and delicious eateries, called "Imbiss". Try some German specialties like Bratwurst, Kartoffelsalat (potatoes salad) or Currywurst, a hot pork sausage, cut into slices and seasoned with curry sauce (2-3 Euro).

Some of my favourite "Imbiss"- snacks are Falafel and Döner Kebab, a rotisserie lamb or chicken, carved thin and packed in toasted Turkish bread with salad, tomatoes, and a sauce of your choice (3 Euro). If you are craving fresh sandwiches, rolls, or pastries, make sure to stop by a local "Bäckerei" (bakery).

Get a City Card :

Most German cities offer discount city cards; these special passes allow you unlimited travel on the public transportation system and get you discounts or even free entry to many landmarks, museums, restaurants, and events. Ask at the Tourism Office or at the reception of your hotel/hostel.

Bring Your Student ID to Germany :

If you have an international student ID, bring it! You'll be rewarded with discounts on everything from sights, shows, and museums, to movie theatres, swimming pools, and hostels.

German Museums for Free :

Pay a visit to a German museum, but don't pay for the ticket: Many German museums have an entry-free day, so check the museum's website and don't miss this opportunity.

TheBest Things in Germany are Free :

Many landmarks and attractions in Germany are free. Take our Berlin walking Tour that leads you to the best (and free) sights of the city; stroll through the Old Town of Munich, visit the Hamburg Harbor, celebrate at local wine festivals and Traditional Christmas Markets, climb the Alps, hike in the Black Forest, and swim in the Baltic Sea – all without paying a single Euro.

Tips to Avoid Most Expensive Travel Mistakes

           

 Tips to Avoid Most Expensive TravelMistakes

Every single dollar you pay on your trip counts. Bad expenses happen to sensible individuals, however having a general idea of what you can afford for your overall trip can facilitate keep those prices in line. Visiting smaller destinations and less-trafficked sites might considerably reduce the cost of your trip.

Here are some of the international travel mistakes that anyone can evade, if planning for long trip.
* Making a reservation ahead of time could be wrong decision. Most of the People often book their tickets before they’re confirmed about their trip and nevertheless they overpay, although there can be options available regarding seat sales and discounts through travel agents. If perhaps you’re traveling for the same destination you often visit , then stay away for sometime to book your flight until three months before you need to leave. Re-check your schedule prior to making every reservation and consider travel dates.
* Try to have two copies of your passport, so that you can leave one at home with a friend or family member and keep the other one tucked away in your suitcase, in case if you lost your passport or as stolen, then take the copy to your consulate so they can trace the number, cancel the original passport and issue you a new one.

* Arriving at the airport with overweight suitcases could have you busting your travel budget before take-off. Most airlines allow you to check one bag for free on international flights, but you could be charged up to $100 per additional piece of luggage or overweight bags. Regularly check weather reports for your destination to help determine what items you really need.
* Using your cell phone in a foreign land without an international service plan called as roaming without a net which could be very expensive. If you’re travelling for a longer period of time then contact your service provider to inquire about overseas fees and packages for using voice messages, text messages and accessing data from net.
* As you are going to land in a strange city without a hotel reservation it could be expensive. You may not have any option, instead you end up paying more than you expect for a last-minute room if economical accommodations are all booked up. Or else you will be left out wandering around jetlagged and desperate for a place to rest.
* If you plan to spend more time in a city, and excited to visit several parks or national areas, then investing in an area pass will benefit you. In most cities around the world, a transit pass offers discounts over piecemeal pay-to-ride fares. Sometimes they even come with museum and exhibits passes, and offer discounts at local businesses.
* If you’re traveling with kids, or have particular business needs, be very specific when you’re booking your reservation. While more hotels are catering to families, certain necessities are still considered luxuries at some locations. Checkout if you’re paying extra for the things you are offered.
* It will be crucial to have enough money for a travel out of the airport.  So avoid travelers checks in destination currency for those countries, since you’ll be locked in to a higher price as the currency falls. Practice the reverse if your home currency is in sharp decline. Exchanging much more than that at home is going to cost you in the long run.
* Make sure you have enough medical coverage and top it up if you’re not certain as it pays for accidents.
* To keep your meal expenses low, ensure breakfast is included in your accommodations, buy your snacks from a grocery store or farmers’ stand instead of a convenience store or kiosk near a major attraction, and order several appetizers for dinner.

SINGAPORE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

            SINGAPORE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS TO VISIT

Singapore is a small and wealthy island with many leading financial centers of the world. Tourism in Singapore is the major industry as it attracts millions of visitors every year with its good shopping, tasty food and wonderful places to spend your vacation. Singapore is in fact one of the most enjoyable cities in Southeast Asia.

Sentosa Island :
In Singapore, Sentosa Island is the best place with its recreation theme-park and various fun filled activities. It is a good place to enjoy with your family. There are various museums, dolphin lagoons, and splendid beaches. The underwater World, is a famous attraction in Sentosa that provides an introduction to the aquamarine world of fishes, corals and others, that will prove to be both enlightening and enjoyable.

Singapore Zoological Gardens :
There are more than 2,000 creatures are housed in this landscape. This zoo is based on the open zoo concept and is one of the highly acclaimed place to visit in Singapore. The zoo uses natural barriers for the animals like rock walls, streams, and even separate vegetation according to the species. Special attractions include Children’s World, where kids can interact with animals and enjoy excellent playgrounds, the six island Primate Kingdom, the sea lion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway.

Asian Civilisation Museum :
The Asian Civilisation Museum is the most established museum in Singapore that exhibits Asia’s cultures and evolutions. Those who are interested in histories and origins, then this is a great place to know about Singapore’s forefathers who came here for the past centuries.

Singapore River :
Singapore River, the life of the city provides visitors with the unique experience of Singapore’s past and present. River boat ride makes a view of  beautiful landscape of Singapore with many famous architectural buildings, city lights during the night. Some of the highlights of the river trip are Marina Bay, Boat Quay, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay.

Henderson Waves :
Henderson Waves is a Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge, also part of the Southern Ridges, is built to connect the two hills of Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill and has a wave like form made up of seven adjoining curved steel structures. It has become a popular spot for photographers.

Merlion : 
The landmark and mascot of Singapore is Merlion located just outside of the Esplanade with its imaginary creature which has a head of a lion and a body of a fish. The lion represents Singapore’s original name – Singapura – meaning the lion city. It is a good place to take photographs both during day time as well as in the night.

Singapore Night Safari :
Singapore Night Safari is a wild life park which has won Singapore Tourism Awards several times. This is another best place to enjoy the animals in their natural habitat. It is the first nocturnal zoo of the world. This wild life park can take tour in a open tram that will take you to explore around 40 hectares of forest. You can see animals in their natural habitat sleeping in comfort.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GERMANY

     

 THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GERMANY

Christmas markets are a wonderful part of Germany’s holiday tradition and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Here is an overview of the best Christmas Markets in Germany that will get you into a holiday mood in no time-can you already smell those roasted chestnuts?

ChristmasMarket of Munich  :

The Christmas market in Munich, also called "Christkindl Market", is celebrated at Marienplatz, in the center of the old town. It is a great place to buy traditional Bavarian wood carvings and glass crystals.
Enjoy the free traditional Christmas concerts that are held every day at 5.30 p.m. on the balcony of Munich's town hall, while children can enjoy arts, crafts and cookie baking inside the building.

ChristmasMarket of Dresden :

Dresden is proud to celebrate the oldest Christmas market in Germany, dating back to 1434. Dresden's Christmas market is famous for having the world's biggest nutcracker and a huge Christmas pyramid, a 45 feet high wooden carousel with life-sized angels and scenes from the nativity. The culinary highlight of this Christmasmarket is "Stollen", a traditional Christmas cake. Dresden celebrates this delicacy with a "Stollen Festival", where you can try the world's largest Christmas cake, weighing 4 tons and measuring 13 feet in length. 

ChristmasMarket of Nuremberg :

The Nuremberg Christmas Market takes place on the main square in the heart of the old town. One highlight of this ChristmasMarket is its opening celebration, when the Christmas Angel, played by a local girl, reads out a prologue from the balcony of the Nuremberg Cathedral. Stroll trough the 180 traditionally decorated huts that the locals fondly call "our little town of wood and cloth", and make sure to try the little Nuremberg Bratwursts and some "Lebkuchen", gingerbread cookies.

ChristmasMarket of Berlin :

Berlin is home to 60 different Christmas markets, but for the connoisseur, the historic Christmas market at the Gendarmenmarkt, close to Friedrichstraße, is not to be missed. Framed by the illuminated French and German Cathedral, you can wander the many booths or visit the heated craftsmen tent where you can watch toy makers, goldsmiths, and wood carvers at work. If you can't get enough of the holiday spirit, visit Berlin's Christmas markets at Alexanderplatz, Unter den Linden, Potsdamer Platz, or the Hanukkah Market at the Jewish Museum. 

ChristmasMarket of Cologne :

Cologne celebrates the season with seven Christmas markets throughout its city center. The Christmas market directly in front of the Cologne Cathedral is the most impressive one and boasts the largest Christmas tree in the region. Swing to free Christmas concerts playing nightly in front of the Cathedral, watch artisans at work, and try a cup of hot Glühwein, spiced mulled wine, to keep the cold away.

MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN DORTMUND

                         

                  TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS IN DORTMUND

Despite a notable history as a major anchor point in the industrial development of North Rhine-Westphalia and the vital Ruhr, Dortmund has a very different reputation today. Yes, while most visitors should visit regional milestones on the European Route of Industrial Heritage, the city of more than 600,000 people is rife with parks and even forests and agriculture.
As a result, this North Rhine-Westphalia green metropolis is a wonderful study in contrasts. From the vibrant activity of the old city to more remote, bucolic enclaves on the outskirts of the municipal borders, Dortmund offers much to enjoy. These ten must-see attractions, as always, represent a great start.

Museum of Art and Culture :

The superb Museum of Art and Culture was the first municipal museum in the entire Ruhr. The immense permanent collection is remarkably comprehensive, with exhibits that showcase graphic arts, architecture, archaeology, technology and social history.

Westenhellweg :

The Westenhellweg is a paramount nerve center of Dortmund, with myriad shops, restaurants, bars and other points of interest to explore. The busy pedestrian thoroughfare is the pre-eminent place to soak up the local city vibe and get a feel for Dortmund.

ZollernIndustrial Museum :

Dortmund is a major stop on the all-important European Route of Industrial Heritage. To experience why, head to the Westphalian Museum Zollern Colliery, otherwise known as the Zollern Industrial Museum. Not your typical museum by a long shot, the former mine now educates visitors on the economic and industrial development of the Ruhr.

Reinoldikircheand Marienkirche :

The Reinoldikirche and Marienkirche grace the Dortmund skyline and beckon visitors to enter and explore. Saint Reinoldus is the senior church in the city, with roots in the mid-13^th century, though the “Miracle of Westphalia” spire was built considerably later. The proximate austere Gothic Marienkirche has a noteworthy repository of religious art and treasures.

Westfalenstadion :

The UEFA Elite home of perennial Bundesliga crown contenders BV Borussia Dortmund is a one of the best stadiums on the continent. With a capacity of over 80,000, the facility is tops in Germany and repeatedly breaks European club football attendance records.

DortmundBrewery Museum :

Beer and the Ruhr region go hand in hand. While there are plenty of wonderful pubs and bars to raise one stein after another in Dortmund, head to the phenomenal Brewery Museum for a first-class education on the source history of suds.

ChristmasMarket :

This space has been a huge exponent for Christmas markets in Europe, be they in hamlets across Germany, Alsace, Belgium or Denmark. To put it simply, Dortmund has one of the premier Weihnachtsmarkt in the country. More than 300 stalls pack the old city and a mammoth Christmas tree towers above and punctuates the main square. Loads of yummy Westphalian treats in store of course.

BotanischerGarten Rombergpark :

The Botanischer Garten Rombergpark, is part arboretum, part botanical garden and all awesome. The historic landscaped park is precisely what every urban green space aspires to be – sadly, most fall well short of this Dortmund jewel.

AltesRathaus :

We seldom not recommend a German city’s Old Town Hall as a tourist attraction. The Dortmund Altes Rathaus is no exception. This fine structure was put together in the late 19^th century, relatively recently by German standards. Nonetheless, worth a tour.

Westfalenpark :

The Florianturm television tower is a strange anchor point but nonetheless, draws curious visitors to the spacious and frankly, extraordinary Westfalenpark. From raves and cultural festivals to good old weekend recreation, the spacious park is first-rate.

BEAUTIFUL CASTLES AND PALACES OF GERMAN

             
              CASTLES AND PALACES IN ROMANTIC GERMAN
            
Eltz Castle inMünstermaifeld :

The Eltz Castle lies in the West of Germany, between Koblenz and Trier. It is surrounded on three sides by a river and still owned by the same family that lived here in the 12th century, 33 generations ago. The Eltz Castle features a museum and has an impressive collection of original furniture and artwork on display. The Knights Hall has armor dating back to the 16th century, and the original treasure vault is worth a visit. The Eltz Castle is still an insider tip and not nearly as crowded as other castles in Germany.

Reichburg Castle in Cochem :
         
                      
Perhaps one of the most visually impressive castles of Germany, certainly not the largest, oldest or historically important, but upon approach either along the banks of the Mosel River (Moselle) of western Germany or from above on the winding road from the A 48, the Reichsburg Imperial Castle’s cone roof spired square tower stands above the walls like a jewel in a crown, perched on a steep sloped hilltop, high above the town of Cochem. The original castle was first built around the year 1,000, as the seat of a Palatine Count Ezzo of Erenfriede. 

Marksburg Caslte in Braubach :

MarksburgCastle is the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. It has been lived in for over 700 years and thus represents an ever changing and developing building complex that has been growing into its present shape over the centuries. Prior to its current name of Marksburg, the castle was known as Burg Braubach. On the Rhine’s right bank, upstream from its junction with the Mosel, a hill rises above the town of Braubach. Crowning the hill is MarksburgCastle, its unusually slender keep towering above the surrounding courts and ramparts.

Stolztenfels Castle in Koblenz :

In southern Koblenz, in the town district of Stolzenfels, the castle with the same name is enthroned high above the Rhine. As Stolzenfels Castle was erected by the Archbishop of Trier, Arnold von Isenburg, it was used to levy the Rhine tolls up until 1412. After the expansion by Archbishop Werner von Falkenstein, the toll castle became the residence of the Koblenz office for the Electorate of Trier. Nowadays the beautifully enchanting castle buildings, in which you can experience the impressive residential culture of the 19^th century, can reached on foot by serpentine path from the district of Stolzenfels.

Castle Pfalzgrafenstein in Kaub :

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is a toll castle on the Falkenau island, otherwise known as Pfalz Island in the Rhine river near Kaub, Germany. Known as "the Pfalz", this former stronghold is famous for its picturesque and unique setting.

The keep of this island castle, a pentagonal tower with its point upstream, was erected 1326 to 1327 by King  Ludwig the Bavarian. Around the tower, a defensive hexagonal wall was built between 1338 to 1340. In 1477 Pfalzgrafenstein was passed as deposit to the Count of Katzenelnbogen. Later additions were made in 1607 and 1755, consisting of corner turrets, the gun bastion pointing upstream, and the characteristic baroque tower cap.

Event at Rheinfels Castle in St. Goar :

Rheinfels Castle is a castle ruin located above the left (East) bank of the  Rhein in Sankt Goar, Germany. It was started in 1245 by Count Diether V of Katzenelnbogen. After expansions, it was the largest fortress in the Middle Rhein Valley between Koblenz and Mainz. It was slighted by French Revolutionary Army troops in 1797. It is the largest castle overlooking the Rhine, and historically covered five times its current area.