New research shows over 70% of consumers plan to travel over the next 12 months. This includes leisure trips to remote areas and small towns and outdoor adventures such as those offered in Nepal. City-centric trips and overseas adventures are also gaining ground as international travel has enjoyed a strong start to the year.

In particular, countries like Germany have seen a rise in foreign and domestic tourism. According to Statista’s February 2022 Global Consumer Survey, over 38% of domestic travelers under the age of 30 plan to travel to Germany in 2023, which marks an increase of around 25%.

The attraction of traveling to Germany comes from the country’s versatility. Besides history, art, and culture, Germany offers many natural beauty spots, such as Saxon Switzerland National Park and Blautopf Lake. Like with lots of different countries, however, there are a few things foreign travelers should know before visiting Germany.

Learn the language (even a little)

It’s always a good idea to learn about the language and the local customs of the country you’re exploring. Regarded as one of the most difficult languages to speak and understand, we know it’s not easy to learn German. To prepare for a trip to Germany you don’t necessarily need to be fluent, but it can be useful to familiarise yourself with some basic words and phrases, such as hallo (hello), ich heiße (my name is), and Danke sehr (thank you very much).

Even the slightest bit of understanding of German will make your trip much more enjoyable because you will feel like you’re immersing yourself in the culture. Understanding essential German words will also help with directions and transportation.

Master the local culture

Speaking of local culture, Germany is a country that likes to play by the rules, which means you want to know about these traditions and customs before exploring cities like Berlin. For example, jaywalking is frowned upon in Germany, so you always want to make sure that you only cross the road when the pedestrian light turns green.

Likewise, if you’re planning on using cycling as your means of transportation in Germany, ensure that you have a back and front light on your bicycle. There are hefty fines for cycling in the dark with no safety precautions.

You should also make sure you’re always recycling any bottles that you have. Germans are pioneers in recycling, and the country has intricate recycling systems. Establishments sort glasses by color and recyclers get money for returning bottles to supermarkets. If someone sees you throwing a plastic bottle into a garbage can, you may receive some disapproving looks.

Lastly, supermarkets, pharmacies, and shops are closed on Sundays in Germany, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling on weekends. Cafes, bars, and museums are still open, though.

Know your zone

Germany has one of the best transportation systems in the world, so travelers never have to worry about staying in one place for too long. However, you need to ensure you’re purchasing the right zone ticket for where you’re traveling.

For instance, Munich has around 20 different types of public transport tickets, and if you want to go to Schleissheim Palace, you will need a Zone M-1 ticket. However, if you want to get to the airport, you need a Zone M-5 ticket. The same rules apply in cities like Hamburg and Berlin.

Bring cash

While this may have changed over the last two years, Germany is known for primarily accepting cash over credit cards in its shops. You can use credit cards in large department stores, but not for small purchases and not in the local supermarkets. That is something to keep in mind before traveling to Germany, as you will need to know about exchange rates.

Travel means different things to different people. Some people like to relax by the pool, while others enjoy outdoor adventures such as camping. In Germany, you can experience both as the country offers luxurious city life and beautiful natural landscapes that are ideal travel destinations for both foreign and domestic travelers.

However, whether you’re in the countryside or exploring Berlin, you should spend some time before you leave for your adventure learning basic German greetings and mastering the local culture.