WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GOING ON HOLIDAY TO GERMANY BY CAR
Going on holiday to Germany by car is a different ballgame and differs in so many ways from going by flight or using the available public transportation systems to explore German towns and cities. Several factors that are not present in other modes of transportation come into play. One needs to take note of these factors when planning a trip to Germany by car. If you want to drive through Germany, you will need to patronize some companies. You can always read about the reputation of a company on Erfahrungenscout.de. You will get to know what the locals think about the company. For instance, if you want to rent a car, you can read about Firefly car rental to know the experience of other people in Germany who have patronized the company. What do you need to know before going on holiday to Germany by car?
LEARN SOME LITTLE GERMAN
In culturally diverse cities like Berlin, it is common to hear people speaking English. That may not be the case for rural or semi-urban areas. Learning some basic German will help in your journey by road to Germany, as it will facilitate easy communication between you and the locals. Germans also appreciate it if foreigners speak German instead of English.
SHOPS ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
Shops all over Germany are usually closed on Sundays. This is due to a Federal law placed in 1956 known as Ladenschlussgesetz or “Shop Closing Law” that prevents retail shops to be opened on Sundays or during public holidays. Restaurants, kiosks, and gas stations are exempted from the Law.
When travelling by road, ensure you pack enough resources that will enable you to survive Sundays.
KNOW THE DRIVING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Like every country around the world, Germany has sets of rules and regulations that control how things are done on the road. It is important to read these rules to avoid breaking any of them. Ignorance is not an excuse. Some of these rules are:
- You must have a first aid kit.
- Use appropriate child seats for children.
- Avoid making abusive gestures or using abusive language.
- You must always park on the right.
- The two default speed limits are 50km/h and 100km/h. The former is for within built-up areas and the latter for outside built-up areas, etc.
Consume enough information about German road rules to avoid fines.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT IS MAY
At this time of the year, most tourists are yet to arrive in Germany. You can enjoy the warm and pleasant weather. This is of good advantage, especially when travelling by car.
If you plan to visit German because of festivals, the best time would be September. The popular Oktoberfest runs from late September through early October. At this time of the year, millions of people travel to Berlin to partake in the beautiful Bavarian festival.
ABIDE BY THE COVID-19 PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Following the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, strict protocols have been put in place to help in containing the virus. Ensure you research the active Covid-19 preventive measures before embarking on a journey to Germany. Things you should know/do are:
- You must quarantine yourself if you’re coming from a high-risk area.
- Bring along with you your recent Covid-19 test or proof of testing negative to the virus.
- Check if your country is not banned from entering the German border.
- Wear a face mask and maintain social distancing at all times.
As part of the fight against the virus, some restaurants are closed in some Federal States. Make inquiries and prepare yourself beforehand. Check out the opening and closing hours of restaurants within your vicinity. Restaurants in rural areas usually sell snacks. To eat vegetable-rich meals, you may have to enter an urban area. Check out the weather and take precautions if necessary. If lost, don’t hesitate to ask questions.