Never been abroad before

Sue,

First of all, regarding the Jeans. Many travellers seem to prefer leaving those at home, as they can be hot and not the type of clothing that can be "touched up" quickly in a hotel room sink, as they take a long time to air dry.

Don't worry too much about the language issue. If you try to use the common greetings, you'll be fine. As you knew German as a child, you it will probably come back to you very quickly once you get there. I just returned from Germany about a month ago, and just about everyone I encountered had the ability to function in English.

Regarding the clothing, I'll leave it to the ladies to make specific suggestions. I'd suggest using "casual" clothes (similar to what Rick wears), but plan for layering (in case the weather is chilly) and "mix and match" so that you can reduce the amount of clothing you take. You might get some tips by looking at This website as they have a great line of both men's & women's "travel friendly" clothing.

I'm not sure what to suggest on the Backpack, as I don't know what type it is, or what condition it's in. If you need a new one, Rick's convertible Pack is very popular, or check out the Eagle Creek line.

Are you going to be travelling by train? As you've never been abroad before, I'd highly recommend reading Rick's Europe Through The Back Door, especially the "Rail Skills" chapter. There's a LOT of great information there!

I'm sure the others will have lots of suggestions for you.

Good luck and happy travels!

Sue, even though you are casual, I think a woman of your age should dress a bit more formally for Europe. By this I mean nice slacks (black is good), khakis or jeans are OK too, if they are nice. Please don't wear t-shirts or very casual shirts with them, try a nice blouse, sweater or knit top.
Be comfortable to be sure, but a bit spiffy. And I also think you should lose the beatup back pack and get a small carry-on sized suitcase, that you can bring on the plane or check.
Check the weather channel or other weather website for the cities you will be going to and keep up on the weather, and pack accordingly. No one can predict what the weather will be like these days.
Get Rick's Germany guidebook for help with local info, and all your other questions.

Sue, it sounds like you're still at pretty early stages. If you haven't been outside of the US before Germany and Austria can almost appear to be in a different world. Do make sure you do all the reading necessary in RS's book and if you have any specific questions about country, people, etc. let me know.

Hi Sue,

My husband and I travel to Europe nearly every fall for 2 weeks. We usually rent a car and take just our 21" rolling carry-on suitcases and a small backpack (daypack) so that we do not have to check luggage. I take 4 pairs of lightweight stretch denim pants (thin lightweight material) or khakis, 4 long sleeved black T-shirts, 2 short sleeved black t-shirts, 1 fleece jacket and a lightweight anorak (that I can wear over the fleece jacket if necessary), socks, bathing suit and a pair of good black sneakers. We don't go to really fancy places, and I find that I never need more than this. We wash clothes if we need to. The weather will usually be in the 50's - 60's (possibly into the 70's) that time of year during the day.

Sue, I think one of the best things you and your mother can do is to read Rick's travel-skills book, Europe Through the Back Door. It will address every issue and concern you have and a few you haven't anticipated.

"I'm pretty casual, but feel I may need to leave the jeans at home?"

If you like jeans, wear them. Germans wear more jeans at older ages than Americans do. The only places you'll need more formal attire would be at the opera, certain clubs, or at a snappy restaurant.

At 55, I wear jeans almost exclusively whenever I'm there. So does my wife (54). I've never been turned away anywhere, never felt out of place, never gotten oddball looks.

That said, Steves has some good suggestions for packing light that you should pay attention to.

In late September, it will most likely be nice days and cool nights. Bring a couple of light sweaters in wool or fleece to layer and a rain shell. I also think walking shoes with waterproofing are worthwhile this time of year. You can get rain anytime, anywhere in Europe and it's more likely than not in the fall up North.

Jeans aren't bad at that time of year and many people will be wearing them. The biggest negative for jeans is the cost of laundering them, the weight and bulk of packing them, and the way they can lose their shape in the waist, knees and butt if they aren't machine washed and tumble dried after wearing.

As far as courtesies to locals, be generally polite. Excuse me, please, thank you, sir and maam are important when talking to people you don't know. If you visit someone's home, always bring flowers or a bottle of wine for the hostess. Flower shops have outside vending machines for those last minute visits. There are lots of other small differences but I can't think of any that will get you in trouble or create ill feelings.

Sue
What a great trip!! Don't worry about the language. I speak zero German and found that younger kids (20-somethings) spoke perfect English. Since yours is rusty, you'll have no problem communicating!

As for luggage, I would splurge and go to hotels which an assist you in taking things to your room. Most of the hotels in Europe have elevators. When booking the room, advise the hotel that you have your mom traveling, and if they can keep the room to the lower floors, or close to the lifts or lobby.

I would also look at taking a taxi from the airport. The taxi driver will put your luggage in the trunk, and as stated above, the hotel will get the stuff out for you.

Travel light. 20-22" suitcase and a backpack will be plenty for 2 weeks.

I would wear what you normally wear in NM. If you're a "jeans" person, wear it. I was in Munich 4 years ago in May and people wore the exact same things as we do here in the States. I just got back from Paris and saw sports jerseys worn by the French kids. I personally wore my jeans, as well as my khaki colored pants in Paris.

The only reason people here may avoid jeans is from washing in your room. However, in September/ October the weather could be cool, so jeans would be better than say, capris or linen.

Pack a nice outfit if you and mom wants to splurge on a nice night on the town.

If you travel with a backpack, do not put anything of value in it. Assume that it can get picked. You can put a small combo lock to avoid the wandering hands, but for the most part, use the pack for food, maps, or even to carry a light sweater or umbrella.

I would suggest wearing comfortable shoes as the streets have more cobblestones.

Do not worry about language. You will always find someone who speaks English.

As for your clothes, dress as you would at home. I am curious as to why so many tourists are concerned about what they wear. No one cares. I always dress for comfort, but using good taste.

The backpack is ok. You will see all types.
If it comes apart you can buy another.

I have always found the weather just like it is here--except when you go up in elevation in the Alps. We always travel in the Fall and never suffered with weather of any kind.

Sue I just want to say that 1) I think it's amazing that you are taking this trip with your mom and 2) try not to worry. My last night in Rome I came upon this fantastic mother/daughter duo and they took a tour and didn't know anything. They were lovely people, but they had left their tour group for the night, they didn't know the name of their hotel, what street it was on, the bus they needed to get back, they didn't have a map and they spoke not a word of Italian. Needless to say I helped them at least get back to the train station but I can't help but think that they didn't get much out of the experience so I think it's great that you're coming here and doing it yourself I think you and your mom will have a great experience. As for the jeans I will add a bit of a different view - not so much for the "appropriate or not" question but simply because jeans are heavy and take up a lot of room. I chose to take wirnkle-resistent cotton blend pants, gray and black mostly, and it worked out really well for me. I was gone for 6 weeks so I had to do a lot of hand-washing and I never would've been able to do that with jeans and I never would've been able to travel for 6 weeks with just a 21" roll-aboard if I had taken jeans, so besides the comfort and/or appropriateness of jeans, I wouldn't take them because they are cumbersome.... same for khakis honestly, unless they are a lighter weight blend. I also took outfits that mixed and matched so I wouldn't have to worry. It sounds like you want to travel light so you should consider taking clothes that will help you to do that - heavy jeans and khakis won't really, so it's something to think about. as for language as others have said you will always find some. But I would learn a few basic German phrases like basic pleasantries and the like, just pick up a $10 (or less) phrasebook at the bookstore or even on half.com and you will be more than fine. Have a GREAT time :)

WOW! Thank you so much for all of your comments and helpful suggestions. I'll be over at REI in a week or so and will look at what they have in clothing. I've just found out that my mother has friends in a Bavarian town called Grassau. So, we will probably use that as a base for going places. I know we'll be going to the Oktoberfest. Again, I appreciate any points and ideas.

Sue, as you probably know Grassau is close to Lake Chiemsee and therefore located in a very, very beautiful scenerey. Make sure you visit Herrenchiemsee island and castle as well...

We just came back from a 11 day trip ( guided by Trafalgar Tours) to Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Italy. There were 4 of us travelling and the youngest age was 63. At the end of the tour we had a 9 passenger van (diesel) rented and proceeded to tour on our own for the next 16 days. We travelled from the Northern part of Germany to Salzburg, Austria then Fussen (southern Germany), then Frieburg and we flew home from Frankfurt. I would suggest that you pack very light as we stayed in Rick Steves B & B for the most part and some of the accommodations were up 3 flights of stairs. So try to reduce your luggage and plan on washing your own items to reduce what you might otherwise want to take. The locals in all areas were very friendly and most of them could speak a fair amount of English as we spoke little on no German, Italian, Swiss or any other language. I hope this helps.