Oktoberfest (Munich), Prague, where do we start?

Oktoberfest 2008? Oh-oh, you've waited really late to book accommodations for Oktoberfest. This came up 2 days ago, here's the link: click hereAvailability, proximity to Munich, and cost are going to be significant challenges for you at this point.

Yes, we realize it's late in the planning stage. We actually just got the word that we could both go...we both have difficult work schedules to deal with. So, we are able to book our flights and save some cash there with mine being on miles. We also have possibilities of staying with some locals, but this isn't confirmed. So, worse comes to worse, we'll stay outside of Munich and take transit in for festival activities.

Okay, now I understand, nothing you could do about it. Staying with the locals would be a big plus, at this point. I can see you know what's what and that, if you can't stay with the locals, you are already aware that you will most likely have to stay pretty far outside of town and commute in.

Transportation for two, I'd stick with 2nd class train tickets and take advantage of some of the Bayern Ticket or Schoenes Wochende discounts to get around.

For the Rhine Valley to Koln, down the Mosel river, or travel from Munich to Prague - the trains are perfect.

A car is nice for the Romantic Road and Ludwig's Castles - you can get almost everywhere by train, just less convenient.

Lodging, even in the worst case scenario you probably won't go homeless.

My first Octoberfest I arrived the first day of the fest intending to visit the TI to get a room. It was bedlam at the TI and I started to worry whether I would find anything.

I left the TI and got on the phone to a bunch of budget recommendations. It took at least a half dozen calls but I found a nice pension (for $50) a convenient bus ride or longish walk from the Rathaus in downtown and convenient to the U-Bahn to get to the fest.

Even though I found a good deal, it was uncomfortable. I now call ahead in the morning for the next accomodations.

My travel style isn't for everyone. I travel shoulder season and generally only make advance reservations for my first night after arrival and my last night before flying home.

It really is easier when you are happy without services or en suite bathrooms. Most American tourists only consider "American style" hotels, so pensions and zimmers become a really good deal outside of tourist season. I like clean and quiet, it's rare when a pension or zimmer doesn't provide both.

Thanks Kent.

Brad, you wrote:
I left the TI and got on the phone to a bunch of budget recommendations. It took at least a half dozen calls but I found a nice pension (for $50) a convenient bus ride or longish walk from the Rathaus in downtown and convenient to the U-Bahn to get to the fest.

What is a TI? Lingo I don't know yet, but am sure will become familiar with! We are ok with penions/zimmers so if you recall any places you have stayed, can you pass along the names? We found a really fantastic place in Salzburg, nice apt for rent (daily or weekly rates), still quite high at 120Euro, but it would be a unique treat for a transition from Munich to Prague we're thinking.

Anne...Brad's referring to a "Tourist Information" office (hence the abbreviation of "TI.") Most are located in city centers, airports, and at train stations. They always have a list of tourist accommodations available, including B&Bs and zimmers. Personally, I've found it better to start at the bottom of the list and work up (all things being equal), since everyone seems to start at the top and work down....so the first ones always seem to get filled up first.