traveling Germany at Christmas

"Should they try to fly somewhere or take the train?" I'm not sure what you mean by that question. Do you mean for seeing other places beyond Rothenburg? Can't answer that question unless we know where they want to go. "Should they try to book something at the last minute?" After New Year's, they should be able to find something easily enough, but most tourist destinations see a huge uptick in visitors between Christmas and New Years. Don't rely on finding something at the last minute during this time, especially if they're limited by budget. "Is weather a factor?" On transit? Yes, if they get caught in the middle of a heavy snowstorm. No if they don't.

Snow is forecasted, so be prepared for travel delays either air or train. You'd be hard pressed to find a room around New Years right now, so unless they want to sleep in a rental car or bus station, they should find something now.

I traveled in Germany during Xmas a few years back and spent a few nights in Rotheburg. It's cold, but no more so than BC in winter! As long as your daughter's dressed properly, the weather should not affect her plans. For a nice, very reasonably priced hotel in Rothenburg (IF she can still get a reservation), try Gasthof Butz (link: http://www.activehotels.com/1/1/20458-gasthof-butz-rothenburg-ob-der-tauber.html#description). Great location, right off the main square, very good breakfast and comfortable and very clean and pleasent rooms. My room was spacious and had a private bathroom. The family that runs it is very nice, also. After a night or 2 in Rothenburg (very nice town, but does not warrant more than 1 or 2 nights), she could then take the train to Munich (or, take The Romantic Road Bus Tour to Munich; link: http://www.touring-travel.eu/index.php?id=17&tttlng=2&L=2&tttlng=2), fun bus tour w/ multiple stops along the way. In Munich, Hotel Pension Beck is a good, inexpensive option and is an easy walk from the Marienplatz) and if they'd prefer a hostil that's close to the main train station, I once stayed at 4U Munchen; link: http://www.the4you.de/en/youth-hostel-munich/)&#59; there is a hotel on the top floors, but a less expensive hostil on the lower floors). Munich is cold in Dec/Jan, but, again, prob no more so than BC. The Marienplatz xmas market will be closed by the 28th, but it's still a great time to visit this vibrant, historic, fun and very pretty city. Xmas/New Years is a GREAT time to vist Germany-- she's sure to have a great time.