I will be traveling, along with my 18 year old daughter, on a 10 day trip to Munich (and around Bavaria a bit)- Salzberg - Prague at the end of May. I need info on best way to travel from destination to destination and also travel within each city once we arrive. We don't have much time, but will be taking in the highlights of each area...backpacking style. Info should consider cost (trying to be cheap, of course!) safety, communication limitations...we do not speak German....and should also consider that this is our inaugural trip to Europe and we are not yet familiar with "getting around"...we have alot of homework to do!
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Trains would be the best way to get around. The English language skills of Europeans will surprise you. Don't worry if you can't speak German, but learn a few words like hello, please, thank you, etc. Same thing in the Czech Republic. We don't know much of any foreign language and get along fine. Your learning curve will be steep and fast but it is nothing thousands before you haven't done. Just have fun. Do not be afraid to ask questions, anywhere, of anyone.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
You should get a hold of some guidebooks, pronto. I'm partial to Rick Steves, particularly for first visits, but there certainly are others. They will have details (lots more than people can write in the 2000 character limit here) about costs, recommended highlights, how to get around within each city, etc. A board like this is better for more specific questions. "What should we see in Munich?" is not readily answerable. But, for instance, "I'm interested in textiles and in Renaissance sculpture. Are there any places in Munich I shouldn't miss?" is something people can help with, that a guidebook may not. Travel between your cities will be best by train. Here's Rick's tips for looking up schedules and booking: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/db_tips.htm. For Munich to Salzburg, a Bayern Ticket is cheapest. This is good for unlimited travel for one day on non-express trains in Bavaria (Salzburg is a border station, and even though it's in Austria not Germany, it's included). This ticket is good after 9:30 AM on weekdays, and all day weekends. For Salzburg to Prague, tickets purchased in advance will save money, as long as you can commit to a specific train (they are usually non-refundable and non-exchangeable).
Posted by
OP
Abbeville, LA, United States
3 posts
Thanks for the replies...I have been scouring online (and do have one of Rick Steve's guidebooks on the way) for highlights and worthy tours, etc, so my question was really regarding mode of transport from one place to another and also in the cities of destination. I am a little overwhelmed with various trains, passes, reservations for trains, etc, and so your reply has given me more clarity. Any other info on this specifically would be appreciated! My brother just moved from Germany and has great recommendations on places not to miss (Prague was his favorite), but as he is a major oil company exec he didn't have to worry about cheap travel...I think he had a driver!