Traveling to Germany? 6 questions to ask before you go

Oktoberfest, Christmas markets and ski trips to the Alps make Germany a year-round travel destination – but this beautiful country really shines in summer.

However, Covid-19, European flight chaos and extreme weather across the continent are all factors that will affect travelers heading there this winter and beyond. Do you have travel plans or are you planning to go to Germany soon? Here are 6 questions to ask yourself before you go.

1. Have you installed the FFP2 mask?

A medical grade mask is required on flights entering and leaving Germany, on and off the plane. Only medical-grade masks (FFP2, KN95 and N95 masks at no cost) are allowed, although there may be some differences depending on where you are leaving Germany. German airline Lufthansa said on all flights to the US, passengers over the age of two are required to wear masks.

Pack at least a few masks as you’ll need an FFP2 mask upon arrival: Passengers are required to wear them on public transport throughout the country. Get them in advance so they’re ready for your flight and on the way to your accommodation, but they’re also readily available in pharmacies and shops to stock up on extras when you arrive.

How to get around in Germany

2. Got a €9 public transport pass?

Germany made headlines around the world when it announced it was launching a new €9 monthly travel passport for the winter, delighting locals and travelers alike.

The ticket is valid for the entire calendar month of purchase, allowing the holder unlimited travel on all buses, U-Bahns, S-Bahns, trams and local and regional trains. However, it does not apply to long distance city trains like IC or ICE.

Regardless, the pass is an incredible deal for anyone visiting Germany, allowing travelers to explore as much as possible on domestic transportation. The ticket offer only lasts until August 31, 2022, so make the most of it if you’re visiting next month.

Explore Germany for €9 this summer: these are the best itineraries.

3. Are you ready for warm weather?

While Germany generally enjoyed a warm summer, Europe experienced a deadly heat wave in July. Most of the extreme heat has so far affected Portugal, Spain and the UK, but Germany has seen temperatures of up to 38C (100F).

The heat has now broken, but August may bring even warmer days. Be prepared with comfortable clothing for high temperatures and pack a refillable water bottle and use it often.

How to keep cool while traveling as extreme heat wave continues in America and Europe

4. Are you planning a beach trip if it’s hot?

A beach day may not be the first thing that comes to mind when traveling to Germany, but the country has amazing lakes, urban beaches and beaches on the Baltic and North Seas. Join the locals as you cool off at some of the country’s most beautiful swimming spots.

Germany’s best beaches

5. Is your flight with Lufthansa?

It is no secret that Europe is among the regions that suffer from airport chaos; Passengers are plagued by long queues, lost bags and canceled flights. German flag carrier Lufthansa has canceled thousands of flights within Germany and on short-haul routes this summer due to staffing issues and strikes. The airline will notify passengers of the cancellation and rebook you on another flight if possible. It’s always a good idea to check your flight status before you fly to make sure everything is ready.

Lufthansa is also advising passengers to use their online services, as digital check-in is available 23 hours before departure. There is also a free digital document verification service for Covid-19 documents that can be used between 72 and 8 hours before travel. This can be used to show proof of vaccination or a test if necessary for your trip.

Airport Chaos in Europe: How to Manage Delays, Cancellations and Strikes

6. What color is your suitcase?

If you’re traveling through Frankfurt Airport this summer, make sure your bag isn’t basic black. According to The Guardian, the airport, a major transit hub in Europe, said some of the lost luggage delays were caused by too many identical bags, which took too long to identify and return to their owners.

While airport baggage chaos may raise some eyebrows, it’s a good reminder to make sure your luggage is clearly identifiable to you. When a passenger’s luggage is lost, they must fill out a form describing what their bag looks like: colorful bags, stickers, tags and other personalization make it easy to identify yours – and get back to you.

Another option is to try packing just a hand bag, but if you need more luggage and want to keep it as safe as possible, you can always try electronic luggage tags.

What to do when the airline loses your luggage