Family vacation Germany suggestions?

Tim Hancock · 02-25-2005, 06:22 AM

My 16 yr old daughter became good friends with an exchange student that lives near Frankfurt Germany. We are thinking about going on a family vacation to Germany possibly in June or July. I have never been to Europe but if we go, I will need to decide on whether to try and rent a car or not. I have no idea on what to go see. I would like to see some castles and maybe go to Stuttgart if there is a Porsche museum there. Any suggestions on the best way to attack this? I need to keep it affordable for my family of four.

id10t · 02-25-2005, 06:53 AM

Factory delivery of a new GT4 ?

Tim Hancock · 02-25-2005, 10:51 AM

My daughter actually asked if we could buy mom a new BMW there. Fat chance! As much as this vacation will cost they will be lucky to get a t-shirt souvenier!

asphaltgambler · 02-25-2005, 11:00 AM

Rent a new BMW M5 for the day, pile the family in and head off to the 'RING'. Don't tell anyone about your plan until you get to the track. Then shout "OK, Buckle-up tight, stow all yer crap in the floor, roll the winders up and hang on 'cause Daddy's gonna show y'all sumpin reel cool!!!

Tim Hancock · 02-25-2005, 11:06 AM

Awhile back I briefly looked into rental cars and BMW's (not M5's) were as cheap as or cheaper than a Taurus! Gee, I wonder which one I would choose? I do not have the foggiest about how to plan such a trip.
Maybe I will have to contact a travel agent?

project935 · 02-25-2005, 11:25 AM

If you want to do some driving, take a look at the European Delivery Program schedule on the mbusa.com site. I looked at it awhile back and they seem to have had a fairly detailed driving itinerary of things to do if I recall.

asphaltgambler · 02-25-2005, 11:26 AM

Rent the M5, it's a family-style race car with-out the fake vinyl wood finish on the sides.

K. Roman · K. Roman's Garage

I really enjoyed Germany the times I've been. I think Heidelberg is not too far from Frankfurt. Here's a castle for ya...

There is also a large shopping district that is walking distance from there that your daughter will love!

Erakad · Erakad's Garage

Sounds like a cool vacation, you'll have fun. Don't be shy on the driving, remember the left lane is passing only. You may want to get a Michelins guide, they give you ratings on the sights. Heidlburg is near Frankfurt (big Army presence there), don't miss Rothenburg (walled city), another walled city near by (30 min south) with less tourists is Dinklesbuhl (sp?), everyone hits Neuschwantein (in the Alps...very pretty), finally...the Rhein...lots of castles, can do a day cruise even. Don't worry, plenty of castles and sights to see. Oh, driving is very civilized...low threat.

MikeSid · 02-25-2005, 03:14 PM

Wait until next year and go during World Cup.....at least that's what I'm hoping to do.

john70t · 10:23 PM

Haven't been to Europe on a real vacation yet but it sounds great!
Check out Rick Steves (http://www.ricksteves.com)for travel tips regarding places of interest/hotels. He's got a good European-travel t.v. program as well. People under 25 can get a Euro-rail pass cheap and see most of the area quickly and cheaply within a month or three while sleeping on the train at night. Youth hostles are also good for budget travel but may be unexpectedly full and rather sparse and off-path.

For a family, you might want to focus on historical places with a theme/purpose, and make sure there's a city/shopping district/festival going on nearbye.
The first few days of arrival to any place are going to be pretty much trashed, so plan something slow and fun and easy to warm up the vacation spirit.

sjp_30188 · 02-27-2005, 08:15 AM

My Fav was to drive down B17 from Augsburg to Garmisch. Beautiful, Bavarian coutryside. thanks to uncle sam I got to live in Augsburg for 3 years, loved it and want to go back...........

Tim Hancock · 02-28-2005, 03:46 AM

Thanks for the tip on Ricksteves.com, it is very imformative.