The Germany Travel Planning Podcast is the go-to resource for anyone planning a trip to Germany—or even just dreaming of one. Hosted by Cate from MyGermanyVacation.com , this show provides practical travel information, insider tips, trip reports, and more to help travelers explore Germany and surrounding countries with confidence. Aaron (MGV co-founder and Cate's husband) frequently joins the show, along with special guests who share their expertise and experiences. Whether you're deciding where to go, how to navigate Germany’s trains, what to pack, or how to find hidden gems beyond the usual tourist spots, the Germany Travel Planning Podcast offers valuable insights to make every trip smoother and more enjoyable. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Ep 54 | 5 Travel Mishaps I've Had in Germany and Europe (and What Each One Taught Me)
If you're feeling nervous about something going sideways on your Germany trip, this episode is for you. Travel mishaps happen to the best of us. That's why today I'm sharing 5 mishaps of my own from traveling around Germany and other parts of Europe, as well as what I learned from each one and what they taught me about handling the unexpected. None of these mishaps were much fun in the moment, but they're all stories Aaron and I still laugh about today! I hope my mishaps give you a good chuckle....but more than that, I hope you come away feeling more confident about handling whatever your trip brings. Be sure to listen to the end for my tips for feeling less nervous and more confident about traveling to Germany! If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 53 | What You Need to Know to Use Your Phone in Europe with Michelle Chang
Does getting your phone set up to use in Germany sound intimidating? In this episode I talk with Michelle Chang from the DIY Trip Summit and Intentional Travelers about what you need to know about using your phone in Europe so you can spend less time stressing about connectivity and more time actually enjoying your trip. If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
When to Splurge vs Save in Germany & Beyond [Special Event]
Travel costs in Germany and all over Europe have gone up - and that means the decisions about where to spend and where to cut back matter more than ever. In this episode, I and other destination experts from the UK, Portugal, Ireland, and Spain share the most commonly enjoyed splurges, where smart travelers save so they can spend on what matters most, and insider money saving hacks. 🗺️ Meet the destination experts: Cate - Germany Destination Expert https://www.MyGermanyVacation.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mygermanyvacation Tracy - UK Destination Expert https://www.UKTravelPlanning.com UK Travel Planning Podcast: https://uktravelplanning.com/uk-trave... Julie - Portugal Destination Expert https://www.juliedawnfox.com Free Portugal Trip Planning Starter Pack: https://juliedawnfox.com/toolkit/ Jody - Ireland Destination Expert https://www.IrelandFamilyVacations.com Free TRIP Framework guide: https://ifv.kit.com/2c6b9a215f Karen - Spain Destination Expert https://www.spainlesstraveled.com Free discovery call: https://www.spainlesstraveled.com/discovery-call Michelle - DIY Trip Summit & Intentional Travelers https://www.IntentionalTravelers.com Free phone checklist: https://intentional-travelers.kit.com/b162437a23 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
How to Choose Destinations in Germany & Beyond [Special Event]
When you're planning a trip to Germany or elsewhere in Europe, narrowing down where to go can get overwhelming. Which city should you start in? Should you skip the overcrowded spots? How do you know if a place is "worth the hype"? In this episode, I and other destination experts from the UK, Portugal, Ireland, and Spain walk through how we help travelers make these decisions. 🗺️ Meet the destination experts: Cate - Germany Destination Expert https://www.MyGermanyVacation.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mygermanyvacation Tracy - UK Destination Expert https://www.UKTravelPlanning.com UK Travel Planning Podcast: https://uktravelplanning.com/uk-trave... Julie - Portugal Destination Expert https://www.juliedawnfox.com Free Portugal Trip Planning Starter Pack: https://juliedawnfox.com/toolkit/ Jody - Ireland Destination Expert https://www.IrelandFamilyVacations.com Free TRIP Framework guide: https://ifv.kit.com/2c6b9a215f Karen - Spain Destination Expert https://www.spainlesstraveled.com Free discovery call: https://www.spainlesstraveled.com/discovery-call Michelle - DIY Trip Summit & Intentional Travelers https://www.IntentionalTravelers.com Free phone checklist: https://intentional-travelers.kit.com/b162437a23 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Transportation Insights in Germany & Beyond [Special Event]
Getting around Germany and elsewhere in Europe on your vacation is one of the most important decisions you'll need to make. Drive, train, bus, plane, or hire a driver - each option comes with trade-offs. In this episode, I and other destination experts from the UK, Portugal, Ireland, and Spain share how to think through transportation decisions, including when driving makes sense and what to do when it doesn't. 🗺️ Meet the destination experts: Cate - Germany Destination Expert https://www.MyGermanyVacation.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mygermanyvacation Tracy - UK Destination Expert https://www.UKTravelPlanning.com UK Travel Planning Podcast: https://uktravelplanning.com/uk-trave... Julie - Portugal Destination Expert https://www.juliedawnfox.com Free Portugal Trip Planning Starter Pack: https://juliedawnfox.com/toolkit/ Jody - Ireland Destination Expert https://www.IrelandFamilyVacations.com Free TRIP Framework guide: https://ifv.kit.com/2c6b9a215f Karen - Spain Destination Expert https://www.spainlesstraveled.com Free discovery call: https://www.spainlesstraveled.com/discovery-call Michelle - DIY Trip Summit & Intentional Travelers https://www.IntentionalTravelers.com Free phone checklist: https://intentional-travelers.kit.com/b162437a23 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 52 | How to Pull Off a Multi-Generational Germany Trip (and Have Everyone Come Home Happy)
What does it actually take to plan a trip to Germany for 3 generations — grandparents, parents, and teenagers — and have everyone love it? That's exactly what our client Tracey Lavelle did, and she's here to tell us how everything went. In this episode, Tracey takes us through all 8 days on the ground and shares the highlights, logistics tips, and her family's most magical moments. If you're planning a multi-generational trip to Germany, you'll love this one! If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 51 | Honest Answers to Real Travel Questions & Challenges
You can find travel advice all over the internet. The problem? Much of it is oversimplified and not actually right for your unique trip. That's why in this episode, I talk through my answers to recent travel planning questions from our Facebook community that are more complex than they might appear at first. If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 50 | How to Plan a Lisbon Stopover: Julie's Tips & Picks [Stopover Series]
If you're flying to or from Germany and you've ever thought about stopping elsewhere in Europe, Portugal might be exactly the detour you've been looking for. It's stunning, the food is outrageously good, and it couldn't feel more different from Germany! I recently sat down with Julie Dawn Fox, a Portugal destination expert with nearly two decades experience living there. In this episode, Julie shares her best advice for best stopover destinations, where to stay, what to eat, what to see -- and what to skip. If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 49 | Our FlixBus Experiences and Review
Are you thinking about taking FlixBus on your trip to Germany? We've taken FlixBus several times in Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia (and a tiny bit of Italy), so in this episode I share our experiences to help you decide if it's a good option for your trip. If you'd like to explore taking the train in Germany, listen to Ep 23 here next! For show notes, photos, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/our-flixbus-experiences-and-review/ If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 48 | How to Make the Most of a 1-week Bavarian Christmas Market Getaway [Trip Report]
How do you maximize 1 week in Bavaria during the magical Christmas market season? In this trip report episode, Kori shares what made her and her husband's first-ever Germany trip so special and memorable. We talk about the Christmas markets, food, accommodations, and the moments Kori enjoyed the most. If you've been dreaming about traveling Germany at Christmas, you definitely want to listen to this one! Topics covered: Why Kori and her husband chose Germany for a first-ever Europe trip Renting a car vs. taking the train Favorite Christmas market moments from Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Innsbruck The standout accommodations: a castle hotel, a charming Rothenburg inn, a resort with castle and mountain views, and a convenient Munich hotel Food highlights including Christmas market favorites and an unforgettable hole-in-the-wall spot in Munich Tips for making the most of a 1-week Germany Christmas market trip What made planning their Christmas market adventure easy For show notes, photos, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-48 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 47 | Is Hiring Private Tour Guide in Berlin Worth It?
A private tour guide can completely change how you experience Berlin, but it's not the right call for every traveler or every trip. In this episode I sit down with Matti Geyer, a born-and-raised Berliner and private tour guide in Berlin and Potsdam, to walk through the questions I hear from travelers all the time so you can decide whether a private guide belongs in your Germany itinerary. Matti has been guiding since 2008, covers everything from World War II and Cold War history to street art and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, and is one of our most trusted preferred partners for clients heading to Berlin. In this episode you'll learn: Why a private guide helps you maximize your time in a big, spread-out city like Berlin How private tours differ from group tours and which type of traveler gets the most out of each The tour options Matti offers, from a three-hour best-of tour to full-day excursions to Potsdam and Sachsenhausen How to find a qualified guide in Berlin when there is no formal licensing requirement How kid-friendly, mobility-friendly, and introvert-friendly private tours actually work in practice How to contact Matti, what to expect from the booking process, and what tours typically cost Not sure where to start with planning your Germany trip? Grab my free Germany Travel Starter Kit at https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/ and I will walk you through the five key decisions every first-time traveler to Germany needs to make. For show notes, photos, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-47 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Why We're Slowing Down (and How it Helps You)
Here's a quick update about the podcast before tomorrow's regular episode! If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 46 | How to Plan an Amsterdam Stopover: Gerrit's Tips & Picks [Stopover Series]
In this episode I talk with Netherlands travel expert and private guide Gerrit van den Berg from Hidden Holland about how to make the most of an Amsterdam stopover on your way to or from Germany. Gerrit shares where to stay, what to eat, which museums require booking months out, and why 1 day outside the city could be the best decision you make. If you're thinking about adding Amsterdam to your Germany itinerary, definitely listen to this episode! For show notes, photos, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-46 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 45 | Don't Start With Where You Want to Go - Start With This Instead
Nobody wants to come home from Germany with regrets! In this episode, I share 2 important questions I ask myself before I get too deep into planning a trip. These questions are worth pondering because your answers will shape your entire trip! For show notes, photos, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-45 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Can I Ask You Something? (It's About Your Germany Trip)
Got a minute? I have something to ask you in this episode. Mentioned in this episode: Our Germany travel Facebook group MyGermanyVacation.com If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 44 | Dos and Don'ts for Your First Day in Germany
Are you wondering how to plan your first day in Germany after a long international flight? Do you want to minimize jet lag and set yourself up for a successful trip? After over 35 years of repeatedly flying from the US to Germany and testing every jet lag hack we came across, Aaron and I have our arrival day down to a science. Today, I'm sharing our exact routine to stay awake, beat jet lag, and kick off the adventure of a lifetime...including the 3 things we never do on day 1. For show notes, photos, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-44 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 43 | Germany with Teens: How to Make the Most of a 2-Week Family Trip [Trip Report]
How do you plan a family Germany trip that keeps 3 teenagers engaged? In this episode, I talk with Casey, a mom of 3 teens, who shares highlights and tips from her 2 week family Germany adventure. Discover Casey's tips for finding the perfect mix of sightseeing and family fun, navigating unexpected heat waves and train hiccups, accommodations for 5, and more! For show notes, photos, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-43 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 42 | Traveler Q & A: Car vs Train, Itinerary Review & Christmas Market Packing
Today I’m diving into real-world questions from our community and clients to help you navigate Germany with confidence! I first advise a traveler on whether they should rent a car or take the train, then I give feedback on an 18-day itinerary, and finally I share what to pack for a Christmas market adventure. For show notes, photos, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-42 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 41 | The Most Delicious Way to Spend an Afternoon in Salzburg
This week I’m reviewing a Salzburg strudel baking class that our clients consistently rave about. I dive into what actually happens during the session, why it’s a fantastic break from standard sightseeing, and the insider tips you need to know. Spoiler alert: we loved this class! Book your spot in this Salzburg Strudel Class here! For show notes, photos from the class, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit >https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-41 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
Ep 40 | How to Plan a Dublin Stopover: Jody's Tips & Picks [Stopover Series]
In this episode I talk with Ireland travel expert Jody Halsted from Ireland Family Vacations about how to create the the perfect Dublin stopover on your way to or from Germany. We talk about where to stay, what to do, where to eat, what to book ahead, easy day trips - and why we LOVE flying to the US from Dublin airport. If you're considering including Ireland or even just Dublin in your Germany trip, you'll love this episode! For show notes, links, and helpful trip planning resources, visit > https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/podcast-episode-40 If you love what we share in our podcast, just wait until you see what we can do for your trip! Complete custom itinerary + travel plan One-on-one travel planning consult with Cate Itinerary review by Cate DIY Germany travel planner Germany train travel made easy Our recommended tours, guides, and more 15 things we take on every Germany trip Our hotel recommendations Loving the podcast? Help us bring you more episodes! 1. Please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps make our podcast visible to more travelers. 2. Buy us a coffee or 2 . That helps support production costs. Thank you for listening!
