Travel to Germany

Know the German Laws





Germany's popularity as a world-renowned vacation destination continues to grow exponentially. Each year, more people visit Germany from hundreds of countries spread throughout the world. Over 2.2 million Americans made Germany their choice for travel in the first six months of 2006 alone. Your travels throughout this magnificent country can be enhanced greatly by knowing a few laws and regulations native to Germany and Europe.





Entry and Travel in Germany





A valid passport is required to enter and move about Germany. For business visitors staying less than 90 days, a Visa is not required for Germany and other countries that are members of the Schengen Group that includes neighboring countries Belgium, Netherlands, France, Denmark, and Austria.





European regulations require that passports be stamped for documentation of entry into countries, but not all German points of entry are staffed to ensure this function is carried out. It may be necessary to arrange in advance to ensure that a proper stamp is available upon entry. Travelers without this stamp may be questioned at their time of exit without this proper documentation.





Safety in Germany





No matter how rare occurrences happen, travelers should always be aware of possible terrorist organization activity. While these instances occur in Germany much less frequently than in other parts of the world, its open border agreement with other European nations should be noted. Additionally, there have been a few, isolated past incidents of racial discrimination and aggravation of travelers. It is recommended that travelers avoid as much as possible areas where protests and demonstrations take place to maintain a maximum level of security. Know the locations and emergency contact numbers of local German law enforcement whenever traveling in Germany.





Driving in Germany





Driving in Germany can be a surprisingly pleasant experience for many visitors from other countries due to Germany's distinct courtesy standards that its citizens enjoy and follow.





For many, a vacation in Germany wouldn't be complete without a drive down the world-famous Autobahn, which has stretches that are devoid of speed limits. Accidents and automobile fatalities are notoriously low even on high-speed stretches of highway due to Germany's laws governing driver courtesy. It is generally illegal to pass on the right side, where slower traffic is to stay. Additionally, the legal blood-alcohol limit can be significantly less than in other countries than in Germany, helping to ensure public safety.





Seatbelts are required to be worn by all vehicle passengers in Germany. Traffic officers can typically collect fines on-the-spot in routine traffic stops. If the driver does not have the funds to pay the ticket immediately on hand, the vehicle may be impounded until the fine is collected in certain circumstances.





Be sure to review local German laws regarding BAC limits and driver safety before getting behind the wheel.





Importing/Exporting





Germany has particularly stringent laws that apply to bringing in items and paraphernalia that pertain to World War II. Additionally fascist, racist, and Nazi propaganda in print or on computer or audio media is strictly forbidden to be transported in or out of country unless for very select circumstances - usually reserved for official historical and research purposes only.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/german-laws-affecting-travelers-67458.html

Puripong Koomsin is the owner of Travel Europe Guide – Europepathway.com German Laws affecting Travelers is useful article from Europepathway.com

Autumn is coming to Europe and October is the perfect month to visit. In October, Berlin, Germany hosts the Festival of Lights from the 14th to the 25th. For a week, prominent structures of Berlin which includes the boulevards, towers, historical and modern buildings stand glowing. Several famous landmarks and spots of the city are colourfully illuminated during the festival- the Brandenburg Gate, Quadriga sculpture, the Unter den Linden Boulevard, the Berlin concert hall, Hauptbahnhof train station, The Victory Column, Radio Tower, Schloss Charlottenburg palace, the Berlin Cathedral Church (Berliner Dom) and the Oberbaumbruecke bridge across river Spree. There are many exciting events and fireworks. It truly is a beautiful experience.

Munich, Germany hosts Oktoberfest which actually starts in the middle of September and goes into the middle of October. The dates for 2010 are: September 18 to October 4. (Dates for Oktoberfest for the next two years are: September 17, 2011 to October 3, 2011 and September 22, 2012 to October 7, 2012). Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair, and one of the best festivals in Germany. It is well known for drinking beer, eating sausage and joining together in song. Some other highlights are: the Oktoberfest opening ceremony, costume and riflemen's parade, the open air concert, as well as carnivals and rides. There isn't a shortage of things to do at this popular festival.

Halloween isn't a tradition in Germany; however in the past couple of years it has become increasingly more popular to see carved pumpkins and jack-o'lanterns in late October. German kids don't usually go trick or treating but Halloween is a good party theme, for young and older crowds. Costume shops are becoming more popular as people have Halloween costume parties near the end of the month.

Germany is a magnificent country to visit, with all its history and culture. The festivals and light show in October make it an especially good time to explore the country. Autumn is coming though, so make sure you pack enough warm clothes as the temperature is slowly cooling down.

For more information, check out my blog at:

http://www.satisfythetravelbug.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/germany-in-october-3366462.html