Oktoberfest in Germany
Know Before You Go
For an epic trip with zero stress and infinite holy s#!t moments, get familiar with the information below. Seeing the world should be fun, not stressful, which is why we’ve written this guide for you and are available 24/7 so all you have to do is travel. Now, it’s time to do a happy dance and make this trip ULTIMATE.
To view the most up to date entry requirements for this tour, please visit here: https://www.efultimatebreak.com/entry-requirements?tour-code=OKFB
Travel Documents:
- Passport: In order to enter Europe, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months after the date of re-entry.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements. - Travel Insurance: While Travel Insurance is not required to enter Europe, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers here.
Tour Preparation:
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Travelling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
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Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan so you can stay connected while on the road. While free Wi-Fi may be available, it won’t be everywhere nor as strong as we are used to. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
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Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.
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Call your bank: Let your bank and credit card company know of your travel plans so you can withdraw cash and use your debit/credit cards abroad. Otherwise, you risk your account being blocked.
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Complete you pre-tour checklist: this can be found in your account.
Health and Safety
With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. But, it’s equally important for you to maintain your health and safety while abroad. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, drink plenty of water, get sleep when you can, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:
- Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
- Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
- Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
- At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, and always have cash on hand.
- Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
- Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411
We at EF will help facilitate any testing requirements while on tour, however it is the travelers responsibility to pay for these tests and it is our recommendation that you budget roughly 150 USD total. Please note that non-boosted travelers may be required to do additional testing to enter places such as restaurants, and/or major attractions.
Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour
Cash and most well-known credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Europe, and ATMs are everywhere. Budget $80- $100 per day for meals, shopping, and free time activities. Tipping is not customary in Europe, but many locals leave 1-2 Euro for exceptional service. For your Tour Director, we recommend tipping $6 per day of tour at the end of the trip if you feel inclined.
Currencies used:
- Spain: Euro (€)
- France: Euro (€)
- England: Pound Sterling (£)
- Netherlands: Euro (€)
- Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHf)
- Italy: Euro (€)
Note: Let your bank and credit card companies know your travel plans ahead of time to avoid potential complications while abroad.
For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.
- The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
- You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
- If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
- Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
- Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
- Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
- Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
- DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
- Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
- If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
- Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
- Complimentary towels will NOT be available for use in hostels. We recommend packing your own, along with shampoo and conditioner. Microfiber towels are a great option; they pack small and dry fast!
- Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
- Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!
- At Oktoberfest, large backpacks and purses are not allowed in the tents.
Flight Preparation
Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.
All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.
- If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time.
- If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.
Arriving in Munich
Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!
What to do if your flight is delayed:
If your flight is delayed but you remain on your original flight itinerary- your driver will be aware of the delay automatically and will wait for your new arrival time. There is no need to update anyone. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, causing you to miss a connection or get re-protected on a new flight itinerary, please follow these steps:
- Contact your Tour Director and let them know your new flight number, airline you are flying, and arrival time. They will update your chauffeur for you.
- If you cannot get in contact with your Tour Director, call EFUB so we can update your Tour Director for you. Please have your new flight information handy!
Meet Your Tour Director and Fellow Travelers
Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!
If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.
Use Your Phone, Internet, and Electronics
We recommend purchasing an international data plan from your cell phone provider for this trip. The most common options are the Travel Pass with Verizon, or use a personal hot spot with your carrier. See more details about connectivity:
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- For your cell phone and any other electronics you bring abroad, you will also need a converter/adapter
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
Getting from A to B
All transfers between cities are via private motor coach and can take anywhere between 2-8 hours. You’ll also receive a public transportation pass in each city that offers them. Transportation in cities that offer no pass may require more walking. Prepare to walk between 4-8 miles per day, especially when sightseeing.
Speak the Language
While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic phrases in Italian, German, and Swiss German to get started:
- Hello = Hallo
- Goodbye = Auf Wiedersehen
- Thank You = Danke
- Yes = Ja
- No = Nein
- Where is ___? = Wo ist _?
- Cheers! = Prost!
Oktoberfest 101
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest (people’s festival) held annually from late September - October. Millions of people flock to this event every year, and for good reason! Locally referred to as the wiesn (fairgrounds, Theresa’s meadows), it’s a staple of Bavarian culture, taking place since 1810. Read on for tips and know-how’s of this Bavarian bash, so you can make the most of your celebration!
- “Wiesn”: If you really want to be a local, call it the wiesn*. Wiesn translates to meadow, and this festival takes place on a giant meadow - the Theresienwiese!
- Be nice to the bartenders: Not only are they extremely fast and efficient, but if you’re at a table you’ll order from a waiter or waitress. Be nice, and know that if you tip, you’ll get even faster service.
- Don’t touch: Follow up to our point above… Please don’t touch the waiters or waitresses. Out of respect, but also know that their jobs and tensions are very high!
- Pace yourself: Beer at Oktoberfest typically comes from Munich’s six breweries: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu München, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten-Franziskaner. They’re all brewed at 6% and a bit stronger than you’d imagine. Don’t be that guy/girl.
- Share the space: The tables in Oktoberfest tents are communal, so don’t be surprised or hesitant when others join you for the fun!
- It’s not cheap: One mass of beer costs approximately $11. If it helps… they’re huge.
- Dress the part: If you don’t wear a lederhosen or dirndl, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Lucky for you, there are plenty of places to buy these abroad! Just avoid sequins, neon, or above-the-knee garb - these are frowned upon by locals.
- Try the food: Bratwurst, pretzels, spaetzle, pie, balance out your beer with some of the delicious local food!
- Prost! When you cheers, or prost, clink your glasses at the bottom, say “PROST!”, and make eye contact!
- Have fun: It’s a once-in-a-life-time experience, after all!
You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you just must try.
- With over 3,200 recognized types of bread in the country, German bread is the best thing since sliced bread
- Breakfast in Germany is a savory spread of bread rolls, sausage, and cheese with coffee or tea
- Lunch, or mittagessen, is the main meal of the day, featuring potato salad, sausage, schnitzel, vegetables, fries, cabbage, and potatoes!
- End your day with abendbrot, or “evening bread.” Yes. MORE BREAD. This meal consists of bread, cheese, pickles, sausage, and beer
- For beer, try a refreshing Hefeweizen from Weihenstephan, or Stiegl, the official beer of Salzburg. Prost!
- Restaurants ask you to choose between still or sparkling water, but remember sparkling water is an added cost
- The less special requests you make at a restaurant, the more accurate your dish will be
- It’s normal to seat yourself in a restaurant instead of waiting to be seated
- Wait-staff in Europe are not as attentive as in the US; don’t be afraid to flag someone over for help!
Optimize Your Free Time
If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time. Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add ons.
We’re so glad you chose to travel with us and are now part of the EF Ultimate Break family! We'll look for your post-card in the mail, and your #thisisultimate tags on Instagram. Cheers to the Best. Trip. Ever.
Bon voyage!