Our holiday gift guide includes 45 of the most useful travel items that we love and use or have been recommended by our travel community. These gifts make travel easier and more comfortable and will be used over and over.

For those who celebrate Christmas but can’t be in Germany this December, we’ve also included a few fun German Christmas decorations and ornaments (scroll to the very bottom of this guide for those).

By the way…you can also gift our Germany Travel Planner! It’s perfect for travelers planning a trip in the coming year (they’ll love our city cheatsheets, city orientation videos, and trip planning how-to guides) and those who live in Germany and want to explore the country (they’ll love our interactive planning map showing the best sights in cities all over Germany).

Perfect Travel Gifts Around $10 (Stocking Stuffers!)

Steripod Toothbrush Protector

These clip on protectors keep your toothbrush clean and fresh while traveling. Since Aaron and I often have very similar looking toothbrushes, I like that they help us be able to quickly see which one is ours while keeping them protected. Check out these sterile toothbrush protectors.

Refillable Pouches for Shampoo and Liquids

We love these! They’re easy to fill, and because they’re flat, it’s easy to pack them in my TSA-approved liquids bag. I like that to you can lay these pouches flat or stand them up and you can write on each pouch so there’s no mixing up your shampoo and conditioner. Both Aaron and I use these pouches now and are very happy with them. Click here to get these refillable pouches.

Set of Lightweight Travel Organizational Bags

I bought a set of these inexpensive, multicolored mesh toiletry bags last summer and use them to keep my make-up, personal products, and lots of other little things organized. They’re lightweight, have held up well, and I love that it’s easy to see exactly what’s in each of them. Check out this set of mesh toiletry and organization bags.

Small Luggage Scale

Prevent surprises and unexpected fees at the airport by using this small luggage scale to weigh your bags to make sure you meet airline weight restrictions and avoid extra fees. Click here to shop this luggage scale.

Invisibobble Hair Ties

These spiral hair ties are way more comfortable than the traditional kind. I always have 1 or 2 of them in toiletries kit when I travel. Check out these great hair ties.

Makeup Remover Towel

Don’t chance ruining white towels when taking off your make-up! Pack 1 or 2 of these little make-up removing clothes instead. Click here to shop make-up remover towels.

Exfoliating Face & Body Wash Cloths

German hotels and apartments don’t typically provide wash cloths. This set of exfoliating wash clothes take up next to no space in your luggage, have an attached loop for quick and easy drying, and come in different colors so everyone in your travel party can easily find theirs. Check out these exfoliating wash cloths.

Burt’s Bees Travel Towelettes & Lip Balm

These Burt’s Bees face and body towelettes come in so handy on long flights and train rides (a life-saver when your deodorant stops performing but you still haven’t reached your final destination). I love Burts Bees lip balm, too, and always have it my travel day bag. Click here to check out these towelettes and here for this awesome lip balm.

Dr. Bronners Liquid Soap Or Sink Suds

Doing a little sink wash while traveling is an easy way to keep your wardrobe fresh when taking carry-on only. I like to bring a travel size Dr. Bronner’s for doing sink laundry. If you don’t want to take liquid, try Sink Suds individual packets.

Travel Straw

Want to reduce single-use plastic? Don’t like using paper straws (which is what you’ll find in Germany most of the time)? Check out this travel straw set.

Travel Snack Bags

These little reusable snack bags make eating healthier or accommodating special diets while traveling so much easier. We often bring nuts, crackers, trail mix, fruit or veggies with us to snack on throughout the day. Click here to shop these snack sized reusable bags.

Phone Wrist Strap

If you or your travel companions use a cell phone while traveling, a wrist strap is so helpful in preventing dropping or theft. I use this wrist strap that works with my favorite phone case, and Aaron uses this one that attaches to this phone case. We also each have a pop-socket on our phones, which makes taking photos and videos easier.

Perfect Travel Gifts Around $25

Guided Tour in Germany

Surprise your travel companion(s) with a fun guided tour or day trip! Click here to choose your tour.

Travel White Noise Machine

Hotels and Airbnbs can be louder than you’re used to, especially in cities or if you like to keep the window open. Get better sleep by using a travel sized white noise machine. Click here to shop this travel white noise machine.

European Plug Adapter

Germany uses different voltage and outlet plugs, so this is a very practical gift for travelers. We use this European plug adapter because it’s compact and lightweight, comes with adapters for multiple countries that you can slide on and off the base. Check out our favorite European plug adapter here.

Travel Fan

Many hotels and apartments do not have A/C in Germany. And even those that do aren’t as cool as travelers expect. Travers in our community have said having a travel fan ensured comfortable sleep! Click here to shop this travel fan.

Personal Fan

Have a travel companion that wilts in hot weather? This hand-held personal fan will help them stay cool in Germany, where A/C isn’t as common as in other countries. Click here to shop this personal fan.

Travel Flatware

We always travel with a set of flatware so we can easily enjoy healthier snacks and breakfast, lunch or snacks on the go (we often pick up yogurt, fruit cups, and salads from Rewe). Click here to shop this simple, lightweight set, and here for a sturdy stainless steel set from Hydroflask or here for this 4-in-1 multitool utinsils set.

Portable Coffee Pour-over

Having good coffee in the morning is a must-have for Aaron, so he got this collapsable coffee pour-over filter. It’s small but will make a nice big cup of coffee (he’ll buy ground coffee once we’re back in Germany) in hotel rooms or Airbnbs. If you’re not sure whether you’ll be able to heat water in your hotel room, you can also take a portable water kettle.

Organic Fairtrade Single Serve Instant Coffee Packets

Aaron bought a box of this highly rated instant coffee on our most recent trip for travel coffee emergencies. The packets are single serve so you can take just a couple or enough for coffee every day.

TSA-Approved Toiletries Bag Set

I love this toiletries bag set! The large bag is perfect for any 3oz liquids you need to take on the plane because it’s TSA approved. Durable, too. You actually get a set of 3 bags and the other 2 are handy for organizing smaller items (we use one bag for our travel first aid kit, for example). You can get the set in several designs and colors. Click here to shop ChicoBags TSA-Approved toiletries bag sets.

Flat Back Stainless Steel Stud Earrings

These surgical stainless steel stud earrings have a flat backs for comfortable sleeping, which is so handy when traveling. I’ve been wearing different sets of these earrings for the past year and have been very happy with them. Click here to check out these cute stud earrings.

Shoe Protector Bag

Keep clean clothes clean by packing shoes in shoe protectors! Check out these reusable shoe bags.

Travel Sleep Mask

Once I started wearing a sleep mask on flights I was finally able to sleep. A comfortable eye mask also comes in handy on trains, in airports, and in summer months when the sun doesn’t set until late in the evening. Click here to check out this travel sleep mask.

Travel Umbrella

You never know when it’s going to rain in Germany so we’ve gotten a lot of use out of this travel umbrella. It’s lightweight enough that I don’t mind carrying it with me and it dries quickly. Click here to shop our favorite travel umbrella.

Foldable Shopping Bag

We have 2 of these reusable shopping bags and take them on every trip. I bought ours about 14 years ago and they’re still going strong. We use them for groceries, souvenirs, laundry, taking snacks on trains, and luggage overflow. Ours roll up very small and are lightweight and durable. We highly recommend bringing one or two of these – they are invaluable!

Travel Wallet

A year ago I started using a small and lightweight wallet for travel that I can keep secure in a zippered pocket in my favorite crossbody day bag. I’ve used it for several months of travel and love it. Click here to shop this small travel wallet.

Travel Gifts Under $50

Water Bottle That Actually Keeps Water Cold

One way to stay cool while traveling in Germany in the summer is by drinking cold water. We love these water bottles because they keep beverages truly cold all day! Click here to check out this lightweight water bottle.

Germany Driving Tutorial

Gift this fantastic driving tutorial to the person who will be driving in Germany on your trip. It’s geared towards travelers who are used to driving in the US and will be driving in Germany on a trip, which means they tell you just what you need to know to feel comfortable from day 1. After we went through this tutorial we wished we’d had it years ago! Click here to gift this fantastic Germany driving tutorial.

Portable Phone Charger

If you take photos or videos with your phone, this portable charger (power bank) is a must because your phone WILL run out of battery half way through the day. We have this one and use it every single day to keep both of our phones (and my Air Pods) charged. Click here to get this Anker portable charger.

No Show Compression Socks

Aaron has started using these no show compression fit socks and he’s been very happy with the fit (they don’t slide down!) and durability. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes for all feet. Click here to shop these no show compression fit socks.

Lightweight Scarf or Hidden Pocket Scarf

I’ve used this lightweight scarf in the spring/summer as a light wrap, and in the fall/winter as a cozy scarf with my jacket or coat. It packs very small so it’s easy to carry (I keep mine in a small Ziplock bag so it doesn’t get snagged on anything) and it works well as an accessory and to stay warm in cooler weather. It comes in several colors. Click here to shop this this lightweight scarf.

A hidden pocket scarf is a great alternative for keeping valuables secure when you don’t want to carry a day pack, bag or purse. This hidden phone scarf has a pocket just for your phone and this convertible hidden pocket scarf easily tranforms from an infinity scarf to a wrap!

Comfortable Day Pack

If you’re looking for the perfect pack for daily sightseeing, hiking, and carrying on the plane, check out this 19 liter Osprey and this slightly larger 23 liter Fjallraven. Aaron has used both for several months of travel (he’s found the Fjallravel a bit more comfortable for his tall frame).

Crossbody Travel Purse

Having a comfortable travel purse or bag is essential to enjoying your trip. I’ve been using this one for several months and it’s not only comfortable, I love that the pockets help me stay organized. Plus…I can clip my travel wallet and my phone strap to the inside of my purse, which gives me extra security.

Sunscreen

A must-have in every season! We use this one year round.

Inflatable Travel Pillow

I often pack an inflatable travel pillow for sleeping on planes and in trains and cars. It’s not quite as comfortable as my memory foam travel pillow but it packs down much smaller.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes not only keep clothes organized, they make packing and unpacking quick and easy – super helpful if you’re changing hotels frequently. I like that they keep my clothes protected, too. We’ve used an older version of these classic packing cubes and this lightweight set for years and years. Click here to shop these classic packing cubes and these lightweight packing cubes.

Lightweight Gear Bags

These lightweight travel bags are great for keeping clothes and other miscellaneous travel items organized. We’ve used our set for years! Click here to shop this set of lightweight travel gear bags.

Turkish Towel

Turkish towels are lightweight, super absorbent, dry quickly, and have a nicer feel than microfiber towels, so they’re great for travel. Perfect for picnics, too. And there’s no reason you can’t also use them at home! Click here to shop Turkish towels.

Insoles For Comfortable Walking

We typically walk 20,000+ steps a day when we travel and our feet were much happier when we started adding high quality insoles to our walking shoes! Aaron and I have both used these insoles and these insoles.

Audable Subscription

Perfect for long travel days, unwinding in the evenings and solo travel. Click here to gift an Audable subscription.

Perfect Gifts Under $100

Apple Air Tags

Highly recommended by our travel community! Pop one in your luggage so you can keep track of it. Also nice for train travel when the luggage racks aren’t right next to your seat. Click here to shop Apple Air tags.

Portable Solid State Hard Drive

Perfect for travelers who take a lot of photos or videos while traveling! We found backing up our photos and videos to the cloud while we were on hotel and Airbnb wifi frustratingly slow but it’s quick and easy to with this lightweight portable solid state hard drive. We have a 2 TB hard drive and a 4 TB hard drive, as well as this carrying case to keep the hard drive safe and secure.

Spinner Carry-on Suitcase

Once I started using a hard-sided carry-on sized spinner suitcase, I never looked back. I’ve used my spinner for years on everything from 2-week trips to 6 months of constant travel on lots of cobblestone streets. The one I have used for several years is no longer available but this highly rated carry-on spinner suitcase is similar and I have a travel bag I love from this brand.

German Christmas Ornaments And Decorations

Wish you could be in Germany for the Christmas season? Why not bring German Christmas to you and your loved ones with these decorating favorites!

Traditional German Christmas Ornaments Set

We were gifted a set of traditional Bride’s Christmas ornaments over 20 years ago and we hang them on our tree every year! This is the perfect gift for newlyweds or anyone who would love to decorate their tree with beautiful glass ornaments. Check out this set of traditional Bride’s Christmas ornaments.

Wooden German Christmas Ornaments

This set of wooden ornaments is just like what you’ll find at Christmas markets in Germany. We have collected a lot of these over the years and love hanging them on our tree. Shop wooden ornaments now.

Germany Christmas Tree Ornaments

Surprise your travel companions with a memento that will get everyone excited about your upcoming trip to Germany! Check out this map of Germany ornament and this Bavarian beer stein.

German Wooden Pyramid

A classic German Christmas decorating favorite you’ll use for years to come. Click here to check out this German Wooden Pyramid.

The post 45+ Perfect Holiday Gifts For The Germany Traveler appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

We’ll add to this list as we receive more recommendations. Would you like to share a favorite? We’d love to hear about it.

You can also check out our food guides here so you’ll know what to eat and drink in Germany. Guten Appetit!

Bamberg

• Cafe Marle – Delicious cakes and coffee! I had the most amazing chocolate torte here.

Berlin

• Grand Cafe – St Germain – This is a beautiful French restaurant with delicious food & excellent service. Reservations are needed.

Cologne

• Lommerzheim – Traditional Kolsch bar just out of Cologne centre. Friendly staff and customers. Limited menu but can really recommend the roast beef and pork cutlets. They only do reservations for groups of four or more but soon get you seated even when busy. They even take drinks out of there is a queue outside.

Freiburg

• Markethalle – We loved the variety – our kids enjoyed some familiar pasta dishes from the Italian food stall, my husband grabbed some currywurst and beer, and I got some schnitzel, though I was very tempted by the Asian, South Asian and Persian offerings! I think its a great way to have lunch with a group who all have a taste for something different, and its also a neat way to see how Germany has become home to lots of people from lots of different cultures.

• Oscar Wilde’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar – Great if you want a break from German food!

• SAMS Café – Great cafe by the church. Light breakfast, great chocochinos!

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

• Cafe Bar Berge – Great little cafe all homemade German food. Wonderful drinks and good lunch options along with sweets.

• Gasthof Zum Rassen – Our favorite town! We ate here twice! No reservations needed. Delicious!

Heidelberg

• Löwennrau – Authentic German food.

• Moe’s Roadhouse – It’s a fun experience to eat at an “American” restaurant in Germany and see their take on it. We have had great burgers, ribs and milkshakes there. The theme is half 50’s diner and half steakhouse.

Lindau

• Kunst Cafe – Really cute, may be busy, but it is easy to wait for a seat.

• Restaurant Akropolis – Another one if you are sick of German food. Kinda basic menu, but the wine and service was great! I would go back for drinks!

• Eilguthalle – I went just for drinks but I would go back for food w/ a reservation. It is very cool, tons of old cars inside it. I went in winter, but summer it looks way better to go.

Mannheim

• Hühner Fred – It’s a food truck chain found in many towns. It’s simple and straightforward, selling chicken quarters, halves, or whole. Ribs and porknuckle. All cooked and ready to eat. All very reasonably priced.

Munich

• Augustiner-Keller – Amazing food and atmosphere. Loved all of the outside seating!
  
  
• Münchner Stubn – We ate here twice! The food was delicious
  
  
• Löwennräu Keller – Delicious food, great atmosphere.
  
  
• Isabella Glutenfrei Patisserie – Eating gluten-free in Germany is tricky! Menus are labeled with food additives and preservatives, but allergen information is hard to come by. Isabella GF Patisserie not only offered a full menu of gluten-free food, free from risk of cross-contamination, they also served up some of the most delicious gluten-free pastries I have ever eaten anywhere in the world! I’m still thinking about the spinach quiche!
  
  
• Augustiner Klosterwirt (under Frauenkirche) – Fun atmosphere and the food and service were excellent. The sauerbraten, pork knuckle, and sausages special were all amazing!
  
  
• Backspielhaus (by Nymphenburg Palace) –Perfect for a cheap eat before or after the palace.
  
  
• Schiller Bräu – If you have a long layover with a train in Munich and want a nicer meal, go here.
  
  
• Helin Döner – If you are by the train station and want some decent Döner, go here. Not the best, but it is good for a quick stop on the way.
  
  
• Maelu – Cafe by the Residenz, really cute and aesthetic.
  
  
• Dallmayr – Dallmayr in Munich is renowned for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, reflecting its long history and upscale reputation. The café, part of the Dallmayr delicatessen, features a refined interior with classic furnishings, rich woodwork, and tasteful décor, creating a luxurious yet welcoming environment.T he menu at Dallmayr offers a variety of high-quality options. You can enjoy expertly brewed coffee and a selection of teas, accompanied by exquisite pastries, cakes, and delicate confectioneries. They also serve a range of gourmet breakfast items and light lunch dishes, including sandwiches and salads. The emphasis is on premium ingredients and exceptional service, making it a popular choice for those seeking a refined dining experience in Munich.
  
  
• Münchner Stubn – If you have a long layover with a train in Munich and want a nicer meal, go here.
  
  
• Arkedas Kepab – We saw lots of locals lined up for this spot near our hostel, and we were in the mood for something quick and delicious and this was exactly that! It was some of the best street food that we had, and after a long day of sightseeing, we grabbed our Döner Sandwiches, found some benches in a nearby park, and enjoyed a relaxing evening with the locals in the park and playground!
  
  
• Tantris – Special occasion restaurant. Very high end with incredible food, superb service and unbelievable wine list. Reservations, tasting menu.

Nüremberg

• Zum Gulden Stern – Coziest restaurant with excellent food! The Nuremberg sausage is amazing here! We made a reservation but it wasn’t needed.

Reutlingen

• Cafe Sommer – It offers a cozy and charming atmosphere with a blend of modern and traditional design elements. The café features a relaxed setting with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a friendly ambiance, making it a great spot for both casual meet-ups and more intimate gatherings. The menu at Cafe Sommer typically includes a range of options such as freshly brewed coffee, a selection of teas, and homemade cakes and pastries. They often offer breakfast items like croissants, sandwiches, and muesli, as well as light lunch options. The focus is on quality ingredients and a pleasant, laid-back dining experience.
  
  
• Sale e Pane – Sale e Pane in Reutlingen offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a focus on simplicity and comfort. The interior is characterized by warm, rustic decor, including wooden tables and a friendly ambiance that makes it a pleasant place for casual dining. The menu at Sale e Pane features a selection of Italian-inspired dishes, emphasizing fresh and high-quality ingredients. You can enjoy a variety of antipasti, pizzas, and pasta dishes, along with a range of traditional Italian bread and pastries. The emphasis is on authentic flavors and a relaxed dining experience, making it a great spot for enjoying delicious Italian cuisine in a welcoming setting.
  
  
• Barfüßer Hausbrauerei Reutlingen – Barfüßer Hausbrauerei in Reutlingen combines a lively, rustic atmosphere with a traditional brewery feel. The interior features wooden tables and benches, a visible brewing setup, and a warm, inviting ambiance that encourages a relaxed and social dining experience. The menu at Barfüßer Hausbrauerei emphasizes hearty, classic German fare. You’ll find a variety of traditional dishes such as sausages, schnitzels, and hearty stews, all complemented by house-brewed beers. The brewery offers a range of its own crafted beers, including lagers and ales, brewed on-site. The focus is on pairing robust flavors with their unique beer selections, making it a popular spot for enjoying authentic local cuisine and brews.

Schönau Odenwald

• Zum alten Kaiser – Oldest authentic German cooking.

Triberg

• Lilie Garten-Cafe – Black forest cake and Jager schnitzel! No reservations needed.
  
  
• Daheim Pub – Inside the indoor camping hostel. Great place to relax with some drinks. Very modern. No reservations needed.

Tübingen

• Fischer’s Neckarmüller – Fischer’s Neckarmüller in Tübingen is known for its charming and traditional beer garden atmosphere. The setting is warm and inviting, with a rustic yet comfortable interior, featuring wooden furniture and traditional German decor. The outdoor beer garden is particularly popular, offering a relaxed environment with scenic views of the Neckar River. The menu at Fischer’s Neckarmüller features a range of hearty, traditional German dishes. You can enjoy classics such as sausages, schnitzels, and regional specialties, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. They also serve a selection of house-brewed beers and local wines, creating a comprehensive and enjoyable dining experience that highlights the flavors of the region.

The post Where to Eat in Germany: Restaurant Recommendations appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

I know how hard it is to decide what the must-bring items are (and what you should leave at home) before you even leave. In this guide I share what we bring on my trips to Germany and my best packing recommendations.

You can also check out the 15 most essential items we always pack here.

Quick Answer: Top Travel Items

• Best European outlet adapter: we use this one every day
  
• Best power bank for charging your phone: we love this one to charge our phones on the go
  
• Best for keeping your phone secure: we use this Pop Socket and this wrist strap (Cate) and this wrist strap with this case (Aaron)
  
• Best TSA-approved bag for liquids: we’ve used this one for years
  
• Best refillable shampoo pouches: we love these flat pack pouches

Packing List for Germany 

I’ve been traveling to Germany (and all over the world) for 30+ years and over the years have made every packing mistake you can imagine.

I’ve overpacked, lugged around items I regretted packing, spent hours of my trip buying things I should have packed, and wasted more money than I’d like to admit.

Fortunately, I’m an excellent packer now! I’ve got packing down to a science. So I thought I’d share my most essential travel items.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of every t-shirt and skirt I bring, but everything on this list (except for just a few items at the very end) is something I’ve used for several years and love.

A few notes about how I travel and pack:

• I am mostly a carry-on only traveler, especially when I travel abroad. Sometimes I check my carry-on size suitcase or backpack out of convenience, but I still pack for carry-on only. Even when we traveled around Germany, Türkiye, and the UK for 6 months!
• I travel year-round for both work and fun, so I’ve learned how to pack for all seasons.
• I’m a frequent solo traveler but I also travel with Aaron a couple times a year. Update: now that we’re full-time digital nomads, we travel together most of the time now.
• My style is fairly practical. I like to be comfortable and I love it when items do double-duty. It’s not super important to me that I wear different and unique outfits ever day. I keep jewelry and make-up to a minimum when I travel.
• You’ll see below that I frequently say that I’ve had an item for years and years — it’s true! Except for a few items I have my eye on for my next trip, I’ve only listed the things I have used (and used and used) and love.

Luggage: Suitcases & Backpacks

I highly recommend bringing one carry-on size suitcase or travel backpack per person on your trip to Germany (plus a day bag, pack or purse).

You really don’t need to bring very much with you. Nobody will care if you wear the same clothes over and over. It’s easy to do laundry in Germany, so you can bring enough outfits for a few days and then do a load of laundry once or twice. And if you really need something, you can buy it.

Remember, if you’re traveling by public transportation you’ll need to take your luggage everywhere you go…that means up and down flights of stairs, on, off, and in the train, over cobblestone streets, over curbs, on and off busses, and up and down hotel stairs.

All of that is SO much easier with a small amount of luggage.

In the photo above you’ll see my carry-on size spinner suitcase and a backpack. That’s what I took on a 2 1/2 week solo trip to Germany in December a few years ago. It’s also what I’ve taken on all of my trips since 2019, including several months traveling around Europe.

On that 2019 winter trip I walked all over the Paris and Stuttgart airports, rode busses, walked 25 minutes from my Tübingen hotel to the train station, all over a Christmas market in a small town near Stuttgart (even popped into a bakery), and 20 minutes from the Stuttgart metro to my Airbnb with that pack on my back and my little suitcase. I could never have done that with larger or more luggage. Taking less gives you more flexibility.

Luggage I Use And Love:

1. Travel Backpack 

I have a much older version of this travel backpack and I LOVE IT. I’ve had it for over 15 years now and still use it. My backpack is comfortable, durable, and easy to pack and keep organized. I’ve had several travel backpacks over the years and because the one I have is built for a women’s frame, it fits me so much better than anything else (I’m 5′ 5”). It comes with a zip-off day pack but I don’t use it very much because I often bring a travel purse or crossbody bag instead. Aaron has even used this backpack!

2. Spinner Carry-on Suitcase

A few years ago a company asked if I’d like to try their new hard-sided carry-on suitcase (see photo above) and so I said yes, because why would I turn down a free suitcase? I’ve now used it on all of my domestic and international travel since 2019 (including our recent 6 months traveling around Europe) and am a convert to hard-sided spinner suitcases!

Unfortunately, the company that sent me my suitcase has gone out of business, which is too bad because it’s a great suitcase. So while I can’t recommend this specific spinner, I do recommend spinners in general. You can find several great alternatives here in all price points.

3. Carry-on Sized Suitcase

I loved my Eagle Creek travel backpack so much that I bought an Eagle Creek suitcase, too. The one I have is an older version of this carry-on suitcase and it’s still awesome.

I’ve used this suitcase for nearly 15 years and years and it still looks new. I’ve taken it to four continents, lugged it down cobblestone streets, up many fights of stairs, and stowed it in the overhead compartment on numerous flights with zero problems (on very small planes I gate check it).

The compartments are well-thought out and easy to pack (I can fit a huge amount of stuff in that little suitcase). I don’t use this suitcase as much as my hard-sided spinner suitcase, simply because after airlines changed their carry-on size regulations, my Eagle Creek is just a bit too big and I sometimes am required to check it. Makes me so sad because it’s such an awesome suitcase.

Luggage: Day bags, Purses & Wallet

In addition to my main suitcase (or travel backpack) I bring a day bag, purse, and wallet.

1. Small Backpack (Personal Item)

For many years I used an older version of this daypack as my personal item in conjunction with my carry-on suitcase. I love the size – big enough but not too big – and it’s comfortable, even when stuffed full or when I’m carrying heavy items. I’ve even used this as my main backpack on a 3-week trip to Europe. There are several pockets that make packing and staying organized easy, and I love the mesh pocket on the front for stowing things when I need my hands free (sunglasses, train ticket, lightweight jacket, etc).

Then I was sent a larger, cuter backpack by a bag company in Oregon (I reviewed the backpack here). I’ve since used this backpack on all of my trips since 2019. You can still find a few of them on Amazon.

If you’re looking for a cute, function, and affordable backpack for travel, try this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, and this one. If you’d prefer something convertible that you can wear as a backpack or a bag, take a look at this one and this one.

3. Travel Purse / Day Bag

I have several travel purses, bags, and clutches that I choose from when packing for a trip (I use them at home, as well). When I travel, I just choose one from my collection that will meet my needs on that particular trip. I generally choose purses and day bags that pack flat so I can take a couple options with me. My favorite cross-body bag is the teal one in the above photo. I hope it never breaks because they don’t make that size anymore! They do make a smaller crossbody, though, and that one even has a nice safety feature on the zipper.

If you’re looking for a travel purse with security features, check out my guide to finding the perfect travel purse.

4. Reusable Grocery Bags

We have 2 of these reusable shopping bags and take them on every trip! I bought ours about 14 years ago and they’re still going strong. We use them for groceries, souvenirs, laundry, taking snacks on trains, and luggage overflow. Ours roll up very small and are lightweight and durable. We highly recommend bringing one or two of these – they are invaluable!

5. Travel Wallet

I have a few different travel wallets that I use, depending on the type and length of my trip. One of my favorites is very similar to this one. The zipper makes it more secure and I like the option to use it as a clutch. More recently I decided to get something very small and lightweight liked this one the best.

6. Travel Lock For My Backpack

I always bring a small, lightweight but durable TSA-approved travel lock for my suitcase or backpack. I mostly use it on days when I’m in transit and can’t always keep my luggage near me. It’s nice to have for peace of mind. Update: since my spinner suitcase has a built-in lock, I don’t bring an extra lock anymore.

Packing & Organization

1. Packing Cubes

I’ve used packing cubes to keep my suitcase organized for years. Aaron, too. Before I invested in a few sets of packing cubes I organized all of my clothes and other items with ziplock bags. I prefer the packing cubes because they don’t rip. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive option for just 1 trip, freezer bags of various sizes work well.

I have these three sets of packing cubes: these original packing cubes, this lightweight set, and a few others I’ve picked up along the way. I never use all of them on one trip. After I lay out all of the clothes and items I plan to pack, I choose my packing cubes. They keep my clothes, electronics, and miscellaneous items SO much more organized. And packing/unpacking takes about 5 seconds.

2. Lightweight Storage Bags

I sometimes use these lightweight storage bags for clothing but more often for all of those little miscellaneous items you need when traveling. I usually have one for things I need on the plane, one for my mobile office, and one for technology, batteries, and cords. If you’re worried about the white color, which I was, don’t worry. I wash mine after each trip and they still look good as new, even years later.

3. Lightweight Toiletries Bag

This lightweight toiletries bag is another item I’ve used for years. I love that it’s lightweight, not at all bulky, and easy to wash and keep clean and it packs pretty flat. I use that small toiletries bag for my non-liquid toiletries in conjunction with this TSA-approved liquids bag.

4. Refillable Flat Pack Shampoo Pouches

I used GoToobs bottles for years and years for all of my travel liquids. I loved them. But then, a few weeks before leaving for a 6-month trip to Europe last year I came across these flat pack refillable bottles and decided to give them a try. I liked them so I got a set for Aaron and we both used them every day for 6 months. They’re great! I like that I can label each one, they don’t leak, and that they take up less space as I use shampoo, conditioner, etc.

5. Travel Umbrella

If I’m traveling for business OR if I know I’m going to spend a lot of time outside and there’s a good chance of bad weather OR if I’m traveling with Aaron (he wears glasses and always uses an umbrella), I take a small, lightweight umbrella. Sometimes, though, I just risk it and either get a little wet or buy a cheap umbrella abroad (and then leave it in my last AirBnB for someone else to use).

6. Microfiber Towel

While I typically use the towels provided in my hotel or Airbnb, I usually bring a small microfiber towel when I travel. It comes in handy when the provided towel is small or if I decide to go to the beach or lake and don’t want to carry a larger towel with me.

That said, I’ve been looking at this Turkish Towel and am thinking about using that instead, as I’ve been hearing good things about them (super absorbent, dries quickly, large enough for the beach, and it seems like it would have a nicer feel than a microfiber towel).

Note: if you’re a wash cloth user be sure to bring some from home. You’re not likely to find them in German hotels.

7. Anti-frizz Towel for Curly Hair

I have curly-wavy hair and a little towel like this one has been a game-changer. My hair frizzes easily, especially when traveling in different climates, but using this towel has drastically reduced the frizz. And my hair dries faster. It’s small and light-weight so it doesn’t take up much space in my luggage.

Doing Laundry & Hand Wash

Because I usually take minimal clothes, I usually need to do laundry while traveling. I like to stay in AirBnBs that have a washing machine (usually no dryer, just a clothes rack), but when I can’t, I just find carve out a couple hours to spend at a laundromat. In-between, I do hand wash as needed. Here’s what I take with me to make doing laundry while traveling easy.

1. Dr. Bronner’s

I like to be ready to do hand wash laundry when I travel, so I always bring a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap. I’ve tried doing travel hand wash with all kinds of laundry soaps (liquid, powder and those little sheets of soap) and Dr. Bronner’s worked the best. It’s all natural, gets my clothes clean, and smells great (lavender is my favorite)! I buy a big bottle of Dr. Bronner’s (I use it at home all the time) and fill up a small bottle for each trip.

If you’d rather have individual packets, try Sink Suds packets.

If you’d rather wait until you’re in Germany, just buy a bottle of “Rei” at a drugstore – it’s cheap and works great for hand wash.

2. Scrubba

For years and years I did hand wash in a sink or bathtub while traveling (it’s hard to let go of my backpacker ways!). Then I tried using an extra large ziplock bag. The best method by far?

The Scrubba! It’s easy to use, there’s no mess, and it gets my clothes really clean. I like it for travel, camping, and for emergencies at home (if the power goes out during a hurricane, tornado or storm).

That said, I don’t take my Scrubba on every trip. If I’m staying in Airbnb’s where I know I’ll have access to a washing machine, I leave the Scrubba at home. It does pack down pretty small, though, and if you’ll be traveling for several weeks and would rather do laundry on your own time, rather than search for a laundromat, try a Scrubba.

Super cheap version: a super large ziplock will work for a couple small washes, too.

3. Sink Stopper

When I don’t bring my Scrubba, I bring a sink stopper so I can more easily do a little hand wash laundry in a sink or bathtub. These days, I usually just do a little hand wash here and there as needed.

4. Laundry Degergent Packets

You should be able to find these in the travel section of Target or Walmart. Sometimes I slip a couple in my TSA-approved 3-2-1 bag and use them when we do laundry in Germany so we don’t have to buy laundry soap. Usually, though, you can buy laundry detergent at a laundromat, and sometimes the AirBnB host will provide detergent – ask about this before you arrive.

Must-haves For the Flight

1. Memory Foam Travel Pillow
I bought a memory foam travel pillow at the airport once just before flying from the US east coast to Melbourne, Australia and I’m SO glad I did. This pillow enabled me to sleep upright like no other travel pillow has. If we’re renting a car I’ll often bring this pillow with me to use on the plane and in the car. If we’re taking trains, I take the inflatable pillow below because it’s easier to pack.

2. Inflatable Travel Pillow
I also have an inflatable travel pillow. It’s not quite as comfortable as the memory foam pillow but it’s more convenient because it packs up so small.

3. Travel Eye Mask
Once I started wearing an eye mask on flights I was finally able to sleep!

4. Ear Plugs
These are another must-have. I have a stash of disposable ear plugs and just grab several sets for each trip. With my travel pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs I can reliably get sleep on long flights, finally! They also come in handy in hotels (especially in cities or in the summer when we keep the windows open) or on trains.

5. Scarf with Hidden Pocket
This is such a great idea! It’s an infinity scarf (so it won’t fall off) that has a secret pocket for items you want to keep close to you, like your passport, credit cards, room key, phone, etc. You can keep priority items secure and easily accessible while looking fantastic! Check out my guide to finding the perfect hidden pocket travel scarf.

6. Travel Wrap Scarf
For an upcoming trip I just got this lightweight travel wrap scarf. It’s big enough to use as a lightweight wrap in warmer weather and a scarf in cooler weather. I’m eyeing this travel blanket/wrap scarf for my next trip. You can use it as a travel blanket on the plane and then as a travel wrap, scarf or shawl while traveling.

7. Travel Journal
This is one of the most important things I take traveling. I love sitting down in a cafe or even on a park bench and jotting down notes about my day…and then having a wonderful memory of my travels to look at weeks, months, years later. The travel journal I’ve linked to is one I created. Click here to get one for your trip.

Clothes & Shoes

1. Merino Wool Cami
I bought a merino wool cami a few years ago before I left for a month in Europe in the summer and it’s now one of my must-must-must have travel items. Merino wool is perfect for travel because it doesn’t absorb odors, and it will keep you warm on cold days and cool on warm days. It’s easy to wash by hand (if needed) or you can throw it in the washing machine. Plus, it dries quickly.

I also recommend getting at least one merino wool t-shirt or long-sleeved base layer and/or a long-sleeved 1/4 zip pullover like this one. For our upcoming multi-season trip I have 2 merino wool camis, 2 merino wool t-shirts, and a long-sleeved merino wool 1/4 zip pullover. I love that I can wear them year round and layer them.

2. Merino Wool Shoes
Merino wool shoes are awesome. Mine pack flat, which saves room in my suitcase or backpack, they keep my feet warm on cool days and cool on warm days, and – best of all – they don’t stink after I’ve worn them all day.

3. On Waterproof Cloud 5 Shoes
These are my new favorite travel shoes. They were so comfortable that I wore them nearly every single day while traveling for over 3 months in Germany. I love that I can easily slip them on and off and the waterproofing kept my feet dryer when it rained (they’re more water resistant than fully waterproof). Tip: the waterproof version run small so size up.

4. Merino Wool Socks
My secret to staying warm while traveling in the winter? Wool knee socks! They keep my legs warmer than when I wear boots and take up a lot less room in my luggage. These wool knee socks are similar to the ones I got about 10 years ago (that I’m still wearing). The only downside of these socks is that they don’t have any cushioning, so sometimes I switch them out for socks like these.

In the summer, I wear no-show merino wool socks like these. They’re easy to wash, comfortable to wear, and they don’t smell – perfect for travel.

5. Flip Mittens
I got a pair of flip mittens in London several years ago and have used them every winter since. Aaron saw how I was able to easily use my phone, get into my day bag, and take money out of my wallet without taking my mittens off and then got himself a pair. Highly recommended if you’re traveling during the winter. This pair is similar to ours and comes in several colors.

6. Flat-back Earrings
On our 3-month Germany trip I decided that I didn’t want to bother with much jewelry. So I got this set of surgical stainless steel stud earrings. They have flat backs so I can sleep comfortably in them, and the back screw onto the posts, so I don’t have to worry about losing them. The set comes with 18 different pairs, so before we left I chose the pairs I liked the best and put a few extras in a small pouch in case I want to switch them out. Click here to check out these cute stud earrings!

Technology

1. Pop Socket 
Makes holding your phone to take a photo, read on public transit or look at Google maps so much easier. We each have a Pop Socket on our phone cases.

2. Wrist Strap For Our Phones
We use our phones to take photos and videos all day long while traveling. Even though we each have a Pop Socket on our phone case, we were still always a little worried we’d drop our phones, especially in crowded areas where people are bumping into us or if we’re on a boat, bridge, overlook, etc.

So we got wrist straps – I got this wrist strap that works with my favorite phone case, and Aaron got this one that attaches to this phone case. Highly recommended!

3. Portable Back-up Battery for Our Phones
This is another must-must-must have!! We use our iPhones all day when we travel (checking maps, reading guides, taking photos and videos, using navigation, reading restaurant reviews, etc) but doing all of that drains our phone battery by about 2pm. So, we bring this back-up battery with us each day. It’s easy to charge our phones while we’re out and about because the battery is fairy small, lightweight, and easily fits in my purse or bag or Aaron’s backpack.

It also comes in handy on long flights, trains, and in Airbnbs and hotels where the outlet is really far away from the bed. I’ve had two Anker back-up batteries and I’ve been impressed with both. We can get 2-3 full phone charges before needing to charge the back-up battery (we charge it each night, though, just to be on the safe side).

4. European Outlet Adapter
I always bring enough socket adapters so I can charge all of my devices at the same time. They’re small and lightweight (the ones you need for the UK are a bit bigger) and worth the little bit of extra space they take up. If you’re not sure what you need to safely use your tech in Germany, read our guide to voltage converters and adapters.

5. Apple Laptop Adapter
A few years ago I got this special Apple Laptop Adapter kit and I love that the socket adapter fits right into my power cord. So much easier to use when I’m traveling for work or want to use my laptop in a cafe.

6. Protective Laptop Shell
After my laptop slid off my lap and the screen cracked – 3 days before leaving for a work trip in Europe! – I bought a hard laptop shell. It makes my laptop slightly thicker but much safer, which is important to me, since I almost always take my laptop when I travel. These laptop shells are inexpensive and come in tons of colors and designs.

7. Kindle Paperwhite
I love to read when I travel and I rarely buy hardcopy travel guides anymore, so my Kindle Paperwhite comes in very handy when I travel. If I’m really pressed for space I’ll leave the Kindle at home and just use my iPhone but I prefer to read on my Kindle.

Other Must-Haves

Portable Coffee Pour-over
Having good coffee in the morning is a must-have for Aaron, so he got this collapsable coffee pour-over filter. It’s small but will make a nice big cup of coffee (he’ll buy ground coffee once we’re back in Germany). If you’re not sure whether you’ll be able to heat water in your hotel room, you can also take a portable water kettle!

Organic Fairtrade Single Serve Instant Coffee Packets
Aaron also bought a box of this highly rated instant coffee for travel coffee emergencies. The packets are single serve so you can take just a couple or have enough for coffee every day.

Travel Insurance
I admit, travel insurance isn’t something I’ve always packed. But after Aaron needed emergency surgery in Germany several years ago, and the two of us were evacuated during a forest fire in Washington State, I’ve realized how important travel insurance is! I highly recommend putting travel insurance on your packing list. For our most recent trip we used Safety Wing and were very happy with it.

Items I’m Thinking About Getting

1. Shoe Bag
I typically wrap my shoes in simple plastic shopping bags but they rip easily, so I’ve been considering investing in a few reusable shoe bags instead.

2. Cinch-it Organizer
This seems more like a nice-to-have rather than a must-have but I’m intrigued by it! I like that you can open this bag up and easily see everything inside. I also love the lightweight fabric and that there are six pockets for organizing your things.

3. Noise-canceling Headphones
I always bring ear buds when I travel but I’m thinking about investing in noise-canceling headphones.

4. Multi-device Charger/Adapter
I always need to charge multiple devices when I travel and I often don’t have enough outlets in hotel rooms and AirBnBs – or they’re hard to reach behind a couch or nightstand table. I’m considering a multi-device charger so I can charge all of my devices easily and in one location. Update: we bought this one and used it every day during our recent 6 months in Germany. Highly recommended!

5. iPhone Stabilizer/Gimbal
Now that we take more video when we travel (as well as at home), we’re looking at getting a stabilizer/gimbal. I’m amazed at how much smoother and better videos are when you use a gimble! I’m just not sure I want to carry it around all day.

Update: We bought a gimbal and took it on our most recent 3-month stint in Germany. The video we shot with it was excellent! But it was a pain to set up on the fly so we didn’t use it nearly as much as we thought we would.

A a friend of mine says she uses this GorillaPod instead. It’s not as smooth as a gimbal but she said it works pretty well and is a lot less expensive. We also found we could shoot pretty smooth video if we simply were mindful about what we were filming. Not as good as with the gimbal, of course, but much easier.

6. Reusable snack pouches and straws 
I like to buy healthy snacks at the local grocery store to eat while I’m out sight-seeing and on transit days. I often bring a few ziplock bags with me when I travel but they wear out pretty quickly. So I’m thinking about buying a few reusable bags. I’m trying to decide between these, these, and these. Update: I’m now thinking about getting this beeswax wrap instead because I think it’ll pack flatter and be more versatile. I’m also trying to reduce my plastic straw use and am consequently looking at this reusable straw and this one.

Next Steps For Planning Your Trip:

• Start planning an unforgettable trip to Germany here!
• Book a personalized travel consult or itinerary review with Cate.
• Join our friendly Facebook group.

The post Best Germany Packing List for 2025 appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

Phone Must-Haves

Portable Power Bank

If you take photos or videos with your phone, this power bank is a must because your phone WILL run out of battery half way through the day. We have this one and use it every single day to keep both of our phones (and my Air Pods) charged on the go. It’s powerful enough to charge both of our phones yet it’s small and light enough that we don’t mind carrying it with us each day. And it takes both USB-C and USB-A.

Click here to get the phone power bank we use every day.

European Plug Adapter

Germany uses different voltage and outlet plugs, so if you’re taking any electronic items with you, you’ll need an outlet adapter. We use this European plug adapter because it’s compact and lightweight, comes with adapters for multiple countries that you can slide on and off the base, and we can charge all of our tech with just this one adapter.

Check out our favorite European plug adapter here.

Pop Socket

If you take photos or videos with your phone, get a Pop Socket! It’ll make it easier to grip your phone, keep it steady when shooting video, and you’ll be less likely to drop it. Aaron and I both have them on our phones.

Check the price on Pop Sockets here.

Phone Wrist Strap

Do you ever worry about dropping your phone, setting it down and forgetting it somewhere or having it snatched out of your hand – and then losing everything on your phone forever? We started using wrist straps to keep our phones more secure and now won’t travel without one! Aaron uses this wrist strap that attaches to this phone case, and I use this one that attaches to my existing phone case and makes it easy to charge my phone without removing the strap.

Check out the phone wrist strap and this phone case + wrist strap we use every day.

Portable Hard Drive

We back up our photos and videos to this lightweight portable solid state hard drive while we’re traveling. We found backing up our photos and videos to the cloud while we were on hotel and Airbnb wifi too slow but it’s quick and easy with this portable hard drive. We have a 2 TB hard drive and a 4 TB hard drive, as well as this carrying case to keep it safe.

Check out the 2 TB hard drive, 4 TB hard drive, and carrying case we use to back up travel photos and videos.

Toiletries & Packing Liquids

TSA Bag For Toiletries

I’ve been using this carry-on liquids bag for several years and got Aaron one before our current Germany trip. It’s perfect for any 3oz liquids you need to take on the plane because it’s TSA approved (and durable). You actually get a set of 3 bags and the other 2 are handy for organizing smaller items. We use one bag for our travel first aid kit, for example. These pouches come in several designs and colors.

Click here to check out our favorite TSA approved liquids bag.

Refillable Pouches for Shampoo and More

I was a loyal GoToob user for years until I stumbled across these refillable pouches a year ago. They are easy to (re)fill, you can write on each pouch so there’s no mixing up your shampoo and conditioner, and because they’re flat, it’s easy to pack in our TSA-approved liquids bag. We’ve been using these pouches every single day for about a year now and they’ve never leaked. Both Aaron and I use these pouches now and are very happy with them.

Click here to check out our favorite refillable shampoo pouches.

Mesh Toiletry Bags

I bought a set of these inexpensive, multicolored mesh toiletry bags last summer and use them to keep my make-up, personal products, and lots of other little things organized. They’re lightweight, have held up well, and I love that it’s easy to see exactly what’s in each of them.

Check out this set of mesh toiletry and organization bags.

Sunscreen

Aaron did a lot of research to find the best sunscreen. We use this one and this one.

Shoes & Socks

Insoles

We typically walk 20,000+ steps a day when we travel and our feel were much happier when we started adding high quality insoles to our walking shoes! Aaron uses these insoles and I use these insoles.

On Waterproof Shoes

I love these shoes! I wore them nearly every single day for over 3 months of travel and my feet were much happier than on previous trips. I was worried the waterproof version would make my feet sweat on hot days but they didn’t, and it was so nice to not have soaking wet feet when it rained (they’re more water resistant than fully waterproof so while they did keep my feet dry in light rain, they did get wet when we had to walk through a downpour). I add these insoles to make them even more comfortable. Tip: the waterproof version runs a little small so size up.

Click here for my favorite super comfortable women’s travel walking shoes.

Merino Wool Socks

Aaron has started using these no show socks and these no show compression socks and he’s been very happy with them. They’re for men and women, so I’m going to try them out, too, since I’ve been disappointed with the no show Smartwool socks I bought a few months ago (one pair didn’t even last 3 months). I have, however, been happy with these Smartwool knee socks – my secret weapon for staying warm in the winter.

Clothes & Accessories

Merino Wool Cami

I wear this cami nearly every day when I’m traveling. It’s merino wool so it’ll keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter — and it doesn’t absorb oder like other fabrics. I’ve found the quality to be quite good and often wear this type of merino wool camis for a couple years before needing to replace them. I usually bring 2 when I travel.

Click here to check out this merino wool cami.

Merino Wool Shirts

Aaron ordered a couple new merino wool shirts before we left for Germany and he’s been super happy with them. He got this short-sleeved t-shirt from Smartwool, this short-sleved t-shirt from Meriwool, this polo shirt from Meriwool, and this long-sleeved 1/4 zip pullover from Smartwool.

Multipurpose Scarf

I’ve used this lightweight scarf in the spring/summer as a light wrap, and in the fall/winter as a cozy scarf with my jacket or coat. It packs very small so it’s easy to carry (I keep mine in a small Ziplock bag so it doesn’t get snagged on anything) and it works well as an accessory and to stay warm in cooler weather. It comes in several colors.

Click here to find the best scarves and wraps for travel!

Travel Umbrella

You never know when it’s going to rain in Germany so we’ve gotten a lot of use out of this travel umbrella. It’s lightweight enough that I don’t mind carrying it with me and it dries quickly.

Day Bags

23 Liter Backpack

Aaron started out using this day bag and while he loved it, after using it for 3 months he discovered that it didn’t quite fit his tall frame. Now he uses this small backpack as his day bag and he’s been very happy with it.

Crossbody Day Bag / Purse

After months of looking for the perfect day bag to replace the one I’ve used for several years, I decided on this one. It’s comfortable to carry (both when there’s very little and a lot in it), has pockets and other helpful organizational features, and I liked the neutral color. 

I also just got this backpack to replace my old one. I love the size, pockets, and strap that makes it easy to attach to my spinner suitcase.

Click here for more cross-body purses and bags for travel!

Reusable Shopping Bags

We bring 2 reusable shopping bags every time we travel and use them for groceries, laundry, and much more. They pack down small and come in handy all the time. We use an older version of this brand.

Other Useful Items

• These clips – they’re perfect for adding a little extra security to your travel purse, day bag, backpack or suitcase. I have them on both my new cross-body bag and my backpack.
• Collapsible coffee dripper – we often use a collapsible coffee dripper to make coffee in hotels and Airbnbs (we buy fresh coffee to use with the dripper in Germany).
• Aaron always carries packets of this instant coffee for those times when he can’t make or buy morning coffee.
• Small, light-weight cutting board – this has come in handy so many times to cut up fruit and veggies in our hotel room or Airbnb (some don’t come with a cutting board!).
  

The post 15+ Things We Take On Every Germany Trip appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

What’s one of the most important things to buy ahead of your Germany trip?  Your day bag or travel purse!

The purse or bag you take on your trip is one of the few things that you’ll use every single day while traveling. And you’ll enjoy your trip SO much more if you take a little time to select a comfortable yet secure travel purse or bag that’s the perfect size and fit for you.

Take it from me, it totally sucks to realize one day into your dream Germany trip that your purse is uncomfortable, too small, too big, too bulky, or constantly slides off your shoulder.

The best thing to do is to find your perfect travel purse or bag (and the right travel scarf or wrap) before you leave. But…there are so many excellent purses for travel that it can be overwhelming to sort through them all and find the perfect one for you.

In the over three decades I’ve been traveling internationally for work and fun, I’ve tried every type of travel purse, bag, and backpack imaginable. That’s why, when I find one I like, I use it for years.

To help you avoid all of the trial and error I went through (not to mention all of the money spent on purses and bags that didn’t work out), I put together this guide sharing the overall best travel purses, as well as my top tips for choosing the best purse for traveling and packing your travel purse.

What I Use

My favorite day bag – the one I’ve been using for the past 5+ years and is in a lot of my photos – finally started to wear out, so I spent a couple of months looking for a replacement. I also got a new backpack and wallet, since both were wearing out. Here’s what I’m currently using:

1. This day bag / travel purse – I love the pockets, that it’s big enough to carry my essentials but not too big, and is comfortable to carry all day. I also like that I can change out the strap to change up the look. I do wish it had a locking zipper, but since it doesn’t, I use these zipper clips for a little extra security.
2. This small wallet with loop – I like that this little travel wallet is big enough for a couple credit cards and a little cash but doesn’t weigh down my day bag. For a little extra security, I attach the metal loop to the key clip in my day bag.
3. This backpack – The backpack I’ve used as my personal item on the plane started falling apart after several years use, so I got a new one to try. The one I bought had a cute pattern, has a separate compartment for my laptop, and pockets. I use these zipper clips on my backpack for a little extra security.

What does Aaron use? He loves this backpack as both his day pack and his personal item when in transit.

Quick Answer: Top Purses for Travel

Image	Name	Check Availability
#1 Top Pick	Baggallini Womens Modern Everywhere Bag	Buy Now
	HAIKU Jaunt Crossbody Bag	Check Price
	Baggallini Modern Pocket Crossbody	Check Price
Wristlet included!	Baggallini Horizon Crossbody	Check Price
	Travelon Anti-theft Cross Body Bag	Check Price
	Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag	Check Price
	Sherpani Vale Anti-Theft Crossbody Purse	Check Price
	Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag	Check Price
Convertable!	Pacsafe Citysafe Anti Theft Convertible Backpack	Check Price
	Travelon Compact Crossbody	Check Price
Leather!	Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag	Check Price
	NeatPack Crossbody Bag	Check Price
	Baggallini Securtex Memento Crossbody Bag	Check Price
	AOCINA Crossbody Purse	Check Price
	Pacsafe Citysafe Square Crossbody	Check Price
Small!	Travelon Tailored Convertible Crossbody Bag	Check Price

#1 Top Pick

Baggallini Womens Modern Everywhere Bag

Buy Now

HAIKU Jaunt Crossbody Bag

Check Price

Baggallini Modern Pocket Crossbody

Check Price

Wristlet included!

Baggallini Horizon Crossbody

Check Price

Travelon Anti-theft Cross Body Bag

Check Price

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Check Price

Sherpani Vale Anti-Theft Crossbody Purse

Check Price

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag

Check Price

Convertable!

Pacsafe Citysafe Anti Theft Convertible Backpack

Check Price

Travelon Compact Crossbody

Check Price

Leather!

Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag

Check Price

NeatPack Crossbody Bag

Check Price

Baggallini Securtex Memento Crossbody Bag

Check Price

AOCINA Crossbody Purse

Check Price

Pacsafe Citysafe Square Crossbody

Check Price

Small!

Travelon Tailored Convertible Crossbody Bag

Check Price

Best Travel Purses for 2025

#1 Top Pick

Baggallini Womens Modern Everywhere Bag

$110.00

This is the day bag I'm now using! After ordering and returning countless purses, bags, and backpacks, I decided on this one because it's comfortable to carry (both when there's very little and a lot in it), has both inner and outer zip and slip pockets, and I liked the neutral grey color. The strap is adjustable and I like that I can unclasp the strap so I can secure it to my suitcase handle or a restaurant chair for a extra security.

At first I wasn't a fan of the way the flip pocket on the front looks but after using the bag, it's actually handy for things like lipstick or receipts. I also really like the secret cell phone and lined sunglasses pockets, the side water bottle pocket, and the hidden zipper pocket on the other size - it's perfect for stashing my reusable shopping bag. Overall, this is a fantastic travel purse!

Pros:

• excellent inner and outer pockets to keep you organized
• 2 key clips for keeping your keys and wallet secure
• comfortable to carry
• lots of colors available
• hidden cell phone pocket
• can change out strap for different looks

Cons:

• Not slash-proof

Buy Now

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11/24/2024 09:21 pm GMT

#2

HAIKU Jaunt Crossbody Bag

This is an updated and slightly smaller version of my favorite Haiku crossbody bag (the one I have is no longer available). It's super comfortable to carry and the pockets make it easy to stay organized while traveling. This bag is sturdy, machine washable, and comes in several colors. What's great about this updated purse is that the main compartment has a toggle-locking zipper for extra security.

Pros:

• inner and outer slip and zipper pockets
• toggle-locking zipper for extra security
• adjustable crossbody strap
• several colors to choose from
• eco-friendly

Cons:

• not slash proof

Check Price Read Reviews

#3

Baggallini Modern Pocket Crossbody

This slim crossbody purse has a great adjustable strap that allows you to comfortably and easily wear it crossbody or over your shoulder.

It also has zippered interior and exterior pockets (perfect for organization and security), and light colored interior lining so you can easily see the contents of your purse.

The outer nylon fabric is easy to keep clean while on the road. It comes in a ton of colors, styles, and fabrics so you can find the perfect companion for your travel wardrobe.

Pros:

• adjustable shoulder strap
• RFID-blocking technology
• pockets to stay organized
• water resistant
• comes in many colors, patterns & fabrics

Cons:

• not slash-proof

Check Price Read Reviews

#4

Baggallini Horizon Crossbody

This lightweight crossbody purse features an adjustable strap that's attached to the bag for added security, easy to clean water resistant nylon fabric that comes in a variety of neutral and bright colors and patterns, and light colored interior fabric so you can easily see what's inside your purse.

The zippered exterior pockets are perfect for items you want to keep secure but also access quickly. Interior pockets keep you organized as you travel.

With this purse you've got enough room for your phone and an iPad mini or Kindle but its sleek design makes it hard to overfill. This purse also comes with a wristlet that you could use when going out at night - so you really get two purses in one!

Pros:

• holds iPad mini or Kindle
• water resistant fabric
• detachable wristlet
• many color options to choose from

Cons:

• strap is not detachable or slash-resistant

Check Price Read Reviews

#5

Travelon Anti-theft Cross Body Bag

If you're looking for a mid-size anti-theft travel purse that doesn't look like a travel purse, this is the purse for you.

It has an adjustable, detachable, slash-resistant strap that you can wear crossbody or on your shoulder, a slash-resistant body, locking zippers, and RFID blocking slots for both credit cards and passport.

The 3 locking compartments (2 on the outside, 1 on the inside) offer both security for peace of mind and plenty of room for storing and organizing your things (e.g., iPad/Kindle, water bottle, DSLR camera, etc).

There's also a zippered pocket on the back and a key clip and LED light on the inside of the purse. Plus, it comes in neutral colors that will go with everything in your travel wardrobe.

Pros:

• stylish and practical
• lots of organizational and safety features
• large enough for a water bottle or DSLR camera
• several color options

Cons:

• top outer pocket can be hard to access

Check Price Read Reviews

#6

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

This is another fantastic lightweight travel purse from Travelon. It's on the smaller side but is big enough for everything you need (including an iPad or Kindle). It's also got the safety features you're looking for, such as a slash-resistant strap and body, locking zippers, and RFID pockets.

The adjustable, detachable strap makes it easy to wear this purse both as a crossbody and on your shoulder. There are zippered pockets on the outside front and back, as well as interior pockets to keep you organized.

On the front there's a "quick drop" pocket for your phone that also has a flap to keep it out of sight. The nylon outer fabric is water-resistant and comes in several colors and patterns so it's easy to find the one (or two!) that best complements your travel wardrobe!

Pros:

• slash-resistant strap and body
• locking zippers
• RFID pockets
• water-resistant
• lots of colors available

Cons:

• holds only the essentials

Check Price Read Reviews

#7

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag

This cute travel purse is another great option if you're looking for purse that's on the smaller side. The outer fabric is cotton canvas and suede, which gives it a different look to other anti-theft travel purses.

There's a zippered pocket on the front and a quick drop pocket with a snap close on the back.

Inside the purse you'll find organizational pockets, an RFID pocket, and a key clip with LED light. The adjustable strap is slash-resistant for added security.

Pros:

• cute, cotton canvas and suede fabric
• organization and safety features
• packs flat

Cons:

• only the strap is slash-resistant

Check Price Read Reviews

#8

Pacsafe Citysafe Anti Theft Convertible Backpack

This sleek practical purse serves as both a backpack and a handbag! You can wear it as a backpack and easily fold it town to small handbag, which makes it perfect for both day trips and night outs.

The interior is roomy with a padded sleeve for your tablet, a RFID blocking front zip, interlocking main compartment, and a back access zipper.

The bag is made of a lightweight, cut-proof steel mesh material to prevent pickpocketing. There's also RFID blocking pockets to keep all your cards safe. Another useful feature are the detachable straps, which come with locks to securely fasten it to tables or chairs while you're traveling.

Pros:

• slash-resistant straps and body
• RFID blocking pockets
• holds 10" tablet
• detachable strap
• back access zipper

Cons:

• pockets can be hard to access

Check Price Read Reviews

#9

Travelon Bag Compact Crossbody

This Travelon crossbody bag is a great option for those looking for something compact, minimal, and easy to carry around all day.

It has an adjustable soft webbing shoulder strap that's made of a mesh, slash-proof fabric. The main body panel is also slash-proof and the interior has locking compartments with RFID blocking interior pockets. For extra space, there's also a front pocket with a zipper to keep small items.

Pros:

• slash-resistant strap and body panels
• RFID blocking interior pockets
• adjustable shoulder strap
• comes in different colors

Cons:

• holds only the essentials

Check Price Read Reviews

#10

Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag

This stylish crossbody bag is made with top quality, sustainable full-grain leather. At this price point, it's a great find for a classic bag that goes with everything, whether for travel or everyday use!

The bag has a timeless design with a durable finish and a comfortable fit. The strap is adjustable and can be worn as a crossbody or even a shoulder bag.

It comes in both neutral and fun colors and has 2 front zipper pockets, 3 inner pockets, and a back zipper pocket.

Pros:

• made with quality, sustainable leather
• stylish and timeless look
• lots of extra pockets and storage
• comes in multiple styles and colors

Cons:

• not slash-resistant

Check Price Read Reviews

#11

NeatPack Crossbody Bag

This is a cute yet super practical crossbody bag for those looking for a bigger bag with enough space for all your things. This bag is made of a tough nylon fabric that repels stains and moisture as well as high-quality lockable zippers so it can stand up to heavy handling!

Both the inside and outside you'll find tons of useful compartments and pockets. It has a large main compartment that can carry all your personal items, electronics, and other necessities.

There's also an anti-theft RFID pocket for your cards. It even has a special side pocket for your water bottle - perfect for long days of traveling and sightseeing.

Pros:

• RFID pockets
• has a bottle holder
• repels moisture and stains
• multiple compartments

Cons:

• not slash-resistant

Check Price Read Reviews

#12

Baggallini Securtex Memento Crossbody Bag

This is another classic purse by Baggallini. It's made with Securtex, an and slash-proof fabric so it keeps all your belongings safe while traveling. Another one of the anti-theft features is its built-in RFID-blocking technology.

The bag has a sleek design with a variety of colors to choose from. It's also water-resistant, making it easy to clean and care for. It's the perfect bag for those who want something simple and low-maintenance.

Pros:

• RFID-blocking technology
• water-resistant
• slash-resistant
• lightweight
• comes in a variety of colors

Cons:

• cards slots are a bit narrow

Check Price Read Reviews

#13

AOCINA Crossbody Purse

This stylish purse comes in a ton of vibrant patterns and colors, perfect for those looking for a pop of color for their outfits while traveling!

Not only is it cute but it also has a sleek and lightweight design. It has one large compartment, 4 inner pouches, front zipper pockets, and a back zipper pocket.

The crossbody strap is adjustable. You can wear it as a crossbody purse, a shoulder bag, or even as a waist bag since it's small and compact.

Pros:

• lots of pockets
• compact and lightweight
• comes in different fun colors and patterns

Cons:

• not slash-resistant

Check Price Read Reviews

#14

Pacsafe Citysafe Square Crossbody

This cute square crossbody bag is ideal for those who want a sleek and minimal bag. It's made with slash-resistant material that's durable, water resistant and easy to clean.

It has RFID blocking pockets, interlocking zippers, and a clasp locking system with an attachable security strap.

The main compartment has a padded sleeve that can fit a 7" tablet or Kindle. There's enough room for lighter travel days, to carry essentials like your travel documents.

Pros:

• slash-resistant
• RFID pockets
• padded, detachable shoulder strap
• clasp locking system

Cons:

• holds only essentials

Check Price Read Reviews

#15

Travelon Tailored Convertible Crossbody Bag

This bag by Travelon boasts of a robust 5-point anti-theft security system. It has lock-down straps, lockable zippers, slash-resistant straps reinforced with a stainless steel wire inside, a slash-resistant body all around the sides and bottom, and RFID blocking pockets.

This compact bag will keep all your essentials safe! You can also wear it two ways, as either a clutch or wristlet or a crossbody bag.

Pros:

• slash-resistant
• RFID pockets
• adjustable, detachable shoulder strap
• wearable in 2 ways - clutch or crossbody

Cons:

• holds only essentials

Check Price Read Reviews

How to Find the Perfect Travel Purse or Bag

As you look for the perfect travel purse for your trip to Germany, you’ll start to figure out which features are most important to you. They might not be what you initially expect! And they might be different than what you’d choose as your everyday purse at home.

You’ll be carrying your travel purse all day, everyday while traveling, so it needs to be comfortable. You’ll want easy access to things like your phone, wallet, and maybe a water bottle or journal and pen. But you also want to keep those things safe. I’ve never felt uncomfortable while traveling in Germany but it’s a good idea to make sure the important items in your purse can’t easily fall out or don’t make things easy for pick-pockets.

Like I said, I’ve never felt weary of pick-pockets or theft while traveling in Germany, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Spending a little time planning how to safely and comfortably carry important items while traveling is worth the time and money spent.

Types of Travel Purses

The first thing to consider is the type of travel purse that will best suit your needs. You’ll carry your travel purse pretty much everywhere you go while traveling, so you might want a different type of purse than what you typically use at home day-to-day.

Crossbody Purse

Crossbody travel purses have a long strap that enables you to carry the purse across your body (rather than on your shoulder). I love crossbody purses for travel because I find them super comfortable, and I like having my hands free to take photos or eat a chocolate croissant.

Travel tip: look for an adjustable strap so you have the option to carry it as a should bag in addition to across your body. Crossbody purses offer increased security because they can’t be yanked off of you as easily as a purse that you carry on your shoulder.

Anti-theft Travel Purse

You’ve probably heard about the various anti-theft  travel purses that are available today. These purses come in all sizes have features such as safety clasps on zippers, lightweight wire mesh in the purse straps and lining, and RFID blocking pockets. Anti-theft purses often cost a little more but if increased security is important to you, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

I have an anti-theft travel purse in my collection and what I like most about it is the ability to easily unhook the shoulder strap so I can wrap it around the arm of the chair I’m sitting in. I still keep an eye on my purse (as I do when I’m at home) but I like knowing it’s not as easy to grab and run off with while I’m sitting in a cafe, on a train or in the airport.

Small/Lightweight Purses

If you carry a small or lightweight purse in your day-to-day life, that may be all you need while traveling. The benefit of carrying a small travel purse is that you won’t be tempted to bring more than you need and you won’t lug around a heavy bag all day (been there, done that, not fun).

Plus, on transit days you can easily stash a small purse in another bag. I often bring a small, lightweight purse with me for evenings out when I don’t want to carry my larger crossbody or anti-theft purse.

Large Shoulder Purse or Classic Messenger Bag  

On the other hand, you might prefer to travel with a large purse! Large purses can come in handy if you’re doing a lot of day trips and want to bring along things like a laptop or ipad, a water bottle, a notebook, an umbrella, a jacket, etc.

Large purses can be comfortable to carry all day if you don’t overpack. When I take a large purse on an international trip (usually when I need to bring my laptop) I opt for a messenger style. I also bring a wristlet or small purse for evenings out or when I just want to run to the corner market.

What to Carry in Your Travel Purse

The next thing to consider is what you’ll carry in your travel purse while abroad. There’s a fine line between being prepared and over packing, and it’s a line that’s super easy to cross!

One way I avoid overpacking my travel purse is by gathering the items I think I’ll want to carry while still at home. Doing so helps me decide on the size and type of travel purse that’s best for my trip.

What’s in my travel purse? Here’s what I typically carry:

• Small make-up bag
• Small wallet
• Cell phone & back-up battery
• Journal & pen
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm or lipstick
• Passport (sometimes)
• Keys
• Tin of Altoid mints
• Snacks (small bag of nuts, an apple, power bar, etc)
• Small roll-up bag (for groceries)

Here are additional items you may want to carry in your purse:

• Ipad/Kindle
• Book/map/magazine (if you prefer hard copies)
• Sweater, long-sleeved shirt or jacket
• Hat
• Water bottle
• Glasses (case)
• Medication or other health-related items
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella or rain jacket
• Items your kids or travel partner will need (if you’re traveling with others)

Take a look at what you typically carry in your everyday purse at home. Is there anything in there not mentioned above that you want to take with you on your international trip?

Travel tip: anti-theft purses make great camera bags!

What Makes a Good Travel Purse?

Here’s what I look for in a travel purse:

• A comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap
• Interior and exterior pockets (I like one or two on the outside and one on the inside–too many pockets and it’s easy to forget where you put everything!)
• Sturdy zippers (I only travel with purses that have a zippered main compartment, and ideally one exterior and one interior pocket also has a zipper, both for security and organizational purposes)
• Security features, such as locking clasps, slash-resistant strap and body, and RFID pockets for credit cards and passports
• Light colored lining (or even an LED light!), so it’s easy to see what’s inside your purse
• Outer fabric that’s easy to clean
• Balance of function and style
• A color that complements my travel wardrobe

Travel tip: Practice packing your travel purse ahead of your trip so you’re sure it will hold everything you want to take with you. Then wear it on a long walk around your neighborhood so you can be sure it’s comfortable to carry all day. Also check the purse against your travel wardrobe so you can make sure the the color and style goes with your travel wardrobe.

The post Best Crossbody Purse for Travel in Germany in 2025 appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

This guide will help you find the best travel wrap or scarf that fits your style, travel wardrobe, and budget so you can be cozy, comfortable, and stylish as you travel.

Quick Answers: The Best Travel Wraps & Scarves

#1 Top Pick!	Lightweight Scarf Pros: lightweight easy to pack use all year long stylish & practical	Check Price & Availability
	Cashmere Travel Wrap Pros: cozy cashmere wear as scarf or wrap comes in many colors made in Italy	Check Price & Availability
	Knitted Travel Shawl with Buttons Pros: wear several ways seashell button styling many colors to choose from won't break the bank	Check Price & Availability
	Convertible Hidden Pocket Scarf Pros: 2 hidden zipper pockets convertible wear as an infinity scarf or as a shawl or blanket scarf super soft	Check Price & Availability
	Wool Blend Cardigan Wrap Pros: armholes! wear as a cardigan, shawl or scarf comes in several colors lightweight	Check Price & Availability
	Smart Phone Hidden Pocket Scarf Pros: two zippered pockets great for winter travel keeps phone protected but usable in rainy weather vegan	Check Price & Availability
	Travel Blanket Scarf Pros: 100% meino wool large size to keep you cozy use as wrap, scarf or blanket perfect for cooler weather not mass produced	Check Price & Availability

#1 Top Pick!

Lightweight Scarf

Pros:

• lightweight
• easy to pack
• use all year long
• stylish & practical

Check Price & Availability

Cashmere Travel Wrap

Pros:

• cozy cashmere
• wear as scarf or wrap
• comes in many colors
• made in Italy

Check Price & Availability

Knitted Travel Shawl with Buttons

Pros:

• wear several ways
• seashell button styling
• many colors to choose from
• won't break the bank

Check Price & Availability

Convertible Hidden Pocket Scarf

Pros:

• 2 hidden zipper pockets
• convertible
• wear as an infinity scarf or as a shawl or blanket scarf
• super soft

Check Price & Availability

Wool Blend Cardigan Wrap

Pros:

• armholes!
• wear as a cardigan, shawl or scarf
• comes in several colors
• lightweight

Check Price & Availability

Smart Phone Hidden Pocket Scarf

Pros:

• two zippered pockets
• great for winter travel
• keeps phone protected but usable in rainy weather
• vegan

Check Price & Availability

Travel Blanket Scarf

Pros:

• 100% meino wool
• large size to keep you cozy
• use as wrap, scarf or blanket
• perfect for cooler weather
• not mass produced

Check Price & Availability

Why Add A Travel Wrap Or Scarf To Your Packing List?

Travel wraps – whether a scarf, secret pocket scarf, shawl, pashmina or blanket scarf – are perfect for travel because they’re stylish, versatile, and practical.

You can use them in so many ways while traveling:

• Keep warm on a chilly plane, train or hotel room – or while sightseeing on cool or cold days.
• Add color or style to an outfit during the day.
• Use as an elegant wrap at night.
• Use as a make-shift bathrobe or swimsuit cover.
• Stow in your day bag in case you spill on your shirt or dress and need a quick cover up.
• Cover your shoulders or knees when visiting churches and other sites that require more modest dress. 
• Place over your head for more darkness when trying to sleep on an overnight flight or train.
• If you’ll be wearing a coat or jacket in most of your photos, bringing a couple scarves to add variety to your outerwear.

Best Travel Wraps And Scarves

#1 Top Pick!

Lightweight Scarf

This lightweight scarf is a staple in my travel wardrobe year round. I use it in the spring and summer as a wrap and in the fall and winter as a scarf around my neck to keep warm. It packs well comes in a variety of colors.

Pros:

• lightweight
• easy to pack
• use all year long
• stylish & practical

Cons:

• best to hand wash

Check Price & Availability

#2

Cashmere Travel Wrap

This beautiful cashmere scarf is made and designed in Italy. Sold in one size with a generous selection of neutral and vivid color options, this gorgeous and cozy travel scarf is perfect for your next trip! 

Pros:

• cozy cashmere
• wear as scarf or wrap
• comes in many colors
• made in Italy

Cons:

• no arm holes

Check Price & Availability

#3

Knitted Travel Shawl with Buttons

Looking for a cute and affordable poncho style scarf? You'll love this one! It can be worn as an asymmetrical poncho, cardigan, shawl, scarf or vest. And is has seashell buttons to add a bit of flare and style. You can choose from several beautiful colors.

Pros:

• wear several ways
• seashell button styling
• many colors to choose from
• won't break the bank

Cons:

• no secret pocket

Check Price & Availability

#4

Convertible Hidden Pocket Scarf

Want the security of a hidden pocket scarf but don't want an infinity style scarf? You'll love this convertible scarf! It has 2 hidden zippered pockets to keep your valuables safe. Plus you easily convert it into a cozy blanket scarf or shawl.

Pros:

• 2 hidden zipper pockets
• convertible
• wear as an infinity scarf or as a shawl or blanket scarf
• super soft

Cons:

• hand wash only

Check Price & Availability

#5

Wool Blend Cardigan Wrap

This wool-blend poncho scarf is a versatile option for your travels due to its unique feature - armholes! You'll get a lot of use out of this lightweight wrap because you can wear it as a cardigan, scarf, shawl, poncho, or shoulder wrap. Take your pick!

Pros:

• armholes!
• wear as a cardigan, shawl or scarf
• comes in several colors
• lightweight

Cons:

• solid colors only

Check Price & Availability

#6

Smart Phone Hidden Pocket Scarf

This soft microfleece scarf features a pocket with a unique touch-friendly window so that you can use your phone while it is still safely tucked away. There's even a back camera lens so you can take photos without removing your phone from the phone pocket! The fabric won't pill and is a great vegan alternative to wool. There is also a second pocket for your other valuables, like keys, lipstick or money. The scarf comes in several colors.

Pros:

• two zippered pockets
• great for winter travel
• keeps phone protected but usable in rainy weather
• vegan

Cons:

• solid colors only

Check Price & Availability

#7

Travel Blanket Scarf

If you're looking for a cozy, stylish, versatile blanket scarf, this is for you! Made from 100% merino wool, this scarf will keep you warm and won't absorb odors. Only a limited number of these scarves are woven each year so you are certain to get a distinctive piece.

Pros:

• 100% meino wool
• large size to keep you cozy
• use as wrap, scarf or blanket
• perfect for cooler weather
• not mass produced

Cons:

• not for hot weather travel

Check Price & Availability

What’s The Difference?

A scarf...is typically rectangular, long, narrow, and worn wrapped around your neck. Scarves are often knitted or made from thick fabric, since their purpose is to keep your neck warm in cold weather. 

A pocket scarf…is typically an infinity scarf with a secret pocket sewn inside so you can securely store things like cash, credit cards, phone, etc.

A shawl…is usually rectangular but wider than a scarf and can be folded and worn around your neck or draped around your shoulders.  

A pashmina…is a scarf that was typically made out of a specific type of wool. Many think of cashmere when they think of pashminas. Today, pashmina can also refer to a large scarf meant to be worn around your shoulders. 

A blanket scarf…is typically an oversized square scarf that can serve as a blanket in addition to a scarf. 

How to Choose?

How big do you want it to be? What width and length?
The size you’ll want depends on how you want to wear the wrap. If you mostly want to wear it as a scarf, you may want something on the smaller side.

If you want to wear it more often as a wrap around your head or shoulders, go for something in the medium rage. If you plan to wear it as a “jacket” over leggings, you might prefer one on the larger size. 

Do you want armholes?
Would you prefer a wrap that you can simply wrap around your neck or shoulders? Or would you rather have one that has holes you can put your arms through?  

What kind of fabric do you prefer?
You have lots of options…from cotton to cashmere to lightweight fabrics to blends. It just depends on the weather you’ll be traveling in, where you want to wear your wrap, and your personal style. 

Do you want a neutral or statement wrap?
You’ll find wraps in a variety of colors. Would you prefer a wrap that will go with everything in your travel wardrobe? Or would you rather have a wrap that makes a bold fashion statement? 

Would you rather have a pattern or solid color?
Again, this just depends on your personal style. You’ll find wraps in all sorts of solids, colors, and patterns!

What to Look for in a Travel Wrap?

• Quality fabric and stitching 
• Comfortable material you’ll enjoy wearing
• Fits the season you’re traveling in 
• Will fit in your luggage when you’re not wearing it 
• Enhances your travel wardrobe
• Fits your travel wardrobe budget 
• Versatile enough to use in different ways while traveling 

The post Best Travel Wraps And Scarves For Your Germany Trip in 2025 appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

In this guide I show you 3 simple ways to record your favorite travel memories and experiences while on the road. I’ve used all 3 of these travel diaries myself and they’ve become my favorite ways to journal while abroad because they’re fun and easy.

I also show you how to easily create a travel journal kit, so you can get even more creative with your travel log. Read to the end for travel journal writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing.

Idea #1: Postcard Travel Journal

No matter what kind of travel journal you choose, the most important thing is that it’s something you can and want to maintain while on the road.

So many travelers want to keep a travel journal and then choose something that requires more time, effort, and focus than is realistic while traveling.

Or they see a blank page and feel anxiety about their writing not being “good enough.” They then stop journaling a day or two into their trip and feel bad about “failing” to document their trip.

That’s why I love postcard journals!

This approach is a fun first travel journal because it requires zero prep and is easy to maintain on the go. It’s super simple to create, lightweight, and you can go low key with recording your travel experiences or get super creative.

All you do is buy a postcard each day and write down your favorite memories on the back of each postcard. Once you’ve returned home, punch a hole in the corner of each postcard and bind them together using a metal o-ring or a piece of ribbon.

Postcard journals are easy to create and the finished product is perfect for leaving on your coffee table for friends and family to take a peak at your travel adventure at their leisure.

Postcard journals make the best souvenirs and require zero hard work. You can also easily customize this type of travel log:

• Create your own postcard travel journal or collaborate with your travel companion(s). If you’re traveling as a family, why not take turns writing out the postcard of the day.
• Buy a postcard each day or only when you arrive in a new place.
• Use a simple pen or bring a travel journal kit and get more creative (see more on this below).
• Buy postcards that illustrate your sightseeing each day or seek out fun, offbeat or unusual postcards.

A Couple Tips:

• Bring a ziplock bag to store your postcards in as you travel.
• If you don’t want to carry the postcards around with you, simply mail them home every couple of days!
• Stash a pen in your day bag so you can journal throughout the day while you’re sightseeing. I often write in my postcard journal when I stop for rest breaks throughout the day. Personally, I enjoy travel journaling more when I do it in small bursts when I’m at a cafe or sitting on a park bench than at the end of the day when in my hotel room or apartment exhausted from the day.

Idea #2: Guided Travel Journal

I keep a journal every time I travel and have done so since I was a teenager. I love keeping track of my memorable moments via little notes, lists, and details about my trip, as well as my thoughts, impressions, and feelings about where I am, and what I’m doing, seeing, hearing, smelling, experiencing, and eating (of course).

It’s those little details that spark so many memories when I read through my journal years (even decades) later. They’re priceless!

Over the years I’ve used a lot of different kinds of journals…spiral notebooks, hard cover bound notebooks, soft cover notebooks, pocket journals, oversized journals, postcard journals, handmade journals, blank books, guided journals. I’ve loved trying them all and have quite a collection.

But after years and years of travel journaling, I decided that I wanted:

• A lightweight journal that I could easily carry around with me all day while I’m out sightseeing.
• A journal that’s visually appealing but not so pretty that I don’t want to “ruin it” by writing in it.
• Space dedicated for packing lists, pre-trip to do lists, etc.
• Journaling prompts to spark my writing creativity — BUT only listed on one page rather than scattered throughout the journal because I like having the option to use a prompt….or not.
• Blank pages for writing, sketching, and pasting in ephemera.
• A re-entry section for when I return home and am already thinking about and planing my next trip.

I couldn’t find what I wanted, so I created it!

Enter: the I’m Thinking…Travel! JOURNAL (’cause I’m always thinking about travel). If you’re looking for a guided journal or one that’s perfect for a first trip abroad, check it out!

The I’m Thinking…Travel! JOURNAL is an 83-page guided travel journal that inspires you to record *and* reflect on your trip from beginning to end, then turns into a treasured keepsake. It’s large enough to enjoy writing in it yet small and light enough to fit in your day bag. The journal includes:

• Favorite travel journal prompts to inspire reflection and creativity before, during, and after travel.
• Plenty of space for you to record the highlights and details of your amazing trip, whether 10 days or 5 weeks.
• Weekly “travel snapshots” to quickly and creatively capture the most memorable elements of your travel.

If you’re looking for a hard copy journal, this is a great option.

This travel journal was a #1 New Release on Amazon. I might be a bit biased but it’s the best travel journal out there! Click here to check it out.

Idea #3: Spreadsheet Travel Journal

This idea is a new type of trip journal I recently started using while on a recent 3-month Germany research trip. If you prefer a digital journal for recoding favorite trip memories, this one is a good option for you.

I created this journal because we needed a simple way to capture important information each day to use in our work later. After a few days I realized that it was so much easier for me to type my journal entries in my spreadsheet than in the hard copy journal I’d brought. And since I could access it on my phone, I could jot things down throughout the day rather than wait until the end of every day when I was exhausted.

Initially, I just planned to use this travel journal while in Germany but it became such an easy and fun way to document each day that I kept on using it during the rest of our time in Europe. It just became a simple habit that was fun and easy to maintain over the entire 6 month trip.

You can create your own spreadsheet journal or use our version. We included it in the Germany Travel Planner, so if you’ve already have access to that, you’ve already got this travel journal.

Tips & Ideas For Your Spreadsheet Journal:

• Make sure you can access your Spreadsheet Journal from your phone so you can write throughout the day.
• Before you leave, enter the dates of your trip. It makes maintaining your journal while traveling that much easier.
• Create your own journal or collaborate with your travel companion(s). You could have each person add their thoughts each day, take turns journaling each day or create a separate column for each person. Be sure to share the journal before you leave so everyone has access.
• Once you’re back home you can attach a few travel photos to each day and leave as-is, screenshot your writing and save it with your trip photos, print out the journal and add it to a hard copy scrapbook or edit and then cut and paste the contents into a photo book or virtual scrapbook.

How to Create a Travel Journal Kit

I often bring a “journaling kit” when I travel (unless I’m traveling super light) so thought I’d share how I create one. It’s so easy to make one for yourself or others.

There are 3 things I always include in my travel journaling kit once I’ve selected my travel journal:

#1: Pens

I like to bring 3-5 different kinds of pens in various colors. I often bring a combination of these InkJoy Gel pens in various colors and a few Fineliner pens.  You might also want to bring pencils for sketching (I can’t draw anything but stick figures so I leave them at home). Tip: make sure that the pens you bring are comfortable to write with and that you’re ok with losing them (I always lose a pen or two when traveling).

#2: Embellishments

You don’t need embellishments to create a memorable travel journal but they sure do make journaling a lot more fun!

Things like…washi tape, stickers or cute paper clips are fun travel journal embellishments. I sometimes also bring a small pair of scissors or my travel watercolor set (mostly just for adding background color since I can’t draw or paint at all).

#3: Carrying Case

I fell in love with pencil cases when I lived in Germany as a high school student, and I’ve carried a pencil case full of pens ever since. In fact, I still use a metal gold pencil case I bought in Hamburg when I lived there in high school.

When I travel I usually switch to a larger pencil bag that holds all of the accessories I want to bring with me. I’m always on the lookout for cute and functional travel pencil bags. If you’re looking for ideas, try this lone, this one, this one or this one.

5 Travel Journaling Tips

1. Choose your travel journal before you leave on your trip. That way you can record travel notes and lists, and jot down your pre-trip feelings and impressions. These are the things that are interesting to look back on after your trip and make your journal unique, personal, and memorable.
   
2. Put down your phone – and get out your travel journal instead. Pack your travel journal and a pen in an easy to access part of your carry on or day bag so you can easily journal whenever you get a few free minutes. Got 5 minutes? Jot down 3 things you can see from where you’re sitting. Got 10 minutes? Make a list of what you’ve done so far that day and what you plan to do the rest of the day. Who says you have to have lots of uninterrupted time to journal? Or journal at the end of the day when you’re back in your hotel room? Make use of the nooks and crannies of free time during your busy travel days!
   
3. Tell your internal editor to back off. There are no journaling rules and there’s no wrong way to keep a travel journal. Your journal is for you, so journal however you want! Write a little, write a lot, make lists, write poems, draw, keep a list of thing you eat and drink or purchase, write stream-of-consciousness…whatever you feel like doing is totally ok. The most important thing is that you keep journaling because a blank journal won’t help you reminisce about your trip years later.
   
4. Details make the difference. When I look back at my travel journals, what’s most interesting (and spark the most memories) are the small things about what I packed, how much our lunch in Berlin cost, how far we walked in Munich that one day, how I felt while watching the sun set over the Alps with Aaron, what I made for dinner in our vacation apartment, etc. Your future self will love reading these small details so don’t leave them out!
   
5. Get creative. Use different pen colors. Doodle. Use fancy lettering. Use washi tape to paste in ticket stubs, receipts, chocolate wrappers, postcards, pressed flowers, and anything else you collect. If you don’t want to paste things into your journal, simply collect everything in an envelope or ziplock bag to keep with your journal. Pick up fun local stickers, paperclips or more washi while you’re traveling. You could even get one of those little Instax instant cameras that prints out little photos and paste those into your journal as you travel.

Favorite Travel Journaling Prompts

To get you started, here are 5 of my favorite prompts from the list of travel journal prompts included in the I’m Thinking…Travel! JOURNAL:

1. Before you leave, write down your trip packing list.
   Trust, me you’ll love seeing this years later when you re-discover your travel journal.
   
2. While traveling, make a list of each day’s top 3 moments.
   This is a great journaling habit to get into so you keep up your writing momentum, even on days you’re busy or too tired to write . 
   
3. Jot down a conversation you overhear.
   You’ll never remember that hilarious/awkward/confusing exchange if you don’t write it down.
   
4. Write about what you’re learning about yourself through travel.
   Reflective writing = personal growth!
   
5. After your trip, reflect on your thoughts and feelings about “home.”
   Use the “new eyes” you only have for a short time after being away to see your home from a different perspective.

Happy travel journaling! 

Next Steps For Planning Your Trip:

• Start planning an unforgettable trip to Germany here!
• Book a personalized travel consult or itinerary review with Cate.
• Join our friendly Facebook group.

The post 3 Easy Travel Journal Ideas (Plus Tips And Prompts) appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

Germany is a world class tourist destination in the heart of Europe.

Every year, millions of people travel there to taste its many famous beers and traditional German cuisine, visit enchanting fairy tale castles, national parks, and beautiful sights, learn about its rich history and culture, and much more.

No matter whether you plan to visit busting big cities or Germany’s many thriving smaller cities, you’ll find tons of attractions and points of interest. But they can be difficult to explore effectively without a guide to help you along the way. 

This article shows you the best Germany travel guides out in the market today (both in hard copy and Kindle) and how you can choose the best one for your trip.

Whether you plan to spend time in Berlin, the Rhine, Bavaria (or elsewhere!), want to travel by cruise, train or take a road trip, or are traveling solo, with a partner or your entire family, there’s a guide for every kind of itinerary and traveler!

Quick Guidebook Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite guide books if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

1. For Insider Tips On Hidden Gems: Fodor’s Essential Germany
2. For Kindle Unlimited Users: The Rough Guide to Germany
3. For First-Time Travelers to Germany: Rick Steves Germany
4. For multiple formats and off-line maps: Lonely Planet Germany
5. For DIY Berlin Walking Tours: National Geographic: Walking Berlin
6. For Visiting Munich, Bavaria & The Black Forest: Lonely Planet: Munich, Bavaria, and the Black Forest
7. For Visiting Rothenburg & the Rhine: Rick Steves’ Rothenburg & the Rhine
8. For Road Trips & Day Trips in Germany, Austria & Switzerland: Lonely Planet’s Guide to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
9. Best City Pocket Guides: Lonely Planet’s Pocket Guide Berlin, Hamburg, Munich
10. For Roadtrips in Germany: DK Eyewitness Road Trips
11. For Rail Travel in Germany: Europe by Rail
12. For River Cruises: Lonely Planet Cruise Ports European Rivers
13. Best Guide for Kids: Kids Travel Guide Germany
14. For Quickly Learning About German Culture: Culture Smart Germany
15. For Learning German Language: 1,000 German Phrases

Why Use A Travel Guide?

Germany travel guides are a great resource for planning specific aspects of your trip, especially when combined with the info we provide on this website.

You can never have too much trip planning information, and a good travel guide provides essential travel information without the need for wifi.

Travel guides are especially useful for people who don’t have a lot of experience traveling abroad or who don’t speak the language of their destination country.

The guides we highlight below can help you find good restaurants, learn about regional customs and traditions, and avoid scams in specific locations.

If you’re looking for something more specific than general travel advice, there are many specialty travel guidebooks available that cover everything from hiking trails to famous literary locations around the world!

Germany Travel Guides Comparison Chart

Here’s an overview of the best guidebooks for Germany travel. Scroll down for a more detailed review of each book!

Image	Name / Description	Check Availability
	Fodor’s Essential Germany Perfect for insider tips Full-size street maps Sample itineraries	Click Here
	The Rough Guide to Germany Free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now) Carefully planned itineraries Full-color maps	Click Here
	Rick Steves Germany Perfect first timers Strategic advice for making the most out of your budget Tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany	Click Here
	Lonely Planet Germany Honest reviews of restaurants Free on Kindle Unlimited too Add notes to personalize your digital guidebook	Click Here
	National Geographic Walking Berlin 15 walking tours Step-by-step itineraries Detailed maps	Click Here
	Lonely Planet Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest Up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19 “What’s new” sections featuring cultural trends New, up-and-coming areas to visit	Click Here
	Rick Steves Snapshot Rothenburg & the Rhine Insider travel tips  How to avoid tourist traps Rothenburg & Rhine focused	Click Here
	Lonely Planet Germany, Austria & Switzerland's Best Trips Germany, Austria & Switzerland 33 trip ideas Fastest travel routes & scenic detours	Click Here
	Lonely Planet Pocket Berlin Small & handy Books for Berlin, Hamburg & Munich Expert advice on top tourist destinations & neighborhoods	Click Here
	DK Eyewitness Road Trips Germany 24 well-researched driving routes. Discover stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track Practical tips for driving in Germany	Click Here
	Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide 50 key routes Tips on the best ticket deals Fun sights to see along the routes	Click Here
	Lonely Planet Cruise Ports European Rivers Advice for first-timers Covers Germany & other European cruise routes	Click Here
	Kids' Travel Guide - Germany: The fun way to discover Germany Fun facts about Germany Language learning Coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles & journal pages	Click Here
	Germany - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture German history Cultural values, traditions & etiquette Regional cultural differences	Click Here
	1001 Easy German Phrases 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German Small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, ordering at restaurants Phonetic pronunciation guide!	Click Here

Fodor’s Essential Germany

• Perfect for insider tips
• Full-size street maps
• Sample itineraries

Click Here

The Rough Guide to Germany

• Free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now)
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Full-color maps

Click Here

Rick Steves Germany

• Perfect first timers
• Strategic advice for making the most out of your budget
• Tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany

Click Here

Lonely Planet Germany

• Honest reviews of restaurants
• Free on Kindle Unlimited too
• Add notes to personalize your digital guidebook

Click Here

National Geographic Walking Berlin

• 15 walking tours
• Step-by-step itineraries
• Detailed maps

Click Here

Lonely Planet Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest

• Up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19
• “What’s new” sections featuring cultural trends
• New, up-and-coming areas to visit

Click Here

Rick Steves Snapshot Rothenburg & the Rhine

• Insider travel tips 
• How to avoid tourist traps
• Rothenburg & Rhine focused

Click Here

Lonely Planet Germany, Austria & Switzerland's Best Trips

• Germany, Austria & Switzerland
• 33 trip ideas
• Fastest travel routes & scenic detours

Click Here

Lonely Planet Pocket Berlin

Small & handy

Books for Berlin, Hamburg & Munich

Expert advice on top tourist destinations & neighborhoods

Click Here

DK Eyewitness Road Trips Germany

• 24 well-researched driving routes.
• Discover stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track
• Practical tips for driving in Germany

Click Here

Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide

50 key routes

Tips on the best ticket deals

Fun sights to see along the routes

Click Here

Lonely Planet Cruise Ports European Rivers

• Advice for first-timers
• Covers Germany & other European cruise routes

Click Here

Kids' Travel Guide - Germany: The fun way to discover Germany

• Fun facts about Germany
• Language learning
• Coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles & journal pages

Click Here

Germany - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

• German history
• Cultural values, traditions & etiquette
• Regional cultural differences

Click Here

1001 Easy German Phrases

• 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German
• Small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, ordering at restaurants
• Phonetic pronunciation guide!

Click Here

How To Choose The Best Travel Guide For You

There are a lot of travel guides on the market, making it pretty overwhelming to find the right one. When choosing the best travel guide for your trip, there are a couple of things you should take into consideration.

What are your travel plans?

If you’re going on a multi-week trip across Germany, visiting several cities and regions, then the best travel guide for you will be a comprehensive general country guide on Germany.

These kinds of guides usually have multiple chapters dedicated to all the big cities and regions, making it easy to flip through whichever destination you’re going to along your trip.

On the other hand, if you’re mostly staying in a specific region or a couple of cities, then it’s better to find a regional guide that really narrows in the area you’re visiting. This way you won’t be bogged down with city information that may not be applicable to your trip. 

What’s your travel style?

If you’re going on road trips, you’ll find guidebooks with specific information and helpful tips on driving in Germany, the best scenic routes, and more. Likewise, if you’re going on a river cruise, find a guide that covers that specific type of travel. There are also guides that are geared towards kids.  

What’s your preferred writing style?

Do you prefer matter-of-fact, objective, no-frills writing? Or do you gain more value from reading personal guides filled with the author’s own anecdotes and experience of the city?

There are also guides that focus heavily on history, others on beautiful travel photography. Make sure to read reviews to get a gist of the style and content of the guide!

15 Best Germany Travel Guides

Best For Insider Tips On Hidden Gems

1. Fodor's Essential Germany

Fodor’s Essential Germany is the perfect guide for those who want insider tips on how to experience Germany like a local.

Fodor’s Travel Guides are all written and researched by local experts, who can offer you unique insights you might not find in other guides. 

In this guide you’ll find fully updated information on all of Germany’s main attractions and hidden gems, which includes restaurants, hotels, and even outdoor activities.

As well as full-size street maps and beautiful photographs, you’ll also have access to multiple sample itineraries to help you make the most out of your travel time.

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FREE For Kindle Unlimited Users

2. The Rough Guide to Germany

The Rough Guide to Germany is one of the best options for those who want a guidebook on their Kindle – it’s free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now)!

You’ll have rundowns of must-see landmarks, carefully planned itineraries, and full-color maps to navigate the streets of Berlin or Munich without the need to go online.

This guide covers a vast majority of areas in Germany, not just the major cities. If you’re spending more time in a certain region, then the detailed regional coverage will be very useful. 

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Best For First-Time Travelers To Germany

Rick Steves Germany (2023 Travel Guide)

Rick Steves is one of the most well known travel writers from the United States. His mission is to empower Americans to go on fun and culturally enriching trips to Europe and his guidebook to Germany reflects that.

People who are traveling to Germany for the first time will find this guide very useful. It has strategic advice on how to make the most out of your budget and time with tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany.

Other handy features include self-guided walking tours, a packing checklist, and a German phrasebook. This edition also has up to date detailed information reflecting the changes brought about Covid-19.

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Best for multiple formats and off-line maps

Lonely Planet Germany 10 (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet has some of the best guidebooks in the market and the Lonely Planet’s Germany is no exception - it's currently the #1 best seller on Amazon.

They provide comprehensive and trustworthy information on everything you need to know about Germany, from the most visited tourist areas to less well known historic cities.

This guide makes sure to provide itineraries and honest reviews of restaurants, shops, landmarks that cater to every kind of travel style and budget.

The book is available in both digital (it’s free on Kindle Unlimited too!) and paperback versions. The digital version comes with downloadable PDF and offline maps that are great for preventing extra roaming charges, embedded links to recommendations with websites.

You can even add notes to personalize your guidebook. The paperback version is small and sleek, making it easy to bring around while traveling.

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Best For Berlin Walking Tours

5. National Geographic Walking Berlin

If you’re staying in Berlin for some time, then you’ll probably be spending a good amount of time walking (alongside using their excellent public transport).

And there’s no better way of getting to know a city than by walking! National Geographic Walking Berlin is the best guidebook for this.

This book contains 15 walking tours with step-by-step itineraries and detailed maps that will have you roaming and exploring Berlin like a true local in no time.

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Best Book For Visiting Munich, Bavaria & The Black Forest

6. Lonely Planet Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest

Lonely Planet just came out with their newest guide on Munich, Bavaria, and the Black Forest.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spa town to relax along the Black Forest or celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, this guidebook will have you covered.

Since it was just recently published, you’ll be able to find up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19.

Aside from all the essential reading, there are also “what’s new” sections that feature cultural trends and new, up-and-coming areas to visit. 

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Best for Visiting Rothenburg & the Rhine

7. Rick Steves Snapshot Rothenburg & the Rhine

From wandering around quaint villages, going back in time exploring ancient castles ruins, or dining in good restaurants by scenic vineyards, the Rhine Valley is a must-visit.

It’s particularly known as a romantic destination, but every kind of traveler can enjoy it. Rick Steves’ guide to the Rhine is a great place to start planning your trip.

It includes insider travel tips on how to beat crowds and avoid tourist traps. The selective coverage also includes information on Rothenburg, a picturesque well-restored medieval city. 

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Best for Road Trips & Day Trips

8. Lonely Planet Germany, Austria & Switzerland's Best Trips

Lonely Planet’s Guide to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is perfect for those whose travel plans always include day trips or road trips.

Especially if you’ve planned your itinerary with the goal of visiting neighboring countries like Austria or Switzerland, then this guide is for you.

This guide covers everything from the Romantic Road, Lake Bodensee, the Swiss Alps, Zurich, Lake Geneva, Vienna, Salzburg, and more! It features over 33 trips to take with useful advice on breaks to stretch your legs along the way, the fastest travel routes, and scenic detours.

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Best City Pocket Guides

9. Lonely Planet Pocket Berlin

The Lonely Planet’s Pocket Guide series are perfect for those taking shorter trips over a weekend or maybe those who have limited leisure time during business trips.

These guides are small and handy, getting down to the basics of each German city. It’s easy to use and concise, with expert advice on the top tourist destinations, neighborhood chapters, and day planners.

Click here for more information on Pocket Berlin, Pocket Hamburg, and Pocket Munich

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Best Guide for Roadtrips in Germany

10. DK Eyewitness Road Trips Germany

DK Eyewitness Road Trips is ideal for those who want to explore Germany through road trips.

This guide contains 24 well-researched, easy to follow driving routes. Each lasts from 1 to 5 days, so you can choose any depending on your time and preference.

You’ll get to learn about stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track that you can only discover on the road. It’s full of practical tips like road conditions, detours, parking info, and navigation details for GPS use.

Plus, each tour includes ideas for activities and sights along the way.

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Best Guide for Rail Travel in Germany (and Europe)

11. Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide

Europe by Rail is the definitive guide for planning your European trail travel journey using Interrail or Eurail.

This guide includes 50 key routes that you can follow or incorporate into your Germany itinerary.

It also contains tips on the best ticket deals, where to stay, and fun sights to see along the routes. It covers popular routes such as Glacier Express, the Rhine Valley, French Riviera, and the Scottish Highlands with information on new routes to Slovakia, Greece, and more.

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Best Guide for For River Cruises

12. Lonely Planet Cruise Ports European Rivers

$28.99

River cruises have been gaining popularity, with many tourists loving the different perspective you get as you travel by water through scenic riverfront views.

Riverboats are usually much smaller than Mediterranean cruises, making for a more social experience and more frequent stops and onshore activities. 

This Lonely Planet guide is perfect for those going on a European cruise through a number of different countries but who do not want to buy a guide book for each country.

It covers the following routes: Northern Rhine, Southern Rhine (France, Germany, Switzerland), Western Danube (Austria and Germany), Eastern Danube (Hungary and Serbia), the Seine (France), and the Elbe (Czech Republic and Germany).

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11/24/2024 08:55 pm GMT

Best Guide for Kids

13. Kids' Travel Guide - Germany: The fun way to discover Germany

Traveling with children to Germany for the first time can be intimidating. Kids Travel Guide Germany is here to help ease your worries!

This guide is a fun gift to give your kids as a way to cultivate their interest in traveling from a young age. Leonardo, the cute cartoon tour guide, will teach your kids fun facts about Germany and even basic German words.

It also comes with an activity book full of coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles, and journal pages to document their trip.

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Best For Quickly Learning About German Culture

14. Germany - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

$14.99 $13.64

Nothing enriches travel experiences like immersing yourself in the country’s local culture. Culture Smart Germany shows you everything you need to know about German culture and way of life.

You’ll find chapters discussing history, values, cultural differences between regions, cultural traditions, and common etiquette to follow.

It’s great for navigating day to day life while you travel and even for more formal business trips.

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11/24/2024 07:41 pm GMT

Best For Learning German

15. 1001 Easy German Phrases

$7.95

This German phrase book is the ideal companion for your trip to Germany.

With more than 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German it covers every travel situation you could think of from small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, and ordering at restaurants.

Easy to use and straight to the point, this guide will help you familiarize yourself with the German language and navigate social situations with locals. It also comes with a phonetic pronunciation guide!

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11/24/2024 06:35 pm GMT

What To See And Do In Germany?

If you’re not sure which guidebook will work best for you, consider where you most want to spend your time.

Germany is filled with tons of historic places to learn from, beautiful landscapes to admire, and fun cultural activities to experience. To get a gist of what awaits you in your Germany trip, let’s break it down to some of the main travel destinations in the country.

Berlin, the capital of Germany (and the largest city), is where you’ll find some of the most iconic landmarks of German history. You won’t run out of things to see from the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, the Holocaust Memorial, the German Parliament Building (Reichstag), and many more.

For more information on the top historic places to visit in Berlin, read our guide to planning the ultimate Berlin itinerary.

This dynamic city has also undergone a lot of changes in the past decades, growing into one of the most interesting cities to visit in central Europe. Many people are drawn to the vibrant Berlin arts scene and music scene.

After all, the capital city is home to world-class museums (including some that give you a glimpse into what life was like in East Germany) and some of the best nightlife in Europe. 

Plus, it’s the gateway to rugged Rügen island to the north on the Baltic Sea, historic Dresden to the south, as well as “Swiss Saxon” national park area.

Hamburg, located on the Elbe river in northern Germany, is one of the most unique German cities. Famous for its ports, lakes, canals, and rivers running throughout the city, Hamburg shows you a different side of Germany.

Whether you canoe through the canals (super fun!) or try delicious fresh seafood after a harbor cruise, you won’t run out of fun activities to do in Hamburg. It’s one of my favorite cities in Germany!

The Black Forest is a region worth visiting for its spectacular scenery, small towns, and close proximity to France and Switzerland. It’s one of the best places to visit for those who love outdoor activities. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore and lakes and waterfalls to admire.

In-between immersing yourself in nature, you can explore picturesque smaller towns like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, or Freiburg, and villages like Titisee-Neustadt, Triberg, and Gengenbach. You can also spend an afternoon seeing how people used to live at the Black Forest Open Air Museum.

Making your way to southern Germany, you’ll find the Bavarian Alps. For a scenic drive that makes the most out of your experience, we recommend driving south down the Romantic Road.

This route connects storybook castles, medieval towns, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s also one of the best ways to get to Neuschwanstein, the fairy tale castle that’s undoubtedly one of Germany’s most popular attractions.

A staple in all Germany itineraries is, of course Munich, the biggest city in Bavaria. It’s a popular destination for good reason – it’s a beautiful city rich with history far beyond the famous Oktoberfest. Munich (and Bavaria in general) is what most people envision when they think of Germany.

From Munich’s beer gardens, lush urban parks, and historic plazas, you won’t run out of things to see! Check out our guide on how to plan the perfect Munich weekend itinerary here.

Before leaving southern Germany, make sure to stop by Lake Constance (Bodensee in German). Found along the country’s border of Austria and Switzerland, this region with its lakeside small towns is a great place for sunny summer holidays. 

In Central Germany, you’ll find the Rhine Valley which holds great historical and cultural importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a popular romantic destination where you can do activities like wine tasting in hillside vineyards and going on a cruise on the Rhine river. We recommend exploring the area on a boat tour to bring you to quaint villages and ancient castles.

Cologne is a great gateway city to the Rhine Valley. The city’s old town is home to the famous Cologne Cathedral and it’s a great walkable area with lots to see.

Another nearby major city is Frankfurt. Though you may only know Frankfurt as Germany’s financial capital or home to one of the world’s busiest airports, the city is fun to explore for its modern architecture, the contrasting historic old town, and interesting museums. Read our guide to spending a day in Frankfurt here or how to day trip to the many castles in the area.

We hope this gives you a good idea of all the exciting things to see and do in Germany. We know there’s a lot to take into consideration. That’s why we also prepared a step-by-step guide on how to plan the perfect Germany vacation that answers everything from where to stay, what cities to visit, and how to get around!

When Is The Best Time To Go To Germany?

We get this question a lot! The best time to go to Germany totally depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. There’s really no bad time to visit because each season has something great and unique to offer!

During summer, you’ll get to enjoy warm and sunny weather. The long days are perfect for sightseeing since the sun sets as late as 10:00-10:30 pm. Be aware that you won’t always be guaranteed clear, blue skies, though. Some days can be rainy or windy but that kind of weather usually doesn’t last longer than a couple of days.

On the flip-side, it can also get really hot during heat waves, and you won’t find A/C in all restaurants and hotels.

Another downside is that since it’s peak season, streets and tourist attractions can be much more crowded with families from all over the world traveling during summer break. Prices for tickets and accommodations are also at their highest so we recommend booking reservations as early as possible.  

Winter can also be a beautiful time to visit, but you’ll obviously have a very different experience. Snow, cold weather, and short days with the sun setting as early as 5 pm are just some of the things that you can expect.

Luckily, you’ll have the festive bright lights and cozy atmosphere of Christmas markets to make up for it. It’s also an ideal time to visit if you love winter activities like skiing or sledding.

Fall can be a good time to visit, especially if you want to participate in Oktoberfest festivities which take place late September to early October. The autumn weather means it’s still pleasantly enough for strolls, though you’ll have colder nights as you approach winter. 

Weather during spring can be a bit of a toss-up. Some days can bring light breezes and warmth but other days can be gloomy and rainy. But you’ll get to see cities come alive and locals spend more time in parks or beer gardens as flowers bloom and outdoor activities kick into gear.

The post 15 Best Germany Travel Guides appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

If you’re heading to your first Oktoberfest, you’re probably thinking – what should I wear? Don’t worry, planning your Oktoberfest wear can be one of the most exciting parts about this famous celebration! 

After all, wearing a traditional Oktoberfest outfit adds to the whole experience. That’s because the clothing worn are not just “Oktoberfest costumes” but traditional Bavarian clothing, with a history as interesting as its garments.

Keep reading to learn about the celebration’s traditional attire, tips on proper etiquette, and packing lists to help you put together the best Oktoberfest outfit.

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival. It dates back to 1810 when the first Oktoberfest was held to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. People from Munich gathered for the wedding celebrations to watch horse races and performances with traditional music.

From year to year, the German festival grew to include carnival booths, rides, agricultural shows, and parades with people dressed in traditional Bavarian attire. To this day, the parade remains a big part of Oktoberfest!

During the end of the 19th century, breweries started participating in the parade with grand floats showcasing beer mugs and kegs. Booths started selling traditional food and German beer. Eventually these booths expanded into the beer halls that are still used to this day. 

In recent years, around six million people from all over the world visit Munich for Oktoberfest every year. Not only is it one of Germany’s biggest attractions, but it’s also an important part of Bavaria’s local culture and traditions.

Oktoberfest is a lot of fun to attend! Even if you’re not a fan of beer, don’t want to hang out in the beer tents (or can’t find a place to sit), you can still have a lot of fun exploring the “Wiesn”.

Where is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is held annually in Theresienwiese, one of Munich’s largest festival grounds. Its central location is near Old Town and easily reached by public transportation (the nearest underground train stations are Theresienwiese or Goetheplatz). 

The festival is made up of 17 large tents and 21 small tents. From big beer tents serving local brew, to tents with traditional dance floors and brass music, to smaller tents serving delicious food, there is something for everyone! 

Because of its popularity, Oktoberfest is well-known worldwide. Countries like the United States carry out their own version of Oktoberfest celebrations. Bars and breweries from all over the world commonly celebrate it too though it’s not as authentic as Munich’s Oktoberfest.

While there’s only one Oktoberfest, there are other festivals in Germany that are similar, albeit smaller. The Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart, for example, is held around the same time, has beer tents, music, rides, etc. If you want to go to Oktoberfest but can’t make it to Munich, you can probably find another festival to attend.

When is Oktoberfest Held?

Oktoberfest usually starts mid-September and runs until the first Sunday of October, lasting 16 to 18 days. This year, the 187th Oktoberfest, will be held from September 17 to October 3, 2022. 

The traditional beer tapping of the first beer barrel in the Schottenhamel tent will mark the start of Oktoberfest on September 17 at exactly 12 noon.

General Tips For Visiting Oktoberfest

• As soon as you decide to visit Oktoberfest, book your accommodations. As you can imagine, this is a popular time to visit Munich, and hotels fill up quickly. Prices are also typically higher than normal. Unless you book far in advance or are ok with paying a premium, you might need to look for a place outside of walking distance. You can still easily get there via public transportation.
  
• If you can, make a tent reservation. Reservations are often made months in advance and there are typically minimum food and drink purchase requirements. Some tents are only for regulars and some seats are for locals only. If you can’t make a reservation months in advance, you can try to book a seat 24-hours in advance.
  
• To skip the line at Oktoberfest and have a guaranteed seat at a table in a beer tent, book this all-day guided tour that comes with a reservation in the Hofbräu-Festzelt tent, 2 beers, a chicken lunch, and a ride on the famous ferris wheel. Not only will you have a guide who can give you the inside scoop on all things Oktoberfest throughout the day, you’ll enjoy it with other beer lovers!
  
• It’s free to enter beer tents and you can go in even without a reservation. In most tents a certain amount of seats are kept for walk-ins. But if tents are crowded it could be difficult to find a place to sit and order a beer. This is something I wish I’d known before I went! If you go on a busy day without a reservation and can’t find a place to sit, simply pop into a few tents to enjoy the atmosphere. Then enjoy a beer in a Biergarten later.
  
• Be prepared to sit at a table with others. Unless you’ve reserved a table with a group, you could be seated at a table with people you don’t know. Don’t worry, though, because everyone becomes friends at Oktoberfest!
  
• Don’t like beer? No problem! There are other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you can enjoy. While beer is a big part of Oktoberfest, it’s not the only part.
  
• You can visit Oktoberfest on a day trip to Munich. That’s what I did. My friends and I took the train to Munich early in the morning and left late in the evening. It was a long day but we were happy to visit Oktoberfest. We spent half of the day at Oktoberfest and then visited other sites in Munich. If you’re wondering what else to do and see in Munich, click here for our Munich guide!

Is There a Dress Code for Oktoberfest?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Oktoberfest is the dress code. Technically, there isn’t one. Plenty of people forego dressing up in a traditional outfit and it isn’t a problem at all. Nobody will think it’s odd if you’re not wearing a traditional outfit. When I went to Oktoberfest I didn’t wear traditional clothes and I still had a great time. Next time, though, we’re going traditional!

That said, dressing up is a great way to make the most out of your experience! The Oktoberfest clothes we are all familiar with are more than just costumes, they’re actually authentic Bavarian attire. Because of this, it’s important to be respectful and aware of the customs that go into wearing them.

If you’d like to wear traditional clothes to Oktoberfest, keep reading for what to wear and how to source the most important items.

What Do Women Wear to Oktoberfest?

The traditional Bavarian dress for women is called a Dirndl. A traditional Dirndl is commonly made up of the following garments: a white blouse, a skirt or dress, and an apron. They can be easily bought in complete sets but you can also buy them separately if you want something more personalized.

There is a fun urban legend that says how a woman ties her Dirndl bow signifies her marital status. If your apron knot is on the right side, it means you’re taken. If you tie on the left side, it means you’re single.

Women’s Oktoberfest outfits should follow the norms of traditional Dirndls. This means that the dress should be at least knee-length. Anything too short or skimpy is considered disrespectful.

If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional dress, “Ladyhosen” or Lederhosen for women is a fun option that has been growing in popularity in the past years.

To complete your Oktoberfest outfit, add comfortable shoes, simple jewelry, a small purse, and maybe even a flower crown.

Where to Buy or Rent a Dirndl?

If you want to ensure that your Dirndle is authentic, wait until you’re in Munich (or at least Bavaria) to buy anything.

Both modern Dirndls and traditional Dirndl dresses are fairly easy to find in and around Munich and throughout Bavaria (less so in other parts of Germany, where traditional clothes are worn less often if at all).

Before Oktoberfest starts you’ll find shops all over Munich promoting their traditional clothes.

When we were there last fall we saw beautiful Dirndl at second shops for a steal. This is a great option if you’re on a budget or if you don’t plan to take the clothes home with you.

If you’d prefer something new, you’ll find a wide range of Dirndl at shops all over the city and at a variety of price points. You can also buy or even rent authentic Dirndl and Lederhosen in Munich through online shops (like this one, this one, this one or this one).

Be sure to plan enough time in your itinerary for Dirndl shopping and leave room in your suitcase to take it home!

Here’s an option for renting Dirndl – it’s a great option if you’re looking for something authentic, at a lower price, and if you don’t want to take the whole outfit home with you.

If you want more intricate, higher quality piece that will last for years (and you’re willing to pay more money for better quality), Etsy is a great place to find unique dresses for Oktoberfest. Take a look at this Dirndl shop, as well as this Dirndl shop to see their selection of beautiful Dirndl.

You can even buy authentic Dirndl patterns and make one yourself! If you’d like to make both women’s and men’s Oktoberfest clothing, check out these patterns.

Amazon offers several options in all kinds of colors, with prices ranging from around $50 to $80 US (though the price can fluctuate). Are they authentic? Most are not, and therefore better suited to parties when something Dirndl-like will suffice.

If that’s what you’re looking for, take a look at this affordable blue Dirndl, this pretty flowered Dirndl and this bold red Dirndl. Do watch out on Amazon, though, because there are a lot of Halloween-type Oktoberfest clothes.

What Do Men Wear to Oktoberfest?

At Oktoberfest, men mainly wear traditional Lederhosen, which is a pair of knee-length leather shorts with suspenders. The length can be either your typical shorts length or ¾ leg length. Lederhosen often have beautiful designs on the front and on the suspenders.

The undershirt is usually sold separately from the shorts. Men can choose between classic white button-downs or checkered shirts, commonly in blue or red.

The lederhosen is the bare minimum. You can also wear some additional accessories like alpine hats, and knee-high lederhosen socks with traditional shoes or boots.

Where to Buy (or Rent) Lederhosen?

If you want to ensure that your Lederhosen is authentic, wait until you’re in Munich (or at least Bavaria) to buy anything.

As with Dirndl, you’ll find all kinds of Lederhosen at all kinds of price points in and around Munich, from second-hand stores to high end. If you want to buy Lederhosen while in Germany, be sure to allow time for shopping and room in your suitcase to pack your new outfit!

Lederhosen are also quite easy to find on Amazon or Etsy but you do need to check their authenticity. Keep in mind that the price point for Lederhosen tends to be a bit higher than regular shorts or pants, especially if it’s made of authentic leather.

These Lederhosen from Amazon are around $80 to $100 (though the price can fluctuate). Check out this pair of Lederhosen, this pair of Lederhosen, and this pair of Lederhosen.

In Etsy, you’ll find some other great options starting from $65 to $90. Take a look at the selection at this store and this store to find your favorite pair.

If you’d prefer to rent a men’s outfit, check out this option for renting Lederhosen.

Is There Anything You Should NOT Wear to Oktoberfest?

An important thing to remember is that the outfits worn during Oktoberfest are NOT Halloween type costumes, they are traditional clothing worn in Bavaria. You have to treat it with respect and be aware of certain norms when it comes to wearing it.

Because of this, you should not buy or wear Halloween costumes marketed as traditional clothes for Oktoberfest. Most of the time, these outfits look cheap and are not close to authentic clothing. 

For example, some costumes for women come with very short skirts. Short Dirndls are typically a big no-no since traditionally they should be at least knee-length. For men, avoid wearing crazy hats and instead stick with the traditional felt hats.

For footwear, comfortable shoes are a must! Don’t wear flip flops or heels since you’ll be doing a lot of walking and dancing. Not to mention that the ground will probably be sticky or wet due to inevitable beer spills. 

What if I Don’t Want to Wear Traditional Clothes?

No problem! As mentioned, there isn’t really a strict dress code to follow. If you don’t want to wear traditional clothing, you can wear normal clothes like everyday t-shirts, jeans, shorts, and dresses.

Dressing up can definitely add to your Oktoberfest experience, but at the end of the day, you can have just as much fun wearing regular clothes too!

Oktoberfest Packing List for Women

Dirndl – Your Dirndl should include a white blouse, the Dirndl skirt, and a matching pinafore or apron.

Accessories – To spice up your outfit, you can wear a traditional flower crown in your hair and simple jewelry like ribbons, chokers, and festive earrings.

Comfortable shoes – Whether it be flats, sneakers or short boots, go with close-toed comfy shoes instead of heels or sandals.

Small purse – Nothing too big or bulky. A small cross-body to store essentials like your phone and wallet is enough. Be sure to bring cash.

Oktoberfest Packing List for Men

Lederhosen – For men, all you need is your Lederhosen! These leather shorts with suspenders come in many different colors and lengths.

Undershirt – Don’t forget to pack a white shirt or a checkered button-down to go with your Lederhosen shorts.

Haferl Shoes – These are the traditional leather shoes that men wear with Lederhosen. If you don’t want to invest in these fancy shoes just make sure to wear something comfortable!

Accessories – There’s fun ways to accessorize the Lederhosen. Men can wear traditional alpine hats, leather belts, vests or waistcoats.

The post What to Wear to Oktoberfest in Munich in 2025 appeared first on My Germany Vacation.

UPDATE!

Unfortunately, it looks like Clark & Mayfield is no longer selling bags and backpacks. Such a bummer because I’ve loved using the backpack I reviewed below on all of my trips since 2019. I even used it on our recent 6-month travels in Germany, Türkiye, and the UK.

If you’re looking for a cute, functional, and affordable backpack for travel that can fit a tablet or laptop and has pockets for much-needed organization, here are some alternatives: this one, this one, this one, this one, this one, and this one. If you’d prefer something convertible that you can wear as a backpack or a bag, take a look at this one and this one.

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Before a winter 2019 trip to Germany I was asked by Clark & Mayfield if I’d like to review their Reed 17 backpack. The Portland, Oregon company came highly recommended by a friend of mine, and the pack looked like it would improve my travels, so I said YES! 

Spoiler alert: the Reed 17 is my new favorite backpack. I’ve now used this backpack for over 3 years on several domestic and international trips.

I’m excited to share this review with you and tell you what I liked (and didn’t like) about the pack, so you can decide if it will work for you.

I’m actually surprised to say that because I’ve been happily using the same North Face pack for years and years. That said, I have been keeping my eye out for a backpack that looks more professional but still has all of the features I love in my North Face. The Reed 17 pack from Clark & Mayfield fit the bill with a super affordable price to boot!

Here’s what I love about the Reed 17 backpack:

• The size. This pack is big enough that I was able to use just the pack and the carry-on suitcase for my 2-week winter trip to Germany. And anything that works for 2 weeks will work for much longer trip, so I like that I can easily use this pack for a much longer trip. I had plenty of room for everything I need while in transit to Germany, plus it worked vey well as a day pack. It fit under the airplane seat with no problems (and there was still room for my feet) and on my lap while on busses, trains, and trams in.
• Versatility. I used this pack as my personal item while flying to Germany, as a day pack while in Germany, and as my bag for groceries. Had I needed to lug my clothes to the laundromat, it would have worked well for that, too. No matter how much – or how little – I put in the pack, it was comfortable to wear.

• The pockets. I LOVED the pockets! That’s one thing I always look for in a pack because they help me stay organized. I really appreciate the interior mesh pockets.
• The color. I got the slate and I loved the color. They also offer the pack in deep teal and charcoal. 
• Handles on the top of the bag. I wasn’t sure I’d like having two handles on the top but I ended up loving – and using – them.
• The price! Seriously, you can’t beat the price! While the original price was nearly $100, you can find it on Amazon now for under $30, which is amazing because it’s not a cheap looking backpack. My North Face pack was around $100 on sale several yeas ago.

Ok, now let me show you what I loved about the pack and how I packed it.

Starting with the front…the pockets! There’s a large yet slim front pocket that has a zippered internal pocket, a slip pocket, pen/card slots, and a key fob. I keep my keys, pens, make-up bag, lip balm, earbuds, and extra shopping bag here. 

There’s also a zip pocket in the middle of the pack. This pocket was really easy to reach when I was wearing the pack so I often kept my phone and sunglasses in it. 

At the top of the pack there’s another pocket with a magnetic closure. This pocket is perfect for stowing the front handle but I also often stuffed my hat and mittens in it because it was so easy to get to. There’s another slip pocket on the back where you can stow the back handle. More about the handles in a bit…

On both sides of the pack are large mesh pockets. I didn’t use these much – I think I stowed my wet umbrella in them once or twice and an Apfelschorle drink bottle once – but then I rarely ever use any mesh pockets on the sides of any backpacks.

The pockets would work well for carrying a water bottle (even if just home from the store), umbrella, shopping bag, a rain jacket, an extra t-shirt, etc. Even though I don’t use these pockets regularly, they do come in handy. 

There’s also a cinch strap on each side of the pack, and I did use those a lot, mostly just for added security and compression. I do wish there had been two sets of cinch straps on each side so that the bottom of the bag could be compressed more when it’s on the empty side. It’s not absolutely needed and more of nice-to-have feature.

via GIPHY

On the back of the pack is the back handle, the straps, and the luggage flap. There’s also a slip pocket for stowing the back handle or the backpack straps. While I used the pack primarily as a backpack, I did appreciate having the option to stow the straps and use the handles instead.

If using the pack for a work trip, for example, you can have the comfort of a backpack but also the look of a bag. It’s also a nice option for the plane. Stow the straps just before boarding to keep them out of the way and so they don’t drag on the plane floor when you put it under the seat in front of you. It’s super easy to unclip the straps and stow them in the pocket.

Another feature that I love is the luggage flap, which enables you to slip the backpack onto your suitcase! Even though it was comfortable to wear the pack while I was in transit, I so enjoyed having the option to place the pack on my suitcase, especially when waiting in line in hot and stuffy airports and boarding planes (no more hitting people with my pack as I walk down the aisle).

Here’s a tip: if you don’t need to take the pack off for a while, use the luggage flap. If you want your suitcase to carry your pack but will need to take it off the suitcase quickly, just use the back handle.

Whenever I boarded a plane, train or bus, I used the back strap to keep the pack secured to the suitcase so I could quickly remove the pack from the suitcase. When I walked through the airport or from the train station to my hotel, I used the flap so it stayed securely on the suitcase.  

Let’s now look inside this awesome backpack.

Two of my favorite features of the pack are in here! In the back of the back there’s a laptop sleeve and an iPad sleeve. I carried my laptop in that sleeve almost every day but I don’t use an iPad so I put my Moleskin journal in the smaller sleeve.

The back of the pack is nicely padded to support your back and your laptop. There’s  also an elastic/Velcro strap to keep your laptop secure. I have a 13-inch Macbook Pro but the pack accommodates up to a 17-inch laptop.

Ok, we’re now to the two features that I really loved…the two interior mesh zip pockets. I LOVE having these pockets because they keep me so much more organized. No more rooting around in my pack looking for my apple or granola bar!

In the bottom mesh pocket I stash my snacks for the day. Keeping them in a pocket makes them easily reach yet out of the way. I even stashed a Brötchen sandwich in there one day and was pleased to see that it wasn’t totally smushed when I took it out of the pocket.

In the top mesh pocket I keep things like my passport, wallet, and sometimes my phone. These pockets not only helped me stay organized, they also provided added security because you need to open two zippers to get into them. 

>> Click here to get your own Reed 17 backpack for your next trip!

Overall, I’m quite smitten with this pack and it’s now my go-to backpack. There are, however, a few things I’d love to add to this pack to make it pretty much perfect:

• Prettier interior color. I found the interior color on the boring side and would have loved a brighter color.
• Magnets in the handles. I’d love it if the handles would easily stick together but also pull apart easily.
• Lined pocket for sunglasses. If only that middle zip pocket on the front was lined! 
• A second cinch strap. I’d love to be able to compress the bottom of the bag with another cinch strap.  
• Rubber padding in the straps. The Reed 17 straps are comfortable and seem durable but if I could create my dream Reed 17 backpack, I’d vote for the same rubbery strap insides that my North Face backpack has.

So, to sum up, this Clark & Mayfield pack is a fantastic travel backpack!

If you’re looking for a roomy pack for travel that’s comfortable to carry and makes it easy to stay organized, check out the Clark & Mayfield pack. I highly recommend it. 

You can order the Reed 17 here on Amazon!

The post Clark & Mayfield Reed 17 Travel Backpack Review appeared first on My Germany Vacation.