Tourism In Germany Cultural Studies Essay

Germany is a widely diverse countries where you can find everything you want to make your vacation experience an unforgettable one. From the North – and Baltic Seas to the Alps , this country located in the heart of Europe, offers nature parks, castles from the medieval age and historical Roman treasures. But of course there is not only nature or old historic things to see. Germany also offers some of the most exciting metropolises in the world where you can enjoy shopping, partying, and the beautiful restaurants and cafeterias in the heart of each city. Germany as a travel destination is becoming more and more popular, especially after the World Cup in 2006.

Berlin. Berlin is not only the capital of Germany again; it is also one of the German cities which had to undergo the most strokes of fate by history and transformations. However, since the German reunification in 1990, old glamour has returned to Berlin. A lot of rebuilding had to be done but now Berlin belongs to one of the ten hot spot metropolises in the world. “Berlin is always in the process of becoming” (Scheffler, 2010) “and this is one of the traits that make it one of Europe’s most vibrant, exciting and colorful capitals”. (Berlin, 2010)

The best season to go to Cologne is the Carnival Season which lasts five days in February or March. During that time, the “Jecken” take over the city and you will experience exceptional circumstances. Its highlight is the “Rosenmontagsumzug”, one of the largest processions where you find parade floats with different themes throwing candy to the crowd.

Frankfurt/Main. The city is famous for the annual automotive trade show, the International Book Fair and also as the financial center of Germany and the European Union. The European Central Bank is located in Frankfurt. As the city lies on the Main River and is often compared with Wall Street, its nickname is “Mainhattan”.

The image of Germany has changed extremely, especially since the World Cup in 2006. Since then Germany has been known as “Cosmopolitan and Hospitable.”(Pattberg, 2006) 54.8 million tourists, predominantly from China and the United States, thought in 2009 that Germany was worth to visit. Germans are open- minded, folksy, warm hearted and do not need a reason to celebrate. A study by Piel “shows that the ostensibly ice-cold Germans are actually highly emotional, in good times as well as in bad. Yet they are unable to adequately express their feelings. In that regard, observers believe that the World Cup, with its sea of jubilating Germans in a patriotic, flag-waving, yet amicable spirit may truly signaled a breakthrough”. (Kreutzer, 2006) This is maybe also why “Germany is the most favorably viewed nation.” ( Mountford, Martin & Kull, 2010) “Nowadays a laissez-faire attitude and a liberal sense of curiosity are evident almost everywhere.” (Kleis, 2010)

Typical German products are beer and sausage. But the eating mentality has changed a lot. Of course, the traditionally heavy kitchen of “roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut” can still be found today. But Germans nowadays tend to enjoy healthy, light dishes when they go to restaurants. “According to a survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute more than fifty percent of all Germans chose foreign cuisine when eating out, primarily Italian, Chinese or Greek”. (Kleis, 2010). Another advantage of eating in Germany is that it has the most three star restaurants after France.

German beer is famous all over the world, but Germany has an excellent Riesling wine. “Riesling has earned the enthusiasm of wine experts for the German wine miracle thanks to the lightness and sparkling character.” (Kleis, 2010)

Travelling

The country offers you a variety of places to stay depending how much you want to spend and what kind of luxury you want. Hotels like the Hotel Adlon in Berlin or the “Bayerische Höfe” in Munich are known for their luxury, high prices and excellent service all over the world.

However, if you are travelling with a family thess might not be the right places. As Germany is known as a “child friendly country”, the country also offers inexpensive family apartments, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses.

For young people and backpackers every city has a variety of youth hostels where you can stay in four, six or ten bed dormitory. If you want more privacy in a room with two beds and a bathroom, youth hostels offer this as well. Prices range here between $30 and $55 a night, including a breakfast buffet, TV, and bed linen.

Germany is a safe country, but as in other countries, you cannot assume crime does not exist. However, most of the crimes are pick pocketing, not violating persons. Of course, be sure that you avoid certain districts in town. “The police are very efficient and courteous and have very good language skills”. (Travel Germany, 2008)

Germany has the best public transportation in the world and you do not need to rent a car when you want to get around the country. The railway, called the Deutsche Bahn, is “rank among the most advanced in the world.” (Travel Germany,2008) Almost every city and even the small villages have a train station so that you can easily get around.

The bus connections are also very good and you can get by bus to every place as well.

Negative Image

Although “Germany is the most favorably viewed nation,” ( Mountford, Martin & Kull, 2010) most people in the world still blame the German population for the past. The British press described the German “image of the Nazi beast lurking just beneath the surface.” (Kreutzer 2008) Even though Germany is known as a country of excellent inventions, infrastructure and brands “Made in Germany”, an imbalance exists concerning the image which arises from the perception of the German population towards other nations. “These are traditionally considered as serious, disciplined, efficient, effective, organized, methodical and reliable but not necessarily fun, spontaneous and likeable. They are perceived as hard working, punctual, businesslike and competitive but not really having a sense of humour. (Florek, Breitbarth & Conjeo, 2008)

Euro – Dollare Exchange Rate

Another disadvantage for American visitors might be the current exchange rate of the dollar. As the currency of the United States is not doing well since the financial crisis, travelling to Europe has become expensive for Americans. They have to spent more money on hotels, souvenirs, entrance fees and restaurants than they would have to spend when they take a vacation in their own country, Mexico or even Canada.

Flights

Flights to Europe are quite expensive and range from $1,170 (British Airways) to $ 1,500 (Air Canada). Furthermore the flight is with nine hours a long time, especially when you are travelling with children. Another aspect you have to consider is the time difference. You have to think of that Germany is six hours ahead. So you might feel really jetlagged when you arrive in Germany.

When you travel to Germany, you will experience a unique adventure. It does not matter which part or federal state you visit, each will have its own impact on you. Germany has so much to offer, from cities to national parks, from hiking to kayaking, from beaches for swimming in the summer to the Alps for skiing in the winter, from entertainment to culinary adventures in German cuisine. No matter what you are looking for you will find it in Germany. A visit to Germany will be an experience you will never forget.