Bone-Chilling Berlin - Remembering The Past

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While I was only in Berlin for a few days and was working during most of it, we got to get out and explore the city a little. I really liked Berlin - the people were friendly, the food was great, and the city was clean and beautiful. During our time out and about, we visited both the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial. It was a chilling experience to literally be standing where so much history happened during and after World War II. It was interesting to see all the designs on the wall and take a walk through the memorial, which had a much different feel than the rest of the modern city. I'd definitely recommend a visit to these two places if you find yourself in Berlin.

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holocaust memorial berlin germany

Why Oktoberfest Is The Greatest Thing, Ever

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If you want to go to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany this fall, book your accommodations now. That's why this post is going up at the beginning of summer rather than closer to Oktoberfest, because, well, if you want to go, you'll need to make sure you have a place to stay (some hotels/hostels even sell out a year in advance). Make sure you do this soon so you don't miss out on it, because Oktoberfest is AWESOME.

Six million people attend Oktoberfest in Munich every year. Oktoberfest lasts for 16 days, starting mid-September and finishing the first weekend of October. Celebrate and party at the world's largest beer festival with people from around the world. I met people from all over including Brazil, Australia, a bunch of Europeans, and of course, some awesome Germans.

Now onto why Oktoberfest is the greatest thing, ever:

The beer is exclusive to the festival and is really, really good. Six Munich breweries brew their own Oktoberfest Beer. I didn't like beer until I went to Oktoberfest. Now I love it, and I have the beer from Hofbrauhaus and Hacker to thank for that. When you order beer, it comes in a stein: a large glass with a handle that holds 1 liter (34 ounces) and the beer must be a minimum of 6%.

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The food. Giant soft pretzels, sausage, pork knuckle, schnitzel, and sauerkraut are just a few of the traditional German foods you'll find  at Oktoberfest. They all pair really well with beer.

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People dress up in lederhosen and dirndls. And not just a few randos - you'll look more out of place in regular clothes than you will in lederhosen (guys) or a dirndl (girls). Pretty much everyone is dressed up in the traditional German outfits which only adds to the festive feel of Oktoberfest. You can find authentic, good quality lederhosen and dirndls at plenty of stores around Munich before you head to the tents.

Fun, lively atmosphere. Everyone is jolly and having a grand ol' time inside the tents. A lively atmosphere calls for great memories, possibly with new friends that you meet in the tents.

It's also a CARNIVAL. There's a reason they say it's like Disneyland for adults. How much more fun can it get when Oktoberfest also doubles as a carnival?! Outside the tents you'll find plenty of games and amusement park rides. The one that that goes up really high and does a big drop gives you a great aerial view of the festival grounds.

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Headed to Oktoberfest?

Book a place to stay, ASAP! Oktoberfest season in Munich sees a heavy amount of visitors from all over Germany and the rest of the world. The earlier you book your place to stay, the better - as availability for hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and Couchsurfing can go fast.

I recommend using my all-time favorite booking website, Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!