Stuff You Should Know for Bavarian Christmas Market Tour 2026

MAIN CHECKLIST

  • Current Passport - Please check your passport expiration date! Per certain travel regulations in certain countries, you may not be eligible for travel if your passport expires less than six months from your date of travel. Dig out your passport now and give it a look; you’ll be glad you did! Please note that it may take up to two months to receive your new passport if you need to renew.
  • Driver's License (US) - We recommend bringing two (2) credit cards; be sure to contact the credit card company to inform them that you will be traveling internationally. This will help avoid any holds being placed on your card! Other things to clarify: if you are a premium member with your credit card, you may not have to pay European transaction fees. Double-check your ATM card to be sure you qualify for zero transaction fees.
  • European power converter (one per person). Available at Best Buy or AAA, or online here.
  • Be sure to pack all medicines and vitamins you take; you may want to make a copy of what your items are, in case customs or security have any questions for you, or in the event you run out of or lose something, it is possible a local pharmacy could assist.
  • Sunglasses, reading glasses, spare contact lenses.
  • Business cards or other ways to connect and share your information with people.
  • Make a list of important people to contact in case of emergency (include phone numbers and email addresses).
  • Make a list of any medical conditions you may have, and if you wear a medical alert bracelet, please keep it on and in clear sight.
  • Make a list of all pertinent identification numbers, such as your passport number, driver’s license number, and credit card information, in the case of accidental misplacement of the originals.
  • Consider bringing 100 Euros with you. However, upon arrival to our destination, we will stop at the bank, where you’ll find the best rates for withdrawing cash.

CELL PHONE, iPADS, LAPTOPS

  • Call your cell phone provider; ask them for assistance with turning off the data function of your phone; as well, ask your provider for a short-term International Call plan specifying travel to the country of your destination.
  • If you have an iPad, you may want to see if it is associated with your phone number; if so, you might need to follow the same steps to turn off the data function.
  • If you bring a laptop, nothing needs to be done to prepare; all you’ll need is a power converter that can plug in anywhere with an internet connection.

WALKING

  • It is highly likely that we will walk approximately five to eight miles a day, over the course of the day, as we travel from stop to stop. Please keep in mind that the safety and comfort of your feet is imperative, as we navigate steep stairways, metal slatted brewery stairs, potentially slick brewery floors, high curbs, uneven steps both up and down, cobblestone streets, hills (both up and down!), dark passageways, narrow passageways, low ceilings, and more.
  • In the interest of keeping our groups together and on pace for arrival at future destinations, please be ready for anything, possibly even having to hustle a bit to make a bus, train, or human connection!

DIETARY NEEDS

  • In the event that you may have any dietary restrictions or even dislikes, please contact us directly at trip@tripsbeertrips, so we can help facilitate the most enjoyable experience for you!

CLOTHES

  • Bring casual, comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. We will be doing quite a bit of walking. Also, it is important to note that taking brewery tours requires the use of closed-toe shoes. 
  • The weather is similar to that of the US for this time of the year, but evenings may be colder; we suggest layers including a jacket, sweater, and long-sleeved shirts, as well as a scarf, hat, and gloves. Bringing a light windbreaker that is also water resistant certainly won’t hurt, as we all know weather has become quite unpredictable!

AVOIDING TRAVEL STRESS AND JETLAG

  • Airport: Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the airport, check in, get through security, and get to your gate. If you have a connection, we recommend scouting out the connecting airport, so you have a good idea in advance of the gates and how long the walk may be to get there. For example, Charles de Gaulle in Paris and Schiphol in Amsterdam are notoriously difficult airports to navigate! Be aware of any requirements to collect your baggage and go through security again; this can sometimes present an unexpected time challenge. 
  • To avoid jet lag, try your best to sleep, or at least rest your eyes on the journey; using a blackout sleep mask may help! Drink lots of water; we mean lots! Wear loose-fitting clothes and shoes on the plane; we all know internal airplane temperatures can fluctuate greatly, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt that you can take on and off easily in cramped conditions.

CONSIDER TRAVEL INSURANCE

  • You are responsible for ANY expenses if you are hurt, detained, or unable to remain on the stated itinerary.
  • You can purchase a policy yourself, or we can assist you in getting the travel insurance coverage you desire.

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR PEAK ENJOYMENT!

  • There will be great picture-taking opportunities throughout the day; please bring any camera batteries, cards, chargers, etc. that you may need; you never know where that perfect shot may be hiding just around the corner! We will be enjoying lots of local attractions and several brewery tours.
  • Be ready to soak in all the local beer, food, and traditions. Europe has an incredible mix of historical, culinary, and brewing wonderment!

UPON LANDING, RETRIEVING YOUR LUGGAGE, AND CLEARING CUSTOMS

  • Clear Customs before noon on Friday, December 4, 2026
  • We will all meet just outside of customs, at a location to be determined as we get closer to our trip. Be on the lookout for an email with details!
  • Please keep in mind that our trip itinerary may vary, once it is shared with you; but just know that it is all sure to be an amazing experience, no matter the timing of or order in which we do things! Prost!!