Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get to crafting. Consider painting Neuschwanstein Castle or trying out your own rendition of works by some of the great German artists, like Caspar David Freidrich’s landscapes or Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut prints.
Need more inspiration? Check out these online collections straight from Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. Some ideas for Germany include:
- The Monuments Men (2014)
- Jojo Rabbit (2019)
- The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
Study some history
Dive deep into the specific sites you’ll visit on tour, studying the long and sometimes sobering history of Germany. Brush up on your history of World War I, World War II, and the Berlin Wall, and maybe learn about something new you will see firsthand on tour!
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- Berlin Noir by Philip Kerr
- When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do by Hyde Flippo
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Try a few (virtual) recipes with Chef Uwe or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Think of classic German foods like spätzle, schnitzel, or bratwurst, for starters!
Learn the language
Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. Use Duolingo to help gauge your skill level and participate in helpful activities to improve your German. Make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
There are over 2,100 castles in Germany!