Seven ideas to experience Germany like a German

Each year many people set New Year’s resolutions: some they keep and some they don’t. To have an incredible experience while living in Germany, here are seven New Year’s resolutions you should definitely keep!

Shop at German food stores. Perhaps try to shop for your groceries there for a full month. Strive to always try a new item not found in American food stores.

Find and take a cheap flight somewhere. Find a free long weekend and book a destination that has the best price. You will discover and explore a new place that you normally would have not chosen. Low-cost carriers generally have good options.

Gather your flip-flops and take a beach holiday in the new year. Beaches in Europe can be a different experience than the ones we are used to in the States. Catch some rays in mainland Spain or Italy or even discover the beauty of German beaches!

Feel the speed of an ICE train. Travel to a new city on a fast German ICE (Intercity Express) train while sitting back and relaxing. Have a croissant and sip some wine. Look for low-price tickets, especially when travelling within Germany.

Plan an epic road trip. Pack the car with drinks, food and plan your gas stops with the Esso Fuel finder. Travel on famous routes such as the German Romantic Road or do it the old fashion way: just grab a map and go!

Explore your own town. Small villages have amazing charm and history just waiting to be discovered. See where the locals go, perhaps a park or lake. Join them in local pubs or family-owned restaurants. Like they say, strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet!

Learn new German words. Learn more than the basic vocabulary or phrases like “Wo ist der Bahnhof?” (Where is the train station?) You can also learn words that will help you be more a part of the conversation.

Here are some ideas:

• Exactly – Genau
• Maybe – Vielleicht
• Nice – Schön
• All right – Alles klar
• Great! – Toll!
• Fine – Prima
• Fantastic – Fantastisch
• Likewise – Gleichfalls
• Doesn’t matter – Macht Nichts
• No difference – Ganz Egal
• All is well – Alles Gut
• Fabulous – Fabelhaft

Happy New Year!