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My Ancestor's Journey

MyAncestorsJourney.com helps Americans with German ancestors to plan their ancestry-inspired trip to Germany and offers tours in Bremen, Germany.

To get started, download your 0 Dollar mini guide with 18 ancestry-inspired activities now!

31/12/2024

As the last few hours of 2024 are approaching fast, I want to wish all my guests - past, present, and future 😉 - a very Happy and Healthy New Year! 🎉🥳🍾

Thanks so much / Vielen Dank for making 2024 such a memorable year for “My Ancestor's Journey”.

Your enthusiasm and trust allowed me to continue offering ancestry-inspired guided tours. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

2024 was a special year for me - it brought so much growth, both personally and professionally. And maybe I’m biased, but I’ve always had a soft spot for 24, since I was born on a 24th myself!

Unfortunately, 2024 has been a challenging year for many around the world, both politically and economically, and peace has often felt out of reach. I hope 2025 brings more stability, understanding, and peace for everyone.

After all, we’re all connected - we’re all human, essentially still sharing the same dreams, hopes, and challenges that our ancestors faced before us. No matter where we come from in this world.

Greetings from cold, but stunning Stockholm, Sweden, where I’m ringing in the New Year with one last 2024 adventure and a group of likeminded German travelers. 😉😂 Here’s to more adventures, stories, and connections in 2025! Dankeschön! ❤️

#2025

30/12/2024

For anyone who is visiting Stockholm, the capital of Sweden (perhaps because you have Swedish ancestors as well), I can highly recommend the vikingwalkingtour with viking tour guide Alex! ☺️

I discovered this tour purely by chance on Google Maps and was so glad I joined in!

He brought the history of the infamous Vikings (and the history of “Gamla Stan“, Stockholm‘s medieval old town) to life like no other!

Lots of interactive elements (such as a sword fight, the “kidnapping” of a French princess, or the viking music) made this a truly memorable experience!

28/12/2024

🤓 Curious about your German ancestors and their emigration journey?

👉 Then consider heading to northern Germany for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Check out the 3 reasons why everyone with German ancestors should go on an ancestry-inspired tour to northern Germany at least once in your life… 👇

… and make 2025 the year when you will finally walk in your ancestors’ footsteps! 🇩🇪❤️👟

26/12/2024

I know I am a little bit late, but just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas / Fröhliche Weihnachten! I hope you spent a peaceful few days with your loved ones! 🎄💫🤩

I’m off to a new adventure today. Spending New Years in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, this year. 🇸🇪

Reminder: I will soon launch a new 5-day emigration mini course, in which you can learn all about your German ancestors‘ journey: including their daily lives in Germany, their reasons to emigrate and their journeys from hometown to port city and accross the ocean to America. 🌊

And I am giving away one free course to a lucky winner! 🎉 🥳

If you want to be in the prize draw, make sure you sign up to my newsletter. Details on how you can enter until the 7th of January will be exclusively revealed there. 🤫

Sign up now by writing the word ”start” in the comments. You will then get a link to the newsletter signup and a mini travel guide as a thank-you straight to your DMs! 😉 Good luck! 🍀

14/12/2024

I have a gift for you! 🤫🎁 A new emigration-themed online course is coming up soon! 🤩🎉

Behind the scenes at “My Ancestor’s Journey”, I’m currently working on a brand-new emigration-themed mini course (which you can complete in 5 days or less).

Perfect for anyone planning an ancestry-inspired trip to Germany in 2025 or beyond!

Available next week for a small price, the new online course can be conveniently completed from the comfort of your home. 💻

Who is this course for?

The 5-day course is a thoughtful gift or preparation for anyone who always wanted to know…

👉 why your German ancestors left everything they knew to emigrate to America

👉 what your ancestors’ daily lives were like back in Germany in different time periods and different regions

👉 what the first leg of the emigration journey was like: their journey from their German hometowns to the harbor towns in northern Germany

👉 what the (often turbulent) experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean by ship was like in the years 1834, 1871 and 1909 🌊

👉 what their arrival and new lives in America were like and what struggles and difficulties they had to face in the USA as German immigrants 🇺🇸

👉 and finally: how you can plan a return to your German hometown regions today to literally walk in your ancestors’ footsteps. 🇩🇪❤️👟

📬 For your chance to win a free copy of the new course, stay tuned and check the Advent Calendar newsletters that go out daily.

So you don’t miss the day I’m giving away one free Mini Course exclusively to the newsletter community! 🤗🎁

If you are not yet subscribed to the newsletter, simply write a comment with the word "start" below this post. You will immediately receive the link to sign up to the newsletter and download your “Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide” as a little thank-you. 👇

Or go directly to https://myancestorsjourney.com/mini-guide/

Good luck! 🍀🤞🌟

06/12/2024

Today is “Nikolaustag” (St. Nikolaus Day)! Every year on December 6th, Saint Nikolaus visits children in Germany and puts some small gifts like chocolates, oranges, a small toy or book into the shoes they put out the night before. 🎁🍫🍊

This magical tradition honors “Saint Nikolaus”, a kind bishop known for his generosity, who lived in the 4th century in Myra, modern-day Turkey. 🌟

One famous story is how he secretly gave dowries to three poor sisters, saving them from being sold into servitude. He also helped sailors during storms, saved children from danger, and gave to those in need without seeking recognition.

His selflessness and compassion led to his reputation as a generous and loving figure, which is why he became the patron saint of children and the poor.

And did you know that the name “Santa Claus” evolved from the Dutch name “Sinterklaas”, which was a shortened form of “Saint Nikolaus”?

Dutch settlers brought the tradition of Sinterklaas to America in the 18th century, where it eventually merged with other influences, like British Christmas traditions, to become the Santa Claus we know today.

The generous, gift-bringing Saint Nikolaus inspired many of Santa's characteristics, like his association with gift-giving and his appearance. 🎅

So, if you have small children or grandchildren, this might be the perfect little German celebration for sparking holiday cheer and connecting to your German roots! 😍

Here are two pictures of a “Saint Nikolaus” or “Sankt Nikolaus” statue as he is called in German, in front of the Catholic St. Nikolaus Church in my hometown Ankum in Lower Saxony.

02/12/2024

Christmas Markets fun with my cousins from Kentucky, who now live in London, UK and hopped over to Bremen for a short visit. 🌟 🎄 🤩

And oh yeah, we did a bit of culture too on an emigration-themed guided tour through the city. 😂

28/11/2024

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends celebrating today! I hope you have a great day with your family and loved ones!

Thanksgiving isn’t something we celebrate here in Germany, but I think it’s a lovely tradition to pause and reflect on what we’re thankful for.

If I could thank my ancestors, I’d thank my two grandmothers, Maria and Roda. Even though it’s just two generations ago, they could only dream of going to university and study.

I think of that often and am very grateful for the opportunities I have as a woman (and female business owner) today.

My grandmothers didn’t get to chase their dreams, but because of them, I can.

What about you? If you could say “thank you” to your ancestors, what would it be for? Share your thoughts in the comments!

14/11/2024

Hot of the press: It’s almost mid-November – fully legit to start getting into the festive spirit, right? 😄 And what better way to walk in your ancestors’ footsteps than by wandering through a traditional German Christmas market? 🎄

My brand new blog post, “How To Visit The Best German Christmas Markets In 2024,” guides you to these magical places – filled with mulled wine, twinkling lights, and cozy holiday treats.

Who is planning a visit to a German Christmas market this year? Maybe even to your ancestral hometown’s Christmas market?

👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/german-christmas-markets/

14/11/2024

When traveling in Germany, getting familiar with local tipping customs can go a long way in making you feel like a pro traveler! 💸🇩🇪 Tipping isn’t as automatic here as in some other countries, but a little extra is always appreciated for good service. Here’s a quick guide to navigating tipping the German way:

1. “Round up” your bill at restaurants 🍽️: In Germany, it’s customary to simply round up the total. So if your meal comes to €28.40, you could pay €30, or just add a couple of euros to show appreciation. Unlike in the U.S., leaving a 15-20% tip isn’t expected, but a small addition for good service is perfect and customary among Germans, too.

2. Hand the tip directly to your server 🤝: Instead of leaving your tip on the table, it’s common practice here to hand it directly to the server while saying the amount you’re paying, including the tip. For example, if your bill is €18, and you want to tip €2, just say, "€20, please."

So, if you are paying in cash, you just hand the server a 20 Euro bill and the server doesn’t have to give you any change. When you are paying by card, the server usually will type in the rounded amount of 20 Euros and that’s it. It’s a simple custom that’s appreciated and feels personal!

3. Remember your tour guides and drivers 🚗: If you’re on a guided tour or taking a taxi ride, a few Euros to your guide or driver shows gratitude. Even €1-€3 for shorter rides or a more generous amount for a day tour is warmly received. The same goes for bus drivers on a multi-day tour. Then, it’s customary to tip both tour guide and bus driver at the end of your multi-day tour.

Getting these little cultural details down can really enhance your experience and make interactions with locals even more enjoyable. For more of these valuable travel tips, be sure to join the non-binding waiting list for my “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass”. You’ll be the first to know when enrollment opens! 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

12/11/2024

Creating a well-planned travel itinerary is key to maximize your time and make sure you don’t miss any of those must-see spots. Here’s why setting up an itinerary ahead of time is a game-changer:

1. Prioritize the places that matter most to your (ancestors’) story: 📜 Start by listing all the cities, villages, and landmarks connected to your ancestors. Then, decide which ones are top priority and map them out. This way, you’ll have a logical route and more time to explore those places that mean the most, instead of scrambling around or running out of time!

2. Avoid travel day surprises 🚄: Germany is wonderfully efficient and there is a vast network of public transport. However, some places (especially the smaller towns and rural areas, where many ancestors are from) might have limited public transport options.

3. Balance sightseeing with down time 🕰️: There’s so much to experience in Germany, but remember, this is also a vacation. Be sure to leave space for quiet moments, whether it’s enjoying coffee at a local café or strolling through a quaint town square. Planning these slower moments into your itinerary lets you savor the trip without feeling rushed.

One of my own favorite parts of planning these ancestral journeys is helping guests find that perfect balance between historical sites and local experiences.

If you want more insider tips and hacks, join the non-binding waiting list for the next “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass” – my online course designed to create your travel itinerary with ease and answer all your burning travel questions in our monthly live calls on Zoom.

Sign up now and you’ll be the first to know when the next class opens for enrollment! 👇

10/11/2024

When you’re tracing your roots in Germany, one of the best things you can do is dive into the country’s history – especially the big events that shaped it.

Here’s why learning about German history before you go is essential: 🕰️

1. Bring your ancestors’ lives into context: Knowing what Germany was like during your ancestors’ time explains so much about their decisions. Were they leaving due to economic hardship, political upheaval, or perhaps war? Studying this before you arrive helps you to truly understand their lives and walk in their shoes when you’re here.

1. Make sense of landmarks and museums: When you know the historical significance behind the places you visit, it transforms what you see. Instead of just a beautiful building, you’ll recognize the town hall where key decisions were made or the square where historical events took place. Even museums come alive when you can connect exhibits to your own, personal story of an ancestor who lived through a specific historical period!

2. Understand and appreciate the modern Germany you will encounter on your trip: Today’s Germany is shaped by its complex history. Knowing about World War 2 from a German perspective, will help you understand why it was still very frowned upon to raise a German flag up until 2006. And you will, still today, see less flags that for example in the USA. This is, by the way, a question that previous ancestral guests of mine often wondered about.

Curious to know more, including why the year 2006 specially plays such a crucial role? Then I have got something for you: In my upcoming online travel planning program, the “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass”, you’ll get access to a dedicated German history course designed to bring your ancestry journey to life!

What’s special about this course is that it will be told from the ordinary people’s perspective, rather than tell you just about the kings, queens and politicians. Thus, history really comes to life with 10 personal stories told from the perspective of ordinary Germans, such as your ancestors.

👇

Sign up for the non-binding waiting list now and be the first to get notified once the next class opens for enrollment:

https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

07/11/2024

One of the best things you can do before your ancestry-inspired trip to Germany is dive deep into researching your ancestors’ towns and the surrounding culture!

It’s amazing how much richer your journey will feel when you have that background knowledge ready to go. 💡 Here’s why doing this research from home makes your actual visit all the more meaningful:

1. Understand the local culture and traditions: Every German region has its own customs, dialects, and even foods that add so much character to each place. Researching these details beforehand lets you recognize and appreciate them right away – like spotting a local festival or trying a traditional dish or drink (beer in many areas, but also German wine) that your ancestors would have enjoyed.

2. Pinpoint key locations: From town centers and old streets to specific buildings, having a list of places connected to your family history means you’ll know exactly where to go once you’re there. You can even map out old churches or town halls to visit, making each day of your trip feel like a personal time-travel experience.

3. Save time for unexpected discoveries: When you’ve done the big prep work at home, you free up time to wander, chat with locals, and soak in those spontaneous moments. One guest told me she learned about a cousin in a neighboring village just because she researched online for a local historian who showed her around the area! The jackpot is of course if you find that your ancestral home is still there. Several previous guests of mine have actually achieved this goal because they researched out to local historians and genealogists before their trip to Germany.

If you’re excited about making every day count on your German ancestry journey, be sure to join the non-binding waiting list for my upcoming Germany Trip Planning Masterclass. I’ll help you unlock all these travel hacks, so you can focus on connecting to the past while you are on your ancestry-inspired trip in Germany! 👇

Sign up for the non-binding waiting list now and be the first to get notified once the next class opens for enrollment:

https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

05/11/2024

If there’s one secret to a relaxed and rewarding ancestry trip to Germany, it’s to do most of your ancestry research before you leave! 🧳🔍 Here’s why getting the groundwork done at home makes all the difference for a smoother, more enjoyable journey.

1. Save precious vacation time ⏳: Germany is full of sights, tastes, and experiences that are best enjoyed in person! Instead of searching for records or browsing through old books, plan to immerse yourself fully in each ancestral hometown by having most of the research done ahead of time. This lets you relax, explore, and soak up every detail of your surroundings.

2. Avoid language barriers 🗣️: Although you’ll find helpful folks in Germany, records and archives are often in old German script – and that can be a puzzle, even for German speakers! By organizing the records and key documents at home, you’ll sidestep tricky language barriers that can slow things down, leaving you free to focus on the sights and sounds around you.

3. Map out your visit locations in advance 🗺️: When you’ve gathered info ahead of time, you’ll know exactly which places to visit – whether it’s your ancestor’s church, the house they once lived in, or a local cemetery. Having this itinerary allows you to dive right into those emotional, personal moments instead of spending time piecing together where to go.

One of my clients told me she’d never have found her ancestral home, which is still a working farm today, if she hadn’t done her research from home. Those meaningful discoveries were all ready for her arrival!

Want more tips like this? Join the non-binding waiting list for my upcoming online course, the “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass”. In this course, I gathered all the information you need to help you prep every step of the way and make the most of your precious vacation time while in Germany! 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

03/11/2024

Visiting your ancestors’ church is one of the most moving parts of an ancestry-inspired trip. Here are three essential tips to make your experience unforgettable: 🕍✨

1. Research and reach out in advance: Many small-town churches have specific visiting hours or might only open on certain days. To make sure you can attend your church when you are there, look up the church opening and mass times online (many have websites these days). You can also send them an email before your trip. Trust me, a little planning here goes a long way.

And you never know: You might learn a lot more about the fascinating history of your ancestral church. They might even have “Kirchenbücher” (church records), which hold additional information about your German ancestors (including new-found ancestors you might not know about yet).

2. Attend a Sunday mass: There’s something very special about experiencing a service the way your ancestors did. Even if it’s in German, being part of that timeless ritual is like stepping back into their world. And who knows? You might meet some locals who share your family name and turn out to be related to you!

3. Find the baptismal font: Imagine touching the same baptismal font where generations of your family were baptized. It’s a surreal feeling, like reaching across time. Take a moment to absorb it all – you’re standing in a place that’s been part of your family for centuries.

And if you’d like the full experience, going with a local guide can bring out the hidden details and stories that make this visit all the richer.

For more practical tips and insider knowledge to make the most of your ancestral journey to Germany, join the non-binding waiting list for my upcoming online course, the “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass”. I’d love to help you dive deep into your ancestry journey. 🧬🌳✨

👇
https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

31/10/2024

Stand where your ancestors stood!

Imagine standing in the same place your ancestors once did, feeling the connection between past and present. I’ve seen it time and again – people overcome with emotion when they realize they’re walking in the footsteps of those who came before them.

But the challenge many face is figuring out where to start and how to turn their research into a real journey. 🤔

That’s why I created the “Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide” – so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. Instead, you can confidently plan a trip that brings your ancestors’ story to life. 🤩

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Start by downloading the guide, where you’ll find an overview of the must-visit locations in Germany on an ancestry-inspired trip. These include places like Bremen and Bremerhaven – key ports in your ancestors’ emigration journey.

Step 2: Use the checklists and “Ancestor Fact File” in the guide to organize your plans and ensure you’re fully prepared for an emotional, immersive experience.

Step 3: Review the “18 most popular activities on an ancestry-inspired trip” to make sure your trip has a balance of discovery, history, and those “wow” moments that make an ancestry trip go from “meh” to “mesmerizing”.

By the time you step foot on German soil, you’ll have a clear plan and the confidence that you’re about to walk the same paths your ancestors once knew. 😍

Download your guide here: 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/mini-guide/

29/10/2024

Your ancestor’s story is waiting to be discovered!

I’ll never forget helping one guest retrace the steps of her great-great-grandfather. She had pieced together so much about his life from records and documents, but wasn’t sure how to translate that research into a trip. By the end of her journey, she didn’t just have facts – she had memories, emotions, and a deep connection to her past. 😍

This is what an ancestry trip is all about – moving beyond the research and into the experience. And it’s why I put together the “Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide”, so you can start planning the kind of journey that will truly connect you with your family’s story. 🤩

Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the guide and discover the 18 most popular activity-inspired activity ideas that will help bring your ancestors’ story to life. You’ll learn about the best heritage sites and cultural experiences in Germany.

Step 2: Organize your research with the “Ancestor Fact File” – this will help you plan visits to places customized to your ancestors’ journeys.

Step 3: Follow the guide’s checklists to make sure you are not missing out on the most helpful places to visit if you want to find out more about your German ancestors, such as the emigration towns of Bremen and Bremerhaven.

With these simple steps, you can turn your family history into an unforgettable, personal journey – one where their story becomes a part of your own.

Download your guide here: 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/mini-guide/

24/10/2024

Create the dream trip to your German hometown(s) – in just 2 hours of your time!

🎉 It’s my birthday! But I have a gift for YOU! 🎉

Normally priced at $249, my “Hometown Package” (a private consultation in two Zoom calls and all-inclusive tour booking of all services) is now a whopping 24 % off.

To celebrate my birthday on October 24, 2024 (or 24.10.24 as it’s written in German), enjoy an extra 24% off when you enter the code "24OCTOBER24" at the checkout. That’s just 189.24 Dollars for an unforgettable journey into your German heritage! 🌍❤️

Ready to step into your family’s past and explore your German roots? 🇩🇪✨ Book your Ancestral Germany Hometown Package consultation today and transform your dream trip into reality!

Imagine walking the same streets as your ancestors, visiting the places that shaped their lives, and connecting with your heritage like never before. All you need to do is share your vision in 2 hours of your time...
... and I’ll take care of the rest, from arranging accommodations to creating a personalized itinerary that brings your family history to life.

So you can travel to your ancestral German hometown(s) with peace of mind that everything has been thought of!

Don’t wait any longer to connect with your roots. Schedule your consultation now and let’s start planning your extraordinary trip to Germany! 🌍✈️

Click the link below to book your session and begin your journey to discovering your German heritage:

https://myancestorsjourney.com/tours/ancestral-germany-hometown-tour-package/

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Videos

The German New Year’s greeting “Guten Rutsch” literally means “to slide well” or “to slip well”. Even though it’s only -4 degrees Celsius (24 degrees Fahrenheit) in Stockholm today and there is ice to slip on, it doesn’t refer to slipping on ice. Instead, it likely comes from the Yiddish (which is quite close to German in many ways) word ”rosch”, meaning “beginning.” So it’s a wish for a good start to the new year. Another theory links it to the old meaning of “Rutsch” as “journey,” symbolizing the transition into the year ahead. Either way, it’s all about starting off on the right foot! #happynewyear #newyeartraditions #newyearseve #germanheritage #stockholmtravelguide #myancestorsjourney

The grand final is here! Understanding your ancestor’s journey to emigration ports like Bremen or Hamburg brings their incredible story to life. 🎄 So on the final day of my Germany Trip Planning Advent Calendar, here are 3 tips to explore your German ancestors’ emigration path: 1. Study passenger lists for details like hometowns, companions, and travel dates. 🤓 2. Learn about the emigration process in Bremen and Hamburg. ⚓ 3. Discover the type of ship they traveled on and what life aboard was like. 🌊 🎁 The grand final giveaway: Win a free spot in my upcoming 5-day mini-course on German emigration! Today, on Christmas, I am giving away one free course to one lucky winner! 🤫 Details on how to enter will be in tonight’s email newsletter! So if you haven’t done so already, simply sign up for my newsletter and find out how you can enter the competition in tonight’s email! 💌 Just comment with the word "start" below and I will send you the link to the newsletter sign up (+ your Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide as a little thank-you) via DM. 🚀 Good luck, enjoy the holidays and Merry Christmas! 🌟🎅🤶✨🎄 #AncestryTravel #DiscoverYourRoots #FamilyHistoryJourney #GermanHeritage #EmigrationStories #MyAncestorsJourney

Have you ever wondered how your ancestors lived in Germany and why they left? Understanding their world is key to uncovering their story when you visit Germany on your ancestry-inspired trip yourself. So here are 3 tips to dive into this topic: 1. Learn about their time period – Explore the social, political, and economic conditions that shaped your ancestors’ lives. 2. Understand their motivations – Push and pull factors like poverty, political unrest, or better opportunities abroad often influenced their decision to emigrate. 3. Discover their hometown – Research the region they came from to uncover local influences and traditions that impacted their lives. Ready to really dive into your ancestors’ emigration journey? My new mini course is coming up soon! 🤗 The course, which you can complete in 5 days or less, has the answers to all of the questions you have about your German ancestors’ life and their emigration journey. To not miss the date when the new mini course will be released, join my newsletter community and receive your Germany Trip Planning Mini Travel Guide as a little thank you! Just comment with the word "start" below and I will send you the link to your Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide via DM. 🚀 #AncestryTravel #DiscoverYourRoots #FamilyHistoryJourney #GermanHeritage #EmigrationStories #MyAncestorsJourney

Sharing memories from your trip after you return home helps preserve the new insights you got from your journey and connects to you to friends and family. Preserve and share your trip memories with these 3 tips: 1. Create a photo album – Organize your best shots into an album to visually tell the story of your trip. 2. Make a presentation – In a similar way to recommendation number 1, you can create a slideshow or video of the highlights of your trip to show to friends and family who stayed at home. 3. Post photos and videos on social media – Share highlights with family and friends, keeping them part of your adventure, and creating a digital archive for you and for future generations. #TravelMemories #GermanyTravelTips #AncestryInspiredTravel #GermanHeritage #TravelTipsAndTricks #MyAncestorsJourney

Making lasting memories on your trip is all about staying present. Here are 3 tips: 1. Take photos, but stay in the moment. Capture special moments, but also soak in the sights and sounds around you. 2. Connect with the locals. If you're lucky, you might even meet relatives who can share stories about your shared ancestors. 3. Journal or post on social media. Write down what you saw, did, or tasted in a notebook and share updates online to involve loved ones and revisit memories later. Ready to plan your ancestry-inspired dream trip to Germany? 👉 Join my online course by commenting with the word “ready” in the comments or go to https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/ #GermanyTravelTips #AncestryInspiredTravel #GermanRoots #GermanHeritage #MyAncestorsJourney

Are you planning to travel to Germany in 2025 or beyond and wondering what travel documents you need? 🇩🇪✈️ Here is your 3-step to do-list: 1. Prepare your documents – To make the most of your time in Germany, do your ancestral research before online and also book things like your accommodation, transport, popular activities and guided tours. Make sure you have all ancestry-related and booking documents with you – either printed out or in digital form on your phone. 2. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date (or apply for a new one in time). 3. Check and apply for visa requirements – From 2025 onwards, Americans will need to apply for a so-called “ETIAS” visa waiver program before traveling to Europe. Need help planning your perfect ancestry-inspired trip? 👉 Join my online course, Germany Trip Planning Masterclass, for step-by-step guidance and personal advice in live calls. So you can ensure that you have everything you need to know for planning your dream trip to Germany. The next online Masterclass starts in mid-January 2025. 👉 Join the non-binding waiting list by simply commenting with “ready” underneath this post or go to https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/ #GermanyTravelTips #ETIASVisaInfo #AncestryInspiredTravel #GermanRoots #MyAncestorsJourney

When planning your ancestry-inspired trip to Germany, it's important to build in some flexibility to keep your journey stress-free. 😌 Here is how: 1. Avoid over-scheduling – Don’t pack every day with back-to-back activities. Give yourself space to breathe and explore at your own pace. 🕰️ 2. Leave some free time or even free days in your itinerary – Allow time for spontaneous discoveries and relaxation. 😍 3. Have backup plans – Weather or unexpected events might change your plans. Keep a list of alternative activities. 🌧️ Trust me, I know it’s better that way from my own experience and the feedback that I got from my previous guests. 😉 That’s also the reason why I changed the itinerary of my emigration-themed multi-day tour in Bremen and northern Germany from 3 to 4 days. So next year, we will give you more time to settle in and start the tour with a stress-free welcome dinner on the night of your arrival. 😋 👉 For more info on my emigration-themed tour in Bremen and northern Germany, go to https://myancestorsjourney.com/tours/ #AncestryTravel #HeritageJourney #FamilyHistoryAdventure #GermanyTravelTips #MyAncestorsJourney

When you plan your ancestry-inspired trip to Germany, you will at some point come up with the question of how to pay. So here are 3 crucial tips for smooth and easy transactions while you are exploring the country of your ancestors: 1. Credit Cards: Many businesses accept credit cards like Visa or MasterCard. But notify your bank beforehand that you will be abroad to avoid any issues. 2. Carry Cash: Small shops and places in rural areas may prefer cash. Keep coins (1 Euro, 50 Cents) handy for public restrooms. 3. If you need cash, use an ATM to withdraw Euros, which you will find everywhere in Germany. Again, inform yourself at your bank or credit card provider, where you can withdraw cash and look for signs, such as the Visa sign, on the machines. Plan ahead and keep both options ready to go! #TravelGermany #EuropeTravelHacks #AncestryTravel #GermanyTravelTips #MyAncestorsJourney

Many of my American guests ask me how much German they need to know before they go on their ancestry-inspired trip to Germany. So here are my 3 pieces of advice to help you communicate with ease: 1. Many people in Germany speak English, so don’t stress too much about learning German! However, learning some basic phrases, greetings, excuses and crucial traveler sentences and will come in handy. 2. Use a translation app –Apps for your smartphone are often free and really helpful, for example “Google Translate” for signs or food menus. 3. Speak slowly and clearly in English – Most Germans will understand and appreciate your effort. Ready to learn the German phrases that you really need? Join my online course, which includes a German language crash course designed specifically for the phrases that ancestry-inspired travelers like you will need on their trip to Germany. To learn more about the course, simply comment with “ready” or go to https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/ #LearnGerman #TravelTips #GermanyTravel #GermanCourse #AncestryJourney #GermanRoots #MyAncestorsJourney

Finding trusted accommodation is key to a memorable ancestry-inspired trip to Germany! Here are 3 best practices: 1. Read reviews: Check recent guest reviews on platforms to ensure quality and reliability. 2. Look for local charm: Look for hotels in half-timbered houses, on a ship, or even in a medieval castle! 3. Consider proximity to train stations, attractions etc.: Especially in the big German cities. Join my Masterclass for expert trip planning advice and live guidance! Need help planning the perfect trip? Join my next Germany Trip Planning online Masterclass in January 2025 for personal advice in our live calls and step-by-step guidance on your way to your dream trip to Germany! To learn more about the course, simply comment with “ready” or go to https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/ #GermanyTravel #TravelPlanningTips #VisitGermany #HistoricStays #GermanHeritage #MyAncestorsJourney

Renting a car in Germany is the perfect way to explore the country at your own pace and also offers you maximum flexibility! 🚗 Especially in small ancestral villages without public transport. Here are 3 tips to make your driving experience in Germany as easy and smooth as possible: 1️. Book early for the best rates 2️. Check that you have the right insurance for peace of mind when driving 3️. Learn driving laws – Familiarize yourself with Germany’s road signs, speed limits, and rules. Ready to hit the road to your ancestry-inspired dream trip? 🛣️ Join my online course and get insider tips in our online driving school, personal advice in our live calls, and everything else you need to know to make the most of your family heritage trip to Germany. 🎓 Just write the word “ready” in the comments below and you will immediately receive the link to the next "Germany Trip Planning Masterclass" Online Course. 🚀 Or go to: https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

Taking the trains in Germany is a convenient and scenic way to explore the country! 🚆 But there are a few things you should know to make your journey smooth and hassle-free: 1. Book tickets early for the best prices. 2. Use the Deutsche Bahn app for schedules, tickets, and updates. 3. Choose the right ticket for your trip – from standard fares to the “Deutschlandticket” (Germany Travel Pass), there’s a choice for every budget and itinerary. Want more insider tips of how to take the trains in Germany from a German native? 🤓 🎓 Join my upcoming online course, the Germany Trip Planning Masterclass! 🌟 Just write the word “ready” in the comments below and you will immediately receive the link to the next "Germany Trip Planning Masterclass" Online Course. 🚀 Or go to: https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/