5 Easy Day Trips for those living in Bavaria *Kid Friendly*

Living in Bavaria has several benefits. One of which is the vast amount of day trips available to Military families in the area. Most are within 2 hours driving max and include everything from castles to amusement parks!

 

Number 5: Lake Constance (Germany/Switzerland) Camping and Fun

 



Lake Constance is a huge lake which sits directly on top of the Germany and Switzerland border in Southern Bavaria. Although my family has yet to be there, we have a camping trip planned this summer since we have heard nothing but good things from the area, and well we share the same name of course! In case you don't want to camp, take a day trip into the southern side of the lake and enjoy horseback riding in Switzerland followed by a nice dinner.

 

Number 4: Garmisch and the Alps

 

The Garmisch are is filled with family fun and adventure. Not to mention this is where the US Army Europe Resort and Hotel, Edelweiss, is located. Which means you can spend a fun day traveling to the top of the largest mountain in Germany and zip lining back down on there numerous ropes courses. OR, you could stay for a couple nights at Edelweiss and pay Military friendly rates for an excellent hotel with great amenities.

 

 

Number 3: Legoland

 

Legoland is located in Günzburg, Germany which is only a couple hour drive from all three major Military posts in USAG Bavaria. Legoland is...well...Legoland. What else needs to be said. If you have younger children or maybe a husband who is still a kid on the inside then this is the place for you. TONS of hands on full size and miniature lego replicas await you and your family for a day filled with laughter and amazement!

 

 

Number 2: Munich - Museums and Olympia Park

 

Munich is a huge metropolitan area and includes great museums such as the BMW Museum as well as my favorite, the Deutsches Museum which has it's own planes for you to explore in as well as a children's area downstairs with great hands on museum goodies. While your there, check out the Olympia park area which was home to the 1972 summer Olympics. Now days this area sports great summer and winter activities. Be warned this park is huge, trust me I ran a Spartan Race all throughout it :)

 

 

Number 1: Regensburg and city exploration

 

Regensburg is a city in south central Bavaria right off of Autobahn 3. This city has been dated back to the stone ages, with early settlement remains still visible from the Roman empire in 90 AD at which time they built a fort here. If that does not entice you that there is crazy history in the area, just take a look at the Cathedral above (Hint: Inside there is small museum with gold pieces valued in the Billions $$ ). Not only history but modern day conveniences like American style shopping malls exist to fill your day with fun. Don't forget to bring a love lock and place it on the bridge for ever lasting romance or family tradition and memories!

 

 

Groceries in Germany. Where to shop...and When!!

To be quite honest, and after cooking for a family of 5 the majority of days in the last 2 1/2 years, I will tell you this: Most food is cheaper, more fresh, and taste better if bought off-post. However, as many of you might miss some good ol fashion American candies or brands, the Commissary can come in handy.....sometimes.....maybe.

It is no easy task to replace ingredients you have probably been using for many years with foreign brands or equivalents. But it can be most rewarding for many reasons if you do. For example, replacing sour cream or mayonnaise with a Greek yogurt (low fat) bought off post can:

o lower calories by half or more
o virtually eliminate the fat grams you are using
o add healthy by products of natural fresh yogurt
o save you money
o and probably make it taste even better!

Not all items will be less expensive off post though, but a lot are. Here is a list of many common grocery items which can be found off post for cheaper. These are normally more fresh as well.

o Breads (There are so many varieties here, it will blow your mind!)
o Meat ( Of course your normal Oscar Meyer, etc. brands will not be available)
o Vegetables ( Most grocery stores such as Netto, Rewe, etc. will have tons of vegetables for cheaper than on post and are normally super fresh)

So, where do you go to get your groceries off post? As mentioned above, there are normally grocery chain's in most decent size towns and include: Netto, Rewe, Lidl, Aldi, etc. Some even take American debit cards with a straight exchange rate ( No mark up) like the Rewe.

Also, there are certain stores which specialize in specific items such as:
o Bäckerei ( Bakery) These can normally be found inside the major grocery chains as well.

o Metzgerie (Butcher) For your discount ad fresh meats like Brauts and such.

Remember: Bring your own bags, or you will have to buy them at the store!

I hope this has helped some. If you have questions about specific products or areas please message me on the Military Life in Germany Facebook Page or comment below.

~ C

Shopping

This label will be used to identify my blog and Vlog posts related to shopping in Germany. More specifically, I will start a shopping series which outlines what everyone Military Spouse and Mom needs to know to save money and get the best deals on local food. Some of these topics will include:

o Where to shop for the best prices
o What foods can be used in situations where you can't get your normal ingredients
o When it is best to buy groceries at the Commissary or Exchange
o Great recipes for cheap on the Germany Economy
o Reviews on local restaurants and businesses

These lessons will save your meals, trust me! these are learned from experience!

~ C