Off to Germany: pre-planning stages

[SoulflyTribeFC]

Now that we're in, it's time to start planning the trip to Germany. Only problem is that the draw is still three months away :(

But fortunately for us the schedule is already out so at least we can kinda get an idea of where the Nats will play their first round games. Now, as far as the draw goes, I'm assuming the US will be placed in the third pot and thus will be a team that fills a _3 slot. For instance, A3 or B3 or C3 and so on and so forth. (Yes, I'm aware that we might get a seed but more than likely we won't so I'll take the most likely scenario).

Now, if indeed we are a _3 side, here's where we would play our first round matches:

A3: Gelsenkirchen (6/9), Dortmund (6/14), Hannover (6/20)
B3: Dortmund (6/10), Nuremburg (6/15), Kaiserslautern (6/20)
C3: Liepzig (6/11), Gelsenkirchen (6/16), Munich (6/21)
D3: Cologne (6/11), Hannover (6/16), Liepzig (6/21)
E3: Gelsenkirchen (6/12), Kaiserslautern (6/17), Nuremburg (6/22)
F3: Kaiserslautern (6/13), Munich (6/18), Stuttgart (6/22)
G3: Frankfurt (6/13), Liepzig (6/18), Hannover (6/23)
H3: Munich (6/14), Stuttgart (6/19), Berlin (6/23)

It seems like it's fairly spread out, which is nice in one sense but could create problems in another. On the one hand, my main concern is finding somewhere affordable to stay and if the US is playing in three cities all over the country, then that just means more places to look for and there could be a problem with finding affordable rooms in three cities. But then again, you'd get to experience so much more by playing in places like Munich and Stuttgart and Berlin rather then them playing all their group games in the same region.

Still, if the US gets group F, Kaiserslautern to Munich is far so you'd take trains or maybe even fly there. Yeah, you've got four days to get there but still it would take time to get there. I haven't yet looked into rail passes (like I said, this is the pre-planning stage) but I suppose that would be the best option. Who knows? Maybe you sneak in a night in some out of the way place between K-Town and Munich.

I'm actually going to meet with my travel agent soon (she's German! YES!!) so she can help me in my pre-planning phase of my trip to the Weltmeisterschaft!! :cool:

[SoulflyTribeFC]

Damn. So I went and talked with my travel agent and she said that she would not recommend getting airline tickets past December. Already a bunch of people are calling her and trying to reserve tickets for groups and whatnot, so she said if I even waited until February that I might have a tough time finding something. I suppose I could fly to somewhere else in Europe and then take a train over into Germany so I'm not totally worried about it but it just makes me want to get reservations ASAP. On December 9, after the draw, I will pay her a visit. That's for sure.

[Autogolazo]

I would fly into Amsterdam. I did this for a driving trip through northern Germany a couple years ago.

You're two hours drive from Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, three from Hannover and Cologne, maybe four from Hamburg (they're hosting some games, no?).

I'm sure nobody else will recommend driving in Europe with such great train service, but after years of lugging a backpack, I've discovered the sheer joy of driving in Europe the last few times I've been and wouldn't do it any other way. Parking, gas, whatever--by driving I've been to places I never would've seen by train and I like making my own schedule.

[Palermo10]

For you TST-3ers, Orbitz has JFK to Berlin round trip 6/8 - 6/24 at about $725 I believe. Dates change on my Orbitz watch list thing, so you may want to check that out.

Even the longest train-ride in Germany would be no more than what, 6 hours?

[Jayhawk]

When does the next window to apply for WC tix through U.S. Soccer open up? Anyone know?

[SoulflyTribeFC]

When does the next window to apply for WC tix through U.S. Soccer open up? Anyone know?

Don't hold me to this but I think I remember thinking that it was sometime in October.

[Mikeymike15]

nope...Phase 3 opens December 1st

[Bigdog]

Please join us on the Yanks in Germany mail serve as you begin your plans for next summer.

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/YanksinGermany/

[JoeSoccerFan]

Now that we're in, it's time to start planning the trip to Germany. Only problem is that the draw is still three months away :(

But fortunately for us the schedule is already out so at least we can kinda get an idea of where the Nats will play their first round games. Now, as far as the draw goes, I'm assuming the US will be placed in the third pot and thus will be a team that fills a _3 slot. For instance, A3 or B3 or C3 and so on and so forth. (Yes, I'm aware that we might get a seed but more than likely we won't so I'll take the most likely scenario).

Now, if indeed we are a _3 side, here's where we would play our first round matches:

A3: Gelsenkirchen (6/9), Dortmund (6/14), Hannover (6/20)
B3: Dortmund (6/10), Nuremburg (6/15), Kaiserslautern (6/20)
C3: Liepzig (6/11), Gelsenkirchen (6/16), Munich (6/21)
D3: Cologne (6/11), Hannover (6/16), Liepzig (6/21)
E3: Gelsenkirchen (6/12), Kaiserslautern (6/17), Nuremburg (6/22)
F3: Kaiserslautern (6/13), Munich (6/18), Stuttgart (6/22)
G3: Frankfurt (6/13), Liepzig (6/18), Hannover (6/23)
H3: Munich (6/14), Stuttgart (6/19), Berlin (6/23)

It seems like it's fairly spread out, which is nice in one sense but could create problems in another. On the one hand, my main concern is finding somewhere affordable to stay and if the US is playing in three cities all over the country, then that just means more places to look for and there could be a problem with finding affordable rooms in three cities. But then again, you'd get to experience so much more by playing in places like Munich and Stuttgart and Berlin rather then them playing all their group games in the same region.

Still, if the US gets group F, Kaiserslautern to Munich is far so you'd take trains or maybe even fly there. Yeah, you've got four days to get there but still it would take time to get there. I haven't yet looked into rail passes (like I said, this is the pre-planning stage) but I suppose that would be the best option. Who knows? Maybe you sneak in a night in some out of the way place between K-Town and Munich.

I'm actually going to meet with my travel agent soon (she's German! YES!!) so she can help me in my pre-planning phase of my trip to the Weltmeisterschaft!! :cool:

You're making a serious error. To assume that we would only be in the 3 slot is incorrect. Other than Germany, the number is not related to the seed. That is random (or at least FIFA purports that it's random).

So, you able to get any group (other than A1).

[SoulflyTribeFC]

You're making a serious error. To assume that we would only be in the 3 slot is incorrect. Other than Germany, the number is not related to the seed. That is random (or at least FIFA purports that it's random).

So, you able to get any group (other than A1).

Damn it. Why'd you have to spoil my fun?

Nah, thanks for clarifying that for me. I went online and verified it.

But that's why this is a pre-planning thread.

[Palermo10]

nope...Phase 3 opens December 1st


Well the question was "next phase through US Soccer" - so ... which is it he's asking about - next phase through FIFA, or the USSF alottment? (allottment? allotment?)

[Mikeymike15]

FIFA Phase 3 - December 1st;

The only phase through US Soccer - TBD

[MikeLastort2]

I've mentioned this on the Yanks in Germany e-mail list, and I'll mention it again here.

I've flown to Europe using Best Fares (http://www.bestfares.com) about five times, and every time I've gotten good prices for tickets. You have to pay an annual membership fee of $75.00, but I figure that I've saved way more than that on the airfare I've purchased.

Their web site sucks, and it's a little tough to navigate. But there are bargains to be found there.

Right now, the latest dates they show for Germany are March 6th, 2006 (http://www.bestfares.com/travel/desks/story.asp?id=128925), with airfare for Frankfurt beginning at $309.00 round trip from two US cities (New York and Newark).

Keep in mind that the prices they show do NOT include taxes and airport fees, so that $309.00 to Frankfurt will probably be closer to $400.00, but still, that's a great price.

Alternatively, consider flying into another country and taking the train, renting a car or flying European carriers for good discounted prices. Here's a story from Rudy Maxa's site (http://www.rudymaxa.com/article.php?ArticleID=90) that discusses some options for discount European carriers, which are essentially the European equivalent of SouthWest or AirTran. The article was written in April of 2002, and a couple of those carriers might not exist anymore, but the advice is still good.

It'll be tough, but I think if you really make the effort it will be possible to get to the World Cup from the East Coast for under $500.00 round trip.

[SoulflyTribeFC]

I'll have to check out that site and see if they've got flights from LA for that cheap.

As far as the host cities go, each site hosts four first round games and each game is from a different group, which means cross-country train trips more than likely which considering it's Germany is not a bad thing. I'm a novice when it comes to train passes. Is there a Euro rail pass similar to a Japan rail pass? I had a friend who went to Japan and he said he bought a 7-day rail pass and was able to go anywhere anytime without paying anything once he bought the pass. Is there something similar for Germany?

[Bigdog]

Writers wanted for web travel articles for US Supporters going to Germany Next Summer. If you are living in Germany/Europe, travelled allot there, and have something to share please email/PM me and join Flannigan, Mirka, and others in lighting the path for others. THX!

[MikeLastort2]

I'll have to check out that site and see if they've got flights from LA for that cheap.

They won't be that cheap. Add at least another hundred and fifty most of the time. That story I linked to lists Orange County, San Diego, Ontario (CA), San Jose (CA) and a few other locations in CA for $459. Again, keep in mind that the prices DO NOT INCLUDE tax and airport fees.

As far as the host cities go, each site hosts four first round games and each game is from a different group, which means cross-country train trips more than likely which considering it's Germany is not a bad thing. I'm a novice when it comes to train passes. Is there a Euro rail pass similar to a Japan rail pass? I had a friend who went to Japan and he said he bought a 7-day rail pass and was able to go anywhere anytime without paying anything once he bought the pass. Is there something similar for Germany?

You'll find everything you need to know about train passes in Europe at the Eurail site (http://www.eurail.com/).

[Bigdog]

You'll find everything you need to know about train passes in Europe at the Eurail site (http://www.eurail.com/).

And a great PDF on rail from Rick Steves here:
PDF file from Rick Steves' web site:
http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/pdfs/05railguide_all.pdf

[SoulflyTribeFC]

They won't be that cheap. Add at least another hundred and fifty most of the time. That story I linked to lists Orange County, San Diego, Ontario (CA), San Jose (CA) and a few other locations in CA for $459. Again, keep in mind that the prices DO NOT INCLUDE tax and airport fees.



You'll find everything you need to know about train passes in Europe at the Eurail site (http://www.eurail.com/).

Thanks on both counts.

The Eurail pass is just what I was hoping for. All the games will be spread out everywhere so it'll come in handy.

[Ultra Peanut]

A site I like for airfare: http://www.mobissimo.com
Massive fare aggregator. I tend to get the cheapest price here, then book directly through the airline's own site. I've also had BOS-FRA in my Travelocity and Oribitz farewatch preferences for a while, but I think I can count on one finger the number of times a farewatcher alert has tipped me off to a fare I've actually used (more often it's incompatible dates, inconvenient routes, or airlines I want no part of). They're mostly useful as a means to gague average airfare over time, to give some indication of what's a good "if it drops below XXX, buy" price.

Clearly, though, the most stylish option would be for me and all my fellow New Englanders to band together, steal a Duck Tour boat, and drive over.

[DaniD]

Also, this is an interesting article on rail travel: http://www.frommers.com/deals/car_bus_rail/article.cfm?dealID=CARBUSRAIL&articleID=2923&t=Pass%20on%20Passes%2C%20Get%20Rail%20Savings%20Directly%20from%20Operators%27%20Sites

While you do need some flexibility to take advantage of this, this might be good for those who want to travel on non-game days.