[blkbrnrvr]

question for those of you who may have attended last year's world cup; was there any kind of travel package available? I'd like to start saving up now, so if I could get an idea of what kind of costs I may be faced with, it would be a huge help. Also, would such a travel package be based on putting people into groups in terms of hotels, transportation, and tickets? Since my German consists of about 10 words, I'd much rather be in a group than, say, going solo.

[Rapids/Arsenal Fan]

Travel packages abound for the World Cup. Many travel agents will have them, but since it's not for another 3 years who knows what the prices will be like. Sams Army even had a travel package going on for 2002, but I don't know if that's just because it was Asia which is a little more intimidating to travel around in than Germany.

I wouldn't be worried about travelling in Germany, especially during the World Cup. Tickets will be hard to come by, but as far as travel goes, if just make the tiniest effort to speak German they are more than willing to meet you halfway.

[IASocFan]

I frequently found that if I tried to talk to the Germans in German, they usually answered me in very good English. I had over 20 hours of college German, but it was a few years ago.

[Thunderpac]

Match tickets will probably be in the $50-$200 range each. Get the cheapest ones because that will put you in the end zones with the big Sam's Army group. If you try to get smart and order the expensive tickets like I did last year, you'll find yourself sitting way up in the corner - all the primo tickets seem to be reserved for the locals or VIPs or something.

Buying tickets at the stadium from scalpers is not unheard of, especially if it is for a match between teams that are not traditional powers. You may find them at below face value if you shop around. This is a good way to catch some non-USA matches on the in-between days.

Hotels? Well, if you're into it, consider a hostel. You'll meet people from all over the world at a time when they're all there to see the World Cup. You'll save money too. It's like going to a party, and all the world is invited.

I don't know about train prices in Germany, but they've got to be on the web somewhere.

Airfare will be somewhere around $500 to $1200, depending on where you are coming from and so on. You can check prices on that -now- if you're concerned about it.

Don't worry for one second about ease of getting around and language and all of that. I was in Korea and France '98 and never had any problems. Remember, this is the WC. They will be expecting you. There will be information booths in all of the train stations and in the venue cities.

As for hooking up with other fans for pre- and post-game festivities, Bigsoccer is the place for information sharing.

For France '98, I estimate that I spent around $2500 for air, trains, hotel, food, and match tickets.

Korea 2002 was probably around the same, but I did so much drinking and miscellaneous side-trips and things that it would be impossible to know for sure.

Your ultimate price will depend on how long you want to stay, how much you plan on drinking (which may be a function of how many times we win), and what kind of accomodations you choose. If you want to be safe, be good to yourself and save $4000 for the trip. That will give you enough leeway to buy tickets for a non-USA match or two or to take some side trips to non-venue places.

[Thunderpac]

One more thing, you can get travel packages from http://www.soccervacations.com/, among others. If you are concerned about staying in the same hotels as other USA fans, you can also stay tuned to Bigsoccer and just book at the hotels or hostels that other people mention.

[supersport]

The key thing is to have the money ready. Save up now. My wife and I spent 10 days in Japan and saw Italy v. Croatia. It cost us roughly $5,000 (worth every penny) so I would say the estimate of $2,500 per person is about right. Don't worry about the language, loads of English is spoken in Germany.