[KCFAN]

I have never been to Europe, much less a World Cup, but my wife and I are hoping to make the trip in 2006 to watch the cup. Hopefully the Nats will be there as well! Anyway, do any of you have experience in planning these kinds of trips? In other words, how much $ am I looking at for game tickets, etc. Is there reputable travel agent you'd recommend? How far ahead of time do you all start making reservations, etc.

Thanks for your help!

[Rapids/Arsenal Fan]

I would actually recommend waiting until the draw before you start making plans. Even though Germany has a good rail system, I think I'd rather stay in the town that the Nats play in and party rather than basing myself in Berlin and leaving right after the game.

I'm sure within about a year of the WC, travel packages will become available, some with tickets included. Tickets at face value will probably be expensive, and I imagine that tix for big games on the black market will be pretty expensive. However, as the tourney progresses through the first round, tickets for the teams that have a high chance of getting knocked out tend to drop in price on the black market.

Basically, if you get a travel package everything is taken care of. Otherwise, i would wait for the draw, pick up a good guidebook, make out an itinerary and start calling hotels in areas where you want to stay.

[IASocFan]

There are several threads on this already. Check out:
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showt...threadid=50554

http://bigsoccer.com/forum/showthrea...648265#newpost

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showt...threadid=24489

I've been thinking and tentatively planning ever since Germany was announced as the host. The rail system is great. There are lots of books and a lot of internet sites. For one or two people, the railway system works great. I took our family of four to Germany several years ago, and rented a car. In Berlin and Munchen, a car is more of a hinderance than an aid, but it's great for getting between the smaller cities, and seeing the coutryside, castles, and churches.

Wait on qualifying and the draw before making plane and hotel decisions.