I want to travel to Germany one day. What should I know ?

[DFW]

43. Especially the itinerary

The big cities all have their own character with different styles and rhythms. The landscapes do, too, from the almost Cape Cod like areas on the North Sea and the Baltic to the Vermont-style Sauerland to the Alps down south.

If you're going to Berlin or München, you'll be looking for different things from what you'd be looking for in Hamburg or Köln. Rheinlanders and Bavarians tend to be looser and less formal than the people of the north, east or southeast. If you'll be in Berlin for any length of time, do NOT miss taking a day to spend in Potsdam. It's a short half hour train ride and yet half a world away from Berlin.

Trains are THE way to get around here, but ALWAYS reserve a seat in advance if your are going between major cities in the morning (except Saturdays) or evening. It costs 4 euros or so, but it beats standing up for three hours in a crowded aisle.