Acquire a passport, or make sure yours is still valid, before buying an airline ticket to Germany or any destination in Europe. U.S. citizens can obtain a passport at acceptance facilities such as a post office. You will need to take an original proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, plus an identification such as a driver's license or state ID, according to the U.S. Department of State. You also will need two 2- by 2-inch photographs of yourself, following the requirements listed on the Department of State website.
Check out a travel guide from the library. If your library allows online renewals, you can even take the book to Germany -- you'll have to pay for it only if you lose it. Use it to plan an itinerary. Find cheap hostels in Germany by using the guide or a website. Some sites such as Hostelworld have their own online travel guides for free use, but since this won't help while waiting for the bus, a paper guide still wins.
Buy a pass for the German rail system, the backbone of any vacation to Germany. If you are 25 or younger, you can buy it at the discounted youth rate. If you are older than 25 but traveling with a partner, you can buy it at the twin rate. RailEurope sells discounted passes for about two-thirds the price of a normal adult pass. Select the number of trips planned in your itinerary. If possible, buy an extra day in case plans change.
Research the best plane fares on websites such as Hotwire or Sidestep. Last-minute fares to Frankfurt often drop substantially in February and March. Wait for these months to come around, and pounce. Why Frankfurt? It's a cheaper flight to Germany and a jumping-off point for rail rides.
Reserve stays at cheap hostels in Germany several days in advance. It isn't necessary to book them all before leaving, but do so at least three days before arrival in every city or town, and book online for the lowest rates. Websites usually advertise rates that are similar to one another other, all at a substantial discount from door rates.
Pack cheap, travel-size toiletries in a backpack or rolling bag. Include snacks; clothes that pack lightly but layer warmly, such as turtlenecks; an alarm clock and small flashlight; and something to stay busy with on planes and trains. (MP3 players and poetry books both provide lots of content for very little volume.) Also take a camera, a sturdy versatile coat and comfortable walking shoes. Don't waste space with extras or impractical accessories.
Hostels used to require travelers to bring their own sheets, but this has mostly been phased out. Check individual hostel listings for this information.
Travel light and avoid checked luggage: luggage must be lugged over cobblestones and through train stations and up the treacherous steps of historical sites. When traveling from the United States, check the list of items permitted by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. Put shampoos and other liquids and gels in bottles 3 oz. or smaller.
