Getting anxious about going overseas alone - ridiculous but any tips really appreciated, please.

[DiscoDiver]

NC because I feel absolutely ridiculous posting this.

I've never been overseas alone.
I haven't been on holiday in a decade.

In September I'm going to Germany for a few days with work. I'm getting weirdly anxious but I can't quite place what I'm anxious about.

I think I just feel very out of practice.

I think I've taken care of the necessary practical matters. It's just actually doing it that feels like a hurdle.

Do you have any tips or advice, please?

Germans all speak great English - and, unlike the French, want to speak to us!

Get to the airport in plenty of time.
Take a small cross-body bag that fits phone, passport, lippy so you have these things to hand at all times and don’t have to constantly take them out of backpack - make sure it fits in your hand luggage if needed
Get ubers if in doubt.
Print a copy of your work schedule
Take a power bank, make sure it’s in your under seat luggage (not overhead cabin bag)
Take a bit of cash for emergencies (English or euro)
Take a good book, and a face mask to do at the hotel
Find out what is expected of you in free time - you may have loads of it or none at all: some colleagues
like their own space, others think they have to spend every second of the day with you!
Take a mini first aid kit - plasters, pills etc.
Make sure all your liquids are in a separate bag
Take a couple of snack bars as some people have no idea when it’s lunch time.

Be prepared to be tired! Try to enjoy it - work travel always sounds glamourous, it really isn’t..!!

Firstly make sure your mobile phone data is set up for Europe - some plans include it others you buy an add on but either way this is how to solve your problems mostly. Look at route to your hotel from the airport, typically it’s easier to use public transport than Ubers to at least the rough area even if you resort to an uber for the last kilometre or two. Google maps will help you find everything basically and google lens (via phones camera is great for menus, price lists etc if German isn’t a language you speak. Everyone was do friendly in Germany when I was there this summer, so easy to navigate as signage is pretty good. Oh and they all spoke English as needed, my German isn’t good

Where are you going to?

You can download the CityMapper app, it will swap location immediately and is really good with public transport options.

Ticket machines will be in English, especially at the airport/main train stations.

If you have contacts where you go to, ask them which stop to go off and if they can give you a tip about where to look for any engineering works. I have colleagues from HQ in Germany quite often in our branch and I more than once helped out with tips/informations/last minute warnings about strike/route closures and equally they will let me know when I come.

German trains are brilliant and public transport just works. It makes you realise how bad it is in the UK, especially outside London.

If you're staying in a city it will be very easy to get from the airport to the city. There will be signs in the airport and you just follow them.

Your hotel website or the work venue will probably have info on the website about the nearest station or tram stop.

Use the DB app for times. Seat61.com explains clearly it works. I go abroad a lot by myself and almost never bother with taxis because I just don't feel the need to.

I agree that’s so tight they won’t pay for a taxi! It’s a pain to navigate public transport in new places, even if it’s safe it’s annoying to try to figure out where you are going and how to pay in an unfamiliar system. I live in London and am very comfortable using public transport but I hate working it out in new cities.

I agree with others though that in Germany you’ll likely find lots of helpful people, there’s lots of English signage, and you will be fine. I just think if work were requiring you to go they should pay for a taxi!

I hate working out which taxis are official/safe and which you're putting yourself at risk of being driven far away and made to pay a huge bill by a dodgy taxi driver.

Public transport is easy and risk free in comparison. I see no need for a taxi in the daytime in Europe.

Where are you going and when. If it is anywhere near me, I'd be happy to collect you from the airport and deliver you to your hotel/office.

In Germany the official taxis are beige Mercedes with a Taxi sign on top. They have a meter running so you can see what you owe them.

If they take you from the airport, at least in Frankfurt/Main, they have to accept credit cards I was told last time when I checked as I had my Euros in the bag in the boot not with me in my handbag.

Thank you so much!

I've got a GHIC on the way to me. And I've just added a roaming pass to my mobile plan so I can use my phone when I'm there. I totally missed the phone thing so really grateful for you flagging that, thank you.

Fair enough. It's very straightforward ime.