Germany February 2022
A short summary
February would not be the time of year I would choose to travel to Germany, but this February it was for a good reason.
My sister was getting married on 02/22/2022. It was exciting, and I was and am so happy for her.
Of course the Pandemic did not make it easy, and things didn't go as planned. Back in January the restrictions changed again, and gatherings of 50 and more people went back down to gatherings of no more than 10 people, and the vaccination requirement for Germany also went from age 14 and up to age 12 and up. It was disappointing, that my sister could not have the wedding she envisioned, but she kept her wedding date, just with immediate family and friends. Her reception is postponed to her 1 year anniversary date of 2023, to be safe, and so we can all celebrate together.
I booked a last minute flight out of Newark, NJ, a nonstop flight and third of the price compared to flying out of Philadelphia. I scheduled my Covid PCR test as soon as the flight was booked. I used CVS pharmacy - easy to schedule online and you just go to the drive through and done. I also wanted to get a rapid test (in case I didn't get the PCR test back in time, just to be on the safe side) which I scheduled at Rite Aid pharmacy. When I got to the drive through there, the pharmacist explained that this is not a rapid test but a PCR test. Rite Aid doesn't offer rapid tests, even though it says so on the website. Oh well, I did another PCR test, keeping my fingers crossed that at least one of the tests would be back in time. CVS came through with the results in less than 24 hours. Rite Aid not so much, I think I got the results in 3 days, which would have been way too late.
So my conclusion - definitely use CVS pharmacy for your covid testing.
I flew with United Airlines and used their app to upload all necessary documents to make it a smooth check in - negative covid test, vaccination card and health questionnaire. You are required to wear your mask from the time you enter the airport, until you exit the airport, and you are only allowed to lower your mask when you eat or drink. The plane did not have many empty seats, and by the time I booked the only choice was Basic Economy. I would recommend the Premium Economy und up for sure, the seats are way more comfortable and on the larger scale. The dinner was good for plane food, and besides non-alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea, they also offered complimentary red and white wines, sparkling wine and beer. One thing to know, if you purchase a plane ticket that does not include luggage, your first checked bag costs now $70 one way. Prepay your luggage for both ways if you can, because coming back from Germany they charge €90 at the airport in Frankfurt/Main.
I used SIXT car rental - they had the best price, I was able to get it right at the airport in Frankfurt/Main and drop it off at a different location in 4 days in Würzburg. I did not use their insurance, as I purchased Travel Insurance through AIG that included anything from medical to car insurance.
To summarize my trip to Germany - the restrictions are in full swing for now. Going to restaurant you have to show either your vaccination card, a negative covid test or proof of recovery from covid and KN95 masks are required - no cloth masks. To enter stores, any stores, you are also required to wear the KN95 mask. You will find multiple Covid testing sites throughout the town. I went to one of the testing sites to get my Rapid Antigen test for my flight home to the States.
The restrictions are supposed to be lifted towards the end of March 2022. Fingers crossed.