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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Berlin

By U.S. News & World Report

With its international culinary scene, trendy neighborhoods and flourishing nightlife scenes, Berlin is a vibrant and affordable travel destination. Once divided by war and politics, the German capital has emerged as a 21st-century incubator of technology, innovation, arts and culture. Its youthful entrepreneurs are leading the way, but what lies woven into the fabric of this multifaceted European city is the history and sites that bring more tourists to Berlin than any other city in Germany. After the German reunification in 1990, many people moved away in search of jobs, but over the years, Berlin has attracted immigrants from around the world, developing it into the most multicultural and cosmopolitan city in the country.

[See: 10 Money-Saving European Travel Tricks.]

Plan to stay at least for a long, three-day weekend to explore, savor and travel to the city’s top highlights, including Berlin’s numerous museums and major attractions. Berlin is four times the size of Paris with a surprising number of rivers, canals and green spaces. A third of the city is comprised of parks and forested areas, so it’s beautiful to navigate by bike or on foot. One of the best ways to plan your Berlin vacation is to divide your time between its 12 districts and 23 distinct neighborhoods. Read on for tips for making the most of your next trip to Berlin.

Explore Mitte

Begin your visit in the busy and beautiful central district of Mitte, where you’ll find many top attractions, including Checkpoint Charlie, which was once the crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War, and Brandenburg Gate. Built in the 18th century by Prussian king Frederick William II, this imposing neoclassical monument is located across from the Pariser Platz, one of the city’s most attractive squares. Since the reunification in 1990, Brandenburg Gate has become a national symbol of peace and unity.

After viewing the gate, travel to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to five of the city’s most important art and archaeological museums. Here, you’ll find the renowned bust of Nefertiti in the Egyptian Museum. Another must-see is the domed Cathedral of Berlin, the largest church in the city. Take time to explore this vibrant area and watch the tour boats navigating the Spree River. On warm sunny days, you’ll find locals and tourists taking in the spectacular scenery while enjoying lunch on the banks of the river.

Next, head to Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most beautiful and historic squares in Berlin. When you need a break from sightseeing, visit Rausch Schokoladenhaus. This famous chocolatier and family business dates back to 1918. They source the finest cocoa in the world and create extraordinary chocolate sculptures that are on display in the store. Take home delectable chocolates and pralines and visit their cafe for a coffee and a mini torte. For an added treat, have lunch or an early dinner at their second-floor restaurant overlooking the square, which features creative dishes prepared with their specialty chocolates and cocoas.

Once you’ve meandered through the market, wander through the bustling Alexanderplatz with its modern glass and art deco buildings. The Alexanderplatz serves as the city’s major transportation hub with the Berlin Central Train Station and is also one of the largest shopping districts in Berlin, with numerous restaurants, along with interesting modern structures in Berlin, such as the World Clock and TV Tower. Visit in the evening, when the square is filled with people and aglow with the bright lights of the city.

[See: 12 Great Destinations in Europe You Can Afford.]

Dine in Mitte

If you’re in the mood for traditional southern German food, known as Schwäbische Küche or Swabian cuisine and said to be some of the best in Germany, dine at Schwarzwaldstuben for lunch or dinner. The casual and rustic interior is reminiscent of a hunting lodge with its antlers, boar’s head over the bar and large ceramic stove. Specialties include Spätzle, Schäuffele (a cut of meat from a pig’s shoulder), Flammkuchen (a version of a German pizza), and a generous portion of crispy fried Schnitzel. Plus, Rothaus Pils Tannenzäpfle, a delicious beer from the Black Forest, is on tap.

For a more upscale evening, book a table at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Tim Raue. Berlin’s most famous chef and one of the featured guests on an episode of “Chef’s Table” on Netflix, this award-winning chef serves his Asian-inspired cuisine at thisstylish eatery. Also noteworthy is Noblehart & Schmutzig, helmed by Swiss-born executive chef Micha Schäfer. Garnering a Michelin star for its innovative cuisine, the restaurant serves a 10-course meal to 28 guests of strictly regional products and produce, sourcing only as far as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg and the Baltic Sea, so don’t look for ingredients such as lemons, tuna or chocolate on the menu.

Check Out Other Neighborhoods

Wander the streets of Bergmannkiez in Kreuzberg with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes and restaurants and visit Marheineke Markthalle, a large indoor gourmet market featuring local and international specialties. If you’re in town on a Thursday evening, also make plans to attend the popular Street Food Night at Markthalle Neun. Arrive early and enjoy tasty bites and drinks from around the globe. Viktoriapark, also in Kreuzberg, is one of the most romantic and prettiest parks in Berlin. This picturesque setting is dominated by the “berg” (or hill) that stands 217 feet high and is topped with a national monument with a cascading waterfall below. Linger longer at this special place and enjoy a local beer at Biergarten Golgatha.

Two notable museums in Kreuzberg are Martin-Gropius-Bau and The Wall Museum at the East Side Gallery. Located next to each other, the museums each merit a visit. Another must-see is the Luther Effect, an impressive exhibit commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, which will be on display at Martin-Gropius-Bau through Nov. 5, 2017.

When it comes to casual dining in Kreuzberg, try a cult street food favorite, like Currywurst at Curry 3, or experience Turkish-influenced Döner Kebabs at Mustafas Gemüse Kebap. If you’re not in the know, Currywurst is Bratwurst that’s been steamed and fried, served on a bun and topped with curry ketchup, and traditionally served with French fries.

After refueling, embark on a shopping extravaganza. Visit Kaufhaus des Westens (or “Department Store of the West”), fondly called KaDeWe. Berlin’s largest department store, KaDeW is located in the neighborhood of Schöneberg. Head to the 6th-floor food hall, the biggest delicatessen department in Europe, and enjoy a French pastry or glass of bubbly and freshly shucked oysters.

[See: How to Visit Expensive European Cities on a Budget.]

And at the end of a long day of sightseeing and noshing, make your way to Klunkerkriach, a lively rooftop bar in Neukölin. This under-the-radar spot is popular with locals and one of the best places to see the sun set over the city. It’s the perfect way to cap off your trip to Berlin.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Berlin originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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