6 Ways To Maximize Your Time at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, in my opinion, is the happiest place on Earth. I know, I know, supposedly that is Disneyworld...but it really isn't. Disney World (in my opinion) is filled with long lines, screaming kids, and way too many people not knowing what they are doing or how to have fun. On the other hand, give me a pretty much adults-only, weeks long party, filled with delicious food and beer, and you essentially have the definition of the happiest place on Earth. However, Oktoberfest isn't always the easiest of experiences to navigate, especially for a newcomer. As such, here are the six most important things you need to know to maximize your Oktoberfest experience, especially as it is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

1. The name is misleading. I'll be honest, prior to attending a German Oktoberfest, I thought this was a beer drinking festival held in October. It was not until planning to attend Oktoberfest- and luckily, researching it- about five minutes before booking my ticket to Munich- that I learned Oktoberfest really isn't all about October. Oktoberfest is held to celebrate the coming of October, and is thus held for sixteen days leading up to the first Sunday in October. At the same time, just because you are participating in celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, doesn't mean that it will be the authentic German experience you are hoping for. More and more, Oktoberfest has become a huge tourist attraction.

2.  You ABSOLUTELY must dress the part! There is nothing I can stress more. Whether or not you have reservations, whether you are going for one hour or one week, dressing the part is 100% essential. It will help you gain entrance to the tents, get in the mood, fit in, and have an absolute blast. If there is one thing you MUST do while attending Oktoberfest, it is dressing the part!

3. It will be a long, exhausting experience. In general, if you don't have reservations- and even if you do- the earlier you can arrive to Oktoberfest the better. It will give you a chance to explore the grounds from the outside, as well as plenty of time to spend inside the tents. Combine an already long day with tons of people and consuming beer by the liter, and the days will end up becoming very long very quickly.

4. When your plans change, it will be necessary to adapt. Unfortunately, when traveling things don't always go as planned. If something changes, be flexible and ready to adapt! Last year, of the 4 people I was attending Oktoberfest with (including myself), every single one of us had a delayed, missed, or cancelled flight. However, you must learn to make the best of the experience, laugh it off, and prepare to have the time of your life! In addition to travel things going wrong, it is possible that you will lose something. As such, I personally recommend bringing as little as possible with you to Oktoberfest- and ladies, definitely skip bringing a purse!

Yes, thats the face I made when learning how to carry my ninth maß!

5. It is necessary to not only pace yourself, but also to learn how to properly hold your maß. As mentioned previously, any day that you spend at Oktoberfest will be a long day. Make sure to take the time- and effort- to drink some water throughout the day and eat. Although the German beer will fill you up quickly, it is important to continue to fuel your body with more than just another maß of beer. Speaking of the maß- there is a proper and an improper way to hold your beer. Don't hold the beer by the handle! Essentially, you should be placing your entire palm against the beer, and propping the handle on top of your thumb and the back of your hand. Germans will make fun of you if you don't know this beer etiquette!

6. You will make new friends, and have one of the best experiences of your life! Take 6 million visitors attending Oktoberfest and the tradition of sharing tables and inviting others to join, and you have a very social environment. Relish the experience of meeting and chatting with people from all over the world! While at Oktoberfest, I was able to meet friends from Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, Canada, and even people from Minnesota and North Dakota. Taking all of these tips to make the most of your Oktoberfest experience, and these 19 essential Oktoberfest tips, and you are bound to have a terrific time!