Generally, Germany is a picture of health: the tap water is safe to drink, and there are no nasty diseases lurking about. You don’t need vaccinations, although the WHO does recommend that all travelers to every destination be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio.

Pharmacies are called "Apotheke" and are marked by a big, red "A" symbol. As medicine is often expensive, ask the pharmacist for "Generika" (generic drugs), brand free and a lot cheaper.

Always wear sun cream when cycling and hiking. Even when there is cloud cover.

Take plenty of water with you when hiking. And don’t mix rambling or bike riding with Riesling. Never a happy marriage. Thirsty bikers can always order a “Radler” – or cyclist’s beer – which is a shandy.

For European citizens, holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will ensure reduced-cost state-provided healthcare cover for any medical treatment that you may need in Germany, but each family member will need a separate card. UK residents can download an application form here. But it is always advisable to get comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical problems as well.

Be wary of ticks when hiking as they carry Lyme disease. Make sure you carry tweezers so that you can remove them and inspect your body carefully at the end of the day. Always apply a deterrent (a good natural one is lemon eucalyptus) and then sun cream.

No matter how tempting all those beer gardens and wineries are, in Germany the European blood alcohol limit of 0.5 mg per ml stands, unless you are involved in an accident, in which case it drops to 0.3mg.

Be wary on one way streets as cyclists are often allowed to go both ways. So look both ways.

Take care driving on the motorways, as Germans do like to put the foot down, and flash their lights if you are not going fast enough. Just stay calm and put your right indicator on to show them that you will pull in when it is safe to do so.

While hiking on the Rheinsteig, there are some seriously steep bits, and ropes or barriers have been put in place to make them safe and support hikers. Use these properly and don’t use them to stand on and pose for photos (yep, plenty of accidents have happened this way). They are for safety, not Snapchat.

Several parts of the Eifel National Park are completely closed due to WW2 minefields. Always obey the signs to stay away.

Barefoot hikes across the mud and tidal flats of the Wadden Sea are wonderful experiences. But best done with expert local guidance, as tides influence everything here and safety is key.?