After a 10 year hiatus, the summer trip to Germany has returned due to high demand. Few students can say they’ve been able to travel with their classmates internationally, but the German students of Trinity can!
Led by German teacher Herr McLaughlin, 48 people, including students and their families, will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to venture outside of the U.S. and into Germany.
McLaughlin mentions that he was met with multiple students asking for the return of the Germany trip. Specifically, he notes Senior Cole Johnson’s pleas for the comeback because his sister, Kameryn Johnson, was able to attend the last trip in 2015.
“They were just hounding me and hounding me, and then eventually my wife said that I should take them again before I eventually retire. That’s what settled it; I knew I had to do it again,” he adds.
The group is set to begin their journey on July 8, 2025, and return home on July 17, 2025, for a total of nine days to explore various German cities. Of course, with all safety precautions taken with the highest regard, there will be various chaperones attending, each with six students to keep track of.
While in Germany, students will visit the following: Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich, Dachau, Heidelberg and Frankfurt. While they won’t be staying overnight in every city, most of them will be an overnight affair. In these cities, the group will stay in various hotels. Each traveller will have up to three other roommates; parents also had the ability to pay an additional fee to room with their children.
Throughout the excursion, students will have plenty to experience as they travel through Germany. Their extensive itinerary ensures each traveler the best experience possible.
During their time in Berlin, students and their families will be able to take a step back in time as they take a guided tour of the remains of the Berlin Wall. For those less interested in the historical aspect of Berlin, they’ll also visit Kurfürstendamm, a bustling avenue packed with amenities such as shopping, shows and even the Berlin Zoo.
The group will also visit an Olympic Stadium as they settle in Munich. Toward the end of the trip, students will travel to Dachau, where they will honor the history of the Dachau Concentration Camp at its memorial site.
Evidently, this excursion to Germany is not merely a vacation; it is an opportunity for students to broaden their cultural horizons by authentically experiencing Germanic culture. Ironically, though, McLaughlin notes that it is not a school-affiliated trip, rather, it is simply a caring teacher offering a safe and undoubtedly exciting adventure to those who were interested.
Because McLaughlin has been to Germany countless times, his excitement for the trip lies elsewhere.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the look on their faces when we see everything. I really do get joy out of doing it for them,” he says.
McLaughlin believes that this trip is one that is worthwhile. Families who embark on this journey will be able to talk about this for the rest of their lives; the memories made on this trip will certainly be unforgettable!
