As of 2005 I've been to 5 Treffens, and I've seen totally different weather experiences at each one. 2000 was HOT (temperatures in the upper 80°F range/30°C+) with a hailstorm on Sunday! 2001 was cold (50°F's/low 10°C's) and rainy, and everyone went home sick. 2002 was pretty nice - daytime temps in the upper 60°F's to 70°F's (around 20°C), cooling off nicely at night. 2003 was extremely hot - temperatures above 90°F/32°C - and we had two nights with severe thunderstorms! (Of course, 2003 was the hottest summer ever recorded in Europe.) 2004 was quite pleasant - mostly in the 70°F's. It seems like it always rains at least one day of the festival.

Keep in mind that most German shops and restaurants - and many hotels - don't have air conditioning or even a fan, so it can get stuffy really quickly! The WGT venues are not air conditioned, and some are outside, so you can get wet or sunburned as well.

I've long believed that packing a huge heavy suitcase is the fastest way to ruin a vacation. If you're able to pick up your luggage on your own, things will go much better for you. Many European airports don't have escalators - you'll have to carry your stuff up and down stairs. Many smaller European hotels don't have elevators. Many European boys won't offer to help you - get the picture?

Another consideration is you airline's baggage allowance. Major airlines may charge extra fees for VERY heavy bags. Some people have been shocked when European discount carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet, etc.) have charged more for luggage fees than the ticket cost in the first place! The airline's website will have all the details.

Here's the catch - you'll want to dress up big time! Chances are that you'll be dressed up all day long since there's no time to change clothes in the middle of the day. Ian and I usually bring layers of vinyl clothes - it's easy to mix up with other pieces, and it's water repellant. Another thing you might want to consider is that there is usually a fetish club night with a strict dress code - so if you're interested, plan on bringing an outfit.

Try to limit the number of pairs of shoes you bring - they eat up space in your suitcase rapidly. But be sure to bring some comfortable shoes you'll wear with your dressy outfits. There's pretty much no place to sit in most of the venues with the exception of the icky floor.

A key piece of advice: get a lightweight raincoat. I always bring my raincoat that stores in its own pocket; I got an inexpensive black one at REI. It has come in handy several times. Umbrellas don't work too well at outdoor venues since no one will be able to see over you.

Speaking of getting wet, you should bring a bathing suit in case your hotel has a pool - the Renaissance has a nice pool and jacuzzi.

Lastly, try to avoid arriving in Germany with suitcases that are already full, as I'm sure that you'll be taking advantage of the big retail market! Speaking of the market, if you forget your fishnets at home or need a warmer shirt, you can always buy it there.

A travel alarm clock will probably come in handy, as many hotels won't supply an alarm clock for you (the Renaissance doesn't have alarm clocks).

Don't forget the sunblock! Leipzig is as far north as Saskatoon, Canada, and in May or June, when the WGT takes place, the sun rises quite early and sets very late. Don't be surprised to see light outside the nightclub at 4:30am, or to come out of a concert at 10pm and still have a light sky.