This is the first of 5 posts about our family vacation in Germany and Paris.  

Read the rest of the series:

• Part 2 – Würzburg, Eibelstadt and the Start of the Romantic Road 

• Part 3 – Castles and Cable Cars: Neuschwanstein, Oberammergau and Linderhof

• Part 4 – Eagle’s Nests, Waterfalls and Wine Towns

• Part 5 – Paris, the Seine and Disneyland

Part 1 – From Los Angeles Freeways to German Autobahns

Ever tried to explain to your kids that after a 10-hour flight and a 9-hour time difference, they still have to get in a car and drive? That was us, stumbling bleary-eyed out of a plane in Frankfurt, Germany, at the start of our family adventure.

Touchdown in Frankfurt

We flew from Los Angeles to Frankfurt, one of Europe’s busiest airports and a major hub for flights across the continent. Instead of staying in the city, our plan was to turn this into a road trip from day one.

We picked up our rental car at the airport—always an interesting experience when you’re still mentally calculating kilometers into miles—and pointed ourselves toward Stuttgart.

Travel Tip: TBD

Driving to Stuttgart

The drive from Frankfurt to Stuttgart took us through rolling hills, tidy villages, and our first glimpse of those famously smooth German autobahns. Not every stretch is unlimited speed, but the lanes are wide, the drivers are disciplined, and the whole experience feels surprisingly relaxed.

By the time we arrived in Stuttgart, we were tired but excited. This wasn’t just a quick city stop—Stuttgart would be our home base while staying with friends.

Settling In With Friends

There’s nothing like starting a big trip in a familiar home. Instead of figuring out hotel check-in and room keys, we were greeted with hugs, a warm meal, and a real couch to collapse on.

The next day, our friends gave us a mini-tour of Stuttgart:

  • We explored the city center, with its mix of historic buildings and modern shops.
  • We walked through the Schlossplatz, the main square, framed by palaces and fountains.
  • We got a feel for the rhythm of local life—trams gliding by, cafés spilling onto sidewalks, and people actually sitting down to enjoy their coffee.

Stuttgart is also known for being the home of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, so car lovers could easily spend a full day in its museums. For us, it was more about easing into German life, adjusting to the time zone, and letting the kids explore parks and plazas. By the end of our stay, we felt less like tourists and more like temporary locals—exactly the start we’d hoped for.

Next post: ➡️ Part 2 – Würzburg, Eibelstadt and the Start of the Romantic Road