With anniversaries and unique events all year long, 2010 is shaping up to be a year of variety and diversity in Germany. From modern to traditional, the festivals and anniversaries offer something for every taste: the RUHR.2010 European Capital of Culture, the decennial Passion Play performance, Robert Schumann's 200th birthday, the 300th anniversary of the renown Meissen Porcelain, the 175th birthday of the German Railway and last but not least, the 200th year of the world's most famous beer festival, the Oktoberfest in Munich!

Going local is one of the most rewarding ways to experience a country's culture, to meet its people, to taste the food cooked on the street and hear the sounds streaming from street musicians. In Germany, the citizens - no matter what their socio-economic background - participate in their local festivals ranging from beer and wine parties to religious and historic anniversaries.

As one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, Germany offers outstanding value for the dollar. Luxury hotels in Germany's buzzing cities are often half the price of those in other European metropolises. Sleek spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, local hot spots, and even overnights in castle hotels can be booked for less than $100. Germany's variety offers something for every taste, every segment and every budget.

Need a break? No problem! In Germany the vacation dollar goes a long way. In fact, in many of Germany's top cities, including Hannover, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart, visitors can get their fill of culture and good food with an overnight for $100 or less.

Tight budget? No problem! In Germany the dollar goes a long way. In fact, in many of Germany's top cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Duesseldorf and Frankfurt, visitors can get their fill of culture and good food with an overnight for $100 or less.

Baden-Wuerttemberg, the sunny state situated in southwest Germany bordering France, Switzerland and Austria, is well-known for its highlights: the Black Forest, Lake Constance and cities like Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and the state capital of Stuttgart. The state's natural beauty is a great asset, but Baden-Wuerttemberg is also home of global brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bosch, Hugo Boss or Steiff Teddy bears.

From sleek glass and steel skyscrapers to the matte black minimalism of high-end stereo components to the familiar pictograms for men's and ladies' washrooms - in thousands, maybe millions of ways, the look and feel of life today traces back to a single design school in Germany that existed for only 14 years, from 1919 to 1933.