As summer's warm stretches turn to crisp weather in the Northern hemisphere, beer lovers' thoughts often turn to one thing: Oktoberfest.

Although Oktoberfest celebrations take place around the world, the original celebration, and still the largest, is held in Munich, and lasts for a staggering two-week period. Drawing over six million visitors annually, the festival features enormous tented areas where revelers can sample a range of beers, including one specially brewed for the occasion.

The event starts when a keg of beer is tapped by the Mayor of Munich, who helpfully and straightforwardly declares, "O'zapft is!" ("It's tapped!" in Bavarian.) To balance out all that heady brew, cooks and bakers whip up a formidable amount of Bavarian specialties, including sausage, sauerkraut, cheese noodles and even roast ox tails.

Organizers claim that the festival is the largest in the world, and draws visitors from around the world, who raise a stein together in sudsy togetherness. There are 14 tents where it's not unusual for a sing-along to break out, toasts to be offered and hours to be delightfully squandered. Maybe beer is the secret to world peace?

If you're Oktoberfest-bound, no need to choose between slipping into the beer tent and staying connected. With iPass, there are many locations in Munich where travelers can get online to check email, let the boss know a few extra days might be needed or to periodically check the official Oktoberfest site for a helpful dictionary that lists Bavarian words from aufstöin ("to donate a beer") to Zwiefacher (a traditional folk dance). So, raise a stein, grab an ox tail and have fun!

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