Scandinavia ’25

So… we wholeheartedly enjoyed our Summer ’24 excursion to Europe and made the conscious decision in the spring that we would pick up exactly where we left off with a June 30th departure overseas. It’s a much needed change of venue post-school year and pre-folk festival. Further, it was made all the sweeter with some more than decent airfares via Westjet and the thought of breaking new ground in regard to first time visits to several countries. With two “ideas” for excursions partially developed, we opted for a totally new area of destination and charted a course for visiting the capitals of Scandinavia. Lader gå (Let’s go)!

Initial research revealed several key factors that we had to come to terms with. Firstly and appreciatively, photos & vids suggested we were in for great food that seemed to be everywhere. We wanted to make sure we savour some of that flavour. As well, like Canada, we were to experience an above standard sense of social equity and political stability representative of parliamentary democracies. It feels like we are planning for a safe, clean set of destinations. Perhaps more squeamishly, the reality of a considerable price tag facing those that want to visit. Regardless, we proceeded with a brave face and kept all these notables in mind as we planned.

By mid-spring the airfare, accommodations and all additional transportation requirements were set 🤞 and the more finite details of daily itinerary, smaller reservations and potential “city Pass” options were the focus. Further, we also did a “fair” amount of tech-prep, downloading and sorting apps, making sure we were ready for e-sims to secure economical and robust data while abroad, and website development to simplify blogging on the move!

Of note, I’d like to add that in preparation for this trip we utilized, perhaps more than ever, YouTube to secure up to date and accurate information on items such as where and what to eat, sites worth the visit (or not), a wide ranging commentary on attractions, tips & tricks for getting from A to B in regard to transportation (ie. Metro / Airports / Train) and even ideas for cost saving (ie. City Passes). Up front research has never failed to pay dividends while on the move! Saves time, money and disappointment while you are on your vacation… oh, and researching is fun too 😉!

Here’s your “official” welcome to follow along! The days are laid out on this website under the Scandinavia ’25 “twistee” and via links (Day One, Two, Three, etc) at the bottom-right of each page. Please feel free to follow along, chase through one of the many attraction / accommodation / transport links, take in the pics we share or even respond with comment (found at the bottom of each page)… we love that! Writing about what, when, where has become an integral part of how we travel… we try to tell the story in the moment during our travels and it helps us process our learnings (while remembering how fortunate we are to be able to do this).

… Scandinavia ’25 – Day One