Scandinavia ’25 – Reflections

Travel… as a means for learning

Personally, we know no better way to create meaning than by doing. It’s what our travel is built upon. We choose things we enjoy and are of interest and we dig a little deeper. It’s examining from a new perspective, looking for balance or pushing. Sometimes it’s with awe, standing in front of a painting by one of the masters or the brilliance of architecture. Other times it’s the simplest gesture, or the way a gentle summer rains glistens on cobblestone. It’s so important to get out of that comfort zone, change perspective and actively engage.

Travel… as a shared experience

Spirited by this blog, both Janie and I think it’s pivotal that our journeys are shared. Creating takes time and effort, but it also pays dividends. Not only is it a record of our efforts, but a shareable platform that others have used to inspire reciprocal tips, suggestions and recommendations from others. Caitlyn, Mike, and Monica (sorry if I missed anyone) all helped with ideas that we loved including in our adventure. I know many have used our work to pull up a chair to the “travel” table and start their own plan. There is no magic beyond taking what others have shared and making it your own. 

Travel… and the little things

At the end of this one, we were amazed at our list of seemingly little things that can have a big impact on a trip. It’s a growing list of items / decisions that we incorporated which impacted our Scandinavia ‘25 journey.

• With no more weight / less bulk than a package of 5 napkins, we utilized washing machine sheets at our accommodations to put a fresh face on worn clothes. Works perfectly, and you feel better afterwards!
• Who’d of thought licorice would show up in the blog? Yepper, it’s a bit of a delicacy from Holland through Oslo, and we enjoyed it whenever a little boost was required. We had ice cream, allsorts, toffee, and heavily salted candy made with licorice (lakrids). It became a game to see what liquorice treat was behind the next door 😂
• Not all the best intentions work out as expected. For example, Janie incorporated a new pair of shoes this trip, something light to better support the many steps she knew we would be taking (our average over the 12 day span was +20,000). However, in the transition she ended up with some very sore feet. The discomfort took time, care and only her determination to get corrected.
• Smaller bags… in short less weight, reduced difficulty with travel providers, more earnest packing, improved mobility, and even (as was the case for us several times) using one bag storage travel locker! Less is more, more or less 😉
• Getting the most out of the iPhone (a tool most already have) is essential. Don’t carry it for nothing, but use that little workhorse to your advantage. We used the calculator (Currency Convertor) to budget. Who’d have thought… use the camera and copy text to translate that language (we had many) on a package at the grocery store. Try an app that utilizes AI and plan a tour with computer generated info. A simple E-Sim can take all your data worries and relegate that to the bottom of the priority list. This trip, with many summer construction projects impacting highway, metro and rail travel, Google Maps for supported all our directional needs for walking and transit planning. With a little practice getting from A to B was never easier while exploring new territory.
• Low tech item of the trip… cloth grocery bag. We ended up using it daily, whether at a grocery store abroad, transfer refuse or recyclables and even a cover to shelter a phone in the rain. Simple with myriad number of uses.

Scandinavian City Vibes

Copenhagen – Lasting images include watching the Christianshavns Kanal while frequenting the closest park bench with drink of choice in hand. The Danes we met seemed to live life to the fullest. Whether zipping by via bike / boat, lounging or exercising in the multitude of green spaces or savouring smørrebrød and beer for lunch, time was taken to experience the many things they are passionate about. Even more essential, that “hygge” they feel when doing it with others they care about! We have seen some of the many reasons why this city and country continually rank within top three “Happiest Places”.

Stockholm – We are still awed at the beautiful, old world setting that is Gamla Stan in the heart of Stockholm. We enjoyed every minute, rain or shine, of our time there. From the charming street side shops and eateries to hipster upscale markets and foods, the product that supports Stockholm as a travel destination is undeniable. It delivers in retail opportunity, historical significance, plethora of architectural samplings and world renowned visitors attractions. Yet, this city remains somehow understated in relation to worldwide destinations despite glowing reviews. Perhaps, like quietly sharing Fika with a friend at some hidden coffee shop, that’s the way they intend to keep this often overlooked gem!

Oslo – Perhaps the young upstart! Oslo presents a remarkable setting that is hustling to show the world their own pride and belief in a “way of being”, one that should be jealously admired by visitors all over. With great effort they showcase their passions, be it viewing “The Scream” at Munch, a guided tour at City Hall, or the modesty of connection with nature in Norwegian cabin culture or saunas. A democracy based in the social well-being of her residents and those abroad, whether delivering universal education and health care for its citizens or fostering international impact, as it goes when a city / country has such a close relationship  with the Nobel Peace Prize. 

A word about spending…

Cost is an important consideration for anyone deciding to visit to this part of the world. Like in Canada, tax revenue extracted from the sale of luxury items in Scandinavian countries is a key wealth generator for social programs that support all. Unlike the lagging currency performance of many countries, these resource based / financially sophisticated  economies seem to be thriving through shrewd budgetary planning. Scandinavia is, without question, an expensive place for a North American / EU traveller to visit. However, none of the countries we visited advertises their product as a bargain destination, and in fact all costs are clearly marked and delivered with confidence. Further, they deliver reliable, safe and enviable product consistent to the demands attractive to a market that has disposable income. In a word, it all feels “Smart”. 

There it is folks… as we turn our attention to summer, Stanfest and the camp we are peeking around the bend towards our next travel… somewhere, somehow! Cudos to my best travel friend for all her work this trip… Janie was a trooper and, although I’m the blog guy, she’s a powerful force on these trips and keeps our little engine that could moving. 🙏 Could not, would not do it without her 👍!

… Scandinavia ’25 – Gallery