Tag: Scandinavian

  • ‘Fika’ And Freedom: This Stunning Scandinavian Country Is Perfect For Solo Travelers

    ‘Fika’ And Freedom: This Stunning Scandinavian Country Is Perfect For Solo Travelers

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    Who hasn’t needed some “me-time”? America’s standard 40 hour work weeks can drive us all into the ground and sometimes we just need to let our minds and bodies play catch-up.

    Vacationing with friends or loved ones can be fun and all, but sometimes some alone time is just what the doctor ordered.

    Take it from me, a frequent solo traveler who has heard every unwanted piece of feedback in the book about my travel lifestyle.

    If it’s not, “You’re running from your problems”, then it’s “Something bad is going to happen to you!”

    Female solo traveler visiting Stockholm, Sweden

    Well, if I’m running, then you’re hiding.

    Solo travel can be the ultimate reset, and to be honest, profoundly therapeutic. Where to go is always the question.

    If you’re alone, keeping yourself entertained and on par with your budget is key. Not every destination fits the mold, but one Scandinavian country is perfect for those of us ready to venture off into the world on our own.

    Between ‘Fika’ and a strong sense of independence, Sweden is calling all solo travelers to visit.

    Not Every Scandinavian Country Breaks The Banks

    Female solo traveler walking past colorful homes in  Malmo, Sweden

    Norway and Denmark aren’t exactly backpackers’ favorite budget destinations. I haven’t been to Denmark, but I’ve been to Norway three times.

    After paying $8 for a Red Bull in a poor attempt to defeat jet lag upon arriving in Oslo, I knew my bank account was in for a world of hurt.

    Sweden, however, doesn’t align with its Scandinavian neighbors. Having just planned a trip myself this fall, I was surprised to discover the low rates of Stockholm hotels.

    I booked the Sure Hotel by Best Western Stockholm Alvsjo near a transit line for just $45 per night.

    No, it’s nothing special, but oftentimes solo travelers don’t find the need to splurge with a tight budget.

    Female solo traveler overlooking Stockholm

    Sweden’s capital city of Stockholm is where you’re likely to spend most of your time and money, for that matter.

    With a popular coffee culture, a cup of joe tends to cost just $2-3. Stockholm is easy to get around by public transit (SL) with single rides costing about $4 and even more savings for passes in increments of 24-hour, 72-hour, 7-day and 30-days.

    Tip: make sure to keep your transit ticket with you or risk a stiff $140 fine!

    Delightful Cities And Stunning Nature: Sweden Has It All!

    Sweden’s claim to fame may be Stockholm, a vibrant city encapsulating Scandinavian charm and innovation, offering picturesque cobblestone streets, world-class museums, and a thriving startup scene.

    Charming vibrant street in Ystad, Sweden

    But there is far more to see than Stockholm despite stealing most of Sweden’s spotlight.

    There is Malmo, another wallet-friendly city and a gateway into neighboring Denmark, among scattered charming small towns, such as Ystad.

    As pretty and fun to explore as Sweden’s main cities and charming towns may be, venturing into Sweden’s abounding nature is a whole other world.

    Much to the likes of Iceland, Norway, and Finland, add Sweden to the mix to witness the wonders of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), best viewed from September – March.

    Solo hiker in Northern Sweden wilderness

    Wander Abisko National Park to see the Northern Lights in all their glory and hike scenic trails with a vast array of wildlife like reindeer and arctic foxes.

    You can explore Sweden’s underrated coastline across the UNESCO-protected Höga Kuste too, perfect for kayaking the calm waters and checking out local villages.

    Between urban explorations and natural wonders, solo travelers will never have a dull moment biding time throughout this stunning country.

    ‘Fika’ Culture: A Swedish Tradition

    Swedish Fika sign in Stockholm

    After reading about Sweden’s Fika culture, I’m beginning to wonder if I should spit in a tube for 23andMe to trace down my Swedish roots.

    Pronounced fee-ka, this Swedish custom isn’t your average coffee break. It’s a way of life built on appreciating the smaller things, such as a hot drink and a bite to eat, but catered toward social interactions.

    It’s a time to destress and mingle with others while putting phones and laptops away.

    Cafes are popular places to hang out, giving solo travelers all the more reason to feel comfortable in Sweden.

    Fika Cafe - Sweden

    Knowing Sweden’s reputation for safety makes it an even more attractive destination as the U.S. State Departments lists Sweden as Level 2 only for terrorism concerns.

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



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  • Why This Cool Scandinavian City Will Be One Of The Trendiest Destinations In 2024

    Why This Cool Scandinavian City Will Be One Of The Trendiest Destinations In 2024

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    If a trip to Europe is in the cards for you this year, then take a moment to pause before you press that ‘book’ button.

    Do you really want to wrestle with the crowds in Barcelona? Fight for beach space in the Algarve? Or are you ready for a different, cooler kind of European experience?

    Copenhagen could be the answer you seek.

    panorama shot of the nyhavn district of copenhagen with reflections of colorful buildings in the water

    The capital city of Denmark has always been a popular choice for travelers, but in 2024, we could see it become one of the trendiest destinations on this historic continent.

    Here’s why:

    King Of Cool

    There’s no doubt that Copenhagen is one of the coolest cities in Europe, and I’m not just talking about the dress sense of its inhabitants or the range of sleek bars and fine restaurants.

    Being in northern Europe, the city enjoys pleasant summers that don’t suffer with the baking hot summers of countries such as Greece or Spain.

    The average temperatures for July and August are a comfortable 65F, meaning you can enjoy fun in the sun without cooking. 

    rosenborg castle viewed from beautiful gardens in copenhagen denmark

    Heading to slightly cooler destinations in the summer is a trend that has been taking off in recent years, so expect places like Copenhagen to become even more popular.  

    Connection With The U.S. Has Never Been Better

    Copenhagen Airport saw an impressive 27 million passengers pass through its doors in 2023, which pretty much puts it back on par with pre-pandemic tourism figures.

    More interestingly, it seems that American travelers are taking a shine to the Danish capital, with more than one million passengers going between it and the United States last year.

    tail of an sas scandinavian airlines plane at sunset in copenhagen

    You can fly non-stop to Copenhagen from no fewer than 8 locations in the U.S., including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston, Miami, New York (JFK), and Newark – with some flights in the shoulder season as little as $450 for a round trip. 

    Hidden Gems Are Plentiful

    Away from the obvious sights and attractions of Copenhagen, there are some relatively easy-to-find hidden gems that can have you feeling like a local in no time.

    Make use of Copenhagen’s excellent metro system and take a trip out to Amager Strandpark. 

    This small but beautiful beach is actually its own tiny island just off the shore, but you can reach it on foot from the Amager Strand metro station.

    solo female traveler standing on pier at amager strand beach in copenhagen denmark
    Photo by David Guest

    Here, you’ll find great walking and cycling paths, piers for getting out onto the water, and facilities such as cafes and toilets.

    Another great coastal attraction to check out is CopenHill, a dry ski slope built onto the top of an energy plant.

    It’s also great for hiking in summer.

    If you’re looking for a trendy place to spend an evening, look no further than the Meatpacking District. 

    copenhill dry ski slope and hikingh route on a power station viewed from above

    This former industrial area is a short walk from the central railway station.

    Its former meat processing warehouses have been gentrified into a range of cool bars and stylish restaurants—my personal recommendation is Warpigs Brewpub. 

    Lots Happening In 2024

    If you’ve had Copenhagen on your bucket list for the last few years but never managed to tick it off, then 2024 might just have the perfect excuse to do so.

    From June 27-29, the city will host the annual World Coffee Championships at the Bella Center, where leading specialists from around the world will gather to celebrate all things roasty. 

    2024 will also be the first year that the new attraction, Home of Carlsberg, is open to the public. 

    This visitor experience will allow travelers to learn the story of the famous beer brewer that began life in the city all the way back in 1874.

    person taking a photo of coffee and danish pastry on a smartphone

    Also new for this year are five new underground stations on Copenhagen’s metro, which are set to open, linking the downtown area with cool suburbs such as Sydhavnen.

    Underrated Digital Nomad Destination

    It certainly won’t be the first country that comes to mind, but Denmark is actually a very underrated place to live as a digital nomad.

    Americans can stay for up to 90 days without anything more than a tourist visa, and English is very widely spoken, especially in Copenhagen. 

    It also scores very highly on safety, ranking as the second safest country on the 2023 Global Peace Network, while internet connection, infrastructure, and co-working spaces are all of a very high standard too.

    sillouhette of three travelers looking at colorful buildings in nyhavn copenhagen
    Photo by David Guest

    The only real downside is that it’s not the cheapest place to stay – but if you feel like enjoying some nomad luxury, there are few better places in Europe to do it than Copenhagen.

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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