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The four countries making up Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden,
Denmark and Finland) comprise the top of Europe. The midnight sun, fjords,
villages, waterfalls, strange folklore and history make Scandinavia seem like
another world. However, its major attraction is its friendly people! If you are
fortunate enough to be taking a cruise on a coastal steamer to the Arctic
Circle, it will be the experience of a lifetime!
Travel Insurance
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover
them outside of the country. If you need to cancel your trip due to an
unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable
if you are not insured. In the event you become ill during your travels, finding
and receiving medical care may be very frustrating if you are not covered.
Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance.
For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must.
Visa Information
US citizens need a valid US passport for entrance into the Scandinavian nations.
Make three photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with family and
carry the others separately from your originals. Due to new airline regulations,
a copy of your passport must also be sent to Pilgrim Tours.
Health Certificates
None required
Languages Spoken
Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Swedish
Currency
Denmark - Kroner; Finland - Markkaa; Norway - Kroner; Sweden - Kronor
Check the travel section of your newspaper or the Internet for the most recent
exchange rates. If possible, exchange currency at a US bank before you leave.
ATM machines are available in the major cities throughout Scandinavia. However,
in smaller towns, ATM cards, traveler's checks and credit cards may not be
accepted. Please be advised that ATM machines dispense money in the LOCAL
CURRENCY ONLY - NOT US DOLLARS.
Voltage
Electricity is 220 volts. You will need to bring along the necessary converters
to operate any 120-volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc.
Medication
If you are required to take medication, you should notify the leader of your
group in the event of an emergency. Ask your doctor to write an extra
prescription to take with you if your medication is lost. All medication must be
kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medications.
Baggage Allowance
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is
restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse,
camera case or video camera). Be sure your luggage is clearly tagged on the
inside and outside. If you are traveling with a tour group, you must use the
baggage tags provided along with your own.
Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to exceed
a 45-inch dimension, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the
overhead compartment.
Time Zone
Norway, Sweden and Denmark are six hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of
GMT. Finland is seven hours ahead of EST and three hours ahead of GMT.
Climate
| Helsinki, Finland |
Average Temperature |
Average Rainfall |
| Jan-Mar |
16-27F |
1" |
| Apr-Jun |
40-56F |
1" |
| Jul-Sep |
50-61F |
3" |
| Oct-Dec |
27-37F |
2" |
| Copenhagen, Denmark |
Average Temperature |
Average Rainfall |
| Jan-Mar |
30-37F |
1" |
| Apr-Jun |
44-58F |
2" |
| Jul-Sep |
53-66F |
2" |
| Oct-Dec |
37-45F |
2" |
| Oslo, Denmark |
Average Temperature |
Average Rainfall |
| Jan-Mar |
21-33F |
2" |
| Apr-Jun |
43-59F |
2" |
| Jul-Sep |
51-67F |
2" |
| Oct-Dec |
29-40F |
3" |
| Stockholm, Sweden |
Average Temperature |
Average Rainfall |
| Jan-Mar |
20-30F |
1" |
| Apr-Jun |
41-58F |
2" |
| Jul-Sep |
51-65F |
3" |
| Oct-Dec |
30-40F |
2" |
Pre-Flight
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy
of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone
numbers. In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Tours
at 800-322-0788.
Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that
allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.
When in the airport, never leave your luggage unattended
for any length of time…no matter how short. Do not accept packages from
strangers to carry on to the plane for them.
Check-in time for international flights is normally two
hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is
needed as proof of identification for international travelers.
Bring along a moisturizer, as the air in the plane cabin
is extremely dry.
In order to avoid jet lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and
carbonated beverages. Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water.
What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good
suggestion. Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful.
Dress throughout is casual. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but
it is not necessary. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a
lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings.
A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to use when
sightseeing than an umbrella.
Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money,
medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Never pack
these items in your checked luggage.
Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive
jewelry. A good way to conceal your valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive,
lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your
clothes.
Do not over-pack. Leave room in your suitcase for
souvenirs.
If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pack. Put
half of your items in your companion's bag and vice-versa. This will ease the
frustration of lost luggage.
Take along a small backpack. When you are touring, fill it
with bottled water, tissues, notebook and pen. It will come in handy for
carrying souvenirs.
Don't forget these travel sized necessities: sewing kit,
first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed
address labels (for mailing postcards), plastic "zip-locking" bags
(for storing open bottles and containers).
Purchase your film and batteries in the US. Remember to
bring extra for your video camera.
Tipping
Throughout Scandinavia, tipping is not customary. A service charge is often
added to the bill in hotels and restaurants. You will want to tip those
individuals who are responsible for the logistics of your tour, the driver and
escort. A usual tip for tour bus drivers is $1.00 per person, per day and a tour
escort usually receives $2.00 per person, per day. This is simply a general
guideline. Tips and gratuities are earned for services rendered in a courteous
and professional manner.
Meals
You'll notice fresh seafood on every menu throughout Scandinavia. A local
favorite, herring, is prepared in almost every possible way imaginable. When
available, try the reindeer steak. Salmon season is in the spring and summer.
For those with an appetite for the authentic Viking lifestyle, try the
"smalahove" (boiled sheep's head).
Shopping
Check with your group leader or the front desk at your hotel for the best
shopping areas. Specify that you are interested in purchasing items that are
known for their local and cultural appeal. Shop for cut glass, textiles,
woodcarvings, toys and some of the best deals on handmade sweaters. Don't forget
the canned seafood.
In Scandinavia
Learn a little about Viking history before you go… it will increase your
appreciation of much of what you see. Bring along extra traveler's checks as credit cards are
often accepted only at major hotels. Bring plenty of film and be prepared for some of the most
spectacular, natural scenery in the world! Also, buying film in Scandinavia can
be as much as three to five times more money than in the US!
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