Alk's European Vacation (advice needed)

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Alk

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I just wanted to start this thread to get some advice from people who have traveled overseas. This summer we are going on a trip to Sweden but there's so much more. Both of our boys were in a Swedish dancing group throughout high school. The big payoff for being in the group is getting to go on a trip to Sweden. Our oldest son never got to go because of COVID and this was supposed to be the year that we all got to go but life fucked that all up. My wife and I are still planning on going to honor our son since this was one of the things he was most looking forward to. Sorry, I tried to word all of that with as little sap as possible. Now on to the trip.

Our first stop will be in Iceland. It's going to be a pretty quick two day layover. Everything I have heard is that you really need 4-5 days there but this is what we've got. The Blue Lagoon is on our list and the wife really wants to see the Þingeyrakirkja church (I cut and pasted that). I'm also going to make a quick stop at Thor's Power Gym because that was on my son's list of things that he really wanted to see. I know there is so much more to see so does anyone have some suggestions while we're there?

After Iceland we plan to fly into Copenhagen and meet up with a friend who will take us on to Sweden where we will eventually meet up with our son and his group. We will be in Sweden for 6 days. We are hoping to be able to scatter some of our son's ashes there but it's sounding like there will be a bunch of hoops to jump through for that so 🤞 The Vasa museum and Liseberg amusement park are on the top of my list while I'm there. I wouldn't be opposed to try getting a round of golf in while I'm there but from what I've read it seems like a bit of an ordeal to be able to play on the courses over there.

Before he head for home we will catch a train from Stockholm to London for a quick visit. I think maybe three days total.

So anyways, there you have it. If you have any suggestions of things that we must see or even just some general travel advice as I have never been out of the country, it would all be appreciated.
 
Re: Iceland: Someone will tell you this I'm sure. But do try one of their famous lamb based hot dogs. called pylsur. In Reykjavik, you'll find their most famous hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.

Cheers
 

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Roberto71 said:
I shall start off by saying I am truly disgusted that you have no plans to visit our lovely little island here.

So, I'm leaving this thread. Sorry.
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:ROFLMAO: My apologies. I do want to visit Ireland one day (I think I have a dash of Irish blood in me) but it isn't fitting into our agenda this trip. If this little adventure goes well we do have plans to go back overseas.
 
Sweden is a lovely place, very clean. In the summer, it will be still daylight approaching midnight; it's so far north. The Swedes are quite reserved and keep themselves to themselves largely. They're not unfriendly; they just like their space. Alcohol is INSANELY priced, so just be aware of that. Same as Iceland. Where in Sweden will you be?

In Denmark, try Tuborg, it's a much better lager than Carlsberg and that's what the Danes drink.

If it's really your first time out of the country, it may be a shock! Europe can be very different to the US in many, many ways. But you will enjoy it, and the weather should be very nice in the summer there. Just don't do the Swedish Chef from the Muppets impressions. Or make endless jokes about Ikea.

Just be subtle with the wife, every woman there looks like a supermodel, so sneaky glances only.
 
I haven't been to Sweden or Iceland, so my advice is just general stuff on traveling overseas.
  • Obviously, get passports.
  • Get the right power adaptors for the countries you'll be visiting before you leave.
  • Add an international calling plan to your phone for the time period you'll be overseas.
  • If you're a triple-A member, they can help you with renting cars overseas and getting an international driver's license.
  • Iceland and Sweden are both right-side drive, so you won't have to deal with rewiring your brain (something I had to do while in Australia).

European countries have been civilized longer than the US, and they're first-world countries. Expect them to have their poop in a group.
 
Roberto71 said:
Sweden is a lovely place, very clean. In the summer, it will be still daylight approaching midnight; it's so far north. The Swedes are quite reserved and keep themselves to themselves largely. They're not unfriendly; they just like their space. Alcohol is INSANELY priced, so just be aware of that. Same as Iceland. Where in Sweden will you be? Helsinborg, Lyseskil, Gothenburg and Stockholm are currently on the list. Maybe more. My wife's family is of Swedish descent and she has been there before so there are places on the list that are must stops for her.

In Denmark, try Tuborg, it's a much better lager than Carlsberg and that's what the Danes drink. I do like a good beer. I don't think we will be in Denmark for long but I'm sure it will be available in Sweden too.

If it's really your first time out of the country, it may be a shock! Europe can be very different to the US in many, many ways. But you will enjoy it, and the weather should be very nice in the summer there. Just don't do the Swedish Chef from the Muppets impressions. Or make endless jokes about Ikea. I'm very excited but a bit nervous for the trip. Growing, up my family were not big travelers. Before my Junior band trip to DC, the extent of my vacations were Nebraska. Since I met my wife I have done much more travelling just not overseas.

Just be subtle with the wife, every woman there looks like a supermodel, so sneaky glances only.
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BostonTim said:
Re: Iceland: Someone will tell you this I'm sure. But do try one of their famous lamb based hot dogs. called pylsur. In Reykjavik, you'll find their most famous hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.

Cheers
Click to expand...
You had me at hot dog. :ROFLMAO: That was one of the things that I was a little worried about with Iceland. I've hard that the food is very different. I'm not a terribly picky eater but I do have my boundaries.
 
All I know is that I expect a new thread titled "Alk's Official Scandinavian Girlie Pic Thread" upon your return. :coffee:
 
This guy gives terrific videos of European travel at this site and on public broadcasting channels. He knows all the places to see since he's been traveling
Europe for 40 years and producing videos of his travels for a living.

Travel Videos: All "Rick Steves' Europe" TV Episodes

Watch any video of "Rick Steves' Europe" for free anytime. See Europe's best destinations in 100 episodes hosted by Rick Steves. Italy, France, Ireland, and much more are just a few clicks away.
www.ricksteves.com www.ricksteves.com
 
Roberto71 said:
I shall start off by saying I am truly disgusted that you have no plans to visit our lovely little island here.

So, I'm leaving this thread. Sorry.
Click to expand...
I honestly don’t know how one could fly all the way across the pond and not go to Ireland.

ALK- I’ve been fortunate to experience a lot world——the single best place, with the best people is on that little tiny island of Roberto’s.

With regard to your sons ashes, and certainly I don’t want to advise you to break any laws, I chose to do so with my moms ashes this past summer back in Mass. I am glad I did.
 
One of my ex gfs emigrated to Sweden. She's a 6 ft athletic blonde from...Clyde, Kansas of all places. You might even know where that podunk town is. Time flies...
 
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