Types of Transport

Now there are lots of ways to get from one place to another, but when traveling away from home you should take a look at other options that are available to you. Different cities and countries have different transportation options.

Here are some of the possibilities you might encounter.

Planes

American’s preferred conveyance for anywhere that is too far to drive. Its fast, (somewhat) comfortable, but can be inefficicient, confusing, and stress you out. The airplane is a great way to travel long distances in a hurry and often the way people will start and end their travels to far off destinations.

Trains

A premier way to travel in Europe and parts of Asia. High speed trains travel all around these continents and are conveneint and almost always on time (some places). This is often a better option than flying in many locations because you don’t have to deal with the hassle of security and airports, you can just walk into the train station, pay for a ticket, and get on the train. This makes them faster over reasonable distances than flying, a major advantage if you’re on a schedule.

Trains can often be planned on a shorter time frame, you don’t have to reserve a trip months in advance to get a good deal. This makes the idea of travelling without a plan much easier because you can be more variable. In many places rail passes are available that allow you to either just get directly on a train or receive discounts on tickets. Check options before you travel.

Automobiles

Again, most Americans are familiar with this kind of travel, it’s simple and part of our daily lives. In American cities, remote areas, and some other select locations a vehicle works well to move around. However, most big cities are crowded and in some parts of the world were never built for automobile traffic, making navigation and movement incredibly difficult

Subway

They come by many names (Subway, Metro, U-Bahn) but they are all largely the same. In big cities these underground local rail systems are an outstanding way to get around the city and to important locations. They go virtually everywhere and are easy to understand and use. The only catch is that you have to figure out the map, which is often like figuring out a large puzzle and counting the number of stops to your destination.

Buses

Much like the Subway, these local mass transit systems will get you to your destination easily without worry. Most major cities have some sort of mass transit system that you can make use of in one way or another, making your travel more enjoyable and putting you close to the local culture.

Bicycle

This is a great idea in a lot of cities because it allows you to operate on your own schedule, and go where you want to go, with minimal inputs or worry about schedules or route maps. Many cities also have bike tours available that will take you around to various locations and provide you with some exercise. So hop on a bike, take a tour, or just ride to somewhere that looks interesting.

On Foot

Many places are actually best accessible on foot either because of their size, layout, or location. If a city has narrow streets, is really busy, or even if you just have some free time on your hands. Go for a walk and discover what is around the area.

Other Transport

Of course there are more types of ways to get around a city than I’ve talked about. Things like scooters, taxis, boats, gondalas, street cars, trams, Segway and pretty much everything you can think of are possible ways to navigate a city you’re visiting. So experiment, try something new and enjoy the ride. You might find that Vancouver, Canada looks much nicer on a bike than from the inside of a taxi or Paris opens it arms to you if you ride the subway and don’t drive through it.

Happy Travels

Evan

In Honor of Today’s Holiday

If you read the title and thought “today isn’t a holiday, what is he talking about?” you probably won’t understand and might want to stop reading here. For those of you who didn’t you know that today is April 20th, known the world over for being the holiday of marijuana. In honor of the day I thought I’d talk a little about a city renowned for it’s pot culture. That’s right I’m talking about Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. I’ll talk about the culture around the curious plant and offer some pointers on things to see and do if MJ isn’t your thing.

Amsterdam is a lovely, canaled city that lies mostly below sea level, behind numerous levies. The city has its own curious charm, and a counter-culture know across the world. The city is known for its steeped gables, tilting buildings, and charm. As a city that has existed for thousands of years Amsterdam offers culture, history, shopping, and despite its reputation is not a city overrun with pot heads and “coffeeshops.”

Amsterdam for the Culture

If you plan to visit Amsterdam there are numerous great sights to see throughout the city and some great places to visit. The heart of Amsterdam is laid out in a semi-circular pattern radiating from the train station, making it incredibly easy to navigate and walk through. Public transportation in the form of trams criss-cross the city and allow you to get almost anywhere, cars are a rare sight in most parts of town, whereas bikes are literally everywhere. Being from Fort Collins I thought I was from a city with a lot of bikes. It doesn’t even compare to the Dam.

As for some sights to set your eye on consider the cities many museums. Start with the Rijksmuseum (currently undergoing renovation, but still open), a great collection of many different artists and art forms from all over the world. Check out the Van Gogh museum to see some of the artists famous work, or the Filmmuseum for some interesting education about film. All these museums are located near Amsterdam’s “Museumplein.”

From the Museumplein it is just a short walk to the Heineken Experience, the original Heineken beer brewery, now converted into a sort of beer amusement park. After copious amounts of beer walk through some of Amsterdam’s famous squares: Dam Square, the main city square where the parliament is located; Nieumarkt, or new market; and Leidsplein. There are also a number of churches and shopping centers. Visit the oudekirk (old church) and nieue kirk (new church) or Westerkirk.

From the Westerkirk it is just a short walk to the Anne Frank house, the infamous secret warehouse where Anne Frank hid during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands with her family and wrote her famous journals.

As the evening comes on you may be inclined to check out Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District (just look for the red lights). The area is as much a show for those not partaking in the services offered as it is a service to those looking. The city bustles with people and noise, its like a large on street party every night. It is certainly worth a visit just for the spectacle.

The Other Culture

Amsterdam is infamous for it’s marijuana culture. After the legalization of marijuana in the 1970s the city has been a hub for pot related culture and developed a reputation about it.

Coffeeshops, which legally distribute the plant to customers (and also serve drinks, snacks, etc.) are all over the city. Each has a different set of offerings and varieties on its cannabis menu. The most common is a 1/2 and 1/2 mix of cannabis and tobacco. Though it might seem daunting to first timers to walk into a store and buy marijuana it is completely normal and accepted. Those behind the counter are always more than willing to help customers understand the different strains and packages. Prices vary by quality and supply.

Once you’ve made a selection you are encouraged to sit down, relax and light up. If you don’t like the atmosphere of one particular shop you can always move to another one. It is good etiquette to purchase a coffee or snack if you intend to light up somewhere you didn’t buy your weed. Though it is not illegal to smoke in public in Amsterdam, its rare, and something only the tourists are seen doing.

If you find yourself wanting to take it easy or just get away, why not get an education? The Hash, Marijuana, and Hemp Museum offers a comprehensive exhibit about the history of marijuana across the world plus information about the uses and effects of the plant.

Outside the City

Of course there is more than just Amsterdam to the Netherlands and some of the most beautiful areas on the continent are located right outside the city.

The world famous tulip gardens which burst with color every spring are just a short train ride from the city and offer a chance to escape the bustle and view what can only be described as art in flowers.

Just north of Amsterdam the city opens up into lush green countryside with endless bike trails and small villages along the sea. I had the opportunity to ride a bike along the dikes and through the country one afternoon and enjoy the fresh air. I would strongly recommend to any visitor of Amsterdam.

Where do I sleep?

Finding a place to lay your head seems like an easy thing to do, but it can be daunting when you start to examine the sheer number of options, conditions, and prices. For this post I’ll talk a little about what kind of accomodation options make sense for travelers. Of course there will be some variability in the kinds of lodging different people will find acceptable and safe. Some places take a bit of adventurous spirit and keeping your wits about you.

Hotels

Standard European Hotel Room (During Study Abroad)

Even this type of lodging has a ton of variability. You can go anywhere from low end, local lodging, to staying at a international chain (Such as Marriot). I’d strongly recommend against the second option as you are likely to have a very muted, typical, and boring experience traveling. Look instead for small hotels with some local flair. Hotels are your ‘safest’ bet and often have some additional services that other options may not. If you look in the right places and do your research you can find yourself a very nice small hotel for a good price. Keep in mind that in lots of the world a private bathroom is a big bonus, but it also comes with a big price tag. You can manage the 20 foot walk to the bathroom in the hall.

VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner)

These types of lodging are usually individual homes, apartments, or guest houses. The owner allows guests to stay for a fee for anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks at a stretch. For people traveling as a family unit these can be a great and often cheaper option than renting more than one hotel room. They have the added benefit of usually having some kind of kitchen facility, living area, private restrooms, and other “home like” amenities. Check out vrbo.com for info.

Hostels

In most places hostels are a safe, clean alternative to high priced hotels. Most hostels use a “dormitory” style of lodging, where you’ll be bunked with a couple of other people in the same room, either sharing a bathroom or using one down the hall. Hostels provide a great option for an individual or a few people traveling together because you have the opportunity to meet people, interact, and be more social. Like I said above, you will need to have your wits about you and keep track of your belongings because you are in a community setting. Hostels vary widely in pretty much every category (price, what’s included, cleanliness, location, etc.). I’ve paid as little as 11 Euros a night for a hostel in Portugal, and as much as 40 Euros, but as a rule they’re always cheaper than a hotel. Generally there are two major categories of hostels.

A Typical Hostel Situation

Hosteling International (HI) hostels are a conglomorate of hostels around the world. They’re very consistent and you have to pay a membership fee to stay at them, or an additional charge each night. I find these particular hostels to be somewhat mundane and very bland. They usually charge for things like sheets, lockers, internet and the key to your room. Additionally they’re usually dominated by school groups or tours. But you pretty much always know what you’re going to get. I’ve stayed in HI hostels in Oslo, Hamburg, and Amsterdam. Check out hihostels.com

Independent hostels are the polar opposite. They are run independently and often have a lot more character. This type of hostel provides the same basic services as HI hostels, and often have lower prices. Often times independent hostels are more centreally located and in my opinion seem to have nicer people and promote a better atmosphere. Some independent hostels I’ve stayed in have been nicer than hotels, have bars, internet cafe’s, and great people. Tracking them down can be a little more difficult than HI hostels. hostelbookers.com, hostels.com, and hostelworld.com are the big 3, but many independent hostels aren’t on them. You’re often best off to search Google for “Hostels city name.”

There a many “hosteling strategies,” more than I’ll share here (maybe in a later post), but there are some specific things to be aware of. If you’re planning on hosteling while traveling educate yourself. There are lots of resources on the web.

Find someone you know in that city

No explanation here. Find a friend, family member, distant relative – anyone – and stay with them.

A family friend’s house where I stayed for a few days in Tuscany, Italy

On a train

If you’re taking a long train trip, consider an overnight journey. You get to where you’re going and have a place to sleep all rolled into one neat package. These kind of trains always require reservations and are usually more expensive. But they’re a great way to go and save you a lot of money.

 

Train I rode overnight from Malmo, Sweden to Berlin, Germany. The train even drove onto a ferry to get us there.

Remember How I said something about spirit of adventure? Try these on for size.

Couchsurfing.com

Couch surfing is a global community of travelers and hosts that literally offer up couches for strangers to sleep on. You can become a member by visiting couchsurfing.com and creating a profile (the more detail the better). Once you’ve done that you can start hosting and traveling. Just search for people in places you’re going and ask if you can sleep on their couch. Because of the somewhat “sketchy” nature of sleeping on a strangers couch all surfers and hosts have to have a valid email. There is also a process to validate your location and status as a host. There is also a review platform so that surfers and hosts can get an idea of what they’re getting into. The site is run completely on donations (which means no membership fees etc.). If you join, find me (username: ekaverman).

The “Hobo” method

Sometimes you can’t find a place to sleep or maybe you just have an overnight layover between trains or got into town really late. Occasionally it just doesn’t make sense to find a room for the night. Depending on the city/country you’re in there are options. Remember, if you chose any of these methods that safety is your primary concern, don’t do anything that would put you in danger.

Sleep in the train station/airport, I’ve done this in Europe, if you’re not paranoid and can handle yourself you’ll be fine. There are usually police around and not many people in the dead of night. You may need to provide proof that you have a right to be there ie. a ticket. Works best if you’ve got a sleeping bag and tie your belongings to you. Just be prepared for an early wakeup.

Sleep under the stars. If the weather is good and you can find a park or you’re in a rural area – why not? In some places its illegal, so know what you’re getting into.

If you’re feeling lucky head out to the bars in town and try and pick up a local. Go home with them and you’ve got yourself a free place to sleep, and maybe a little fun too

Stay up all night. If your luck runs out, you can’t find a place to sleep, or simply don’t feel okay with any of the above options you can always just stay awake until the sun comes up and find a place in the morning. If you’re like me, you’ll probably end up doing this inadvertently a few times anyway.

Well, hopefully this has provided some useful ideas for places to rest your weary head at the end of a fun day of traveling.

Happy travels,

Evan

Traveling Close to Home

Most of my posts thus far have focused on long distance or international travel lasting for longer periods of time. A lot of people, myself included, don’t have the funds or the time to take 3 months to tour around Europe or Asia or take a giant road trip. Sometimes all you have is a long weekend and a few bucks left over from your last paycheck. This post is here to address you. Figuring out how you can travel on the cheap, for a few days, and still have a great time.

There are plenty of ways to travel cheap and do something fun without planning years in advance and saving thousands of dollars. If you have the opportunity to take a long weekend away from work, school, or whatever, grab the chance. Pack an overnight bag, throw it in the trunk of your car, and get out of town for a few days.

Here’s some ideas for some short trips that you can probably do close to where you already live.

Go camping. This is a super low budget option if you have the equipment and the know how. You can easily throw a tent, sleeping bags, and some food in the car, and be just fine for 3 days in the outdoors. It gives you a great chance to explore, relax, and recuperate from the rush of everyday life. There are likely state or national parks within miles of where you live and dozens of other places to camp. Find a friend, and go!

Stay at a hotel in your city, or a nearby city. This is a great way to have a “mini vacation” without having to go far at all. You can book a cheap hotel room in a nearby city and go spend a few nights in the lap of luxury. Check budget travel websites like hotels.com or travelocity for great deals on short notice. Take some time to be a tourist and see the sights that you might not otherwise look at.

With a little more time, take a short road trip around your state. I guarantee that there are exciting places within a days drive of where you live. Pull out a map or check out a tourism website for your state (or nearby states) and find somewhere exciting to go. This will probably take a little more planning. But you can plan a fun weekend away just a month or so in advance.

For the highly budget minded, simply become a tourist in your own city. Instead of turning your noses up at the tourist sights in your city reverse your perspective for a day and act like you’re not from there. Wake up early, put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, map and guidebook, and head into the city. Check out your local tourism office if you have one. Visit the local museums, go to the zoo, stroll the shops and check out the local fare. Just pretend that you’ve never been here before and take a day to discover the place you live. You might just learn something.

Other things you can do to just get away for a bit: Go for a hike, ride a bike, take a drive to a scenic view point, raft a river, surf, swim, rock climb, cliff jump, run or whatever you like to do!

So there you have it. A few ideas to get you started traveling close to home, but still having some fantastic adventures. These are just some starting points but I’m sure that you can come up with many great ideas for low cost, short term travel.

Happy Travels,

Evan

Tourist Camouflage

This post is simple, its about how to blend into the scene around you and not stand out as a tourist. I’ll discuss some ways to make yourself less obviously a tourist, blend into the city and have a better time.

I’ve been a tourist in a lot of places, but more times than not I’ve managed to blend in so well that I go unnoticed by the locals. While this might not sound like something you want at first it has some benefits. You get to avoid panhandlers, salesmen, hawkers etc. and has the added benefit of making you less of a target for theft or pickpocketing. If you blend in with the locals and behave and move about the city like they do you’ll also enjoy the experience more.

Of course to some extent you won’t be able to blend into some cultures or communities. If you’re a tall blonde Scandinavian, you can’t exactly pass as a local in China, but aside from obvious physical differences the way you act has a lot more to do with blending in than the way you look.

Here’s some examples of what NOT to do:

Avoid bright colors and clothing that really stands out.Keep it to neutral colors with splashes of color to accent your outfit.
Be aware of the local style and customs. If nobody in the city you’re in wears flip flops or shorts, take note and do your best to fit in. In some cases you may have to do research ahead of time to know the local outfits.
Disguise the camera. Surely you will carry a camera while you travel, but find one that is small enough to slide in a pocket or purse or have a camera bag that isn’t obviously a camera bag. A bag with a big Canon or Nikon logo on it also becomes a target for thieves.
Choose the right times and places to check your map or guidebook. Standing on a street corner waiting for a light to change may seem like an opportune time to check where you’re headed, but unfolding your map and flipping through your guidebook doesn’t help you blend any. Check it while sitting on bench somewhere, or take a stop in an alcove. I also like to carefully fold my maps so that only the part of the city I’m in or going to is showing so I don’t have to open it to check.
Be prepared for circumstances with a particular dress code. Most religious establishments have particular restrictions on clothing. Sometimes they are rather lenient, while in others they are very strict.
Choose your day bag carefully. Most people in cities don’t carry a backpack around and instead have a satchel or handbag. In a lot of places these are better options and have the added benefit of being more mobile on your body (they don’t have to be just on your back).
Try not to be a gawker. Obviously you are going to be a tourist sometimes and you’ll want to stop and take in the sights, but standing with your head craned back, mouth open, and camera to your eye makes you a spectacle for the locals to watch.

So what are some ideas for how to still be a tourist while blending in?

Take public transit. In most cities its fast, cheap, efficient, and totally what the locals are doing.
Take a guided tour of the city. This gives you the chance to be a tourist, see all the sights, and be surrounded by people doing exactly the same thing. You’ll be comfortable and who cares if the locals laugh at your tour group. You’re having a good time. You can even try something fun like doing a bicycle city tour.
Find where the locals hang out, or ask a local what they do for fun. It will make you just as much of a local and you might make some friends or have great experiences along the way.
Look comfortable and happy. If you constantly glance over your shoulder and are acting worried about everything you’ll stand out more than if you just relax

In general blending in is something you’ll get used to after a time and eventually it just becomes natural. I’ve (apparently) appeared so local sometimes that I’ve been asked by other tourists where they can find something or for directions. Hopefully someday you’ll be just as camouflaged too.

Happy Travels,

Evan

Acing Airport Security

Airport Security. It’s a term that gives most people the shivers. The pure thought of standing in line having every inch of your belongings and person searched scares most people. However, I aim to give you a few tips to make the whole process a breeze.

The main key to making airport security a walk in the park is common sense and planning. The number of times that I’ve been with people (or even been one) who have metal in their pockets, big cans of liquid and giant bags are innumerous. But knowing what you’re up against will make the whole process easier.

To make this easy and helpful I’ll go through the process, from the time you’re packing, to after you get through security.

When you’re packing you bags, think efficiently. I’ve already covered how to pack your checked bag, but when you’re thinking about carry on, think light. TSA allows for 1 carryon bag, and 1 personal item (a purse or briefcase). Use the carry on for larger items you won’t need to access (it will probably be overhead) and put personal things in your personal bag. Don’t just throw anything you can’t fit in your checked bag in your carry on. Instead, take what you’ll need and layer it with heavy things on the bottom, lighter things on top.

You should have: what you need to survive for 1-2 days without your checked luggage (change of clothes, toiletries, and important personal items), something to read (at least for takeoff and landing, when you can’t use electronics), an empty water bottle, personal documents (identification, credit cards, cash), tickets or boarding passes. If you are travelling with a computer, you’ll need that too.

The thing that catches most people is the liquids. The simple rule is 3-1-1: 3.4 ounces (100ml), 1 bag of 1 quart volume.

Make sure you know where everything is, and that you can get to it quickly and easily, if it will have to be removed at security, be able to do it fast, and put it back just as quickly.

When deciding what to wear, lighter and simpler clothes are preferable to heavy, complex clothing (no 3 piece suits or winter coats). Avoid wearing excessive jewelry, just pack it.

Once you’ve got that figured out, you’re ready to go to the airport. The preparation beforehand already gives you a big advantage.

After you check in, get your boarding pass, and check your luggage head toward security. Make sure that you keep your boarding pass ON YOU; not in your bag, not with your travel partner, not in your coat. Just slide it in your pocket or hold it in your hand.

There is always a little uncertainty about how long security will take. Rather than lollygag in the terminal, get through security now, and relax later.

As you approach the checkpoint make sure you have all the right documents ready (you’ll need identification and boarding pass). Be courteous to the security personnel, this is their job and they deal with people all day, so be nice. Once you’ve gone through the initial checkpoint you can put your ID away, but hold on to the boarding pass.

Now the fun part: the security checkpoint.

1. Pull anything out of your pockets, jackets etc. and put them in your bag or a coat pocket. The little tubs are great, but picking up your pocket change from those takes time. If it’s already in your bag, you can just grab it and leave.
2. Pull your laptop out of your bag. Remember, it goes in its own tub, with nothing else. It is okay to leave it in its sleeve
3. Slip-off shoes are great. If you have them, travel with them. Otherwise, quickly untie your shoes and place them in the bin.
4. Do a cursory check for anything else that might cause trouble and put it with your shoes. This includes watches, bracelets, belts and anything else that might make the metal detector go off. Rings and necklaces are usually okay. I have a plastic and nylon belt for travel from Bison Designs
5. Line everything up on the belt and make sure it goes into the x-ray machine: bag first, then laptop, then anything else
6. Proceed through the metal detector (or body scanner) with your boarding pass clearly displayed when requested by the security staff. Smile!
7. Wait for your items to exit the x-ray, and quickly compile everything. Move somewhere else if you need to put your shoes back on instead of clogging up the line.
8. Check that you have all your belongings before you leave the checkpoint, there’s no turning back.

If you do have to go through a pat-down, or hand scan: Stay calm and relax, wait patiently and follow all requests from the staff. It will be over quickly and you’ll be on your way.

At this point you are all set to go. Fill up that empty water bottle, proceed to your gate, sit back, and relax. Enjoy your flight!

What really counts is experience. The more you travel the better you’ll get at going through the process and you’ll learn what’s expected of you. But with these tips, you should be better prepared for traversing the perils of airport security. Remember that every time and every city is going to be a little different, so be ready to think on your feet.

Additional information about preparing for security can be found on TSA.gov

Happy Travels!

Evan

Norway and its Fjords

For this post I’d like to do something a little different. Rather than give straight advice and travel tips I will instead talk about one of the places I’ve visited, the things I enjoyed and elaborate on the experiences that I had while I was there. The place that I will talk about in this post is Norway, specifically about my adventure to the fjords and back. It is a fantastic country in Scandinavia with outstanding scenery, wonderful people, and one of the words highest per capita GDPs. The fjords are a natural wonder that are a must see for any travel enthusiast.

I traveled to Norway during my time abroad in Europe in the spring of 2010. It was one of the first locations that I went to, and I was actually in Norway in early June. Given Norway’s latitude it was still “winter” and though the weather was not fantastic while I was there the tourist traffic was substantially less than it would have been during the high season.

The interesting thing about Norway is that even though it is part of the European continent it takes a substantial amount of time and effort to actually get there. I researched a number of possible ways to make my way from Copenhagen Denmark to Oslo for my Norwegian adventure. One option was an overnight ferry between the two cities, which though it looked enticing initially would have been an incredibly costly undertaking for a college student traveling on a minimal budget. The cost when I was looking was approximately 160 Euros. Instead, I opted to take the train over to Sweden and then north through the country and into Norway. Overall I think this was a much more interesting way to travel. The train ride took about 10 hours, but we flew past some beautiful scenery on our way north.

Upon arriving in Oslo I took my bearings and decided what to do next. I knew that I wanted to take the trip out to Bergen and travel through the infamous fjords; I just had to figure out how.

After a little planning and asking a few questions I opted to take another train, overnight to Bergen and spend the next day working my way back east across Norway, visiting the fjords, valleys and taking in the scenery. I booked myself a berth on the train, headed over to the internet café, and booked myself a hostel for the next night, once I was back in Oslo. Then I promptly put my backpack, with almost all my belongings, in a locker and took with me just what I’d need for the next 48 hours.

Then I boarded the train and headed west. The route takes you from sea level, in Oslo, up to over 12,000 feet before dropping back to sea level again in Bergen.

After a rude awakening by the sun I was able to get some more sleep before arriving in Bergen. I had a little time to wander around the city in the morning and was able to see some of the opening operations of the fish market and local retailers. I grabbed some breakfast and coffee before hopping on yet another train back in the direction I had come.

The rest of the day was simply amazing. I rode the train a ways to a small town where I then took a bus down the most perilous road I have ever seen a motor coach drive on, past some outstanding waterfalls, and into some beautiful glacial valleys.  The bus dead ended at sea level, where I boarded a ferry that took me around the amazing Norwegian fjords. The fjords, formed by glaciers over millions of years filled up with water and have some of the most outstanding scenery anywhere in the world. I spent a few hours lounging on the boat deck, eating lunch, watching the scenery and taking many pictures. I met several nice girls from Poland in the process and managed to avoid the Americans on the boat.

After disembarking from the ferry and waiting for a short time enjoying the wonderful weather, I boarded the Flam Railway, a scenic railway ascending 863 meters in just 20 km. The railway took us past several magnificent falls and up to a rail station where I lounged casually enjoying the mountain scenery. It felt almost like home.

The trip back to Oslo was uneventful, but given that the railroad traverses 12,000 feet in elevation I did manage to get a little altitude sickness.

The whirlwind trip across the country and through some beautiful scenery was something that made me realize why I travel: to see amazing places, meet amazing people, and enjoy everything the world has to offer.

The experience taught me some key things. Firstly, you don’t need much to get by for a reasonable amount of time. I operated just fine with a day bag for almost 2 days. You can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time if you plan your travel and time effectively. Take the opportunity to see the places you want to. I almost skipped Norway because it was slightly inconvenient to visit, but I am incredibly glad that I did.

Hope you enjoyed the foray into one of my travel experiences. I hope it inspires you to visit unique exciting places, or maybe even the fjords of Norway.

Happy traveling,

Evan