Vacation in Scandinavia on a Budget
How do you travel to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden without blowing a hole in your pocket? Here are some tips for how to experience these beautiful, happy and, yes, expensive countries with as little price shock as possible.
Invest in a good guidebook
Having and using a good guidebook as your main travel tool is essential. The most popular guidebook series is from Lonely Planet — an especially good choice for young budget travelers since they are the original publishers of Europe on a Shoestring. Other options include Rough Guides, The Saury Backpacker and Rick Steves’ Europe. These guidebooks will help you pick the best activities, including walking tours, parks and restaurants for all budgets. They’ll also include maps and heaps of history and local insider knowledge.
Skip the rental car (and book early)
Once you’ve found a good deal for your round-trip airfare, it’s time to book your regional or incountry transportation. Renting a car is going to cost a pretty penny in any Scandinavian country. Instead, use the region’s great public transportation systems, which include a range of affordable options.
As for trains, we recommend obtaining a Eurail Scandinavia Pass that lets you explore Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The best part for budget travellers: If you take an overnight train, there’s no need to pay for a hotel.
The bus is an even more cost-effective mode of transportation, and Scandinavian companies are known to offer clean and comfortable buses that come with bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Meanwhile, cyclists will be in heaven: Major cities in Scandinavia offer bike-share programmes and rentals plus bike lanes that are often better tended to than the streets.
Take advantage of free city culture
While you’re spending time in Scandinavia’s great cities, you should enjoy the freebies. Many museums, markets, concerts, outdoor gyms, castles, cathedrals and UNESCO World Heritage sites come without a price tag.
It’s also worth checking out the cost-benefit ratio of a city pass, if you’re visiting one place for more than a few days. For example, in Norway, the Oslo Pass gives you free admission to 30 museums and attractions; free travel on all public transport; free entry to outdoor swimming pools; free walking tours; discounts on sightseeing, concert tickets and ski rentals; and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.
【小题1】Which of the following is NOT the reason why the author recommends Lonely Planet?| A．It is especially helpful to those with a tight budget. |
| B．It provides detailed background knowledge about the destinations. |
| C．It includes some free passes as the appendices (附录) of the book. |
| D．It offers plenty of choices concerning every aspect of the journey. |
| A．It is economical. | B．It provides cozy environment. |
| C．It has free Wi-Fi. | D．It runs around the clock. |
| A．Travellers can enjoy special offers in 30 museums and attractions. |
| B．Oslo Pass is a must for all the travellers to Norway. |
| C．Travellers have free access to outdoor swimming pools. |
| D．Travellers can spend their holiday in ski resorts at a discount. |
