By Terri Mapes
Scandinavia Travel Expert, about.com
If you are considering a vacation in Scandinavia and have some basic questions, you have come to the right place. Here is a summary of questions that often come up when planning a trip to one of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, or Iceland. (What Is Scandinavia?)
Also, make sure to view the categories on the left for many more travel articles!
The best time of the year to visit Scandinavia:
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Scandinavia Month By Month is a great resource for this decision with event advice, weather info and packing tips. Busy travel times are May through September. Scandinavian cities offer countless festivals and events
worth seeing in the warmer months. In the winter months, days are
shorter but winter sports such as skiing are in full bloom. Travel will also be cheaper during that time and when thinking about when you should go, consider that there are Scandinavia's Top 3 Natural Phenomena that you might want to see!
Scandinavia does not have to be expensive:
It obviously
depends on your lifestyle during your visit how much the trip will cost.
It is true that Scandinavians have a high standard of living and that
is reflected in many prices. It is important that you prepare with
travel guides (online or in print): you will find many useful tips on
where to go and what to do to make your money last longer. Our travel
advice and helpful information are located in each country's category on
the left.
About the Midnight Sun, Aurora Borealis & Polar Nights:
[post_ads]The most spectacular place to observe the Midnight Sun it is in the northern fjords of Norway,
and specially in the Nordkapp, between late May and late July. The
Midnight Sun is always at its best north of the Artic Circle. The Aurora Borealis (northern lights)
is best seen on the Artic Circle in very clear and dark winter nights.
They have been seen in southern Scandinavia sometimes, but it is very
important that you are in a dark and clear night, away from the city.
Winter travelers can experience the Polar Nights.
Whether a visa is needed:
This depends on your country of origin. European Union citizens can enter Scandinavia
freely without a visa. Citizens of the USA, Canada, most of south
America and Australia and New Zealand usually do not require visas for
stays of less than three months and they are not entitled to work. For
details, refer to the Visa & Documentation Information For Scandinavia, and/or contact the country's embassy near you.
Possible health risks traveling to Scandinavia:
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There
are no health risks (as long as you dress warm to stay warm!) Just take
care in winter, because it can get verrry cold. Slippery pavements and
traffic accidents from elks crossing the roads are quite possibly the
major hazards in Scandinavia. For information on how to stay safe, visit
Traveling Safely in Scandinavia.
Surviving without speaking a word of Scandinavian:
Yes,
it is quite possible! Most Scandinavians speak several languages and
English is widely understood across northern Europe. German is also
popular. It will help if you bring a dictionary with you. Or, you can
simply refer to Danish Phrases and Swedish Phrases, listed under Language Help to prepare a little.
