Thank goodness my sister and I are taking this trip together. I have had several around-the-world travel experiences…literally traveling around the world but doing it by cruising. On the other hand, while Rebecca hasn’t traveled around the world, she's been to Norway many times and has done it both on tours and on her own… economy style. So, between the two of us, we have thoughts about what folks should consider before they leave on this trip.
Today’s blog deals with preparation for the trip…here are some things to consider.
Preparation:
1. Contact your credit card companies – let them know you are traveling to Norway and the dates you’ll be gone. Both of us take two different credit cards and our debit card. To learn more about currency, cash or credit, and tipping in Norway, visit: https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/travel-tips-a-z/currency-and-prices/
2. Check your meds – are they getting you through the trip? If not, contact your pharmacy soon. Be sure you leave your prescribed meds in their original container and it’s best to have packed in your carryon luggage. It’s also smart to have in your carryon bag any medical supplies such as a CPAP or insulin products.
3. Phone service – You will need to contact your local provider on this one. I recently found out that the once easy international calling plan for Verizon has changed to something less appealing.
4. Both of us photocopy the information page of our passports and our credit cards in case of loss or theft. We give the copies to each other for safe keeping. We also do the same thing with our medical conditions and prescription drugs. This is our backup plan in the event something bad happens. On one trip to Norway, Rebecca met a lady who had lost her passport and even the copies of it. She wasted four days in Oslo and couldn’t leave, but her group continued on.
Packing:
1. Be sure to pack your passport, TSA- Precheck and/or Global Entry Pass in your carryon luggage. If you don’t have the latter two, and you plan on traveling after this trip, we suggest you get them. Both of these two items will make your travel life so much easier. Check them out here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-apply-tsa-precheckr-0 and
https://global-traveler-apply.com/global-entry-apply/?utm_term=global%20entry%20application&utm_keyword=global%20entry%20application&utm_campaign=121792&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgebK4sqY_gIVAcvjBx1WvwM6EAAYASAAEgIkHPD_BwEMy husband and I were in western Australia when covid hit and shut the world down. Thanks to Global Entry Pass, we avoided the hours-long lines in the major airports.
2. If you haven’t traveled much, this next one is VERY important. When packing, check with TSA for what is and isn’t allowed in both your carryon and check-in bags. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening Remember batteries (i.e. watches, calculators, cameras, cell phones, lithium batteries, power banks, laptops, hearing aids, etc.) should be in your carryon bag. We’ve all seen the stories on the news about fires in the cabins due to a lithium battery device! https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/prohibited-or-restricted-items/battery-or-fuel-powered
3. Do you have a converter and adapter with you? The voltage and prong design are different there. I originally got caught purchasing an adapter versus a converter. Note: If you are bringing an electric toothbrush, not all converters can handle it. Since electrical outlets always seem to be at premium in places, both of us are carrying a power strip or tower with a long cord. The newer ones also include multiple USB ports.
4. For those participants who are either arriving early or staying later, laundry detergent might be needed. Rebecca found last time that not all sinks have a plug. So, if you plan on washing out clothes in the hotel sink, you might want to bring one with you.
5. Much of Norway’s hotels have wonderful feather duvets, but if you tend to run ‘hot’, that might be too much for you. Rebecca is bringing a twin flat sheet with her, and I am not.
6. We are bringing multiple Covid home tests and a supply of masks with us. Both of us would feel badly that we picked up Covid and passed it onto others. One note here about masks. My husband and I took a trip to the South Pacific last fall where we were required to wear masks in multiple places including outside. We learned that if we were active while wearing them, they got gross fast. Since then, we’ve learned to bring more than what we think we’ll need.
7. As you pack, think about wearing layers. Have enough so you are warm, but also so you can shed. Who knows what the weather will be? Both of us are bringing Underarmour tops/other thermal tops.
8. Take ziplock bags with you (for sandwiches and larger ones for wet clothes in case they don’t dry overnight). In the past, if you didn’t get all your meals paid for by the tour, some hotels would allow you to pack a “Mat-pak”. This is where you could take breads, meats, cheeses, etc. from the breakfast buffet for a smaller price. Since covid, we are unsure that still happens.
9. Other optional items might include a water bottle, washcloth or two, bar of soap if you don’t like liquid soap, or bottle of shampoo. While some hotels may offer these items, Rebecca found the last time she was there, some do not. Another optional item is a backpack. Both of us will bring ours. She will use it instead of a purse. I will carry both. But this way when we’re out and about during the day, we can carry our water bottles, a coat or raincoat, umbrella….whatever we wish/need for the day.
For other travel information to Norway, check out:
https://norway.nordicvisitor.com/travel-guide/information/what-to-bring/ If you look at the righthand side of the page, you will find short articles on weather, currency, telephones, internet access, etc.
https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/travel-tips-a-z/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-IHpooyY_gIVwCuzAB1FRwLZEAAYASAAEgIJuPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.dsU For this site, scroll down a bit and find some important Norwegian words you might hear or see. If you wish to go on the tram in Bergen, you’ll want to remember the Norwegian word ‘trikk’!
Please note that if you go onto any farm in Norway, you’ll need to document the date you were there as when it comes time to leave the country and return to the United States, that will be a question on the form.s
Comments