Stockholm is both the capital city of Sweden and the largest city in the whole of Scandinavia. As you might expect from such an important metropolis there are numerous attractions and entertainment options to be found here, including plenty for culture vultures to enjoy. The city's impressive architecture, theatres, museums and landmarks all combine to provide options for several days of seeing the sights and evenings of artistically rich entertainment.
Flights to Stockholm regularly depart from a large number of major airports in the UK such as London Heathrow International Airport. People who take the time to search for the latest deals and discounts will soon discover that there are plenty of cheap flights to Stockholm to choose from, especially in the low season. For example take a look at SAS' cheap flights to Stockholm and it is very likely that you will find the fare that suits you.
Birka the Viking Town is situated on the island of Björkö in the middle of Lake Mälaren and is a great place to explore during the day. The town is the remains of a real Viking community and visitors will be able to spend time exploring the town before learning more about its rich history and culture in the onsite museum.
The Royal Dramatic Theatre is Sweden's most important venue for spoken drama and more than a thousand performances are staged here each and every year. The theatre boasts a total of six different stages and some of the world's most celebrated actors have travelled to tread the boards here over the years.
Drottningholm Court Theatre can be found in the magnificent Drottningholm Royal Park and boasts a magnificent stage that dates back to the 18th century. Visitors who arrive in Stockholm between May and September will have the opportunity to take in one of the numerous opera and ballet performances that mark this season.
Few culture vultures could resist the chance to enjoy a night at the Royal Swedish Opera. This impressive institution is known locally as the Kungliga Operan and has been hosting unforgettable performances since 1773. A large number of famous figures from Stockholm society including visiting dignitaries and celebrities can often be seen at the Royal Swedish Opera and tickets are highly sought after.
Visiting the Museum of Dance is a great way to discover Stockholm's cultural roots. The museum is located on Gustav Adolfs torg and features numerous artefacts related to the arts including Russian ballet costumes, African masks and Indian demon statues, while the museum's temporary and permanent exhibitions offer an interesting glimpse into the history of dance.
Stockholm also features numerous other interesting and informative museums for visitors to explore that provide an insight into the city's rich culture. The Stockholm City Museum is the largest museum in the whole of Sweden and contains a collection of more than 300,000 historical artefacts as well as three million photographs and 20,000 pieces of artwork. Art lovers will want to allow plenty of time to fully soak up all of the treasures that located within the walls of the Swedish National Museum of Fine Arts, while a trip to the Swedish Museum of Architecture is a must for lovers of architecture.
All this and more combines to make Stockholm an extremely exciting cultural destination. Visitors who have limited time to spend in the city and want to get the most out of their experience can also arrange to take a tour with a knowledgeable local guide, who will be able to provide inside information about certain attractions as well as revealing a number of hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists who choose to explore the city independently.
Oslo, similar to Norway generally speaking, is not the most affordable vacation destination, aside from the flights to Oslo, for consuming and drinking. However despite the fact that myths of the price ranges of an evening out in the town are renowned, you can still find certain areas where one can grab an inexpensive bite to consume.
And also in case you are in a position to manage it, eating away in Oslo is excellent. Along with all the normal wise worldwide dining places that series Bogstadveien as well as Hegdehaugsveien, in addition there are a lot of spots in which conventional Norwegian delicacies is offered.
With the close by North Sea to trawl, there's seldom any specific deficiency in fresh new sea food available in the city's dining places. The ideal place to choose seafood is the region of Aker Brygge, a dynamic region down by Akershus Fortress to the southwest of the town.
The accommodate (constructed on the long used shipyard) is furthermore an excellent destination to go for a walk, have a beverage and scrutinize the boats bobbing away on the lakes on comfortable summer time evenings, even though the price ranges appear a bit daunting.
In addition there are a good amount of areas to take flights to Oslo select from on the side roads that run off the main thoroughfares of Stortingsgaten as well as Karl Johans entrance. Nevertheless, these additionally are usually in the direction of the high end of the value range.
Exactly what low-cost eating you can find in the location practically solely revolves around dining places opened up by the big immigrant populations. In the market to the east of the town, places similar to Grunerløkka, Storgata, Gronland as well as Brugata provide you with a dizzying selection of cuisines. Consider taking flights to Oslo that are less expensive so you can enjoy the taste and variety of all the food they offer. Why not take a look at flights from SAS?
Torgatta, and also on and around Hausmanns entrance (to the northeast of the town), has its reasonable share of inexpensive Asian dining places along with the strange kebab store. Just a little to the southwest, Gronlandsleiret with its low-cost curry locations is yet another high-quality spending budget choice.
Nevertheless, self-catering is honestly the main section of the typical spending budget traveler's vacation in the town. Grocery stores similar to Rema 1000 or Kiwi can be obtained across the city, although the outside marketplace on Youngstorget is a good destination to grab garden-fresh produce.
Purchasing alcoholic beverages in Oslo may be a little complicated, as well, as the region has certain uncommon regulations concerning its acquisition in outlets. Even though you can purchase beer in grocery stores, anything more powerful has to be purchased from a government liquor shop, or 'Vinmonopolet'.
However possibly the most convenient way to consume and drink in Oslo (in summer time, at the least) is always to make like the locals; purchase a throw away bbq and proceed to one of the close by islands of the Oslofjord. Very few dining places, of course, may outrank resting on the beach and consuming freshly-cooked sea food.
Oslo is an absolutely contemporary capital with a sizable selection of cultural cuisines, fast food shops, exquisite dining places, and vintage cafes for example Theatercaféen. Get ready for substantial price ranges, the oil profits make Oslo into one among the world's most valuable metropolitan areas. As opposed to planning your flights to Oslo, you may want to think about setting aside extra money for your eating.
In the focal point of the town can be found one of Oslo's most ancient establishments where folks have accumulated since the early on 1700's. Right here it is possible to consume, drink and take pleasure in the hereditary environment, regardless of whether you are by yourself or are going to pack as much as three hundred of your buddies /colleagues. The pleasant waiters and cooks are concentrated on top quality and thrilling preference encounters.
When you think of Australia, what comes to mind? Kangaroos? BBQ's? Cricket? Of course they all do, these are the things we associate with OZ – but there is much more to this vast country. It's the perfect holiday destination with such a diversity of experiences and places to explore. Start planning your adventure now, who knows what you will discover on a holiday down under.
Australia is of course renowned for its spectacular beaches and glorious shore lines. Many journey to Australia to see these natural world icons – with the Great Barrier Reef being amongst the most famous. Yet, there is so much more to see! The Blue Mountains offer a breathtaking blue-hazed vista of natural beauty. This World Heritage Area contains an amazing one million hectares of tall forests, sandstone cliffs, canyons, waterfalls and bushland. Here you can let your adventurous side escape and go mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning, and abseiling or simply take a Bush walk to absorb the astonishing panoramas. You can very easily find discounted hotel rooms in Blue Mountains on Expedia. The hotels are mostly located in the small city of Katoomba, approximately1h30 from Sydney. These valley hotels will give you an easy access to the many local activities and wild hiking trails. Plus, you will have an amazing view with on the valley, which is really breathtaking at sunset.
Or take a trip to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island which is the world's largest sand island. The Aboriginal founders called this island 'K'gari', or paradise, and it's no surprise as to why with its 75 mile long beach and an abundance of wildlife. Here you can four-wheel drive next to the coloured sand cliffs or take a bushwalk through heathlands full of wild flowers after a spot of peaceful swimming in the beautiful surrounding lakes. You can even see kangaroos, wallabies and possums as you picnic in the Happy Valley, perfect!
If thrill seeking isn't your thing, and you want to escape it all but still be close to Australia's astonishing natural landscape, then restore body and mind whilst staying in the luxury accommodation which can be found at Bloomfield Lodge. Here you'll be amongst the tropical Daintree rainforest but have the comfort of luxurious lodgings and outstanding food. The Daintree Rainforest is the largest tropical area in all of Australia and is home to the infamous Bennett's Tree-kangaroo, 430 species of birds and 12,000 species of insects. At Bloomfield Lodge you can of course also experience the Great Barrier Reef and beautiful beaches to get the best of both worlds.
If cities are more your thing, then a visit to Sydney is not to be missed! Sydney is Australia's famous harbour city and the capital of New South Wales. You can easily explore all the sights and beaches within three days or so, making this the perfect beginning or end to your Australian holiday.
Whenever you book a holiday, one of the important decisions you have to make is the kind of accommodation you choose to stay in.
Of course it depends on who you're going away with and what they want from a holiday. Some people prefer the freedom of self-catering as you can choose to eat out whenever you want, but you have the facilities in your own place to cook your own meals. It's a really popular choice for people with young children and fussy appetites. Having a self-catering apartment or villa also gives you more space than you'd get in a hotel room, so there's less chance of going stir crazy in the evenings with toddlers in a confined space! You can also choose to have your own private pool – which can be a big plus for some holidays.
However, what you don't get from self-catering is so much opportunity to interact with and meet other holidaymakers. Hotels are a great place to do this, and meal times are the ideal time to socialise. A big advantage with hotel accommodation nowadays is that you can often choose which level of board you want – just bed and breakfast, half-board, full-board or even all-inclusive. Going all-inclusive is a great way to budget ahead for your holiday. The whole trip is paid for before you get on the plane, save for any spending money and excursions you might feel like doing while you're away.
Pretty much every holiday resort now offers all types of accommodation, so if you prefer to book your accommodation and flights separately, it's no problem. So if you see some cheap flights to Gran Canaria, for example, there's no need to worry about sorting out accommodation immediately – in fact you often get a better deal if you leave booking where you're going to stay until the last minute.
If you're in two minds about booking self-catering accommodation if you've only ever stayed in hotels, what risk is it really? You'll either enjoy the experience or not, and if you don't, you can always go back to the hotel option for your next trip!
When is the best time to visit the Nordic Countries?
The Scandinavian countries have always been very popular destinations among travellers. They are popular not only for some of the best and naturally beautiful stunning scenic vistas in Europe, but they are also well-renowned for their laidback attitude, and their relaxed and easy lifestyle. For readers who are unaware, the Nordic Countries is a collective phrase used to refer to Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland. Also included in this collection of regions are the autonomous regions of Greenland, Faroe Islands, Svalbard and Aland. Scandinavian Countries is also a term used to refer to this region, but that does not include Greenland.
These countries share a common heritage and immense similarities in their societies. They are independent in their governing systems, but their cultural traditions and languages are similar. The Nordic nations have been renowned not only for their unique beauty, but also for the fact that they are among the most eco-conscious nations in the world. 'Green' is a term that is not used loosely here; it is a part of their persona, and they go to immense lengths to preserve their flora and fauna and to take care of their environment.
The best time to visit the Nordic countries is dependent upon the kind of holiday you would like to have. Flights to Stockholm are popular all through summer, and flights to Copenhagen always seem to be jam-packed with holiday travellers. If you are planning to have a summer holiday, then the best time to visit the Scandinavian countries would be the months from May till September. Why not take a look at the airfares now on a major Scandinavian Airline SAS (www.flysas.com/en/uk).Each country has its own special seasons, but if you are planning to travel through all the Nordic countries then travel towards the end of June till mid-July. The weather is beautiful with temperatures in Stockholm hovering around 16 C. The best aspect of this season is the fact that daylight hours last for 17 hours a day and you can travel around the country quite easily, as a result. These countries are within the Arctic region and during summer, the midnight sun is an unforgettable experience.
In Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the summer months have a fairly mild climate. This is quite surprising, especially when one considers the fact that all of these Nordic countries are so close to the Arctic. Finland has the most stable summer weather among these countries. In August, the weather in Norway can be very erratic, with sudden cold rain dropping the temperatures to an uncomfortable 8 C.
Winter sports are the forte of these nations and if you are a die-hard fan of mountain sports, then visit the Nordic countries during the winter season. Be prepared for harsh temperatures but amazingly white winter lands. Flights to Oslo in winter are easily available and there are not too many tourists. The countries are well-equipped for the skiing and winter sports aficionados, and there are world famous resorts as well. Except for coastal Norway, you will find a winter landscape here which is equal to none other in the world. The northern parts of Scandinavia are full of snow during winter months, but do remember that daylight hours are very short. And in the Arctic circles, the sun does not emerge for days on end.
Flights to Copenhagen from London are available all through the year, and this lovely city can be used as a starting point for your travels through this region. Visit Greenland for a totally unique experience; Finland for a crowd-free holiday; Norway for some fabulous fjords and quaint villages; and Sweden for the best castles and manors.