Stockholm, travel fashion girls and Rick Steves
I hope you don’t mind a few more tales of our Scandi trip from this summer. I’d like to share the last bits with you before I head off to eastern Europe next month..
We spent a lovely day in Stockholm, buying a bus/tram pass for the first time on this trip. First stop was the Gamla Stan, or Old Town.
Not many tourists around, mostly locals on their morning commutes. We had a wander to ourselves, then found ourselves by the residence of the royal family.
We enjoyed an afternoon pizza snack, and explored an incredible food hall.
The legendary “kanelbullar”, Swedish cinnamon buns, were every bit as good as advertised! The cardamom gives it a wonderfully rich taste, and they have a unique twist to the dough.
Stockholm is not only big but spread out over lots of islands. We decided to take the tram to Skansen, the open-air museum opened in 1891, with old buildings brought from all over Sweden and rebuilt here, to show what life was like in the pre-industrial era. It’s a bit like Williamsburg, although it’s also a concert venue, with some vintage rides for children thrown in, and a zoo with Nordic animals. We saw reindeer, moose, seals, bears, wolverines and wild boar.
The ship cruised through the Stockholm archipelago on the way back out into the Baltic. It was stunningly beautiful, and reminded me of the coast of Maine. There are literally thousands of islands here, with countless summer homes.
Rick Steves is the host of a show on American public television on travelling around Europe, and I’ve enjoyed watching his programs for years. This year, I discovered how much more there is on his website.
We ordered this guide to cruise ports, which I have to say MADE the trip. There are very specific instructions on getting into town from where the ships dock, suggested walking tours as well as what sights to see (and where to eat) when you’re only there for one day. There is also objective information about what shore excursions through the ship are worth it and what are not. We actually got NONE of the overpriced excursions on this cruise, did our own thing on shore, and saw and did everything we wanted, with no crowds, and a fraction of the cost.
They even tell you to cut the book up – and staple together the section for that day, so you aren’t carrying the whole book around! It worked really well, too.
We also discovered the Rick Steves audio app for iPhone, with informative podcasts on cultural topics for each of the countries we were going to. The month before we left, we’d listen to one of these each night in bed before we went to sleep, and it really added to our enjoyment of the whole trip.
Another discovery this year is the website (and Facebook group) Travel Fashion Girl. It’s for women like us who want to look good, pack light, and be prepared for whatever comes our way. There are suggestions for everything from packable raingear to the best waterproof boots, with links to purchase (mostly from Amazon). The Facebook group is a wonderful forum to ask about a destination, time of year and activities, and get advice from people who have just gotten back from there. I’ve just purchased waterproof (but cute) suede boots and 2 coats for an upcoming trip, based on their dozens of recommendations.
OK, travel-hounds – what are your go-to resources for products and destination tips? I’ve got a big trip next month, and I want to hear your secrets!
8 Comments
jodie filogomo
Right now you might be the best source of information!!
Reading this almost makes me want to make some cinnamon rolls and the cardamom is a great idea!!
Xoxo
Jodie
mkmiller
I have such a weakness for pastry in the morning! But trying to hit the protein heavy. But we can dream, right?
Penny
Lovely to see those pics and esepcially of the Stockholm archipelago, which is so very beautiful. I remember it well, although that was 7 years ago. Next year we go on another Baltic cruise and should go through it again – yay!!!
You definitely did this in a very un-touristy way. We too watch a cruise expert on Youtube, Gary Bembridge, and get loads of tips from him.
Thanks so much as this was a great post that reminded me of a beautiful place
mkmiller
Thanks, Penny! I’ll be interested to see how your trip next year compares with the last time you were there. Un-touristy is my preferred modus operandi, but I’m leaving in a week on a river cruise where it will be guided tours the whole time – sometimes you go with value and convenience, eh?
Suzanne
You seem to do vacations similar to the way we do them – on our own terms. We never feel that we are missing out when we don’t book the ‘overpriced cruise excursions’ and prefer to find a local vendor, or just strike out on our own. When cruising, we use Cruise Critic for information about ships, ports, and excursions. You have to weigh the good with the bad, but overall it’s a good source. We also watch YouTube videos to get a feel for a destination. I didn’t realize that Rick Steves had such an extensive catalog of resources. I can see how his guide to cruise ports would be invaluable. Thanks for that information. Can’t wait to see where you are headed to next.
mkmiller
Thanks, Suzanne! I’m off on a Christmas Market Danube River cruise on Thanksgiving Day, headed EAST this time through Hungary, Croatia, Servia, Bulgaria and Romania. You know where you can read all about it….
Leslie Clingan
Enjoyed all of your photos and the details of your adventure. I hope we can travel overseas again in the next year. So expensive to do so but what sights there are to see. Not sure if you know Sue Loncaric but she is an Australian blogger who is vacationing in Amsterdam right now. Her photos of that area remind me a lot of these lovely scenes from Stockholm.
Have never heard of Travel Fashion Girl but have followed your link and have a tab open to check it out. Thank you for sharing. My husband insists I pack a carryon wherever we go. I need all the packing tips I can get!!
mkmiller
Leslie, it’s the main thing I’ve saved money for! I do follow Sue’s blog, but hadn’t thought to catch her Instagram – thanks for the idea!