Could a loosely planned road trip actually turn out better than a perfectly mapped itinerary? 

Anne Dorthe is my wife and travel partner of over 11 years, and a Norwegian local with roots in Trøndelag.  

In this episode, Anne and I share the story of our recent open-ended family road trip through Norway. We talk about the lessons we learned along the way, sharing insights that can be applied to anyone planning a more relaxed, rewarding road trip, whether in Norway or somewhere else. 

If you’ve ever dreamed about traveling Norway without spending a fortune, this conversation offers a real-world example of how to make it work. You’ll hear about the small, in-the-moment choices that shaped each day, the unplanned stops that became highlights, and how following the weather brought a sense of ease and adventure to the whole trip. We’ll also talk about the joy of connecting with friends along the way, the simple comfort of cabin stays, and why embracing flexibility over a fixed plan deepened our connection to every place we visited. 

What’s a spontaneous road trip or travel adventure you took that surprised you by how well it flowed? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why letting go of a rigid schedule created our best family memories 

How weather reports guided our route more than any app ever could 

The exact approach I used to politely get a hotel refund 

How overpacking led to lessons for smarter packing next time 

Why cabins felt more authentic than hotels 

The power of paper maps and local advice 

What it’s like to wild-camp at 900 m with kids 

How visiting friends became our travel anchor 

How an unplanned ferry ride led to one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches 

What it felt like swimming with our kids in Norwegian fjords and lakes 

And so much more 

Resources: 

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Stiklestad Viking Experience 

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