Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1
Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences.
The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I'm not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it?
Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I met a woman yesterday named Teresa who said she needs to read my books and here's why.. She's a single woman in her 70s and relies on her grown children for travel assistance. But they don't always want to go on the same trips as mom. So Teresa needs to manage her travel. I also think she needs to organize her phone apps so she can find the ones she needs quickly.
If this is you, stick around. Some of this will flow into your DNA. I know it.
60-second confidence challenge
Your challenge today is to plan a Step One Trip. That means you spend the night in a new city, by yourself. You book your room, meals, and itinerary yourself. You come home the next day, refreshed and confident that you can do anything!
One night of travel can reset your travel confidence.
If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into Step 1 travel. Never heard of it? You will. It's been tried, tested, and trusted since 2020.
You can find the series at the link in the description.
See Book A for addressing this concern..
Find it on the website at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a several-part series.
Today's special destination is Oslo, Norway, Part 1, the intro of Oslo.
Today we're heading north — to Oslo, Norway, a city surrounded by fjords and forests. Oslo is one of Europe's most accessible and progressive capitals, offering a calm, safe, and modern environment — perfect for solo women travelers over 50, including those using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Norway is a stunning country with a vibrant population of around 5 million, comparable to Montana's population and area, stretching over 142,000 square miles. The current exchange rate is favorable at $10 USD for 10.1 NOK, making it an exciting time to explore this beautiful land! The renowned Hurtigruten line makes it easy to connect with major cities and highlights throughout the region.
There are so many incredible places to visit, including these:
- Hammerfest
- The breathtaking Svalbard and the Lofoten Islands
- Crossing the Arctic Circle and visiting Trondheim—particularly special for Karin
- The scenic Flåm Railroad
- The unique Vigeland Sculpture Park
- The fascinating Fram Museum
- Tasty cloudberries
- The architectural marvel of the Oslo Opera House
- The Well spa, a relaxing retreat at just $65 per day, open from 10 AM to 10 PM, and includes food
- Convenient Bus 81 for easy travel
Italian traveler Julius highly recommends the Paradox optical illusions exhibit in Oslo—what a fun experience! Additional must-see spots include:
https://www.paradoxmuseumoslo.com/en/
- An impressive castle
- The immersive Vikings exhibit that captivated Debbie and Erik from Toronto, Canada, whom I had the pleasure of meeting on the train and spending the better part of the day with.
https://www.science.org/content/article/thousand-year-old-viking-fortress-reveals-technologically-advanced-society
- The Bergen Hurtigruten line
- Stunning views of the Skagerrak Strait
- Enchanting Troll Forest
- The magical Aurora Domes
- An informative visit to Oslo City Hall and the Nobel Peace Center
- The enchanting Munch Museum featuring "The Scream."
- The lovely Bygdøy neighborhood
You pronounce Bygdøy (a peninsula in Oslo) roughly as "BIG-day" (or "BIG-oy"), with the 'y' sounding like the 'i' in 'big' or 'ee' in 'see', and the 'ø' sounding like the 'i' in 'bird' or the 'u' in 'fur', making it close to 'BIG-doy' or 'BÜGD-oy' in Norwegian, but 'Big-Day' is a common English approximation.
For an unforgettable adventure, the "Norway in a Nutshell" tour can be completed in just 2 to 3 days.
Don't miss the dazzling Lofoten Islands, the majestic western fjords, and the charming Longyearbyen in Svalbard, along with Trondheim! Get ready for a fantastic journey through Norway!
. - Library - Ibsens Gate - Tysnes Festival: A nearby island with many summer music events. People in Norway typically take two months of vacation. Education and healthcare are publicly funded through high taxes, which support strong economic conditions.
Activities and locations: - Cable car to Mt. Ulriken - Royal Gamlehaugen Castle and Park - Kayaking
On my First Day in Oslo, I arrived at the Train station and found my hostel on Karl Lagerfeldsgate Street - Oslo K7 Hostel:
There were minor issues, such as being under construction, but it wasn't a bad experience. My initial Activities included: - Swimming in the sea with Nina from South Korea - Visiting the Opera House, the Munch Museum, and the library - Tasting hot dogs and even shopping for underwear.
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/eastern-norway/oslo/oslo-opera-house/
Art, Architecture, and the Waterfront Start your day at the Oslo Opera House, an architectural masterpiece that rises from the fjord like a glacier. The sloping white roof is fully wheelchair-accessible, with gentle ramps leading to panoramic views of the harbor and the city skyline—a truly unique experience.
https://www.visitoslo.com/en/articles/the-harbour-promenade/
From there, take a leisurely roll or stroll along the Harbor Promenade, a flat, scenic walkway that connects many of Oslo's major attractions. Stop by the MUNCH Museum, dedicated to artist Edvard Munch, whose "The Scream" is on display here. The museum is fully accessible with wide galleries, elevators, and a riverside café for a light lunch.
https://www.munch.no/en/
In the afternoon, visit Akershus Fortress. While some cobblestone areas can be uneven, the main paths and museum sections are accessible, and the views of the Oslofjord are worth the effort. End your first day at Aker Brygge (BRU-geh), a lively waterfront district filled with accessible restaurants and outdoor seating for watching the sunset.
Brygge, spelled, B R Y …..(Norwegian/Danish for "jetty" or "quay") is pronounced roughly like "BRÜ-geh" (German ü sound, short 'e' at the end) in Norwegian or "BRŒK-eh" (like 'brok' with a soft 'eh' sound) in Danish, involving a rolled 'r' and a rounded vowel, similar to the start of "burger" but with a distinct "oo" or "uh" vowel sound before the 'g' and 'e'.
https://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/boroughs/aker-brygge-tjuvholmen/
My missteps: High prices were not expected
I was not fully prepared for the high costs of dining and transportation in one of Europe's priciest cities. Many travelers like me mistakenly expect prices to match other European capitals. To make the most of my time, I purchased a 24-hour Oslo Pass for convenient access to public transport and popular attractions. Plus, I used a refillable water bottle and enjoyed picnic meals from local grocery stores and bakeries.
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