INTRODUCTION - Scandinavia - page 31

Manyplacessellpostcardsthathighlighttheirattractions.Beforeyouleave
a sight, scan the postcards and thumb through the biggest guidebook (or skim
its index) to be sure you haven't overlooked something that you'd like to see.
Most sights stop admitting people 30 to 60 minutes before closing time,
and some rooms may close early (often about 45 minutes before the actual
closing time). Guards usher people out, so don't save the best for last.
Every sight or museum offers more than what is covered in this topic. Use
the information in this topic as an introduction—not the final word.
Sleeping
Accommodations in Scandinavia are fairly expensive, but normally very
comfortable and come with breakfast. When budgeting, plan on spending
about $180 per hotel double in big cities, and $100 in towns and in private
homes.
I favor accommodations and restaurants that are handy to your sightseeing
activities. Rather than list hotels scattered throughout a city, I choose two or
three favorite neighborhoods and recommend the best accommodation values
in each, from dorm beds to fancy doubles with all the comforts.
A major feature of this topic is its extensive listing of good-value rooms. I
like places that are clean, central, relatively quiet at night, reasonably priced,
friendly, small enough to have a hands-on owner and stable staff, run with
a respect for Scandinavian traditions, and not listed in other guidebooks. (In
Scandinavia, for me, six out of these eight criteria means it's a keeper.) I'm
more impressed by a convenient location and a fun-loving philosophy than
flat-screen TVs and shoeshine machines. I've also thrown in a few hostels,
private rooms, and other cheap options for budget travelers.
Book your accommodations well in advance if you'll be traveling during
busy times. See here for a list of major holidays and festivals in Scandinavia;
for tips on making reservations, see here .
To get the most sleep for your dollar at these northern latitudes, pull the
dark shades (and even consider bringing your own night shades) to keep out
the early-morning sun.