Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and address any points of contention (before 19:00, when the night shift usu-
ally arrives).
Above all, don't expect things to be the same as back home. Keep a posit-
ive attitude. Remember, you're on vacation. If your hotel is a disappointment,
spend more time out enjoying the city you came to see.
Private Rooms
Throughout Scandinavia, people rent rooms in their homes to travelers for
about $85 per double (or about $95 for a double with private bath). While
some put out a
Værelse, Rom, Rum,
or
Hus Rum
sign, many operate solely
through the local TI (which occasionally keeps these B&Bs a secret until all
hotel rooms are taken). You'll get your own key to a clean, comfortable, but
usually simple private room (sometimes without a sink), with access to the
family shower and WC if the room doesn't have its own bath. When possible,
I've listed direct contact information for B&Bs—booking direct saves both
you and your host the cut the TI takes. The TIs are very protective of their
lists. If you enjoy a big-city private home that would like to be listed in this
book, I'd love to hear from you.
Hostels
Scandinavian hostels, Europe's finest, are open to travelers of all ages. They
offer classy facilities, members' kitchens (making your own meals is a great
way to save money), cheap hot meals (often breakfast buffets), plenty of
doubles(forafewextrakroner),Internetaccess,Wi-Fi,self-servicelaundries,
and great people experiences. Nowadays, concerned about bedbugs, hostels
are likely to provide all bedding, including sheets. Family and private rooms
may be available on request. Hostels are also a tremendous source of local
and budget travel information. Note that many hostels close in the off-season.
You'll find lots of Volvos in hostel parking lots, as Scandinavians know
that hostels provide the best (and usually only) $35 beds in town. Hosteling is
ideal for families who fit into two sets of bunk beds (4-bed rooms, kitchens,
washingmachines,discountfamilymemberships).Pickupeachcountry'sfree
hostel directory at any hostel or TI.
