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Norway's Midnight Sun

Holding the Midnight Sun Norway was our destination.   My husband and I spent two weeks exploring the cities of Bergen and Trondheim as well as the Islands along the western fjords.   Our Norwegian relative tour guides told us we could not leave Norway without experiencing their midnight sun. We searched for the best place on one of the Islands and found it! The midnight sun was glowing across the horizon off the coast of Norway deep into the summer night.   There was a thrill just for being on top of ancient rocks that lined the coast of the Atlantic as the light was starting to fade in the distant horizon.   Our words and laughter seemed to echo across the rocks as the waves crashed high into the air.   We were not only enjoying the view but the sounds and smell of the open air of the salty ocean.    The glowing sun became a light in our hands as we stood and faced the camera.   As a couple we “held” the sun ...
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Paris, France on a Budget for 14 days

"Eiffel Tower" by Stephanie Broker Who doesn't want to visit Paris? Here's a detailed 14-day itinerary for Paris I looked up with Ai to see what places and events would make sense for us to visit, focusing on cultural experiences, historic sites, popular eateries, and staying within a $100-$300 daily budget. This assumes the budget is per person and covers accommodation, food, activities, and local transport. I'll prioritize free or low-cost activities while sprinkling in some splurges on key experiences. Important Notes Before We Begin: * Accommodation: I'm assuming you'll find a mix of budget-friendly hotels, hostels (if applicable), or Airbnb options averaging around $50-$100 per night. Booking in advance is crucial, especially during peak season. Consider areas like Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, or near Canal Saint-Martin for more affordable options. I always suggest looking at the locations for safety and security before heading to any place, ...

Trondheim, Norway Itinerary for 7 days on a Budget

Trondheim Troll  Here is a detailed 7-day itinerary for Trondheim, Norway, focusing on cultural food, historical sites, local secrets, and staying within a mid-range budget of $200-$300 per day. **Important Notes:** *   **Budget:** This budget is per person and includes accommodation, food, activities, and local transportation. It's an estimate, and actual costs may vary depending on your spending habits. I'll provide options to help you stay within budget. *   **Accommodation:** I'll assume you'll be staying in a mid-range hotel or Airbnb. Prices can fluctuate, so book in advance, especially during peak season. *   **Transportation:** Trondheim is a walkable city, but I'll include options for local buses and trams where needed. Consider purchasing a day pass if you plan on using public transport frequently. *   **Flexibility:** This is a suggested itinerary. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and energy levels. *   **Bo...

Norway-Sweden Border Itinerary on a Budget

This is our detailed 7-day itinerary exploring the cultural, food, and historical highlights along the Norway-Sweden border, keeping within a mid-range budget of $100-$300 per day. This itinerary focuses on accessible locations, utilizing public transport where possible, and balances popular attractions with local experiences. **Assumptions:** *   **Starting Point:** Oslo, Norway (easily accessible internationally) *   **Ending Point:** Stockholm, Sweden (also easily accessible internationally) *   **Accommodation:** Budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnb options (averaging $80-$150/night).  I'll assume you're booking these in advance. *   **Transportation:**  A mix of trains, buses, and potentially some local ferries.  I'll provide estimated costs, but booking train tickets in advance is crucial for better prices. *   **Food:**  A mix of affordable restaurants, local markets, and some self-catering to keep co...

Western Fjords of Norway

Gjerdsvika Here is our new detailed 7-day itinerary for exploring the Western Fjords of Norway, focusing on cultural, food, and historical experiences, with a special emphasis on our home area of Gjerdsvika Island. This itinerary assumes a mid-range budget of $100-$300 per day per person, covering accommodation, food, activities, and transportation.  Prices are estimated and can vary depending on the season and availability. **Important Notes:** *   **Transportation:** This itinerary relies heavily on a combination of rental car, ferries, and potentially local buses.  A rental car is highly recommended for flexibility, especially for exploring smaller villages and reaching trailheads. Book in advance for the best rates. *   **Accommodation:**  I'll suggest a mix of hotels, guesthouses (gjestgiveri), and potentially Airbnb options. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season (June-August). Consider staying in smaller towns for a m...

Traveling Back to Norway on a Budget

We plan to travel back to Norway again, but need to find the best budget solution for our travels. I will add here the different plans we might try. This is a detailed 14-day Norway itinerary focusing on cultural experiences, museums, hidden gems, and staying within a $100-$300 daily budget. This itinerary balances popular attractions with lesser-known experiences, utilizing budget-friendly transportation and accommodation options. **Important Considerations:** *   **Budget:** Norway is generally expensive. This itinerary aims for the lower end of your budget by prioritizing hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels, self-catering options, and utilizing public transportation. Food costs can be reduced by buying groceries and preparing some meals. *   **Season:** This itinerary is best suited for the shoulder season (May-June or September) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices. July and August are peak season and will be more expensive and crowded...

Rocky Ridge Safari in East Texas

Under the clear blue skies of East Texas is a gem of a drive-through wildlife and safari center called Rocky Ridge Safari that hosts over 25 different species of animals amongst the 200 acres of native trees and smooth red clay winding roads.  A friend asked me to go with her while visiting family in Texas, and I didn't hesitate to say yes! I couldn't believe my luck in the backwoods of Eustace, very close to Canton, was an incredible drive through wildlife center. The trip was a perfect opportunity to do an animal photoshoot and hopefully shoot some great pictures right from the front seat of my friend Linda's car.  We headed out early to be the first car in line when it opened at 10 a.m. since we knew the animals would be hungry and eager to make their way to our car. When you buy your ticket, it also comes with a good size food bag for feeding with each one. The animals were very eager to see us or rather the food we were handing out. I'm not sure I have a favorite f...