Budget Travel Tips: Save Money in Scandinavia (2024)

Compare Before You Book

Naturally, comparing flight and hotel prices before you book is the most critical thing for budget travelers. Learn which websites are best forfinding available rates and comparing prices, while offering online booking and secure, guaranteed payment.

Pick a Few Free Activities

You can also enjoy natural phenomena at no cost, especially in the region of the Arctic Circle in Iceland, and northern Norway and Sweden. This free show of three Scandinavian Natural Phenomena includes the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), the Midnight Sun, and the Polar Nights. These are experiences that will last a lifetime.

Consider City Cards

City Cards in Scandinavia offer free admission to museums and other local attractions, along with free local transportation and many other travel-related discounts and coupons. They're available online and can be purchased for a day or more. Learn more about prices and local information about the city cards in Swedenand the city cards in Norway.

Keep Your Travel Date Flexible

Stay flexible with the exact travel dates, and you'll probably cash in on it on your plane tickets. Airline ticket prices to Scandinavia can vary widely from one date to the next. When searching for a flight (or hotel), try at least two or three different departure dates to make sure you get the lowest fare possible. Plus, an overbooked flight on a Sunday might be a flight with several free seats on Monday. Speaking of which—try to fly Monday through Thursday to avoid weekend surcharges!

Consider Low-Cost Dining and Great Budget Hotels

If you want to save money during your stay, head for family-owned restaurants. Your hotel in Scandinavia will be able to give you a few tips and directions.

Another favorite for budget travelers can be the Scandinavian cafes and bars, which usually offer filling meals at reasonable prices. To save even more, some budget travelers book accommodation with cooking facilities and cook their own meals. And one more tip: eat BEFORE you go to a theme park.

Don't Pay Unnecessary Fees

Two things travelers often don't anticipate are customs fees and ATM fees. You don't have to pay either. Educate yourself on current customs regulations in Scandinavia to find out what you can take duty-free and how much.

And instead of using ATMs, pay for things using your regular debitor credit card. If you have to use ATMs, check with your bank before you leave to find out if there are partner banks in Scandinavia (e.g. Citibank), which may charge lower fees.

Current exchange rates can be calculated with an Online Currency Converter.

Get a Useful Travel Book

Instead of buying several travel guidebooks that focus on a specific city or country, get just one travel guide that covers everything. They cover all of Scandinavia and will come in handy for trips to other Scandinavian destinations as well.

And, useful free city-specific travel guides of Scandinavia's capitals are found under capitals of Scandinavia!

Pack a Variety of Clothing

Yes, pack for different types of weather. Don't just take a few skimpy pieces of clothing just because you're traveling in the heat of summer. Weather in Scandinavia changes all the time and it can suddenly be rainy or windy, and you end up buying a new jacket even though you could have brought your windbreaker from home. Sturdy shoes are always a good idea as well.

Set a Spending Limit

A spending limit is an important point, especially during your vacation. Set a spending limit on souvenirs, gifts, and similar expenses. Don't send a postcard to that aunt you haven't heard from in five years. If you set an overall spending limit for the entire trip, and it is a little low, you might have to shorten the vacation by a day or so. Adjust your plans accordingly.

Use Your Credit Card Miles/Rewards

Redeem your miles to get cheaper fares or free nights. You haven't racked up enough points yet to get a free trip? That's ok, too. When paying for your flights and hotel, use a credit card that earns points or milesand apply them toward your next trip.