Visit Scandinavia: The Highlights

 

 

 

 

I had no idea where Scandinavia was. It just sounded so cool and somewhere really far.

Bravo Bianca, the travel vlogger. Well done.

I was 12 when I had heard the word Scandinavia for the very first time. My parents took me to Sweden, Denmark and Finland via a cruise around the Scandinavian peninsula.

Don’t get me wrong. It was wonderful but as any typical pre-teen, soaking in world facts weren’t exactly “my thing” back then.

Fast forward to the future when travel has become nearly synonymous to the social media wanderlust way of life, one of the Scandinavian countries, Iceland, has become one of the most sought after destinations in the world.

Since we’re on the topic, Scandinavia is the term often called for a certain region in Northern Europe comprised of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland (and parts of Greenland). Thanks Google!

Impressively, these 5 countries continue to be top contenders of The Happiest Countries in the World List! Yes, there is such a thing.

Now that I’m all grown up, revisiting and immersing myself with a month-long itinerary of Scandinavian delights was nothing short of extraordinary.

Don’t worry, I’ve got TONS of episodes lined up per country. I want nothing more than for you have a taste, feel and idea as to why these folks from the Northern Hemisphere have much to be happy about.

So this week, I’m serving a round-up of Scandinavian highlights to get your travel buckelist juices flowing.

 

SWEDEN

Sweden set the benchmark for the trip as it was our first and last stop.

 

 

Talk about unforgettable: it was in Stockholm where I had a close call with the recent terrorist attack, which I featured right when I got back a month ago.

 

 

If you hadn’t watched that episode, I highly suggest you do as I give you a glimpse inside the beautiful city of Stockholm.

 

 

I even shared some trivia on Instagram where the term Smorgasbord originated from!

https://instagram.com/p/BTOkMUaBXtS/

Then there’s this all-black OOTD. I did a short Instagram video sharing some fashion tips from inside H&M (also originating from Sweden).

If you didn’t see it, here it is:

https://instagram.com/p/BTl33b3h0AI/

 

DENMARK

Home to Tivoli, the world’s first carnival, Kronborg Castle, aka Hamlet’s Castle (Shakespeare) and Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.

In the capital city of Copenhagen, you may recognize the trademark colorful houses along the Nyhavn.

It’s the perfect backdrop for people watching while enjoying a cocktail from one of the many bars and restaurants.

All on the VLOG, soon!

 

 

FINLAND

It will be hard to forget Finland.

Other than chancing upon the President of China drive past us during his state visit to Helsinki or visiting the lovely quaint town of Porvoo or sleeping inside an actual igloo after catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the northernmost part of the country near the Arctic Circle, Lapland, it was also here I had a total breakdown.

Raw and real, I shared me at my most vulnerable with all of you.

More on the happiest of times from Finland airing sooner than you know…

 

 

ICELAND 

Oh Iceland. You blew it out of the park, my friend.

I mean c’mon – a rainbow?? Sorry, TWO rainbows! You’re such a show off!

 

 

Think it’s a filter? No worries, here’s proof as seen in my Instagram stories:

https://instagram.com/p/BS_MNKQhCaQ/

Then knowing that my favorite show of all time, Game of Thrones, was predominantly shot there and I got to see the actual film locations?!

I. CAN’T. EVEN.

Did I mention you need to subscribe to my YouTube channel for special episodes all dedicated to Game Of Thrones airing really soon?

You’re welcome.

 

 

Oh, lest we forget, swimming in sub-zero temperatures at the mystical waters of the Blue Lagoon, which I featured on the vlog.

 

NORWAY

Last but not the least, Oslo, Norway.

This was originally not part of the itinerary due to schedule conflicts back home.

Blessedly, a few days cleared up. So we extended a few more days to complete the visit to all five countries.

Can’t wait to share with you serendipitous shenanigans we had in Oslo despite most of the city being closed due to the Easter holiday.

This is the one country I hope to return to as there’s still so much to see!

Actually, I feel the same way for all five, haha!

 

 

I feel like there aren’t enough weeks in the year to show you guys everything I’ve been working really hard on!

So excited and grateful you’ve taken this journey with me…

Watch today’s episode and comment which country is your favorite! It’s so hard to pick just one!

Love and light,

B

Scandinavia Locations: Sweden, Dermark, Finland, Iceland and Norway

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.