Norway Vacation Prep: What to Do 6-7 Months Before Your Trip. This is an update to my first post about “Plan for using my points to get Norway”. The second post was 9 months out. With 6-7 months left before your trip, you’re in the perfect window to start ticking off key tasks that will set you up for a smooth and stress-free journey. In this post, we’ll break down the essential steps to take in the months leading up to your Norway vacation.
A quick recap of what I have done. Two years before, I brought it up with my family. Over a year ago, I made a slideshow of places and a timeline of vacation. I first read some blog posts on going and came up with the towns we are going to and how we are getting from place to place. Last year, I started collecting credit card points.
Flights are booked
I am using points so I bought my airline tickets before this. However, right now would be a perfect time to look at purchasing your flights with cash.
I used 300,000 points to get four business-class seats to Copenhagen. Then from Norway to home is another 300,000 points for the four of us. I was nervous about losing the flight back. I ended up buying 100,000 points. Our total cost per person was:
| Total cost of ticket per person | $1,060.15 |
| $7,819 if we bought the same tickets with cash | per person |
| $31,276 | for the four of us |
Time to Finalize Accommodations
All our hotels/Airbnb’s are booked except for the last hotel stay because I’m waiting for my other family members to book their flights. I have noticed availability on Airbnb’s started to fill up. In Copenhagen, we are staying at the Andersen Boutique Hotel. Airbnb’s we are staying at I will share after we stay. We are going to be staying at three Airbnb’s while we are in Norway. I went by reviews and number of reviews when booking. I booked these early since I have been planning this for awhile I notice they ones I wanted to stay book up fast. Especially a place in Flam I wanted to stay so I booked as soon as they opened there slots for summer.
Itinerary of Activities
Now is the time to dive deep into your trip planning. You can start planning out what activities you want to do. This might still be kind of general. However, I know we want to take a train from Oslo to Flam. So it is helpful to have an idea of when we should book this. Look at each area and get in ideas of what you want to do. I just make a list of a bunch and will narrow it down as time gets closer.
- Must-Do Activities: Fjord cruises, hiking to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Be sure to factor in travel times between destinations and whether you’ll need to rent a car or take trains. Research local experiences, festivals, and events that may be happening during your trip, and start booking any tours or activities that require advance reservations.
Packing
Packing for a trip to Norway requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to clothing. Norway’s weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer months, so it’s important to plan for various conditions, including rain, wind, and chilly temperatures.
Some of you might be thinking of packing now. I love to think about what I will be taking. As I explained in the packing post, I do it to help keep me from buying unnecessary things. Also, I can know what I want to give for Christmas gifts for purposeful gifts. (Travel outfits for the family, Teen packing, 3 outfits for Copenhagen, and Women’s packing)
Some items I’ve purchase:
- Son, I bought these hiking shoes, headphones, and this backpack.
- Daughter, I bought a small luggage, hiking boots, headphones and a backpack.
- My husband asked for a backpack from my dad; he is doing two backpacks no suitcase.
- For myself, hiking boots. Not for a gift, but I needed black dress-up shoes for something and remembered I put these on my packing list. I bought them and love them. The fit is perfect and comfortable. I also bought a suitcase before my Arizona trip so I could try it out.
- For everyone going, I bought these passport covers
Set Up Travel Insurance
While travel insurance isn’t always top of mind, it’s one of the most important steps in preparing for a trip, especially to a country like Norway, where outdoor activities and adventure are a big part of the experience. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
When purchasing travel insurance, be sure to include coverage for activities you plan to do (such as hiking, kayaking, or skiing). Check that the policy covers medical expenses, evacuation in case of emergency, and any adventure sports you plan to try.
Look into what’s right for you. Some credit cards have travel insurance as well.
I’m thinking of getting travel insurance through Vistors Coverage
Plan Your Budget and Start Saving
Norway is known for being an expensive destination, so it’s essential to start thinking about your budget early on. Start researching the cost of accommodations, meals, transportation, and activities to get a realistic picture of how much you’ll need.
Consider opening a travel-specific savings account to help you stay on track. Additionally, keep an eye on exchange rates—Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK)—and try to avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist spots, where rates tend to be less favorable. I have read the Denmark and Norway are very credit card friendly.
I put the plane, transportation, accommodation, food and activities all on a spreadsheet. So I would have an idea of how much it would all cost. Then I divided the total by 6 and divided that by four and I’m putting that amount in savings each week.
Passports
It is a great idea to get your passport early so you don’t have to worry about it. My husband and mine had both expired. My kids have never had one and both parents need to be present. We did it over winter break when we were both off.
Conclusion
The 6-7 month mark is the perfect time to begin preparing for your Norway vacation. By booking flights and accommodations, researching transportation, applying for passports, and starting to pack, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable trip. Plus, with plenty of time to spare, you can spread out any necessary purchases and ensure you’re fully prepared for the incredible adventures that await in Norway.
Happy planning—and stay tuned for more tips as you get closer to your departure!
Other posts that might be helpful
Another post I wrote about beginner credit card point travel.
Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Additionally, some products or services mentioned in this post may be related to credit card offers. Please review the terms and conditions of any credit card offer carefully before applying, as credit card terms and eligibility may vary. Always consider your personal financial situation and consult a financial advisor if needed.
