-Finally we can se the day light again, with other words: we’re getting closer to spring, and we look forward to the lovely summer time. A part of us is not equipped with enough patients to wait for the summer to settle in Norway, and we are lucky – only a few hours away are many great places to explore. If we are really lucky the spring has come to stay and gives us another reason to travel. It has never been cheaper to fly, and the offers are getting better. Take advantage of the situation and enjoy!

I’m not going to tell you where to travel, because we all have our favourites, but this time of year there are often many great offers from the airline companies. That is why you should follow the companies’ home pages. Most have a newsletter you can subscribe to. That way, you’re always updated.

Where do you get the best price? The airlines and travel agencies mostly operate with the same prices, but the service fees may vary. If you only want a flight ticket, check a couple of places and make your decision fast. The cheapest tickets get sold out fast. If you’re going on a more complicated trip and you’re not sure where, how and what to see, you should contact a travel agent to help you out. This may be worth paying a couple of extra bucks.

Anyway, if you’re going on a trip take a couple of tips while you’re packing – and don’t wait until the last minute.

• The passport; Remember it! For Norwegian citizens there is no other valid form of identification outside Scandinavia. Even if its really passport freedom in the EU/ EØS, the hotels might want to se your passport when you check in.
• The social security card, E-111, did you get it? If not you can order it on the Internet. See www.nav.no
• Travel insurance: Remember that you need to be secured if accidents should happen. If the trip is paid with a credit card the insurance may be included.
• If you’re only gone for the weekend it is tempting to only pack a carryon, but with the new carryon rules it may be better to check in your luggage
• Speaking of luggage, mark it with your name both inside and outside, if your suitcase doesn’t make it to the destination, it makes the airlines job a lot easier if the suitcase is properly marked with name and telephone number.
• If your luggage doesn’t make it, report to the airline or their representative at the destination, so you can get a “passenger irregularity report”.
• Bonus points; remember to state membership in your loyalty program, if you don’t have a membership you should get one.

I wasn’t going to tell you where to go, but if you are a bit adventures it is quite possible to make your weekend trip a bit further away than Europe. It’s getting very popular, to travel further for shorter periods. Exiting cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Bangkok and Cape Town are current destination for a long weekend trip.

Have a nice trip, and take care of the experiences.

Terje