Chin Ching’s First Taste of Scandinavia

From mistaken ferry rides in Copenhagen to trying the Princess Cake in Sweden, Chin Ching’s journey through Scandinavia was a delightful blend of discovery and serendipity. Below, she shares her reflections—insights, surprises, and the small, heartwarming details that made her trip one to remember.

Q: What made you choose a group tour?
A: Knowing that all logistics have been arranged, I can be more relaxed and focus primarily on enjoying the experience.

Q: The trip you booked was a guided tour. How did it feel to travel with a guide on this tour? Would you travel with a guide again? Why or why not?
A: I felt I was taken care of by our guide, given I was travelling solo to places I’ve never been before. I was also looking forward to learning more about the culture, customs and history from our guide and other local guides during various activities. I would travel with a guide again, especially to places where transportation may be a challenge, if there's a language barrier or to less developed countries.

Q: How was it joining a trip to Norway, Sweden and Denmark as a solo traveler?
A: Although it was a brief stay in each country, I could get some feel of the locals and different cultures as we interacted with local guides during various activities.

Q: How is it to travel Scandinavia as a senior (60+ age range) traveler? Would you recommend Scandinavia to other senior travelers, and why?
A: As a physical rating was assigned to the tour and a detailed itinerary was provided, I found this to be a non-issue. Everyone from different ages was moving well together as a cohesive group.

Q: Were there any parts of the trip that surprised you in terms of quality or value?
A: In Copenhagen and Oslo, Day Passes for transportation gave us flexibility for our own free activities. In Alingsas, we ended the Fika tour at the hotel with Princess cake and tea/coffee. We were also treated to song and music by a local guide!

Q: Which destinations, cities, or highlights did you cover on your trip, and which stood out the most?
A: Copenhagen, Malmo, Gothenburg, Alingsås, Vrango Island. They all have their unique characteristics, but I found Vrango quite special. Given the small population and immaculately kept houses & buildings, I felt I’d stepped into a movie set and we were the actors!

Q: What was a memorable moment or story from your journey that you’d like to highlight?
A: Amazed that the act of getting together with friends or colleagues over coffee and cake has been elevated and institutionalised as Fika in Sweden.

Q: What were your favorite activities or excursions, and why?
A: All excursions were well planned and thought off. My personal favourite was Alingsas , as I love Cafe hopping.

Q: Did you try any local food or cultural experiences that you would recommend?
A: Cinnamon bun in all 3 countries and the Princess Cake (Sweden).

Q: Did you have any unique interactions with locals, guides, or fellow travelers that made your trip special?
A: I really enjoyed— & an enriching experience— interacting with local guides during excursions (our Tour Guide included, who’s Latvian), an ex-wrestling National champion, an Alingsas local who said her town is the best place to live in, a dual Danish-Swedish citizen in Malmo. I think I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet them if I had been traveling on my own.

Q: Did this trip change your perspective on the destination, travel, or life in any way?
A: I tended to lump all Scandinavian countries into one indistinguishable area; this trip has highlighted the different national identities, customs and cultures.

Q: What was the biggest surprise you encountered during your trip to Scandinavia (positive or unexpected)?
A: I know now this is common in Europe, but coming from Asia, having safe drinking water from taps is a pleasant surprise and a cultural experience for me; our tour guide considered this a basic human right but it’s certainly not common nor basic in Asia!

Q: Looking back, what was the best part of your entire journey?
A: There were numerous enjoyable moments, but one of the funnier ones was when I took the wrong Copenhagen Harbour Bus. Instead of travelling North to see the Little Mermaid, I hopped on the first ferry I saw, which turned out to be going in the opposite direction. After a few moments of panic, I decided to ride to the final stop i.e. Teglholmen, an interesting residential area on water.

Q: If you could relive one day of your trip, which day would it be and why?
A: It’s hard to choose one day, but if I have to narrow it down, it would be walking the streets of Copenhagen taking in the sights of Nyhavn, palaces, museums etc; given it was my first impression of a Scandinavian country.

Q: What would you say to someone considering this tour or destination?
A: My answer would be similar to the response above re my feeling about travelling to these countries as a solo traveller.

Q: Any funny or unexpected stories from your trip you’d like to share?
A: I opted for room sharing, though a bit apprehensive. Not only did it turn out fine, but quite comical at times. Eg. we bonded over gossip news of Meghan Markle at Paris Fashion Week, watching Swedish television; it seemed we had the same sense of humour!

Q: Any tips or things you wish you’d known before going on a trip to Scandinavia?
A: There is no hot water / kettle in the hotel rooms; water is safe to drink from taps.