TRAVEL RESOURCE WEBSITES
Travel Insurance: We recommend that you protect yourself  from unforeseen circumstances while traveling. The Travel Guard "Protect Assist" insurance plan protects you in the event that you have to cancel your trip for a variety of reasons. It covers you for everything from your cancellation to Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Lost, Stolen or Damaged Luggage, Baggage Delay, Medical Expenses, Emergency Medical Transportation and more. This plan is ideally suited for adventure travel.
Pre- and post-trip accommodations: We recommend EDMONDS TRAVEL outside Seattle. They specialize in travel to Scandinavia. “KJ” is our primary contact person, she will help you book tickets. Call: 1-800-261-3868. Email: kj@edmondstravel.com
Weather: The coastal weather of Arctic Norway and Prince William Sound, Alaska summer time can bring strong winds and rain. Count on clouds and drizzle for at least half the time. Sunny days will be a welcome exception. Here the average temperatures range between the low 50's to 70’s.
The coastal weather of Sweden is usually warmer and sunnier than Norway, but be prepared for some strong winds or heavy rain. Summer temperatures in Sweden can reach into the 80's. At times, the elements can prohibit us from paddling or hiking but not from enjoying these spectacular places. Good rain gear and footwear will also enable us to explore the mountains, forests, coast and villages by foot. The summer weather in the mountains is variable like in most mountains. One day can be warm and sunny with the next being windy and drizzly, it’s even possible to see some snowfall.
The weather of Arctic Sweden wintertime can be anything from mild to freezing cold. Sometimes the temperatures can be above 32 degrees Fahrenheit but more often they will range between low 30's and into the 20's . If the wind is blowing the actual temperature will be even lower on our skin. We can expect cold and clear days with not a cloud in the sky but also windy and blustery days with maybe heavy snow fall.
The winter weather in Lofoten often varies dramatically. In the western and southern parts, there is not so much snow and seldom any frost. The mountains of "Vågakallen" and the "Svolvær Goat" in the east and north often don a winter coat, but even in these parts of Lofoten, the weather fluctuates between rain and snow. Temperatures can drop below 32 freezing but not by much. The wind and rain can make it feel colder though. Expect the best but be prepared for the worst!
The weather in Greece and Croatia is almost always sunny and warm. Temperatures can reach into the upper 90's. There are days with overcast though and we have experienced rain as well. Strong winds are not uncommon.
Currency: Each Scandinavian country has its own currency. Exchanges can be made at banks, airports, train stations and most hotels. Scandinavian currency is not interchangeable between countries as each has a different exchange rate value. Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Scandinavia. Sweden and Denmark are part of the European Union but have chosen not to use the Euro. Norway is not part of the EU. Travel checks are not used in Scandinavia. The banks will charge a stiff fee if you want travel checks cashed.
Greece is part of the European Union and are using Euro. Euro are accepted in restaurants and stores. Major credit cards are also excepted at many places. ATM machines are available at Kos.
The Croatian currency is the Kuna, which is divided into 100 lipas. The word "Kuna" means marten, a weasel-like animal, whose fur Croats used for payment many centuries ago. The lipa is a lime tree, but we don't know the connection here! The Kuna is overvalued but is nevertheless a stable currency. The current exchange rate between the kuna and various world currencies can be found at the Croatian National Bank. As of December 2007 US$1.00 = 5.10 Kunas. Our advice is to take a bank card/cash card instead of bringing cash. ATMs are readily available in Croatia. US Dollars and Euros are easily changeable in Croatia. Hotel exchange rates are usually quite poor, you'll be better off changing money in a bank or in one of numerous ExChange offices.
Language: English is Scandinavia's second language and is almost spoken fluently throughout. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to speak the native tongue. Phrase books and dictionaries are a great help. All our staff are bilingual and speak English as well as Norwegian or Swedish.
In Greece folks speak Greek and in Croatia folks speak Croatian, but many islanders might speak English as well.
Last minute assistance: If you need assistance shortly before departure or while traveling, you may call the following number for Crossing Latitudes:
Crossing Latitudes USA: 1-406-585-5356 or 1-800-572-8747 (toll free)
Crossing Latitudes Scandinavia: 070-670 11 53 (calls within Sweden)
Crossing Latitudes Scandinavia & Europe: +46 -70-670 11 53
Please leave your name, a message and a number where we can reach you.
We are looking forward to our adventure together!
Tim & Lena Conlan
Crossing Latitudes, Inc. |
