Sweden: Helgeandsholmen island in central Stockholm – home of the Riksdag Building and the Museum of Medieval Stockholm

November 1, 2019

NordenBladet – Helgeandsholmen is a small island in central Stockholm, Sweden. It is located north of Stadsholmen, and east of Strömsborg, with which, together with Riddarholmen, it forms Gamla stan, the old town of Stockholm. Helgeandsholmen contains the Riksdag Building and the Museum of Medieval Stockholm, and is connected to neighbouring islands through three bridges: Riksbron, Stallbron, and Norrbro.

The terrace in the eastern end, called Strömparterren (“The Stream Parterr”), is a public park with a restaurant dating from 1832, while the flight of stairs leading down to the water is from 1807-1810. The quay west of the Riksdag Building once surrounded Sweden’s central bank Sveriges Riksbank and was thus named Bankkajen (“The Bank Quay”), while the streets on southern and northern sides are called Norra/Södra Helgeandstrappan (“The Northern/Southern Helgeand Stairs”), all of them named in 1925.

First mentioned in a letter written in Latin July 28, 1320 the name ‘Helgeandsholmen’, a corruption of Helige andens holme (“Islet of the Holy Spirit”), appears as in insula dicta helghaanzsholm (“on the island called Helgeandsholm”). At the time, helgeandshus (Old Swedish: hälgha ands hus. hälandzhus, helghanzhhws, hälianshus) was a name used for charitable institutions spiritual in nature, in Stockholm first mentioned in a testament from April 24, 1301 (domus sancti spiritus).

Photos: 7x NordenBladet / Helena-Reet Ennet

Photo: Helgeandsholmen (Jan Ainali, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Foto: Google maps

History

A set of islets
Though one regular shaped island today, Helgeandsholmen was until quite recently a set of islets. Before the start of extensive archaeological excavations in 1978, it was traditionally believed that the present island once encompassed three islets:
– A larger main island to the south, called Helgeandsholmen from the 14th century. The excavations, however, convincingly showed that during the early Middle Ages this island in fact consisted of two smaller islets, of which we know absolutely nothing.
– And, north of this major island, two smaller ones, once the property of the abbey at Klara:
– One called Barkarholmen (“Bark Islet”), suggesting there was a tanning business here as bark was an important raw material for tanning. This islet was also known as Klosterholmen (“Abbey Islet”).
– And, east of Barkarholmen, a rocky islet called Lilla Stockholm (“Little Log Islet”) in the 16th century, renamed Bryggeriholmen (“Brewery Islet”) during the 17th century (in reference to a brewery in operation 1641-45), and after that called Slaktarholmen (“Butcher’s Islet”) after a slaughterhouse operating there. Lilla Stockholm disappeared when Norrbro was finally completed in 1806.

The Helgeand House
As mentioned above, a charitable institution organized by a pious foundation was located on the island, receiving sick people, poor and elderly as well as foreigners, and accepting donations from burghers in city, through which the institution became an important landowner. The original Helgeandshuset (“The House of the Holy Spirit”) probably dates back to the 13th century but is not mentioned until 1301. Rebuilt after a fire in 1410, it was moved to Riddarholmen by King Gustav Vasa (1496–1560) in 1531. Though the appearance of Helgeandshuset is not known, it is believed to have resembled similar institutions elsewhere and thus consist of a hospital ward and a church surrounded by other buildings and a graveyard.

Norrbro
Originally, Norrbro stretched diagonally across Helgeandsholmen from (what is today) Mynttorget to Gustav Adolfs torg. Though not mentioned until 1288, the first bridge is believed to have been built with the foundation of the city in 1252. Like virtually all bridges during the Middle Ages, Norrbro was built in wood, at the time considered appropriate as bridges then easily could be dismantled during sieges.

Drawbridges are mentioned in 1318, and the general urban code from the mid 14th century prescribes six cities around Lake Mälaren – Arboga, Enköping, Sigtuna, Strängnäs, Västerås and Uppsala – to share the costs of maintenance with Stockholm, thus indicating the bridge wasn’t merely of interest to the city, but a vital part of the regional road system. These neighbouring cities gradually came to question this obligation however, and during the 16th and 17th centuries Stockholm was, bit by bit, to take charge of the bridge alone.

Until the 1640s, the width of the street varied from 10 to 20 ells (5.9-11.9 metres), but as the northern settlements were incorporated with the city in 1635, so was Helgeandsholmen, and the standard street width was regulated. Governor Klas Fleming (1592–1644) had Norrbro straightened out, in line with his own site on the street, and the width set to 24 ells (14.3 metres).

Norrbro was rebuilt as one of the city’s first stone bridges, the northern section completed in 1797, and the southern in 1806.

City gates and fortifications
An inner gate, Norreport, is mentioned south of Helgeandsholmen in 1409, and an outer gate in the 1460s, but was probably older than that. Both gates were eventually supplied with defensive towers. In the early 15th century, the walls were extended and a western tower added to the fortifications, the entire structure being outdated later that century and finally demolished by 1672.

Royal Stables
Probably established on the island as early as 1535, Royal Stables were at first accommodated in the former hospital ward, and by 1612 given a for the purpose suitable building. First relocated north of Helgeandsholmen in the 1640s, they were moved back again in 1680 to a building designed by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder (1615–1684). Destroyed by a fire in 1696, the stables were immediately rebuilt in the design of Nicodemus Tessin the Younger (1654–1728), a structure surviving different alternations until the beginning of the 20th century.

Historical canals
Over the years, several canals have passed through today’s Helgeandsholmen, most notably between and south of the two palaces described above. Before post-glacial rebound made the canals unnecessary, spring floods was a serious problem often forcing the reconstruction of bridges and other structures, but by the 17th century the first canal was scrapped, the second when the Parliament Building was built in the early 20th century.

17th century structures
Needing access to a water mill, a royal workshop for the production of gun carriages, Lådmakaregården (“The Box Making Court”) was relocated to Barkholmen in the early 17th century, built on poles and reaching around Stockholmen. It was later demolished and replaced by the Gyldenklou House.

Having bought a site north of the Royal Stables in 1637, Klas Fleming had his private palace, Flemingska huset (“The Fleming House”), built after his own German-Dutch renaissance design, and, subsequently, the entire neighbourhood adapted to it. In 1696 however, the Crown bought the house to have it demolished for the extension of the stables.

During the 1640s, several people close to the Crown and Royal Court were allotted sites on Helgeandsholmen, and in 1645, Queen Christina donated the site north of The Fleming House to Anders Gyldenklou (-1665 ?), Secretary of the Chancellery, who had two buildings erected there, called Gyldenklouska huset (“The Gyldenklou House”), and subsequently sold to Lord High Chancellor (Riksdrots) Per Brahe (1602–1680). The palace, a Dutch renaissance structure four storeys tall with a stepped gable and called Braheska huset (“The Brahe house”) until its demolition, is often appearing next to the Fleming House in engravings and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. It was taken over by the Crown in 1696, and used for the royal administration after the fire at the Royal Palace in 1697. By 1770, the building was handed over to the Royal Stables, who used it for various purposes until its demolition in 1815.

Modern history
Completed in 1807-10, the semicircular space on Norrbro’s eastern side was first used as a storage space for fisheries, finally removed on the commands of the king in 1821. Ten years later, a park was established, at the time still with a canal passing through it. Opened to the public in 1832, it became the first municipal park in Stockholm. During the following 100 years, the park was furnished with various pavilions, bookstalls, and stages, and became a popular spot among the city’s society. By the 1930s however, the park had become abandoned and shabby, and it was therefore redesigned first in 1937-38, and then again following the archaeological operations in the 1970s.

A bazaar called Norrbro-basaren built on the western side of Norrbro in 1838-39, remained a vital social and commercial meeting place until its removal in 1903 for the creation of the small park in front of the Riksdag Building.

Photos: 2x NordenBladet /Helena-Reet Ennet

By the 1870s, the old Riksdag Building on Riddarholmen had become too small and was regarded as not representative enough, a problem also plaguing the Riksbank, then residing at the Järntorget square in Gamla stan. Helgeandsholmen was soon suggested as an appropriate site for both institutions, under the condition that the new structure didn’t overshadow the Royal Palace. The winning proposal from an architectural competition in the late 1880s was further developed by the architect Helgo Zettervall (1831–1907) assisted by Aron Johansson (1860–1936). The old buildings were demolished in 1893, and both institutions completed during 1897-1906. The Riksbank was moved to Brunkebergstorg in 1976, and the building taken over by the Riksdag.

Featured image: Helgeandsholmen with the Riksdagen, aerial view (Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Look also:

HOW TO DETERMINE if your Airbnb accommodation has secret cameras

Helena-Reet Ennet

September 13, 2019

NordenBladet – Security professionals share their knowledge on how to understand if there are secret cameras installed in the accommodation and how to protect yourself if you suspect you are being monitored.

When Nealie and Andrew Barker and their five children checked into a house through home-rental service Airbnb in March, they soon made an unsettling discovery that interrupted their European vacation. “We just found a camera hidden in a smoke alarm case in the private living room of a listing. We were traveling with children,” Nealie Barker wrote in a Facebook post. “The host admitted to the concealed camera over the phone only after presented with our irrefutable proof.“

Multiple Airbnb travelers have reported finding hidden cameras in their vacation rentals. Under Airbnb rules, hosts must disclose if they are actively recording on the property, and hosts are not allowed to use surveillance devices in bedrooms and bathrooms, even if they do disclose it. But what about the cameras that are not being disclosed?

Here are some sensible things you can do to make sure you are not being secretly watched during your Airbnb stay, according to security experts.

1. Look for objects out of place
Look for things in unusual places, said Carrie Kerskie, the CEO of Griffon Force, a Florida-based group that advises clients on identity theft and personal privacy concerns, like hidden cameras. “If you see a smoke detector in a place that looks kind of odd, if there are two of them kind of right next to each other, that could be a red flag,” Kerskie said.

2. Shine a light to pick up the reflection of lenses
One easy practice is turning off the lights in a room and using a light to slowly scan where you suspect a camera may be. “[Cameras] have a lens that is like glass,” Kerskie said. “If you’re looking at a clock radio that is next to the bed and you see an unusual spot that’s reflecting more than just the surface of it, that could be a sign.”

“If you turn off the lights and shine a [light] over a suspected device, you will most likely get a reflection off the lens,” said Andrew Barker, who found the hidden camera in his family’s Airbnb rental. “It is helpful but could also create false positives where something shiny in the device gives off a reflection and it isn’t actually a hidden camera.”

3. Scan the Wi-Fi network
This is how Barker, who works as an IT consultant, said he discovered the hidden camera in his family’s Airbnb rental. On his travel blog, he outlined how renters can use a network scanner app that will list the devices that are connected on the network, along with their IP addresses and their manufacturers. In Barker’s case, his suspicions were aroused when a manufacturer was named “IPCAMERA.”

Of course, if the hidden camera is being powered by a private network that you do not have access to use, a scan of your host’s Wi-Fi network will not pick it up. Understanding that not every hidden camera operates the same is part of the security challenge.

4. Unplug and cover your suspicions
If you suspect you’re being watched but can’t confirm it, one simple low-tech, low-cost solution to this anxiety is covering up objects of concern. “If you have suspicions about something in the room, like, for example, an alarm clock, it’s very simple to take a piece of clothing out of your suitcase and drape it over the alarm clock,” Plaxe said. “If there’s a lens there, it’s not going to capture any images of you with your T-shirt sitting over it.”

You can also unplug objects that do not need to be plugged in. Some hidden cameras need a plugged-in power source to function.

Featured image: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

TWO-WEEK road trip with children to Finland – the planning of the trip, the route, and travel blog with photos

Helena-Reet Ennet

August 19, 2019

NordenBladet – Travelling in the Nordic countries is safe and within a short time you are able to visit several sightseeings. The Nordic people themselves prefer to travel more and more in the home country and other Nordic countries since the native culture, the beautiful nature, the high quality services and modern opportunities outmatch any distant journey.

NordenBladet journalists bring the best travel blogs and the most interesting events throughout Scandinavia as well as more broadly the Nordic countries to the Nordic reader in four languages (English, Finnish, Swedish, Estonian). Our travel rubrics are read by more than 750 000 readers monthly. So what is it that makes the Northern countries so mystical and interesting? The answer is simple – the many centuries of local culture and intact nature! The affection towards your cultural heritage and the desire to preserve it for your children is ingrained deep inside every long time Nordic inhabitant. The weather is less and less the object of whining since there are plenty of exciting things to do around the year in the Nordic countries.

In this blog I give a glimpse and an overview about the two-week holiday travel in Finland. A similar travel would be easy to plan for Estonian, Swedish, Norwegian as well as Finnish citizens themselves, because the departure need not be just Helsinki but also elswhere. The Nordic countries enjoy well built roads and crossing the borders inside Scandinavia is convenient when you are local.

Why choose travelling by car?
When travelling with children there will always be a lot of luggage and since the car carries the luggage you have less worries. Travelling by car you will be able to plan the time and make stops whenever you feel like. I also like that you will be able to see places that the typical tourist won’t visit. The brightest and most memorable recollections are from completely random places where as a member of a group of tourists you would never end up. HERE I have brought out eight reasons why it is great to travel by car in the Nordic countries.

How to plan a road trip?
The planning of a road trip is by large like the planning of any other travel. Settle the destinations that you wish to visit. Find out more about those places – what are the sightseeings, where they are located, what do they cost, where you can dine and where you can find accommodation. It is reasonable to write down the most important information, this makes it easy to grasp everything while on the road. One thing I have repeatedly realized is that though it might seem comfortable just in case to take along as many things as possible, it is still wiser to make a list and bring with you only the inevitable – the less the easier! It is also reasonable to pack the suitcases so that when going to the hotel in the evening you needn’t bring with you the entire luggage every time – sort all the clothes and things so that you can leave some in the luggage room of the car. During the road trip it is also important to keep an eye on the gas display – in the countryside the distances are greater and there are less petrol stations and shops – not to remain on the road you would rather need to refuel often.

For these two weeks I made the following schedule:
Day 1, October 20, Helsinki-Tampere
2 hrs 26 min (2016.8 km) via Route 25 or E12
accommodation: hotel booked in advance
sightseeings and noteworthy spots to be visited on the way: a printed list prepared
lunch: on the road (approximate cost XX)
dinner: in the hotel or in Tampere town (approximate cost XX)

This way I prepared information for each day (how long to drive every day, how long it will take and what we could visit. When driving alone it is wise to drive no longer than five hours daily, and sometimes it is wise to take days off to stay at the same place for many days. Even when driving just a couple hundred kilometres per day it will become boring for yourself as well as the kids. I divided the travel distance so that along the driving part we also spent time off the road in the same location for some time. Besides the distances from one town to another you would need to also consider the driving around in the settlements, and also on the road you might like to digress from time to time to side streets. As we took pictures practically on every step then we also preplanned the time for taking selfies and making posts to Instagram. The best kind of travel is one where you needn’t be stressed about the time schedule and thus is is reasonable not to overbook the days and even leave extra time for each activity.

How much does it cost to travel in Finland for two weeks?
That’s a good question. By and large the cost is built up in the following way: transport (gas), accommodation (hotel* or airbnb*), meals (breakfast in the hotel or the food you have taken along, lunch on the road, dinner in a restaurant), the sightseeings and the spare time (museum tickets, visits to tourist attractions, SPA tickets), shopping (souvenirs, clothes, etc). Shopping is often not a preplanned part of travelling, but it tends to be that it rarely happens that one travels without any shopping, especially during a vacation travel. In my travel blogs I have outlined the petrol prices, the hotel costs, the restaurants expenditures, etc. Since obviously the maximum cost may vary from traveller to traveller, then I suggest setting the minimum costs: daily food (ca 20-30 EUR per person/daily), hotel accommodation 150 EUR (two adults and one child or one adult with two children). In the restaurants the price levels are roundly the following: main course (from 20-40 EUR); salad (from 15-25 EUR), in the cafes and department store dining places the prices are better.

The three of us practically circled Finland withing these 12 days, taking stops in Levi, Rovaniemi, and Kuopio for two nights, in other destinations one night. On this image you’ll see our exact travel route. Below there are all the travel blog posts made during the journey. The blog posts, as usual, can be read in four languages (see NordenBladet.ee; NordenBladet.com; NordenBladet.se and from NordenBladet.fi the Helena-Reet blog section)!

2 weeks in Finland – itinerary, travel posts and travel galleries by Helena-Reet Ennet

Helena-Reet: A big trip to Finland coming up next week! Searching for extremeness and ultimate luxury
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69713-helena-reet-a-big-trip-to-finland-coming-up-next-week-searching-for-extremeness-and-ultimate-luxury

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland – DONE! (VOL1: Tallinn-Helsinki-Nurmijärvi-Riihimäki-Hämeenlinna-Tampere) + PHOTOS!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69773-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-done-vol1-tallinn-helsinki-nurmijarvi-riihimaki-hameenlinna-tampere-photos

Helena-Reet: Around Finland on a road trip with children (VOL2: Impressions from Tampere – sightseeings and a lot more) + TRAVEL PHOTOS!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69782-helena-reet-around-finland-on-a-road-trip-with-children-vol2-impressions-from-tampere-sightseeings-and-a-lot-more-travel-photos

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL3: Vaasa – ruins of Korsholm castle, Mannerheim, Airbnb renthouse etc) + PHOTOS!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69820-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-vol3-vaasa-ruins-of-korsholm-castle-mannerheim-airbnb-renthouse-etc-photos

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL4: Journey from Vöyri near Vaasa and through Kokkola and Kalajoki Oulu and the evening in SPA) + PHOTOS!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69823-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-vol4-journey-from-voyri-near-vaasa-and-through-kokkola-and-kalajoki-oulu-and-the-evening-in-spa-photos

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL5 – Oulu sightseeings, Kemi, Tornio and the journey through Kolari to Levi) + MANY PHOTOS & INFOLINKS!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69828-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-vol5-oulu-sightseeings-kemi-tornio-and-the-journey-through-kolari-to-levi-many-photos-infolinks

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL6 – Levi Hotel SPA in Sirkka, restaurant Kekäle, magnificent nature, ski slopes, etc) + MANY PHOTOS!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69835-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-vol6-levi-hotel-spa-in-sirkka-restaurant-kekale-magnificent-nature-ski-slopes-etc-many-photos

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL7 – from Kittilä to Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Holiday Village etc) + TRAVEL PHOTOS!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69909-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-vol7-from-kittila-to-rovaniemi-santa-claus-holiday-village-etc-travel-photos

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL8 – from Rovaniemi through Ranua, Pudasjärvi and Puolanka to Kajaani) + PHOTOS!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69912-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-vol8-from-rovaniemi-through-ranua-pudasjarvi-and-puolanka-to-kajaani-photos

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL9 – Central Finland, Kajaani) the sightseeings + travel photos!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69915-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-vol9-central-finland-kajaani-the-sightseeings-travel-photos

Helena-Reet: With children on a road trip around Finland (VOL 10 – in Central Finland, Kuopio) Sightseeings + Travel photos!
https://nordenbladet.com/articles/69932-helena-reet-with-children-on-a-road-trip-around-finland-vol-10-in-central-finland-kuopio-sightseeings-travel-photos

*affiliate links

Apply now! NORAM Scholarships for Americans to study in Norway

Helena-Reet Ennet

July 4, 2019

NordenBladet – The purpose of the scholarships is to provide financial support for Americans to study in Norway. By supporting post-graduate study or research in areas of mutual importance to Norway and the United States, we hope to bring the two countries closer. Through awarding scholarships to American students and researchers, we invest in the growth of knowledge and understanding and it will strengthen the ties of friendship between the two countries.

Every year, NORAM (The Norway-America Association, Rådhusgaten 23 B, NO-0158 Oslo) offers up to ten scholarships to American students, based on merit and need. The amounts vary from 10 000 kr – 40 000 kr. The size of the individual grants will depend on the research subject, purpose and the intended length of stay in Norway.

Information on studies in Norway, and on the Norwegian system of higher education, can be found here: Study in Norway.

The application deadline is April 1st 2020 for fall 2020-spring 2021. Applications will open in January 2020.

Terms of the awards
Applicant:
Must be American citizen, planning to study/or currently studying in Norway.

Education:
Scholarships are only for full-time graduate level studies, both exchange and whole degree in Norway. Online courses are not approved.
The project description must be of academic merit, and the project must be feasible within the framework proposed.
Students can apply without being accepted to an institution before the application deadline, but must submit documentation of admission/invitation if awarded a scholarship.
The project/academic field must be of mutual benefit to the two countries.

Scholarship period and length:
The scholarships are given within the academic year (August 1st – May 31st), and are awarded one year at a time. Keep in mind that one can only be awarded two times.
The program period has to be minimum three months.
Applicants who are awarded/have applied for funding from other sources for the same application period applied must notify NORAM about this.

Read How to apply for NORAM scholarship here

Featured image: Norway (Pexels/monicore)

HYGGE – a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness. What is Scandinavian Hygge? 10 common questions with answers

Helena-Reet Ennet

May 20, 2019

NordenBladet – Hygge (/ˈhjuːɡə/ HEW-gə or /ˈhuːɡə/ HOO-gə) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. As a cultural category with its sets of associated practices hygge has more or less the same meanings in Danish and Norwegian, but the notion is more central in Denmark than Norway. The emphasis on hygge as a part of Danish culture is a recent phenomenon, dating to the late 20th century.

Etymology
The word hygge comes from a Danish word meaning “to give courage, comfort, joy”. Hygge stems from hyggja which means to think in Old Norse. Hygge is built from the Old Norse word hugr which later became the hug which means the soul, mind, consciousness. In Swedish Hygge is a harvested forest area.

But it is also speculated that hygge might originate from the word hug. Hug comes from the 1560s word hugge, which means “to embrace”. The word hugge is of unknown origin but is highly associated with an Old Norse term, hygga, which means “to comfort”, which comes from the word hugr, meaning “mood”. In turn, the word comes from the Germanic word hugyan, which relates to the Old English hycgan, meaning “to think, consider”.

It first appeared in Danish writing in the 19th Century and has since evolved into the cultural idea known in Denmark and Norway today. While hygge has exactly the same meaning in Norwegian as in Danish and is a widely used word in Denmark (including in its derived forms, such as hyggelig), the emphasis specifically on “hygge” as an important part of their cultural identity is mostly a recent Danish phenomenon; in Norway “hygge” is just a word, similar in status to “cozy” in English-speaking countries.

Use
In both Danish and Norwegian, hygge refers to “a form of everyday togetherness”, “a pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of safety, equality, personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow”.

The noun hygge includes something nice, cozy, safe and known, referring to a psychological state.

In popular culture
Collins English Dictionary named hygge the runner-up (after “Brexit”) as word of the year in the UK in 2016. This followed a period during which several books focusing on hygge had been marketed in the UK, such as The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness by Marie Tourell Søderberg, and The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well by Louisa Thomsen Brits.

In the Broadway musical Frozen, there is a song called ‘Hygge’, which is all about being comfortable.

In Australian soap opera Neighbours, Jemima Davies-Smythe incorporates hygge into a redesign of her half-brother Karl Kennedy’s living room.

Collins English Dictionary defines the word as “a concept, originating in Denmark, of creating cosy and convivial atmospheres that promote wellbeing”.

Similar words:
* The Dutch word gezelligheid has a similar concept to hygge with both pertaining to comfort and cosiness, but is often more socially oriented.
* In German Gemütlichkeit means the state of warmth, friendliness and belonging.
* The Norwegian adjective koselig is used to describe a feeling of warmth, intimacy and getting together in an agreeable environment.
* The Swedish adjective mysig (and its associated noun mys) describes a pleasant and warm atmosphere of togetherness in a pleasant setting.
* The Japanese adjective/verb mattari has a similar meaning to be/have a comfortable, calm and pleasant time, but it is also applicable to a situation being alone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpU5QBFnaHD/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpjJVuQHckX/

1. What is Scandinavian Hygge?
Hygge (/ˈhjuːɡə/ HEW-gə or /ˈhuːɡə/ HOO-gə) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. … The emphasis on hygge as a part of Danish culture is a recent phenomenon, dating to the late 20th century.

2. What is Hygge style?
It’s called hygge. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this Danish expression is an attitude towards life that emphasizes finding joy in everyday moments. Rather than drudge through the winter, hygge is about celebrating coziness, warmth and family, as well as practicing mindfulness — and TBH, we love it.

3. What is Hygge life?
Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is the Danish art of creating joy & coziness in life’s everyday moments, whatever the season or time of day.

4. How do I get more Hygge?
To achieve optimal hygge in your own home, grab a warm drink, put on your chunkiest sweater, and check out the below tips.

HEAT THINGS UP.
BRING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE.
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS.
STREAMLINE.
REACH FOR SOMETHING SOFT.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OBJECTS THAT TELL A STORY.
KEEP THE HOT DRINKS COMING.
SET THE TABLE.

5. How do you make a Hygge?
Here are 8 ways to bring a little hygge into your home.

By Candlelight. When Danes are asked what they most associate with hygge, the vast majority will say candles. …
Find Natural Elements.
Bring in the Books.
Create The Nook.
Feature the Fireplace.
Invoke A Warm Color Palette.
Layer in Textures.
Allow for Vintage Touches.

6. How do you use Hygge in a sentence?
Step One. Hygge is considered by the Danes to be a way of life – a northern European form of maximizing the feeling of peace and comfort. No surprise the winter is the most hygge time of year. So, step number one to bringing hygge into your life is to use it in a relevant, everyday sentence.

7. What is Hygge in Denmark?
Hygge: The Danish Art of Cosiness. Hygge is as Danish as æbleskiver and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul. In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge.

The art of Danish hygge
Hard to explain and even harder to pronounce, the Danish word hygge (sounds a bitlike “hooga”) roughly translates to coziness, but that definition doesn’t quite cover it.

Hygge is as Danish as pork roast and cold beer and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul. In essence, hygge means creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people around you. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Friends and family – that’s hygge too. And let’s not forget the eating and drinking – preferably sitting around the table for hours on end discussing the big andsmall things in life. Perhaps the Danish idea of hygge explains why the Danes are often considered the happiest people in the world?

The high season of hygge
The high season of hygge is Christmas. Danes lead a secular lifestyle but when itcomes to religious holidays, they pull out the stops. Danish winters are known to belong and dark, and so the Danes fight the darkness with their best weapon: hygge, andthe millions of candles that go with it. If you have ever been to Tivoli Gardens or walked the streets of Copenhagen during the festive season, you have an idea of whatDanes can do with lighting, mulled wine (known as gløgg for the locals), blankets and oversize scarves. If you haven’t maybe it’s time you try.

Summer hygge
If you plan on visiting Denmark during the summer months don’t despair. Hygge issomething that happens all year round. Picnics in the park, barbeques with friends,outdoor concerts, street festivals and bike rides can all be very hygge, especiallywhen done the Danish way.

The origins of Danish hygge
Hygge didn’t originate in the Danish language but in Norwegian, where it meant something like “well-being.” It first appeared in Danish writing around the end of the18th Century and the Danes have embraced it ever since. One good thing about hyggeis that you can apply it anywhere, and Danes allocate it generously to everything commonplace, as you will surely find out on your visit to Denmark.

8. Why is Hygge important?
Why “hygge” is so important and helps reduces stress… Because Danes see “hygge” as a way of life, we all try to make it happen. That is, a cozy time together with family and friends. Feeling connected to others gives meaning and purpose to all of our lives and this is why Danes value hygge so highly.

9. Is Hygge a verb?
In both Danish and Norwegian, hygge refers to “a form of everyday togetherness”, “a pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of safety, equality, personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow”. The noun hygge includes something nice, cozy, safe and known, referring to a psychological state.

10. Where did Hygge originate?
In turn, the word comes from the Germanic word hugyan, which relates to the Old English hycgan, meaning “to think, consider”. It first appeared in Danish writing in the 19th Century and has since evolved into the cultural idea known in Denmark and Norway today.

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8 REASONS why you should go on a road trip in Nordic countries

Helena-Reet Ennet

May 9, 2019

NordenBladet – More and more people love to spend their holidays in Scandinavia because there is safe, amazing nature and a lot to do and everybody are obsessed with Scandinavian culture! This year NordenBladet gave out a Finland´s travel guide where you can follow one family trip around Finland. While the term “Scandinavia” is commonly used for Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the term “Nordic countries” is used unambiguously for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Iceland, including their associated territories (Svalbard, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Åland Islands).

Travel is glorious in any form. The food, sights, arts, culture, languages, and new friends just make it such an enjoyable experience. These are many reasons why it is good to travel by car. Here are few of them:

1. You can make your own itinerary
Travelling by car is great because of the flexibility – you can travel any time, anywhere. You are on your own schedule, and can make unexpected stops. See a little cafeteria by the side of the road? Stop and while away the afternoon, talking with the owner. You manage your own time. You can move quickly from one place to another. You don’t have to waste your time and wait for a bus, train or flight. No waiting at all!

Photo: Denmark (Pexels/Pixabay)

Car trip around Finland – Ivanka Shoshana and Estella Elisheva in Tornio´s cafeteria (NordenBladet/ Helena-Reet Ennet)

2. It is easy to carry your things
If you are travelling with goods, perhaps your shopping, or suitcase if you are going on a holiday it is easier to transport these in your car rather than using public transport which is not secure and is short of storage space.

3. Miles of scenery
Besides topping the list of the world’s happiest nations list, Nordic countries are also leaders in education, gender equality, cleantech, healthtech, biotech, food sustainability and more. Nordics represent a true knowledge society, the high tech and the charm of bustling cities, well-preserved countryside, summer cottages and castles. The best part of driving through Nordic countries is taking in all of the beautiful scenery. You will be amazed at just how vast and diverse some of the landscapes are. A typical Scandinavian / Nordic road trip involves driving through days’ worth of dense pine forests and sweeping farmlands and more lakes than you could possibly count.

Photos: 3x NordenBladet (Helena-Reet Ennet)

4. Nordic countryside is mystical
Nordics have a deep respect for their history and environment. In some countries, you need to drive for hours to reach roads surrounded by forests, fields and lakes. In Nordic countries, it’s exactly the opposite. Nature is around you everywhere, even in urban areas. Travelling through all of this scenery by car gives you a greater sense of freedom to venture wherever you want. Even getting lost is worthwhile. Traversing the rural roads can turn up some amazing sights, which you otherwise might not have seen, and will help you feel completely off the grid and at peace. If you do want to stay on the beaten path and visit the tourist attractions, travelling by car allows you to see as many as you want in a single trip.

Photo: Pexels (Jonathan Petersson)

5. Meeting the wildlife
While exploring sights and scenery, you will inevitably encounter some of Norden’s amazing wildlife such as birds, deer, and if you’re lucky, moose. It’s best to be wary of moose however, since they can dart from the forest onto the road without warning and cause many car accidents every year. As soon as you cross the Arctic Circle, your chances to meet reindeer on the road increase extensively. When you meet one, you’re very likely to meet the whole family, as reindeer hardly ever walk alone. Reindeer are walking on the road, in no hurry at all, and your best option is to drive behind them until they decide to go back into the woods. So make sure you don’t plan too tight of a schedule for a road trip in Lapland.

Photo: Pexels (Frans Van Heerden)

6. Camp in the country side or stay in some quirky hotels
There are many campsites and places to park a caravan, plus everyman’s rights mean you are free to pitch a tent anywhere (apart from somebody else’s garden). If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hotels up and down the country to stay the night, some of them highly unusual.

7. Bring your bike
A Nordic road trip doesn’t have to be done entirely by car. By hitching a bike onto your car, you can stop off at any of Scandinavia’s thousands of cycling paths to see even more nature inaccessible by road. All of the National Parks and hiking trails have their own car parks and some have campsites. Biking is a healthy choice, integrated into one’s lifestyle, cheap, in touch with the city and absolute fun kind of freedom.

8. Small town charm
Each of the small towns and villages you will pass through on a road trip through Nordic countries have a retro charm, some almost feeling as if they have been paused in time. Most will have amenities such as petrol stations, supermarkets, and kiosks to buy ice cream. You can also find hidden gems you won’t find in guide books, such as old churches and classic wooden buildings. Locals might come across as stand-offish at first, but once you talk to them you will likely find them friendly and helpful.

NordenBladet´s 2 weeks in Finland by car – itinerary:

You might also like these articles:
GoFinland.fi: Your guide for planning a successful road trip in Finland
https://www.gofinland.fi/blog/road-trip-in-finland/

OurLifeOurTravel.com: Finland Road Trip Itinerary – Things to See in Finland in 2 Weeks
https://ourlifeourtravel.com/finland-road-trip-itinerary-2-weeks/

VisitFinland.com: Tour Finland by Car
https://www.visitfinland.com/article/tour-finland-by-car/

AutoEurope.com: Top Destinations to Visit in Finland
https://www.autoeurope.com/road-trip-planner/scandinavia/places-to-visit-in-finland/

TheRoadTripGuy.com: Finland Road Trip Itinerary – Santa Clause, Reindeer, Sauna & Mosquitos!
https://theroadtripguy.com/finland-road-trip/

LiveNowDreamLater.net: Coastal Road Trip Through Finland: The Highlights From South To North And Back!
https://www.livenowdreamlater.net/en/2016/08/08/coastal-road-trip-finland/

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The Definition, History & Principles of Ethical Travel: What Is ECOTOURISM? + 17 Responsible travel tips

Helena-Reet Ennet

May 8, 2019

NordenBladet – In recent years, the growth of interest in responsible travel has outpaced that of traditional sun/sand tourism by an increasingly wide margin. What is ecotourism? How does it work? Why does it matter? And how can we, as travelers, put the core principles of ecotourism into practice?

With some experts estimating that ecotourism now represents 11.4% of all consumer spending, these sorts of questions have become more and more common. And, as we continue to see more negative impacts of mass tourism on beloved destinations around the world, the answers to these questions will become increasingly vital. Part of the confusion surrounding sustainable travel is the plethora of names being used for it within the industry.

Ecotourism, a movement that began to take shape back in the 1980s, is the oldest and most commonly used word for it. More recent industry buzzwords include sustainable tourism, green tourism, nature tourism, responsible tourism, ethical tourism, mindful travel, conscious travel, pro-poor tourism, and many others.

Regardless of what you call it, the central concepts that these philosophies share in common are that the travel industry as a whole should adopt more environmentally friendly practices, protect the natural and cultural heritage of a destination, and support local communities.

1. What is ecotourism?
2. Ecotourism´s history
3. Responsible travel tips

What is eco tourism?
Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial mass tourism. It means responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s, ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism.

Generally, ecotourism deals with interaction with biotic components of the natural environments. Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists an insight into the impact of human beings on the environment and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism programs include those that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to advocates of environmental and social responsibility.

Many consider the term “ecotourism”, like “sustainable tourism”, an oxymoron. Like most forms of tourism, ecotourism generally depends on air transportation, which contributes to global climate change. Additionally, “the overall effect of sustainable tourism is negative where like ecotourism philanthropic aspirations mask hard-nosed immediate self-interest.

Ecotourism is tourism which is conducted responsibly to conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of local people. It…

1) Builds environmental awareness
2) Provides direct financial benefits for conservation
3) Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people
4) Respects local culture
5) Supports human rights and democratic movements such as:
– conservation of biological diversity and cultural diversity through ecosystem protection
– promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local populations
– sharing of all socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous peoples by having their informed consent and participation in the management of ecotourism enterprises
– tourism to unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment being a primary concern.
– minimization of tourism’s own environmental impact
– affordability and lack of waste in the form of luxury
– local culture, flora, and fauna being the main attractions
– local people, who benefit from this form of tourism economically, and often more than mass tourism

The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education”.

For many countries, ecotourism is not simply a marginal activity to finance protection of the environment, but a major industry of the national economy. For example, in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nepal, Kenya, Madagascar and territories such as Antarctica, ecotourism represents a significant portion of the gross domestic product and economic activity.

Ecotourism is often misinterpreted as any form of tourism that involves nature. Self-proclaimed practitioners and hosts of ecotourism experiences assume it is achieved by simply creating destinations in natural areas. According to critics of this commonplace and assumptive practice, true ecotourism must, above all, sensitize people to the beauty and the fragility of nature. These critics condemn some operators as greenwashing their operations: using the labels of “green” and “eco-friendly”, while behaving in environmentally irresponsible ways.

Although academics disagree about who can be classified as an ecotourist and there is little statistical data, some estimate that more than five million ecotourists—the majority of the ecotourist population—come from the United States, with many others from Western Europe, Canada and Australia.

Currently, there are various moves to create national and international ecotourism accreditation programs, although the process is also controversial. National ecotourism certification programs have been put in place in countries such as Costa Rica, Australia, Kenya, Estonia, and Sweden.

Ecotourism´s history
Ecotourism is a late 20th-century neologism compounded from eco- and tourism. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ecotour was first recorded in 1973 and ecotourism, “probably after ecotour”, in 1982.

– ecotour, n. … A tour of or visit to an area of ecological interest, usually with an educational element; (in later use also) a similar tour or visit designed to have as little detrimental effect on the ecology as possible or undertaken with the specific aim of helping conservation efforts.
– ecotourism, n. … Tourism to areas of ecological interest (typically exotic and often threatened natural environments), esp. to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife; spec. access to an endangered environment controlled so as to have the least possible adverse effect.

One source claims the terms were used earlier. Claus-Dieter (Nick) Hetzer, an academic and adventurer from Forum International in Berkeley, CA, supposedly coined ecotourism in 1965 and ran the first ecotours in the Yucatán during the early 1970s.

17 Responsible travel tips:

1. Eat local
t’s fun to try the famous restaurants recommended by Lonely Planet or ranked highly on TripAdvisor, but try some small, Mom-and-Pop shops too. This way, you’re contributing to small businesses where your money is needed more than the eateries that are always bustling with visitors.

2. Shop local
Shop at local food markets whenever possible. Buy souvenirs from artisan as opposed to big shops. Spread your money around, and support the “little guy.”

3. Find non-profits
Research non-profits in the area you are visiting and support in any way you’re able. For example, along our travels we’ve found many places there are restaurants that hire staff of all abilities, serve only locally-produced food or give a portion of proceeds to charity. For instance, when we were in Cambodia, we found several cafes and hotels that gave back to those in need.

4. Share your experience
Pay it forward and shout out great companies. When a restaurant, hotel or tour organization is doing good things (paying staff fairly, protecting the environment, giving back to their community), tell the world!

Write them a glowing review on TripAdvisor, and if you’re active on social media share your experience there too. If something just doesn’t feel right about a company, share that as well. The only way we as travelers can make informed decisions is by hearing from others’ experience.

Help others choose good companies. With our support, those companies doing the right thing will grow while those following unsavory practices will realize they need to change.

5. Be wary of animal attractions

Do thorough research on any attraction that involves animals. More often than not, they are destructive to the creatures involved. When you partake in these activities your money supports the harm of animals, and this tells the people running these attractions that it’s okay.

Do your own research about animal attractions that interest you and make a well-informed decision. A few of the popular animal tourism attractions that we have chosen NOT to support are: Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines, Riding on the back of elephants anywhere in the world, Visiting Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai etc.

6. Use reusable Bag
Bring reusable bags (or an old plastic bag) to convenience stores or markets to prevent waste. Travel with these Eco-Friendly Products to help reduce waste and conserve water.

7. Don’t litter
Ever. Even if the locals do. For every local who litters, there are many who don’t. Seeing a foreigner throw trash on the ground in their home can be seen as very disrespectful.

8. Drink from the tap
Use a water purifying system to cut down on plastic bottle waste. (We love our SteriPen!)

9. Recycle when possible
For some reason, it’s easy to forget about recycling when you’re not at home. We know this all too well. But we are trying to make a conscious effort to remember to recycle no matter where in the world we may be.

10. Lights out
Save electricity by turning off the lights and air-conditioning when you leave your room.

11. Say no to straws
Order your smoothies and iced coffees WITHOUT a straw. Did you know that straws are in the top 10 items collected in beach cleanups. In fact, plastic products make up 90 percent of trash floating in the world’s oceans. We aren’t perfect, but we’re trying our best to say no to straws and reduce the amount of single-use plastic we use.

12. Order food wisely
Only order as much food as you can eat and try not to waste. A lot of the time our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, so we start slow and know that we can always order more if we’re still hungry.

13. Give maps a second life
After using a map or brochure of a city, leave it at your hotel desk for future guests to use instead of throwing it in the trash. Better yet, if you’re tech-savvy, download your location in Google Maps on your phone when you’re in wi-fi, turn on your GPS tracking abilities, and you’ll be able to get your location even when you’re out of cell service! Yeah, it’s pretty much the best thing ever. And there’s no paper wasted!

14. Use public transportation
Hop on the metro, the train or a bus when possible to minimize your impact on the environment. Or even better yet, rent a bicycle for an excellent way to see a city while getting a bit of exercise in!

15. Use reef safe sunscreen
Did you know that most sunscreens contain chemicals that bleach coral reefs? Whether you’re on a scuba diving holiday or you just want to go for a swim, be sure to use a sunscreen labeled as “reef safe” if you plan on being in the ocean at all. The fishies and coral they call home will thank you!

16. Consider carbon offsetting
There’s no denying the toll air travel takes on the environment. It is a huge source of pollution, and by flying around the world you are contributing to it.

The next time you book a flight, consider offsetting your carbon footprint. Basically, this means for each ton of CO2 your flight will emit, you can prevent the same amount from polluting the atmosphere elsewhere. Don’t worry, there are programs that can calculate your carbon emissions for you, and this article explains carbon offsetting and some reputable organizations you can donate to.

17. Follow the rules
Pay attention and respect signs at tourist attractions. When it says, “Don’t climb” – DON’T CLIMB. When it says, “Don’t take photos” – DON’T TAKE PHOTOS. It’s simple, but many tourists overlook this. Often times these signs are in place for a good reason: to reduce erosion, to protect a holy site for future generations, or even to keep people safe. Respect these rules. Remember that you are a visitor.

Featured image: Pexels/Nappy

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TOP 12 Environmentally friendly attractions in Norway

Helena-Reet Ennet

May 8, 2019

NordenBladet – There are many places in Norway that follow the principles of eco-sustainability. Fjords, towering mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, northern lights and countless rivers: in Norway, nature is pure spectacle and the landscapes leave you breathless. They need to preserve and conserve this heritage, and Norway knows it. Environmental sustainability is part of the tradition of the country that now has become the undisputed leader in the fight against CO2 emissions. Welcome to the top 12 eco-tourism attractions in Norway.

Geilo, mountain village in southern Norway
Geilo is a centre in the municipality of Hol in Buskerud, Norway. Geilo is primarily a ski resort town, with around 2,300 inhabitants. It is situated in the valley of Hallingdal, 250 km from Oslo and 260 km from Bergen. The Bergen Line facilitated Geilo’s development as the first skiing resort in the country, and it is still one of the largest. It is also known for having some of the most luxurious and expensive holiday cabins in Norway. The center of the town lies at 800 meters above sea level, and its highest point is 1178 meters above sea level. Geilo became famous after becoming one of the first ski destinations in Norway. But now the town offers much more. Its high mountains and its immense forests are the perfect place for many outdoor activities, from bike to dogsledding. The community invests in innovative energy sources and promotes local producers.

Jotunheimen
Jotunheimen is a mountainous area of roughly 3,500 km² in southern Norway and is part of the long range known as the Scandinavian Mountains. The 29 highest mountains in Norway are all in Jotunheimen, including the very highest – Galdhøpiggen (2469 m). Jotunheimen straddles the border between the counties of Oppland and Sogn og Fjordane. Jotunheimen, meaning “The Home of the Giants,” is a breathtaking span of mountains lying in the heart of Norway. Take in the cold mountain air of one of the world’s greenest countries while hiking alongside abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes. With over 2,000 miles of marked trails, rich cultural attractions and majestic scenery, the area is popular among hikers and climbers. Plan to visit the Norwegian Mountain Museum, which offers a unique perspective exploring the interaction between humans and mountains. Another attraction worth visiting is Haukdalen, a picturesque traditional smallholding in Lom with beautiful gardens and art exhibits. Also in Lom is the open-air museum Bygdamuseum, which allows visitors to experience the life of traditional Norsemen. A short distance away is a beautiful twelfth century stave church still in use today, and is open to visitors. Other attractions include herb gardens, waterfalls, glacier walks, boating and cultural museums. Make it a multi-day trip and bring a tent, as camping is allowed almost everywhere in Jotunheimen.

Trysil, Norway ski destination
Trysil is a municipality in Hedmark county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Østerdalen. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Innbygda. Trysil is one of the first destinations in Europe to be certified with Sustainable Tourism. We are near the border with Sweden, immersed in a wild and unspoiled nature. Trisyl is the largest ski resort in Norway, but in addition the ski sport, this tourist destination offers an impressive list of eco-friendly activities for every season: rafting, hiking, fishing, safaris, sleigh rides and mountain bike trails. The area is also inhabited by wild animals such as bear, wolf, lynx, eagles and deer.

The Hardangerfjord
The Hardangerfjord (English: Hardanger Fjord) is the fourth longest fjord in the world, and the second longest fjord in Norway. It is located in Hordaland county in the Hardanger region. The fjord stretches 179 kilometres (111 mi) from the Atlantic Ocean into the mountainous interior of Norway along the Hardangervidda plateau. The innermost point of the fjord reaches the town of Odda. No Norwegian destination list would be complete without mention of the country’s iconic fjords. Though it is a world-famous tourist destination, Norway has received honors from National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations due to its conservation efforts and rural land preservation. The Hardanger fjord, just south of the large international town of Bergen, is the third-largest in the world and second-largest in Norway. There are many ways to explore its more than 100 miles, including guided tours and kayaking. A boat ride through the fjord will take you along a landscape speckled with colorful houses, through snow-capped mountains and past glaciers and waterfalls. Springtime along the fjord also boasts beautiful blooming fruit trees. Other nearby cultural experiences include the Hardanger Folk Museum, which features local culture; the Hardangervidda Nature Center, which focuses on human-environment interaction, and the Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter, a traditional boat museum. Be sure to try some local fish while you’re there too—Bergen is one of the top fishing regions in the world.

Lærdal, the best preserved wooden church in Norway
Lærdal is a municipality in the southeastern part of Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. It is located on the south side of the Sognefjorden in the traditional district of Sogn. The administrative center of the municipality is the village of Lærdalsøyri. The old Filefjell Kongevegen road passes through Lærdal on its way to Valdres and later to Oslo. An old wooden church dating back to 1180, surrounded by pristine landscapes, spectacular and lush peaks and beautiful fjord: this is Lærdal. The resort is committed to preserving natural areas and cultural heritage such as Borgund Church and the ancient town of Lærdalsøyri with its 160 wooden buildings. It promotes environmental sustainability among local businesses and is committed to saving water.

Skaland, Norway (Pexels/Tobias Bjørkli)

Vågan, Norway (Pexels/Tobias Bjørkli)

Vågan, Norway (Pexels/Tobias Bjørkli)

Lenvik, Norway (Pexels/Tobias Bjørkli)

Jæren beaches
Jæren is a traditional district in Rogaland county, Norway. The others districts in Rogaland are Dalane, Ryfylke, and Haugalandet. Jæren is one of the 15 districts that comprise Western Norway. At about 700 square kilometres (270 sq mi), Jæren is the largest flat lowland area in Norway, stretching from the municipality of Randaberg in the north to Hå in the south. It includes the whole Stavanger Peninsula and the mainland area at its base. The coast is flat compared to the rest of the very mountainous Norwegian coast, and it has sandy beaches along most of the coastline. The largest urban area in Jæren is the adjoining cities of Stavanger/Sandnes. Beaches are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Norway, Stavanger’s Jæren beaches are a perfect eco-friendly destination. The entire seven-mile span of scenic beaches is a conservation area devoted to wildlife and native plant conservation. Explore the coastal culture via biking, walking, or horseback riding along the beach and view the nature reserves featuring local flora and fauna. The beach also offers many outdoor activities, including surfing, canoeing and kite-flying. Don’t forget a sweater, as it can get very windy!

The Svalbard Islands, halfway between Norway and the North Pole
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Situated north of mainland Europe, it is about midway between continental Norway and the North Pole. The islands of the group range from 74° to 81° north latitude, and from 10° to 35° east longitude. The largest island is Spitsbergen, followed by Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya. Administratively, the archipelago is not part of any Norwegian county, but forms an unincorporated area administered by a governor appointed by the Norwegian government. A harsh, but at the same time fragile, environment wraps these amazing islands, where the arctic nature reigns. A few thousand polar bears and 3000 people inhabit these lands that have a extraordinary cultural activities, among concerts, festivals and exhibitions in the town of Longyearbyen. Although historically whaling was one of the main activities of the archipelago, now life revolves around sustainability. Two-thirds of the surface of Svalbard is protected, with three nature reserves, six national parks and 15 sanctuaries of birds.

Røros, UNESCO heritage
Røros is a municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. It is part of the Gauldalen region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Røros. Some of the villages in Røros include Brekken, Glåmos, Feragen, Galåa, and Hitterdalen. An old mining town with its traditional wooden buildings: this is Røros, a small town at 628 meters above sea level. Despite being home to just 3,700 people, every year millions of tourists come to explore its narrow streets and ancient courtyards and to discover traditions, flavors and culture of this magical place that is committed to preserving its uniqueness, through a major collaboration with local communities.

The Vega Islands
Vegaøyan (Norwegian) or the Vega Archipelago (English) is a group of islands in the Norwegian Sea corresponding roughly to the municipality of Vega. Since 2004, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cluster of around 6,500 small islands in Nordland county, just south of the Arctic circle, surrounds the main island of Vega and has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Other islands in the group include Igerøya, Ylvingen, and Søla. 6500 islands, reefs and rocks that are waiting to be explored: we are in the Vega islands, one of the most incredible places in the world and a paradise for bird-watching. In 2004, the archipelago was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage as a representative of the “way generations of fishermen and farmers have, over the past 1,500 years, maintained a sustainable living in an inhospitable seascape near the Arctic Circle” Here we move on foot, by bike or by boat, following the slow rhythms of nature, wrapped in a very special atmosphere.

The Setesdal Valley
Setesdal (older name: Sætersdal) is a valley and a traditional district in Aust-Agder County in southern Norway. It consists of the municipalities of Bykle, Valle, Bygland, Iveland, and Evje og Hornnes. The Otra river flows through the valley of Setesdal into the sea near Kristiansand. Otra flows from the Hardangervidda plateau in Telemark to the north. The historic Setesdal starts at Evje and extends as far as the farm Bjåen, at the edge of Telemark county. Øvre (Upper) Setesdal is in the municipality of Bykle. The municipalities of Iveland, Evje & Hornes and Bygland comprise the Nedre (Lower) Setesdal. Valle municipality is in the middle of the Setesdal valley. Norwegian National Road 9 runs through Setesdal. Between cultural identity and electric vehicles for everyone, Setesdal has obtained certification for Sustainable Tourism in 2016. We are in the south of Norway, in an area easily accessible from all over Europe. The valley extends for 210 kilometers, between amazing landscapes and small villages where you can discover the traditional crafts and traditional music. There are also many museums showing the ancient traditions of these places, from the Viking era.

Saltstraumen
Saltstraumen is a small strait with one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. It is located in the municipality of Bodø in Nordland county, Norway. It is located about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) southeast of the town of Bodø. The narrow channel connects the outer Saltfjorden to the large Skjerstad Fjord between the islands of Straumøya and Knaplundsøya. The Saltstraumen Bridge on Norwegian County Road 17 crosses Saltstraumen. Saltstraumen is the most powerful maelstrom in the world. With tidal current speeds that can reach 25 miles per hour, the troubled waters are a great place to fish. Every six hours, over 14,000 cubic feet of water rush through the narrow waterway, producing remarkable whirlpools that can reach over 30 feet in diameter. Bundle up and view the incredible force of nature either from the piney shore or by boat. Guided boat trips and deep-sea fishing voyages are available, as well as boat and equipment rentals. The surrounding wilderness is also a perfect hiking location, with beautiful arctic scenery and wilderness, and the recent discovery of the archaeological remains of a 10,000-year-old hunter settlement.

Inderøy and the Golden Route, the best of Norwegian flavors
The Golden Route is a spectacular stretch of 106 kilometers that takes you through stunning scenery between fjords, mountains and valleys. Here you can taste the local produce, direct purchased from farmers, and taste the traditional dishes in beautiful courtyards.

Featured image: Pexels/Lukas Kloeppel

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50 AMAZING travel blogging tips

Helena-Reet Ennet

May 8, 2019

NordenBladet — Green Global Travel bloggers Bret Love and Mary Gabbett share 50 of their best Travel Blogging Tips from their first five years…

1) If you’re in it for the long-term, start with your passion. Chronicling a RTW trip is fine, but your blog needs to focus on something you’ll want to write about for the foreseeable future. The more unique your focus within your chosen niche, the better your chance of standing out.

2) Anybody can launch a blog, but it takes a lot of work to launch a business. Taking time to formulate a solid business plan will save you a lot of headache and hassles later on. It doesn’t need to have a formal structure, but outlining your goals and concrete steps towards achieving them gives you a great roadmap for the future.

3) It used to be enough to have a blogging niche, but the field has grown so crowded these days that you also need to build a solid brand. Make sure your blog’s name, logo, design, mission statement and content work together to define your brand, or others will define it for you.

4) Be careful not to box yourself into a corner. We all know budget backpackers who later wanted to write about luxury travel, or solo travelers who later wanted to travel as a couple or family. When planning out your brand strategy, think long-term.

5) Quitting your job to travel the world sounds great, but don’t expect to make much (if any) money in the first few years. If you don’t have a ton of savings, maintain another source of income to give your blog time to grow.

6) Put your readers and the story first. Advertisers or sponsors are great, but building a strong community of people who are actively interested in your work is what will keep the advertisers and sponsors coming back to work with you. Focus on strengthening your storytelling by honing your journalism skills, and your brand will inevitably benefit.

7) It’s important to study what successful bloggers have done before. But this business is constantly changing, and it’s often innovators rather than imitators who get ahead.

8) Nobody does EVERYTHING well. Recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, and consider paying others to do the work you either can’t do or don’t like to do. We suck at web design and the technical side of running a site, so we hire others to do it for us.

9) When you make mistakes (and everyone does), don’t let your failures get you down. Look for the learning opportunities in every bad situation.

10) Don’t be afraid to reach out to others to ask for help. Not every blogger will respond positively, but those who do give you travel blogging tips (such as Dave and Deb from The Planet D and Caz and Craig from yTravel Blog did for us) will become friends for life.

11) Pay it forward. One of the reasons we started the Business of Blogging Facebook page back in 2012 was that we saw veterans getting snarky with newbies who asked for travel blogging tips. Sharing knowledge and sharing stories from other bloggers who fit your brand establishes good karma, makes you a content curator and helps build a stronger travel blogging industry. As it grows, all truly professional travel bloggers benefit, and there’s plenty of work/money to go around.

12) Don’t waste time comparing yourself to others. There will ALWAYS be someone whose brand seems bigger, better and more successful than yours. Focus on building the best blogging brand you can build, and success will come in time.

13) Never, ever, ever stop learning. Read articles about skill sets you want to master, take online courses, go to conferences and workshops to improve yourself. Education, dedication and persistence are the keys to growth and success.

14) Establish yourself as an expert in at least one thing. Whether it’s storytelling, photography, branding, SEO, social media management, building/managing websites or whatever, true expertise is valuable to the travel industry.

15) Don’t focus on numbers. Everybody does it in the beginning, but it’s a distraction from what really matters, especially in the early stages. Focus on quality first, and then learn how to use the tools of the trade mentioned above to help get your message to the masses. The numbers will come over time.

16) Listen to all the advice that comes your way, but know when to ignore it completely. People can only tell you what works in their experience, not yours. You have to find your own path and define what success looks like for you.

17) Stop using the word FREE. If you are getting a comped press trip, tour, product or what have you, there is an expectation of something in return. Call it a barter, an exchange, a trade of goods and services, but THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FREE.

18) Don’t be a diva. Just don’t. Nobody likes it, it makes you look like an asshat, and believe me when I tell you that word in both the blogging and PR industries travels fast.

19) Traveling the world is an amazing thing, but it’s not the only thing. We’ve seen a lot of full-time nomads get burned out and yearn to settle down over the years. Finding balance is important if you want your blog to be sustainable long-term.

20) Remember that you have family and friends back home who aren’t getting to go along on this magical journey with you. It’s great to make new friends in the blogging community, but keep the old. One is silver, but the other’s gold. Your friends and family will help keep you grounded when the blogging life makes you crazy… and it will!

21) Travel blogging can be a lonely life, so it’s important to find your tribe and be part of a supportive community. Facebook groups like We Travel We Blog and The Business of Blogging are a great place to start, but small mastermind groups also work well.

22) Attend travel industry conferences. They’re a great place to connect with your community face to face, creating stronger personal bonds than you get via computer screen and establishing new business connections in the process. We can’t recommend them enough.

23) The more you succeed, the more haters you’ll attract. It’s important to remember that their hate is never about you, but about whatever is going on with them– jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, whatever. It’s important to understand it, but that doesn’t excuse it.

24) Your brand– your site, your social media channels, etc– are yours. Constructive criticism is one thing, but don’t let trolls and haters be abusive or disrespectful of you or your brand on your turf.

25) Blogging makes you a public figure, and everything you do online or in person is basically in the public domain. Conduct yourself accordingly, or risk being viewed as the Lindsey Lohan or Kim Kardashian of the blogging world.

26) If you want to be a professional travel blogger, professionalism is everything. Don’t just take our word for it: In our survey of 200+ DMOs and Tour Operators, Professionalism was second only to Content Quality among key factors they look for in bloggers they want to work with.

27) Under-promise and over-deliver. There’s never, ever been a client who complained about getting too much return on their investment.

28) Don’t be afraid to work for less than you deserve if you think it can lead to bigger business opportunities down the road. In 2013, we let a tour operator we traveled with use some of our video to pitch a show to Travel Channel for “free.” Last year they hired our company to create all of their digital media content– a contract bigger than our entire 2013 income.

29) There are a million different ways to monetize a blog, and the “best” way to do it is an entirely personal decision. But it’s important to understand which work short-term vs. long-term before deciding which is best for your brand.

30) If there’s money involv
ed, get all the terms in writing. Always. It doesn’t have to be a formal contract, but an email confirming terms is always a good idea to avoid miscommunication of expectations on both sides of the equation.

31) Be interesting! Whether it’s taking the polar plunge in Antarctica, climbing a glacier in Norway, finding a secret trail in Petra, or trekking to see gorillas in Rwanda, readers want to live vicariously through you. The more interesting you are, the more they’ll want to share your stuff.

32) Speaking of sharing, you need to learn how to use social media effectively. No matter how great your writing or photography may be, nobody will see it if you don’t learn how to promote it properly. Here again, it’s important to figure out which channels work best for your brand and your readers.

33) Teamwork makes the dream work. Every successful professional travel blogger we know has some sort of help, whether it’s a team of interns, virtual assistants, staff writers, PR reps or talent agents. When we started using interns to help us manage our social media channels in 2012, our blog’s growth quadrupled in six months.

34) Start building a newsletter subscriber list asap. Even if you don’t actually have a newsletter yet, building a list gives you a direct way to contact your readers and drive traffic to your site. By the time we started doing a semi-regular newsletter, we already had over 2,000 subscribers.

35) Start building a list of other industry contacts asap. Before we even launched GGT, we started assembling a spreadsheet of contact info for travel industry brands we wanted to work with, including hotels, airlines, tour operators, DMOs and PR agencies. Now, we have well over 2,000 companies on that list.

36) Create a solid media kit and make sure it’s easy to find on your site. The basics should include some background on you and your site, your stats, major media outlets you’ve been featured in, professional associations you’re a member of, major brands you’ve worked with, and the best way to contact you. Make it easy for companies to find the info they need.

37) Do freelance work and/or guest posting outside of your site. Guest posting can be a key strategy for building good links to your site, and freelancing exposes you and your brand to a much broader audience. Freelancing also allows you to provide a greater ROI for destinations you work with, so include any regular outlets you may have in your media kit.

38) Network outside of the travel blogging sphere. The longer you spend in this business, the more you realize how insular it can be. A lot of our success has come from building a solid reputation within the ecotourism, environmental conservation and business fields. This helps expand your audience and provide a more diverse array of potential business opportunities.

39) Be impeccable with your word. Too many bloggers refuse to write anything negative for fear that they won’t get invited on the next press trip, or brands won’t want to work with them if they write a bad review of a product. This goes back to putting readers first: We believe it’s our job as professional travel bloggers to help them make smart choices. When you tell the truth, readers trust you. And when readers trust you, brands WILL want to work with you.

40) Learn the power of saying no. When your blog succeeds, you’ll get more offers than you can imagine. Press trip offers, sponsored post offers, affiliate sales offers, brand ambassador offers… The older and more respected your site gets, the more relentless the deluge of opportunities. It’s fine to negotiate if you think the offer is good for your brand, but it’s important to know your worth and be prepared to walk away if it’s not a good fit.

41) Learn to deal with rejection. No matter how high-traffic or respected your site is, there will always be brands who either say no outright or try to low-ball you to work for less than you deserve. Don’t take it personally: It’s just business.

42) Refine and re-define your vision. As a relatively new field, blogging is in a crazy state of constant growth and evolution. It’s important to maintain a clear vision of your brand identity and objectives, because every decision you make is either a deposit in or a withdrawal from the account of trust you build with your audience. Check in with your original mission statement from time to time, and use it as a blueprint for how to steer the ship.

43) Practice the fine arts of the pitch and publicity. Most travel bloggers cannot afford to hire their own PR team (although some have!). But, to quote Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Whether you’re seeking a freelance writing assignment, a press trip or a sponsorship, writing a strong pitch is vital to success. And learning how to write a press release and work with the media can help ensure that more people are pitching YOU.

44) Focus on fundamentals. Becoming a career professional in any creative field is a bit like being a professional athlete. They may not be sexy or glamorous, but it’s the seemingly little things– storytelling, SEO, social media strategy, guest posting– that gradually add up over time to create a BIG success story. Don’t let yourself become complacent and rest on your laurels: Challenge yourself to constantly improve your craft in small ways.

45) Work harder than you’ve ever worked before. Some people think travel blogging is one endless vacation, but anyone who tells you that is selling snake oil. Success in professional travel blogging takes hard work, long hours and relentless dedication to building something. The beauty is that, because you’re working for yourself rather than someone else, it’s all the more rewarding when you reap the benefits of all that hard work.

46) Invest in your brand. Serious bloggers invest $$$ in their businesses. We spent $1000 on our original design in 2010, and will spend even more on a re-design next year. Due to traffic volume, our web hosting costs over $100/month and tech support another $60. We spend money to advertise on Facebook, pay people to help out with social media, pay our staff writers… it all adds up. But the old business adage is true: you have to spend money to make money.

47) Step away from the computer/tablet/smartphone. As bloggers, it’s our job to document nearly every moment of our travels. But the key word there is NEARLY. This job can be all-consuming, and it’s important to remember the reason we fell in love with travel in the first place. Take time to savor the moments that make each destination so unique: it will not only make the story better, it will make you a better person for it.

48) Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. You will never have time to write all the stories you want to write or take all the trips you want to take. You will never be able to take advantage of all the great opportunities that come your way. Stuff will inevitably fall through the cracks. And if you try to constantly juggle everything, you may be one of the cracks that falls through. Learn to improvise and prioritize what’s really important to you, which may change over time as your business grows and evolves.

49) Be grateful. If your blog is successful enough that you can travel the world, you’re among the planet’s most privileged people. Take pride in that, but also let your gratitude for your good fortune guide you. We’ve had doctors, lawyers and even celebrities tell us how much they envied our life. But for those blessings we’ve received, we feel a great responsibility to give back to the world many times over.

50) Don’t give up! You can do this. It just takes time. –Bret Love

Feautred image: Pexels/Mike Tanase
Source: greenglobaltravel.com / 50 Travel Blogging Tips From Our First 5 Years
/Green Global Travel is an ecotourism, nature / wildlife conservation & cultural preservation magazine/

5 TIPS: A First time snorkeling guide for non-swimmers + VIDEO!

Helena-Reet Ennet

May 8, 2019

OHMYGOSSIP – Can I snorkel without being able to swim? The short answer is YES. Essentially, snorkeling is a surface sport. You don’t even really go entirely under water. Plenty of non-swimmers snorkel all the time – I did it, and there’s no reason you can’t. It may help a little to know a bunch of things in advance that I didn’t. So here are a few tips that should help make your first experience a lot more fun and comfortable:

1. Choosing a Location:
Snorkeling can often be done closer to the shore, as well as in open water. A lot of people suggest that first-timers and non-swimmers should try and paddle about near the shore with their snorkeling gear. Personally, I disagree; though I do think it’s a good idea to try and use your snorkeling gear in shallow waters first, just to get used to it. Firstly, the marine life near the shore is rarely as vibrant as in open waters. If you decide to snorkel near the shore, you’ll obviously be like “What the fuck! I don’t know what the big deal about this is anyway.” Chances are you’ll not really feel fond of snorkeling if your first experience isn’t such that the rewards successfully offset the discomfort of sputtering about and having water up your nose at least once (don’t worry, it happens to everybody). My genuine advice is to sign-up for one of the many snorkeling trips available in most destinations renowned for snorkeling spots. This will ensure that you are taken to a great spot, there’s legit & qualified personal guidance, and there’s always somebody around to bail you out if something goes wrong.

2. Understand Your Gear, and Insist Upon a Floatation Device:
Considering you’re a non-swimmer, you’ll be given a floatation device anyway, but in case somebody forgets, make sure you insist on one and check it is functioning as desired. Once you have that strapped to you, it is virtually impossible to drown in any water, let alone sea-water. So you have an insurance policy.

Now for the snorkeling gear; typically, this consists of a face-mask and a pair of flippers. The flippers look easy enough, but are the nastiest little things to handle (I may or may not be a little biased after that ridiculous fall-of-shame) – try them on and make sure they aren’t too loose or too tight. If it’s a choice between the two, opt for the latter. You don’t want to lose a flipper in the water. The face mask takes a little longer to understand. It consists of a snorkel tube that you must put in your mouth and breathe through, and an eye/nose mask which ensures that no air passes through your nose and no water enters your eyes. Make sure that the strap is just below the broadest part at the back of your skull, and ensure it is tight enough so that no air or water may slip in through the eye-mask – a good indicator of this is when you can’t breathe through your nose at all. Next up, the snorkel tube – the part of the tube that goes into your mouth could gross you out if you’re one of those hygiene freaks. People rent-out this equipment, so they usually pass through a lot of mouths. This isn’t that big a deal though – millions of people do it, and live to tell the tale. If it bothers you a lot, you might consider buying your own snorkel mask. Now this part that goes into your mouth, has a very typical indentation – a part of it is supposed to go behind your teeth-line, and a part is supposed to remain in front. If you clamp down on it correctly, it will form a mould around your teeth, and you will be able to breathe through it without opening your mouth. Also try not clamping down on the tube too hard – particularly once you’re in the water. If you do this, by the time you’re back, your jaw will be really sore; and because you’re likely to be nervous, it invariably happens. Try and remind yourself to relax. Here’s a useful video to help you with your gear – ignore the awkwardness of the woman, it’s quite useful otherwise.

Walk around a little with your equipment on and try to breathe. If you’re clumsy with the flippers like I was, consider wearing them as you just enter the water, as against trying to descend down steps with them on. You’re now almost ready to enter the water 🙂

3. Calm Down and Breathe Slow:
I may be a failure at swimming (not yet…not yet), but there’s one lesson I’ve learned not just from my multiple attempts at a swimming class and my first snorkeling attempt – the more you are able to relax, the better you will be able to float and the better control you have over your movement in water. When I stepped off the last stair and into the open water, within two minutes I was vertical again. I panicked like a pigeon and clung on to the anchor-chain for dear life. After spending another 5 minutes, making somewhat of a laughing stock out of myself, I finally gave myself a stern lecture and let go off the chain. Pretty soon, I figured out I was floating effortlessly, and all I had to do to keep breathing was to keep my snorkel tube above the surface. This helped me relax a lot, and the effect was miraculous. I was able to navigate through the water a lot better, and I almost the entire two hours without once getting water up my nose or mouth.

So here’s the deal guys! It may sound counterintuitive, and it certainly is easier said than done, but the first key to being any good under or on water is to be able to calm the fuck down. Take slow, deep breaths, which go a long way in slowing down your heartbeat. As you begin to relax, reinforce the fact that it is virtually impossible for you to drown with a floatation device, and even if you get into trouble, there’s people around to bail you out.

4. Find Your Personal Comfort Zone:
I couldn’t find a lot of information that was of too much use on the internet, but I did find a LOT of people dishing out different kinds of techniques and advice. I am in no position to verify who was right and who wasn’t, but I am going to be honest and tell you, that unless you’re listening to the instructor or guide on your trip, don’t take anybody’s expertise at face value. I’m going to give you an example to help make this point better. Your face mask is such that if you exhale through your nose too often, your goggles will start fogging eventually. If you aren’t used to breathing completely through your mouth, you’ll invariably exhale through your nose often enough for this to happen on your first attempt. One of the many diving/snorkeling websites on the internet forewarned me of this happenstance, and as a remedy suggested raising the mask and allowing some water to come in, which you could then use to swirl around in the glasses and clear the fog. While this might be a legit trick, it ended as you can imagine, with water up my nose when I attempted it in a flash of misplaced confidence.

What I’m trying to tell you here is that you’ll no doubt hear a lot of advice – the more you ask, the more you receive; but once in there, you’re on your own and your best guide will be your own instinct. It’s ok not to be perfect on your first dive. I mostly stuck at the surface and didn’t venture too deep vertically. The truth is, your technique and comfort will improve with each dive. So for the first attempt, it’s best to focus on trying to enjoy yourself as much as possible without drowning.

5. Remain Aware of Your Surroundings and Don’t be a Jerk:
I forget which one it was now, but I do remember one of my swimming gurus once telling me the first rule to swimming: “Respect the ocean. Period!” That remains true with snorkeling and diving in particular. When we’re engaging in these activities, it is important to realize that we are visitors in a precious, beautiful ecosystem. In many cases, because these are protected waters, the fish are fearless and curious, and will actually venture very close. Be sure though, that you do not touch or tread upon any kind of fish, corals or anemones. As small as these actions may seem, collectively, they have a disruptive effect on the ecosystem, which at the least, deserves the same respect with which we’d treat the house of a friend that has welcomed us with great warmth.

Finally, if it’s your first time, needless to mention, be aware of your surroundings. With your vision focused on things below the surface and new-found confidence, don’t forget to keep an eye on where your fellow divers are, and how far you’ve ventured from the ship. The flippers aid your movement, but they also add a certain degree of weight, and if you aren’t used to physical activity, there’s a very real chance that you might cramp up. So don’t push yourself too much or get carried away. It’s only your first time, and if this one goes well, I can assure you there’ll likely be many more.

Featured image: Pexels/Stuart Pritchards
Source: nomadiclives.com

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Snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually fins. In cooler waters, a wetsuit may also be worn. Use of this equipment allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods with relatively little effort and to breathe while face-down at the surface. Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly at tropical resort locations. The primary appeal is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving. It appeals to all ages because of how little effort there is, and without the exhaled bubbles of scuba-diving equipment. It is the basis of the two surface disciplines of the underwater sport of finswimming. Snorkeling is also used by scuba divers when on the surface, in underwater sports such as underwater hockey and underwater rugby, and as part of water-based searches conducted by search and rescue teams.

Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving in which a scuba diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) to breathe underwater. Unlike other modes of diving, which rely either on breath-hold or on breathing gas pumped from the surface, scuba divers carry their own source of breathing gas, usually compressed air,[2] allowing them greater freedom of movement than with an air line or diver’s umbilical and longer underwater endurance than breath-hold. Scuba equipment may be open circuit, in which exhaled gas is expelled to the surroundings, or a closed or semi-closed circuit rebreather, in which the breathing gas is scrubbed to remove carbon dioxide, and the oxygen used is replenished from a supply of feed gas before being re-breathed. Scuba diving may be done recreationally or professionally in a number of applications, including scientific, military and public safety roles, but most commercial diving uses surface supplied diving equipment when this is practicable.

A scuba diver primarily moves underwater by using fins attached to the feet, but external propulsion can be provided by a diver propulsion vehicle, or a sled pulled from the surface. Other equipment includes a dive mask to improve underwater vision, a protective dive suit, equipment to control buoyancy, and equipment related to the specific circumstances and purpose of the dive. Scuba divers are trained in the procedures and skills appropriate to their level of certification by instructors affiliated to the diver certification organisations which issue these certifications. These include standard operating procedures for using the equipment and dealing with the general hazards of the underwater environment, and emergency procedures for self-help and assistance of a similarly equipped diver experiencing problems. A minimum level of fitness and health is required by most training organisations, but a higher level of fitness may be appropriate for some applications.

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