In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. 

This past month has been among the busiest of my full-time traveling life. I took more planes in three weeks than I have in the last three years of my full-time travels. For that matter, I’ve taken a heck of a lot of modes of transportation.

In total:

• 12 flights
• 13 trains
• 10 buses
• 3 boats
• 7 taxis

I’ve been constantly on the move; the longest I spent anywhere was three nights (with an evening arrival and early morning departure, leaving me two full days to explore). In other places, I arrived late one evening, and departed before sunrise two mornings later (leaving me just one teensy little day to conquer the country).

What can you see and do in just one or two days in a city/country?

Well, as I believe I may have demonstrated, quite a bit – much to my own surprise.

Embracing my Inner Tourist

This is due, in part, to my having gotten over my snobbish “the-only-way-to-soak-in-culture-is-to-blend-in” attitude and simply embraced my inner tourist. I slung my camera around my neck, booked myself in on “tacky tours”, and wandered the streets with the unabashed tell-tale look of awe that you always see in visitors.

I took self-portraits in public places, and recorded video of just about everything I saw and did.

I hope you’ll agree that it made for some pretty interesting adventures to read about and see in my 1 Minute Video series (1 minute recaps of each city I’ve visited, often with a quirky angle to them).

Global Traveler Recap

Here’s a quick recap of my Club Carlson Global Traveler adventure:

London

London has never been my favourite destination, but I must admit with each subsequent visit, it’s growing on me.

London is Growing on Me

Glasgow

I’ve been to Scotland before (and I love it), but Glasgow was a new town. I had a wicked case of the flu, but I still managed to take a bus tour and go busker-watching on Buchanan Street.

My Weekend in Glasgow

Amsterdam

With the flu behind me, I hit Amsterdam (not having been to Holland before) like a whirlwind. I did a walking food tour, and walked and walked (and walked) some more in this place that quickly became a favourite destination of mine – to which I returned immediately after the trip finished.

Dear Amsterdam: I Should Have Known

Oslo

I donned my woolies to brave the chill in my most northerly destination of Norway – another new country on my list. It was an emotional roller coaster for me, but one that had a happy outcome after a boat tour through the fjords and a chance meeting with an 86 year-old stranger who made my day.

Travel’s Lessons and Surprises: Oslo

Copenhagen

Denmark is also a first for me, and this – the happiest country in the world – was a great place to recoup from Oslo’s chill. It’s also a place I really hope to return to.

Copenhagen: A Modern-Day Fairy Tale

Berlin

I’ve been wanting to check out Berlin for a while, given that it’s a hot-spot for both artists and location independent people like me. I brushed up on my (nearly non-existent) German, took a “dorky” but ridiculously fun Segway tour, a walking food tour of the Kreuzberg district, and quickly realized that a mere two days is not enough.

Big Bad Berlin

Kiev

Kiev was a repeat performance for me; and considering I didn’t think much of it the first time around, I was pleasantly surprised to greatly enjoy it the second time. I took a master-class in Ukrainian cooking in a host family’s home, walked the streets and admired the gorgeous autumn colours, and counted my blessings that my one day in Kiev didn’t involve snow.

Kiev in 24 Hours

Corsica

I almost didn’t make it to Corsica at all, given some horrific connections (at the best of times) that were exaggerated when the first flight was 40 minutes late (much running, consequent hyper-ventilating, and some begging was involved to be allowed to check-in for the connecting flights).

But I quickly recovered as soon as I saw the sunset, and was energized by the enthusiastic friendly locals who made my sole day in Corsica one to truly remember.

I’ve promised a lot of people that I will return; ideally for a few months to try my hand at living there.

Love in Corsica

8 Countries, 3 Weeks, and 2 Hours of Sleep

As for the two hours’ sleep to which I refer in the title: I’ve obviously taken some artistic license. (My fondness for exaggeration is not new to anybody who knows me). But with jam-packed days of sightseeing, plus squeezing in whatever time I could to figure out logistics at my next destination, process photos, write and upload posts, create and upload videos, tend to social media, and put out whatever fires were burning in my in-box, sleep was more of a luxury than a possibility.

I got more than two hours of sleep each night.

It was more like three.

But for this – the adventure of a lifetime – I am most certainly not complaining. My itchy travel feet are well and truly satiated (after a hellish year, not the least of which has included a near-fatal accident).

I’m freshly inspired, and have a few places to return to and explore further.

It’s yet another of the many reasons I love travel. 

For those who have missed my Financial Travel Tips and other regular site instalments, hang tight: regular programming shall resume shortly.

In the meantime, I’m sure you’ll understand if I need to catch up on some sleep.

Club Carlson Gold Points® Global Traveler Tip

During my trip, I discovered a few things about Club Carlson Gold Points® that I plan to use going forward, in keeping with my frequent flyer mile prowess and propensity.

By doing things like eating at hotel restaurants (even if my Club Carlson card didn’t afford me a discount), using hotel services, and charging everything I could to my room, I earned more than enough points for a night at a 4-star+ hotel, or up to five nights at a less expensive hotel. This is in part due to the promotional 50% bonus I received on everything – something I was clued into with Club Carlson’s membership newsletters.

Although this was a sponsored trip and I’ve been compensated to write about it, my tips and promotion of the points program has not in any way been obligatory; I’ve truly enjoyed learning how to hack hotel points during this trip, and have every intention of continuing to use the program from here onwards.

This post 8 Countries, 3 Weeks, and 2 Hours’ Sleep, with Global Traveler Nora appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

I must, I must, I must: return to Corsica.

Whew! This is the last stop on my Club Carlson Global Traveler program; a 3-week, 8-country adventure through Europe, paid for and compensated by Club CarlsonSM (now Radisson Rewards). During the trip, I’m exploring the world of hotel points and how to take advantage of accommodations and upgrades with various strategies. 

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This article was originally published in 2013, and has since been updated for accuracy of links and formatting.

I must return to Corsica.

It’s not because a driver was waiting for me at the airport, like a heavenly beacon of light after the most harrowing series of connecting flights from Kiev that I’ve ever endured.

And not because I arrived just in time for an awesome sunset after a VIP welcome from Radisson Blu Ajaccio Resort & Spa.

It’s certainly not because I had a chance to practice my French – which I actually impressed myself to speak almost in totality without reverting to English.

It has nothing to do with the unexpected tour I received, which allowed me to see the capital city of Ajaccio (pronounced ah-shahxx-ee-oh), the various incredible viewpoints (really no matter where you look the views are awesome), have lunch on the harbour, and even a peek at “the real Corsica” in the old-world mountain village towns, with buildings made entirely of stone (no cement).

Nor my two hours of treatments in the largest spa in Corsica (which just happened to be in my hotel) to unwind and rejuvenate.

And Corsica certainly didn’t lure me in with its  incredible gastronomy (I ate more things-”tartare” than you could imagine in 24 hours).

Nor the props I got from people when I admitted to thinking of Corsica as its own country, which many of the residents would like. Some refer to the rest of France as “zee mainland” with a hint of distaste, given that they are working hard to preserve their own language (Corsican, similar to Italian) in addition to speaking French, and have a long history that has seen it as part of Italy, France, and a short stint as an independent nation.

And I certainly mustn’t return to Corsica because of my unintentional love of “island life” – be it Hawaii, New Zealand, Grenada…and the many others I’ve spent time on.

It’s not because the cost of living is surprisingly reasonable (way better than Oslo, but not quite as good as Berlin).

No.

Well, maybe my fierce desire to return to Corsica (as in to live, for a few months) has a little bit to do with all of the above.

But it’s also something more; something I can’t quite put my finger on (hence, my desire to return).

I had no intention of falling in love with Corsica. In fact, I had very few preconceived notions of the place; only a wicked sense of fatigue after this incredibly hectic 3-week, 8-country extravaganza.

I fell in love with Corsica, much to my own surprise – which is one of my favourite kinds of travel experiences.

And now, I must.

I must return….to Corsica.

1 Minute Corsica

Please enjoy this beautiful (intentionally over-sappy, before you think I’ve completely lost it) minute of pure, unadulterated, Corsica.

Click here to view on YouTube.

Want to learn about the other places I visited on this 8-country, 3-week extravaganza of a trip? Click here.

This post Love in Corsica appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

While in Kiev, Active Ukraine also sponsored a tour I did.

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. 

If Berlin was too quick with only two days, then Kiev was almost a joke with just over 24 hours to “discover” the place. Regardless, I think I did a pretty good job.

The Radisson Blu Hotel in the Podil area of Kiev was beautifully situated in the best area for walking and exploring; which is exactly what I did. Although I was ambivalent about Kiev the first time I blew through (in 2011 during the Ultimate Train Challenge), and even more ambivalent about my return (with brutal connecting flights awaiting me from Kiev to Corsica that kept me awake at night), two hours of wandering had me sold; Kiev is a vibrant place full of contrast and contradiction.

Expecting Kiev to be the coldest destination yet, I was pleasantly surprised that it was one of the warmest places, and even more surprised to discover they had snow the week prior. The gorgeous autumn colours leant no indication of the previous snowfall, and I’m grateful for the good-weather-bubble that seems to have followed me through this entire European tour.

Borscht me Up, Baby!

The first thing I did when I knew I was coming to Ukraine was to contact my friends at Active Ukraine, a tour company I became acquainted with during my last visit to the country in 2011 during the Ultimate Train Challenge, when they took me hiking in the Carpathian mountains for a few days.

With only 24 hours in Kiev, and no listed tours on the site that fit the bill on my one free day, I simply emailed them and asked what they could do for me, while expressing my love of Ukrainian food and hope for some sort of culinary tour.

They delivered – and not just because I’m a travel writer. In fact many of their tours are customized, so if you’re going to the Ukraine, I can’t recommend them highly enough.

*(end shameless plug that I was totally not put up to)

Ukrainian sisters Lesya and Julia invited me into their home for an afternoon of Ukrainian cooking and eating and fellowship.

We started off drinking uzvar (a drink of boiled fruits and berries that reminded me of Christmas), and enjoying a bowl of borscht (a beet soup). Ukrainians are very protective of their borscht recipes, which are as unique to the cook as eye or hair colour.

Alongside the borscht was salo – a dish they were nervous about serving me since they didn’t know how I’d react. It’s uncooked pig fat, which you put on bread, sprinkle with salt, and garnish with a raw garlic clove. All eyes were on me as I tasted it; of course I’d have pretended to like it even if I didn’t(!), but I was somewhat surprised to genuinely enjoy it. They were even impressed with my brazen consumption of a whole garlic clove – which I made everybody else do as well so we could reek together.

With full bellies, it was time to make varenyky – something I still can’t pronounce – but which is the same as perogies (which is the Russian name). The soft dough (made of flour, egg, milk, and salt) was cut into small rounds, which we pressed out with our thumbs and filled with either a mashed potato and fried onion mixture, or a cottage cheese and egg and dill mixture. We pressed the edges together, tossed them (figuratively speaking) into boiling water, and 10 minutes later we mixed them up with fried onions and oil, doused them in sour cream, and ate to our hearts’ content.

All the while, conversation flowed. It was a fabulous cultural exchange, with me answering as many questions as I asked. If I trod on any cultural boundaries of conversation (which I probably did), Lesya and Julia were gracious and giggly – so it worked well for all of us. I left their home feeling like I had new friends in Ukraine (which happened during my last visit), and I’m excited to try my hand at making varenyky on my own.

Russian Influence in Kiev

As is the case with a lot of Ukrainian food, it depends on who you talk to as to whether it was borne of Ukraine or Russia. (Each country, of course, claims to have created it themselves).

And Kiev in particular seems to have more Russian influence than other parts of Ukraine (like Lviv and the Carpathian mountains, where I spent most of my time a few years ago). In Kiev, most people speak Russian in addition to Ukrainian, Kiev’s values and standards are a little less rigid and “traditional”, and I noticed the way people dress (especially the women, in their tight shorts, beige stockings, and knee-high boots) reminded me more of Moscow than Lviv.

Of course, along with this Russian influence, is a desire among Ukrainians to preserve their culture and have their own identity; something I relate to as a Canadian living in the cultural shadow of the United States.

1 Minute Kiev

I’m sure you’ve come to expect my quirky (at least I think they’re quirky and funny) videos during this hectic trip, so here’s the latest, on my 24 hour adventure in Kiev, Ukraine:

Click here to watch on YouTube.

This post 24 Hours in Kiev, with #GlobalTravelerNora appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

While in Berlin, Viator also sponsored the two tours I did.

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. 

“Remember, Berlin is very big,” was the advice of the employee at Berlin airport information who couldn’t quite direct me to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin, since he didn’t know where it was. I’d ascertained from my research that it was somewhere in the city centre near a main station, and in most of my previous destinations so far, that was enough to find the place.

But Berlin is big. Very big, as was astutely observed.

Knowing I had only two days in Berlin, I was spoiled for choice for what to see and do. So like the good little tourist that I am, I booked myself in on two tours that were invaluable – and of course, fun.

Berlin Segway Tour

In advance of my trip, I looked at the tours available on Viator, and on seeing the Berlin Segway Tour, I cringed – and booked it.

I’ve seen Segway tours in other countries, and I always made fun of them – and the people on them. Segways look ridiculous, and it simply screams I am a tourist! (Or at least, as a friend pointed out to me – a dork).

So really, in the name of embracing my inner tourist and getting the most out of my two days, I had no choice.

Once I got over myself and my misplaced sense of traveler pride, the Segway tour was ridiculously fun – in every way. Riding the Segway was a riot, and our merry band of eight people from around the world bonded immediately. We also covered waaaaay more territory than you ever could on a walking tour. (And like I said, Berlin is big).

Central Berlin Sights

You name it – we covered it. From the laundry list of historical Berlin sights, I was struck by a few experiences in particular:

Bebelplatz

This is the site of the infamous book burning in 1933. What touched me the most was the line of tables with people selling books….which they do 365 days of the year.

It’s one of many signs of how Berlin acknowledges, remembers, and then tries to move beyond their less than honourable past.

Scars remain from both World Wars in many of Berlin’s buildings, which have intentionally not been fully restored. In some cases patches have been put over bullet holes (in an almost obvious manner); in other cases the bullet holes smattering columns and facades are left untouched. Smoke damage hasn’t been sandblasted away, and in a sense, it all adds to the character.

Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is reputedly one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, and even on this grey day, it was majestic. With my musical background, I’m inspired to check out the Konzerthaus and see a performance…next time.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Notwithstanding that the Jews represent just over half of the people persecuted and killed during the holocaust, this memorial was a creative (and intentionally unenjoyable) way to honour and remember holocaust victims. The sprawling collection of 2,711 blocks of varying sizes and heights resembled tombstones to my eyes, and the undulating ground on which they sat created an environment intended to make you feel ill and disoriented as you walk through it, lose track of family and friends, and generally get lost in the experience.

Kreuzberg District: Culture, Food,
Street Art

The other tour I was excited about doing was the Kreuzberg District Tour, exploring Food, Culture, and Street Art.

My early research pointed to Kreuzberg as the artsy hip district of Berlin, which is right up my alley. This intimate walking tour was a great way to deepen the historical overview I got on the Segway tour, and to glimpse the happening underbelly of Berlin.

Ingesting and imbibing various foods and drinks along the way, I glimpsed some famous works of street art and graffiti, often filling sides of large buildings, and of course the East Side Gallery is a sight unto itself – with colourful works of art covering the entire length of the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall – at 1.3kms.

Gentrification, and the Latte Macchiato

Gentrification is a buzz word in Berlin; something I heard repeatedly from different sources. Part of the reason I was excited to visit Berlin on this trip is because it’s a happening place among digital nomads and location independent people like me; with an artsy culture and relatively low cost of living, it begs for you to spend a few months and join the thriving alternative scene.

Berlin is the cheapest capital city in Europe; the mayor calls Berlin “poor but sexy”.

But this is changing. (Enter: gentrification). It happens all over the world, starting in pockets of cities, eventually spreading to the entire city itself. It goes something like this:

An unpopular rundown area becomes home to students, artists, and people who can afford to live there – and start to make it theirs.

Thus, it graduates from rundown and unpopular, to artsy and funky.

Then more people want to come to this funky area and soak in the funky-ness and low cost of living.

Thus, it graduates from funky to trendy.

Once a place is trendy, it needs a facelift. Buildings start getting restored and upgraded, and rents start going up. The students and artists who brought life to the area can no longer afford to stay there, and are forced to move away.

Thus, it graduates from trendy to upscale.

Then, all of a sudden, Starbucks is everywhere, and the latte macchiato rules the day.

The latte macchiato is hence a sign of gentrification in – and all over – Berlin. Although Berlin is still in the funky-to-trendy stage to my eyes, it’s a process that everybody can see happening – for better or worse.

1 Minute Berlin

The weather wasn’t grand during my two days in Berlin, but I managed to snap off some pictures and video. Here’s the result:

Click here to watch it on YouTube.

This post Big Bad Berlin, in Two Days appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

Copenhagen feels like a fairy tale. From the buildings that pop with colour, to the ornate architecture, the generally friendly people, and the idyllic bits of nature interspersed throughout, it stands to reason that it’s the birthplace and inspiration for Hans Christian Anderson’s many iconic fairy tales.

(Hmm…I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that Denmark is also the world’s happiest country…)

Seriously, people. This is a happy place.

It’s Also Safe

Happy people aren’t particularly angry people. So Copenhagen also ranks among the world’s top 10 safest cities.

All this happiness is due – like most of Scandinavia – to the fact that there is a strong social support structure, generally making its residents feel secure and safe in the knowledge that there’s a medical/educational/income/housing safety net in place.

Safety Costs

But – again, like most of Scandinavia – it’s expensive. I suspect there’s a strong correlation; similar to Switzerland, the cost of living is very high but the income is generally commensurate. Once you’re “tied into the system” and earning in local currency you can live securely.

What to See in Copenhagen

Because I only had a day and a half to explore, I didn’t venture much beyond Copenhagen’s central area. It’s an incredibly vibrant and walkable place. Hence, the presence of Stroget, which is the world’s largest pedestrian shopping area in Europe. As with Glasgow’s Buchanan Street, I didn’t venture into any of the stores, but I enjoyed the vibe – especially on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

While wandering aimlessly (I can’t help myself; I love getting lost on city streets), I also saw bicycle lanes everywhere. It’s all very organized and easy to use; which is what coins Copenhagen as the world’s top city for cyclists. There are over 340kms of cycle lanes – and yes, it seems more organized and usable to me than even Amsterdam.

I also did a boat tour; something I love doing (dating back to my cruises on the Seine in Paris a few years ago and New York years before that), and it seems to be prolific in Europe; So far on this trip I’ve done boat tours in Amsterdam and Oslo (and I could have done them in London and Glasgow but ran out of time).

And although the boat tour guide (rightfully) recommended climbing the 400 steps up the spire of Our Saviour’s Church, the view couldn’t quite compare to the view from my 26^th floor room in the Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen. It’s Copenhagen’s first skyscraper (built in 1960), and remains the sole high-rise in the city centre.

If I had more time, I’d have ventured by metro to some of the other areas; I’m told Copenhagen is a collection of neighbourhoods, each contrasting and unique.

A Side Note: Consternation

Consternation – is the only way I could describe the look I got when crossing the street against a light. People just don’t do it. It reminds me of a Swedish friend describing the same thing in his home country: “It could be minus 20 degrees, 2am, snowing, and the streets could be empty both ways. But you’ll still see somebody standing at a light waiting for it to change!”

All these happy law-abiding people, living in the birthplace of fairy tales….there must be something to it.

So I’ve started waiting at the light too.

1 Minute Copenhagen

Here’s another quirky video featuring some known (and lesser known) things about Copenhagen:

Click here to watch on YouTube.

Club Carlson Gold Points® Tip

Some of the larger hotels have multiple restaurants, and not all of them qualify for a discount with the Club Carlson Gold card (because they’re not actually the hotel’s restaurant). But: charge the meal to your room, you’ll still earn Club Carlson Gold Points®.

Moral of the story: charge everything you can to your room. You’ll get that much closer to your next free stay!

This post Copenhagen: A Modern-Day Fairy Tale appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

“I think you would like to see a Norwegian flat. I am five minutes from the sculpture park. Would you like to come with me?”

This was just about the full interchange we two perfect strangers had, before I got off the tram early with her to visit her home.

This post is part of the Club Carlson Global Traveler program; a 3-week, 8-country adventure I’m taking through Europe, paid for and compensated by Club CarlsonSM (now Radisson Rewards). During the trip, I’m exploring the world of hotel points and how to take advantage of accommodations and upgrades with various strategies. And if you share this post (and others) on Twitter and Facebook, they might even give me 1 million points to give to you (read on for details)…..

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This article was originally published in 2013, and has since been updated for accuracy of links and formatting.

Being a Tourist, to Not be a Tourist

My discussion with 86 year-old Karin would not have transpired had I not been taking pictures out the window of the Oslo tram, having embraced my inner tourist and thrown abandon to my normal modus operandi of “blending in”.

So ironically, by being a tourist, I attracted the attention of a local who was not only not repelled by my presence, but compelled to invite me into her home and her life.

But enough of this minor revelation for now. My Oslo experience goes deeper than this.

Norway, Scandinavia, and (my) History

I’ve said before that travel is very contextual. The most beautiful sunset in the world is a tragic sight if you’ve just had your heart broken.

I have some unfinished business with Norway, and on a larger scale, Scandinavia.

 I’ve never visited Norway before, but I have some Norwegian friends. Well, “friends” is a loose term; in fact that’s the problem.

Being in a near-fatal accident (as I was with my partner, earlier this year) is a great way to help you determine what’s important in life; including who your friends are. My partner and I had some rude awakenings while recovering during the months following the accident, and one of those awakenings was the degree to which our Norwegian friends weren’t really our friends at all.

I hadn’t considered any of this prior to landing in Oslo. But on arrival, everything reminded me of them.

To make my trip down memory lane even more excruciating, the visual cues Norway gave me were reminders of Sweden; a place I once visited, with my “Swedish Squeeze” – a man who broke my heart. (And he broke it with a Danish woman; Copenhagen, be warned. You’re my next stop on this trip).

So with all this awkward ju-ju surrounding me, the cold temperatures, and the constant reminders of an emotional journey I’m obviously still enduring, I didn’t really want to leave the comfort of my lovely corner-suite of the Park Inn by Radisson, in Oslo.

On With the Show

But I knew I had to get over myself and get on with it. Hiding out in my room was not an option, as I surely would have regretted it.

So I did as any good little tourist would do; I bundled up in layers of scarves, grabbed my camera, and went out to “discover Oslo”. That’s when I met Karin on the tram.

The Oslo Flat

Karin’s home was beautiful. The early 20^th century fixtures and decor and high ceilings framed her racks of books and collection of artifacts. She gingerly showed me her prized tea pots and plates, and I immediately saw that Karin was a world traveler, with pieces from Mexico, The Gambia, Morocco, Thailand, and Italy adorning every free space.

Karin’s late husband was a geologist and university professor; a job that took them both around the world, and also saw them living in Denmark for 20 years, Sweden for 10 years, and of course, Norway.

“My husband was very good English speaker,” Karin said. “He did all the talking. Many people loved him.” Karin said of the man she evidently misses.

The last artifact I found myself admiring in Karin’s flat was one that brought a tear to her eye. It was an Oriental urn, and one that had a long arduous journey through three countries and turbulent flights back to Scandinavia from Thailand. This urn is where Karin will spend the rest of eternity with her husband.

“He is waiting for me,” she said with a smile and a nod towards the urn.

But Karin was in no hurry to die. She spoke of her children and grandchildren, and showed me pictures of her grand daughter in Denmark, who turned 21 today. It became apparent to me that I’m not the only person Karin has invited back to her flat; she thrives on living vicariously through travelers, and knows what an honour it is to have a chance to see something (like a local’s home) that most tourists don’t see.

Travel Happens When You’re Not Looking

When I left the hotel this morning, I was introspective and perturbed. I’d accumulated some random amusing facts about Oslo that I could pepper with pictures and call it a day, job done. I was really just looking forward to sitting back in my warm room and wallowing enjoying my own company.

Instead, my trip happened to me while I wasn’t looking.

After my surprising experience with Karin, I went on to visit Oslo’s famous Vigeland sculpture park (the world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist), took a fjord cruise, and other typical Oslo activities.

I did my best to observe everything with fresh eyes and an uncluttered mind, but it wasn’t possible.

Nor was this a bad thing. I generally enjoyed Oslo.

I liked Oslo because it surprised me. Having started to feel like I’ve “been there done that” when it comes to the travel lifestyle, I remembered that I’m still very much a student. Travel brings about lessons; lessons you can’t anticipate, and ones that you rarely sign up for. Being immersed in a place full of new stimuli creates an environment conducive to challenge; challenging your powers of communication, challenging your ability to get around, your sense of normality, and even your concept of right and wrong.

Thank you, Oslo, for the challenge. I’ll never forget you for it.

Picture-Perfect Oslo, in 1 Minute

Oslo is a beautiful place, even when the sun doesn’t shine. Two thirds of the the area within Oslo’s boundaries are forest and lakes, and even the concrete jungle itself is colourful. Typical Scandinavia, it is very clean, well organized, (and expensive).

Please enjoy this 1 minute video taste of Oslo!

Click here to watch on YouTube.

Want to learn about the other places I visited on this 8-country, 3-week extravaganza of a trip? Click here.

This post Travel’s Lessons and Surprises: Oslo appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. 

See also: Where to Stay in Amsterdam – written by my friend and travel colleague Nomadic Matt.

Dear Amsterdam: I should have known.

I didn’t want to fall in love with you, like everybody does.

But there’s no denying the smile that I simply couldn’t shake for love or money. The smile which erupted the second I got off the plane, and continues to sit goofily on my face even now as I write this.

Have you Ever had a “Special Feeling” about a place?

I’m fairly indiscriminate in my love of new countries and travel in general; I’m excited to go just about anywhere. But there are three distinct times I can recall in my extensive travels since 2007; three instances when, from the time I boarded the plane, I knew there was something special about where I was going.

The first time was enroute to New Zealand in 2010, a place that nurtured my transitional period from traveling with a partner to going solo. It was – and is – a place I keep returning to, having spent about a year there on and off.

The second time was enroute to Grenada in 2011; I couldn’t explain why I was so enthralled with the little Caribbean island from the air; a wee place I couldn’t have pointed out on a map mere weeks prior. And despite a good dose of heartbreak and dengue fever awaiting me on arrival, Grenada was destined to weave itself inextricably into my life.

Amsterdam was the third time.

Like I said, I didn’t want to like Amsterdam. I mean, I guess I knew I’d like it. But I didn’t want to become yet another evangelical flag-toting categorial cheerleader for the place.

Whoops: too late.

What Can I Say About Amsterdam? It’s Been Said.

What can I write about Amsterdam that hasn’t already been written? What iconic pictures of canals and bicycles can I show you? Shall I talk about how easy it is to get around? How generally friendly everybody is? How ridiculously picture-perfect the place is?

Shall I talk about the relatively small size of the country in relation to its world influence? And how the Dutch people – in keeping with the “tall poppy syndrome” principle, remain humble and low-key about how cool their country is?

Maybe we should discuss how Amsterdam’s 700,000 inhabitants make this capital city of The Netherlands such an easy place to live, eat, work, and play. How wandering the streets – any street, any time – is easy, safe, and unto itself, a “local” experience.

(Amsterdam is great for solo female travelers; if you want to cut your teeth in the world of solo travel, Amsterdam will give you confidence).

We could talk about the food. The cheese shops, the stroopwafels (chewy syrup-filled waffles of delight), the raw herring (much more palatable than surstromming) sold at stalls identifiable by the Dutch flag, the salty fries with dollops of sweet mayonnaise, and the bitterballen (similar to croquets) with mustard.

I could certainly go on and on about the hotel; the posh new flagship Art’otel Amsterdam by Park Plaza, where the staff’s attention to detail and friendly manner make you feel like both a hot celebrity and an old friend. A place which, despite multi-media art installations throughout, swish decor, and trendy music, lacks the pretence of exclusivity and instead welcomes you to come as you are, and share a reasonably-priced meal in the warm restaurant.

(And a place with one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in, lovely spa gifts on the pillow at night, and the unwitting locale of multiple ridiculous “happy dances” of utter luxury).

You Know that Movie Everybody Raves About?

And what does it have to do with Amsterdam? Check out this 1-Minute video about Amsterdam to find out:

Click here to watch on YouTube.

Dammit, Amsterdam!

I should have known.

This post Dear Amsterdam: I Should Have Known. appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. 

“So….how cheesy and totally touristy is it of me to have loved Buchanan Street?” I ask one of the staff at the Park Inn by Radisson in Glasgow, where I’m staying.

She looks at me quizzically, as if not knowing what the “right answer” should be.

“Go on,” I say. “Be honest.”

“It’s pretty touristy,” she says, somewhat relieved at her license to tell it like it is.

“Excellent,” I reply. “Then I’m right on task”.

The mission I’m referring to is Embracing my Inner Tourist; a style of travel I’m not accustomed to. With a lightning-quick itinerary as part of my Club Carlson Global Travelers European adventure, I have about two days at each stop. As such, the best way to capture the flavour of each city, is to simply be a tourist with reckless abandon.

1-Minute Glasgow

In the meantime, please enjoy this short video which encapsulates my weekend in Glasgow.

Click here to watch on Youtube.

This post My Weekend in Glasgow #GlobalTravelerNora appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. 

The first few times I visited London, I was overwhelmed. Although I’m a born and raised city-slicker, I’ve lost most of my lustre for the big smoke. Since I started traveling full-time in 2007, I’ve lived largely rurally, or in relatively small communities.

As such, London (in the past) has come off as too big, too busy, too expensive, too crowded…just…too.

But I must say London is growing on me. When I visited London last year, I wrote a post about returning to and redeeming London. It’s still big and crowded and expensive; but with familiarity, it’s getting easier to handle.

This time, it was even better yet. Not only was it much easier to get around, but I felt much more comfortable. That is, until I got the flu.

But even getting sick wasn’t the end of the world; the folks at Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street hopped to my care right away; the concierge brought me medication, afternoon tea was delivered to my room, and I even had an in-room massage. I was truly pampered.

Club Carlson Gold Points® Tip

My room service extravagances weren’t without its perks. Charge meals and beverages (and in some cases, hotel services) to your room, and Club CarlsonSM doles out 20 Gold Points per US dollar spent. And don’t forget about the discounts on food you’re entitled to at many of the hotels, which range from 5-15%.

London in a Minute

I’ve condensed my two days in London to one thrilling video minute. Enjoy!

Click here to view (in higher-res) on YouTube.

This post London is Growing on Me appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!

Instead, I tend to lurk in cafes and wander the streets, trying hard to blend in and discover “the real _________ (insert your destination here)”.

I don’t like to brandish my camera. The very act of having a camera labels me as a tourist. Which, I don’t like. (It also means most of my pictures suck).

I don’t generally stay in hotels. As a free accommodation guru of sorts, I usually stay locally, and longer-term. Nothing against hotels; I just can’t generally afford to stay in them year-round.

I don’t take tours. I usually stay somewhere long enough to meet local friends who can give me their own informal tour. Oh yeah, and taking a tour most definitely means I’m a tourist.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

What’s wrong with being a Tourist?

Nothing’s wrong with being a tourist. (It’s not you, tourism; it’s me).

In some ways, my lifestyle of slow travel (initially sustained with a paltry income, which of course prevented too many extravagances) negated the need for tours, or hotels. (And I only used my camera when I thought I wasn’t being watched).

But I can’t deny that many of the “touristy things” I’ve done have been some of the more memorable experiences I’ve had.

• I’ve cruised the river Seine in Paris (twice – day, and night).
• I toured all over New Zealand doing just about every high-adrenaline activity you can imagine.
• I’ve done distillery tours in Scotland and Ireland.
• I took an incredible street-food tour by motorcycle in Saigon.
• I was guided through the Carpathian mountains in Ukraine.
• I was shown the inner workings of an incredibly eclectic and rare piece of the Australian outback.
• I was guided (back) to the top of the Great Wall of China, when nobody else was there.

…and more.

These were normal tours, that normal tourists do. And I loved them. (Even though I don’t like being a tourist. Go figure).

As much as I might have a hang-up about being labeled a tourist, I also have hang-ups about the whole “off the beaten path” cliché. I wrote a (dare I say) poignant article about it a few years ago, where I arrived at the conclusion that things are usually touristy for a good reason.

Okay, Tourism is cool. So?

So. I’m about to take a trip through Europe. And it’s time to embrace my inner tourist. I want to do as travelers the world round do, and just travel. I don’t want to worry about financially finessing every aspect to the nth degree, and I’m moving too quickly to organically tap into the local culture with my normal lurking style.

Instead, I’m gonna be a tourist.

For three weeks, I’m participating in the Club Carlson Global Travelers program; I’ll be whisked through eight countries in whirlwind fashion, staying at Club Carlson’s family of hotels along the way. Because of the pace of the trip (and relatively short notice), I can’t do much research. I’ll be short on time, and I want to get the most out of each city I visit. Thus, I’ll thrive on tourist culture.

Here are my stops on the trip:

• London
• Glasgow
• Amsterdam
• Oslo
• Copenhagen
• Berlin
• Kiev
• Corsica
  
  

Embracing my Inner Tourist

Thus, I am embracing my inner tourist. I’ll shed my try-to-blend-in disguise (but I won’t go so far as to plaster my bags with Canadian flags just yet). I’ll take that awesome picture even if I’m being watched. I’ll revel in hotel amenities and comforts (normal things like temperature and noise control are luxuries to me now after living on a small Caribbean island). I’ll enjoy tours that will maximize my time and give me insight.

I will proudly wield my camera.

I AM a Tourist! Hear me roar.

Wait, There’s More: Learn How to Earn

Club Carlson has a large rewards program covering worldwide hotels of a few different swish brands. I’ve never really taken advantage of hotel rewards programs, and given my propensity for frequent flyer miles and flying in style for less, I think I’ve been amiss.

If you like to travel, and you also like hacking the finer things in life, applied use of hotel rewards programs can mean free bookings, room upgrades, and other perks (depending on your status).

Thus, throughout the trip I’m going to apply my frequent flyer mile sleuthing capabilities to the Club Carlson program and provide tips along the way for how you can get ahead with hotel rewards points.

Follow Along

As part of the trip, I have a chance to win 1 million Club Carlson points – to give to you! Two other bloggers are simultaneously doing similar trips (one through the Americas; the other through Asia). My winning these points is dependent on your participation; sharing my Facebook and Twitter posts, supporting me on Club Carlson’s Facebook page (which you can do daily during the trip), and watching my trip videos.

So if you want to follow along this fast and furious trip, stay tuned to my site between September 25th and October 15th (or so) and I’ll keep you in the loop with my European adventures, hotel rewards points strategies and tips, and one-click access to show your support and help me win those points.

This post was written as part of the Club Carlson Global Traveler program; a three-week, eight-country adventure I’m taking through Europe, paid for and compensated by Club Carlson. During the trip, I’m exploring the world of hotel points and how to take advantage of free accommodations and upgrades with various strategies.

In all cases, opinions expressed herein are my own; don’t worry – I haven’t sold my soul. 

This post Embracing my Inner Tourist appeared first on The Professional Hobo. Please click through to read it in full!