Hi there, my partner and I are planning a 3-week trip to Scandinavia next June (2026). We’d love to validate our itinerary and get any relevant tips on what to see—or avoid, etc.

Day 1 and 2: Departure from Montreal and arrival in Copenhagen Days 2, 3, 4: Stay in Copenhagen Day 5: Train from Copenhagen to Stockholm Days 5, 6, 7: Stay in Stockholm Day 8: Flight from Stockholm to Oslo Days 8, 9, 10: Stay in Oslo Day 11: Train from Oslo to Bergen (Bergen Line) Days 11, 12: Stay in Bergen Days 13 to 18: 6-night cruise with Hurtigruten or Havila Day 19: Stay in Kirkenes Day 20: Flight from Kirkenes to Oslo Days 20, 21: Stay in Oslo Day 22: Return to Montreal from Oslo.

Thanks so much.

Hi there, We’re spending a week in Andalusia in April, starting with 2 days in Seville, then Córdoba, Granada, and Ronda. We’re thinking of renting a car the morning we leave Seville and returning it at the airport on the last day.

Do you know which downtown rental spot is the easiest for quickly getting out of the city? Or maybe it’s simpler to rent at the airport and leave the car in a parking lot for the first 2 days? Thanks in advance for your help!

Amandine

Hi, I’m trying to plan our trip to the Azores. I’m running into a problem: can you rent a car on one island and take it to two other islands? We’d like to pick it up on São Jorge, then go to Pico, and finally Terceira, but the only price I’m seeing is 28,000 € for a week in August! If you know any rental companies that do this, I’d love to hear about them. Thanks! Aurore

Hi there,

This year, we booked a rental in Colonno, Italy, by Lake Como.

Everything was going well until my wife wanted to see Milan... Out of 11 days, why not spend a day there, even though I’m not really a "city" person? Then I discovered ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato)...

A 90 € fine if you’re unlucky enough to drive into one, and another 90 € if you drive out... While I was looking for info on where to park without risking a fine in Milan (any tips?), I found out that Como also has a ZTL. (Any parking advice there too?)

My question is: is there a map showing all the cities with ZTLs? Because if it means getting hit with hundreds of euros in fines 9 months later... 😕

The more I look for info, the more I come across unsettling stories... Like people who pass a ZTL sign, turn around immediately, and still get hit with two 90 € fines in 3 minutes... I don’t want to ruin the vacation over a small mistake...

Thanks in advance,

Hi there, I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip: - Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running. - I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out. - The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days. - Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought. - Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep. - The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper. - I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today. In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.

Hi there,

We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.

This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.

I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?

Thanks to the community for your suggestions!

Hi everyone,

My wife and I have booked our tickets from the 24th to the 31st to visit Switzerland, and we want to try skiing for the first time.

Here’s the itinerary I put together with some AI help. I’d love your feedback and tips to tweak the plan! Thanks in advance!

Arrival in Basel on the 24th in the evening, hotel in the city center with breakfast the next morning.

Train from Basel to Interlaken on December 25th, arriving at the hotel around 2 PM.

14:00 – 15:00: Arrival and check-in at Neuhaus Golf & Strandhotel Check-in, rest, and freshen up after the trip. Enjoy the view of Lake Thun—it’s a stunning setting. Grab a coffee or a drink on the terrace or at the hotel bar. The Neuhaus has direct lake access, perfect for a short walk right after settling in.

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15:30 – 17:30: Downtown & Christmas vibes Bus or taxi (10 min) → Interlaken city center (Hohematte Park). Stroll through the park, take in the views of the Jungfrau, and check out the open shops and chocolateries. Wander around Interlaken’s Christmas market (if it’s still up, often until the 26th). Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine at a local stand.

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17:30 – 18:30: Gourmet break or aperitif Café de Paris, Hüsi Bierhaus, or Velo Café for a snack or drink.

For a unique hot chocolate: Funky Chocolate Club (you can even make your own chocolate!). 19:30 – Alpine Christmas dinner

Romantic dinner at a typical restaurant: Spycher Restaurant: fondue and Swiss folklore (reservation recommended). Laterne Restaurant: cozy chalet vibe, traditional cuisine. Des Alpes: local dishes with a view of Interlaken’s lights.

21:30 – Quiet end to the evening Digestive walk around the lake, peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Cozy option: hot bath or reading at the hotel bar with mountain views.

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Thursday, December 26th — First ski day: Bodmi Arena (Grindelwald)

Goal: Learn to ski gently

🕘 10:00 — Leave the hotel Bus or taxi (5–10 min) → Interlaken Ost train station. Train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (departs around 10:20, arrives 10:50).

🕚 11:00 – 13:00 — Beginner ski lesson at Bodmi Arena Booking: Swiss Ski School Grindelwald. Location: Beginner slopes with a “magic carpet.”

🍽️ 13:00 – 14:00 — Lunch on-site

Restaurant Bodmi (view of the Eiger).

☕ 14:00 – 16:00 — Free practice + coffee break in the sun Keep practicing or enjoy the valley views from the terrace.

🚂 16:30 — Return train Grindelwald → Interlaken Ost. 🕖 17:00 — Back to the hotel, relax or take a lakeside walk. 🍽️ 20:00 — Fondue dinner at Spycher Restaurant or Husi Bierhaus.

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Friday, December 27th — Ski #2: Grindelwald First (blue slope autonomy)

Goal: Improve and enjoy the scenery

🕘 10:00 — Leave hotel → Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald (arrive 10:50). 🕚 11:00 — Rent gear (Skiset or Alpin Center). 🚡 12:00 — Cable car Grindelwald → First (20-minute scenic ride). 🍽️ 12:30 – 15:00 — Ski on the First blue slope, multiple runs at your own pace. 🍽️🏔️ Lunch with a view at Berggasthaus First between runs. ☕ 15:30 – 16:00 — Break at the summit, coffee or hot chocolate. 🚡 16:30 — Cable car descent → return to the station. 🚂 17:30 — Train back → Interlaken Ost → hotel. 🍽️ 20:00 — Free evening (suggestion: dinner at Des Alpes Restaurant, mountain vibe).

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Saturday, December 28th — Nature day in Lauterbrunnen

Goal: Discover the valley of 72 waterfalls

🕘 10:00 — Leave hotel → Interlaken Ost. 🚂 10:35 — Train Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (arrive 10:55). 🕚 11:00 – 12:30 — Walk through the village + hike to Staubbach Falls. 🚡 12:30 – 14:00 — Lunch at Hotel Oberland Restaurant or Airtime Café. 🚶 14:00 – 15:00 — Walk to Trümmelbachfälle (45 min on foot, bus available). 🏞️ 15:00 – 16:00 — Visit the indoor waterfalls (entry ~CHF 14). 🚍 16:30 — Return to Lauterbrunnen (bus or on foot). 🚂 17:00 — Train back → Interlaken Ost → hotel. 🍽️ 20:00 — Dinner in Interlaken (Laterne Restaurant or Ox Restaurant & Grill).

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Sunday, December 29th — Scenic day: Mürren & Allmendhubel

Goal: Effortless alpine views + mountain vibes

🕘 10:00 — Leave hotel → Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (arrive 10:30). 🚡 10:45 — Cable car Lauterbrunnen → Grütschalp → scenic train to Mürren. 🕚 11:30 – 12:00 — Walk around Mürren, a car-free village. 🍽️🏔️ 12:00 – 13:30 — Lunch at Alpenruh Restaurant (panoramic terrace). 🚡 13:30 – 15:00 — Funicular ride to Allmendhubel, views of Eiger – Mönch – Jungfrau. ☕ 15:30 — Descent to Mürren, coffee or walk. 🚡 16:30 — Cable car + train back to Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken. 🚂 17:30 — Return to the hotel. 🍽️ 20:00 — Cozy dinner (raclette or Swiss soup in Interlaken).

---

Monday, December 30th — Relaxation in Interlaken

Goal: Rest and enjoy the scenery before departure

🕘 10:00 — Leisurely start, walk along Lake Thun. 🚡 11:00 — Funicular to Harder Kulm (~CHF 40 round trip for 2 people). 🍽️🏔️ 12:30 – 14:00 — Lunch at Harder Kulm’s panoramic restaurant (lake views). 🚶 14:30 – 16:00 — Descent and stroll through Interlaken (shopping streets, chocolateries). ☕ 16:00 — Coffee or hot chocolate at Funky Chocolate Club. 🚂 17:30 — Return to the hotel, relax or spa if desired. 🍽️ 20:00 — Dinner at Victoria-Jungfrau Spa & Terrace Restaurant.

Hi there, I’m planning our next (pricey) trip to Norway. It’ll be a road trip with accommodations either in Airbnbs or hotels. I’ve been dreaming of going to the LOFOTEN for ages, but I don’t want to skip the big fjords either (Geiranger, Flam, Bergen, Stavanger). So to combine both, I thought of doing a round trip from Trondheim to Stamsund with Hurtigruten and spending 4 nights in the southern LOFOTEN. The fares are so steep that I don’t think I can do more. The coastal road is certainly beautiful up to BODØ, but with the stops to plan, it ends up costing as much as taking the boat—plus the fatigue and extra kilometers. Has anyone taken the Coastal Express with their vehicle from TRONDHEIM to STAMSUND?

Hi everyone,

We’re planning an 8–9 day trip in October 2025. The goal is to take it slow, enjoy two spots for hiking, photography, and soaking up nature—without rushing. Iceland’s seeing a tourism boom in places like the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon, which we’d rather skip.

We’re thinking of spending 3–4 days on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Then, we could add the peninsula near Reykjavík (where the airport is) or head up to Blönduós in the north. Another option is taking the ferry via Flatey Island to reach the northwest fjords and just explore the southern part.

There’s also an airport in Ísafjörður—we could fly there and base ourselves in the Westfjords for the whole week… Or check out the north around Akureyri. Alternatively, would it be more doable and practical to stay around Vík?

Thanks for reading!

Hi there, 🙂

Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us! We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape. We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).

I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options. Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...

But where should we book?

We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.

What’s the best approach?

One place in the central part and explore from there?

One place in the south and another in the center?

Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?

Our main goal is hiking.

Thanks for your tips!😉

Hi there,

I’d love your input, please. Here’s my itinerary: We’re leaving from Quebec for Rome – 4 nights Vienna – 9 nights Hallstatt – 2 nights Salzburg – 4 nights Innsbruck – 4 nights That leaves 3 nights to place somewhere between Innsbruck and Paris, ideally with a direct connection (I’ve looked but can’t find anything—I’m hoping you can help me out ). We’ll be returning to Quebec from Paris.

It could be a seaside spot to relax after what I’m sure will be an amazing trip, but that’s not a must. We also love beautiful cities and small villages.

Looking forward to your suggestions for these last 3 nights—thanks in advance! Have a great evening, Phantoma

After spending 15 days in Tenerife in February 2026, here are a few observations that might be useful for you: - Choosing Puerto de la Cruz turned out to be an excellent decision (compared to Santa Cruz, which is Lonely Planet’s pick, for example). Puerto de la Cruz has two large beaches just a 10-minute walk from the center. The atmosphere around the small port is lovely. It’s a human-scale town. The bus station makes it easy to get anywhere on the island. Carnival season is an exceptional time to visit! - Opting for the unlimited weekly bus pass for 50 € is economical (especially if you're traveling solo), eco-friendly, and practical (lots of departures and returns). The roads on major routes are often congested, and the bus network is improving—you can support this effort by traveling this way. - For hikes, I tested Teide National Park (arrival and departure by bus). Starting from El Portillo at the park entrance, the Arenas Negra circuit (2.5 to 3 hours) is stunning toward the end. You can add a section of Route 1 on the other side of the road (maps and great info at the tourist office). At the other end of the park, "Roques de Garcia" is a spectacular route—crowded but a must-see... - Tourist towns like La Orotava or La Laguna are worth the visit. Garachico has a certain charm too...

Hi everyone, vacation is coming up... Don’t stress about life—with three weeks to go, we’re just starting to plan our days.

If you have any ideas, we’ll be based in Colonno.

Excluding arrival and departure days, we have 9 full days.

Nice hikes? Waterfalls? Towns or villages you absolutely must see? Any zoos or aquariums in this area? I haven’t found anything!

For now, our plans (in no particular order) are:

- A day in Milan - A day in Como - A day in Lugano (on the antiques market day, then returning via Lanzo d’Intelvi for the views) - A day in Locarno (funicular and other attractions)

Maybe a day in Bellinzona—I have to go there during our stay anyway, so why not spend the whole day there?!

My wife wants to take a boat tour on Lake Como.

The GreenWay hike looks nice, especially with a teen, especially since the starting point is behind our rental.

I also spotted the village of Griante because you can hike up to the Chiesa di San Martino church with a great view once you arrive—perfect for our usual picnic...

Anyway, as you can tell, we’re missing ideas for 1 or 2 days. If no one posts, no worries—we’ll figure it out. To be honest, I haven’t really looked beyond the "cities" to visit. But since we’re heading to a very touristy area this time, I thought it might be nice to get some tips!

I went to Lugano for 2 days a few years ago by myself. I swore I’d bring my little family back there. I only visited Lugano, Locarno, and Lanzo d’Intelvi back then.

Hi there, I’ve just booked our flight tickets for my family. We’re heading to Ireland for a week between July and August—it’s our first time (with 1 teen and 2 younger kids).

We’ll be landing in Cork where we’ve rented a car. Initially, I was planning to focus our visits and walks on the Ring of Kerry and Dingle, but it looks like the roads get pretty busy in the summer.

So now I’m thinking of sticking to the "West Cork" area (Beara, Sheep’s Head, Mizen Head), which seems quieter.

For those who know the area, is this a good idea, or are we at risk of missing out on more spectacular landscapes? Thanks in advance! Best regards

Hi there, I’m wondering about spending a week in Basilicata in southern Italy in mid-to-late March. Initially, I was talking about Puglia, but I realize that in my imagination it was actually Puglia—but no, it’s really the timeless charm of Basilicata that I want to discover.

We’d be leaving from Nice. Do any of you have any tips? People who’ve been there recently—how about transport? Accommodations? A possible itinerary? Maybe fly into Naples and rent a car? Thanks for your feedback!

Have a great day,

Barbara

Hi there! I’m planning a road trip in a camper van around the fjords in Norway and would love to get some feedback and tips on the itinerary. It’s a 10-day trip: Day 1: Land in Bergen and drive to Odda Day 2: Odda (full-day hike to Trolltunga) Day 3: Kinsarvik (hike in Hardangervidda National Park) Day 4: Geilo (hike in Hallingskarvet National Park) Day 5: Hike in Jotunheimen National Park via the Gjendesheim ferry Day 6: Fossbergom Day 7: Luster and hike in Jostedalsbreen National Park Day 8: Flam Day 9: Bergen Day 10: Bergen + departure

For the camper van rental, I’ve reached out to this site: https://campervanbergen.com, which seems pretty good with reasonable rates. If you have any comments or advice on the itinerary or the rental company, I’d love to hear them! Thanks in advance! Romain

Hi there,

I’m spending some time in Switzerland this summer. Beyond the landscapes, I’d still like to visit a few cities—especially Bern, Lausanne, Zurich, and Fribourg.

The issue is parking...

For Lausanne, I found a park-and-ride that’s cheaper on Saturdays. But for the others, it gets tricky...

I don’t necessarily plan to park right in the city center, but there don’t seem to be proper park-and-rides...

I see that the Bern–Fribourg railway line is under construction.

I’d really like to avoid paying an arm and a leg for parking over there or relying on a train once an hour.

Same goes for Montreux—it looks pretty complicated...

If you’ve got any tips...

Thanks! !

Hi everyone, Who might have a good apartment address for two people in Porto: arriving on 5/8, leaving on 5/10 Lisbon: arriving on 5/14, leaving on 5/17 Well-located/walkable in both cities With kitchen facilities 1 bedroom for 2 people with private bathroom Thanks in advance

Hi, I’m planning a long weekend in Porto soon with 4 other adults, and I’d love some info about the rechargeable Andante card for public transport. Since we’ll be traveling across different zones, I’m thinking of getting the single-trip rechargeable option. When we buy it, do we *have* to purchase just one trip for a specific zone, or can we buy multiple trips for the same zone—or even one for one zone and another for a different zone? Also, how do we go about recharging it?

Otherwise, is the Andante Tour 72-hour card a better deal? The catch is we’ll need to get to the airport on the 4th day, and it won’t be valid anymore by then.

Thanks for your tips!

Planning a trip to Italy in October. I’d love to hear about your experiences. Thanks!

Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026. Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks

Hi everyone, I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.

D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight

There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.

Questions: Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential... Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day? Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)

Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...

Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit. Have a great day, everyone! Christine

Anyone have experience with a trip to Cinque Terre in early June? How’s the tourist crowd and the heat? Any nice accommodation recommendations? Thanks a bunch!

Hi everyone,

It’s all in the title—we’re planning to travel with three of us: my wife, our 2-year-old baby, and myself for Christmas in Portugal. Is this a good idea? We don’t have much time to figure out everything we can do or visit. We were thinking of flying into Porto, staying there for 2 or 3 days, and then traveling by train to either Lisbon or Faro—I’m not sure yet. Book 2 nights for the arrival and then decide the rest once we’re there. Will we manage without a car? I’d love all your tips! 🙂

Richard

Hi there, I live in Quebec and I’m planning a trip to Italy. We’re thinking of visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany. Here are a few questions I haven’t been able to find clear answers to online. If anyone can help, I’d really appreciate it—thanks in advance!

- There are different City Passes for Rome. I’ve found the differences between them, but whenever I try to simulate a purchase, I’m always redirected to another site like Tiquet. Is there an official Tourism Office website for these?

- Is it easy to get around Tuscany by public transport, especially in the Chianti region?

- For guided tours (or not), which company do you prefer? Get Your Guide? Viator?

Looking forward to your recommendations—thanks again!

Hi there, we’re planning a 15-day trip to the Azores at the end of April/beginning of May. We’re torn between São Miguel and Terceira, or São Miguel and Flores—could you give us some advice based on the season? We saw a free flight offer within 24 hours of arriving in São Miguel—does this apply to French residents? Thanks

We’d like to explore Scotland on an organized tour, preferably in a small group, since we can’t drive on the left. Which agencies would you recommend, whether they’re based in France or Scotland? Thanks! P.Cander

Hi there, I’m planning my first solo trip after watching some coaching videos that say it’s great for personal growth (independence, self-confidence, socializing, etc.).

I’d like to start with a weekend in Amsterdam in a few months.

But I’m wondering—should I follow a pre-made itinerary like the ones in *Lonely Planet* to keep stress low for my first solo weekend, or should I plan my own route by picking the places I want to visit and activities that interest me, then connecting them with Google Maps to build my independence?

Because that’s really the skill I want to work on most during this trip.

The thing is, if I go with the second option, I’m worried I’ll panic trying to find my way once I’m there. So now I’m stuck in a dilemma.

Also, about youth hostels—how far in advance should I book?

Thanks!

Hi everyone, I’m really torn. I’m planning a trip for my girlfriend and I can’t decide between these three European cities: Athens, Lisbon, and Valencia. I’m eagerly waiting for your replies—help me out!!😅😅

Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...

- Discovering the population: very few "native" Icelanders,

and exceptional discretion from the police, who were notably absent from the white vehicle stopped by the roadside that caught us speeding in mid-May... To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."

Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...