Special: G20241221 Departure Graf: Christmas in Scandinavia

Meeting point for the start of the trip
Your trip starts and finishes in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

Address: Dießfurter Str, 92655 Grafenwoehr (parking lot)
Instructions: if you are exiting McDonald’s parking lot in Grafenwoehr you will turn right on to B299 as if you are going towards Netzaberg. You will then take your very first right (as if you are going towards MegaPlay) and as soon as you cross the small bridge there is a driveway on the right side which you can enter into a parking lot. You should see several cars and the bus there. The parking lot is exclusively available for our passengers during the duration of the trip.

Passport and Visa Requirements
A valid tourist passport is required for this trip. Please make sure that you are traveling with the appropriate passport!

Important passport rules are as follows:
If you have a passport with a SOFA stamp on any page (a “No-Fee” passport), you are provided permission to reside in Germany, NOT to travel outside of Germany. You have to have a tourist passport in addition to the SOFA/”No-Fee” passport to travel outside of Germany. You cannot travel with a RED Official passport as that is used only for the purpose of a mission or deployment. If you have a passport with a detachable SOFA card clipped inside, it is acceptable to travel with as that was issued originally as a tourist passport. If you are not sure: a tourist passport will be BLUE and will be valid for 10 years for adults. It cannot contain a SOFA stamp on any page or it is not acceptable. A child’s tourist passport (under 15 years of age) is valid for 5 years, but will not have a SOFA stamp in it anywhere. All of this information has been verified to be correct with the Grafenwoehr Passport Office.

Baggage Allowance
Each adult is entitled to one luggage and one personal item. Luggage should be able to be stored below the bus and the personal item should contain whatever you might need on the bus. Pillows and blankets do not count for the personal item. If you have additional items such as strollers, carseats, etc. please send us a message to make those arrangements.

Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to Scandinavia. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates.

Currency
You will use the the Danish krone in Denmark, the Swedish krona in Sweden, Norwegian krone in Norway. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take a combination of bank/ATM cards and credit cards, as needed. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Cuisine
When in Denmark, try the beloved open-faced sandwich called smørrebrød: a slice of rye bread topped with local favorites that could include smoked fish, prawns, mayonnaise, horseradish, or caviar. The country is also known for the popular Carlsberg and Tuborg beers. Sweden’s famous meatballs are typically served with a brown sauce and tart lingonberry jam. Smoked salmon and pickled herring are popular eats, especially atop a crisp bread. Snack on the country’s many kinds of pastry and breads during fika, a social coffee hour that occurs mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Norwegian cuisine is varied, offering something for every traveler. Lamb is the most traditional meat, but you’ll also find everything from goose to deer being served in Norway. Seafood lovers will enjoy the country’s array of smoked salmon, shellfish, pickled herring, and scrod. Typical meals often incorporate grains, locally-produced cheeses, fresh produce, and wild berries.