A: Stockholm is only around 40 minutes from Uppsala by train, and once you're there you can make some great day trips. The Stockholm Archipelago is beautiful, especially if you're visiting during summer. (I really like the sleepy island of Finnhamn, but you could also try Grinda, which is a bit closer to the centre.)
Otherwise you could try Birka (a preserved Viking settlement) or Artipelag, an excellent art gallery that's set out among the islands.
- Steve Vickers
Q: There used to be a website where you could see various airline food per flight through photos and feedback by customers but I can't seem to find it. All I see is business class or higher trips. Any thoughts? I have been fairly happy with European airlines offerings on economy class, but I am flying to London with USAir next week and I am not sure if I should eat at the airport instead. I am not expecting fancy, but simply edible, and I've heard that most American airlines offer inedible food, not sure if it's changed.
A: Yes, you're thinking of AirlineMeals.net. Yum!
- Christopher Elliott
Q: Is there any advantage to adding "cancel for any reason" to a travel insurance policy? My biggest concern is an elderly parent getting sick. However I noticed there is an additional fee for the upgrade. Is it worth it?
A: A "cancel for any reason" policy costs more, but you'll get a percentage of your trip back. You don't need to have a covered reason, like a flight interruption or a death in the family, in order to file a claim. If you think you might have to file a claim, it might be worth it.
- C.E.
Q: We're heading to Norway in early July for seven days. We know where we'd like to go, but are having trouble trying to figure out what will still be snow-covered, how to travel between destinations, and whether it's really feasible to squeeze it all in. We've never used a travel agent before, but think it may be useful for this trip. How do we find one? Should they be local or Norwegian? Any other tips or guidance for the trip would be appreciated. Our focus is getting out to see the country's natural beauty, less so urban culture. Food is always important!
A: I don't think you'll need to worry about snow — even the northernmost parts of the mainland should be nice and mild by July, and up there you'll have the benefit of round-the-clock daylight.
If you're planning quite long journeys (e.g. Oslo-Trondheim), then your best bet is to take the train. The government-owned train company NSB has a handy Web site and journey planner in English.
Tour companies are probably only worthwhile if you want to squeeze in a lot of outdoor activities that might be hard to arrange at short notice. It's also worth bearing in mind that most operators will take a cut on tours — and Norway is pretty pricey as it is!
- S.V.
Q: My wife and I will have about 24 hours to spend in Johannesburg before catching a flight home. Does anyone have any thoughts on where to stay and what to see? And, we have some 16-hour flights ahead of us. I was curious what people do (other than sleeping, movies, reading) to stay entertained on long haul flights?
A: I would stay at a hotel near the airport, so you don't have to stress over making your connecting flight. There is an InterContinental and Protea nearby. Make your life easy and book a hotel with an airport shuttle.
To fill your layover hours, definitely check out Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. Book a tour in advance (check Viator for ideas), or ask at your hotel. J-burg, unfortunately, is not the kind of city where one can freely walk around.
I think most people engage in those three activities. Others work or knit or do crossword puzzles. But really this is your time to relax. The time flies, literally!
- Andrea Sachs
Q: I will need to travel to Mexico for my brother's wedding in late April, when I will be 31 weeks pregnant. I'm desperately trying to find travel insurance that will cover the trip (at some percentage) should I go into early labor and cannot take the trip and health insurance that would cover expenses if I go into labor while in Mexico. My pregnancy has been without complications and I don't expect early labor to happen, but I'd rather have the insurance just in case. Do you recommend/know of any companies that specialize doing this type of coverage?
A: Your best bet will probably be a "cancel for any reason" policy, which would cover what insurers like to call a "pre-existing" condition like pregnancy. You might find a named-perils policy (a regular travel insurance policy) that covers pregnancy, but it could be a challenge.
- C.E.
Q: I'm going to San Diego for a weekend with my mom (I'm 27, she's in her 50s). We're staying in La Jolla and have rented a car, but don't have any big plans for the weekend. We are considering a bike tour, but wanted to see if you had any suggestion for must-sees or things to do? It's our first time there and we are primarily excited about enjoying the nice weather and beautiful scenery.
A: I could spend all day (and have) at Balboa Park — San Diego's version of New York's Central Park and Museum Mile all-in-one. Check out each museum's Web site for special events, such as film screenings and Zydeco dancing. The Gaslamp Quarter is also great fun on weekends — lots of bars and restaurants.
Definitely rent a bike and pedal along paths that parallel the ocean. If you prefer hiking, head to Torrey Pines State Reserve. I also recommend a tour of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (they do amazing work!) and its Birch Aquarium at Scripps. You can help with the tide pool feeding and watch the kelp tank dive.
- A.S.
Q: My insurance doesn't cover overseas travel or evacuation if I got hurt. A couple years ago I spent $160 something on insurance for a 14-day trip overseas for peace of mind, but the last couple times I haven't done it. What are your thoughts on it? And do you have any recommendations on good companies to buy from? I can't remember the name of the one I used before.
A: Yes, travel insurance is often (but not always) a good idea. Briefly, here are some of the reasons you should consider a policy: If you're spending more than $5,000 on a vacation. If you're a nervous traveler and just need the peace of mind that comes with a policy. If you're cruising or taking a package tour. If you have a complex or lengthy itinerary. If you're on a tour with a lot of moving parts. If you're on Medicare and are traveling internationally. Anytime you leave the country.
- C.E.
Q: Our child (younger than 18) will be attending an event out of state with her friend and her friend's mother this summer. Is it beneficial for us to get some form of a "temporary guardianship for care of minor" while away? I was wondering your thoughts as I had not heard of it before recently.
A: Usually a note is required if the minor is traveling out of the country with a non-parent adult. The letter is not required, but if it makes you feel better, then definitely stick one in your child's luggage. However, make sure you have the group's full itinerary and hotel phone numbers and that your child has a way of reaching you at all times. If possible, set up a check-in call time every morning or night.
- A.S.
Q: I'm wondering how you would explain the huge popularity of the Icehotel. Is it just a novelty destination? Reindeer skins or no, it can't possibly be especially comfortable!
A: The answer is yes and no. I genuinely think the hotel is worth seeing at least once. Staying the night? Well that depends on how flush you're feeling. Most people I've met who have slept there say one night is enough — it is very chilly inside.
Thankfully there are regular, heated hotel rooms next to the icy part of the hotel, so many people opt for a couple of nights there and one night on the ice. If you're on a budget, you can tour the hotel as a day-visitor and then sleep at a hotel in nearby Kiruna.
- S.V.
Q: I'm thinking of doing a Scandinavian trip with my family. Are there any aspects of Swedish culture Americans might be surprised by (in general, or specifically in terms of travel)?
A: As a Brit, I can say I was surprised by how similar some aspects of Swedish and American culture seem! I wrote an article for The Post a while back, describing how parts of the country seem fascinated with elements of American culture — particularly muscle cars and rockabilly music.
But of course there are big differences. I'd say that, as a tourist, it can be quite hard to get to know Swedes. People are very quiet on public transport, for example, and tend not to open up to strangers at first. Though once you get past that first hurdle, they're incredibly warm and friendly. Americans (and Brits) will often get a lot of questions about life back home.
- S.V.
Steve Vickers is a freelance journalist based in Sweden. He has worked on more than a dozen guidebooks about Europe and Asia and is the founder of routesnorth.com, an independent travel guide to Sweden.
