Oslo, Norway: 39.98 pounds round trip
Fly Ryanair from London Stansted to Oslo Torp Airport near Sandefjord.
Oslo Torp Airport is for budget-minded travelers heading to the Norwegian capital who don’t mind a little longer journey in hope of saving cash. The airport has Oslo in its name, but planes land just outside the small town of Sandefjord, roughly 70 miles south of the capital city.
Bus and train services at the airport will drop you off in the heart of the city, home to more than 500,000 residents.
Once there, ditch your bags and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Oslo is an attractive European capital situated at the head of the Oslo Fjord surrounded by forested ridges and islands.
Outdoor activities are abundant, from boat rides to nearby islands, parks, hiking trails and even skiing centers in the winter.
Even Reader’s Digest commended the city’s setting by ranking it as the world’s No. 2 greenest and livable city in 2007.
Tourists should check out the Vigelandsparken sculpture park, one of Norway’s most-visited attractions that draws about 1 million visitors a year. The park has more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron.
If weather doesn’t cooperate, then head indoors to the Viking Ship Museum, which presents great Viking ship discoveries from the local area. The world’s two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the ninth century are on display, as well as small boats, sledges and Viking-era tools.
Three months — July 18-20Copenhagen, Denmark: 63.98 pounds round trip
Fly easyJet from London Stansted to Copenhagen.
This Danish capital is home to historical buildings, ancient streets, museums and a very special lady popularized by a Disney movie.
The lady, a bronze statue in honor of the Little Mermaid, is said to be the most-photographed statue in the world. Unveiled in 1913, it is based on a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg beer, was so impressed by a ballet on Andersen’s tale that he donated money to create the statue along Langelinie on the coast.
Another enchanting site is Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with a romantic touch, with lanterns in trees, flower displays, restaurants and stages for music and theater. Thrilling roller-coaster rides can also be found in the park, which has roots back to 1843.
Afterward, take a smooth ride along the city’s canals on guided tours or hop-on and hop-off boats that cruise through the old city past many famous sights.
The Amalienborg Palace Complex is one famous sight that should be seen. Not only is it one of the most outstanding pieces of rococo architecture in Denmark, it is also the monarch’s residence.
Amalienborg comprises four palaces that were initially conceived as town mansions for noble families at the beginning of the 1750s. Today, members of the Royal Guard secure the site.
Airfare prices include taxes and are courtesy of each airline’s Web site. Prices were verified as of Monday afternoon when Stripes UK went to press. Deals are not guaranteed to be available; restrictions may apply.
