Oslo on a Budget (Maybe 😅): Flight Deals & Gear—Plus, You Could Be Heading To Dubai! 🇳🇴
“Chasing Pirates“ (or Vikings) | 25
When I think of Oslo, the first thing that comes to mind is how expensive it was... I know, I know, way to sell it, Chris. I feel bad, but it's true. I'm just an honest guy, and I talk about this at nauseam in my Things To See In Oslo In 2 Days (Viking Approved) article, but essentially, Gordana and I were hungry, and we found this cute little pizzeria beside Oslo Cathedral called Cafe Cathedral.
One pizza, one beer, and a shot of the local drink, called Aquavit, cost us about 420 Norwegian Krone, which at the time was approximately $70.00 CAD. Back then, there was no way I would spend 70 bucks on pizza and beer in Toronto.
Who knows, maybe it was because it was on a popular main street designed to nab tourists like me? That said, post-pandemic, 70 bucks for pizza and beer seems to be becoming the new norm.
Despite this initial (and slightly painful) introduction to Oslo's prices, the city quickly won us over with its diving into all that incredible Viking history (those longships are mind-blowing!) and exploring unique maritime history in their fascinating museums, that cutting-edge design (honestly, we stayed in some sick Airbnb's), and those stunning fjords, practically on your doorstep.
This week I'm unpacking my top five must-see gems in this awesome city, along with some practical tips to navigate it and some of the high costs. Of course, I got a piece of travel tech to share and the latest flight deals!
Oslo Unpacked: My Top 5 "Worth It" Experiences
Oslo Opera House: Since we arrived in the early afternoon, we were able to check in and head back out to start exploring. The Oslo Opera House is the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, as well as Norway’s national opera theatre. Its crazy modern design, with its angled white marble roof that appears to rise from the fjord, is absolutely cool. Gordana and I loved walking to the top for the amazing panoramic views of Oslo.
Akershus Fortress: Akershus Fortress was a medieval castle built to protect Oslo. This historic site offers a glimpse into Norway's past as you wander through its halls and museums, taking in stunning views of the Oslofjord. This fortress has seen centuries of Norwegian history.
**Looking back at these pictures, I just remembered how beautiful the sunsets were here.**
Viking Ship Museum (included in the pass - more on this below): One of the must-see attractions in Oslo is the Viking Ship Museum. The beauty is that in order to get there, you need to take a Viking ship…just kidding. However, you do need to take a quick boat ride across the Inner Oslofjord. It’s essential to note that the museum is currently closed for an expansion and is scheduled to reopen in 2027 as the Museum Of The Viking Age. At the time, the museum housed one of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, as well as artifacts from Viking tombs located around the Oslo Fjord. It also features displays of discoveries from the Gokstad, Oseberg, and Tune ships, including small boats, sleds, tools, textiles, and utensils.
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, also known as Norsk Folkemuseum, is, in part, an open-air museum featuring 160 historic buildings. My absolute favourite and the main attraction is the beautiful Gol Stave Church. Without a doubt, the open-air museum and the Gol Stave Church are one of the top things to do in Oslo. The museum’s exhibits span from 1500 to the present time, and the indoor exhibits feature Norwegian folk costumes, folk art, church art, and Sami culture.
Frogner Park and Vigeland Skulpturpark: We hopped on a tram to Vigeland Sculpture Park within Frogner Park. This is a truly unique art experience, showcasing over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron by Gustav Vigeland. We spent hours here checking out the very and dare I say interesting thought-provoking depictions of the human form.
Travel Tips & Tricks for Oslo:
Take a Free Walking Tour: A fantastic way to get acquainted with Oslo and see the main sights is by joining a free walking tour. Companies like Free Tour Expert provide insightful commentary and local recommendations. It's a great, inexpensive way to get your bearings early in your trip.
Consider the Oslo Pass: If you plan to visit multiple museums and use public transportation, the Oslo Pass can be a cost-effective option. It offers free entry to many attractions and unlimited travel on Oslo's public transportation system for a specified period.
Explore Beyond Oslo: While Oslo has plenty to offer, consider taking a day trip or weekend getaway to experience more of Norway's stunning scenery.
Holmenkollen: Easily accessible from Oslo by subway (Line 1) or bus, is famous for its ski jump and offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and fjord.
Asker: You can easily reach Asker from Oslo by train or bus, offering a change of scenery and a glimpse into a charming Norwegian town.
Flåm or Bergen: For a longer excursion, consider a trip to Flåm or Bergen. Both are accessible from Oslo by train or bus (around 6-7 hours). These could make for a wonderful overnight or weekend adventure to experience Norway's dramatic fjord landscape or the charming city of Bergen.
Ready to book your Oslo adventure? Find the perfect place to stay with great deals right here: Oslo Accommodation Deals
Travel Gear Review: INIU Portable Charger - My New Pocket-Sized Powerhouse ⚡📱
As many of you are aware, I recently attended the Travel Media Association of Canada conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Before that, I was in Calgary, Alberta, on a Press Trip!
I always swore by my battery pack and used it for what feels like a million trips, but unfortunately, it wasn't holding a charge like it used to. It was a good thing my good friend Kevin Wagar from Wandering Wagars was with me on both trips and gave me a boost when my phone and gear were running low. Time to upgrade. Gordana and I were at a BBQ last weekend, and a friend told me about the INIU Portable Charger, so I picked one up! Well, two, one for Gordana too!
What I was looking for was a reliable portable charger, as our phones have become so much more than just a phone these days. Having a battery pack has become absolutely essential. Especially for us who are not only taking pictures and videos with our phones, I also have three other cameras I need to keep charged over the course of a busy day.
This week, I'd like to discuss the INIU Portable Charger, which features a 10000mAh capacity, and I have been impressed with its performance.
Pros:
Pocket-Friendly Power: This charger is surprisingly slim and lightweight for its 10000mAh capacity. It easily slips into a pocket or small bag/purse without adding much bulk, which is perfect for travel.
Fast Charging: It supports fast charging, enabling you to power up your phone or other devices quickly. In some cases, up to 60% in just 30 minutes (depending on your device).
USB-C In & Out: A really cool feature is the inclusion of a USB-C port that can be used for both charging the power bank itself or charging your devices. Yes, you’d only need one cable.
Broad Compatibility: It's compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhones, Samsung phones, Google Pixel devices, iPads, and all my DJI cameras etc...
Safety Features: INIU emphasizes safety with their "SAFE Fast Charge Pro" technology, ensuring protection against overcharging, overheating, and short circuits.
Price: The list price was $34.73, but I was able to get it for 15% off.
Cons:
The biggest con is that it's something else you need to carry! 😭
Who is this for?
This portable charger is ideal for travellers who need a reliable and compact power source on the go. Whether you're exploring a new city, hiking in nature, or simply want to ensure your phone doesn't run out of battery during a long day out, the INIU Portable Charger is a solid option.
Unpacked Travel Insider
Win A Trip To Dubai For 2! ✈️🌴☀️
Stand atop the sky-piercing Burj Khalifa, wander the palm-shaped paradise of Palm Jumeirah, and bask in the glamour of Dubai Marina—your gateway to the UAE’s dazzling culture, luxury, and thrill-packed adventures.
The getaway includes:
✓ Stay at deluxe hotels with daily breakfast
✓ Explore Dubai’s top sites on a guided city tour
✓ Cruise Dubai Creek aboard a traditional dhow with dinner
✓ Experience a desert safari with BBQ & belly dance
✓ Visit the Grand Mosque & Louvre in Abu Dhabi
✓ All transfers, guides & taxes included
Fly Away to Los Angeles (LAX/BUR) for Less! ✈️☀️
Looking for a sunny escape to Los Angeles? Check out these roundtrip fares, with availability from July through October (nonstop flights marked with *): From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $197*, Asheville (AVL) - $278, Atlanta (ATL) - $148*, Austin (AUS) - $176*, Baltimore (BWI) - $100*, Boston (BOS) - $234*, Charleston (CHS) - $278, Charlotte (CLT) - $405*, Chicago (ORD) - $118*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $198*, Cleveland (CLE) - $178*, Dallas (DFW) - $116*, Denver (DEN) - $38*, Detroit (DTW) - $178*, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $168*, Hartford (BDL) - $398, Houston (IAH) - $98*, Indianapolis (IND) - $112*, Jacksonville (JAX) - $256, Kansas City (MCI) - $178*, Las Vegas (LAS) - $49*, Louisville (SDF) - $167*, Miami (MIA) - $377*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $178*, Nashville (BNA) - $110*, New Jersey (EWR) - $200*, New Orleans (MSY) - $112*, New York (JFK) - $238*, New York (LGA) - $198, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $367*, Omaha (OMA) - $156*, Philadelphia (PHL) - $178*, Phoenix (PHX) - $80*, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $198*, Portland (PDX) - $99*, Raleigh (RDU) - $278*, Richmond (RIC) - $267*, Sacramento (SMF) - $145*, St. Louis (STL) - $299*, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $115*, San Antonio (SAT) - $100*, San Diego (SAN) - $179*, San Francisco (SFO) - $93*, San Jose (SJC) - $198*, Seattle (SEA) - $188*, Tampa (TPA) - $298*, Washington DC (DCA) - $237*, Washington DC (IAD) - $237*.
For our Canadian readers:
Calgary (YYC) - $276* CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $488* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $274* CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $146* CAD
Normal Price: $400
Purchase By: These fares will likely be gone in 2-3 weeks.
Airlines: Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit
Ready for some sunshine? These deals won't last forever, so be sure to check out these amazing prices to Los Angeles if a West Coast adventure is calling your name!
Dreaming of Canals and Culture? Fly to Amsterdam (AMS) for Less! 🌷🚲
Here are roundtrip fares to Amsterdam, with availability from July through October (nonstop flights marked with *): From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $656, Asheville (AVL) - $656, Atlanta (ATL) - $684*, Austin (AUS) - $798, Baltimore (BWI) - $391, Boston (BOS) - $552*, Charleston (CHS) - $656, Charlotte (CLT) - $672, Chicago (ORD) - $618*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $798, Cleveland (CLE) - $656, Dallas (DFW) - $568, Denver (DEN) - $481, Detroit (DTW) - $872*, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $599, Hartford (BDL) - $665, Houston (IAH) - $857*, Indianapolis (IND) - $698, Jacksonville (JAX) - $699, Kansas City (MCI) - $656, Las Vegas (LAS) - $872*, Los Angeles (LAX) - $734*, Louisville (SDF) - $656, Miami (MIA) - $842*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $711, Nashville (BNA) - $698, New Jersey (EWR) - $422*, New Orleans (MSY) - $699, New York (JFK) - $423*, New York (LGA) - $656, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $656, Omaha (OMA) - $656, Philadelphia (PHL) - $542*, Phoenix (PHX) - $422, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $656, Portland (PDX) - $778*, Raleigh (RDU) - $621, Richmond (RIC) - $622, Sacramento (SMF) - $698, St. Louis (STL) - $711, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $842*, San Antonio (SAT) - $656, San Diego (SAN) - $658, San Francisco (SFO) - $648*, San Jose (SJC) - $699, Seattle (SEA) - $872*, Tampa (TPA) - $699, Washington DC (DCA) - $628, Washington DC (IAD) - $618*.
For our Canadian readers:
Calgary (YYC) - $960* CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $745* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $736* CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $964* CAD
Normal Price: $1000
Purchase By: These fares will likely be gone in 2-3 weeks
Airlines: United, American, Delta, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue
What do you say? Ready to explore Amsterdam? These fares are a steal, so don't miss out on a chance to wander through those iconic canals!
So, whether you're dreaming of exploring the vibrant streets of Oslo (just remember your wallet!), planning a sunny escape to Los Angeles, or perhaps even hoping to win a luxurious trip to Dubai, I hope this week's edition has kick-started your summer wanderlust. And don't forget the trusty INIU portable charger to keep your adventures powered up!
Until next time,
Stay Rudderless