How I did it: I'm lucky enough to know someone who is studying abroad in Sweden, and they wanted me to visit them over Christmas because they were homesick. I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a country I've always wanted to see, so I took her up on it. I was already planning to visit people in the UK over Christmas, so I bought a cheap RyanAir flight from Edinburgh to Stockholm that would take me there halfway through my visit.

I was initially very nervous flying to a new country all by myself and taking foreign public transportation to meet up with them, but I made it. I stayed at both her student flat in the city and also with her boyfriend's family in the country for a couple of nights. So I saw two very different sides of Sweden in just 4 short days. Though it got dark very early, Swedes are experts at keeping things cozy and cheerful with the use of pretty lights. The Jul (Christmas) atmosphere and special seasonal food were just beautiful. The snow that time of year is glistening white and actually sticks to every tree branch, so everything looks like a winter wonderland. It was surreal and amazing, just as I had always imagined it.

Lessons & tips:

• Sweden is a very expensive country to visit, so if you happen to know someone over there you can stay with, that really helps soften the blow.
• If visiting in the winter, you will be very cold and uncomfortable outside if you don't wear long underwear. Trust me on this.

Resources: http://www.flygbussarna.se/(An airport shuttle bus that takes you from the airport to major cities. You can even buy your tickets ahead of time online. Don't know what I'd do without this!)

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Mar 21, 2011, 06:58AM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers