Perfectly Planned Journeys

09/24/2024

An Honest Guide to Viewing the Northern Lights ✨

Witnessing the Northern Lights is a truly awe-inspiring, breathtaking experience everyone should have at least once. But if you’ve never seen this incredible phenomenon before, it’s important to have the right expectations.

While the Aurora Borealis is spectacular, there's a little-known fact that most articles don’t share: the images captured by modern DSLR cameras or even your cell phone don’t fully match what you witness with your naked eye. In reality, it can be difficult to discern the colors of the auroras without checking your camera’s LCD screen.

When you see the Northern Lights in real life they are not usually very colorful - what you see is what looks like a cloud with a faint glow of green or purple. Only in very rare cases do people see the bright colors that you see in photographs.

So, does this mean all those captivating photos are photoshopped or “fake”?

Absolutely NOT!

The image I have posted has two copies of the exact same image. I took this image on my recent trip to Senja, in Northern Norway.

One image has been photoshopped, the other has not. So which is the original photo that has not been altered?

If your answer was #2 you are correct.

The first copy of the picture has been altered to show you what I remember seeing with the naked eye. As soon as I looked at the screen on my iPhone I was in for a wonderful surprise.

Here’s why: the human eye generally perceives the Northern Lights in “black & white” because our night vision doesn't detect color as well.

On the other hand, DSLR camera sensors don't have this limitation. With long exposure times and high ISO settings, modern cameras capture a much wider range of vision in the dark than we can.

This doesn’t mean the Aurora Borealis isn’t real or incredibly beautiful. It simply means that, just like how you use eyeglasses to read small print, you look at the images on your camera to see the full, vivid effect of the Northern Lights.

So while your eyes might see softer, more subtle hues, your camera will capture the full technicolor glory of this natural wonder. The best part? Experiencing the magical dance of the auroras in person is a unique and unforgettable moment that’s as beautiful as any photograph!

Ready to chase the lights and create your own mesmerizing memories? Let’s plan this once-in-a-lifetime adventure together! 💫✨

09/20/2024

The magical Aurora Borealis ✨ deserves its own post ✨

Have you ever dreamed of witnessing the mesmerizing dance of the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights)?

Northern Norway is one of the best places in the world to catch this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

The Aurora Borealis, are caused by solar particles colliding with the Earth's atmosphere, creating stunning displays of green, purple, and pink lights that illuminate the night sky.

Why Northern Norway?

The perfect combination of high latitudes, and clear, dark skies makes Northern Norway a prime location for viewing the aurora borealis. The long winter nights and minimal light pollution provide an unmatched spectacle. Plus, the stunning landscapes – from breathtaking fjords to majestic mountains – create the ultimate backdrop for nature’s light show.

Why NOW is the perfect time to go:

We are 2024/2025 is the peak of an 11-year solar cycle, meaning the lights are more frequent and vibrant than ever!

WHEN?: The Northern Lights are most visible from late September to March. This means NOW is the prime time to visit for the best chance of seeing the auroras in their full glory.

During my visit to Northern Norway last week the expectations of my group were high, and we were not disappointed! Here are some of the many photos I took with my iPhone in Senja.

A few other benefits to traveling to this area to see the Aurora Borealis are:

Unique Winter Experiences: Beyond the lights, Northern Norway offers incredible winter activities. Think dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cozying up in authentic Sami lodges.

Smaller Crowds: With fewer tourists around, you’ll enjoy a more intimate, uninterrupted viewing experience of the celestial display.

Strong $ makes Norway more affordable than it has been in the past

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first big adventure, Northern Norway is calling. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Northern Lights in all their splendor!

Ready to chase the lights and create your own mesmerizing memories? Contact me so that we can start planning your once-in-a-lifetime adventure together! 💫✨

Fun Fact: If you would like to sit in the hot tub and watch the light show, and you forgot your bathing suit at home - no problem! 😁, Hamn in Senja has these sexy swimsuits that you can borrow.❤

09/18/2024

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/impacting-travel/all-us-citizens-can-now-renew-passports-online-for-first-time-ever?oly_enc_id=7554G8951223F4L

The U.S. Department of State has launched an online passport renewal service for all citizens following a successful beta test.

09/18/2024

YES! ❤

Just in case you need another reason to travel, it can help slow the aging process.

09/09/2024

I arrived in Bodø this afternoon, the gateway to the Arctic, and the European Capital of Culture of 2024.

Bodø offers a mix of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, home to Norway's second-largest glacier, enjoy the vibrant art scene and let’s not forget fresh, delicious seafood.

For adventure seekers, Bodø provides unique opportunities to witness the Saltstraumen Maelstrom, one of the world's strongest tidal currents, which I had a privilege of seeing on my last visit to Bodø.

I clearly did not check the weather forecast before packing. My suitcase is full of turtlenecks, down jackets and fleece tops, while Bodo and the rest of Northern Norway just broke an 86 year old record for it’s warm temperatures today at F77 / C25, and at 8:00 pm it was still F68 with a warm breeze.

Solution - shopping of course!

Fun fact - I noticed that many of the passengers from my flight from Oslo to Bodø today did not have a car parked at the airport, get picked up by family or friends, or took a taxi or public transportation to get home. They simply took their luggage and walked! (The airport is 3 min. From town. Love that! )

, , , theArctics

05/19/2024

A few reasons why I am proud to be a Norwegian! ❤🇳🇴🥰
https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=421041674186922

05/14/2024

My focus as a travel advisor is to provide unique, quality travel experiences that are not available to thousands of other travelers.

The guide/host I am working with here is someone I have known since 3rd grade so I am so excited to post this!

If you seek experiences no one else has had. If you believe that seeing popular tourist attractions is fine, however seeing hidden gems, getting to know the locals, learning about their lives and culture gives a much deeper meaning to travel. If you also are active and love nature this will be a trip of a lifetime!

Embark on a journey less traveled where the majestic mountains of Norway are not just a backdrop but your home away from home.

Your host, a local certified guide will take you and your small group up to his beautiful cabin in the Norwegian highlands in Hemsedalen for a very unique and immersive experience.

Your host will share a lot of personal stories about life in Norway giving you an authentic experience. Each day filled with breathtaking nature and local activities handpicked just for you.

Whether you prefer leisurely hikes through lush trails, exhilarating climbs for panoramic views, or tranquil days soaking in the untouched natural beauty, your guide will morph Norway’s landscape into your playground.

And there’s more - every meal is an event in itself! Indulge in authentic Norwegian cuisine, prepared by your guide with love and local flavors, making each dining experience as unique as your adventure.

Whether you’re seeking serenity, adventure, or a taste of local culture, this exclusive trip offers a blend of it all.

We will be happy to customize your Norwegian escape with options to integrate other unique experiences around Norway, crafting a truly unparalleled adventure.

Contact Perfectly Planned Journeys today to begin planning your personalized mountain retreat today, and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. [email protected] / 703-927-0588

05/10/2024

As we are only one week away from May 17th, the Norwegian National Holiday, it only seems right that I share a few pictures and a little information from my recent trip to Eidsvoll.

Today, May 17th is celebrated all over Norway people dressed in their finest clothes, many wearing their bunad (national costume), Norwegian flags, hotdogs, and ice cream.

It is the day we celebrate the day in 1814 when the Norwegian Constitution was signed. Eidsvoll Manor House is Norway's most important building.

In 1814, Eidsvoll Manor was a private home owned by Carsten Anker, the owner of Eidsvoll Ironworks, and one of Norway's richest men.

When talks began of drafting a Norwegian constitution,, Carsten Anker made his home available as a meeting place for the National Assembly, and Rikssalen (the National Hall) on the second floor was where the National Assembly signed the Constitution of the Kingdom of Norway in 1814.

So yes, Eidsvoll was the birthplace of Norwegian democracy and is today a museum and property of the Norwegian state. ❤🇳🇴🌭

05/05/2024

To all of you who visited Norway 20+ years ago, and remember Norwegian food as being bland and boring, I am here to tell you that this is not the case anymore!

My recent visit to Norway, and esp. Trondheim, mentioned by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top food destinations to visit in the world, is this year's host to Bocuse d'Or and is known as the food capital of Norway. In addition to having three Michelin-starred restaurants, you will find a culinary gem on every corner of Trondheim.

I was very fortunate to attend NTW's (Norwegian Travel Workshop) 2024 Farewell Dinner & Party at the esteemed Britannia Hotel while in Trondheim.

The hotel is magnificent, and the food was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

I am afraid my pictures do not do the delicacies we enjoyed justice.

For those of you who enjoy fine dining, Trondheim should be on your list of places to visit.

Thank you Visit Trondheim for hosting such an exquisite event.❤

05/03/2024

My mom would have turned 83 today. Unfortunately, she passed away at 68, but I am grateful for all the good memories. ❤

05/01/2024

Congratulations to all of my fabulous colleagues out there! 🥳