Happy Monday traveler!

This week, we’re taking you to Preikestolen, otherwise known as Pulpit Rock, in Norway. Get ready for an insanely gorgeous place to visit.

🌍️ What’s Going on In the Travel World?

• Here’s an interview with aviation expert Mike Boyd about the safety of the industry - We fly a lot and all of the recent accidents have been a concern. Mike’s confidence is at least a bit reassuring.

• This is a chance to be heard by The New York Times - They are surveying people about how they’ve chanced how they travel after the CVOID-19 pandemic. It’s been 5 years but things are still different.

• USNews best places to travel for 2025 - Which of these is on your list? #4 is on our schedule. 😁

• 2 minute audio update on the travel economy - Seems things are picking up 🤔 

• There’s a bull on the loose! - In funnier news…

A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌This Week’s Inspiration

Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most famous hikes. It’s located on the western side of Norway.

One way to get there is to fly into Oslo and rent a car (it takes about 8 hours so you may want to stop somewhere in between). Driving in Norway is easy, with plenty of road signs, excellent drivers on the road, and stunning scenery along the way.

You might be able to roll your window down, stick your arm out, and feel the splash of a waterfall if you’re lucky. The route requires the use of car ferries to get over several fjords. It’s nice to take a break from driving and soak in the beauty.

There was plenty of daylight when we visited, since the sun doesn’t set in the summertime until about 11:30pm. We checked into the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, dropped our bags, and immediately started hiking.

The hike takes you 604 meters above sea level. The trail is well marked with cairns, but very rocky and steep in some places. The views gave us some great opportunities to stop, rest for a minute, and take pictures.

Once you get to the spot, you will understand why it’s an iconic view: the rock literally drops almost straight down into the Lysefjord. You can sit right at the edge of it and get some jaw-dropping photos. Check out Bob doing a handstand here:

There is so much beauty here that it’s impossible not to stop and soak it all in. You’ll feel an awe for nature.

The hike is a bit tiring, but 100% worth it. You’ll return to the mountain lodge with tired legs but an immense appreciation for nature.

How to Get to Preikestolen:

There are multiple options.

We chose to fly into Oslo because it was the easiest city to fly to from the U.S. After spending a night in Arendal (for you Disney fans, no we didn’t see Elsa, Anna, or Olaf here), we continued driving along the southern and western coasts to get there.

If you want less driving time, then fly into Stavanger. Or, if driving in a different country isn’t your thing, there are public bus options too.

Where to Stay:

The best place to stay is right at the base of the hike: Preikestolen Fjellstue, otherwise known as Preikestolen Mountain Lodge or Basecamp. You’ll be able to start hiking early in the morning and avoid the crowds arriving later in the day via tour groups.

What to Pack:

No special hiking gear is required - just comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. Hiking boots would be the most preferred footwear (definitely NOT the flip-flops we saw one woman wearing when we started the hike!) but they are not necessary in the summer.

Depending on what level of accommodations you choose, you may need to bring a towel for drying off after you shower.

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few things to help you when at Preikestolen.

• This is the Preikestolen Moutain Lodge/Base Camp, the place to stay.

• These jackets (women’s, men’s) would be nice if you go when the weather is real cold. They’ve kept us warm in many places.

• We found some hiking boots too.

• We also so plenty of people with these sticks while hiking up the mountain.

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob