In Finland, getting there really is half of the fun. While Finland might be on the northern edge of Europe, the opportunities to travel around the continent are amazing. Helsinki’s airport is consistently ranked as one of the best in Europe, and the main sailing port is located in one of my favorite areas of Helsinki. I have been doing my best to take advantage of all the travel chances that I can. So far, I have made it to nine countries in Europe (eleven counting airports). I’m from the United States, so I was really surprised at how different traveling in Europe can be. As an American citizen with a Finnish residence permit, here are some of the things that have stood out to me.
Easy access to much of Europe
Finland is part of the European Union and a member of the Nordic Council. That means there is freedom of travel to other EU members and to non-EU Nordic countries like Norway. Travel requirements in the EU are different for EU citizens and non-citizens (including residents). For official travel requirements, visit EU Travel Requirements. Different ports of entry can have varying wait times and security requirements. I didn’t need to do anything to go from Finland to France, but then I had to show my passport going from France to Spain. I’ve never had to show my passport to enter a Nordic country, but I always have it with me just in case. Any time you go through a new port of entry, give yourself some extra time in case there’s an unexpected passport check.
More than just flying
There are flights for less than €20 between EU countries, but before you take to the skies, don’t forget other options. There are ferries and cruises on the Baltic Sea from Helsinki to countries including Sweden, Estonia, and Poland. There are also rail connections all over Europe. I can confirm that places are much more interesting on the ground than 20,000 feet up. When I was in Denmark, I took a train across the country. Not only did I get to see the small towns that make up most of Denmark, but I also made friends from Ireland and Spain during the ride. If you have time, consider one of the greener modes of transportation and experience more than just major cities.
Public transportation can (usually) get you where you’re going
Public transportation is widely available in most of Europe. In all my travels on this continent, I have only driven a private car once. Before I came to Finland, I had only ever ridden two trains and a handful of buses, so I was really nervous about getting around without a car. As someone who was nervous about riding the train alone at twenty-two, I can confidently say that Finland’s public transportation is easy to manage and can take you all over the country. Most major European cities have public transportation that is designed to make sense for tourists. The key word in that sentence is “most.” Not every country’s transportation is as reliable as Finland’s, so plan ahead and budget for extra taxi rides just in case. I recommend researching transportation options at your destination before you get there. I’ve waited twenty minutes for a bus that wasn’t coming, and it was not a fun experience. Download apps that the city offers and try to become familiar with at least one method of getting around. Some cities, like Copenhagen, even have special offers where you can buy one card and use it for getting around and going to museums.
Euros to go
Finland is the only Nordic country in the Eurozone, so if you are headed to Denmark, remember to pick up some kroner or bring another way to pay. Also, I recommend bringing any currencies you have when traveling. There’s always a chance that your flight is diverted to another airport due to a storm or your two-hour layover turns into a six-hour layover. While this may sound unlikely, it can certainly happen. Because of delays and reroutings, I once ended up in London for about three hours when my original trip was not supposed to involve British pounds. For me, having enough cash to get a meal or something to drink makes everything a little less stressful.
When in Rome…
Do as the Romans do. When you’re visiting a new culture, you should be ready to adapt and experience as much as you can. Europe is incredibly culturally diverse. Most of the time, Finland feels culturally closer to Paris, Illinois, than it does to Paris, France. What is normal and acceptable in one country might not be in another, so pay attention to people around you. If everyone else is taking their time in a museum, take a breath and match their pace. If everyone around you is being quiet, keep your voice down. This also means that you should be open to adventures. If the restaurant you’re at is famous for a dish you’ve never heard of, order a plate if it sounds good. When I was actually in Rome, I challenged myself to eat a different Italian dish every meal. This led me to some of the best food I have ever eaten, including pasta del mar that almost made me cry tears of joy. If you’re hungry after leaving a shop or museum in a new city, ask someone who works there where you should go to eat. I’ve never received a bad recommendation from a cashier.
I’ve dreamed of traveling throughout Europe since I was a little kid, and it’s surreal to actually do it. I’ve visited six of my nine European countries in the past year and a half while studying at LUT. So, remember to embrace the cultural differences, savor the local cuisine, and enjoy every moment of your European adventure!
Erica West
Student LUT
Master's Programme in Data-Centric Engineering
