Back at it again! This time…it’s Stockholm!
Hey travel enthusiasts! After a little break, I’m back in the skies for another overseas adventure. This time, I’m headed to Stockholm, Sweden, for some culture, meatballs, and maybe, just maybe, a run-in with the legendary Swedish Bikini Team (if you know, you know… shoutout to my fellow ‘80s and ‘90s kids).
This trip comes with an extra connection and a sprinkle of uncertainty, but I’m crossing my fingers for smooth skies and zero lost luggage. Let’s go.
Day 1: Planes, Patience, and Pre-Check Perks
Kicked things off at Harry Reid International, where I Ubered in, checked my bag, breezed through TSA PreCheck like a seasoned pro, and reached the gate right as my group was boarding. Boom. On to Dallas, then Helsinki, then finally…Stockholm.
Currently chilling at DFW. Got a long layover, but honestly, I’ll take this calm over the chaos of that Australia trip and my sprint filled stress run at LAX. Gonna grab a bite at this cool looking BBQ spot and keep it low-key.
Now, here’s where it gets dicey: there’s been labor drama in Finland, and flights out of Helsinki have been getting the axe left and right for days. But I’ve been told mine to Stockholm is still a go. Crossing fingers….and toes. Travel tip: always pack essentials (a change of clothes, meds, toiletries) in your carry-on. If your checked bag ghosts you, you won’t be stuck high and dry.
On board the flight to Helsinki now. Beef stew for dinner. Surprisingly not terrible. Caught a few movies and audiobooks. Still battling a stubborn cough from a cold I had like 3 weeks ago, but we push through.
Day 2: Finland First, Then Sweden!
Landed in Helsinki. Cleanest, quietest airport I’ve ever seen. Finland, you might be onto something. Made it to Stockholm with no delays and hallelujah, my bag made it too. Off to the Rival Hotel (which, by the way, is beautiful and owned by Benny Andersson one of the band members of ABBA). Check-in, shower, and a power nap were top priority. That travel fatigue is real.
Day 3: Genius-Level Jet Lag Management
So the yesterday after I checked I unpacked, grabbed dinner, then called it early. Best decision ever. I woke up at 6:30am feeling somewhat human again. Breakfast buffet at the hotel? Incredible. Why is Europe so much better at this?
Took a stroll through the nearby parks, then hit the Vasa Museum: one of the top items on my list thanks to a random Jim Gaffigan joke. And wow… it did not disappoint. The ship is enormous and straight out of a “Pirates of the Caribbean” fever dream. Spent a few hours nerding out over the history and restoration (98% of the original ship was preserved!). Grabbed a drink and skipped the gift shop.
Lunch? A tuna melt from a park café called Strandhaxon that knocked me into a nostalgia coma! They were better than the ones me and my boy Nolan used to make in Ms.Smith’s home ec class back in 7th grade. Sorry, Nolan, this one beat us.
Crashed early after a walk through a nearby church-turned-park and a quick pint at a local pub. So far, this trip is a 10.
Day 4: Bloodbaths and Rooftop Bars
After another glorious breakfast (yes, again), I walked to Gamla Stan: Stockholm’s Old Town and real-life storybook. Think cobblestones, pastel buildings, and medieval vibes.
But here’s a twist: in 1520, Danish King Christian II celebrated his new rule by executing nearly 100 Swedish nobles in the infamous Stockholm Bloodbath. Messy, right? One noble, Gustav Vasa, skipped the party, (or as legend has it was just super late) returned with an army, kicked out the Danes, and became king. A historical revenge arc even Netflix couldn’t write better.
After soaking in the history, I swung by the rooftop bar at Södra Teatern for a drink and killer views of the city. Perfect way to wrap up the day.
Day 5: Penicillin and Meatballs
Started with French toast (I could write love letters to this breakfast buffet). Then I headed to the Nobel Prize Museum: Small but fascinating. I even saw the actual petri dish where penicillin was discovered. Mind blown.
Lunch? A Stockholm staple….“Meatballs for the People.” And yes, they lived up to the hype. The rest of the day was low-key. Jet lag still creeping.
Day 6: Vikings, More Meatballs, and a Failed ABBA Attempt
Tried to check out the ABBA Museum but the line was Disneyland-level long. Hard pass.
Instead, hit the Viking Museum and Swedish History Museum: Much less crowded, and the Viking ride gave off major “Pirates Life” vibes. Lunch included another take on Swedish meatballs, this time a fancy twist. Then drinks at TAK rooftop and dinner at Griffins Steakhouse. A bit pricey, but worth every krona.
Finally cracked the code on the subway and ferry system. Kinda.
Day 7: Museums, Burgers, and Down Time
Skipped breakfast, needed sleep more than scrambled eggs. Took the ferry to the Nordic Museum, which looks like a literal castle. Four floors of Nordic history. Impressive.
Then it was back to Gamla Stan for a juicy burger at House of Burgers before crashing back at the hotel.
Day 8: Souvenirs and Sunset Vibes
Souvenir day! Hit up Gamla Stan again and scored some goodies, including my new tradition: a Christmas ornament from every country I visit.
Caught in a rainstorm, so ducked into a bakery for churros (not mad about it). After lunch and a nap, I walked to Sockerskålen Lekpark and capped the night with curry tacos and lakeside drinks at Skrovet. Vibes: immaculate.
Day 9: Wildlife and Dancing Queens
Visited Skansen: Part museum, part zoo, all awesome. Got a crash course in Swedish life back in the day and saw bears, wolverines, and more.
Then… finally made it to the ABBA Museum! No lines this time. I’m not the biggest fan, but the museum was fun and packed with memorabilia. Left with a cool water bottle and a newfound appreciation for “Water Loo.”
Wrapped the day with Italian food and ice cream. Perfect.
Day 10: Packing Up and Peaceful Vibes
Last full day in Stockholm. Took it easy. Ate, packed, and just… breathed. This city has a way of slowing you down in the best way. Between the food, history, and overall vibe, Stockholm is now one of my top travel experiences.
Day 11: Homebound Hustle
Checked out early this morning and hit the road back to reality. I was running a little behind, but my Uber got me to the airport with time to spare. This time, my layover was at London Heathrow….massive airport, but surprisingly smooth. In and out like a pro.
Next stop: Philadelphia. And let me tell you, that airport felt like someone cranked the humidity to extra. Hot, muggy, and not the vibe. My flight to Vegas was delayed a bit, but hey, I’m headed home, and that’s all that matters.
Would I come back to Stockholm? In a heartbeat. Would I spend a summer living here If I ever hit the lottery….absolutely!
Well…suitcase’s a little heavier, wallet’s a little lighter, and my life? A little fuller. Catch you on the next passport stamp.