Centuries ago, in medieval Europe, fierce pirates known as Vikings left Norway, Denmark and Sweden in search of treasure. They gained a fearsome reputation that persists to this day, but they were also imaginative storytellers, cunning tradesmen, and politically savvy administrators. They left behind giant carved runestones, stories and mythology that has inspired fantasy novels like the Lord of the Rings, and very little else.<\/p>\n
Right now, you can cruise through Denmark and Norway for a very reasonable price. Check out this last-minute deal from Royal Caribbean (via Expedia): A five-night cruise starting at just $282 per person for an inside cabin! Coincidentally, Scandinavian Airlines<\/a> is also having a sale, with round-trip fares from the US to Copenhagen starting at $500!<\/p>\n Of course, if you don’t have a valid passport, you’ll have to get a new one before you travel. The cruise special runs from August 16 to August 31. At this point, the safest way to secure a new passport in time to take advantage of the special would be to go through a private passport expediting company. When you submit your new passport application directly through the government, you’ll have to wait at least 6 weeks for regular service and at least 3 weeks for the government’s expedited service.<\/p>\n However, a private passport expediting company will deliver your application by hand for immediate processing, so your new passport could be on its way back to you in as little 24 hours! To see what’s required, check out this step-by-step guide to getting a new passport<\/a> before you apply.<\/p>\n