europe Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/tag/europe/ Travel, Health & Family Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:05:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.6 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-thrifty_logo_header-32x32.png europe Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/tag/europe/ 32 32 77340857 Finding Hygge in Copenhagen https://www.thriftymommastips.com/finding-hygge-in-copenhagen/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/finding-hygge-in-copenhagen/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:05:13 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=41708 Sweater season, leaf peeping, and pumpkin spice everything. There are two types of people in the world: those who love fall and those who, well, don’t. For most of my life, I have fallen squarely into the latter camp. The shorter days felt dreary. The chill in the air added to that feeling. The constant reminder that winter was just around the corner intensified it. But then, we experienced Denmark and finding hygge changed my feelings about the fall months. Finding Hygge in Denmark I went to Copenhagen last year with Payton, and while there we discovered hygge. What is Hygge? Before my trip, I’d heard the term, of course. It’s a word that has made its way into English, often described as a cozy feeling or a Danish concept of contentment. Hygge isn’t just a trend; it’s a deeply ingrained way of life that has evolved over centuries. The Danes, being practical people, have long had to contend with long, dark winters, not unlike Canadians to be honest. The concept of hygge was born out of a necessity to create comfort and well-being in the face of harsh conditions. It’s about more than just lighting a candle and putting on a sweater. It’s about creating a safe, warm space—both physically and mentally—where you can connect with loved ones and find joy in the simple things. About Warmth and Slowing Down In its earliest forms, hygge was about gathering around a fireplace with a simple meal after a day of hard work. It was about shared warmth and conversation, a moment of respite from the cold. As Danish society evolved, so did hygge. It moved from a basic need for warmth to a conscious practice of creating a pleasant atmosphere. The Industrial Revolution brought more structured work schedules and a greater separation between work and home life. Hygge became a way to cherish that home time, to create a sanctuary where the stresses of the day could melt away. And that’s exactly what I experienced in Copenhagen. I arrived in October, ready to brace myself for the autumnal gloom. But what I found was anything but gloomy. The city was aglow, with the gentle reflection of streetlights on the water. Even the air seemed to hum with a certain kind of warmth. People were bundled in stylish knitwear, walking along the docks and laughing. Everywhere you look, there’s an invitation to stop, sit a bit, wrap yourself in a blanket and huddle on a patio near a heat lamp. Patio season seems never-ending and not deterred by the weather. Nowhere was that more apparent than in the marina area of Nyhavn. On a damp windy afternoon while exploring and getting in all of our steps, we took refuge outside on the patios lining the water in Nyhavvn. Here despite the weather there are more people dining outside that in, and if you know me at all then you know how much that appeals to me. Danish Food With open faced sandwiches to sample and blankets for both of us, we curled up and enjoyed as a busker played music near the water. It was a simple moment, but it was profoundly hyggelig. Finding hygge was for me more about finding comfort and a way to enjoy the outdoors in any weather, either with or without company. Hygge isn’t about being extravagant. It’s about finding comfort in the small things. It’s about being present, about appreciating the moment. Maybe that’s a latte and a Danish pastry in a quiet cafe. Or savouring the sounds of buskers playing music as you enjoy an open faced sandwich. It’s about slowing down. I came back from my trip with a bit of a new perspective on fall. I still don’t love the shorter days, but now I know how to find the warmth within them. Lighting candles, putting on a warm drink of tea, or a latte to and a soft sweater helps me to get through the season I used to truly hate. Now, I enjoy the quiet moments. Hygge taught me fall doesn’t have to be a season to be endured; it can be a season to relish. The idea of hygge is comforting in itself. Even when the world outside feels cold and dark, you can find ways to adapt and enjoy the world right where you are.

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/finding-hygge-in-copenhagen/feed/ 2 41708 Saving Money on Your European Vacation #travel https://www.thriftymommastips.com/saving-money-on-your-european-vacation/ Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:44:33 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=13550 A European vacation can be a wonderful experience. Everybody should have the chance to visit and explore Europe, if only for the history and culture the area boasts. Of course many of us want to do it. It’s such a romantic notion. What isn’t romantic is the price tag that can come with it. Because these sorts of trips can be so pricey, I made a list of ways that you can save money on your next European vacation. A Frugal European Vacation Don’t head over to Europe and be the world’s biggest tightwad. That won’t be enjoyable for anyone If you do that then what’s the point? You WILL have to spend some money to take a trip to Europe. The point of this article is to spend less money on things like lodging and air fare so you can save it for spending it on things like authentic cuisine, tours, and other experiences. Book Lodging on the Outskirts Consider booking lodging on the outskirts; instead of in one of the more expensive European hotspots. The beauty of Europe is that many countries are close together. Also the potential transportation options between major centres are very reliable and affordable. Make day excursions to see those countries, and cities that would cost you an arm and a leg to book lodging in. Timing is Everything If you want to save money on your next European vacation, book during shoulder season. Shoulder season is what we call off season, and it runs from late April through late May and then from September through the middle of October. It’s especially important to do this for resort destinations, as you can save upwards of 50% by booking in shoulder season. Skip the Hotel Rather than staying in a chain hotel, rent a house or apartment. They are more affordable and they offer the added bonus of amenities like a kitchen and privacy. Try an AirBNB. They’re an excellent way to spend your down time on a European vacation. It has admittedly been way too long since I visited Europe. When I was in my early 20s my brother and his girlfriend were studying in Paris, France. That was my ideal way in actually. I was young enough to travel cheaply and I stayed with them, sleeping on a futon on the floor. We ate inexpensively in the flat and we didn’t spend much. plus we walked everywhere. So, if you can do this when you are young absolutely you should go for it. Travel is a gift. I still have so many countries in Europe that I want to see and I’m hoping to return soon. Cruise on Down the River One of the best ways to make your European vacation more affordable is river cruising. River cruises have seen a huge surge in popularity because they offer the ability to see so much and see it with no stress. Meals, drinks, and excursions are almost always  included in the price of a river cruise, so it’s perfect for frugal exploration. Groups Depending on your situation, a group European vacation could be a good option. Larger groups can sometimes get better rates on bookings, or at least split the cost of the tip more effectively. A European Vacation Doesn’t Have to be As Expensive Don’t get the impression that you can take a European vacation on the cheap. That will never happen. Ever. There are just too many things that go into getting over there and staying over there to make it anything other than a hit to your pocketbook. HOWEVER, you can make it less expensive with a little research and planning.

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