My years of global gallivanting taught me something important – some places in the world are just going to be a little more expensive, especially for North Americans to visit. The dollar (American and Canadian) is always behind the Euro or the Pound and I remember being shocked by how much even just lunch off the ship could cost in some countries.

I counted my blessings I was being transported there and housed on the ships I worked on for free.

The thing is though, looking back, some of those trips were so incredible, I’m sure the passengers felt they were worth every penny and I realized I wouldn’t have minded it if I had to pay either.

Of course… there are also some countries I wasn’t sure I wanted to be in even when I was there for free.

Suffice to say, Norway wasn’t one of them.

When I lived abroad, I also realized how close the rest of the world is when you live in the UK. Jumper flights to the continent are so incredibly affordable and there are constantly bundles you can find with hotels to get away for a few days and keep it affordable. You can do crazy things like weekend in Oslo (which sounds so normal to all British people and even after living there for a year, never ceased to boggle my mind as an American).

Norway was absolutely, breathtakingly gorgeous. From their fascinating Viking culture to all the beautiful fjords, Norway is one of the places that reminds me some things was worth saving up to see.

But you know, here at brokeGIRLrich, we’re not looking for the cheap life, but we are always looking to get the best deal. The key to getting the most out of your Oslo trip is to plan head. Any city can become infinitely more affordable with a little research.

The best time to travel to Oslo is the beginning of the summer. The infamous Midnight Sun occurs in June and July and if that’s a primary reason you want to go to Oslo, then you’ll need to head to Norway during the height of it’s tourist season.

All savvy travelers know though that if they’re willing to compromise just a little, hitting an area on the outskirts of it’s high tourist season will save them a little. Heading to Norway in May or September brings lower rates and less crowds. And the rest of the months of the year? Even lower rates.

October is when you’re likely to get some of the best rates, before the ski areas open, but after it’s begun to get cold. You’ll want to confirm though that you’ll still be able to see everything you wanted to see, since many tourist areas are closed by then.

You’ve also heard me rave repeatedly about City Passes and Oslo is no exception. The Visit Oslo Pass can be bought for 24, 48, or 72 hours and gives your free admission to public transportation in the city center, admission to 33 different attractions, and discounts on a ton of other activities, shopping and dining options.

So don’t forget, with a little preplanning, even expensive areas of the world can become attainable goals to budget your way to – I mean, I’m planning a early $15,000 vacation with coins from my change jar.

Would the fjords and the Vikings be worth it to you?