Economics as a Dismal Science

We always knew economics was a dismal science, but The Economist confirms it through its latest annual list of the World's Most Expensive Cities. The top honors go to...no, not Tokyo, not even London. It's Oslo, Norway.

[gasps, followed by What the..?-style questions]

While I am convinced their numbers are right (not sure what they actually picked as criteria for their rankings), I am convinced people will just shrug off the fact that 8/10 most expensive cities in the World are in Europe. One can always go cheap even in the most expensive of the cities.

To illustrate this point (and thumb their noses at The Economist), Gridskipper came out with a Cheap-O Guide to Oslo.

I'd say you could go on a 6-night joy ride that would include air from the US (or Canada), 3-night stays at budget hotels in Reykjavik and Oslo, and the flights to connect the two cities.

Just check it out here: Reykjavik and Oslo by Air from $945

Stockholm travels (museums for free)

While they have ignored this Scandinavian city during their April Budget Europe release, the NY Times thoughtfully published a travel article on Stockholm this past weekend. If you like IKEA, then you will like Stockholm, the thinking goes, but Denny Lee certainly offers you more reasons to like the Swedish capital. From 'Why Go Now' to 'How to Get Around', this article certainly rivals the more established city guides (although not nearly as detailed).

For those in the mood for a bit of Scandinavian exploration, Frommer's guide Europe by Rail promotes a 10-day Scandinavian Triangle: Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm.

I can only offer you the first and the last points, because inter-country railway agreements make rail travel to Oslo less smooth than previously thought. The Scandinavian Triangle will be coming soon to a website near you. However, until then, enjoy the Scandinavian duo: Copenhagen - Stockholm by X2000 (the futuristic-named high-speed train).