I'm writing this to you from a snowy day in New England. I've brought three fuzzy blankets and every pillow I own to my couch. Candles and twinkle lights are my only source of light, jazz is playing, and on the table is a hot cup of tea next to warm biscuits and jam. It can be hard in New England to enjoy what feels like the longest, darkest, coldest season when you're shoveling your way out of the driveway. Thanks to our travel connections in the Scandinavian countries who live some of the happiest lives, we now know the perfect solution - hygge (pronounced: hoo- gah).
Embracing this art of coziness is a great way to enjoy the winter season, and when you visit the birthplace of hygge, Denmark - no matter the season - you can embrace this coziness, too. We believe that travel is for every season, and that each destination offers its own charm regardless of the season. And it turns out hygge is the way to make that happen. Hygge is known for touching on all aspects of coziness during every season: atmosphere, presence, pleasure, equality, gratitude, harmony, comfort, truce, togetherness and, shelter - and you can touch on any of these during your next adventure. Or you can go ahead and combine them all like I'm doing right now!
Atmosphere of Hygge
During our initial consultation we will start to get to know you so we can find the ideal accommodations based on your needs and desires. One suggestion is to enjoy both the indoor space of your accommodation and the community spaces nearby. A first walk through the neighborhood can often lead to serendipitous moments of hygge. While staying in London, I made sure to spend time in my nook of the city by sitting in a nearby pub and chatting with the locals. No matter how long your stay, this is a foolproof way to make the area feel like your home away from home.
Atmosphere is both a balance of having the perfectly cozy indoor space and also enjoying each season nature brings to the area. To appreciate nature and embrace it as hygge in your plans - we'll help you plan a guided or self drive along scenic routes that allow you to pull over and take a hike or explore the areas. If you love the outdoors, find a local hike or a walking route - even urban areas have them. Many destinations allow for you to explore the area to not only take in the scenery but also the history and culture of your destination. So saunter your way around a market or take a seat at an outdoor cafe and soak in the ambiance.
Hygge Requires Connection
While staying in Edinburgh, I walked around my first night and found the coziest cafe. It was just before the crowds for dinner would walk through and I was sat in a booth and offered a hot cup of tea on the house. With no dinnertime rush yet, the waitress sat with me and chatted about my travels and her suggestions for the neighborhood, and then recommended the vegan Shepards Pie for my meal - a local dish and something to fit my taste. It was the kindest gesture to be welcomed so earnestly to the city, and set the tone for me to continue to find places where I could chat with locals and enjoy the culture. Don't be shy - reach out to new people and connect with others - the reward of that connection, even if it is brief, makes hygge come to life while in a new place.
Connection is a requirement of hygge and we think finding the right places to explore is key. You can connect with those you love as you are traveling with them and spend time in a meaningful activity or excursion. Want to really immerse yourself in the culture and gain the presence hygge requires? We suggest putting away your phone for a day, afternoon, or a meal to be in the moment with yourself or loved ones.
In practices of hygge, connection is also meaningful. A favorite accommodation of ours in Norway is The Britannia Hotel. This boutique stay combines a cozy atmosphere and cultivates connection within and around the area. Located in Trondheim and just outside the Arctic Circle, this luxury hotel is in a great neighborhood to explore and soak up the joys of food, culture, and music. The hotel prides itself on connection and has a busy calendar of events like a champagne brunch hosted by a DJ or afternoon tea with live Opera music. In fact, its made such a name for itself in connection that famous people have flocked to this accommodation - including Queen Elizabeth II and Beyoncé. If it's good enough for the Queen and for Beyoncé - it's good enough for us!
The Pleasure in Hygge
We can't think about hygge without mentioning pleasure and joy on your adventure! Pleasure is really all about what brings you joy. We know there is so much to see and do when you are traveling, but we want to help discover what brings you the most joy - we'll work to find tours and excursions to match - whether its viewing wildlife, eating tasty foods, or expressing yourself through art.
What better way to experience pleasure than food, the charm of the places you stay, and exploration of the location? For recent trips to Florence we combined all three for clients who wanted an authentic Tuscan experience by sending them to a cooking class that combined the rolling vineyards of Chianti and the fresh cuisine of Italian countryside. What it more joyful than a personal chef awaiting to mix, knead, and cook fresh pasta at the farmhouse amongst in vineyards and olive trees. And can you think of a better dish in the Tuscan hills than pappardelle, tagliatelle or tagliolini, stuffed with fresh ricotta and herbs?!
It's not just Denmark that knows how to embrace this lifestyle of hygge. Norway has their own version of this coziness in their Kos (pronounced: koos). Think hygge but with more time in the outdoors and even more casual (a good excuse to indulge in some local junk food!) Or in Sweden, there is Mys (pronounced: mees) which is coziness with a focus on warmth and homey spaces to hide away from the cold and dark winter months. We love Scandinavian travel - as all of these destinations have their own charm and draw for travelers. And, we have learned a lot from this culture of slowing down, enjoying the small moments, and being cozy no matter where you are.
Ready to embrace hygge in your next travel destination? We're here for you!
Looking for a way to stay on top of the cultural traditions and travel? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for insider info:
Comments