Travel & Learn 2023: Norway

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED.

PLEASE CONTACT [email protected] TO INQUIRE ABOUT AVAILABILITY.

Have you been longing for a European escape, but don't know where to start planning the perfect trip? Join the University of Minnesota's Continuing Dental Education program for an incredible opportunity to see all that Norway has to offer. With a culturally-rich itinerary and uniquely Nordic experiences, you are sure to fall in love with the natural wonders that Norway possesses.

Whether you are a dental provider or a healthcare professional representing one of many fields, you will have the opportunity to attend breakfast seminars presented by Doctors Angie and Scott Rake. Covering a variety of topics from oral surgery to managing patient care, these seminars form an important and informative part of your Continuing Education course credits.

Optional Add-On Experience

September 10, 2023

What better way to experience Norway's famous fjords than on a small, private boat tour? When transferring from the Solstrand hotel to the Skjolden hotel, you can choose if you would like to take a high-speed Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) along the world-renowned Nærøyfjord or continue onward with the group's charter bus. These small boats provide a smooth-yet-exhilarating ride that is suitable for most travelers as they treat you to an immersive experience between towering mountains and scenic shorelines. You will be greeted by your captain, a local expert and bonafide naturalist, who will take you on this two-hour journey as you learn about the natural and cultural significance of the fjords.

This unforgettable adventure is available at an additional cost of $300 per person. Those who do not wish to experience the RIB boats are welcome to ride the private bus to the next location at no additional cost. The bus ride takes approximately two and a half hours.

Solstrand Hotel

Two nights: September 8, 9

This hidden gem is a haven of culture and tranquility, making it the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Guests may not want to leave their room with stunning views of the Björnefjord, but we recommend taking a look around to experience some of the hotel's best features: kayaking and fishing amongst glittering fjords, golfing with Norwegian mountains as your backdrop, or taking a dip in one of several swimming pools and Jacuzzis.

Skjolden Hotel

Two nights: September 10, 11

Located on the banks of the world's longest fjord, the Skjolden Hotel dates back to 1818 and provides a variety of opportunities to connect with the outdoors. Featuring a seasonal menu that serves only locally sourced foods, this recently renovated hotel will place you in the heart of Norway's nature-centric culture.

Hotel Union Geiranger

One night: September 12

Wake up to views of the Geirangerfjord and take a dip in an outdoor therapy pool. The Hotel Union Geiranger provides you with one last opportunity to take in the beauty that surrounds you for a truly Norwegian experience. This restored hotel has a number of unique amenities for you to revel in, from a classic car museum to a stone wine cellar.

Hotel Continental

Two nights: September 13, 14

Hotel Continental is considered by many to be Oslo's best hotel: perfectly located in the heart of the city, close to the harbor, and within walking distance of many popular sights. This five-star property features several bars and restaurants, a state-of-the-art workout facility, fully furnished and modern rooms, and a location that simply can't be beat.

Northern Lights Trip Extension Program

September 15-19, 2023

For travelers hoping to experience the northern lights, we've arranged a luxury safari that will take you into the Arctic Circle on an unforgettable journey. This elusive natural phenomenon can be difficult to find, but our top-of-the-line tour provider has located sightings for every one of their guests over the last 20 years and is determined to give you the adventure of a lifetime. This is an optional extension that is not part of the standard CE programming, and there will not be any CE lectures during this portion of the trip.

Itinerary*

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

• Arrive at the Oslo airport and connect with your non-stop flight to Alta in the Norwegian Lapland
• Meet and Greet at the Alta airport, transfer to Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge
• Four-course dinner at the lodge
• First night of chasing the northern lights on a private safari

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023

• Sami riverboat trip on the majestic Alta River, one of the world’s most famous salmon fishing rivers.
• Close-up encounters with wildlife, such as white-tailed sea eagles, various duck species, and, if you're lucky, moose.
• Learn about the Lapland and its indigenous people
• Lunch served at the lodge
• Free time to explore the lodge's offerings
• Dinner at the lodge
• Embark on your second safari to search for the northern lights

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

• Choose between mountain biking or hiking among autumn colors
• For those who choose biking:
• Get fitted with a high-quality, full-suspension bike
• Explore the best trails offered in the Alta Valley
• Enjoy a warm picnic lunch around an open fire
• For those who choose hiking:
• Hike along groomed trails to "Little Raipas", an old mining town of great significance
• View the Alta river valley from above
• Enjoy a light outdoor lunch
• Spend the afternoon enjoying the lodge
• Dinner at the lodge
• Your final night of chasing the northern lights

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

• Check out of the lodge
• Transfer to the Alta airport
• Fly to Oslo on an afternoon flight and check in to the Radisson Blu Oslo Airport Hotel

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

• Return to the Oslo International Airport for your international return flights

*Itinerary is subject to change

Meals Included In The Package

September 15, 2023: breakfast, dinner

September 16, 2023: breakfast, lunch, dinner

September 17, 2023: breakfast, lunch, dinner

September 18, 2023: breakfast

September 19, 2023: breakfast

Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge

A quaint lodge with a limited number of rooms, you are sure to experience a level of tranquility that is hard to come by. Your river-front room will provide you with panoramic views of the Alta River, while the hotel's on-site restaurants will treat you to four-course meals worthy of culinary praise. This breathtaking property serves as the perfect location to relax in between your hiking, biking, and nature-spotting activities.

Norway Travel Program Costs

September 8-15, 2023

$5,995 per person, based on double occupancy

Due to hotel availability, there is limited space for solo travelers. Single occupancy rooms may be available upon request for an additional charge. Please contact Travel One for pricing at [email protected] or 952-278-1100.

Inclusions:

• Seven nights hotel accommodations, double occupancy
• Domestic flights within Norway
• Daily breakfast
• Four lunches and six dinners
• Sightseeing opportunities, as listed in the itinerary
• Private tour of Oslo
• Choice of private tours at the Solstrand Hotel: hiking, biking, or sea kayaking
• Private tour of Bergen
• Private hiking experience on the Nigardsbreen Glacier
• Tour of Urnes Stave Church
• Fjord ferries and scenic driving
• Ground transportation, as listed in itinerary
• Full-time host and local guides

Not Included:

• Roundtrip international airfare from home city to Norway
• Airline fees for checked luggage
• Travel insurance, including cancellation and medical coverage
• Tuition costs for CE credits
• Beverages with meals
• Optional sightseeing activities not listed as included in the itinerary
• Gratuities to local guides, hosts, porters, housekeepers, transportation drivers, etc.

RIB Boat Fjord Tour Add-On

$300 per person

Inclusions

• Two hour tour through three fjords: Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord and the Sognefjord
• Warm jacket and pants to ensure a comfortable journey
• Narration throughout the boat ride

Northern Lights Trip Extension Cost

September 15-19, 2023

$5,145 per person, based on double occupancy

Inclusions

• Three nights of chasing the northern lights
• Four nights hotel accommodations, double occupancy
• Domestic flights within Norway
• Daily breakfast, lunches, and dinners
• Sami longboat experience
• Activities, as listed in itinerary
• Ground transportation, as listed in itinerary
• Local guides

Estimated International Air Costs

As of February 2023, we estimate airfare to/from Oslo to cost around $1,500 per person, but airlines are unpredictable in their pricing strategies and we cannot guarantee a price range. Travel One is holding a block of seats with Delta for Arctic Circle extension passengers flying out of the Minneapolis/St Paul airport at a cost of $1,396.15 per person roundtrip (inclusive of all taxes and fees, which are subject to change). Those who wish to secure a spot in this block should email [email protected] to reserve their seat.

Continuing Education Fees - 9 credits

$795 for each provider

Continuing Education Fees are used to award CE credits and to pay guest presenters who will share their insights during the CE program.

Travel Program Payments

Land Program Costs are paid directly to Travel One, based on the schedule below. You will receive an invoice reminder via email approximately two weeks prior to the due date. Travelers participating in the Northern Lights Trip Extension will have additional payments added to their schedule. Travelers who register after a payment due date will receive a different payment schedule to be determined at the time of registration.

Initial Deposit: $1,500 per person due upon registration*

25% Payment: $1,500 per person due by May 15, 2023

25% Payment: $1,500 per person due by June 15, 2023

Final Balance: $1,495 per person due by July 15, 2023

*Your registration and participation is not confirmed until your deposit payment has been received.

Making Payments

You can make your payments by credit card or check.

• Credit Card Payments: call the Travel One Meetings Team at 952-278-1100 or 800-247-1311, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM CT. For security reasons, do not send credit card numbers via email. Credit card payments will incur an additional 3.5% processing fee

• Check Payments: mail a check to the Travel One Meetings Team at the address below. Make sure to email Travel One to alert them of the check in the mail



Travel One Meetings Team

ATTN: Travel & Learn Norway

2001 Killebrew Drive, Suite 305

Minneapolis, MN 55425

International Airfare Payments

If Travel One issues your airfare, you will provide a credit card for payment at the time of flight approval, by calling the Travel One Air Team directly. There will be a $50 per person ticketing fee in addition to the airfare cost. Once your airline ticket is purchased, fares are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Travel Program Cancellations

All cancellations must be received in writing by the Travel One office.

Due to the personalization of this program, payments are only refundable if cancelled space is filled and the trip operates with at least 40 participants. A $50 per person processing fee will be deducted from all refunds. 

Travel insurance can help recover non-refundable expenses associated with trip cancellation and more. Visit the Travel Insurance tab below for more information.

Should the program be cancelled by Travel One, all travel payments will be refunded. 

CE Tuition Payments

CE Tuition costs are paid directly to the University of Minnesota Dental School. To register and pay for the class, click here to visit the Continuing Dental Education page.

Two-Step Registration Process

1. Register for the CE component with the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education office. Click here if you have not yet done that.

2. Register for the travel component with Travel One by clicking the ‘register’ button on the top of this page. Every registration is for two participants sharing a room - make sure to have your guest's information available when registering (legal name as it appears on passport, date of birth, contact phone and/or email, passport number and expiration). If you are a solo traveler, please contact Travel One for availability and pricing.

All registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. Once all spots are filled, a waitlist will be created that is also based on a first come, first served basis.

Your registration is not considered confirmed until your deposit payment has been received by Travel One and your tuition has been paid to the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education office.

Travel Insurance is an optional protection that guests may choose to purchase for their trip. Many plans include coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage, emergency evacuation expenses, medical costs, repatriation expenses, and more.

If pre-existing medical conditions are of concern to you, they can be covered by travel insurance as long as the policy is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit payment.

Neither the University of Minnesota, Travel One, Inc., nor our supplier in Norway will take responsibility for any costs and/or losses incurred by travelers, or their guests. If you do not have your own travel insurance provider, Travel One recommends our preferred supplier, Allianz, through which we can provide a quote for you and your traveling companion. For a quote, contact Travel One at [email protected] or 952-278-1100.

International Travel Documents

Your passport must be valid for six months past your return date from Norway. Passports will be required upon check-in at each hotel. Currently, travel visas are not required for entrance to Norway. For up-to-date entry and exit requirements, visit the US Department of State.

Safety Tips

Visit the U.S. State Department's Travel Advisory page for safety alerts for Norway, as well as entry and exit requirements, visas, local laws, customs, required vaccinations, medical care, road safety, etc. Make note of the contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in case of emergency while traveling. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) for information about your health while abroad.

Time Zone

Norway is in Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is 7 hours ahead of Minnesota's Central Daylight Time Zone (CDT), or 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Norway observes Daylight Saving Time, which takes place in November.

Weather

September marks the beginning of Autumn in Norway, with comfortable temperatures and ample amounts of sunlight that will allow you to take full advantage of your days. Early September is the perfect time for a Norwegian excursion: the glaciers reflect a magnificent blue color before being coated in winter snow, the trees are starting to reveal their brilliant fall colors, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer months. It is not uncommon to see small rain showers every day, but with a light rain jacket you will be prepared to enjoy your trip without interruption.

Oslo features mild temperatures with the average high resting at a comfortable 62°F and lows dipping to 49°F. Heading north to Bergen brings temperatures slightly lower, with highs of 56°F and lows in the mid-40s. Temperatures in the Arctic Circle even remain relatively moderate, with highs of 51°F and lows of 41°F.

Suggested Attire/Packing

Due to its mild climate, most travelers will be comfortable wearing long pants, a sweater, and a jacket. As temperatures fall at night, you may find it advisable to bring warm socks and pajamas. Norway is known for being more casual than its European neighbors, so feel free to dress as you feel comfortable.

It’s rare for restaurants in Norway to have a formal dress code, but smart-casual attire is considered the norm.

We recommend packing the following items:

• Jacket
• Lightweight clothing for layering
• Warm pajamas
• Warm sweaters
• Warm socks
• Comfortable walking shoes

Wi-Fi and Telephone Service

All hotels in the itinerary include complimentary Wi-Fi.

Calls to the U.S. using the hotel phone will incur fees. Hotels will charge a premium for international calls, so it is recommended that you check with your personal phone carrier prior to departing the U.S. to verify functionality and costs for calling home from your mobile phone. Most carriers have an international package you can add onto your plan for the time you are away to help alleviate the higher costs.

Electrical Current

Norway uses the standard Euro plug socket with two round prongs, so you can use adapter types “C” or “F” (often labelled as a Northern Europe adapter). The whole country utilizes Northern European electrical standards (50 hz/220-240 volts), so we recommend checking your devices and bringing a converter, if necessary.

Currency

The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Norway is not part of the Eurozone, so Euros are not accepted as a form of payment. Keep in mind that exchange rates can fluctuate, so make sure to check exchange rates prior to your departure.

As a very modern country, the use of cash is rapidly declining and credit cards are the standard form of payment. Most hotels, restaurants and stores accept Visa and MasterCard; some accept American Express and other credit cards.

Before going abroad, notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and verify the fees they may charge for overseas transactions. Make sure you know your PIN for both debit and credit cards, as well as your daily cash withdrawal limit.

Ground Transportation

Ground transportation to all activities listed on the itinerary, including airport transportation for your international arrival and departure flights, has been pre-arranged for you. More detailed information will be included in your travel documents.

Travel Documents

Travel documents for all participants will be printed and mailed via USPS to the address provided during registration, approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. These documents will include an agenda, general travel information, flight itineraries, luggage tags, and more.



REGISTRATION: Registration for Travel & Learn 2023: Norway is subject to availability. Space will be allotted on a first come, first served basis for travelers that submit complete registration forms and deposits. Both are required for a registration to be considered. Registration forms are only complete when clicking Submit generates a confirmation email. Without a confirmation email, the registration is not complete. Contact Travel One at 952-278-1100 or [email protected] if you encounter registration problems or if you do not get the confirmation email.

PROOF OF IDENTITY: A valid passport is required for all international travel and must be valid for six months after your return to the U.S. Travel Visas are currently not required for entrance to this destination, but regulations can change without notice. For up-to-date passport information and forms, and for international entry requirements, visit the US Department of State website at travel.state.gov.

ACCOMMODATION: Some hotels may require each member of the group to present a credit card upon check-in as guarantee for any additional services or products requested directly at the hotel, including but not limited to, spa services, mini bar, room service, excursions, transfers, restaurant and/or bar consumptions. Each participant must travel with a valid credit card to cover these charges and agree to settle your account upon check-out at each hotel.

NAME CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS: The full legal name for each guest, as shown on their valid passport, must be used during registration. If a name correction is required after airline or train tickets have been issued, travelers requiring the change will be charged the airline and/or train company’s cost of the name change plus a $50 Travel One service fee per ticket changed. Change fees vary by airline and train company and are sometimes prohibited. If changes are not allowed, a new ticket at the traveler’s expense will be required to make corrections.

TRAVEL PROGRAM PAYMENTS: Land program costs are paid directly to Travel One, Inc. All participants agree to make payments by the date specified below or risk losing their space on this program.

Initial Deposit: $1,500 per person due upon registration*

25% Payment: $1,500 per person due by January 15, 2023

25% Payment: $1,500 per person due by April 15, 2023

Final Balance: $1,495 per person due by July 15, 2023

*Your registration and participation is not confirmed until your deposit payment has been received, and tuition has been paid to the University of Minnesota.

TRAVEL PROGRAM CANCELLATIONS: Travel program cancellations must be received in writing by Travel One, Inc. Due to the personalization of this program, payments are only refundable if cancelled space is filled with qualified CDE participants. Based on high demand from early registrations we will maintain a waitlist for people registering after the program sells out. A $50 per person processing fee will be deducted from all refunds. Should the program be cancelled by Travel One, all travel payments will be refunded. 

REMARKS:  While no revisions of the itinerary or its features are anticipated, the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc., nevertheless, with notice to the traveler, reserve the right to change the itinerary, class of service, and the method of transportation, to the extent that such services and accommodations offered cannot be supplied due to delay or other causes beyond the control of the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. and further reserve the right to withdraw the trip prior to the date of departure. Further, the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. reserve the right to decline to accept or retain any participant (and the other members of his or her party) should such person’s health or deportment impede the operation of the trip or enjoyment of any other participant. In such case, no refund will be made for unused tour services should such person (and party) be required to depart the trip. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. reserve the right to make changes that might become necessary or that are in the best interests of the tour members. No refunds will be made for any unused portion of the trip.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. are not responsible for financial reimbursement of the trip cost in the event of cancellation or interruption. Coverage could include, but not be limited to the following: trip cancellation or interruption, cancellation or unforeseen changes of flights booked and travel arrangements, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Neither the University of Minnesota, Travel One, Inc., or our supplier in Norway will take responsibility for any costs and/or losses incurred by travelers, or their guests, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above-mentioned items. Travelers will be solely responsible for any additional costs. Pre-existing medical conditions can be covered if purchased within specified time restrictions, typically within 14 days of travelers’ initial deposit. Travel insurance is not included in your program package. Travel One can assist with any questions you may have regarding insurance coverage options.

RESPONSIBILITY: The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. act only as agents for the suppliers named in your travel documents. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. are not responsible for their acts or omissions. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. have no special knowledge about the suitability for disabled persons of any portion of any tour, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, see the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department at travel.state.gov. For medical information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.

SUPPLIER DEFAULT/BANKRUPTCY: If a supplier declares bankruptcy, cancels, or postpones service or otherwise fails to provide or perform the services purchased, it is the supplier, and not the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education or Travel One, Inc., that is legally responsible to you. Refunds or reparations must come directly from the supplier or the bankruptcy court. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. will do what we reasonably can to assist. ARC/IATA carriers used in connection with tours/packages are not to be held liable for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers are not on board their aircraft or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the airlines concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carrier and the passenger of airline tickets or tour/packages.

FORCE MAJEURE: Neither party shall be in breach of this Agreement because of an unforeseen circumstance that makes the execution of the Agreement impossible, unduly restrictive, or frustrates the purpose of the Agreement. Unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: Acts of God, pandemic, widespread sickness, fire, storm, explosion, government restrictions, war, terrorist acts, civil commotion, strike, insurrection, embargo, energy crisis, or any other reason unforeseen and beyond the control of the parties. The party who is disabled by such an occurrence shall give notice in writing to the other party as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 14 days, after such an occurrence. In the event that a force majeure event makes compliance with this Agreement impossible, unduly restrictive, or frustrates the purpose of the Agreement, and notice is received within 14 days, all payments recovered from Third-Party Suppliers will be returned to the payer.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY: Neither the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education nor Travel One, Inc. can guarantee safety or immunity from infectious disease to anyone traveling to Norway on this program. Nor have the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education or Travel One, Inc. made any promises or representations as to the safety of any part of this program. I will not rely on the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education or Travel One, Inc. regarding my decision to engage in traveling to Norway for this program.

I will waive and release the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc., their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, contractors, and assigns (“Released Parties”) from all liability to me for any harm or loss, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including but not limited to economic loss, personal injury, disease, illness, injury, disability, incapacitation, and/or death suffered by me (or any other person who may be exposed to infectious disease, directly or indirectly, by me) whether caused by the negligent act or omission of the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and/or Travel One, Inc. or otherwise. 

I will agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and covenant not to sue the Released Parties for any personal injury, death, medical expenses, disability, loss of capacity, court costs, attorney’s fees, or any other loss that may arise involving me.

I will indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties for any claims by such travel companions or otherwise for any personal injury, death, medical expenses, disability, loss of capacity, court costs, attorney’s fees, or any other loss that may arise against the Released Parties involving my travel companions.

This Waiver and Release will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to any conflicts of laws principles that would require the application of any other state’s law. The foregoing assumption of risks, waiver, and release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of Minnesota and that if any part is held invalid, then the balance shall continue in full force and effect.