Traveling to Kuopio, Finland | Preparing for our next BIG Adventure | Two Story VR Train Trip

Join us on a captivating winter journey through Finland as we travel from the bustling streets of Helsinki to the serene charm of Kuopio. This travel vlog is perfect for families and adventure-seekers exploring both domestic and international destinations. Experience a scenic 4-hour train ride in a cozy upper dining car, enjoy hearty Finnish meals, and discover the magic of a snowy Finnish town with modern comforts like a private sauna. From navigating local grocery stores with gluten-free finds to participating in the iconic Finland Ice Marathon on a frozen lake, this video offers a blend of cultural discovery, cold-weather travel tips, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're planning a trip to Scandinavia or simply love immersive travel stories, this video will inspire your next journey. Highlights 🚆 Scenic 4-hour train ride from Helsinki to Kuopio in a spacious, comfortable upper dining car 🥪 Sampling Finnish-inspired mixed meals in the train’s dining car, blending breakfast and lunch elements ❄️ Arrival in snowy Kuopio, with time spent warming up at a cozy local café 🛒 Discovering local grocery shopping with a focus on gluten-free and familiar foods 🏠 Cozy modern Airbnb featuring a personal sauna for warming up after outdoor activities ⛸️ Excitement and anticipation around participating in the Finland Ice Marathon, a 7.5 km skate on a frozen lake 🎥 Playful skating practice and light-hearted moments before the marathon event Key Insights 🚄 Train Travel Enhances Cultural Experience: The train journey itself is showcased as an integral part of the trip, offering both comfort and an opportunity to experience Finnish cuisine and scenic views, which enriches the overall travel experience beyond just the destinations. ❄️ Adapting to Cold Weather Travel: The travelers demonstrate adaptability by preparing for cold temperatures, using cozy cafés and well-equipped accommodations (e.g., sauna) to enhance comfort and provide warmth, essential when exploring colder climates. 🧳 Importance of Local Amenities: Quick access to grocery stores with a variety of gluten-free options highlights how local amenities can support diverse dietary needs and promote independence during travel in less tourist-heavy towns. 🏘️ Small Town Charm and Quietness: Kuopio contrasts with bustling Helsinki, offering a quieter, more intimate environment, which appeals to those seeking authentic, less commercialized travel experiences. This emphasizes the value of exploring beyond major cities. ⛸️ Sports and Cultural Heritage: Participating in the Finland Ice Marathon connects travelers with Finnish culture and history. The event inspired by a well-known story creates a meaningful link between childhood dreams and adult adventures, fostering deeper emotional engagement. 💡 Modern Comforts in Remote Settings: The availability of modern comforts like heated towel racks, a sauna, and stylish interiors in rural or less urbanized destinations enables travelers to balance adventure with relaxation, enhancing overall satisfaction. 🤝 Travel Challenges and Flexibility: The initial difficulty in accessing the Airbnb underscores the realities of travel and the need for patience and problem-solving, especially in unfamiliar places. The travelers’ ability to manage such hiccups adds authenticity to the experience. This video captures the joys of blending urban exploration, scenic journeys, outdoor sporting challenges, and comfortable accommodations into a memorable Finnish winter adventure. __________ Chapters 0:00 Intro to Trip 0:36 Boarding the Train 1:03 Train Intro 1:59 Breakfast 4:33 Welcome to Kuopio 5:49 Why are we here? 7:07 Locked Out! 7:49 Finland Grocery Store 10:21 AirB&B Tour 11:57 What's Next 12:39 Bloopers ___________ @MakingMaricles is a channel that is dedicated to creating and making memories that last multiple generations through the magic of video. We are a family of 6 plus a dog that loves to travel and experience new things. We have been homeschooling our children for 14 years, graduated 2 into college, with 2 more on the way. We thank God for the opportunity that we have to play and work across the country and world. Check out our other videos: Helinki -    • A Day in Helsinki: Salmon Soup, Sauna & Ba...   Air France Lounge -    • Inside the Air France Business Lounge: Ult...   Disneyland Paris Part 2 -    • Disneyland Paris Part 2 | Walt's Restauran...   Disneyland Paris Part 1 -    • Disneyland Paris Day 1 | Walt Disney Studi...   Travel to Paris -    • Travel Day to Disneyland Paris | Best Way ...   TikTok: @making.maricles Instagram: @makingmaricles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... ‪@finlandicemarathon7998‬ ‪@traintravellers2044‬ ‪@KaraandNate‬ ‪@DownieLive‬ ‪@TravelChannel‬ #finland #finlandicemarathon #fim #kuopio #train #trains #trainjourney #traintravel #travel #homeschooling #RV #rvlife #family