I don't think you are crazy about being concerned. Every leg of the trip hinges on how the leg before and after go. So of course you are thinking 'what if'. But it sounds like you are taking steps to get some of the issues under control. Honestly, the rest you will just have to think positively about.

Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful adventure - enjoy it!

I am all in favor of choosing the no stress route and it sounds like that will be better for you.

For instance, if necessary, I will make several right hand turns to get where I'm going instead of one stressful left turn.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!! What great places to go.

I know that I am also feeling a level of stress over flying alone into foreign airports, so I think that whatever I can do to have more control over the situation is good.
And it's funny how sometimes our bodies tell us how we are really feeling. As I said, I can feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about something that has a 99.9% chance of not happening. Regardless of how logical my brain is, my body doesn't believe it.

terriks - that's not crazy that's being prepared. My brother had a delayed flight and missed his cruise. He had to pay to book a flight to one of the islands to catch up with the ship.

You're not crazy, you're just prepared for no surprises. I call that Smart!

My daughter flew by herself to Stockholm and was pretty scared at first, then she said once they landed she felt empowered! LOL

My husband is originally from Russia but became a Swedish citizen after defecting. Both he and my daughter say that it's an amazing place. He used to enjoy taking trips to both Finland and Norway as well. I hope you have a fabulous trip and that we'll get to see pics when you get back!

A friend of mine gave me an idea that might be the best option - I can fly up to Portland the night before, stay at an inexpensive airport hotel, and not have to worry about driving or cancelled or delayed flights. Then I would fly back, instead of trying to drive 5 hours after my 19 hours of travel.

I like that last option. Terriks, I hope you have a great trip, how fun!

Well, if you ever do get stuck in Seattle, jump on the ferry and I'll plump up the pillows in the guest room.
Nan

Now, what to pack....

Have you read Bill Bryson's books? If not, try "Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe" it is so funny and will help keep everything in perspective.
He starts out in Norway but eventually does make it to Sweden.

It is somewhat crude though.

Last option sounds like the best. No worries about traveling abroad alone. I've done it and while it is always more fun to travel with a buddy, you are really just sitting on planes or making connections. You will be fine traveling solo. Have a great time!

My mom & her DH live on the coast and when they fly out of PDX they stay at a nearby hotel and park their car there for free, then take a shuttle to the airport. That is one way to do it, or as your friend suggested, fly into PDX the night before.

I certainly wouldn't chance the local flight the morning of the big flight. Take it easy and stay over the night before.

If you do drive up, you can go to Ikea on your return trip!

If you do drive up, you can go to Ikea on your return trip!

Yes, because I may be missing Sweden already!

Pesky, the fly and drive hotel option is what I was thinking of doing, and still might.

Bumblebeez, I read Bryson's In a Sunburned Country before DH and I went to Australia, and loved it! I will have to get his Europe book on my Kindle.

This isn't my first time flying solo to Europe, but the first time that I'll have to change planes there. I flew over to Germany a few years ago when my son was studying there, but it was non-stop and he met me a the airport. I will be landing a few hours ahead of my son this time, so I'll have to wait for him.