Finally — after two failed attempts at overseas travel this year — we recently enjoyed a Viking Ocean cruise to Britain and Norway. Here are 12 things I discovered:

1. Although I appreciated the gorgeous scenery, I realized I generally prefer exploring cities and towns where I can enjoy the culture and architecture and talk to locals we meet along the way.

2. Life’s much easier with two carry-on bags (one for clothes, one for toiletries, books, electronics, etc. vs checking luggage. Even a 19-day trip was manageable with two smaller bags.

3. Even so, always pack an extra folding bag. The sweatshirt I bought didn’t fit in my suitcase so I checked the suitcase on the return flight and used my extra tote as a carryon.

4. The Ring of Brodgar stones are older than Stonehenge.

5. Our ideal trip is about two weeks. Longer, and we get restless.

6. Goats help maintain traditional Norwegian thatched roofs.

7. Wristbands and ginger chewable Dramamine only go so far if the ocean is bumpy.

8. In medieval times, the following items were catapulted into enemy territory to speed victory, along with the usual rocks and boulders: rotting food, bees, baskets of snakes, body parts from corpses.

9. There are more Shetland ponies in The Netherlands than there are in the Shetland Islands.

10. Pot bellies are much cuter on ponies than people.

11. The Norwegian fjords, waterfalls and countryside are breathtaking.

12. Even an imperfect trip is better than no trip!