It's a once in a lifetime holiday for most - a trip to see Santa Claus in Lapland!
While the season for 2021 is all but over, now is the time to start planning your trip for 2022.
And there's a lot of planning to do!
While you might think it's a simple case of booking up and hopping on a plane, there is a surprising amount of research to be done when it comes to where to go, who to go with, when to go, and what to do when you get there.
So this is your comprehensive guide to booking your dream Lapland trip for next year.
Where is Lapland?
We all know that's where Santa lives, but where in the world is it? Well there are actually way more Lapland locations than you might think. The most popular destination is Finland. But even within Finnish Lapland there are a lot of options.
The most commercialised and arguably most popular destination is Rovaniemi. For those looking for something more authentic there are less busy destinations such as Levi, (which is also a world-class ski resort) Kittila, Ivalo, Luotso, Pello, Saariselkä, Pallas. The list goes on.
All offer an incredible Lapland experience but all have their own unique quirks and offer something that perhaps the others don't.
How do I get there?
There are lots of travel companies who offer bespoke Lapland packages which include charter flights direct from Glasgow, Edinburgh and other UK Airports.
A quick google will put you in touch with Canterbury Travel, TUI, Inghams, Santa's Lapland and Dream of Lapland who are a smaller, Scottish-based company who have some great, competitive prices.
How much does it cost?
This is the part you might not want to read. The simple fact is, it just isn't cheap. But, that said, there are ways to make it more affordable.
Most companies offer two, three, four, five and seven-day trips. So if you want to keep the cost down, then book one of the shorter trips. From Scotland a popular choice is the Lapland Day trip which will set you back around £599 per person.
For two days you can expect to pay upwards of £1,000 per person, for three nights that price goes up to around £1,300 for four nights, £1800 and so on. There are savings to be made and each package includes excursions, snowsuits and boots-hire which is included in the price, as well as airport transfers, flights and accommodation.
What do we do when we get there?
Now for the fun part - Lapland was made for families! No matter the age of your children, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Obviously, the main activity everyone wants to do is to meet Father Christmas. The Santa is experience is truly magical and a simply must-do if you have younger children. Even for the adults it's an incredible moment to see the man himself in his homeland. The travel operators add their own touches which make the whole experience even more special.
Aside from meeting Santa Claus your kids will have a choice of amazing activities such as a reindeer sleigh-ride and a husky ride through the snow-covered forest, a snow-mobile ride over a frozen lake, horse riding through woodland blanketed in un touched snow, tobogganing from a snowy hillside. And everywhere you go there will be the chance to sledge.
If your family is older there are opportunities to go on a guided snow hike, a four-hour snow mobile safari, Northern Lights hike or snow mobile safari.
If you chose Levi there is also the chance to ski its 43 slopes and ride on its two chairlifts, 24 draglifts and two gondolas.
If you want a truly one-off magical experience then book a stay in one of Lapland's many glass igloos. These glass-walled, glass roofed cabins offer something truly spectacular and if you're lucky enough to enjoy them under the Northern Lights it is sure to be unforgettable.
There are many to choose from but they sell out fast, so be quick, including Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle, Kakslauttanen and the Northern Lights Ranch which is listed as one of Finland's coolest stays. The igloos come equipped with saunas and hot tubs and guests are invited to use the on site love heart ice rink, a la carte restaurant and feed their baby reindeer.
As the name suggests this is a truly unique way to experience Aurora Borales and if you are lucky enough for a clear night there can be no better way to see them than from the comfort of your bed looking up through the heated glass ceiling.
When should I book?
Lapland trips for 2022 have already started selling so if you decide you want to go, you need to act quickly to secure your place. That gives you a year to save and start planning your once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable trip!
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