Lapland 2017

[Chrisinthemorning]

So it's booked! Very excited. We are going to Luosto with Canterbury Travel for 3 nights as soon as school breaks up next December. Staying in a log cabin. We DS will be 5.6.
Any tips, particularly shopping/ packing would be appreciated- I need to get base layers, hats etc.
How to tell DS? Not going to tell him until next December.

[Nearlyadoctor]

Following with interest, just booked Levi in Finnish Lapland for Feb 2017 half term. I'll be able to pick your brains after your break

[flapjackfairy]

Oh how exciting . Been 3 times and it is great.
A lot of companys provide all snow wear etc so check before you buy (aldi got cheap snow gear in at present and it is as good as any if you do need to buy) You need layers as you said thermals trackie bottoms sweatshirts etc . Also take hand warmer things that go in gloves esp for kids and ladies tights!
Even men can wear them if v cold (minus 27 one yr )
Best activities are snowmobiling and best of all huskys so prioritise that if cant do everything. Reindeer safari a dissappointment and talking of reindeers try the reindeer steaks they are amazing (yes i know but they are not pets ! They are farmed for meat )
If i think of anything else will add.
I am mega jealous as it really is a wonderful experience ! X

[Guitargirl]

Very exciting! We went in 2014. Take torches and spare batteries. I took head torch lights for the DCs. Don't rely on your phone to take photos as the cold depletes batteries very quickly. Don't underestimate the amount of space all those spare gloves and socks take up!

[WreckTangled]

Following this. We want to go in 2018 (yes I know it's ages away! But will probably book it end of this year)

[Nearlyadoctor]

I lied!!! Booked for Feb 2018 half term not 2017. Blonde moment obviously

[Guitargirl]

Nearlyadoctor - do you mind me asking which agency you've booked with for Feb half-term? Am also thinking vaguely about Feb 2018...

[Nearlyadoctor]

We've booked through Inghams, flying direct from Bristol to Kittila ( depending where your closet airport is obviously). Staying in Levi ( half board) and have already prebooked excursions such as snowmobile, horseback safari, husky sledging etc.

I'm sure we could have done it DIY or booked the exclusions locally and it would possibly have been a little cheaper but having never been before went for a package.

If you look on their website it comes under Winter Inspirations, as obviously most of there holidays are skiing.

[Guitargirl]

Thank you - I will take a look.

Last time we went we stayed in Saariselka with Esprit but we went at Christmas and it was very Santa-focussed. The DCs are older now so am not so keen to go at Christmas. I think we will end up going via an agency as the flights are so expensive to go independently.

[BornFreeButinEUchains]

op do you mind saying what sort of price you paid please?

I am super excited and booked lapland Uk today maybe the other one next year.

[Dogwalks2]

Ive got to join in on this thread. We took our kids 7years ago when they were 6 and 9 for a weeks adventure holiday over Christmas and even though they have travelled extensively this is the holiday they always talk about. We booked with Exodus who we had also trekked with in Peru and although no trip is cheap at Christmas the experience was worth every penny. It was really non commercial and the highlights where going on husky dog sleighs, sleeping in a real igloo and the children going out and choosing their own tree to bring back and decorate. Santa was not part of this trip but he was at the airport and didn't have to go through security (proof in deed). Years on now we have forgotten having to save the money but not one day of that holiday, I really would recommend it for the slightly more adventures and on the packing notes all you needed was base layers everything was Supplied.

[Chrisinthemorning]

Born Free- eye watering- over 4.5k for 2 adults and a 5 year old. It includes everything though- flights, transfers, full board, log cabin, thermal suits and boots, all trips are full length experiences eg huskies, snowmobiles, reindeer. Private Santa meeting.
We went for Canterbury travel even though a bit more expensive because they seem to have a pretty good reputation and they do full length experiences not tasters like Thomson etc.
We are very lucky to be able to afford it I know. We only have 1 child and I'm turning 40 this year so it's a bit of a treat.

[NorthumbrianGirl]

How exciting! We went to Luosto with Canterbury Travel last year. It was wonderful. Our kids are still singing the Elf Song.

We had the option of booking for an elf to come to our cabin and read the kids a bedtime story which was wonderful and their favourite part (they are 4 and 6).

[mrsreddington]

Following with interest! We are hoping to go this December so I'm hoping to pick up some tips/recommendations!

My grandparents want to go with my DC and are keen to do it whilst they are still fit enough to travel (mid 80s). My parents would be going as well so lots of adult help. My DC will be almost 4 and almost 2. A lot of the things I've been looking at mention 4+. Has anyone been with younger DC?

[NorthumbrianGirl]

We went when out youngest was 3, and tbh they were a bit young. They got very cold sometimes and were sometimes bored (and objected to wearing the snow suits). We did have a good time though!

We found it tricky to balance between dd1 not being too old and dd2 not being too young. I think it would have been better at 4+ but there weren't any main activities dd2 couldn't do.

[Mise1978]

The most important thing is to have WATERPROOF clothing, but which can also breathe. And NOT to overdress. Many people inexperienced with the cold overdress, especially small children. This leads to sweating, then to being cold. It is better to be a little cold, but dry.

As to the poster going in February. Do you realise it is the coldest month of the year then? Temperatures in the Lapland can get to -50. With it being a healthy -30 or lower, quite a lot.You won't be going skiing in anything below -20 if you aren't use to it. And even -20 would be cold and difficult for people not use to the cold. Especially downhill skiing.

The rest about the phone batteries etc, is also true. Keep your electronics warm if you can.

Natsku can also confirm what I wrote. She lives in Finland and I lived there for 14 years as a young adult.

Have a nice time.

[Nearlyadoctor]

Thank you Mise but we're not going skiing, and we know it's going to be very cold. We have friends who live there and it rarely gets below -20.
Levi and Saariselka do both have skiing most days that time of year, its unusual to be too cold to ski.