Lapland

[CottonHeadedNinnyMug]

Morning! So we (2 adults and a nearly 7 yr old) have booked a once in a lifetime trip to Lapland this December - it's a two night stay. Could anyone give advice about what we actually need to take with us? We live in the far south of the UK so our current winter wear is limited to say the least!

Would really appreciate some advice from those who have done it!

Our tour operator kitted us out with suits, mittens, socks and boots. We took thermal base layers, trousers to go over those (not jeans - I got some ugly but practical walking trousers from an outdoor shop). Then a selection of jumpers. Silk liners for the gloves. Decathlon is good for most of this stuff.

Take spares especially for the child. Even with the drying closets in the hotels things take a while to dry.

You basically wear the suits throughout your stay. You take it down to the waist in restaurants.

Some trips have a gala dinner where Christmas jumpers are encouraged. Ours was cancelled due to covid though.

We went last year. It’s so hot inside and colder than you can imagine outside!
We took two sets of thermals each- trousers and tops, plus fleeces. They give you socks, mittens and outer suits.
We also took ski socks, thin liner gloves and snoods/balaclavas and decent hats. The MOST important thing that you must must take is packs of disposable hand warmers. I had them in my boots, in my gloves, inside the kids suits- one front, one back. It made all the difference towards the end of the long day outside to be able to hold onto something warm. And the kids especially need it being smaller and because on things like the husky ride/reindeer sleigh ride/skidoo ride etc they’re just sitting and getting colder.
It was really magical- you’ll have a wonderful time.

Good quality thermals, preferably made of wool. Then lots of layers. Avoid cotton. Fleece is perfect.

Comfy socks, gloves and hats.

Dont pack your coats you'll need them when you land and get off the plane. Someone on our flight packed all their coats and they were freezing

Why on earth would you not have your coat handy when travelling to a notoriously freezing cold country?!?

I disagree re coats- loads of people were wearing them on our flight and were SO hot in the airport and on the plane because the flight was roasting and every locker was rammed so they were shoved under seats etc. we had packed ours and had thick fleeces for the literally 25m walk from aeroplane to airport building (which again was very warm) and then got them out of our suitcases before we left the terminal building. It was fine and much nicer than carrying them everywhere!

I think everyone has it covered on here.
I took nice Christmas jumpers for the gala dinner, and Santa hats & silly novelty festive glasses (to wear, not drink out of!) they went down well.

Its just so wonderful and magical, you’re going to have an amazing time!!

A good lip balm, download the aurora app before you go and set your location. Make sure insurance has extra winter cover if you’re going to be driving the huskies yourself. We bought a couple of bottles of wine at duty free which I was glad of as very expensive over there.
Spare socks and gloves in case they get wet.
Be prepared to be absolutely boiling each morning getting everyone layered up. We did the kids first and sent them outside (we were in a cabin and it was safe) then layered ourselves. I remember having to have the door open to let the freezing cold air in we got that hot trying to get everyone ready in the morning.

Thanks for the advice everyone! 🙏 so excited!

Bring some of the Kia ora juice mini concentrate things! It's so so expensive over there and they don't do diluted juice for kids so it's the one thing we missed ! It's like £5 for a coke and was 15 for a glass of wine in our lodge reception ! Madness

Great tip @applebee33 - is the water fine to drink? I'm guessing it must be!

Decathlon is your friend. Don't piss about looking elsewhere. It's cheap and it's the right quality for what you need.

Ultimately a tour company will have some outerwear kit. BUT. It's often not as warm as it really needs to be - people on our tour were cold whilst we were in our own gear and were warm. Remember even if you hire, you need to layer properly so that does mean thermals and suitable attire under outerwear.

A cavet - don't wear your own outer stuff if you do a husky ride - dog poo smells.

We're heading off for a 2 night trip in December too!