LAPLAND

[cabbage67]

We are thinking of going to Lapland in December and would be grateful for anyone's advice or suggestions as to where is best to stay or which travel company to use etc.

Thanks

If you are doing a santa trip there are two main companies that specialise in these trips: emagine and Canterbury travel.

There have been some mixed reviews on here around Canterbury recently. I personally have travelled with both and found that both gave an excellent experience.

If asked to recommend one I would say emagine just edged it in terms on customer care and value for money.

It is an unforgettable experience for the kids.

How many of you are going cabbage and where would you fly from?

Dadinstead - how many days and where did you stay?

Did a 2 day trip with Canterbury and a 3 day trip with emagine.

Canterbury stayed at Suomo. can't remember where we stayed with emagine but we flew into Kittila.

Canterbury's accommodation and food was better, but in terms of activities, scheduling and customer care would give it to emagine.

Hello fishingfilly,

We are two adults and two boys. Preferably flying from Luton or the midlands.

checked with my mil and cheaper to do Luton or London a'ports

Thanks Dadinstead - we are thinking of going for either 3 or 4 nights. Was 3 days enough to do everything you wanted to do?

If you can would always recommend the extra day, there is often the option to do extra (paid for) activities. I did the dog sledging going on a longer safari with my daughter riding in front, we both loved it.

I'd recommend the day trip with Canterbury Travel, it was magical....

We were thinking of going this year but have now decided to wait until next year as we're in the process of moving house.

I read literally hundereds of reviews. The canterbury ones were very mixed. What I noticed was that they had excellent reviews until about 2yrs ago then they become very mixed with some very poor ones. It sounded to me as if they used to be the best in the business but have now let themselves down a bit.

Bear in mind that this is all opinion though as I haven't actually been yet. Also read a review from a rep who had worked for them saying they used to be great but since recession their customer care had gone down hill. However, of course you have no way of knowing why this rep has left so cannot take it as absolute truth. Having said that, together with the reviews it was enough to put me off. So with regards Canterbury, just check dates on all reviews.

Emagine are (I think) a smaller more specialised company. Couldn't find many reviews but everything I found was good. So from what I read, a safe bet but probably the most expensive option I came across.

Also looked at First Choice. I was least impressed by them. Lots of their hotels were actually city centre based so no real atmosphere. Lots of reviewers saying how disappointed they were with the Santa meeting. Apparently he comes around during dinner handing out random pressies. So no finding his house in the woods which others offer.

Transun looked good to me but very mixed reviews again.

Also looked at Esprit. Offered private santa meeting like Canterbury, Emagine and Transun. Very good price. Their log cabins appealed because just 4min walk to hotel and because hotel had a swimming pool and we wanted something to do in the late afternoons as its dark by 3pm. Downside is their resort is quite far north so cold. But they fly to a closer airport so just 20min transfer. I couldn't find any bad reviews about them either which was reassuring. Lots of recommendations for them on here too. Obv they're a ski company but I think their Lapland hols have a separate website called santaslapland (or something similar) Google esprit lapland.

If we had booked I'd have gone for Esprit I think but before booking next year I'll check the most recent reviews. I have 3kids so not a cheap hol so want to get it right. Next year the youngest will be 4 so probably better for her in terms of the cold.

Good luck.

Hello to everyone - I've just joined the forum and came across this thread amongst a few others. All very interesting!

I too have been looking at so many Lapland day trips from First Choice to Cosmos to Transun to Canterbury but after extensive comparing, etc have subsequently booked with an independent company called Metier Travel, based in Kent who are running their own day trip. They are fully bonded and regulated so money is safe, etc.

It goes from Gatwick on Sat 18 December and they are just doing one day this year (with a view to doing more in 2011) and one of the best parts is that only 30 families will go on the trip - so really nice and exclusive! This company really go in for attention to detail and ensuring that everyone has the best personal experience; the place looks amazing and its got so much to do and is fully inclusive, you don't pay for anything extra. We're all very excited I can tell you! The trip is called Father Christmas Adventure and the website is www.fatherchristmasadventure.co.uk.

If anyone wants to know anymore - just ask! Be happy to impart what I've found out :)