Independent Lapland v Canterbury Travel

[unicornglittersprinkles]

Looking at taking DCs to Lapland next December (2024). They’d be 8, 7 and 5 so feels like the best timing for them all to be at the right age.

We’ve done quite a bit of research and thought we’d settled on a 3 night trip with Canterbury Travel but I’m now doubting myself. It’s going to cost close to £10k for a family of 5 and whilst I’m prepared to pay that, it would stretch us and be a once in a lifetime trip and I’ve started wondering if we could actually get something better for our money by going independently. We’re not necessarily looking to reduce the cost, just want to feel like our trip is worth that amount.

Main concerns are being herded about/rushed, whether or not it’ll feel authentic or just tacky plus the quality of accommodation and quality of food for such a huge sum of money.

Any views on Canterbury v independent would be much appreciated before we commit all of our savings!

We went last year for 7 days over Christmas (21st-28th) and we stayed a two hour drive from the main attraction of Santa Park / Snowman land which is right by the airport. We booked and paid for everything independently.

Staying outside of the main resort
made it feel so real and authentic and we are so, so glad we did it even though it means driving. Mind you, the views are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful so driving throughout the ‘real’ Finland was no hardship.

To be honest, the main attraction part near (whose name I can’t even think of) was a bit tacky and touristy and I’m really glad it only played a very minor role in our trip.

As part of our DIY trip We had:

Return flights for four people.
A incredibly huge and beautiful cabin for a week.
Car hire (and petrol costs) for a week.
All snow wear / snow boots for four people.
Two trips to Santa Park
A trip to a reindeer farm.
A trip to Ranua Zoo.

All this cost just under £4’000.

As an add-on to my post above, the main attraction resort I was referring to was Santa Claus Village (SCV). Going there was one of the other trips we had.

We visited Santa Park one day which was amazing but Santa Claus Village was tacky-ish in my opinion. One day there was certainly enough.

We did Canterbury 23 years ago and it was EPIC! I'd like to think it was just as good now. I do realise this is no help whatsoever. But DS now 29 is with us for Christmas and we still talk about the trip and the memories. So to me it was worth every penny.
We did 5 days over Christmas. It really was truly magical.

We’ve just got back from Lapland through cantbury travel and let me tell you.. it was the most magical experience of our lives! Kids age 5 and 8 were e stayed in a log cabin in Sumo and ate at the artic hotel everyday we did 2 nights and 3 days and although rushed you definitely feel like your getting your moneys worth.. we met some amazing people who were so glad we got to share our experiences with.. the only thing I will say is that if we were ever to go back we don’t think anything will ever beat the magical experience we had with Cantabury .. top tip though take some noodles/dry foods and snacks etc as we weren’t top fan on all the food however myself and my kids are very very fussy! My partner on the other hand loved it.. they did serve chicken nuggets and chips every night.. we have already looked at a DIY but it won’t compare to what we’ve just experienced.. also make sure you learn the elf song and actions 😂

We went in 2016 @Charl1marie and our DCs still talk about it now & we still sing the elf song every Christmas! Can still remember the actions too

I have been twice with Magic of Lapland. Both times were absolutely amazing. First time was a small hotel, second time a catered cabin. We were part of a small group, when we did any activities it was just our group. Personally I would not skimp on the money because that is when you get herded about and rushed which is not the once a lifetime experience you probably want!

Did you organise once you got there or prior to going?

Has anyone been to Yllas and can recommend a short husky ride where the children can meet the huskies and puppies?

Hiya,
Would you mind sharing your experience with Magic of Lapland a bit more please? I had a look at their website and it feels less commercial than Canterbury. How do you find the activities arrangements? Do you feel there's enough time and not rushed? How big was your small group please? Thank you very much.

We went twice and I would say there were maybe 5 or 6 other families with us at any one time. Everyone we met was lovely. First day once we got there we did husky sledging, possibly one of the best things I have ever done. One of the adults in each family (or both) get to drive. Second day was the traditional village, spent most of the day tobogganing and reindeer ride (individual families) to meet Santa in a cabin. We also visited reindeer farm and did the reindeer sleigh trip one day. Last (4th) day I think was snowmobile excursion. We did loads, it was expensive and the reduced daylight hours make it a bit tiring but it was magical. Which is why we went back again with my parents. There was also a bit of downtime for kids to play outside cabin in snow and we went to an ice hotel the second time. The only slight palaver is getting all your warm kit on. I would really recommend Magic of Lapland.

I’m just trying to decide Canterbury or magic of Lapland - what was the Santa experience like? Was it authentic? And how did the food work? Did you get lots of choice on a menu or food in your room?
any advice why magic of Lapland over Canterbury?

And what age were your kids?

Hi - your making me think Canterbury but can I ask - was it lots of early mornings and no time to just wander in the snow inbetween trips? Or was there some downtime? To say make a snowman or sledge or sit and watch the view!
also is there much of a snow mobile bit included?
do you feel like you have been out in the wilderness? Xx

I took my daughter 10 years ago with Canterbury travel and having done a lot of independent travel I too was wondering if the price tag would be worth it. It 100% was. She’s nearly 16 now and we still sing the Elf song and talk about the trip each Christmas. It wasn’t rushed or tacky, and was so magical I swear I came home believing in Father Christmas again myself. I’m saving to take my son next year when he’s the same age she was and I wouldn’t go with anyone else but Canterbury travel

We still sing the Elf song too @Wenders123 - amazing! 100% recommend Canterbury!

We did Lapland (Rovaniemi) for 4 nights last year and did it independently.

We had an airBnb which was really reasonable, 2 bed apartment, for £400. Was in the main town so we got tea there often. There were lots of places which offered buffets which worked out really well for us.

I would avoid the experiencing in the main Santa Village, we did a husky experience there which was poor. We were sold that we would get to meet and cuddle the huskies but in reality there were 50 of us in a pen with 4 dogs.

We did this the next day which was amazing https://nordicodyssey.net/reindeer-farm-experience and the reindeer owner had dogs which my little one had a really lovely time fussing.

The Santa Park is good, its seems a but pricey but your ticket is valid for two days which was handy when we were finding the cold a bit much.

We also went Santa Sport one night to use their swimming pool, sauna ect. This was a really lovely low cost activity.

Good luck, it really is the most beautiful place.

Hi, about to sign up for this exact trip but have a few questions. Could we may private message if you wouldn’t mind?