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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Is Lapland worth it? Or....?

53 replies

Flibbertigibbettytoes · 26/12/2023 22:53

I love the idea of Lapland next winter - the possibility of northern lights, snow fun, Santa magic for DC. But, breaking it down, is it really that much more than a ski holiday? Or should we be thinking about something else entirely if we want to blow the holiday budget on just one trip? Any advice from people who've had fabulous trips.this winter??

OP posts:
ZeroFucksGivenToday · 26/12/2023 22:57

I did Lapland a few years back with Canterbury travel. It was magical and my now ten year old DD still talks about it.
but we didn't do any skiing! Husky safari, sledging, looking for Santa, big party, reindeer rides and skidoos, but no skiing.

I loved it and it was worth blowing the budget for in my opinion.

KeepingKeepingOn · 26/12/2023 22:59

Just been - would recommend it a million percent, and I never rave about holidays 😂 everyone loved it and took something different from it; for me, without being trite, it was the memories of us all enjoying spending time together and getting some amazing photos of all of us, which we would never do normally. It’s so well planned and executed, you don’t need to worry about a thing and can just enjoy the experience.

NotPennysBoat · 26/12/2023 23:05

Never spent so much on 3 nights away, but YES! SO worth it! It was a 'once in a lifetime' thing for us, but almost as soon as we got home we were researching how to afford to go back again!!

TwigTheWonderKid · 26/12/2023 23:33

NotPennysBoat · 26/12/2023 23:05

Never spent so much on 3 nights away, but YES! SO worth it! It was a 'once in a lifetime' thing for us, but almost as soon as we got home we were researching how to afford to go back again!!

Yes, it's a bit dangerous like that. We first went to do the whole Santa thing about 11 years ago and since then we have been back 7 times for skiing, and general Finnish winter magic.

Original poster
Flibbertigibbettytoes · 26/12/2023 23:59

Oh wow, lovely to hear such positive stories!

OP posts:
ZeroFucksGivenToday · 27/12/2023 00:05

@TwigTheWonderKid if we don't like skiing is there still lots to do? When we originally did 3 nights we were searching for Santa and on a coach. How do you do it on your own without the Santa part?

Namchange101 · 27/12/2023 00:33

We went for the skiing a few years ago and did a Santa visit and husky sledding on the side and it’s our favourite holiday ever. Finland is just magical. We’re planning to go again next year.

EasterIssland · 27/12/2023 00:37

Just been. 4 nights 3.2k spent for 2 adults + 1 child. It includes flights / eating out every day / huskies / reindeers / Santa visiti to the toy factory. Best 3.2k. We were meant to sell the clothes after coming back but I’m going to keep it as want to go again and focus more on the snow and auroras

Original poster
Flibbertigibbettytoes · 27/12/2023 00:58

Sounds great - if you don't mind me asking, where did you stay and did you organise it yourself or go for a package?

OP posts:
TwigTheWonderKid · 27/12/2023 01:09

ZeroFucksGivenToday · 27/12/2023 00:05

@TwigTheWonderKid if we don't like skiing is there still lots to do? When we originally did 3 nights we were searching for Santa and on a coach. How do you do it on your own without the Santa part?

Yes, though not cheap. There are various length husky and reindeer safaris which we never tire of, and other excursions you could go on, like visiting the ice hotel or horse riding.

But we also love the utter magic of just going for a walk or taking a kick sled across the frozen lake, tobogganing, snow shoeing or a bit of cross country skiing with a sauna when you get back.

MrsFloof · 27/12/2023 01:09

We went back in 2012 and absolutely loved it, far more than skiing holidays. We then went back in the summer to see the brown bears in the wild at Arola Bears which was also magical. Would happily spend every Christmas in Lapland if its wasn't so expensive.

minipie · 27/12/2023 01:21

Can I join? I’ve been considering for Feb half term (no Santa obvs) it all looks amazing but sooooo cold?! I am not great with cold, will I hate it? Those who have been, did the cold bother you?

Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 27/12/2023 01:26

Worth every single penny

Oriunda · 27/12/2023 01:33

If you do a search, you'll find other posts. I did a DIY trip a few years back which came in at just u der €1k for 3 people for 4 nights (2 of which spent on the sleeper train there and back).

poolviewthanks · 27/12/2023 03:09

minipie · 27/12/2023 01:21

Can I join? I’ve been considering for Feb half term (no Santa obvs) it all looks amazing but sooooo cold?! I am not great with cold, will I hate it? Those who have been, did the cold bother you?

The cold is no joke. I've not been in feb but have been twice in early jan and some days we hit -35C. You need to have the right gear and be prepared!

ItWillBeDone · 27/12/2023 05:40

Have been 3 times and loved it each time. The snow is magical. The activities are magical. The cold can be harsh but it's fine if you're prepared.

SonicAllanKey · 27/12/2023 06:00

We went a few years ago. Best holiday we’ve done I think, with Disney Paris a close second. We did a full week, met Santa, husky sled, reindeer sleigh ride, sledged all over. It was just wonderful.

FormerlySpeckledyHen · 27/12/2023 06:27

We went with Canterbury Travel for 4 nights including skiing and it was awesome. My kids, now 27 and 29 still talk about it and they have travelled lots.

Newchapterbeckons · 27/12/2023 06:30

There is nothing quite like it.
We are rebooking next year too. It’s so fun and genuinely magical.
Packages are easier as they include snowsuits, transport and everything is organised for you.

dumpling123 · 27/12/2023 06:45

There a Facebook group called "Lapland on a budget" where people share details of their diy trip.

ChaosAndCrumbs · 27/12/2023 08:00

Yes! We stayed outside the main Santa village which was great as much less light pollution. I did research a lot before going, which was worth it, but it was beautiful. We managed to see the aurora several times, which was just magical. Also the dusky light there just felt so calming. We really want to go back!

EasterIssland · 27/12/2023 08:13

dumpling123 · 27/12/2023 06:45

There a Facebook group called "Lapland on a budget" where people share details of their diy trip.

There are several like this one. I joined it and few more and did my trip diy

Proseccoismyfriend · 27/12/2023 08:18

We went two years ago booked diy it was the most amazing 4 days ever. We flew with finnair booking as soon as they were released stayed here in Saariselka www.booking.com/Share-5yhGbIm
Skied, husky ride, search for Santa and playing in the snow £2500 for a family of 4. Santa books a year in advance and we went with northern lights. Do it!!!!

Parsley1234 · 27/12/2023 08:27

It was amazing we went 15 years ago flew In and out in one day my son still talks about it and my sons father who flew with BA for years saud it was the best trip ever. One day was enough fir
me it was totally freezing

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