We typically end our trips with a blog post. This trip was in Dec 2018 and we didn’t want it to ‘end’. But alas, all good things do. So here it is, sharing our experience how we caught the Aurora Borealis with the kids who were then 10 and 4 years old respectively.
*Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, a sparsely populated area bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its vast subarctic wilderness, ski resorts and natural phenomena including the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. Capital Rovaniemi is the gateway to the Lapland region.
Aurora Borealis with Kids?
Yes it’s possible! We did it Free and Easy with both kids, in -29C, basking under the glorious Aurora Borealis…with Santa Claus thrown in! Here’s how we did it back in December 2018.
Why DIY?
Catching the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) is perhaps one of the most unforgettable experiences one can ever experience on their travels. No wonder it is on most travellers’ ‘bucket list’.
Before we go any further, it is important to understand that the Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon that happens virtually every night over the wintry skies of countries in the Northern hemisphere during the Winter season. It is just a matter of which part of the night it happens, at which part of the sky and is your view covered by clouds when it happens.
We often hear of travellers who have joined packaged tours but miss out on seeing the Northern Lights. We chose to do it DIY so that we can stay 4 nights in Finnish Lapland to hedge our chances to witness the Northern Lights.
Getting a Local Guide:
Getting an experienced local guide who helps you to plan is key. An experienced guide will have the skill and intuition to predict when the Northern Lights will take place and also plan appropriate activities for the family.
We engaged Gareth, a very experienced and friendly local guide in Finland to plan our DIY trip, down to the last detail of where to stay, what to buy and how to keep the kids warm and happy in the extreme weather.
Gareth and his lovely wife Elina are currently taking a hiatus from tour-leading for family reasons. We hope the insights and tips we share here will help you to plan your family’s DIY tour to chase the Northern Lights. Here are what other travellers have said about Gareth’s tours on Trip Advisor.
The Season:
It is important to remember is that this is done during a very chillingly cold winter, out in the Finnish Lapland where the highest temperature is only 1C while the nights drop to as low as around -29C. Yes, It is very COLD. The days are short too, with the evening twilight occurring around 4pm. By 5pm, it would be very dark.
The Outfits:
How you suit up is will therefore make or break the trip. Virtually, every activity will be done out in the wintry Finnish weather. Even for a family like ours who have been to Hokkaido many times for skiing, nothing quite beat a Finnish winter!
As such, it is important to dress suitably from top to bottom. Merely piling on the layers may not be the right strategy but rather, getting the right materials to wear would be ideal. This includes socks, gloves and shoes. We were very fortunate that our guide Gareth had extra winter overalls stocked up for us. In fact, he asked us for size and prepped these for us ahead of our trip!
How to Dress Kids for Winter:
Bearing in mind most of the activities are outdoors where the average temperature can be about -10C or -12C. On the night where we caught the Northern Lights, it was about -29C and we were camping out on a frozen lake, in the Lapland. Prepare your winter clothing seriously. For tips on dressing your kids (and yourself) for winter, read our post here.
Getting there – The Santa Claus Express Train:
We took the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki. It’s a novelty to be able to hop on the Santa Claus Express Train to see Santa himself. But do note that the novelty stops at pretty much at the big sign on the train. Nothing else inside really leverages on the Santa experience. In fact, be prepared for the standard cabin to be tiny room with a common shared toilet at the end of the rail carriage. This night train too also doesn’t allow us to see any of the stunning mountainside scenery that Finland is known for. But it’s a novel experience for the kids to experience an overnight train ride.
Nonetheless, it was memorable for the kids to be huddled up with Mommy and Daddy in a rail cabin on our first overnight train together chugging to see Santa.
Tip:
- Pack a small cabin bag with the essentials so that you don’t need to rummage through the large luggage whilst on the train. There is not enough space to open up all the luggage.
- We stayed at the Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center whilst in Helsinki. It is right next to the train station and so conveniently located to virtually everywhere in the city. We could walk to see the Christmas lights and the Christmas market. Perfect!
First ‘Port of Call’ – Rovaniemi:
Rovaniemi, is the Capital of Lapland. The gateway to the northernmost part of Finland. The small but busy town is a good introduction to the Arctic Circle and offers good local hotels and grocery stores to stock up for home-cooked meals if you’re staying in one of the many comfy and clean Scandinavian AirBnbs. It is also the ‘gateway’ to the Lapland, the ‘hunting ground’ for the Northern Lights.
Tips:
- The McDonald’s at Rovaniemi is purportedly the ‘most northern’ McDonald’s in the world. Alas, we were too hungry to take a shot there!
- We stayed at the Arctic Light Hotel, a chic boutique hotel in Rovaniemi with conveniences nearby.
Activities in Lapland:
Aside from hunting for the Northern Lights, here are the other family-friendly activities we did. Note that most of these activities are done in the morning, right after breakfast and will stretch into afternoon. We maximized the day light as the sky will be totally dark by 4:30pm during winter.
1. Santa Claus Village:
There is only one official Santa Claus Village and one official Santa Claus in the world, apparently, and here is where you find him!
Santa Claus Village is a short drive from Rovaniemi. Step into the Santa Claus Village and you will be officially inside the Arctic Circle. Here are some activities to do in the Village:
- Visit Santa in Santa’s Workshop : Yes the only official Santa in the world. Inside you can take a photo with Santa and buy the photo for a fee.
- Take a Reindeer Ride: Cuddle up with the kids in Santa’s sleigh for a 1km ride around the forest of Santa’s village drawn by Santa’s reindeer. Very enjoyable, definitely not to be missed!
- Send a Postcard: Go to Santa’s Post Office and send a postcard back to yourselves and to your loved ones complete with the stamp from the Arctic Circle! Lovely memento and keepsake.
- Play with Snow: There’s a free playground with tons of snow. Grab a sledge and join in. Kids will love this.
- Take tons of Photos. This goes without saying! Have your spare battery-packs ready.
Tips:
- Ask your guide to pre-book or purchase the tickets before hand where possible to save time.
- Be prepared to queue in peak season, especially during lunch hour.
- Refrain from taking screen-shots of your family photos with Santa from the shop’s monitor screen. The staff will not be pleased.
2. Snowmobiling through the Lapland:
This is an amazing experience. 20km to and fro in the Lapland with the snowmobile guide leading the way. You don’t need a license as long as you are comfortable in operating a snowmobile. Kids get to sit safely and comfortably with the guide.
The terrain is relatively flat but it is still outdoors so do expect some bumps and slopes. Midway, we stopped for a cup of home-brewed Finnish tea prepared over a warm crackling fire. Surreal!
Tips:
- Be suitably prepared. The tour company will loan you the winter overalls with thick boots. Go for it! It is necessary!
- If you are uncomfortable operating the snowmobile, let the guide know and make the necessary arrangements to ride in tandem with another experienced rider.
- It’s safe for young kids to come along but it’s very cold. Wear a balaclava to protect their noses and ears.
3. Stay in a Glass Igloo Hotel:
It’s not everyday that one gets to spend a night in the Finnish Lapland with the night sky (and perhaps even the Northern Lights) overhead. So if you are able to, book a night at a glass igloo and it can become one of the highlights of your trip.
We saved up to spend a night at a Levin Iglut Hotel (https://leviniglut.net/). The hotel has a cluster of glass igloos that are detached from the hotel’s main reception lobby. Our igloo has the usual trappings of a luxury hotel as far as furnishings are concerned but the view – being able to sleep under the snow covered trees of the Lapland, was exceptional.
Privacy is maintained through a half-height curtain that once drawn will reveal only the top part of the glass igloo. The glass igloo came with a tiny kitchenette for preparing simple meals and drinks.
Tips:
- The igloo is detached from the main hotel building, going to the hotel lobby would require donning many layers of winter clothing and putting on your snow boots. It can be cumbersome so best to consolidate all your needful requests instead of making multiple trips to the lobby.
- The hotel bathroom and toilets are quite tiny. The water tank and pump to the bathroom are decentralized so the usage of hot water is rationed (I.e. every guest is encouraged to limit hot shower sessions to 20 minutes). Exceed that and the next person will have lesser time for a hot shower. Not fun in wintry Finland.
4. Husky sleigh ride through the Lapland:
Imagine 9 strong Alaskan huskies pulling your sleigh with Daddy driving it and Mommy plus kids all huddled into the sleigh. While this experience sounds novel and exciting (it was!), you need to be mentally prepared this is not your usual merry-go-round ride. This 10 km husky sleigh ride through the Lapland can be quite ‘punishing’ on driver’s hands and feet. The kids may also be startled by the constant yapping of the excitable husky dogs (that’s how they communicate). But all being said, it is safe and an experience of a lifetime. There are guides around should you be stranded but it does need someone who is fit and with steady and strong limbs to drive the sleigh with the whole family plus 9 yapping and strong husky dogs dashing through the snow.
The ride culminated in a visit to the husky dogs’ homes and you get to ‘warm up’ over, yes, home brewed Finnish coffee sitting in a tent warmed by crackling fire.
Tip:
- Suit up suitably. Wear the overalls and boots offered or rent them. This includes the extra gloves. This is THE MOST freezing activity we experienced during this trip.
- The driver of the sleigh needs to be fit and strong.
- Be prepared to commandeer 9 extremely strong and excitable husky dogs through the wilderness, for 10km! You need to be comfy with dogs.
- Children need to be comfortable around constant barking, yapping dogs.
- These Huskies are Alaskan Huskies that are trained to pull sleigh in the Lapland. They are different from the friendly Arctic Huskies we are accustomed to seeing here in Singapore.
5. Trekking through the Lapland:
One of the unique experiences Gareth arranged for us was to trek through part of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park along with his dogs. We trekked from late morning and stopped at a shed for an authentic Finnish campfire BBQ, hot brewed coffee and tea and some delectable smores – melted marshmellow sandwiched between two wafers biscuits!
The experience was truly exceptional. Not only did we get to slow down and enjoy the great (white) Finnish Lapland in its glory, the kids got to play in all-white scenery like something out from Narnia!
Our camp-fire lunch which Gareth prepared was perhaps one of the most yummy meals we had. We had hot BBQ sausages, smores, wood-brewed coffee and tea from the Finnish ‘Kuksa’. Simply exquisite. Simply unforgettable.
6. Traditional Ice-fishing on a Frozen Lake:
This was tiring but another unique experience you don’t get anywhere else. Not just because of the traditional method of using an auger (giant handheld cockscrews) in almost complete darkness, neither is it because we were on a huge frozen lake and certainly not because we didn’t catch anything after about 2 hours(!!). It was mainly because we discovered that the thickness of the ice is about the entire length of David’s arm from finger to shoulder!
After almost an hour of drilling using the auger, we have not even drilled through the thick ice. In order to find out if we have reached the water to start the fishing, we had to put our hand down into the hole we drilled. So imagine our surprise when we discovered how thick the ice on the lake was!
Our guide, Gareth love ice-fishing and was tempting us to sit there through the night to try our luck. There were lots of drilling, laughing in virtually complete darkness. Recommended if you really have some time to drill, I mean kill.
7. Ski and Snowboarding at Levi:
Levi is a ski town near Rovaniemi. The ski slope (https://levi.fi/en/ski) is Lapland’s most popular ski slope. The kids had a short lesson in skiing (Buddy) and snowboarding (Dana) towards the end of the day.
We felt that the ice condition there is not as pristine as the Hokkaido’s famous ‘powder’ snow and can be quite hard. It may be better for more experienced skiiers.
Other than that, it has the services and amenities of a big ski slope. Try it if you have some time to spare and is an experienced skier hoping to put another ski slope in your cap.
8. Finally! Catching the Northern Lights:
“Tonight is the night. I’ll pick you guys at 8pm.”
Gareth muttered these words as he saw the temperature plummet from -12C to -19C after consulting his apps. You see, the clouds have parted, releasing the heat from the ground and sending the chill in. With a cloudless sky, catching the Aurora Borealis becomes a possible reality!
Gareth arrived at 8 pm punctually and we were very hopeful. After about a 20 minute drive in pitch darkness, we stopped beside a frozen lake and positioned ourselves ON the frozen lake.
Gareth laid many thick layers of bear-skin rug for the kids to get warm and comfy along with thermos of hot chocolate while David started to set up his tripod. Once ready, it didn’t take too long. In fact, we didn’t even know we were looking at the Northern Lights until David asked if those were clouds moving?
Gareth confirmed that those vertical moving clouds are indeed the Northern Lights forming. Moving in an ethereal manner, we saw the Northern light’s intensity rise from faint blue to green. The sensitivity of David’s DSLR sensor could capture the luminosity of the Northern Lights better.
As its intensity grew, we saw the lights dancing very slowly around the sky surrounded by a sea of brilliant stars. There was no sound except for our bated breaths plus our DSLRs clicking away.
Needless to say, it was an awe inspiring sight to be able to see nature’s rare wonders right before our eyes. Better still, sharing this moment with our kids. After about 1.5 hours, the intensity dipped, we packed up and left (the hot chocolate was finished too!). This was on our 3rd night in Lapland. We tried to catch the lights again on the 4th night but we didn’t get to the spot in time before the lights left for Norway. In any case, we were very satisfied we were able to witness the Aurora Borealis at least once.
‘Kiitos’ (Thank you):
Our DIY trip to Finland to catch the Northern Lights has achieved our aim of experiencing Finnish Lapland. We are extremely thankful, that with a well-experienced guide and early planning, we were able to collect these supremely memories safely and happily as a family.
Finland is so unique. With its great outdoors, natural wonders and wonderful people, we still feel that there’s so much yet to be done. We hope to return. ‘Kiitos’ (Thank you) to Gareth and Elena for the wonderful experience that was just beyond words. We hope our paths will cross again to experience yet another adventure by design.
“Happiness is the place between too much and too little.”
Finnish Proverb
DIY Finland with kids – Helsinki and Tallinn (Estonia)
Stay tuned for our next blog post on our DIY Itinerary to Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia!
- Remember to follow our FB @Life’s Tiny Miracles and Instagram accounts: @lifestinymiracles and @doting_dad for more tips on travelling with kids. If you’ll like to have a downloadable itinerary of our trip, please email us at [email protected] or DM us on our IG accounts. We hope our travelogue will inspire you to visit Finland one day.
- BONUS: Use our exclusive promo code – LTMKLOOK to enjoy further discounts when you purchase tours, activities, car rentals, and even hotels on Klook!
hihi, possible to provide gareth number? We wish to go in dec 2023
Thanks
Hi unfortunately Gareth’s personalised tour business has folded due to the pandemic. We found him through Trip Advisor. You can try searching there for good guides. Thanks for visiting our site.
This is fantastic! We are currently planning our trip and am now convinced we need a private guide. Where did you find Gareth? Any recommendations on how to find another?
Thank you and all the best with your next adventure!
Kind regards, Bree
Hi unfortunately Gareth’s personalised tour business has folded due to the pandemic. We found him through Trip Advisor. You can try searching there for good guides. Thanks for visiting our site.
Hi ,
do you mind to share your itinerary?
Dear Irene
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed the itinerary to you.
Have a most magical trip to Finland!
Hi, thanks for sharing your wonderful trip! Very helpful! Would you be able to share your itinerary and also the rough budget for your trip? Many thanks in advance ☺️
Dear Cheryl
Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by the blog and happy to know you found our post helpful.
I’ve emailed the itinerary to you.
Have a most magical trip to Finland!
Hello! Could you share your itinerary as well as costs with us? TIA!
Dear Anthony
Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by the blog.
I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. As for budgets and costs, they vary according to your travel dates. You can compute them easily using an Excel Sheet.
Enjoy your trip planning!
Pls email me the itinerary if you are ok. Thanks
Dear Pris
Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by the blog.
I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Have a lovely trip to Finland!
Hello Angie,
Me and my wife are planning to do northern lights this Feb/Mar 2024. All the packaged tours comes with a hefty price tags and that forced me to search for DIY trips and then I encountered your blog.
I found it quite interesting and activities done by you are mostly matching on what we wish to do..
Can you please share your itinerary. It will help me in our planning.. Thanks in advance 🙂
Dear Karu
Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by the blog.
Glad to know you found our post helpful.
I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Have a lovely trip to Finland!
Hi interested to do one DIY trip, would appreciate if you can email me your itinerary too.
Thanks. Do you keep Gareth contact or email to contact him?
Dear Sha
Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by the blog.
Regrettably, Gareth is no longer leading guided tours. He has in fact moved to Norway since Covid-19 hit.
I’ve included some alternatives in the itinerary which was emailed to you.
It’ll help in your trip planning. All the best!
Dear Angie,
Thanks for the lovely post! Would you mind emailing me your itinerary? Where did you guys fly out to and fly in from?
Appreciate your help!
Dear Ade
Thanks for your compliments on our travel post!
We flew into Helsinki, then took an overnight train to Rovaniemi, Capital of Lapland. We then flew out from Rovaniemi (Finnair Domestic Flight, 1h 25min) back to Helsinki then onward to Singapore.
Have emailed you the itinerary for reference. Happy trip planning!
Hi, Interesting trip. Please share your itinerary if it’s ok with you! Thank you!
Dear Lee
Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by the blog.
I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Have a lovely trip to Finland!
Hihi Angie 👋🏻
TGIF & happy new year! I came across your amazing blog and wonder if u can share your itinerary and other possible guide to DIY tour with me please. I wish to plan for autumn (Sep/Oct) & cross border to Norway if possible but seem like no public transport during that period. Thanks in advance 💕
Dear Linda
Happy New Year! Thanks for your compliments on our blog. It’s readers like you who made our efforts to document our travels worthwhile 🙂
I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Hope it helps in your trip planning!
Lovely blog! Can you please share you itinerary. Thanks. Lot!
Dear Megha
good day! Thanks for your compliments. I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Hope it helps in your trip planning!
Hello.
Thanks for writing such a informative post.
Did u visit norway or other neighbouring areas ?
Would like to request for your itinerary?
Dear Lynn
Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by the blog.
We visited Norway (and other Nordic countries such as Denmark and Sweden) in a separate trip, as part of an organised tour. So this trip was purely Finland. Hope the itinerary helps!
I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Have a lovely trip to Finland!
Hi Angie, plan to go Finland end of this year. Would be glad if you can share the itinerary and the roughly cost too.
Thank you.
Dear Adele
Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by the blog.
I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Have a lovely trip to Finland!
Hi Angie, my family is considering going to Finland at the end of this year. Would you be able to share your itinerary? Thank you 😊
Hi Angie, can you kindly share with me your itinerary too. Planning to do a Free & Easy tour with 4 adults 4 kids. So cost is one of the main factor! We are planning to travel around via campervan. Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Hello Angie ,
Thank you for the lovely post . We are exploring Finland for year end . Do you mind sharing your itinerary? Thank you in advance ❤️
Hi Angie
Would you able to share your itinerary and also the rough budget for the Finland trip?
Many thanks in advance ☺️
Hi Angie
Blessed New Year! Could you please share the intinery with me. Thanks so much.
Hi Angie,
What a pity that Gareth’s personalized tour is no longer in service 🙁
Can you please share your itinerary and cost with me? Thank you!
Hi Angie
I am planning a trip to Finland for Dec 2024. May I have the itinerary? Thank you in advance 🙂
hi there, thank you for the really enjoyable and informative post! would you mind sending the itinerary to me too? thank you so much in advance!
Hi!! I’m glad to chance upon your post! Is it okay to have you share your lovely itinerary please? Thank you!
hi Angie, very interesting blog. Im planning to bring my kid to finland too. Could you share the itinerary with transport information and cost?
Many thanks in advance.
hi Angie, very detailed blog. Im planning to bring my kid to finland too. Could you share the itinerary with transport information and cost?
Many thanks in advance.
Hello! I’m also preparing a trip to Lapland end of this year and chanced upon your blog. Would you be so kind to share with me the detailed itinerary and cost of engaging a guide? Thanks so much,
Hello Angie,
Thank you for such amazing blog . We are planning to do Finland end of this year . Do you mind sharing the itinerary? Thanks in advance .
Hello Angie,
Your DIY tour really interests me. Appreciate that you can share your itinerary and perhaps some alternative local guides recommendations as i would like to head to Finland with my wife late this year. Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Angie, we plan to go to Finland with our 2 kids end of this year. Would be glad if you could share the itinerary and the estimated costs. Thank you.
Hi Angie,
Possible to share the itinerary? Would like to go Finland in December.
Thanks!
Regards,
En
Hi Hi,
can share itinerary pls.
Hi Evonne
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Do share with us how your trip went after you return!
Hi,
Can share your itinerary, cost and budget? Thanks !:)
Hi Fannie
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Do share with us how your trip went after you return!
Hi Angie,
Can share your itinerary? Thinking of going with my child too…Thank you very much,,,
Regards
Annie
Hi Annie
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Do share with us how your trip went after you return!
Hi Angie,
Exploring Finland and found some interesting sharing from your blog. Interested to know your itinerary and estimated cost. Thanks
Hi Lynn
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Do share with us how your trip went after you return!
Hello Angie
I came across your blog many years back while planning a trip to Australia.
I am now planning a trip to Finland in Dec 2024. Would be great if you could share your itinerary with me! Thanks for your help in advance : )
Cheers
May
Hi May
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Do share with us how your trip went after you return!
Hi, thanks for sharing your travel. Can you please send me your itinerary? Much appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Sean
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Do share with us how your trip went after you return!
Hi Angie
I am planning a DIY trip to Finland this year end. Would you be able to share your itinerary with me? Thanks!
Hi Joyce
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Do share with us how your trip went after you return!
Hi Angie! Thks for sharing these useful tips! I always look at your travel blog for tips and ideas before planning our trips. This time I’m persuading my hubby to do a diy Finland trip like yours. Pls share your itinerary and your estimated costings. Appreciate it! God bless you!
Dear Siu Yen
Thanks for your compliments! It takes a lot of time to compile these articles and we are very heartened to hear from readers who found them helpful!
I’ve emailed the Finland itinerary to you. Happy trip planning!
Hi Angie,
Many thanks for sharing the info in Finland. Can you share your itinerary with me as we are planning for a family trip to Finland end of this year?
Many thanks!
Hi Daphny
thanks for dropping by the blog. Have emailed the itinerary to you. Happy trip planning!
Hello! I am planning to bring my parents to try to see the northern lights this year, would you mind sharing your itinerary as well as the costs? Thank you in advance! ☺️
Dear Jake,
Thank you for visiting our blog! While we are happy to share our itinerary, the cost of a DIY trip can be very subjective, influenced by factors such as the time of travel, the timing of booking air tickets, the type of accommodation chosen, and the activities you wish to include in your itinerary. Additionally, personal preferences and travel styles can significantly impact overall expenses.
We recommend you do up a draft itinerary, read reviews from other travelers on TripAdvisor Forums and check out websites of the travel service providers (such as hotels and local tours etc.) to estimate the budget of your DIY trip accordingly.
Wishing you all the best in your trip planning and may you have a memorable and magical experience witnessing the aurora borealis!
Hello Angie. Vanny here from our little red dot :). This is a wonderful trip! And I’m jealous. Bucket list indeed! Planning to see Finland this end of December for our fam of 5! Surely pocket breaker, hahaha! Can share your itinerary please. Hope to save some :)! Big thank you!
Hey Vanny
thanks for dropping by our family blog. Glad to e-meet you. Have emailed our itinerary to you. Hope it helps in the trip planning somewhat. Can’t wait to read of your trip!
Hi Angie, appreciate if you can share the itinerary pl.
Hi CH
thanks for dropping by the blog. Have emailed the itinerary to you. Happy trip planning!
Hi Angie, so excited that we have found your blog..
We are planning a trip for Dec this year.
Would appreciate if you could share your itinerary.
Thank you very much.😀
Dear Madelaine
We’re happy you found our blog! I’ve emailed the Finland itinerary to you. Happy trip planning!
Good day, can you please share with me too the itinerary, hope not too troublesome
Dear Daren
Thanks for dropping by our blog. I’ve emailed the Finland itinerary to you. Hope you’ll have the most awesome trip to Finland!
Hi,
Just what I needed ! Just started to plan for the mammoth trip involving 3 young kids.
Do you mind sharing your itinerary ? I am going to stay the same places as you did in Lapland!
Can I also check how to travel from Arctic Light Hotel to Golden Crown Levi?
Thanks !
Jun
Dear Jun Tan
good afternoon! I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. With 3 young kids, we’ll suggest not changing hotels too often. Do have a look at the itinerary I’ve emailed you and use it as a reference. You can pre-book land transfers with Levi Iglut to pick your family up from the Arctic Light Hotel. Enjoy Finland!
Hi Angie, thanks for the tips in your blog post. Could you kindly share your itinerary with me as well? Thank you!
Hi Val
Glad you found the tips helpful! Have emailed the itinerary to you. Hope you’ll have a most unforgettable trip!
Hi Angie,
Love your blog! I’m planning my trip this year end too. Hope you can share your itinerary and cost!
Thanks
Dear Judy
Thank you for visiting our blog! While we are happy to share our itinerary, the cost of a DIY trip can be very subjective, influenced by factors such as the time of travel, the timing of booking air tickets, the type of accommodation chosen, and the activities you wish to include in your itinerary. Additionally, personal preferences and travel styles can significantly impact overall expenses.
We recommend you do up a draft itinerary, read reviews from other travelers on TripAdvisor Forums and check out websites of the travel service providers (such as hotels and local tours etc.) to estimate the budget of your DIY trip accordingly.
Wishing you all the best in your trip planning and may you have a memorable trip to Finland!
Thank you very much for your wonderful blog and very useful information.
Appreciate if you share itinerary with me.
Hi BL00
thanks for dropping by the blog. Have emailed the itinerary to you. All the best in your trip planning!
Hi Angie, could you share your itinerary with me? Planning to bring my parents to see the northern light. Thanks much!
Dear Adeline
thanks for dropping by the blog. Have emailed the itinerary to you. Have a most wonderful trip with your parents!
Hi,
Do you mind sharing your itinerary and cost with me? Planning a trip this year end. Thanks!
Dear Jenny
I’ve emailed the itinerary with you. As for the cost, it depends largely on the time you book your flights, your accommodation of choice and activities you intend to do. On the conservative side, you should start with a budget of about S$4K-5K per person as airfares have risen considerably post-Covid. All the best in your trip planning!
Hi Angie,
I came across your blog and found it really helpful with so many details that answer lots of questions one would have while planning a trip.
I am planning a trip to Finland for this winter with my 5 year old, and would be great if you could share your detailed itinerary with me please.
Hi Rashi
thank you for letting us know you found our blog post helpful! It makes all the time worthwhile. Have shared the detailed itinerary with you. Happy trip planning and do share your trip report when you return!
Hi Angie
Love your blog ! We are family of 4 , planning a trip to Finland year end . Hope you can share your itinerary for our DIY ❤️
Hi Chris
thank you so much for your compliments! My kids enjoyed Finland tremendously and I am very sure yours would too! Have shared the itinerary with you via email. All the best in your trip planning.
Hi Angie!
Very informative post there! Am thinking of a trip there in Dec. Would you kindly share your itinerary pleassse?
Thanks much!
Dear Cyn
thanks for your compliments! Have emailed the itinerary to you. Have a most unforgettable trip!
Hi Angie,
Chance upon your blog while browsing info for my year end trip. Could you please share your itinenary with mode of transport between town/ city and accomodation?
many many thanks.
Regards,
Emily
Dear Emily
thanks for dropping by the blog. Have replied you via email. Happy trip planning!
Hi Angie, thanks for sharing your trip. Can you share with me your itinerary, pls? Planning a year end trip. Tks!
Dear Ailin
thanks for dropping by the blog. Have emailed the itinerary to you. Enjoy your vacay!
Hello Angie,
Thanks for a very informative post! I enjoyed reading it.
May I request for a copy of your itinerary please? Thanks in advance.
Dear Mel
thanks for your compliments. Have emailed you the itinerary. Happy trip planning!
Wonderful bucket list trip! I’m planning Dec 2024 with my kids age 2 and 4. Do you mind to share your itinerary with me?
Thanks Mich for your compliments. Have emailed you!
Hi Angie,
You have provided us with good information on the trip in Finland. We are also keen to travel there in Dec 24, could you please
share with us on your itinerary and estimated cost.
Thank you very much
Anna
Dear Anna
I’ve emailed the itinerary with you. As for the cost, it depends largely on the time you book your flights, your accommodation of choice and activities you intend to do. On the conservative side, you should start with a budget of about S$4K-5K per person as airfares have risen considerably post-Covid. All the best in your trip planning!
Hi Angie, thanks for informative post! May I request for a copy of your itinerary? Thks.
Hi Vivien
thanks for your compliments on our post! Have emailed the itinerary to you. Have fun!
Hello.. really liked your blog. Very helpful. I read that Gareth’s not available. But do you happen to know his full name and business name? Just so i can search for him. It’s just that we have 2 kids and i feel like if we go in a group tour, we would be annoying other guests. We are going end of November this year and i would really appreciate it if i try contacting him. If he doesn’t do it anymore, maybe he knows somebody else..
Thanks
Hi Joana
thanks for your compliments on our blog. It’s nice to know our efforts are appreciated by readers. Gareth is no longer in business but this is his TripAdvisor website: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g798835-d3844201-Reviews-or10-Adventure_by_Design_Private_Day_Tours-Kilpisjarvi_Lapland.html Hope all goes well for your trip planning! Don’t forget to tag us at @lifestinymiracles when you share about Finland on your social media!
Hi Angie,
Thanks for sharing your interesting trip and tips to Finland with your love ones. Like you, I’m also planning a trip to the Lapland with my family in Dec 2024.
Possible to share your itinerary, estimated cost (including transportation and accommodation) and other recommendations/advises, pls.
Thanks much 🙏🏻
Dear Faizal
Thanks for your compliments on our blog. I’ve emailed the itinerary with you. As for the cost, it depends largely on your flights, your accommodation of choice and activities you intend to do. On the conservative side, you should start with a budget of about S$4K-5K per person as airfares have risen considerably post-Covid. All the best in your trip planning!
Hi Angie,
What a wonderful Finland trip you had experienced! Do you mind sharing your free & easy itinerary, accommodation, & where to find reliable tour guide to plan our trip for this December? Thank you so much 💕
Hi Michelle
Thanks for your compliments on our blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. All the best for your planning and I am confident you’ll have the most enjoyable trip!
Hello we are loookh to visit Lapland with our 2 young kids Dec 2024
It’s so hard to look for an Aurora hunting trip that can accommodate kids
Please email me your itinerary if possible with all the guides etc
Hi Namo
Thanks for dropping by the blog. Not sure how old are your 2 young kids but the temperature in Lapland averages -27C in Dec so you do need to bear that in mind when you plan your itinerary. Have replied you by email. Hope it helps!
Hi Angie,
Thanks for the sharing of your family trip to Finland. I’m planning to bring my 2 kids (9 and 12) this Dec 2024.
Could you share the itinerary, cost of accommodation and transportation, dining places? Noted that you have engaged Gareth but he is no longer available. May I know what services he provides and the cost of engaging him?
Thanks.
Hi Sher Lynn
Thanks for dropping by the blog. 9 and 12years old are the perfect ages to travel! I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Hope you’ll have a most unforgettable vacay in Finland!
Hi, would you be able to send me your itinerary?
Thank you!
Hi Priscilla
Thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. All the best for your trip planning!
beautiful place and good article
Hi,
Awesome blog. could you please send me your itinerary ?
Dear Karthik
Thank you for the compliments on our blog! I’ve emailed you the itinerary. Have a most magical trip to Finland and hope to see your photos!
Hihi Angie, it’s really an insightful post! Came across this while I was searching for DIY Helsinki trip. Was not sure if that is possible, now I am keen after reading your post! Would you be able to share the itinerary and cost estimates for reference? Thank you so much.
Dear Su Ling
Thank you for the compliments! I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Hope you find it useful for your trip planning. Hope to see your Finland photos soon!
Hi Su Ling
Thanks for dropping by the blog. DIY vacation to Finland is possible but it requires lots of extensive research and planning. I’ve shared the itinerary with you via email. Hope it helps! If your trip to Finland do materialize, remember to tag us at @lifestinymiracles! 🙂
Hi Angie,
do you mind sharing your itinerary with me as well 🙂
Hello Joanne
Have emailed it to you. All the best!
HI there – great blog. I would love your itinerary too… thank you so much!
Thank you Janisch for dropping by the blog and for your compliments! Means a lot to us 🙂
Hi Angie,
Thank you for such an informative post! We booked for end October for a week visit and can’t wait. We are bringing our 4 year old daughter. By any chance would you know any good photography tours that accommodate young children? Also if possible would you share your itinerary as well?
Many thanks,
Debby
Hi Debby,
Good day! Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you’ve booked your trip for the end of October — you and your family are in for such an unforgettable adventure. I’ve emailed you the itinerary and some photographer info. Hope it helps with your trip planning! Can’t wait to see your pics 🙂
Hello Angie!
Very informative post! I actually plan for my hokkiado trip last year by looking at your post 🙂 & the trip was really great with all the informative information from your post 🙂
I am planning to Finland as well with my kids (6 & 10) next year. Do you mind sending your itinerary for Hel – Fin, where to stay as well as photographer? Thank you in advance!
Dear May
thank you for your compliments on our Hokkaido posts. Means a lot to know our trips are practical and useful. I’ve emailed the Finland itinerary to you. Have lots of fun and can’t wait to see your pics on socials!
Dear Angie,
Thank you for documenting your experience and sharing on the blog. It is extremely resourceful for people like me who wish to DIY the trip with similar aged kids.
I understand you mentioned Gareth isn’t working from Rovaniemi anymore but you might have alternate resources and detailed itinerary.
If you do get me message and if the above resources are handy, would you please share them?
Thank you once again
Hi Aditi
thanks for your compliments on the blog. I’ve emailed you the itinerary. All the best for your trip planning!
Hi Angie, love your blog! It’s so informative. Would you mind sharing your itinerary please? Thank you very much!
Hi Glen
Thanks for your compliments on the blog! I’ve emailed the itinerary to you. Happy trip planning and hope to see your travel pics!
Hi Angie
We are planning a Finland trip next year. Do you mind emailing your itinerary to me?
Thank so much!
Hi Mandy
have emailed the itinerary to you. Happy trip planning and do tag us @lifestinymiracles when you are there!
Hi Angie, Such an amazing blog. I have started to follow your blog:). We are planning a trip to Finland in Dec 2025 with 2 kids (11 years and 8 years) and my mum. Do you mind sharing your itinerary with us? Looking forward to more of your blog posts. Very inspiring!
Dear Cheryl
lovely to e-meet you! Thank you for the generous compliments! It’s readers like you who give us the encouragement to keep the travel blog alive 🙂
I’ve emailed you the itinerary with some first hand tips on putting the trip together. Do weigh your options and hope to see photos of you, your mum and kids witnessing the magical Northern Lights together!
Hi hi Angie! Thanks for sharing your Finland experience. You had so many wonderful activities and gave I am planning a DIY trip there next year. Will look got a local guide in trip adviser like you did. Could you please also send me a copy of your itinerary? Thank you very much in advance!
Dear Yaling
thanks for dropping by the blog! I’ve shared the itinerary with you via email. Hope it helps in your trip planning 🙂
Hi Angie,
Thanks for much your effort to share your experience !
I’m planning our first trip to see the northern lights and Santa Claus village to see Santa. Will it be possible to cover Iceland, Finland and Norway? Or is it not necessary to go all 3 places?
Appreciate that u can share your itinerary with me, including the accommodation and photographers contacts please! Thanks in advance & wishing you and your family a happy 2025!
Hi Val
Happy New Year! Have replied you and emailed itinerary to you. Hope it helps in your trip planning!
Hi,
I chance upon your blog while researching for my trip to the nordics. Your blog is so helpful! Do you mind sharing the detailed itinerary with me? Thank you so much!
Hi Ann
thanks for your compliments! Have shared the itinerary with you. Enjoy Finland!
Hi Angie,
I have 3 children (8, 5, and 3) and would love some help with this trip to Finland. Your write-up is amazing and got me excited about the idea. Could you please share with me your itinerary as well as the alternate tour guides.
Thank you and any other recent recommendations will be appreciated!
Hi Chuong
thanks for dropping by the blog. I’ve emailed the itinerary and tips to you. Hope it helps to plan for the trip and we look forward to see photos of your family in Finland!
Hi Angie,
Has been following and lovinhg your travel blogs.
Am planning a DIY Finland trip Dec25 with 2 kids (10,12). Appreciate if you can share your itinerary with information on the accommodation, transportation and tour guides
Hi Angie,
We are considering between booking a tour or DIY. Thank you for being so generous about sharing your travel experiences. Please send me your itinerary if possible. Any other tips would be much appreciated as well! 🙏
Hi Jasmin
thanks for your compliments! Have emailed the itinerary to you. Hope you’ll have a most relaxing time in Finland!
Hi Angie, lovely trips. Could you share your itineary please? Thanks.
Hi Lay Keow
thanks for your compliments. Have emailed the itinerary to you. Hope it helps in your trip planning!