Northern Lights/Winter Holidays

RichArd

Hi

We are thinking of a Northern Lights or similar holiday (Norway, Sweden or Finland) but am mindful of the extortionate costs.

Has anyone any suggestions for a winter holiday break (7 nights, 2021) in these areas which aren't a rip off?

We have an 8 year old Son so there would need to be enough to keep him stimulated.

Thanks in advance!

R.

bradders1983

I would suggest 7 nights is probably far too long then. Also if he is of school age this limits you to the 2 weeks of Xmas, which will be an absolute rip-off.

bagand96

I'm not sure you necessarily mean Rip Off? Price and the cost of living in the Scandinavian countries is a lot higher than in the UK. It's just the way it is. It doesn't mean the prices there are a "rip off" as such.

Are you looking at package tours or putting it together yourself? Doing the latter will probably be cheaper. Depending on where you can fly from there can be some fairly decent prices to Scandinavia with Norwegian and easyjet.

Have you considered Iceland? Not sure about now but a couple of years ago flights there could be very cheap - the situation may have changed a bit after Wow Air went bust - but I think some low cost airlines still fly.

I've no experience of the other countries you mention, but iceland has the same reputation for being expensive and I didn't find it too bad. Yes it was more expensive than the UK, and it certainly wasn't cheap. But if you're careful it wasn't a rip off or extortionate.

Also consider there's no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights wherever you go. If that's your main purpose of the visit then research where is the best chance of seeing them first.

RichArd

Thanks for the reply both.

We don't mind taking him out of school in term time for 5 days.

With regard package holidays, I have no issue with putting it together ourselves.

Northern Lights is not really important, so we were thinking perhaps a tranquil lodge somewhere in the snow with access to shops, restaurants etc??

bradders1983

Doesnt sound like anything an 8 year old would overly enjoy tbh. Main purpose for taking kids that age up there is the whole Santa thing I would suggest.

dondo

We have recently returned from Iceland as we went there to try and see the Northern lights. We were unsuccessful but still had a great time. We were a group of 9 including 4 children aged from 6 up to 13.

We booked flights with Easyjet the day they went on sale and got some good prices and we also booked self catering accommodation so as we didn't have to eat out all the time.

Yes Iceland was more expensive than the UK but we have been to Norway and found that more expensive.

We found some places that were fairly priced to eat and drink and as I said we self catered and shopped at Bonus supermarkets as they were the cheapest.

Aside from the Northern Lights there is also lots of other good stuff to do in Iceland- Golden Circle Tour as a starter plus Perlan and Fly Over Iceland would be good for an 8 year old

strawb_shortcake

My colleague found some deals with Crystal for Lapland over Christmas she was quoted £3100 (for 5) for Christmas week. This was a ski holiday but plenty of opportunities for other excursions.

My Son also wants to see the Northern lights, so had looked at some breaks, I want to stay in an igloo but that's lots of ££££

wazza99

Yes self drive Iceland, we went in November great fun and not too expensive.

Katiehound

Probably way beyond your budget but the Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten does 7 day cruises to N.Norway to see the lights.
If you don't see them you get a free cruise.
Not sure what their policy is with children- but all food on board is supplied and no gratuities expected.
Their website quoting from £1255 (inside cabin) including flights.

Ngozi

bradders1983 wrote: »

Doesnt sound like anything an 8 year old would overly enjoy tbh. Main purpose for taking kids that age up there is the whole Santa thing I would suggest.

I would of loved to seen the Northern Lights as a kid!

Look at Kiruna, Sweden.

JosephK

Another vote for Hurtigruten. They can also book excursions/activities such as dog-sledding as part of their trip.