Lapland Magic - If your looking for a holiday experience with a difference, look no further than Lapland! A destination with snow covered landscapes and freezing temperatures to match, it is rumoured to be the legendary home of Santa and his elves.
Climate
Winter in Lapland is extremely cold compared to the UK. Temperatures rarely
rise above freezing point and December temperatures range between -7°C
and -35°C. Snow falls in Lapland between October and May and it is common
to find thick snow cover in December. There is very limited daylight at this
time of year as the sun rises around 10:30 and sets around 15:30.
The cold will dry out your skin, so it is advisable to take an oil based moisturiser
and lip balm to avoid chapping. Please note water based moisturisers will
freeze in the cold.
Clothing
(Most trips include thermal clothing - please check)
Thick winter woollens, extra pairs of socks for children, thermals and warm,
sturdy footwear e.g. skiwear, moonboots etc. are recommended. The most effective
way is to ensure you wear several layers of clothing, starting with thermal
underwear then layering more clothes. Ski-gloves and hats are necessary -
do not underestimate the cold! If you intend to hire thermal overalls, normal
winter clothing with ski-gloves, hats and warm footwear should be sufficient.
Please note that the hire of thermal overalls does not include thermal boots,
hats, gloves or scarves (unless otherwise stated) - all of which are essential.
Other useful items to protect against the severe cold are lip salve and hot
pads which insert into your gloves and boots. Young children and infants are
often the ones to suffer most around the feet, hands and facial areas - please
take all necessary precautions in protecting them.
Reindeer
Warning
Reindeer abound in Lapland and you can see them all over the countryside.
These gentle animals are the native deer of Lapland and therefore please respect
them during your visit to their land on the Arctic Circle.
Currency
Finland's unit of currency is now the Euro. There is no limit to the amount
of currency visitors may bring into or take out of Finland. Foreign currency
and travellers cheques can be exchanged at he Post Office in Santa's Village,
banks (Mon - Fri: 09:15 - 16:15) and the airport. Bank of England issued sterling
notes are recommended for exchange, however, they may also be accepted in
some shops.
Shopping
The shops and Post Office at Santa's Village are open for the full duration
of your visit. Many shops in the village take UK currency as well as the Euro,
but do not accept travellers cheques and many do not accept credit cards for
small purchases. Well known credit cards are widely accepted however for larger
purchases.
Duty
Free
Finland is part of the EU and therefore you are no longer able to purchase
duty free in Lapland.
Snowmobiles
In order to drive a snowmobile, adults must bring their UK driving license.
Cameras
Don't forget to bring your camera to capture all those special moments, but
remember that the intense cold will drain batteries much faster so bring lots
of spares. Also due to low light, it is better to bring the fastest speed
film that you can.
Documentation
Most of the essential details about your day break will be provided in your
Tour Confirmation / Invoice sent to you when we have received and processed
your booking. Please check this document carefully and advise us in writing
immediately if it contains any errors. Final details, including travel timings,
will be despatched to arrive with you approximately seven days prior to departure.
Passport
For British / Irish citizens a full 10 year passport is required for entry
into Finland (3/5 year passport for children, when not included in accompanying
parent's passport). Other passport holders should seek advice from the nearest
Finnish Embassy. Passport should be valid for at least 6 months following
return date from Finland.
Health
Requirements
There are no vaccination requirements imposed by the authorities, but nevertheless
when travelling overseas it is prudent to advise your doctor of your destination
and secure the latest professional advice as any precautions that may be necessary.
Winter
Sports Insurance
If you are going to take part in dangerous sports or pastimes where there
is risk of injury, check your policy covers you.
Disabled
and severely ill children
Please note that in respect of disabled parties special assistance, specially
adapted vehicles, sleighs, disabled harnesses etc. are not provided within
the normal tour cost. Within the normal tour cost local staff will be pleased
to help and assist but they are not trained either in the technical style
of paraplegic lifting or specific disabled assistance.
(If additional services are required these should be requested and quotation
obtained).
For
visa requirements
Address: Embassy of the Republic of Finland, 38 Chesham Place, London, SW1X
8HX.
Tel: 020 7235 9531
Website: www.finemb.org.uk
Flights
In most cases your day break starts and finishes with a chartered flight on
a fast comfortable B737, A320, B757 or A300. However, flight plans may change
before departure and we reserve the right to substitute alternative carriers
and / or aircraft types where necessary. Where this situation arises it is
not possible to transfer to another day break or cancel without incurring
normal cancellation charges. All of our flights are non smoking.
Medical
Care
Finland has reciprocal health care agreements with the UK. This entitles you
to emergency medical treatment and to prove eligibility for this treatment
you only require a British passport. Non-British nationals should obtain an
E111. Treatment is available either free of charge or for a standard fee,
depending on the municipality.
Enjoy
the magic of Lapland
The information contained within Santatripsonline.co.uk is
provided by the Tour Operators concerned. Every care has been taken to ensure
its accuracy, however, Santatripsonline.com cannot be held responsible for
any typographical errors. Please double check your itinerary at time of booking.
Beaches Travel Ltd act as retail agents for ATOL Holders for all Day Breaks
and Short Stay visitis to Lapland
