Essential Information about trips to Lapland

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