Getting Around

The long routes and harsh weather conditions made more sense for the family to travel on a tour. “We recommend travelling this part of the world with a guide,” Tiffany advised. “Local knowledge of hunting spots for the northern lights comes in handy, too.” Although they gave the Northern Lights a miss, Tiffany discovered there was so much more fun stuff to do.

See also: 7 Top Places to View the Northern Lights 

From A Santa Claus Village To An Igloo Bar, And Beyond

Yes, a Santa Claus Village does exist, which the family got to visit within the Arctic Circle. “We went husky dog sledding, visited an Arctic zoo with reindeers, polar bears, and snowy owls, stayed in a glass igloo, had drinks and an igloo bar, and experienced the Finnish sauna culture,” she recounted. The family then headed up to the North Cape, otherwise known as ‘the end of the world’, where the Atlantic meets the Arctic. “Despite the lack of sunlight, it was a vibrant little town dotted with boats parked along the harbour, and lights glistening off the water,” mused Tiffany.

Unique Delicacies & Cool Souvenirs

“Reindeer was surprisingly yummy,” the adventurous foodie in Tiffany recounted. “It’s very lean and not as gamey as expected.” She also pronounced reindeer sausages and Norwegian smoked salmon as souvenirs to take home. “There are some thoughtfully designed homewares like candles, drinking bottles, glassware and kitchenware to buy as keepsakes. Finland is also the home of renowned design label Marimekko, with the largest collection I’ve ever seen!”

Discovering Scandinavian Culture

Scandinavians come across as introverts until you start a conversation with them. The ‘super friendly and helpful’ community even welcomed Tiffany and her family into a traditional Sami tent of the indigenous people in Lapland. Tiffany was especially awed by their reverence for natural resources: “The Samis traditionally survived by hunting and fishing, and in more recent years, herding reindeer, their staple food. They are never wasteful, and every part of the reindeer is put to use; the skin for shoes and clothing, the bones for handicrafts, and other parts for alternative medicinal properties.”

See also: The 6 Must-Buy Snacks When Holidaying In Asia

Essentials For First-Time Visitors

There’s something for everyone, from the spa lover to the daring foodie, and even home & deco collectors. But Tiffany has these solid words of advice: “See some reindeers and ride the husky sleds! If you’re a culture geek, check out the Amos Rex underground art museum!”

2 Countries, A Lot Of Love

When asked what she loved most of these 2 destinations, Tiffany couldn’t emphasise more how the old and new came together in harmony, merging cutting-edge design and nature seamlessly. “The people have so much respect for their land and each other. Everything was so clean and well-maintained, and everyone was very polite,” she summed up.

See also: The Dykes, Bikes and Bright Lights Of Amsterdam

A New Perspective For Travel

Rather than see the world through the lens, Tiffany is all about living in the moment and noticing the small details while in a new destination, especially in places of exquisite beauty like Finland and Norway. “I’ve always felt like photographs don’t capture just how beautiful some things are in real life—this destination was certainly that. Take a few pictures for the memories but take in the little things, like the sights, sounds, smells! There’s always something new to see in every corner of the world,” encouraged Tiffany.