Your Lapland Questions Answered

Every family is different, but for most children the sweetest window for Lapland is roughly between 5 and 9 years of age. At this stage they are usually old enough to cope with the cold, the travel and the excitement, while still being completely immersed in the magic of Santa and the whole experience.

If you have more than one child, you might decide to stretch that window a little and travel when your youngest is around 3 and your eldest is 11 or 12. It is a very personal decision, and we will talk it through together so that your timings work for your family.

How long should I go to Lapland for?

I can organise 2 or 3 night trips, and these are by far the most popular options. We can also tailor make a longer Lapland stay if you would like extra time to explore.

The 2 night trips are brilliant and can still feel incredibly special, especially when you choose a premium experience with well planned activities. However, my personal recommendation is a 3 night trip. I find it is the sweet spot between having enough time to enjoy everything properly and still keeping the whole experience magical and exciting.

Lapland itineraries are usually quite full, with lots of included activities and very little downtime. Over 3 nights this feels busy in a good way: you are making the most of every day, but you still have a little breathing space to slow down, soak it all in and follow your children’s pace.

With a 2 night trip, particularly if you are travelling with younger children, there is less room for those natural pauses. If someone is tired one afternoon, takes a while to warm up to the cold, or just has an off moment, there is not much buffer in the schedule. You can find yourself feeling that every single minute has to be magical. With 3 nights you still have that packed, festive feeling, but with a little more flexibility and a lot less pressure on everyone.

Inclusions can vary depending on the exact trip you choose, so I will always confirm the details before you book, but generally speaking a Lapland package will usually include:

• Return flights
• Airport transfers
• Thermal suits and boots
• A snowmobile experience
• A reindeer sleigh ride
• A husky experience
• A visit to see Santa

Depending on the type of trip and the operator, the length and quality of each activity can vary, and the mix of activities can be slightly different. There are also what I would call “filler” or added activities that help build the atmosphere: for example, cookie making, visiting Mrs Claus, elf school and similar little touches. These will usually be set out clearly in your itinerary at the time of booking so you know exactly what to expect.

What is the booking process like?

The booking journey is very straightforward and I will guide you through each step.

First, you get in touch with me and we go through the different options and suppliers together, looking at dates, itineraries and what will work best for your family.

Once you are happy with the trip, you confirm your booking by paying your deposit. After that, you can make instalments through the My TC app, which many families find helpful for spreading the cost. Your final balance will typically be due around 12 weeks before departure.

Around 11 weeks before you travel you will receive your confirmed flight times. These are usually an early flight out and an afternoon flight back, so you maximise your time in Lapland. From there it is just a case of counting down and getting excited.

What is the Santa experience like?

Our own Santa experience was outstanding. We did a premium Lapland trip and were taken by sleigh out to Santa’s home. We went inside and had a private, relaxed visit with him that never felt rushed.

In our case, Santa was able to give my child a letter that had been sent to him weeks before the trip, which was incredibly special. When my son realised it was his letter in Santa’s hands, the look on his face was pure magic. Santa also gave him a present from his Christmas list, which just added to that feeling that this was the real Santa and not just another grotto visit.

His home felt exactly like Santa’s home should feel and the whole experience was very believable and magical. That was our experience, and it was exactly what I had hoped for. Experiences can vary slightly from trip to trip and operator to operator, so when we are planning your holiday I will talk you through the different options available at that time and help you choose the one that feels right for your family.

How much does a Lapland trip cost?

Lapland is a premium, once in a lifetime style trip, and the cost per night is higher than what many families would usually spend on a normal summer holiday. It is important to go into it with that understanding.

However, there are a lot of inclusions built into the price. Once you are there you will not generally be spending much extra beyond any drinks, snacks and souvenirs you choose to buy. All of the key experiences that make the trip so special are usually included in your package.

For most families, Lapland is something they will do only once. From our own experience, and from the feedback I get from clients, it feels worth it. The memories, the photos and that sense of “we did it” are incredibly special and tend to stay with you and your children for years.

What should I pack for Lapland?

Most Lapland trips come with a generous luggage allowance, often around 20 kg per person, which is more than enough for a couple of nights away. If there is anything specific you need to bring for your particular trip, I will let you know at the time of booking.

Generally speaking, you will want:

• Hats, ideally bright or distinctive ones so you can easily spot your child in their snowsuit
• Plenty of gloves, especially waterproof gloves, and spares in case they get wet
• Warm, thick socks and comfortable boots
• Lots of base layers and mid-layers to wear under the thermal suit
• A special Christmas jumper or outfit for the last evening
• Hand warmers, which can be very handy for little fingers and toes

You do not need to overpack heavy outerwear, as suits and boots are normally provided. You are in and out of buildings, restaurants and vehicles between activities, so there are plenty of chances to warm up. The focus is on good quality layers, items that dry quickly, and a few festive touches for your photos.

Why should I book through you?

There are a few important reasons to book your Lapland trip through me.

Firstly, I am fully licensed and bonded, so your money and your booking are protected. You also have the convenience of paying a deposit and then making instalments through the My TC app, which makes it really easy to manage your payments in a way that suits your family.

Secondly, I bring both first-hand experience and a lot of client feedback. I have experienced Lapland myself, so I know what it actually feels like to be there with a child. I have also booked lots of families to Lapland and listened carefully to their feedback when they return, so I can give you honest, practical advice about which options work best in real life.

Finally, I am self-employed, so every single booking genuinely means the world to me. It is incredibly important to me that you are happy with your trip. That level of personal investment in your experience translates into the level of care, attention and service I give you from the very first enquiry right through to when you come home. It's also worth knowing that I have price parity with the Lapland suppliers, meaning you won't pay a cent more by booking with me. 

Ready to start planning your own Lapland adventure?

If Lapland is on your wish list and you would like tailored advice for your own family, I would love to help. I can talk you through the different dates, durations and experiences, explain the options in plain language and help you choose the trip that feels “just right” for your children and your budget.

Get in touch with me to start planning, and we can begin turning your Lapland dreams into a magical, once in a lifetime holiday that your family will remember forever.