Tag: Northern

  • Northern Lights & Cheap Flights: Why Fall Is The Best Time To Explore Iceland

    Northern Lights & Cheap Flights: Why Fall Is The Best Time To Explore Iceland

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    Northern lights and cheap flights – if that’s not enticing enough to book a trip, then I don’t know what is!

    Lots can be said about my favorite country, some good, some bad – if there’s one thing for certain, fall is the best time to explore Iceland.

    What once seemed like an unattainable far-flung destination with a fascinating way of life and astounding other-planetary landscapes is now one of the world’s trendiest destinations.

    Aurora borealis at Kirkjufell in Iceland

    Summer draws a crowd to many of Iceland’s top sites, such as the plethora of majestic waterfalls, shooting geysers, and the volcanic black sand beaches of Vik.

    Now that calendars have flipped to September, crowds are beginning to dwindle, but best of all, this month marks the start of the Northern Lights season with some incredibly priced airfare to reach Europe’s most jaw-dropping country on a budget.

    An Ethereal Autumn In Iceland

    They say ‘don’t go chasing waterfalls’ but nobody is stopping you from chasing impeccably beautiful fall foliage across the pond.

    Akureyri, Iceland in fall

    Truth be told, Iceland is borderline whimsical in some aspects.

    Its culture is steeped in bizarre elf folklore, unpronounceable streets, and quirky architecture that will leave you befuddled.

    What is often overlooked are the scenic fall colors lining the streets of Reykjavik, many of its wondrous terrains, and the up-and-coming northern city of Akureyri, which you should definitely visit this time of year.

    While most travelers keep their passports at home to leaf-peep, you will be quite impressed checking out the already stunning natural sites without the vibrant backdrop of foliage.

    The rush of fall colors adds tenfold the allure.

    Vast autumn landscape of Iceland's Thingvellir National Park

    Of course, Iceland is a rare European nation where trains go by the wayside in favor of road trips.

    Home to the popular Ring Road, this is the ultimate fall adventure where you’ll find open roads, less crowds, and more elbow room at the famous Blue Lagoon.

    Watch The Skies Dance Green

    September marks a season to remember, but don’t feel like you have to visit at the drop of a hat; the Northern Lights can be witnessed in Iceland through April.

    That being said, many circle September as the month to visit since this also marks the end of the stingy ‘midnight sun’.

    Man observing Northern Lights at night in Iceland

    Just as it sounds, if you’re unfamiliar, Iceland experiences extended daylight through the summer months, so locals and tourists alike are stoked to get some shuteye!

    If there was ever an excuse to stay up late, it’s to bear witness to nature’s concert of colors known as Aurora Borealis, a natural reaction caused by the sun’s charged particles and Earth’s atmosphere.

    But enough with the science lesson, the point is it’s truly an awesome phenomenon to experience.

    I’ve done it right here in Iceland.

    Thinking I missed out on the chance about to head to the airport, the universe heard my prayers and the skies lit green in Keflavik near the airport.

    The northern lights seen above Reykjavik, Iceland

    Even my driver was surprised as I was told there’s often too much light pollution to see it here. There are far better places with a higher odds to view the Northern Lights.

    According to Iceland Tours, there are the top 5 best bets to watch the Northern Light put on a show: (good luck pronouncing them!)

    1. Vatnajökull National Park
    2. Seltjarnarnes (Reykjavik)
    3. Snæfellsnes
    4. Þingvellir National Park
    5. Westfjords

    Iceland’s Flagship Low-Cost Airline: PLAY

    Play Air plane in Baltimore

    Formerly WOW Air, after a wild timeline of mishaps, this Icelandic airline has rebranded under new ownership as PLAY.

    This low-cost carrier offers a variety of nonstop flights to/from the U.S. on the cheap. Such notable airports include Baltimore (BWI), Washington DC (IAD), and Boston (BOS).

    As for New York (SWF), make sure you go to the right place as it’s an alternative airport in Stewart, NY – not JFK or LaGuardia.

    PLAY offers sales throughout the year with some truly jaw-dropping fares. For example, Bostonites can fly directly to Keflavik (KEF) as low as $139 this fall.

    While Iceland may be an expensive country on arrival, that’s a problem to solve once you get here!

    PLAY Airlines app

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  • Northern Lights And Nonstop Flights: This Stunning Alaska City Is The Perfect Fall Adventure

    Northern Lights And Nonstop Flights: This Stunning Alaska City Is The Perfect Fall Adventure

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    Alaska may seem like a far-flung land, and that’s the case for parts of the state. Some regions are so vast and unexplored that they’re only reachable by plane or boat.

    There goes your plans for an epic Alaskan road trip this fall…

    One thing Alaska does have going for it is accessibility to some really cool places. It isn’t as lacking as you might expect.

    Northern Lights lighting up Alaska sky

    There are plenty of nonstop flights taking you to some truly jaw-dropping destinations. The main gateway, other than cruise ships, is the capital city of Anchorage.

    But a 6-hour drive north, the remote city of Fairbanks is full of surprises.

    You don’t need to have a passport in hand and fly across the ocean to Iceland or Scandinavia to bear witness to one of nature’s most incredible phenomena.

    That’s right, as summer winds down, it may be considered autumn for many, but in this part of the U.S., it’s the start of the Northern Lights season.

    America’s Northernmost Airport

    Fairbanks, AK airport

    Alaska is a beast! If you thought Texas or California were massive, coming to Alaska is a whole different experience as bright skylines and gridlock traffic are few and far between.

    Wide open spaces, frequent wildlife sightings, and majestic landscapes will have you forgetting all about city life distractions.

    That being said, what would we do without flights? Exploring the world sure would look a lot different.

    Even in places as isolated as Fairbanks, you gotta have an airport in this day and age.

    Best of all, you don’t need to fly into Anchorage just to make an extra 6-hour journey to reach this underrated city.

    Window view of mountains from Alaska Airlines plane

    What may be most surprising about Fairbanks is that Alaska Airlines actually offers a few flights to America’s northernmost airport.

    The good news is that they’re not the only notable carrier serving Fairbanks.

    Current nonstop routes to Fairbanks International Airport (FAI):

    • United: Chicago (ORD), Denver
    • Delta: Seattle (SEA), Minneapolis
    • Alaska: Anchorage, Seattle (SEA)
    • The rest are ‘puddle jumpers’ I can all but guarantee you’ve never heard of. You may notice American no longer flies here.
    Statues and clock tower in Fairbanks

    Perhaps that’s because the popular airline has a vendetta against liars! Despite being named Fairbanks International Airport, there are no international flights offered here.

    Nope, not even to Canada. And especially not Russia, despite being able to see the controversial nation from Alaska’s ‘backyard’.

    The Fall Adventure Of A Lifetime

    Alaska is brimming with outdoor wonders living up to the moniker of ‘The Last Frontier’.

    One thing is for certain – Alaska is made to be explored. There’s no better time for the remainder of 2024 than fall.

    Northern Lights in Fairbanks, AK

    Teeth-chattering temps will overtake the state come winter, so it’s best to get a head start on your travel plans for fall.

    As the midway point of August is behind us, September should be the focal point. This is the month when Mother Nature’s skies put on a show.

    Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights, illuminates the sky in greens, blues, and occasional pinkish hues from September to spring.

    While there are certainly natural phenomena to not look forward to, such as the current hurricane season, seeing the Northern Lights in person is a bucket-list item to splurge on.

    Northern Lights in Fairbanks

    As someone fortunate enough to witness the dancing sky myself, there’s really no comparison and photos don’t do it justice.

    In fact, my recommendation would be to put your phones away and soak it in. Even with the latest iPhone models, capturing the Northern Lights in their raw essence can be a tough project.

    Best to leave it to the pros.

    You can always venture out on your own to witness the Northern Lights, but for something really unique, you could try a tour like this one that includes dog sledding in the moonlight, dinner, and the Northern Lights!

    Tip: For best viewing, go outside the city away from light pollution.

    A Fairbanks Fall Over A Fairbanks Summer

    Fairbanks is a bit of an oddball – lots of quirks around here.

    Aerial view of Fairbanks cityscape

    Watch The Boneyard to throw your mind for a loop about this place!

    Summer is a popular time for the small city, but it can be a nuisance to those who enjoy some shuteye.

    Fairbanks sees long summers, meaning many days see 24 hours of nonstop daylight! Thankfully, hotels have heavily invested in blackout curtains, but this should be of minimal concern in fall.

    Less crowds, cheaper stays, and the endless fall foliage and wonders of the sky will have you forgetting all about the city life back home in this delightful town.

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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  • These Are The 8 Best Places To See The Northern Lights In The U.S. This Winter 

    These Are The 8 Best Places To See The Northern Lights In The U.S. This Winter 

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    When you think of bucket lists, one of the top travel experiences that comes to mind is witnessing the northern lights (or Aurora Borealis) drape across the sky.

    The allure of the otherworldly colors dancing above your head as you stand bundled up in the cold is just too much to pass up for most travelers. 

    While most people think that you need to travel far to see this splendor, the truth is that in America we are also spoiled for options in terms of places to witness this phenomenon. 

    woman with northern lights in the background (

    While dreamy destinations such as Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Northern Canada do offer amazing opportunities to see the Northern Lights, many Americans need not go that far from home. 

    Of course, the aforementioned places are all worthy of a trip, but if you are looking to save money and time, check out some of these destinations across the U.S. that make great viewpoints to see the northern lights this winter. 

    Note: No matter where you go, for the best chance of viewing the northern lights, make sure to check the dark sky forecast, the weather forecast, and an Aurora forecast before any trip. 

    @cnlastro WHAT?!?!🥹 #Alaska #northernlights #aurora #home ♬ original sound – Andy Witteman

    Here Are 8 Of The Best Places To See The Northern Lights In The U.S. This Winter:

    Fairbanks, Alaska

    It should go without saying that Alaska is the number one best place in America to see the northern lights. While there are many Alaskan towns to choose from, many hail Fairbanks as being the top spot. 

    With a solid tourism infrastructure here, you can find everything from basecamps, viewing pods, and hot springs, making Fairbanks a destination in itself. The lights are just a bonus at this point! 

    @explorefairbanks The best gift you can give.. a trip to Fairbanks during Aurora Season august 21-April 21💚 #explorefairbanks #fairbanksalaska #northernlights #auroratours #auroraborealis #couplestravel #travelgoals ♬ Until I Found You – Em Beihold Version – Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold

    Arcadia National Park, Maine 

    While the northeast of the country might be the most populated area and therefore the most brightly lit sky, it is still possible to find corners of this region with skies dark enough to witness the northern lights. 

    Maine in general is known to be a great state for viewing the lights, and the ever-popular Arcadia National Park is an ideal place to base yourself. Make sure to dress accordingly here though, as the cold winter gusts from the ocean make for some low temps. 

    Mount Washington, New Hampshire

    For the past few years, the Mount Washington Observatory has recorded catching the northern lights, making this area another option for witnessing the phenomena in the northeast region of the country. 

    The surrounding White Mountains have zero light pollution, and therefore catching the aurora is more likely than other areas of the state. 

    An impressive display of the Northern Lights during a summer in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

    Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

    The start of Michigan is home to six internationally designated Dark Sky Parks, otherwise known as natural areas that protect true darkness.

    It goes without saying that these dark sky areas in the northern parts of the U.S. would be prime places to catch the northern lights in the winter, not to mention the Milky Way in the summer months. 

    If you visit Headlands, feel free to bring blankets and sleeping bags, but know camping is not permitted. So, while you can sleep over and visit at all hours to watch the sky, don’t plan on pitching a tent. 

    @atriparoundthemitten Spring is a great time to watch the night skies for the amazing northern lights and stellar star-gazing in Michigan! Some of the best viewing locations are located in our Michigan State Parks as well as 3 Internationally designated Dark Park Preserves. Spring Meteor Showers and the 2023 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival April 21-22, 2023 Lake Hudson Recreation Area- 5505 Morey Hwy Clayton, MI 49235 Negwegon State Park- Negwegon Park Rd, Ossineke, MI 49766 Port Cresent State Park- 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467 Rockport State Park- Rockport Rd, Alpena, MI 49707 Thompson Harbor State Park- Posen, MI 49776 Wilderness State Park- 903 Wilderness Park Dr. Carp Lake, MI 49718 Headlands International Dark Sky Park- 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 Keweenaw Dark Sky Park- 14252 US HWY 41 Copper Harbor, MI 49918 Dr. T.K. Lawless International Dark Sky Park- 15122 Monkey Run St. Jones, MI 49061 *photos used in reel taken by A Trip Around the Mitten at McLain State Park- Sept 2022 #puremichigan #mistateparks #michigandarkskypark #spring #keweenaw #upperpeninsula #upperpeninsulamichigan #darkskypark #mistargazer #northernlights ♬ original sound – atriparoundthemitten

    The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

    This group of 22 islands lies off the coast of Northern Wisconsin, situated in the waters of Lake Superior. This area is a National Lakeshore and welcomes visitors year-round, although it does ask people to remain informed as the current ever-changing weather conditions. 

    Even if don’t catch the aurora here, you can still explore the cliff-like islands jutting out of the lake, frozen over and completely mesmerizing. 

    The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin in the ice

    Malletts Bay, Vermont

    If you are lucky enough to find yourself in either the stunning upstate New York region of the Adirondack Mountains or in Vermont’s picturesque city of Burlington, then making your way to Malletts Bay to catch the northern lights in the winter is a must-do. The area forms a type of peninsula into Lake Champlain, and this is where many of the aurora chasers come to try their luck. 

    The peninsula is home to Causeway Park and Mills Point, where you can get comfy and gaze up into the northern sky while waiting for your natural light show to start. The popular nearby resort area of Stow is also a good place to try and catch the lights if you are here on a foliage or ski vacation. 

    Glacier National Park, Montana

    As one of the most visited national parks in the country, Montana’s Glacier National Park is a great place to try and watch the lights dance above Montana’s Rocky Mountains.

    Some of the best viewing places in the park include the glacier-carved Lake McDonald and the lodge there is a nice place to stay as well. 

    Looking Glass Road also has multiple viewpoints that are popular with aurora watchers, and for a more remote location, you can try Bowman and Kintla lakes. 

    @clanger_mcbanger Did you know you can see the Aurora in Montana? #aurora #northernlights #nightphotography #fyp #glacier #glaciernationalpark ♬ Living Life, In The Night – sergionabeat

    Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

    Tucked away in northern Minnesota on the Canadian border, you can find one of the least visited National Parks,  lake-laden Voyageurs National Park, a prime place to try and catch the northern lights this winter. 

    Most campsites are great places to wait for the lights, as are the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and the boat launch areas of Kabetogama Lake and Ash River. 

    northern lights seen in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

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  • 6 Reasons Why Northern Baja Should Be Your Next Mexico Getaway

    6 Reasons Why Northern Baja Should Be Your Next Mexico Getaway

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    Tijuana’s claim to fame is being the Most Visited Border City in the world. While this sprawling underrated city does receive a ton of tourism, most of it comes from foot traffic.

    Being the most visited border crossing in the world, these tourism statistics are heavily inflated by border crossers, whether it’s locals who work in the U.S. or Californians coming down for a day trip.

    But Tijuana and the rest of northern Baja are so much more than just pharmacies, dentists, and affordable health care.

    Tijuana is a major city with millions of residents. It has also held a sketchy reputation for years. Like many other ‘dangerous‘ places, these crime statistics often don’t affect tourists.

    vibrant street in Tijuana

    So many travelers go to Cabo, Cancun, or even Mexico City, but this region of Mexico should be a more popular getaway all on its own.

    Here are 6 reasons why northern Baja should be your next Mexico getaway:

    First-Ever Route From American Airlines

    Northern Baja just became easier to reach than ever before. If travelers wanted to come here, they would usually have to fly to San Diego or connect through another Mexican route.

    American Airlines is set to become the only U.S. carrier to fly to Tijuana. The main airlines that serve Tijuana are all of Mexican origin:

    @twintravel.03 Have you ever flown out of Tijuana using the cross border express? ✈️ #cbx #crossborderexpress #tijuana #tijuanamexico #sandiego #fyp #travel #traveltips #airport #traveltiktok ♬ Sunshine – WIRA
    • Aeromexico
    • Viva Aerobus
    • Volaris

    This exciting new route will allow more Americans direct access to this side of Mexico by taking one of their favorite airlines to Tijuana’s recently renovated airport.

    Travelers can bypass the Cross Border Express by landing directly in Tijuana. Beginning in February 2024, American Airlines will fly direct to Tijuana with daily service from Phoenix (PHX).

    Tijuana Beyond The Border

    At first glance, Tijuana may look like any other border town with pharmacies and dentists at every turn. But those who simply look at Tijuana as just another border town are doing themselves a disservice.

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    @asknicole_ When you visit #TJ check out #tacoalley #tacos #TJ ♬ original sound – Nicole

    The city is massive with some really nice places to visit. Travelers will be surprised with the new luxury hotels popping up, such as the Quartz Hotel and Spa or new boutique hotels like the K Tower.

    There is also a constantly growing culinary scene, whether it’s the classic Taco Alley, food trucks of Telefonica Gastro Park or fine dining in the ritzy Plaza Rio neighborhood.

    Tijuana is a thriving, fun city far beyond its reputation of a dirty, crime-ridden no-go zone. Friendly locals welcome you with open arms and vendors playfully coerce you to “buy things you don’t need”.

    Downtown is considered to be especially safe for tourists with trendy coffee shops, breweries and nightlife.

    @illylilimilly This is how you can spend a day in Tijuana – have fun! #tijuana #tijuanamexico #travelguide #bajacalifornia #tiktoktravel #traveltips #mexico #mexicotravels ♬ original sound – Liliana

    Road Trip To Rosarito

    Once you land in Tijuana or cross over from San Diego, the epic beach town of Rosarito is a must-add to your Baja trip.

    However, Rosarito is home to a breathtaking coastline of beautiful beaches, cliffside restaurants and artisan shops. It’s an easy Uber ride or drive to reach.

    One reason it remains under the radar is there are no all-inclusive resorts here. So Cancun, Cabo, and others take center stage over smaller beach towns like this.

    It’s also advised to check swimming conditions before getting into the water.

    @wanderingstefany

    Check out Los Portales next time you’re in Rosarito! 🇲🇽

    ♬ SALSA JAM NO.1 – Jaycee Mante

    The Charming Town Of Tecate

    Located east of Tijuana is the charming town of Tecate. If you’re thinking you’ve heard this name before, yes, this is where the popular Mexican beer calls home.

    Other than brewery tours, there is plenty to see here in this safe, small town. In fact, it one of Mexico’s many pueblo magicos.

    For a slower pace than the bustling streets of Tijuana, tourists will love visiting the main square in the heart of town – Parque Miguel Hidalgo.

    What Tecate is known for, other than being a major producer of beer, is being the gateway into Baja’s gorgeous wine country.

    @alexandrunk Los roadtrips imprevistos siempre son lo mejor ✨ #Tijuana #Tecate #México ♬ Cycles of Existential Rhyme – Chicano Batman

    Escape To Baja’s Wine Country

    To truly escape the crowds of other popular Mexico destinations, travelers will love exploring Valle de Guadalupe.

    Located south of Tecate, this stunning region of Baja is the ultimate getaway for a relaxing time. Not only does this area have amazing wineries, but also one-of-a-kind accommodations.

    There are some very unique places to stay, ranging from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to sleek Airbnbs.

    A perfect way to spend time in the stunning landscape of Baja is by enjoying the region’s finest wine.

    @todayxperience Visit this AirBnb if you’re in San Diego 🔥🍷 Zeuhary Hospedaje Campestre 📍 #sandiego #valledeguadalupe #wine ♬ original sound – xperiencetoday

    A Gem In The Desert

    Far East of Tijuana and Tecate is another major border city – Mexicali. This city in the desert caters to those with a sense of adventure and appreciation of amazing sunsets.

    People come to the dunes to have an awesome time sandboarding and riding ATVs near the Arizona border.

    This city is also a cultural hub you wouldn’t expect. It was once home to the largest Chinatown in Mexico, known today as Chinesca, with annual Chinese New Year celebrations.

    Travelers will love wandering this vibrant neighborhood full of unique shops and restaurants showcasing the historic Chinese culture of this gem in the desert.

    @dalilarodriguez98 El Barrio Chino de Mexicali. “La Chinesca”. 🏮🐉🪭🥡🥢🥋 @Visit Mexicali Miercoles 26 julio del 2023. #lachinesca #visitmexicali #chinatown ♬ Mrs Magic – Strawberry Guy

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  • See The Northern Lights On This Ultimate Trip To Norway This Winter

    See The Northern Lights On This Ultimate Trip To Norway This Winter

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    We all know Norway as the Land of the Vikings and as the home to wild, stunning natural scenery. Yet, unbeknownst to some, it has a lot more than just fjord cruises, folk festivals, and glacial lakes. It may be Iceland, its sister nation, that gets all the publicity on this front, but this Scandinavian gem is, in fact, one of the best spots for catching the Northern Lights during winter.

    Northern Lights Cathedral In Alta, Norway, With Northern Lights Displayed In The Background, Scandinavia

    Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list activity for many. Flickers of light dancing in the sky in various shades of green, they can be found exclusively in the northernmost reaches of the planet. Straddling the northern coast of the Scandinavia Peninsula, the closest point between continental Europe and the Arctic Circle, Norway is a prime location for witnessing the phenomenon.

    On the downside, it has a vast territorial expansion, which makes getting from point A to B while chasing the aurora more challenging – unless, of course, you know just where to go and who to call:

    About Norway And Why It’s So Incredible In Winter

    Evening view of famous tourist attraction Hamnoy fishing village on Lofoten Islands, Norway with red rorbu houses in winter
    Image by Up Norway

    After being locked down Stateside for more than two years, travelers want to explore the great outdoors again, and it’s places like Norway they are heading to in droves. This should come as no surprise, seeing that the country is popular for its fjords, a multitude of skiing stations, hiking trails, and scenic train rides traversing snowy valleys.

    Nowhere else evokes the same sense of freedom, and nature escape, as Norway does, and that is particularly true over winter. Now more than ever, Americans are favoring cultural, more meaningful trips, a trend we have already observed previously. More pressingly, more than half of travelers want to escape reality and ‘totally unplug’.

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    Digital Nomad Working From Cozy Cabin, Snowy Landscape

    Whether you’re into snowmobiling, ice fishing, or dog sledding, on the adventurous side, or you’re simply hoping to reconnect with nature by spending a prolonged weekend in a traditional wooden cottage, the Scandi nation is the place to be, though its furrowed geography certainly makes it more challenging to plan a cross-country vacation (looking at the map of Norway, you will understand why).

    But there is a more comfortable – and much smarter way – to travel Norway in the upcoming season.

    The Easiest Way To Explore Norway Is Linking Up With Locals

    Sledding Tour Of Northern Norway By Up Norway, Alta, Scandinavia
    Image by Up Norway

    In case the name of our business isn’t enough of an indication, we are huge enthusiasts of under-visited locations: nothing excites us more than venturing into the unknown, where a select few have trod before, and uncovering different, unexpected facets of overtouristed destinations. With a winter retreat as popular as Norway, it would be no exception.

    Local luxury travel curator Up Norway offers tailored journeys based on each traveler’s preferences, individual needs, and their expectations. In total, this mounts up to six categories of vacations, which are listed below:

    • Luxurious Treat
    • Cultural Exploration
    • Relaxing Break
    • Active Adventure
    • Family Vacation
    • ‘Something Else’*

    *The sixth alternative allows guests to put forth special requests or simply ‘be surprised’ by Up Norway’s own pick

    Cottage In Alta, Norway, Underneath The Northern Lights
    Image by Up Norway

    In keeping with traditions, our pick today is Up Norway’s ‘off-path’ product, the brand new Magical Northern Lights up at 70 Degrees North Tour. With a duration of five days, this prearranged excursion takes tourists on a comprehensive excursion into a frosty wilderness, where they can come in contact with untarnished forests and Arctic wildlife.

    Most importantly, guests are invited to explore a province of Norway the majority of tourists tend to overlook: the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia, where borders with the neighboring country of Finland are only faintly outlined. More specifically, this tour uses Alta as a base, one of the most northerly major settlements in the world, with a population of only 21,144 inhabitants.

    Alta Is Norway’s Unofficial Capital For Aurora Sightings

    Northern Lights Pictured In Norway, Scandinavia

    Alta is best known for being the regional capital for aurora sightings. In the center of town, tourists will find the landmark Northern Lights Cathedral, a modernist, metal-like structure glistening in a greenish hue against the bursting colors of the night sky. It may be geographically remote, but getting to Alta is pretty straightforward, with direct flights available from other major Norwegian cities, including Oslo.

    Once in Alta, you will come in contact with the culturally-distinct Sami peoples: they are native to the territory, and their Arctic lifestyle has been an object of fascination for decades. In order to give visitors the most authentic experience possible, Up Norway has teamed up with a local Sami guide for the aurora-chasing section of the trip.

    Northern Lights Dancing In The Night Sky

    After being introduced to your very own reindeer, you will join others in your group setting off on a sledding tour of the Polar landscape while ‘hopefully’ catching a glimpse of the lights gleaming over the party. To top it off, the night concludes with a visit to a traditional Sami camp, where you’ll supper to the tune of local legends and folk tales.

    And it doesn’t end there.

    Up Norway Allows Guests To Dip In And Out Of Adventure

    Ice Hotel Close To Alta, Norway, Scandinavia
    Image by Up Norway

    Ever fantasized about staying in an ice hotel, for instance? Booking this tour, you will be invited to spend an overnight at the landmark Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, the northernmost of its kind in the world, and one that is re-designed every twelve months with brand new ice sculptures carved by local artists in accordance with a yearly theme.

    Once again, the company specializes in luxurious retreats, so if you’re concerned you’ll be dropped off in the middle of a remote desolation with a pop-up tent to fend for yourself, you truly needn’t worry: your ‘basecamps’ for the week are three accommodations unique in character that will help enhance your Arctic experience.

    Aurora Over Frozen Pine Trees, Arctic Circle

    Up Norway wants to make sure you are comfortable at all times, and that means having the freedom to ‘escape back’ to a river lodge suite anytime the igloo ambiance and sleeping on the surprisingly comfortable and cozy reindeer furs gets a bit much. In other words, you can always dip in and out of adventure throughout your entire stay.

    Prices for a 5 day-4 night tour start at US $2,700, and as can be seen above, the list of inclusions is really quite extensive.

    Getting To Norway Has Never Been Easier

    Snowy Peaks Of Norway Seen From Window Seat During Norwegian Airlines Flight

    When it comes to flights, Alta is serviced by direct flights from Oslo, the country’s capital, the best transit hub for Americans flying to Norway, both due to the myriad of flight options available, especially from the East Coast, and high affordability. Prices for a one-way flight from New York-JFK to Oslo with Norse Atlantic start at US $146.00 this winter.

    The budget airline also operates a year-round route between Fort Lauderdale and Oslo, as well as seasonal routes linking Los Angeles and Orlando to Norway. In essence, flying to Norway has never been easier – or cheaper.

    norway travel

    As of this year, Norway has reinstated its normal pre-pandemic entry guidelines, which means Americans – and other foreigners – are again welcome without being subject to strict health screenings at the border:

    For more information on Up Norway experiences, please visit this page.

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

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