Planning a Northern Lights Vacation in Style
Aurora Borealis (Photo courtesy of Pexels)
Sure, the beach and the ocean are amazing, but if you want to experience a different kind of holiday with different forms of entertainment, why not book a Northern Lights tour! You might get a bit chilly, but the sky spectacle will make you forget about the cold. So, if you want to see this emerald phenomenon this year, here’s where to go.
Finland
Finland is one of the best northern lights destinations because they make an appearance on the Finnish sky about 200 nights per year. Plus, they really made a wonderful event out of these dancing lights and there are many ways for you to see them. You can go aurora hunting from reindeer-drawn sleighs through the wilderness or take an adventurous hike across the Finnish Arctic Circle. If you want something less demanding, you can book a stay at Kakslauttanen Resort and watch the northern lights from the bed! This amazing resort includes various glass igloos that allow you to have a super romantic night with your loved one and still catch a glimpse of the mystical aurora.
Finland (Photo courtesy of Pixabay) Click to enlarge
Iceland
Another European nation that’s privileged to experience aurora is Icelanders. The northern lights make an appearance on their sky for eight months a year (from September to April) so you’re likely to see some aurora on your visit. However, make sure to be patient and wait for the perfect conditions. Your safest bet is to pick a dark night without light pollution and check for clouds. Another way to maximize your chances of aurora sighting is to travel north to Westfjords. This area is dark and perfect for northern lights hunting. But, if you’re lucky, you can even see them from Reykjavik!
Iceland (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
Scotland
You don’t even have to go too much north to catch the aurora. For instance, the Scottish Highlands and Shetland are also blessed with this amazing phenomenon during the winter. Book a room at one of the Shetland resorts and enjoy your stay under the northern lights. And, if there’s no solar activity, you can hang out with cute puffins and visit the Isle of Lewis and explore Callanish Standing Stones from ancient times.
Scotland (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
Canada
If Europe is too far for you, you can head to North America and have an equally amazing experience. Yukon territory is swirling with northern lights from August to April and usually offers pretty good watching conditions. If you book any of the amazing Northern Lights packages, you’ll spend your time in Canada in comfort, style and adventure. No matter where your resort is, Yukon or Churchill, there are nightly northern lights viewings that will take you right to the best spot for aurora watching. Besides northern lights, some of the packages also include other activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing and even museum visits, so you’ll have a complete Canadian experience!
Canada (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
Alaska
Alaska offers the best chance to enjoy northern lights even if you hate bitter cold. For instance, you can check out Chena Hot Springs Resort in Fairbanks North Star Borough that will provide you with a unique experience of watching aurora with a long and warm soak in thermal springs. Fairbanks is located right under a band of northern lights activity, so you’ll have a pretty good chance of seeing it from August to May, especially between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Some resorts even offer wakeup calls that will notify you of aurora sightings!
Alaska (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
Pennsylvania
Some places in North America that are not even close to the Arctic Circle still have the benefit of getting aurora. For instance, travel to Pennsylvania and get ready to be surprised! Cherry Springs State Park is isolated enough from all large cities, which provides it with dark skies without light pollution perfect for aurora occurrences from September through March. They are not nearly as common as in Canada or Alaska, but when you can see them, they come in gorgeous pink, purple and red shades. Plus, even if you miss the aurora, Cherry Springs is the perfect place to see the constellations and the Milky Way. The park even organizes special events, astronomy programs and public viewing nights, so make sure to check out their website before departing.
Cherry Springs, Pennsylvania (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
People who see the northern lights for the first time tend to go speechless during this spectacle of colors and movement. So, if you want to join the club of those lucky men and women who got to experience one of nature’s most beautiful gifts to mankind, book your aurora vacation now and you won’t regret it.
Read more: Magical Christmas Markets In France
Thanks for sharing these travel tips. Among all these places I only like to see Alaska northern lights. The Northern lights trip is the best to see northern lights.
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