Our premier Lapland specialist Cheryl spent 4 days in Lapland this Christmas, she gives us her verdict:
"The trip was the 4 night Santastic Adventure Programme, one of our most popular trips. At London Gatwick we were greeted by Rudi the Reindeer and Hal the Husky at check in helping us to get in to the spirit of the trip, Christmas music and sweets galore all helped as it was 4.40am!
The flight was operated by Monarch and the Christmas joy was kept alive by singing Christmas carols and complimentary drinks and meals on board.
On arrival at Ivalo airport we were met by our host Stacey who would be looking after us throughout the trip. The transfer to resort took only 30 minutes and throughout the journey Stacey helped create the magic by telling us about the sightings of Father Christmas and the elves and how when ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’ is sung he appears and where Rudolph is the big guy is not to far behind!
When we arrived in resort we were sent to be kitted out in out suit and boots which were provided for us. They had to be worn throughout the trip as the weather is known to drop to as low as -25 degrees! We then were taken to our hotel to get settled in the Hotel Tunturi and get ourselves an early night as we were going to need all our energy for tomorrow!
On the 2nd day we had an early start as Stacey took us on the short journey into the woods of Saariselka where we were going to start our Santastic adventure! First stop was to have our Artic Circle Ceremony crossing which was done by a local ‘Sami’. Then off for some tobogganing before the Huskies! The Husky rides were amazing, the noises they make and the speed they run I will never forget! Then off to the snow mobiles which I proud to say I drove myself and managed not to harm anybody! Next stop the Reindeer ride which was slow and peaceful and then off to the log cabin for pancakes and hot berry juice before heading back to the hotel.
Day 3 we had another early start for yet more adventures to hopefully lead us to Father Christmas! Slightly longer transfer out to a deeper part of the woods today to enjoy more sledging, berry juice and biscuits! We also had a go at snow shoe walking, cross country skiing, lasso throwing and snow hockey! Today we also found Father Christmas’s secret cabin, here we were met by his head elf who showed us just some of the letters which he has to read through (these were the letters of the children on the trip, which parents can send on to us prior to departure!) we were then shown Father Christmas’s Reindeers and the legendary Rudolph (and no he didn’t have a red nose, that only happens when he flies!)
Just before departing back to the hotel we all got together with the other groups of the party and sung ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’ to see if the tale is true and would you believe it who would then appear but Father Christmas himself! Goosebumps all round I felt like a child again! He was then invited to attend the gala dinner the next night which he gladly accepted. A great end to a fantastic day!
Day 4 was to be a our leisure, we went and looked around the other hotels in the resort also available on the programme, the Hotel Holiday Club which has spa facilities and a large pool which is great for families and couples alike. We also looked at the Hotel Riekonlinna which is a bit more basic in facilities but makes up in charm very warm and welcoming hotel.
Saariselka is also a ski resort so we tried out the slopes for a few hours in the afternoon, as a first time skier I found the staff extremely helpful and the nursery slope gentle enough for me and more adventurous slopes for the more confident snowboarders in the group.
The last evening was based around the ‘Gala Dinner’ where we finally got to meet Father Christmas! Traditional Finnish Christmas dinner was on the menu with all the trimmings and of course Christmas crackers! The families were then taken one by one to a private room where they got to spend time with Father Christmas and receive their presents. It was magical; he was sitting in a room with a log fire burning along with one of his helpers, surrounded by presents. Many photos where taken and laughs were had as we were presented with our gifts and the night was danced away at the farewell party.
Day 5 on the way back to Ivalo airport it started to snow and with the delicate voice of Aled Jones in the background it made me realise what a truly wonderful experience it had been and I would recommend to all! Seeing the children’s eyes light up when they first saw Father Christmas that day in the snow I will never forget, just magical!"
If you are interested in booking a holiday to Lapland with Packyourbags Lapland then why not call us on 0808 178 7533 and speak to one of the Lapland team. We can give you a quote based on your specific needs and within your budget.
Lapland holidays operate from 1st through until the 31st of December. Bookings for Christmas 2008 are starting fill up fast, call us now and make your families Lapland dreams come true.
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
How about a holiday in Lapland in 2008?
Monday, 28 January 2008
Just come back from Dubai, darling. It was Fabulous!
One of our Dubai Travel Specialists, Mehmet has recently taken a trip to Dubai. Here is a brief round up of his experience.
"I was excited because I was going to see Dubai after 10 years and I was more excited because we were flying with Silverjet.
The Silverjet experience is about how luxury air travel should be! The private terminals, unlimited selection of food and drinks including champagne, 180 degrees flat beds and a very personal service make one feel very special. I agree with their motto ‘A very sivilised airline’. The airline currently flies to New York and Dubai, and offer very attractive rates for our customers.
On arrival at Dubai, we were taken to our hotel, the one and Only Royal Mirage. The hotel comprises three properties: The Palace, The Residence and The Arabian Court; all tastefully and authentically decorated offering spacious rooms and plenty of facilities in the nicely manicured gardens.
Hotel staff are polite and very helpful, they definitely make you feel comfortable and special.
As long as you can manage to avoid the nearby Jumeirah Palm on the sea, which is still a building site, the hotel is an oasis in the city. They have a long list of regular celebrity guests including Leonardo Di Caprio, George Clooney, Beyonce and Naomi Campbell. It is one of my favourite hotels in Dubai.
The desert safari and dune dinner is a must have experience, something unique to the Middle East.
The next day, we were given permission to visit the Palm and Atlantis Hotel. None of us were impressed with what we saw as it looked like a concrete jungle! However, I believe that it will be every bit as impressive as anything else in Dubai, as money is apparently not an issue for the Royal Family.
The following day, we stayed at The Madinat Jumeirah, which was a huge but well designed complex of hotels and souks, especially perfect for families.
We also visited probably the most ostentatious hotel of the world, The Burj Al Arab.
Dubai is a land of contrasts; you can have the ultimate luxury and entertainment in one of the safest cities in the world. You will feel very relaxed, happy and free in a land that more than 90% of its population consists of foreigners. At least 60% of these foreigners are from India, Pakistan and Africa, who most work in the cities well known poor working conditions.
You can swim in the morning and ski in the afternoon in a city that was built on a desert and shop at Harvey Nichols before you go back to your hotel. Some of the city still looks like a giant building site and no one knows when or indeed if it will stop!"
http://www.packyourbags.com/Flights.aspx or 0800 652 5986.
Our agents travel round the world relentlessly getting first hand knowledge of the destinations we specialise in. Every month we will being you more great destinations as our agents are off travelling.
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
WIN - Haglofs Spitz Jacket - Worth £280
Packyourbags.com are giving away this month a £280 Haglofs Spitz Jacket in our Autumn/Winter competition.
Answer a simple question and enter our prize draw for a chance to win! The draw will be held at the end of November.
Visit http://shop.packyourbags.com/Win-Haglofs-Spitz-Jacket.aspx for more information and to Enter.
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Packyourbags.com launches new Flight Search
Packyourbags.com launches its new flight search today!
We have completed Phase 1 testing and deployment of our new fancy flight search tool. Considered by ourselves to be one of the most powerful searches in the online travel world.
We now search over 12 million fares to worldwide destinations and bring you flights from Charter airlines, such as Thomas Cook, My Travel, Airtours and Cosmos. Also millions of fares from Published and Scheduled airlines such as British Airways, Monarch, American Airlines, Singapore Airlines and many more.
We provide you the ability to book both one-way and return flights and multi-leg flights.
We hope to add our new hotel search into the mix later in the year. Our flight search has been a real success and we know that this new even more powerful flight search tool will really take off!
Book online now at www.packyourbags.com/Flights.aspx
Saturday, 8 September 2007
WIN - Deuter Traveller 60 - Competiton
WIN
A Deuter 60 Traveller backpack.
Packyourbags Travel Store is running a competiton to win a Deuter Traveller 60 Travel Bag.
Answer the simple question to enter and you could win the prize worth over £80!
Enter now at http://shop.packyourbags.com/Deuter-Competition-Entry.aspx
