Finland’s Lapland is a captivating destination known for its magical winter experiences, including encounters with Santa Claus, the mesmerizing Northern Lights, and interactions with reindeer amidst the picturesque snowy scenery.
An innovative parent from Nottinghamshire, Jen Carr, opted for a trip to Lapland, Finland, over Lapland UK, saving an impressive £500 in the process. Initially planning to visit the UK-based winter wonderland, Jen discovered that the UK destination could cost them a hefty £1,100 for the experience.
Driven by a desire to make Christmas memorable without breaking the bank, Jen explored budget-friendly flight options to Lapland, Finland, from various UK locations. She secured direct round-trip flights from London Stansted to Finland for £103 per person, totaling £412 for the group of four, with only hand luggage.
Although they will need to drive 2.5 hours to the airport, Jen and her companions found a cost-saving hack by parking on someone’s driveway instead of paying for airport parking and getting a drop-off at the airport.
For accommodation, Jen identified a room at a reindeer farm an hour away from Rovaniemi, the central city in Lapland. The room, accommodating two adults and two children for two nights, was a bargain at £187, compared to the steep prices in Rovaniemi.
With flights and accommodation sorted, Jen also arranged a car hire for £147 to travel from the airport to the reindeer farm. Embracing the remote location, she anticipated forested landscapes, reindeer sightings, and possible Northern Lights experiences, all while keeping costs minimal.
During their stay, the group plans to engage in various activities, including sledging, reindeer feeding, and a visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. To further cut expenses, they intend to shop for meals at a local supermarket and bring along their own hot chocolate and marshmallows for cozy evenings by the fire.
The resourceful planning enabled Jen and her group to spend just £149 per person, covering flights, accommodation, and most expenses, making it a more affordable option than many Lapland UK day trip tickets. Jen advises others to research extensively, think outside the box, and consider alternative travel options to save on holiday expenses.
For more affordable family holiday deals and travel tips, Jen Carr, a family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, shares insights on her website.