Our Northern Lights Blog

Jade McKay

'If I could be anywhere right now' - Arctic adventures in Apukka

Written by Jade McKay
Thursday, 23 July 2020

Northern Lights in the snowy forest

If I could be anywhere right now, I would be in beautiful Finland.

I fondly recall my first time visiting the stunning Finnish Lapland where we stayed at Apukka Resort, just a short journey from Rovaniemi Airport.


Joanna Robertson

Our top short breaks for autumn 2020

Written by Joanna Robertson
Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Torassieppi aerial 8 credit Antti re sized

If you are seeking a peaceful holiday to unwind, don't just go off-the-beaten-track, travel out of season to uncover one of the best-kept secrets of Northern Lights hunting; autumn! Autumn is one of the best times of year to see the Northern Lights, however, it is often overlooked in favour of the snowy winter months.


Joanna Robertson

'If I could be anywhere right now' - Utsjoki, Finland's northern wonder

Written by Joanna Robertson
Wednesday, 17 June 2020

If I could be anywhere right now, it would be Finland; over 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle at the Holiday Village Valle Hotel, looking out over the frozen Teno River towards Norway on the opposite bank.

The people of Finland refer to the north of Finland as Finnish Lapland; in the north of Finnish Lapland lies Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality of Finland which borders Norway. Just outside the main village, this cosy base offers a wonderful escape, one which I was lucky enough to experience in December 2018.

Credit Minna Saastamoinen Explore Utsjoki


Dawn Kitson

'If I could be anywhere right now' - Unforgettable Iceland

Written by Dawn Kitson
Friday, 05 June 2020

Iceland Pro Travel 3 re sized

If I could be anywhere right now it would be Iceland. It has become a bit of a running joke in our office how much I love Iceland – I regularly give presentations on it. I encourage anyone that merely mentions the place that they must visit. Even the wall next to my desk is adorned with maps and posters of the island. I am unashamedly head-over-heels in love with the place and have been ever since my first work trip, back in 2013.


Ali Mclean

'If I could be anywhere right now' - Falling in love with Finland

Written by Ali Mclean
Wednesday, 06 May 2020

In the current situation, while our bucket lists are on hold, we find ourselves with more time than ever to dream about our future travel destinations.

Here at The Aurora Zone, our team has been incredibly lucky over the years to spend a large portion of their time travelling North, researching locations and making friends with the locals, to find the very best places for our Northern Lights Holidays. We have had some amazing adventures along the way, and our memory buckets are overflowing with stories that bring us a sense of joy at these difficult times.

So, while we have plenty of time to reflect,  we thought we would bring you some of our favourite memories, and 'where we would be if we could be anywhere in the world right now'.

First up…

Founder and Managing Director  - Ali McLean

Credit Antti Pietikainen  (10) resized


Joanna Robertson

Finnish Easter Treats and Traditions

Written by Joanna Robertson
Thursday, 09 April 2020

We know Easter weekend will be a little different for us all this year and although our original plans will have changed, there’s no reason why we can’t indulge in learning about Easter traditions from across the world. In this blog, we look at how Finland celebrates the occasion with its own unique culture and traditions.

You may even find a new tradition to try in your own home this Easter!


Allan Cooper

#AuroraZoneMoments - March's winner revealed!

Written by Allan Cooper
Tuesday, 31 March 2020

anttti

We received lots of brilliant entries from our clients for our #AuroraZoneMoments competition this month. From snowmobiling adventures and dog sledding safaris through the Arctic wilderness, to watching the elusive Aurora Borealis dance in the sky above, March in the Aurora  Zone has provided some very special bucket list moments for many of our clients. 


Allan Cooper

My time in the Northern Lights Village, Levi

Written by Allan Cooper
Monday, 23 March 2020

NLV2

The much-loved Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä, in the North East region of Finnish Lapland, opened a new resort for the first time for the winter 2019/2020 season. I was fortunate enough to be amongst the first ever guests to stay here. Located in Levi, a ski town south west of Saariselkä, the hotel is only a 25-minute transfer from Kittilä airport. Despite the short transfer time, Levi is a remote location far away from light pollution - perfect for Northern Lights viewing.


Joanna Robertson

Top 5 Arctic Activities in Autumn

Written by Joanna Robertson
Sunday, 15 March 2020

Between late August and mid-November, the Arctic undergoes a spectacular transformation. As the Midnight Sun starts to set and the landscape prepares for the winter freeze, autumn’s reputation as the season of change has never been more apparent than in the North.


Joanna Robertson

#AuroraZoneMoments - February's winner revealed!

Written by Joanna Robertson
Wednesday, 11 March 2020

Kenny Gray Nellim AuroraZoneMoments 5

Although many people consider February to be one of the worst months of the year, here at The Aurora Zone we tend to disagree! The UK might be cold, wet and a little bit miserable but February in the Arctic Circle is a different matter! Whether it's the chance to try your hand at mushing, explore stunning snow-covered wildernesses or go in search of the Northern Lights, there is plenty to keep you entertained!


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The Aurora Zone was born from a desire to share Mother Nature’s greatest wonder with our clients. We’ve explored the destinations, researched the science, and fallen in love with the Scandinavian way of life. It’s our mission to pass this knowledge on to you, providing you with the very best chance of experiencing the magic for yourself on your Northern Lights holiday.

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