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The Aurora Zone competition - February highlights
Written by
Joanna Robertson
Tuesday, 12 March 2019
We’ve had another brilliant month of entries for our #AuroraZoneMoments competition and we want to share some of the fabulous photographs with you.
Remember, if you’re travelling with us between now and 30th March 2019, share your photos using the hashtag #AuroraZoneMoments and you could be in with a chance of winning a case of wine.
March and the Northern Lights……a marriage made in the heavens
Written by
Ali Mclean
Monday, 11 March 2019
Peace of mind for your holiday
We appreciate that Brexit uncertainty has led to some concerns amongst those planning a holiday. However, we want to reassure our guests, once you have booked your holiday with us, the cost will not increase as a result of Brexit, even if we incur additional charges.
How will Brexit impact my travel plans?
The UK will leave the EU on the 31st January and will enter an initial transition period until 31st December 2020. During this period of negotiation there will be no immediate change to any regulations regarding travel – everything will remain the same for British Passport holders.
Your EHIC card will still be valid, you can still use EU passport lanes at passport control, you will not need a visa to enter Europe and your passport will only need to be valid for the duration of your trip. Essentially, things will continue exactly as they have been until 31st December at least, and ABTA have recently changed their travel advice to reflect this.
Additional Info
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I am due to travel after the transition period ends, will it go ahead?
Regardless of the outcome of the transitional negotiations, the European Commission has stated that no aircraft will be grounded as a result of the changes and we do not foresee any impact on your holiday plans.
However, should any circumstances beyond our control mean you cannot travel as a result of Brexit (unless related to passport validity issues), you will receive a refund of all monies paid to us should no suitable alternative be available. Any package holiday booked with a UK operator will offer you this protection under the Package Travel Regulations. No additional compensation would be payable in this situation, but you can be sure you will get your money back.
This highlights the importance of booking with a fully bonded Tour Operator such as The Aurora Zone which means that you are fully protected financially by ATOL and ABTA.
If you book flights, hotels or other services directly with suppliers then it is unlikely that you will be covered financially.
Will my passport still work?
For travel between the 31st January and the 31st December 2020, your passport simply needs to be valid for the duration of your trip.
For those travelling post December 2020, it is likely that you will need six months left on your passport from the date of your arrival in the EU country (and any additional months added to your passport as a result of early renewal will not count towards this six month period). Full guidance is provided here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-rules-for-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
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Will I need a visa to travel to Europe?
For travel between the 31st January and 31st December 2020, the rules will not change, and British Passport holders will not need a visa to visit Europe.
Beyond that then initial proposals suggest that UK citizens will not need a visa for any stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The European Commission has stated that from 2021, all non-EU citizens will need to pay a fee (of around €7) every three years for this visa exemption as part of a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System similar to the US ESTA regime.
Where can I find out more?
ABTA has put together some helpful information on Brexit that can be found here. Or you can contact us on 01670 785 012 if you have any concerns.
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Terms and Conditions
*Brexit Price Guarantee Terms: Once your 2019/20 or 20/21 booking has been confirmed by us, we won’t apply any surcharges caused by Brexit to your holiday, even if our costs increase due to Brexit. Normal charges apply if you amend or cancel your booking. Guarantee only applies to the basic holiday cost and does not include optional upgrades or ‘personalise’ items. Guarantee can be withdrawn/altered at any time without notice (this will not affect bookings already confirmed). Flight supplements may still apply if they cannot be secured at the time of booking for any reason.
Image Credits: Antti Pietikainen
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Levi Resort
From the innovative creators of the Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä, comes the fantastic Levi Resort.
Located 16km from Levi centre and featuring 40 Aurora Cabins, the village has been designed to give you a truly memorable stay during your winter holiday to Finnish Lapland and the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
These glass-roofed cabins will give you clear views of the night sky right from the comfort of your bed. What better way to search for the Northern Lights than while you’re wrapped up warm in your duvet looking up at the sky in an Aurora Cabin?
Levi sits in the far north of Finland, high above the Arctic Circle putting it well within the Aurora Zone. This means that it has great Northern Lights viewing potential and with their glass roofs, these Aurora Cabins certainly make the most of it.
Learn more about the resort below or click here to view our holidays to Levi.
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Levi’s seasons
Levi has a strong relationship with nature. So much so, it is said that there are in fact eight seasons here instead of four. This is a deeply rooted Lappish and Sámi tradition that involves noticing the subtle changes throughout the year.
It is not simply a case of autumn turning to winter, or winter to spring. Instead, the people here observe the magical periods in between.
From the stunning autumnal colours to the first snowfall, the polar nights to the ‘real winter’, Levi’s eight seasons are smooth transitions each with their own charm.
Though there are plenty of amenities, the compact town centre means that the surrounding wilderness is a constant presence, so you see the effects of the changing seasons.
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Levi fell
The Finnish fells are one of the country’s most impressive physical features and the Levi fell is no exception.
Here, they make great use of it as it is home to the largest ski resort in Lapland. In fact, it has won best ski resort of the year numerous times making it perfect for those looking to enjoy some skiing during their Northern Lights holiday.
The Levi fell is also home to the Sámiland exhibition where you can learn all about the fascinating culture of Europe’s only remaining indigenous people.
As well as this, The Snow Village is just a half-hour drive from Levi, so a visit can be easily included. As the largest snow structure of its kind in Europe and built with a new theme in mind every year, it’s a real homage to the natural materials that fall here every year and is a stunning place to visit.
Click here to view our holidays to Levi.
Image credits: Northern Lights Village
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Dedicated Aurora accommodation
We’re thrilled to introduce the innovative design in Aurora accommodation from the Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland; the Aurora 360 Cabin.
You’ll be nice and cosy inside the wonderful two-tiered cabin. It comes equipped with electric fireplace and a panoramic glass roof right above your bed for 360o views of the Arctic sky.
Sleeping under a starry sky is enticing enough but with the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights dance above you as you lay in bed, this experience becomes unmissable.
This exclusive accommodation is only available at the Apukka Resort and is a wonderful addition to your Northern Lights holiday. Whether you are looking for a relaxing retreat in the wilderness or you want to take on some adventurous Arctic activities, we offer many different trips to Apukka.
Click here to view all Apukka Resort holidays or scroll down to learn more about the fantastic Aurora 360 Cabin.
Additional Info
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A resort of innovative designs
The Aurora 360 Cabin is the Apukka Resort’s very own design and is an innovative take on the Aurora accommodation we have seen across the Aurora Zone.
The Cabin features two-tiers which gives you more privacy and a higher vantage point. Enjoy the 360o views from the second floor, where your bed is conveniently situated under the glass roof, giving you a completely immersive experience into the Arctic wilderness.
Of course, you won’t miss the views on the bottom floor either. The downstairs lounge area with convertible sofa comes equipped with large windows that can easily be covered or uncovered.
The Apukka Resort are no strangers to special Aurora hunting experiences. The hotel also offers their incredible Snow Train activities for a warm and cosy way to hunt for the Northern Lights.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL APUKKA RESORT HOLIDAYS.
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Aurora experience
Though conveniently situated just a short drive from the city of Rovaniemi, the Apukka Resort’s wilderness setting takes you out of the bustle and away from light pollution. This makes it an ideal location for spotting the Northern Lights, whether you want to get out into the snowy landscape for an adventurous hunt or simply lie back on your bed and look up at the night sky.
The wintery landscape also opens up a plethora of activities during the day too. Explore the surroundings via dog sled, snowmobile and much more before retiring to your Aurora 360 Cabin for the evening.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL APUKKA RESORT HOLIDAYS.
Image credit: Apukka Resort
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Why you should travel in March to see the Northern Lights
Written by
Joanna Robertson
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Many people associate the Northern Lights with the cold depths of winter, and though we have seen some excellent displays come out of our Aurora Zone destinations this season, we’re also extremely excited to see what March will bring.
Who are the Sámi people?
The Sámi people are the only indigenous people of the European Union and are one of the oldest living cultures.
They have been surviving the harsh conditions of Sami Land (also known as Lapland) for thousands of years so it’s no surprise that they’re known for their close connection to the land.
Sami country (Sápmi) and where the Sámi people live now is in Northern parts of Norway, Finland, Sweden and parts of Russia. The total population is estimated at 80,000 to 100,000 people.
During many of our Northern Lights holidays, we offer experiences to give you an authentic insight into this fascinating culture. From visiting the Sámi Siida museum in Inari, the capital of Sámi heritage and culture in Finland, to spending time with a traditional reindeer herder in Menesjärvi, there are plenty of ways for you to learn all about the Sámi life. You could even travel to the very top of Finland to Utsjoki - the only Finnish municipality where the indigenous Sámi people still represent the majority of the human population.
Learn more about the Sámi culture below.
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The Sámi culture
To help preserve their culture and language, there is an autonomous Sámi parliament in Inari, Finland.
There are a total of nine Sámi languages but three are spoken most widely; North Sami, Inari Sami and Skolt Sami.
The language is an important part of their culture and is an intriguing insight into the Sámi way of life. For example, they have over 100 different words for snow!
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Pastimes and livelihood
Unsurprisingly, traditional Sámi activities all incorporate the natural surroundings. Gathering, handicrafts, hunting and fishing and ice fishing are popular pastimes that you can experience during a visit here. However, the most prominent activity that is central to Sámi culture and livelihood is reindeer herding.
Excavations have revealed that reindeer herding has been present since the Stone Age. Reindeers are used for transport, milk, meat, their insulating skin and valuable antlers. You can see their significance at reindeer farms all over Sámi land and you can even experience a traditional sleigh ride to understand the importance of reindeer for transport over the snowy landscape.
Jewellery making is another integral part of the Sámi culture. One of the most significant pieces is known as ‘risku’ or ‘solju’ and it is the symbol of the sun. Traditionally it is worn to keep the scarf of a traditional Sámi dress in place, and it plays an important role in weddings.
Festivals are also significant in the culture with Easter being the most important time. It marks the end of the winter months and moving on to new pastures.
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Sámi food
Sámi food makes use of the local ingredients available in the area. Reindeer, fish, berries, game and wild bird are widely used in dishes.
Gathering and berry picking is also a large part of the culture. ‘Right of Access’ or ‘Everyman’s Rights’ applies here which means you can pick berries and mushrooms from the land, wild or not. However, people are usually respectful of the fact that they are most likely on someone else’s land, and so won’t take too much.
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Where is best to discover the Sámi culture?
Many of our Northern Lights holidays feature experiences and insights into the Sámi culture - from reindeer activities to visiting the Finnish capital of the Sámi people, Inari. Here, you can visit the Siida museum for an in-depth look into the culture, with changing exhibitions throughout the year.
Here at the Aurora Zone, we believe in authentic holidays that best represent the incredible regions you visit. That’s why we work with local partners and communities to provide you with experiences and activities that are true to the area. To learn more about our holidays, call one of our Aurora Travel Experts today on 01670 785 012.
Image credits: Matt Robinson, Tea Karvinen and Visit Finland, Antti Pietikainen
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Our #AuroraZoneMoments competition is still going strong and we’ve had another month of fantastic entries.
Here at the Aurora Zone, we love seeing our clients’ images from their Northern Lights holidays with us. Whether they’re enjoying dog sledding, snowmobiling or standing proudly under the Aurora, we couldn’t be more pleased than when we see our customers fulfilling their bucket list dreams.
