Let there be LIGHT!
With a multitude of destinations and holiday packages on offer, there is no time like the present to witness one of nature’s greatest phenomenon – the Northern Lights, writes Victoria Bamber
How is your bucket list looking? Whether you choose to keep a physical or mental copy, it is almost guaranteed that each of us will construct one at some point in our lives.
If you have considered making such a list, it is likely that one of nature’s most intriguing phenomenon – the Northern Lights – will make an appearance.
Magical and mysterious, the ‘Aurora Borealis’ have been the subject of myth and legend for thousands of years. The Menominee Indians of Wisconsin believed that the lights indicated the location of giants who were the spirits of great hunters and fishermen. The Inuit of Alaska believed that the lights were reincarnations of the animals they hunted. Other aboriginal people believed that the lights were the spirits of their ancestors.
Whilst the real origin of the lights is much more scientific, it is understandable why they hold an almost other-worldly significance – one that we can now indulge at our leisure, thanks to the variety of destinations and holiday packages on offer.
Whilst many associate the Northern Lights with Iceland, the experience can actually be witnessed from a multitude of locations, including: Norway, Finland, Sweden, Canada, Alaska, Siberia and even Northern Scotland. As little as a month ago, people were treated to displays much closer to home as the lights travelled South over Coventry, West Yorkshire and The Lake District.
So, what are you waiting for? If now is the time to tick this one off your bucket list, here are some handy websites to help you start your planning:
Secret Escapes
www.secretescapes.com/iceland
Secret Escapes offer heavily discounted package holidays to Iceland to see the Northern Lights; with tours that last three, four or five days. Optional extras include Game of Thrones location visits, snowmobile safaris and trips to some of Iceland’s beautiful waterfalls, fjords and volcanos.
Prices start from £449 per person for three nights
The Aurora Zone
www.theaurorazone.com
Europe’s most sparsely populated country, Sweden is unspoilt and captivating. There are a multitude of package holidays to visit the Northern Lights just below the Arctic Circle, with spectacular tours and wild adventures guaranteed. Described as ‘out of this world’, by previous travellers; snowmobile safaris, island tours and wilderness survival lessons are all included in the price – a must for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.
Prices start from £635 per person for three nights
Fjord Travel
www.fjordtravel.no
Arctic Norway is situated in the middle of the Northern Lights zone. There are a variety of different packages on offer, with some great traditional experiences included; such as dog and reindeer sledding, Arctic costal cruises and ice fishing. Many packages also offer a night’s stay in an ice hotel – not to be missed!
Prices start from £1,150 per person for four nights
Prices correct at time of going to print
