6. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS and COMPUTERS
1. GETTING TO FINLAND
Q. What’s the best airline to take and best way to fly into Finland?
A. Usually people book their flights based on price and loyalty programs. Cost will be different depending on where you are flying from. In any case, note that this tour starts and ends in Kittilä with most flights arriving from Helsinki (although there are direct flights from other cities).
Q. What time should I plan to arrive at the airport in Kittilä?
A. We recommend a morning or early afternoon flight for arrival into Kittilä. There is an 11:20 a.m. flight out of Helsink that gets you in to Kittila at 12:55 p.m., but there are earlier flights than that as well.
Q. Will I be met at the airport upon arrival in Kittilä?
A. Airport transportation from and to Kittilä Airport is included in the cost of the tour as long as you arrive the first day of the tour at or before 2:30 p.m. and depart on the last day of the tour on a flight that doesn’t require a departure prior to check-out time of 10 a.m. We can arrange transportation outside of those dates/times but it will be at an additional cost. (A taxi between the airport and lodge is approximately $200.)
Q. Do I need a visa to enter Finland?
A. Residents of many countries do not need a visa to enter Finland. You can read more about whether you need a visa and about getting a visa here.
Q. If I want to arrive prior to the start of the tour or stay on beyond the last day, can you book additional hotel nights for me?
A. If you plan to arrive into Finland prior to the tour start date or depart after the tour’s last day, we can make some hotel recommendations for you, but you will get better deals by booking them on your own either through a third-party booking site or directly with the hotel. Note that there is not much to do in Kittilä or the nearby town of Levi, so you may want to spend additional time in Helsinki or elsewhere.
Q. What is the best way to depart after the tour?
A. There are typically departure flights out of Kittilä at 9:00 a.m., 1:40 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The recommended flight for our 2026 tour group is the departure out of Kittilä at 1:40 p.m. on January 31st. Breakfast will be served that morning and then we will leave the lodge for Kittilä Airport at the lodge’s check out time of 10 a.m.
If you have to leave the lodge earlier, you’ll be responsible for the cost of getting to the airport (note that a taxi from the lodge to the airport is about $200), but we can help book a taxi for you.
If you have a flight later in the day or in the evening, we can drop you off in Levi (about 15 minutes from the airport) and you can take a shuttle or taxi to the airport. There are a number of restaurants, cafes and shops in Levi where you spend your time.
2. WHILE VISITING FINLAND
Q. How fit do I need to be to participate in this tour?
A. You don’t need to have experience in any or all of the activities. However, to get the most out of this active adventure, consider having a base fitness level where you can hike a few hours a day for a few consecutive days.
There will be one or two guides available for each activity to help teach us (if need be) and provide feedback and guidance.
Q. Will bottled water be readily available on the tour?
A. Bottled water is not included at our request – we encourage you to bring your own insulated reusable bottle for the tour. Bottles can be refilled at our lodge or at restaurants during your time in Finland.
Q. What kind of food should I expect on the tour?
A. We will have breakfast prepared at our lodge each morning that will include a variety of baked goods, fruit, eggs, porridge, meats and cheeses.
Our lunches will include a combination of packed lunches (sandwiches, for example) and meals out at wilderness cafes and local restaurants.
Dinners will be a mix of food prepared at our lodge, meals at nearby restaurants and a special evening where we cook our own food at an outdoor firepit.
There will be lots of meats and cheeses available (and other options for vegetarians, as well).
Expect to find lots of tea and coffee available, but if you are a decaf drinker, consider bringing decaf Starbucks VIA, your own ground decaf coffee or your own tea bags as decaf can be more difficult to find.
Q. Do you recommend any special vaccinations for this trip?
A. There’s nothing you need specifically for Finland. However, you’ll want to consult with a travel doctor for medical advice.
3. LODGE INFORMATION
Q. What’s the name of our accommodations?
A. Our lodge information is listed on the tour itinerary, but we usually don’t have this confirmed until right before the tour (in case there are any last-minute changes). We will provide this information a couple of weeks in advance of the tour start date and we encourage you to leave this with family and/or friends in case of an emergency.
Q. Does the lodge provide shampoo and conditioner?
A. There is shampoo and soap in all the bathrooms but if you need conditioner or have favorite products, it’s best to bring your own travel-sized versions.
Q. Are there hair dryers at the hotels?
A. Hair dryers are available at the lodge.
Q. Are my items safe in my room?
A. Yes, the only people who have access to the lodge are those in our group and the lodge itself will be locked when we leave. If you have any valuables that you are concerned about, we recommend bringing a luggage lock to secure your luggage zippers together with valuables inside.
No one will be in the lodge other than our group, our guides and, possibly a chef and sous chef.
Q. If we choose to do our own thing, does the lodge have fat tire bikes or back country skis that are included as part of staying there, or would we have to figure out all of that ourselves?
A. There is not any equipment at the lodge, but you are welcome to rent your own equipment in Äkäslompolo. We can provide guidance on where to rent once registered. You can either reserve gear in advance or once you are in Finland (in which case it would depend on availability).
4. ACTIVITY INFORMATION
Q. Is there access to cross country skiing trails from the lodge?
A. It’s approximately 200 meters to the start of the cross country ski track from the lodge and there are snowshoeing and hiking trails a little closer than that.
Q. Will skis/boots/poles be included when we cross country ski?
A. Yes, everything is included.
Q. Is there a cross country trail map of the surrounding area?
A. Here’s an online map https://ladulle.fi/en/yllas and you can buy one at Yllas. Our Lapland guide will also have one to share.
Q. How often do the trails get groomed?
A. Fairly often and every day when there’s regular snow.
Q. Is there a pass we have to buy to use/access the trails?
A. No, this is free.
Q. What is the rating scale in Finland for cross country trails?
A. The Yllas area is one of the best places for cross country skiing in the world. This time of the year there are 100kms + of groomed classic and skating trails.
Q. What is the terrain around where we are staying?
A. We’re staying on a hill where there are snowshoeing and hiking trails further up and cross country ski trails at the bottom of the hill.
Q. Will skis/boots/poles all be included if we rent equipment on our own?
A. Yes, if you are renting your own gear, you can rent an entire package. If you’d rather, you can bring your own cross country ski boots (or skis and poles but those are much more difficult to pack!).
5. PACKING INFORMATION
Q. Is it OK to have more than just a carry-on for the tour?
A. Given that you’ll be required to have extreme cold weather gear, you will likely need to check a bag.
For international flights, note that some airlines have a strict weight limit for carry-on bags, so even if you have a small bag, you may be required to check it due to its weight. And if you have any additional flights within Europe that are booked on low-cost carriers, they may have weight restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage and may charge a premium if your luggage is over their weight limit.
Q. How should I dress/pack for this trip?
A. You’ll receive a full packing list for the tour that will help guide you. You will not need any dress clothes per se as we will not being going out anywhere that would require them. If you don’t already own extreme cold weather gear and don’t want to purchase it for the trip, there is an option to rent gear for the week of the tour.
Here’s a blog post that gives you an idea of the suggested items to pack.
Q. Does the rented winter suit replace puffy (padded) ski pants and puffy coat?
A. No, the winter suit is for the non-exertion activities. You’ll want full protection during those times that you are outdoors (more protection than you’ll get from your own puffy coat, etc).
Q. Do I still need shell pants and shell jacket if I rent the winter suit? Do they need to be extra large to fit over ski pants and puffy coat or just over base layer?
A. Yes, you will need shell pants and padded pants for an outer layer during activities. Shell pants are OK for 14 degrees F and warmer. Colder than that, you’ll need padded pants. The shell jacket will keep your outer layers dry in the snow.
Your outer layer (shell pants or padded pants depending on the temperature) will go over your base layer (long underwear). The idea is that you’ll need some kind of protection from snow/wet/cold over your base layer.
Q. Do you recommend a puffy coat with hood for extra warmth or no hood because it would be in way (and we will bring a separate hat)?
A. Either way works.
Q. Regarding the jackets, coats, shirts, do I need all listed or can I cut some and get by with only one or a multi use option?
A. Make sure you have all the items to keep you warm (puffy coat and wool layers), but you don’t necessarily need to double up on them.
Q. Do I really need two pairs of long underwear, fleece jacket, puffy coat, shell jacket along with the rented suit?
A. You don’t “have” to have two pairs of long underwear. You’ll just really need to be on top of keeping these dry. And it’s nice to have the option of a heavier and lighter weight pair, but not required. The fleece jacket will come in handy, puffy coat you’ll definitely need and the shell jacket will keep your outer layers dry in the snow.
Q. Should the thin warm shirt as under layer be thin wool long sleeve t-shirt or synthetic to wash and dry overnight?
A. It’s best that these are wool, long-sleeved shirts. You can get away with having one of these if you stay on top of keeping it dry for the next day.
Q. Do I need buff plus a balaclava?
A. This will depend on you. The balaclava is going to keep your entire head and face warm and may come in quite handy. The buff protects your neck. You can wear a wool hat but your face will still be exposed.
Q. Are ski googles necessary?
A. These will be pretty important. If we have a snowy and/or windy day, they will work much better than sunglasses. These are super important to keep the falling snow from your eyes and upper face.
6. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS and COMPUTERS
Q. Is WiFi available at the lodge?
A. Yes, there is free WiFi available at the lodge.
Q. What sort of power adaptor do I need?
A. Finland uses what’s considered a type C power plug. It should look like this>>>
Q. Will I need a converter for my electrical devices?
A. You will need a converter for any devices unable to handle 220 (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.). Most electronics these days (such as a laptop and iPad) have a built-in converter that protects the device from power surges.
Q. Can I use my cell phone in Finland?
A. There are a few ways to use your cell phone in Finland.
The easiest way is to purchase an international data plan from your provider. Most cell providers offer international day passes for about $10/day. These automatically activate and charge you once you connect to the local provider.
Much more cost effective is to download an e-sim app like Airalo (for $3 off, use code ELIZAB3290). This allows you to connect to the local network to use data. It can be a little tricky getting this set up and using it with your own number, but we can help you once in-country.
Lastly, you can simply turn your data off and only use your phone when there’s WiFi.
Q. Will the cold weather affect my cell phone in Finland?
A. The cold weather is going to cause all batteries to die quickly (cameras, phones, etc). When outside, it’s imperative that you keep your electronics in a warm(ish) spot: close to your body; tucked inside a sock with a hand warmer, etc. And plan to bring extra batteries as a back up.
Q. What sort of camera do you recommend?
A. While it’s not necessary, if you are so inspired (financially and photography-wise), consider bringing a camera with a telephoto lens. For those with photography experience, you may already have a favorite brand. For those with less experience or looking for your first camera, consider a more a versatile camera such as the Sony RX10 IV (this is what Beth shoots with).
7. MONEY, GIFTS, TIPS
Q. What’s the currency used in Finland?
A. Euros are used in Finland. Consider downloading an app such as Converter so that you have quick access to the exchange rate.
Q. Are ATMs available?
A. There will definitely be ATMs in Kittilä, but there may not be access to one other than that. You can, however, use your debit/credit card for any purchases at restaurants for drinks during lunch and dinner (the cost of all meals is included in the tour price but not drinks), as well as for souvenirs.
You’ll want to let your bank know in advance that you are traveling so they don’t deny usage of your card thinking it’s a fraudulent charge.
You’ll also want to find out what, if anything, your bank changes for international ATM withdrawals. If it’s based on each transaction, you’ll want to take larger amounts of money out rather than making numerous small withdrawals so as to limit the charges.
Q. How much money should I bring with me?
A. We get this question a lot, and it really does depend on your spending habits. Because you’ll be able to use your debit/credit card for purchases, you likely won’t need much (if any) cash in hand. Having said that, bringing some small bills to tip waitstaff if you like is fine.
Q. Do I need insurance for this tour?
A. We do suggest that all tour participants acquire travel insurance, but it is 
not required.
We partner with Travel Insured International so that you have ability to purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any possible issues. Although we are technically not requiring it, you will be asked to sign additional paperwork acknowledging the risk of traveling without insurance.
Q. Is there a schedule for installment payments?
A. We don’t have anything formal set up, but you can definitely send in payments on your own schedule. Some people send in monthly payments while other people send in payments when it’s convenient. You might consider talking to your bank to send regularly scheduled checks until the tour is paid in full by the final payment due date.
Q. Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my participation in this tour?
A. Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form that you’ll receive within 24 hours of registering with a deposit.
Any refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of our receiving written notification of your cancellation (email notification is fine). We will respond via email and ask for confirmation of your mailing address for any refunds. Address must be confirmed within six months, otherwise expect forfeiture of refund as we close out our books at that time.
Q. Will you be sending an updated itinerary with our overnight accommodations so we can leave it with folks at home?
A. Yes, you’ll receive the hotel information as well as emergency contact information one or two weeks before departure (note: it is subject to last-minute changes).
Q. What’s the emergency contact info that I can give my family?
A. About two weeks before your departure, you will be given a cell phone number for your tour escort and someone in-country employed by our local tour operator.