HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT AT THE TIME OF BOOKING?
To make a reservation the required deposit is €300 per person.
The balance is then payable 10 weeks prior to the date of departure.
WHAT THE COST INCLUDES?
1. Direct flights from Dublin to Lapland (Finland)
2. Activities as specified on each tour
3. Transfers, tours and overnights stays at your chosen accommodation
4. Meals as per your itinerary
5. Thermal suits and boots
6. Private meeting with Santa & gift for the children
DO I NEED A PASPORT AND VISA FOR LAPLAND?
All Irish citizens can only travel to Lapland with a valid Irish Passport. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Visas are not required for Irish citizens. All other nationalities should check what travel documentation is required by contacting the Finnish Embassy in Dublin on 01-4781344. The department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland provides travel advice which helps you to make informed decisions when you’re planning a trip overseas and offers you an objective assessment of the risks you could face. For the latest travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and trade, check: www.dfa.ie/travel-advice/
WHAT KIND OF INSURANCE DO I NEED?
It is a condition of booking with us that you and your party take out suitable Winter Sports Insurance from a reputable provider. The insurance policy should provide full Winter Sports coverage and include the activities you will be participating in on our tours such as husky, reindeer and snowmobile rides. Infants under 2 years are covered on their parent's policy. Travel Insurance can be purchased from Sunway Travel, information regarding the policy can be found at www.blueinsurance.ie
WILL IT BE COLD?
You will be visiting an environment where temperatures regularly fall to -15C and have been known to reach as low as -45C. However, on all our tours Sunway provide warm all-in-one thermal suit and boots on loan. With variations in Arctic weather conditions and global warming it is totally impossible to provide a guideline to temperatures you will endure on your arrival. Going on past experience early December is not as cold as late December. Snow conditions can vary from year to year and again with global warming we cannot give accurate guidelines on this.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
All guests receive Thermal suits, which are similar to Ski Suits and boots on arrival. You will need to pack a selection of warm clothing to layer underneath including thermal underwear and warm tights. It is advisable that you wear something comfortable underneath the suits as you are in these for the majority of the time spent in Lapland. Don’t forget to bring hats, waterproof gloves (not woolly gloves, good thinsulate gloves) and scarves for extra warmth. Snow boots are provided for your own safety, it is essential that these are worn at all times. Children being children will play in the snow and they will get very cold. Wellington boots and denim jeans are unsuitable for Lapland weather conditions.
ARE EXTRA LARGE SUITS & BOOTS AVAILABLE?
Yes, we have a large range of suit and boot sizes available so rest assured there will be suits and boots to fit everyone.
ARE OUR TOURS SUITABLE FOT ADULTS, OLDER CHILDREN OR TEENAGERS?
Yes! Older children, teenagers and adults very much enjoy the snowmobiles, reindeer and huskies and the action packed itinerary.
IS LAPLAND SUITABLE FOR INFANTS?
Finland can reach severely cold temperatures, and it is essential that you bring adequate thermal clothing for any children less than two years of age. We would recommend that you purchase a thermal snow suit for children under 2 years of age and bring it with you. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before booking and seek advice on the suitability of such harsh conditions for your child. It is also worth noting that buggies will not be suitable for use in the deep snow found in most areas.
WILL WE FIND SANTA CLAUS?
Santa Claus is looking forward to meeting all the children, there will be a small token gift for every child. Santa Claus is very busy at this time of year but he is waiting to hear all the children's wishes.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BRING A GIFT FOR SANTA TO GIVE MY CHILD?
It is our policy that all children receive the exact same token gift from Santa.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Please remember you are travelling to a foreign country so do not expect the same food. Generally breakfast, lunch and dinner are buffet style and will cater for adults and children's tastes. We do try to ensure that all meals are similar to home wherever possible. The variety and type of food will vary from establishment to establishment. It is your responsibility to inform us of any dietary requirements in advance of travelling.
WILL WE SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are a spectacular natural phenomenon often seen in Finland. While we can’t guarantee they will appear during your trip, do keep an eye out just in case.
DO THE REPRESENTATIVES SPEAK ENGLISH?
Yes, all our Elf helpers speak English. Finnish and English are also widely spoken by local Finnish people.
CAN I DRIVE A SNOWMOBILE?
To drive a snowmobile, you must be over 18 years in possession of a clean driving licence. Please ensure you bring your driving license with you as you may be asked to present this. Children under 12 years will travel in a sleigh pulled behind a snowmobile. Children 12years and above may travel as a passenger behind the adult, at the local guides discretion. Snowmobiles are insured as required by Finnish law. This insurance covers medical care for injuries for the driver and the passenger arising from accidents. The amount of personal liability is max €980 per snowmobile/instance of accident. We cannot accept any liability for personal injuries or material damage arising from accidents during "Winter Funtastic Games" husky dog sledding, reindeer safaris, or other excursions .Personal travel insurance is recommended. People with certain medical conditions may not be able to participate in some actives due to the nature of the activity.
INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDANCE?
Technical instruction is provided before all safaris, so that all participants are able to have full knowledge about manoeuvring the vehicles. Additional emphasis is placed on the special safety regulations regarding every aspect of the safaris. We provide guidance in English.
HOW SAFE IS IT?
Lapland is perfectly safe provided you follow the instructions of our arctic guides. You will appreciate that you are visiting an area where arctic conditions prevail. Provided you are sensible and accept guidance when given, no problems will arise. We do stress that parents and guardians are responsible for the supervision of their own party for the duration of the tour. At any time your guide may alter the scheduled tour content in the interest of safety.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?
Euro is the currency used in Finnish Lapland. Cash points are somewhat limited in Rovaniemi so it’s best to ensure you have enough with you. Most major credit cards are accepted locally.
WILL IT BE DARK DURING OUR STAY?
Lapland receives four to five hours of daylight each day, much of which is a more greyish light than we are accustomed to in Ireland. However all parts of the resorts will be illuminated with lanterns, outdoor fires and candles when darkness falls, lending a flickering ambience to all activities.
CAN I SPEND CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND?
Sunway offer holidays to Lapland right up until a few days before Christmas. Unfortunately, we do not offer packages over Christmas. This is to give Santa time to prepare himself for the magical day.
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT
Approximately 3.5 hours
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I TAKE?
20 kilos per person plus 5 kilos hand luggage
WHAT IS THE TIME DIFFERENCE
+ 2 hours
WHY CHOOSE SUNWAY?
Sunway have being operating trips to Lapland for over 15 years and we have over 50 years' experience in the travel industry, so we know what we are doing. Listening to you has helped us become Ireland's largest Irish owned multi award winning Holiday Company.
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