{"id":20520,"date":"2018-10-17T12:32:22","date_gmt":"2018-10-17T11:32:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/adventure-trips\/finland-digital-detox\/"},"modified":"2023-08-02T15:30:35","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T14:30:35","slug":"finland-digital-detox","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/finland-digital-detox\/","title":{"rendered":"Finland’s Secret Island"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stay on your own private Arctic island complete with gourmet private chef, brace yourself for cold water therapy & chase the Northern Lights on a snowmobile<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":121248,"menu_order":68,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"FI1","duration":4,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Finland_Thumb-1000x620.jpg","continent":"Europe","country":"Finland","countries":["Finland"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a32565","max":"\u00a32730"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac2975","max":"\u20ac3165"},"usd":{"min":"$3195","max":"$3395"},"cad":{"min":"$4200","max":"$4465"},"aud":{"min":"$4715","max":"$5010"},"nzd":{"min":"$5470","max":"$5810"},"hkd":{"min":"$23780","max":"$25380"},"aed":{"min":"DH11115","max":"DH11875"}},"about":"

Staying on a private island is exclusive enough \u2013 but how about your own aurora island on the Arctic Circle complete with private chef? This is the magic of Finnish Lapland, but make it Flash Pack…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over four adventure-packed days you\u2019ll travel deep into silent, snow-laden forests on cross-country skis \u2013 pushing yourself to your limits as you\u2019re lured on by nature\u2019s ethereal beauty. You\u2019ll plunge into freezing water holes for a taste of heart-stopping cold-water therapy and fly across frozen landscapes by husky sleigh, safe in the knowledge that a warm campfire and hearty meal will be waiting for you back at your private island. Speaking of meals; gourmet food is a huge part of this adventure, thanks to your expert island chef serving up endless Lappish delights.<\/span><\/p>\n

And by night? Always Northern Lights hunting<\/a>, of course. Whether it\u2019s a thrilling aurora safari by snowmobile or time spent looking to the sky on your far-flung arctic island; the odds of seeing nature\u2019s most wondrous spectacle are firmly in your favor.<\/span><\/p>\n

This might be the ultimate way to experience winter Finland. How could you do it any other way?<\/p>\n","highlights":{"Stay on your very own Arctic island, complete with private chef and cozy cabins":"Stay on your very own Arctic island, complete with private chef and cozy cabins","Enjoy the experience of your own private island chef. Well-known in Finland, you'll feast each night on his masterful creations.":"Enjoy the experience of your own private island chef. Well-known in Finland, you'll feast each night on his masterful creations.","Cross the icy tundra by husky sleigh like a real Samii herder":"Cross the icy tundra by husky sleigh like a real Samii herder","Spend your evenings looking to the sky in one of the world's best spots for the Northern Lights":"Spend your evenings looking to the sky in one of the world's best spots for the Northern Lights","Immerse yourself in cold water therapy, followed by a trip to the island's wood-fired sauna":"Immerse yourself in cold water therapy, followed by a trip to the island's wood-fired sauna","Explore the majesty of winter Finland by cross country skis":"Explore the majesty of winter Finland by cross country skis","Feast on anything from Arctic char and Lappish lamb to forest-picked mushrooms, berries & veggies prepared by your expert chef":"Feast on anything from Arctic char and Lappish lamb to forest-picked mushrooms, berries & veggies prepared by your expert chef","Chase down the Northern Lights by snowmobile":"Chase down the Northern Lights by snowmobile","Hotel Vartiosaari":"Hotel Vartiosaari"},"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":8457,"name":"Wildlife","slug":"safari-trips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8457,"taxonomy":"style","description":"There are few moments more magical than spotting exotic and indigenous creatures in their natural habitat for the first time. It\u2019s why we\u2019ve crafted a series of global adventures around safaris and wildlife interactions, so why not take your pick?","parent":0,"count":20,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":8458,"name":"Winter Escapes","slug":"winter-escapes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8458,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Discover our vast collection of winter departures, perfect for the snow-lover and sun-seeker alike. Balinese beaches, island hopping in the Philippines, Iceland's northern lights and so much more awaits.","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":false,"seasons":["spring","winter"],"scenery":["snow"],"activities":["winter_sports"],"activity_level":["moderate"],"key_locations":"Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) | Private island transfer","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"YOUR PRIVATE ARCTIC ISLAND","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Welcome to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus and your gateway to Arctic Circle adventures. The wilderness just beyond Rovaniemi\u2019s colorful lights is calling, and a transfer awaits to whisk you away to your private island. You\u2019ll be welcomed by traditional saunas and a private chef serving outstanding local dishes. And it\u2019s all yours. How\u2019s that for exclusivity? Tonight, you\u2019ll settle in for a welcome dinner for a chance to get to know everyone over some celebratory drinks and a traditional Finnish supper. You\u2019ll feast on anything from Arctic char and Lappish lamb to forest-picked mushrooms, berries and veggies. Afterwards, if the night is clear, it\u2019ll be worth stepping outside to gather round the bonfire and look for the Northern Lights<\/a>.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"YOUR PRIVATE ARCTIC ISLAND","text":"

Welcome to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus and your gateway to Arctic Circle adventures. The wilderness just beyond Rovaniemi\u2019s colorful lights is calling, and a transfer awaits to whisk you away to your private island. You\u2019ll be welcomed by traditional saunas and a private chef serving outstanding local dishes. And it\u2019s all yours. How\u2019s that for exclusivity? Tonight, you\u2019ll settle in for a welcome dinner for a chance to get to know everyone over some celebratory drinks and a traditional Finnish supper. You\u2019ll feast on anything from Arctic char and Lappish lamb to forest-picked mushrooms, berries and veggies. Afterwards, if the night is clear, it\u2019ll be worth stepping outside to gather round the bonfire and look for the Northern Lights<\/a>.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) | Private island transfer","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1_ItineraryChef.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Husky ride | Snowmobile adventure","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"HUSKIES & AURORA HUNTING","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

This morning, you\u2019ll get kitted out with your essential cold weather gear, keeping you warm and snug in minus degree temperatures.\u00a0 Then, it\u2019s time to embark on a husky adventure. You\u2019ll learn all you need to know about driving the husky sleighs yourself before you\u2019re let loose onto the vast icy tundra. With the wind and snow whipping around you and temperatures reaching as low as minus 30, you\u2019ll feel like a real Samii herder. Late afternoon, cross over to the mainland for your twilight Northern Lights safari by snowmobile<\/a>. You\u2019ll travel several kilometers into the Arctic wilderness, where you\u2019ll stop for a Lappish snack break and cook sausages on an open fire \u2013 always with one eye to the sky.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"HUSKIES & AURORA HUNTING","text":"

This morning, you\u2019ll get kitted out with your essential cold weather gear, keeping you warm and snug in minus degree temperatures.\u00a0 Then, it\u2019s time to embark on a husky adventure. You\u2019ll learn all you need to know about driving the husky sleighs yourself before you\u2019re let loose onto the vast icy tundra. With the wind and snow whipping around you and temperatures reaching as low as minus 30, you\u2019ll feel like a real Samii herder. Late afternoon, cross over to the mainland for your twilight Northern Lights safari by snowmobile<\/a>. You\u2019ll travel several kilometers into the Arctic wilderness, where you\u2019ll stop for a Lappish snack break and cook sausages on an open fire \u2013 always with one eye to the sky.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Husky ride | Snowmobile adventure","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-ITINERARYDAY21.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Cross country skiing | Ice swimming","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"SKIS & COLD WATER","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Today you\u2019ll strap on some cross country skis and push yourself on and on into scenes more and more beautiful, gliding to some untouched hard-to-reach spots. Don\u2019t worry if you haven\u2019t skied before, you\u2019ll soon be gliding like a pro.\u00a0 After some recovery time back on your island, you\u2019ll learn how to drill and cut a hole into the ice around you. Why? You\u2019ll all be getting into it, of course. Prepare for the ultimate invigorating wellness experience as you immerse yourself in water so cold it will take your breath away. It might only be a few seconds but you\u2019ll feel more alive than ever. Buzzing with energy, you\u2019ll warm up in a wood-fired sauna in true Finnish style.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"SKIS & COLD WATER","text":"

Today you\u2019ll strap on some cross country skis and push yourself on and on into scenes more and more beautiful, gliding to some untouched hard-to-reach spots. Don\u2019t worry if you haven\u2019t skied before, you\u2019ll soon be gliding like a pro.\u00a0 After some recovery time back on your island, you\u2019ll learn how to drill and cut a hole into the ice around you. Why? You\u2019ll all be getting into it, of course. Prepare for the ultimate invigorating wellness experience as you immerse yourself in water so cold it will take your breath away. It might only be a few seconds but you\u2019ll feel more alive than ever. Buzzing with energy, you\u2019ll warm up in a wood-fired sauna in true Finnish style.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Cross country skiing | Ice swimming","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-ITINERARYDAY3.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"A final sauna","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Your adventure may have been short, but you\u2019ll be leaving today knowing you packed every last moment with thrilling Arctic experiences. You\u2019ll have time this morning to enjoy a slow breakfast and one last sauna as a group before you\u2019re transferred to the airport for your flight home. You never know, the magic might continue as you fly off \u2013 the Northern Lights from the vantage point of a plane window is something worth looking out for.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"A final sauna","text":"

Your adventure may have been short, but you\u2019ll be leaving today knowing you packed every last moment with thrilling Arctic experiences. You\u2019ll have time this morning to enjoy a slow breakfast and one last sauna as a group before you\u2019re transferred to the airport for your flight home. You never know, the magic might continue as you fly off \u2013 the Northern Lights from the vantage point of a plane window is something worth looking out for.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-ITINERARYDAY11.jpg"],"day":4}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-USPPRIVATEISLAND-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1_ChefUSP-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-USPHUSKY-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-USPNORTHERNLIGHTS-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-USPICEDIP-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-USPSKI-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-USPFOOD-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-USPSNOWMOBILE-1.jpg"],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["p","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[{"source":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Finland-Header.mp4","codec":"mp4"}],"faqs":[{"question":"Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code","answer":"Fly into and out of Rovaniemi Airport (RVN).\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?","answer":"Before 5pm ideally. You\u2019ll be able to check in at the hotel from 3pm. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 7pm onwards at the hotel, which is located approximately 20 minutes from Rovaniemi airport.\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight depart on the last day?","answer":"Check-out time is before 12 pm but you can leave any time that suits you.\n"},{"question":"Are airport transfers included? ","answer":"If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.\nArrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.\nDeparture transfers are also included in the cost of this trip.\n"},{"question":"Do I need a visa?","answer":"You do not normally need a visa if you\u2019re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada.\nPlease check with your local consulate\/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa or visit the Finland government website: https:\/\/um.fi\/visa-requirement-and-travel-documents-accepted-by-finland.\nFrom 2024, ETIAS travel authorization will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to European countries https:\/\/travel-europe.europa.eu\/etias\/what-etias_en.\nWe recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.\n"},{"question":"What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Finland?","answer":"Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travelers to comply with pre-arrival testing and\/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.\n"},{"question":"Will I see the Northern Lights? ","answer":"The Northern Lights are best viewed on clear nights between late August and early April.\nPlease be aware that the Northern Lights are weather-dependent and not guaranteed to appear on every trip.\n"},{"question":"How much should I budget per day for extras?","answer":"This trip is nearly fully inclusive so you won\u2019t need much. Activity guide tips are included in the cost \u2013 but you\u2019ll need to allow for any drinks at the hotel. As a guide, a beer costs 6.5 Euros and a bottle of wine is from 42 Euros upwards.\n"},{"question":"What equipment do I need?","answer":"On Day 2, we will kit you out with cold weather kit including a thermal snowsuit, boots and gloves, to keep you warm during outdoor activities.\nHowever, it\u2019s best to bring your own winter clothing too as it will be very cold when you exit the airport terminal.\nMake sure you have good boots, thick socks and gloves\/mittens, as well as a winter hat, scarf\/buff and insulated wind-resistant winter jacket and pants.\u00a0 You\u2019ll also want a long-sleeved thermal base layers and a fleece.\n"},{"question":"What fitness levels do I need for this trip?","answer":"This adventure is fast-paced and it will challenge you during the ski trek especially. However, no specific level of fitness is required, we just want to ensure you are happy partaking in the activities like snowmobiling across the Arctic. The trek itself will vary between 2-5 kilometers depending on the weather and the fitness of the group. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.\n"},{"question":"Can my special dietary requirements be catered for?","answer":"Food allergies and special diets can of course be catered for on this trip, for example, if you are a vegan you will receive a vegan version of the same menu. However extreme allergies like an extreme nut allergy cannot be catered for on this adventure, as all food is prepared in the same kitchen. Please bear this in mind when booking, and reach out to us if you think you will be affected.\n"},{"question":"Will the itinerary change? ","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control \u2013 but we\u2019ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to test new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting. We\u2019ll always try to let you know in advance.\n"},{"question":"Can I drive a snowmobile?","answer":"You need to have a driver\u2019s license from your home country in order to drive a snowmobile. Otherwise, you can still take part but you\u2019ll need to ride a pillion.\nBefore going on the snowmobiling safari, you will be asked to sign a liability form to confirm you consider yourself to be able to take part in the activity. Snowmobiles are expensive machines and the form also explains that in the unlikely event you damage a snowmobile, you will be required to pay for repairs up to a value of 900\u20ac (euros). An insurance policy at a cost of 15\u20ac is available to purchase locally which will decrease your liability for any damage to 150\u20ac. Your activity guide will talk you through everything before the safari to ensure you are comfortable, but if you would like to see a copy of the liability form prior to travel, please do feel free to get in touch with us.\n"},{"question":"What should I pack?","answer":"To keep you warm in the frosty Finnish winter, you\u2019ll be provided with a thermal overcoat, boots and gloves. However, please prepare for extreme weather and bring your own warm and waterproof clothes for day-to-day wear. Temperatures can reach -4F in this region.\nWhat you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Finland, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.\nBaggage\n\nA large backpack or suitcase \u2013 it\u2019s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase.\n\n\nA day bag \u2013 this needs to be around 20-25 liters to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera.\n\nClothing\n\nActivewear \u2013 breathable and light materials are best as a base layer for most activities. Hiking tops are best as they have wicking properties that remove sweat, keeping you dry and warm.\n\n\nOutdoor pants that are warm and waterproof\n\n\nYou will need a warm and waterproof jacket for general wear in Finland\n\n\nFleeces\/jumpers\/a jacket \u2013 substantial, warm layers will be required\n\n\nThermal vests\/base layers \u2013 if the weather gets cold, you may want to wear a thermal vest during the day and at night\n\n\nScarf\/hat\/gloves\n\n\nSwimwear \u2013 you will have the chance to cold-water-swim and use the sauna\n\n\nWhat you wear in the evenings is up to you, but you may want some nicer clothes for the evenings\n\nShoes\n\nWaterproof shoes and socks \u2013 you\u2019ll be provided with snow boots during outdoor activities, but warm and waterproof shoes will be useful for everyday wear in Finland\n\nAccessories\/Personal\n\nDriving licence for snowmobile driving\n\n\nElectricals and chargers, such as your phone, camera, chargers, etc\n\n\nPlug socket adaptors \u2013 the standard plug socket in Finland is type C which has 2 round prongs. This is the same as most of Europe.\n\n\nRefillable water bottle \u2013 refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint\n\n\nEye mask and earplugs \u2013 if you\u2019re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs\n\n\nAny personal medication you require\n\n\nPersonal toiletries, including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush, etc\n\n\nShampoo and conditioner\n\n\nPainkillers\n\n\nAnti-bacterial gel\n\n\nLip balm with SPF\n\n\nMoisturiser\n\n\nHigh SPF factor sun cream \u2013 this will help to protect your skin from the cold\n\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"HOTEL VARTIOSAARI","short_description":"Sleep in igloo-shaped pods under the Northern Lights","description":"Hotel Vartiosaari is a little-known island wonderland that can only be accessed by a bridge connecting it to the mainland. As well as the beauty of it\u2019s untouched location, the island\u2019s accommodation has been designed by a revered Finnish architect, who has added a welcome touch of chic to the Finnish wilderness.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FI1-HOTEL1.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/20520"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/121248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20520"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}