How to Plan the Best Arctic Vacations on Any Budget
Best Arctic Vacations
Less explored by humans with relatively lesser feet that have been set on this part of the world, only visited by the midnight sun that never sets for 6 months, is where we’re heading to. Arctic region, a familiarly known yet an alien location, situated in the northern part of the earth where 4 million inhabitants proudly call it their home, amongst these live the indigenous people called Inuits, who’ve found ways to survive even in these harsh conditions of the north.
Which country is closest to the Arctic Circle
People think Arctic region is an inhabitable place with nothing but glaciers, but the resistance of the Inuits and the other fringed areas of the regions like Russia, Canada, USA, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland have shown that life is possible even below 40 degrees Celsius! Even wildlife has found its way to survive in here. Kudos to the great Polar Bears, Arctic Foxes, Walruses, Seals and whales!
Is Arctic Circle open to World?
I know you’re too old for Santa but it is widely believed that this is where Santa lives. I know what you may be thinking – how does he travel? On his sleigh? The situation of this region, makes transport costs ridiculously expensive and may discourage some people from visiting, making it a far-fetched dream. Some just don’t mind the money being spend and consider the trip is worth every penny. But it is open to everyone, but due to limited transport systems, you might have to book earlier.
Arctic tours North Pole
The Arctic exploration has begun 5000 years ago, so you should know that it’s not something new and during the course of these centuries, people have explored and found million ways to make travel possible into this impenetrable area. There are best Arctic holidays that are now opening up for the world to visit the homeland of Santa! The Arctic is no exception to the modern advancements of the world. There are various Arctic vacation packages that are budget-friendly for people who like to visit the face of the north.
Arctic vacation packages
Spitsbergen cruise expedition
This Northernmost inhabited island is the largest of the Svalbard Archipelago, just a 1000km away from the north pole. Controlled by Norway you can easily reach to the area from Europe. The best way to explore Spitsbergen’s glacier mountains is by boarding a cruise ship, or by climbing it if you can. The best part about this place? You may even spot the kings of the snow up close, in their own habitat – over 3000 Polar bears rule these bergs. You’ll find countless cruise ship tours to this island on early-bird offers and discounts. I was lucky enough to book an early bird 8 day tour (all-inclusive), which only costed me around USD 2600!
Northern Lights tour
People chase their Northern lights and Auroras that are breathtakingly beautiful. This natural phenomenon where the sun’s UV frictions against the Ozone, lighting up the sky in mystical hues, often leaving one astonished. People camp for days to witness the lights – to get an unobstructed view of the lights with zero light pollution enhancing the experience, which is literally a jaw-dropping sight. These colourful hues can be seen in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland during the winter season.
An 8 day all-inclusive pack from Iceland cost me around USD 3159, which is not that bad. They covered: Viking Greenland, Narsaq and Qaleraliq Glacier Camp, Ice Cap View, Glacier fronts and excursion on ice, Igaliku and Qooroq Ice Fjord, Tasiusaq, the “Iceberg’s Bay”, Flower Valley and Glacier and finally Reykjavik.
Kayaking and Trekking
Kayaking around the icebergs and glaciers is a unique experience, with high chances of spotting wildlife like Polar Bears, the kings of the snow. No sound pollution or air pollution to spoil the calmness. It’s a feeling of freedom with the sound of the paddles lapping against the water, surrounded by the whiteness of the bergs, under a sky with frozen clouds and just you. Sounds dreamy? You’ll be surprised to know that I booked an all-inclusive 8 day tour from Iceland, that covered an expedition of 100km into the soundless corners of the north.
Camp in the North Pole
What if I tell you that you can camp in the North Pole not the traditional in pioneers-built igloos but the luxurious way with all amenities provided? Imagine waking up in a heated tent and having a hot cup of coffee? It’s a great way to explore the wild side of arctic like explorers did, but unlike them, you’ll take advantage of the modern advancements and comfort that the pioneers didn’t have a hundred years ago. I took on this glamping tour with a customised itinerary and it cost me around USD 1409. Which is not so bad with meals included.
Hiking
Hiking the glaciers is fun and there’s so many tours that expedite different kinds of tours exploring different area. Be it a cave tour or an ice maze, or just exploring a glacier national park, you’ll be spoilt with options. I tried the 3 hour Vatnajökull glacier tour led by Iceland’s ice cave pioneers. For a moment I thought I came to place where Frozen was shot! It costed me USD 173 which was reasonable for the service they provided. Vatnajökull National Park hiking tour was a different experience. Suitable for experienced hikers this tour took us to the ice caps that offered mesmerising panoramic views of the north bergs absorbing the insanely beautiful sunset light.
Full day and Half day tours
While day tours are only practical if you’re at the destination for a short visit, or simple wish to add more fun to your itinerary. There are boating, fishing, 4×4 jeep riding, ice climbing, trekking, sledding, beach and lagoon visiting, helicoptering and many other tours for affordable prices depending on the weather conditions.
Arctic Circle Weather
Arctic has three zones, High Arctic, Low Arctic and Sub Arctic regions, so the weather differs from one region to another. But for you to understand, let’s stick to Arctic Circle weather and how its geographical situation impacts the climate. The climate in these regions are solely influenced by the sun. As you know our earth has a slightly tilted axis which doesn’t affect us in any way but it affects the Arctic regions significantly.
Arctic region experiences long winter and short summers. During winter, there’s little to no solar energy, making the region dark and extremely cold. In contrast, summers experience many hours of sunshine, or even 24-hour daylight, bringing warmth.
The lowest temperature was marked was below – 70 degrees Celsius and it doesn’t go above 10 degrees Celsius above the Arctic Circle even during summer. 6 months of continuous daylight and the next 6 months of darkness, and it only precipitates as snow. The summer months are usually between June and September. Which is the best time to visit the Arctic as the ice starts to thaw. I could hear the thunderous roar of the icefall which sent down chills down my spine, which was a once in a lifetime experience.
- Did you know? The lowest temperature recorded was below 70 degrees in Greenland!
What to pack?
Layering is key to stay warm in any part of the Arctic Region. Carry good quality gloves, thermal innerwear, waterproof fleece jackets and hats, and trekking boots. The solar radiation is harsher in the Arctic circle, so bring sunscreen with an SPF that suits you well. Try to contribute to the Arctic indigenous communities here by donating to trusts that support them. Book your tours and flights in advance. Follow responsible tourism and refrain from littering to protect the Arctic ecosystem.
What is the Arctic known for?
Arctic is commonly known as the region of glaciers. And people often relate it to the extreme weather conditions just like chasing storms. It is famous for being the home place of Santa Claus, which is a child’s tale but it’s a cute myth though. Some people relate it to Polar Bears which is where they live. Scientists usually say the Arctic helps regulate earth’s temperature. It is known to hold 10 percent of world’s fresh water and is believed to have frozen billions of bacteria and viruses not known to people of the current world, which is why the melting of these ice can along unavoidable consequences. My father knew Arctic for the indigenous people who survived in extreme climates, and brings it as a constant example to prove that everything’s possible. What did you know it for?
Conclusion
It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss. Though some may find it as an expensive destination, I still believe its worth it. Thrifty travelers who fancy something within their budget may try the local tours. Best part about it? You’ll be supporting the local economy and also opt for public transport. Everything looks impossible until you get there or cross the Tree-zone. But once you do, you’ll be surprised to see the endless things you can do and witness at this marvelous place on earth. The surreal Northern lights, the resilient indigenous communities, the glaciers and ice bergs that hold secrets of the north and the pristine vastness away from twinkling lights and pollution. I took up the challenge, would you?
