Trip of a lifetime
Planning any trip with children can be a stressful time, so we have introduced this, a regular travel and adventure feature to offer help and advice.
Whether it's a short break in the UK, or a trip of a lifetime, we are here to help you make the right choices. We aim to give you exclusive special offers, traveller tips and helpful hints to help make travelling with children as easy, relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Being a mum myself, with three children under the age of 5, I hope to cover the things you need to know. Each issue will feature a destination or topic that we focus on, so if you have any ideas or need any help or advice, please contact us through travel@familytimemagazine.co.uk or call me, Tracy, on 0800 030 4250.
Lapland
With a trip to Lapland, the fun never stops. You'll arrive at Santa's airport to be met by his very own elves and then taken to the real home of Father Christmas. You will even be provided with an all-in-one thermal suit and boots to keep out the cold (just bring a hat and gloves).
If you are staying for a couple of days, why not bring ski clothing and equipment? Explore the area and try out some different activities or even just play in the snow and build a snowman family.
The day trip is action packed and includes snowmobile rides for the adults, reindeer sleigh rides, exciting husky dog sled ride, arctic circle crossing certificate, souvenier Lapland passport, and a gift for children up to age 15.
The enchanting trip ends with a guided, twilight walk through snow covered woods in search of the man himself, Father Christmas. Every family then has a private audience with Santa in his traditional cabin with a chance to tell him what they'd like for Christmas.
If you want even more magic why not choose a short break to Lapland. There is so much to do from skiing and snow hockey to Lappish lasso throwing – plus a chance to experience up to three snow safaris, travelling though the forests on traditional sleighs pulled by reindeer, a husky safari and a snowmobile safari. The short stay concludes with a festive dinner, a delicious three course meal.
Top tips
Day trips can be very long and exhausting, especially for younger children. You are on the go all day, being moved from one place to the next, without much time to relax and enjoy the magical environment.
The group follows a fairly structured schedule in a tight time constraint to allow everyone to experience the full range of activities.If you do go on a day trip try to encourage children to sleep on the plane on the way there, it is an early start and a late finish.
For children under 7, we recommend a short stay rather than the day trip. There is so much to do that it can be a little too much for them, plus it gives you the chance to avoid the crowded queues and explore things at your own pace and in your own time.
Clothes: It is especially important that you bring a warm hat, scarf and gloves.Thermal underwear, long sleeve vests and long johns are recommended.
Wear lots of thin loose fitting layers so you can add or remove layers as required.
If you are going to take your own footwear you will need thermal or decent walking boots 2 sizes too big to allow for extra socks. Trainers or wellingtons are not sufficient.
Wear a pair of thin gloves under a thicker pair.Denim and polyester are not recommended.
Apply an oil-based moisturiser and lip balm to stop your skin drying out.
Pack spare clothes for everyone in case you get wet playing in the snow.
Snowmobiles: To drive snowmobiles, you will need a full UK driving licence. Children aged three to ten travel in a comfortable sleigh drawn by a qualified guide. Not suitable for children under three years.
Presents: Remember to leave plenty of space in your bag for traditional gifts like colourful woollen four-wind hats, berry jams, candles, trinkets carved from curly birch wood and cuddly toys of all Lapland's beautiful wildlife.
