Lapland: What to Pack
This is one of my most asked questions, so check out this handy, in-depth guide to what to pack. (Note that this is from personal experience and advise, not a definitive guide.)
Essentials: (For those that have thermal suits and boots included in package)
The best thing to keep warm is lots of thin, comfy layers. As many thin layers as you can fit on your body, do! You can always take them off if needed, which you often find happens.
I advise wearing the following in this order:
Base layers (not cotton), then another comfy top, followed by a jumper, then something else such as a hoody that will go over all layers (take with you just in case it's extra cold but probably won’t need to wear)
Thermal leggings, followed by a normal pair of leggings if possible (for females and children), and then some comfy trousers such as joggers. (Jeans are a big no-no unless you're just nipping around the hotel.)
EDIT: Please note that the layers mentioned are for days when it’s very cold, -15 upwards. Some days it can only be -1, so I would adjust accordingly.
✨My tip is to layer up as can always take layers off rather than being cold!✨
Socks: Avoid cotton socks.
Get the woolly bed socks, one pair followed by a pair of thermal ones if possible; if not, just double up on woolly socks ( maybe 3 pairs for kids, again, can take off if needed but nothing worse than frozen toes!)
Gloves: Waterproof gloves or mittens ( I would take a few pairs as they get wet quickly, so can alternate between drying)
I did actually just wear a thick pair of normal touch-screen wool gloves when not playing in the snow. They are very handy if you want to take lots of photos!
Hat/snood/scarf/balaclava: Snoods are a cosier option than a scarf, but both are fine.
Pyjamas: just normal that you would wear at home; the hotels and cabins are very warm, so no need for thick, fluffy ones; you will get too hot. However, take the thick, fluffy ones if you have them to wear as a layer. I buy the Primark ones, which are fabulous. And nobody cares if you whip off your snowsuit and are greeted with Minnie Mouse pyjamas! ( Trust me! )
Clothes for an evening in the hotel—don’t forget your Christmas jumper!
Adapters: don’t forget these! Standard European plus
Your driving license—if you are doing snowmobiles and driving them, you will need it!
Phone charger
Optional but handy:
Hand warmers (I paid 99p for some hand warmers that you just crack and they produce heat; eBay, Amazon, and even home stores do them.) Very handy for trips, such as huskies to put inside children’s gloves.
Hot chocolate: Especially if staying in a self-catering property, we loved sitting in front of the fire with hot chocolate on an evening.
Snacks: I often take crisps, cereal bars, and a few bits with me. Even if half board It's always good to have snacks on hand!
The dreaded Elf! I’m sure most parents are rolling their eyes at the thought of the elf, but the kids love that it follows them there! For those going later in December, you could even leave him there with Santa!
Advent calendars: although kids never mind smashing in a few days worth, it’s nice to have them.
Squeezey small juices—especially for those with younger kids—are a lifesaver. For one, it’s hard to get juice without added sugar, and it also saves you from constantly buying drinks. They are small and weigh nothing, so they are perfect to go in your case.
My best advice is to not overthink it or stress about it. If you can’t purchase thermals or proper ski gear, just take lots of thin, comfy layers. And don’t worry about the cold! The cold is a different type of cold than what we know in the UK. I can’t stand the cold weather here, but it’s totally different there. The kids will be so excited they will hardly feel it, and as adults, you’ll be so mesmerised watching them enjoy it that you won’t care.
So, now that you have an idea of what to pack and bring and are excited to start booking the Christmas holiday of a lifetime, get in touch with our team by clicking here, or check out some amazing deals on our Facebook page.