LAPLAND SPECIALISTS
LAPLAND
It’s more than just a holiday. It’s where Dreams are made
☃️Our Locations ☃️
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Ruka
Embark on a magical Lapland holiday in Ruka, Finland. Witness the Northern Lights, experience exhilarating husky sleigh rides, and meet Santa in his enchanting homeland. Create cherished memories in a winter wonderland that goes beyond the ordinary. Your extraordinary adventure awaits in Ruka.
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Yllas
Elevate your Lapland adventure in Yllas. Revel in exhilarating husky safaris and meet Santa in his Arctic abode. Hit the slopes for world-class skiing, unwind in traditional saunas, and explore the pristine wilderness on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Your Yllas holiday promises a perfect blend of winter wonders and unforgettable experiences.
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Levi
Fly away to a magical family getaway in Levi. Marvel at the captivating Northern Lights, experience the excitement of husky sleigh rides, and meet Santa in his charming homeland. Enjoy family-friendly skiing on pristine slopes, indulge in snow activities like snowmobiling and snowshoeing, and relax in cosy lodges. Levi promises an enchanting mix of Arctic wonders and memorable family adventures for an unforgettable Lapland holiday.
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Rovaniemi
Imagine a place where winter magic is real, the Northern Lights dance overhead, and reindeer roam free—that’s Rovaniemi. Nestled just below the Arctic Circle, this enchanting city offers a perfect blend of wilderness adventure, modern comfort, and fairy-tale charm.
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Pyha
If you're craving pure Arctic wilderness, untouched snow, and peaceful serenity without the tourist crowds, Pyhä is the place. Located just 90 minutes from Rovaniemi, this national park village is a true escape into nature, perfect for both thrill-seekers and soul-searchers.
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Luosto
Looking for a peaceful, magical Arctic getaway without giving up comfort? Luosto is your answer. Tucked away in the pristine Pyhä-Luosto National Park, this charming Lappish village combines breathtaking scenery, authentic culture, and relaxing luxury in one unforgettable destination.
Lapland: What To Pack
❄️ Lapland Packing Guide: What to Bring for the Arctic Adventure of a Lifetime ❄️
One of the questions I get asked the most — “What on earth do I pack for Lapland?” Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered with this handy, down-to-earth guide based on personal experience. It's not a military checklist — just honest, practical advice to help you enjoy the magic without freezing your toes off.
🧳 The Essentials (Especially if your package includes thermal suits & boots)
✨ Layering is everything! The best way to stay warm is lots of thin, comfy layers. Pile them on like a human onion — it’s much easier to take a layer off than wish you had another on.
Here’s my recommended layering order:
Base layer (non-cotton thermal top)
A soft top (like a long-sleeve t-shirt or thermal)
A warm jumper (think fleece or wool)
An extra layer (like a hoodie or thick zip-up — handy for super cold days)
For your bottom half:
Thermal leggings
Optional second layer (leggings again – great for kids and women)
Comfy outer trousers (like joggers or fleece-lined trousers)
❌ No jeans — trust me, they go stiff and cold in Arctic conditions unless you're just lounging at the hotel.
🧊 NOTE: These layers are for the coldest days (-15°C and below). Some days might be milder (-1°C), so just adjust accordingly.
🧦 Socks = Survival
Forget fashion. Warm feet are happy feet.
Avoid cotton. Instead:
Start with woolly bed socks
Add a pair of thermal or ski socks
Double (or even triple!) layer for kids
You can always take a pair off — but frozen toes are hard to fix mid-excursion!
🧤 Gloves & Mittens
Waterproof gloves or mittens are a must (bring a few pairs – they will get wet)
I loved using touchscreen wool gloves when not rolling in the snow — perfect for snapping Northern Lights pics without freezing fingers!
🎩 Hats, Snoods, Scarves, Balaclavas
Snoods are super cosy and stay put
Scarves are fine too — just go for comfort and warmth
A balaclava under your hat is great for face protection in biting winds
🛌 Pyjamas & Evenings In
Cabins and hotels are toasty warm, so stick to your usual jammies
Bring fluffy PJs for lounging or layering under your snowsuit
(Yes, I wore Primark Minnie Mouse PJs under mine — and no one batted an eye!)Don’t forget a Christmas jumper for cosy evenings or festive dinners!
🔌 Tech & Must-Haves
EU plug adapters
Phone chargers
Driving licence (essential for snowmobile adventures!)
❄️ Handy Extras That Make a Big Difference
Hand warmers – great for little fingers inside gloves during husky rides
Hot chocolate sachets – if you're staying self-catering, these = heaven by the fire
Snacks – cereal bars, crisps, biscuits…always useful between meals
Squeezy juice concentrates – especially great for kids; small, light, and sugar-free
Advent calendars – keep the festive spirit going daily
The Elf – yes, even he travels to Lapland! Bonus points if he “stays behind” with Santa 😉
💡 Final Words of Wisdom
✨Don’t stress over packing the “perfect” gear.✨
If you don’t have fancy thermals or ski clothes — just layer up and keep it comfy. Honestly, Lapland cold isn’t like UK cold. It’s dry, crisp, and strangely bearable. You’ll be so wrapped up in the magic (and your layers) that you won’t even notice the chill — and the kids? They’ll be too excited to care.
Now that you know exactly what to pack, all that’s left is to book the Christmas adventure of a lifetime! 🎅🎄
👉 Get in touch with our team here or check out our latest deals on Facebook – we can’t wait to help you make your Lapland dream come true.
❄️𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒❄️ - 𝐁𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐁𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡 & 𝐂𝐨
As owner of this lovely group and a travel agent specialising in Lapland, I thought I would try put together some information that may help others. I have been to Lapland many times,so there isn’t much I don’t know. Myself and my team also do regular training and go to tour operator events. I go out to Lapland every year to keep up to date… although heartbreakingly this year one of the team are going instead…. Not sure if I’ll manage this and not go myself though 😂 I do warn everyone.. it’s so addictive!
With our extensive knowledge, amazing support and around the clock care, we are one of the top uk Lapland specialists and have helped thousands from this group.
We are a fully ABTA & ATOL protected independent travel agent can book any tour operator you find, often cheaper or atleast match, with the best support, advice and guidance you could get. We really know our stuff and we do all holidays all around the world so do keep us in mind for your next holiday or Lapland trip! 🥰
https://www.facebook.com/traveldreamsbyashleigh/
And at the moment the support is so very much appreciated. Booking online isn’t personal, no help from anyone, nobody at the end of the phone 24/7. booking with us is personal, costs you no more and we are always here and on hand. You also help support a small business. We are not just open 9-5!
I will try and put as much info on each area.If there any any further questions or info I may miss, please do ask😊 and for any further information or bookings please get in touch.
❤️𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢
I have been here 7 times. It won my heart from the second I arrived.
It’s magical, beautiful, lots to do, great hotels, lovely restaurants and those that have been I’m sure you’ll agree, just overall, AMAZING 🥰
I love it here as it’s beautiful, magical but still plenty to do. Even after 7 times, 6 of those times for 7 nights, there is still stuff I havnt done.
❄️Stayed : ❄️
Crazy Reindeer
Levi Cottages
Levi Spa
I also whilst there asked to do an agent visit (I’m a bit of a geek like that 😂)
To K5 hotel, Immolmoket cabins & Levi Panorama.
Also had a quick peek at Lapland hotel sirkantähti and Levi suites. Although didn’t get to see the rooms on these.
If asked to pick a favourite I honestly don’t think I could as I loved them for all different reasons, so instead please find the reasons below and hopefully they might help your choice when deciding.
🌟Must do in levi🌟
Arcandia
Hidden cafe
Kids land
Bowling
Elves hideaway
Colorado Grill - they do unusual food aswell as normal like snails which my kids surprisingly actually loved!
Spend some time just flying down all the hills with the free sledges
Waterworld at levi spa
Gondola ride up to panorama hotel for cake
Visit the reindeers at K5 hotel
Pancake house
There are two Santas that I highly recommend, the Arcandia one and elves hideaway. Both are incredible.
Both places are also amazing without seeing Santa, so if you’re seeing him at one place, be sure to still visit the other. There’s lots to do at both. Arcandia has plenty for older children aswell as young, elves I’d say is more under 11, or for any believers.
⭐️𝐑𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐦𝐢
I have also been to Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is very commercial compared to other resorts. It’s one of the most heard of and Santas village also, however for the authentic Lapland experience, it’s my least recommended. I know others that have been to multiple resorts also agree, and the lovely @cassandra who lives in Finland feels the same. It reminded me more of a town/city break which was nice. So imagine a small London meets Lapland. If it’s not your once in a life time trip, wanting to go again just to experience then it’s ideal. But for the once in a life time trip that never happens as you become addicted to going 😂 there are much better resorts.
⭐️𝐄𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐨
I did Enontokio on a day trip. The area is absolutely beautiful. Very remote, very winter wonderland. I did this trip with Transun, who were just perfect. The Santa was INCREDIBLE too. It’s very narnia like, snow and wilderness.
There’s not much there to do but this is perfect for some. Plenty of sledging, snow experiences. You can even cross the boarder into Sweden.
⭐️𝐒𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐤𝐚
Saariselka is did with the wonderful Santas Lapland.
I did both Santas magic and Santas Aurora.
They are both just WOW.
Saariselka is a beautiful resort, remote and tranquil feel but still has lots to do.
It also has the largest toboggan run in Finland, it’s great fun!
Some lovely places to eat, a karaoke bar, bowling, and pool at the holiday club hotel.
Santas Aurora package is by far the most amazing package I have done. It’s more expensive than some but the added detail and extras are so very worth it.
The Artic Star hotel is stunning and the glass igloos for something special are out of this world.
I stayed at the Riekonlina which was basic but nice and great location.
⭐️𝐘𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐬
Yllas is beautiful. Has the really remote and tranquil feel people want but still things to walk to and do.
It is also fab for anyone wanting log cabins on a short duration as it has lots.
The frozen lake with swing is perfect for photos and northern lights spotting.
You can get the ski bus over to the other side which is known as saaga side, here you can take the gondola up to the wooden cafe and have the best mint hot chocolate ever!
The bus also takes you to an area called y1 which the kids can sledge all the way back to the village from.
I stayed in the Yllas log cabins, in Akaslompolo side. They are close enough to the village to walk, scattered round a huge forest area, and you get use of the Akas hotel including pool.
The cabins are lovely, cosy, warm and have a log fire. They also have sledges you can use. ( TIP- take one to the supermarket so you can pull the shopping! )
There are some wonderful places to eat in Akaslompolo side, and a huge supermarket and some lovely little shops.
❤️𝐑𝐮𝐤𝐚/Kuusamo
Ruka is another of my absolute favourite resorts. The Santa is THE Santa, he’s amazing in every way and so is the whole experience.
Like Levi, it has plenty going on but still traditional and authentic. It’s the closest resort to being like Levi.
It’s a lovely village Center with lots of places to eat, some nice shops, a great supermarket, bowling and more.
There’s Rosa and Rudolph park, ski options, you can also get the ski bus to holiday club hotel and enjoy escape room, pool, bowling and the dan indoor angry birds play are. There’s also an Irish bar here to get some food so it’s nice to make a day of it.
I always do ruka for 7 nights aNorthern Lights Expedition Oyd an incredible company here that do great excursions including the most amazing Ice fishing trip, and the ever popular and wonderful northern lights heated sleigh ride! Northern Lights Expedition Oy
This is just one of the most magical things I’ve done.
It’s run by wonderful Sami and Mia who go above and beyond are just incredible people. Many of my customers have used and continue to use them.
⭐️𝐋𝐮𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨
Very quiet and remote resort. Very beautiful, very tranquil. For anyone that has see Gino, Gordon and Fred in Lapland ( if you havnt you must!) the little coffee shop in the woods is here.
⭐️𝐇𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚
A stunning but small resort, a lot of the hotels offer good meal options and lots to do as the area is remote, however very stunning. I only drove round here for a few hours to have a look but was wowed with its beauty.
⭐️𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐬
This is one of the only resort that offer an all inclusive option on the hotel so is perfect for anyone wanting everything included. It is just one tour operator that offer it, and has taster sessions included but is a really good option and way to keep costs down.
The resort its self is very remote, you fly into Kitilla for it.
Anyway, enough from me. Hope you enjoy and it.
Any questions, please ask❤️
And remember to speak to us if you’re looking for your next holiday! 🥰
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Customer Reviews
Claire Louise
Went on a magical trip to Lapland trip using Travel Dreams By Ashleigh and had the best time. All questions answered promptly and was so easy to book. Will definitely be using them again and recommending to friends.
Fiona Grayston
We are back from our dream trip to Lapland booked with Travel Dreams by Ashleigh! The service we received ensured we got exactly what we wanted and nothing was too much bother with my questions and changing mind on things! That’s it now Travel Dreams By Ashleigh and Co will have me booking all my hols with them!
As for lapland all I can say is - magical!
All Locations
Ruka
Levi
Yllas
Phya
Rovaniemi
Kussamo
Saariselka
Kilpisjärvi
Karesuando
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Ashleigh’s personal experience and advice when travelling to Yllas. Everything from travelling with young children to budgeting and things to do