Kuusamo A Magical Search for Father Christmas

Wow. What a brilliant trip. We were initially apprehensive about going on one of these "Lapland" experiences, as a quick search on the internet had rather mixed reviews about the potential experience (notably from other companies!). We didn't want anything tacky, commercial or rushed. We stumbled on the Activities Abroad website and the fact that the holiday only involved small groups, and Kuusamo seemed a smaller and quieter place then some of the other places, made us feel more comfortable. We phoned the helpline to ask a few questions, and were impressed that the phone was answered immediately. The gentleman on the helpline had obviously been on the trip before, and answered all our questions with confidence and ease.

The booking process was straightforward and a small problem with uploading some details via the website was quickly resolved. Timings of the flights were just ideal for travelling with young children. Not overtly impressed with the choice of lunch on the flight. A sandwich or nothing! Can't blame the company for this, as flight with Finair and think they seem to be the only airline, which flies to Kuusamo.

We were met at the airport by our guide and then "met" our elf on the way out of the airport. This fascinated the kids on the trip. I won't spoil all the fun by saying too much, but each day was well thought out to keep the children entertained and surprised. Guides were fantastic and engaging. Snow outfit/boots were great for keeping warm, and I wish we had brought some back with us to the UK! Nothing felt rushed or commercial.

Hotel accommodation was clean and comfortable. Swimming pool a good bonus to keep children entertained in the evening, as well as the playroom, bar games, ten-pin bowling, and of course the snow! Only slight issue at the hotel was that it wasn't obvious that there was a specific menu at dinner we could choose from if you didn't fancy the buffet. A quick chat at reception resolved the confusion.

Meeting Joulupukki (Father Christmas) on the penultimate day was really a fantastic experience. We had a whole day of fun and games, with an amazing slope to go sledging down. Best Xmas Turkey I have ever eaten!

I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip and this travel company to others (we already have!)

Caroline, Nick & Thomas.

Caroline Baker - Feb 12

Tromsø and the Fjords The Aurora Heartlands

We have just returned from a 4 night Activities Abroad all action trip to Tromso Norway (28th dec to 1st Jan 2011). After a pick up hiccup .All was quickly sorted and we were ready for adventure, and THAT was certainly what we got! Fantastic Snowmobiling, night time snow shoes, a night in a log cabin at Camp Tamok, Reindeer ride and finally an exhausting husky dog sledding adventure. All organised expertly by Lyngesfjord Adventure.

Our hotel - The Grand Nordic was ideally located in Tromso, staff were very helpful and friendly, The rooms were well equipped and clean, breakfasts were great and coffee was hot!

Four nights was just NOT enough, We will definitely recommend Activities Abroad to others and we will be booking another trip ourselves.

One thing to note if going over New Year....... Tromso is SHUT! We got back from sledding at 4pm. All shops and nearly all restaurants and bars including our hotel were closed NYE (fri) NY day (sat) and also on the Sunday! Even the Cinema!

Sally Whitlam - Jan 11

Luosto Searching for the Aurora Borealis

Even though we didn't see the Northern Lights because of nearly continuous cloud, the activities and the hotel more than made up for it. It was a truely excellent experience and would strongly recommend it. The holiday stretched our experiences and we certainly want to go back and do more. The guides were excellent and the Hotel was also excellent. Not had such a good holiday for a while!

Michael Holmes - Jan 12

Luosto Searching for the Aurora Borealis

This was to be the trip of a lifetime - see the Northern Lights and embark on totally new activities for two people well passed retirement age!!

It did not disappoint! The holiday was awesome. We stayed at the Aurora Chalet Hotel which ticked all the right boxes.

The Snow Games activity guides were amazing as were the organised activities. We did them all and have the photographs to prove it!

We even saw the Nothern Lights on two occasions - Monday and the Saturday. Spectacular. You have to be prepared to stand around in the freezing night air but with the excellent thermal suits they provide, plus our own layers, we were like toast!!

Certainly a trip to remember for a long, long time. In fact, we are trying to see if we can manage another trip - this time to see the lights dance!

Gillian Rodway - Jan 12

Nellim Winter in the Wilderness

Overall Holiday Rating: Excellent. It was all fantastic - a stunning holiday with outstanding local support. Jouko and his team were fantastic. This was our best holiday ever.

Gerry Fletcher - Mar 10