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5 top tips for seeing the Northern Lights on your family holiday
Here at Activities Abroad we know that think that witnessing the Northern Lights is a real bucket list item for many families, which is why quite a few of our snow holidays include opportunities to witness Mother Nature’s greatest light show!
However, seeing the elusive Aurora isn’t quite as straight forward as simply jumping on a plane to the Arctic and hoping for the best. As with any natural phenomenon there are a few things to bear in mind if you want to give you and your family the best chance of ticking the magical display off your bucket list. That is why we have put together our five top tips to help you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights with your family this winter! Read on to find out more!
What you need to know about the Northern Lights - including why 24/25 is THE time to travel!
It is safe to say that here at Activities Abroad we get very excited about the onset of a new winter season. Not only do the winter months in the Arctic bring with them a host of exciting family activities such as dog sledding and reindeer sleigh rides, they also give our families one of the first opportunities to go in search of the Northern Lights!
The first Auroras of this season were sighted at Brändön Lodge in Swedish Lapland on the 13th August 2024! On the same night the Northern Lights were visible across the UK and at several of our Arctic destinations. We experienced a significant geomagnetic storm in May, followed by another one in mid-August, which is quite a brief interval within the aurora seasons and a clear indication that we are in a solar maximum. If there was ever a perfect time to book a trip to the Arctic to witness the aurora, it's now!
What is Solar Maximum?
For the full scientific explanation please head on over to our sister company - The Aurora Zone which has lots of fascinating scientific articles explaining such as 'What is the Solar Maximum'
In a short (ish!) summary: Since human's earliest fascination with space, and scientists began observing the Sun's activity, it becsme clear that the number of sunspots fluctuates over time. This pattern typically spans about 11 years, though it can extend up to 14 or 15 years, and is known as the Solar Cycle. Within each Solar Cycle, the number of sunspots increases to a peak, called the Solar Maximum, and then decreases to a low point, known as the Solar Minimum.
We are right in the middle of the current solar cycle which in short not only means more frequent but also more spectacular Auroras!
Top 5 experiences to have during your family holiday to Lapland
Though Father Christmas may call it home, when it comes to experiences in Lapland, the man in red has some fierce competition!
Top 5 experiences to have on a Borneo family holiday
Having watched Dame Judi Dench embark on her wonderful adventure to Borneo, we’ve been having some serious wanderlust thoughts about travelling in her footsteps!
Whether it’s sailing from island to island, setting foot in a winter wonderland or tackling ghyll scrambling together as a family, a short break doesn’t mean you have to be short on experiences.
Top 5 family adventures to have in Gozo this summer
You may not have heard of it before but Malta’s sister island is a small but mighty location that’s perfect for your next family adventure. With its impressive coastline, clear waters and rich history, Gozo offers something for the whole family.
Is the temptation of once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences, silky sands and glistening seas making you think about a long-haul holiday for your family? With so many fantastic places to explore, it can be difficult to decide exactly where to go. Take a look below to find out where is best for your family!
We know what you are thinking! It’s not even summer, so why are we discussing the winter season? Well, we’re going to let you into a little secret - now is probably one of the best times of year to begin planning your festive family holiday before our handpicked hotels and flights are all snapped up!
Located just two hours from Croatia’s capital Zagreb, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most spectacular natural sites and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. The park is dotted with 16 stunningly blue lakes, 90 impressive waterfalls, vast forest lands, limestone canyons, and caves carved over thousands of years. It truly is a sight to be seen and well worth a visit for any family!
Following the announcement of the winner of our Junior Expert Writing Competition, we’re thrilled to share the entries from our runners up.
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