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Frequently Asked Questions
 Where is Lapland?
 Lapland is actually a country in itself,it is a region located predominately in the
Arctic Circle - in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and also part of Russia. The holidays with in our site will take you to where Father Christmas lives - that is Finnish Lapland. People there speak Finnish with each other, but many people can speak English. The time is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
 What is the Currency?
 The currency is the Euro, you can use google.co.uk to convert check how many Euros you will get to your Pound? e.g. go to www.google.co.uk and type something like 5 GBP in Euro.  
 How much daylight will there be in December?
 Through December there are four to five hours of daylight hours on average, between the hours of 1000 and 1430. Either side these times it will be as night-time. Click for the Weather in Lapland

Snow ensures a good level of reflection which makes it possible to see where you are walking. The darkness adds to the magical setting of your surroundings and this is emphasised by using the natural light of fires and outdoor candles (where appropriate).
 Clothing?
 Most trips will provide you with a thermal suit for the duration of your stay. Our staff will confirm this for you while booking.
  • Take lots of extra gloves, socks and scarves.
  • 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.
  • Wearing thermal boots two sizes too big allows for extra socks.
  • Wear a pair of thin gloves under a thicker pair.
  • Hot pads, which you insert into your gloves and boots, are also useful protection against the cold.
If you are not provided with boots, you must come equipped with thermal or decent walking boots - neither trainers nor wellingtons are sufficient.
 Are the tours suitable for single parents?
 Our Lapland tours are family-friendly and this, of course, includes one-parent families too.
 Are the tours suitable for infants (children under 2 years)?
 Due to the extreme weather conditions in Lapland we strongly recommend that you do not take infants under 2 on our inc. daybreaks - a great deal of time may be spent outside in extreme arctic conditions.
 Is the trip suitable for disabled or severely ill visitors?
 Finland is a more accessible country than most in this regard, and we have successfully supplied holidays to people suffering from a range of severe disorders on our trips to Lapland, but please note that we do strongly recommend that specialist carers who are experienced in providing expert help (lifting, etc) accompany any disabled travellers. Certain resorts are more suitable than others for physically challenged visitors and you are advised to discuss your needs with our staff before making a reservation.
Additionally you must complete and return to us a checklist prepared by ABTA that fully informs us of your needs.
 Group travel
 If you want to enjoy a day break or short break to Santa’s Lapland in a large party, we have some great deals for group bookings. Telephone us about our generous group booking discounts! In addition, we have great accommodation options that are ideally suited to larger parties.
 What insurance do I require?
 Please note it is essential that your insurance policy covers you for ‘winter sports’ if you are doing any activities such as Skiing, Snowmobiling etc - please ask our staff to clarify this if you are unsure!
 Will we find Santa Claus?
 We all know that the real Father Christmas, though busy, has all the time in the world for children. We are sure to find Santa, but only where - that is the question!
 Will I have the chance to buy some souvenirs?
 Yes!
 Letters to Santa
 As parents know a letter to Santa is an esential piece of the kit when it comes to the mystery of Christmas and Santa. We will advise which trips operate a 'Smuggle' or a 'Naughty and Nice' list at the time of booking. It will also feature in the appropriate trip descriptions. We no longer require you to send them to us.  If your trip does not opperate a letter Santa facility then you can arrange one by clicking here ...
 How much luggage can I take with me?
 If you are on a day trip to Lapland then you can only take hand luggage with you. If you have young children and are carrying things for them as well, try to be sensible about what you bring with you. For those on short breaks, the limit is 20 kilos per person. However as everyone needs lots of warm clothing etc. the limits on hand luggage are not always as strict as on conventional flights.
 How long is the flight?
 Approximately 31/2 hours.
 Is there skiing in Lapland?
 Cross country & downhill skiing is accessible for experienced skiers on 3 or 4 night visits, though limited leisure time will make this difficult for beginners to take a course.
 Is it like visiting an Amusement Park?
 Most certainly not!! If you are seeking commercialisation, lots of artificial electric lighting, these are not the tours for you. Everything is kept as natural as possible. Lighting for example, is by fire and candle, and activity programmes where possible are not at tourist centres.
 Do they speak English?
 Yes Most people speak English
 What are the passport & health requirements?
 We would always recommend checking your own individual situation, however this can be used as a rough guide:-
For British/Irish citizens a full 10 year passport is required for entry into Finland (5 year passport for children, when not included in accompanying parent's passport). Holders of other passport types should seek advice from the nearest Finnish Embassy. Passport should be valid for at least 6 months following the return date from Finland. There are no vaccination requirements imposed by the authorities, however when travelling overseas it is important to advise your doctor of your destination and secure the latest professional advice as to any precautions that may be necessary.

UK Tourist Office
Finnish Tourist Board
P.O. Box 33213
London, W6 8JX
tel: +44 20 8600 5680
e-mail: mek.lon@mek.fi
website: www.visitfinland.com/uk

Embassy
Embassy of Finland
38 Chesham Place
London, SW1X 8HW
tel: +44 20 7838 6200
fax: +44 20 7838 9703
e-mail: mek.lon@mek.fi
website: www.finemb.org.uk
hours: 0900-1200 (Mon-Fri)
 How do we get our prices?
 The prices featured on www.santaclaustrips.co.uk are based on the lead-in brochure price and may require  full occupancy of the accommodation. To obtain an accurate cost including any special offers please call 0141 762 5573 or send an enquiry via the enquiry form.
 Which Tour Companies do we use?
 At Santa Claus Trips we only use Tour Operators that are both ABTA and ATOL Protected such as Transun, Cosmos, First Choice, Thomas Cooks, Esprit Holidays & Inghams Travel.

We do not sell or promote Canterbury Travel.
 
 How do I qualify for a free child place?
 Places are limited and subject to availability.
General rule of thumb for day trips:-
1 Free Child when traveling with three full brochure priced paying passengers.
1 Free place per booking. Over night trips are slightly different and it is advisable to call for the latest availability.
 Where does our trip information come from?
 All the trip information and pictures are taken with permission from our relevent tour operators. 
(First Choice, Transun, Inghams, Esprit, Thomas Cook, Crystal, Scantours, Cosmos) and to the best of our knowledge is correct.  
 Is our online pricing accurate?
 Our online price may vary from time to time as special offers and operators change prices all the time. Please only use it as a rough indication of cost. Its always best for you to send us your enquiry regardless of the online price as we will always e-mail and call you with the most up-to-date prices and special offers.
 Do I have to tip?
 Service charges are normally added to restaurant bills, if so tips are not necessary. Tips are not required for taxis
 What is the Electrical Voltage?
 220V AC 50Hz
Standard European 2 prong travel adapter is required
 What are the rules on drinking?
 Alcohol is freely available in restaurants and bars. Very strict laws against drinking and driving apply. The minimum drinking age is 18 years (wines & liquers), 20 years (strong spirits)
 Special Offers....
 Terms & Conditions apply to all special offers & discounts offered which are generally not combinable. Please ask for details
 Where do we get our facts and figures from?
 We source our facts and figures from, tour operators, www.wikipedia.org, and various tours information websites.
 ABTA and Atol details
 We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. Many of the travel arrangements that we sell are protected in case of the financial failure of the travel company. Please ask us about the protection that applies to your booking.