Jetsettersblog

From Taber Holidays As Massive Solar Storm Creates Heightened Interest In The Aurora
Everyone is talking about the Northern lights, with some of the most amazing displays of aurora activity seen in recent years over the skies of Norway, and as far south as the UK, thanks to last week’s solar storm. If seeing the Northern Lights is on your wish list, then there really is no better time. Taber Holidays are offering a special one-off itinerary to the Lofoten Islands in Norway next month to take advantage of this unique period of solar activity.

The four-night Lofoten Islands & Northern Lights break departs on February 23rd and costs £1,432pp or £526pp for children under 12 sharing their parents’ room. As well as focusing on the awe-inspiring aurora borealis, the trip also takes a close look at culture, history and nature. Included in the price is an excursion to the Polarlight Centre at Laukvik for a multi-media presentation about the aurora, followed by a Northern Lights walk on the beach. A further excursion offers guests a short photography course in how to capture the best Northern Lights images and a storytelling session around an open fire about the many fascinating myths and legends associated with the aurora.

NASA experts predict 2012 will present the best Northern Lights activity for more than 50 years, and if January is anything to go by then the rest of the winter months will offer something truly magnificent.

The Lofoten Islands and The Northern Lights – From £1,432pp – A four-night break to Lofoten in Norway costs £1,432pp for adults or £526 for children under 12 sharing their parents’ room. The price includes direct flights from London Gatwick to Evenes, transfers, accommodation, full board and a number of excursions.

For more information or to book, call Taber Holidays on 01274 875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

As Helsinki gears up for its tenure as World Design Capital in 2012, leading lights from the worlds of art and business are turning their attention to Finnair and Finland’s unique design heritage. “With 10 destinations in Asia and more than 60 direct connections with the rest of Europe, for many Design Capital visitors their initial flight to Helsinki with Finnair will be their first experience of Finnish design,” says Jarkko Konttinen, Finnair’s Vice President of Brand & Marketing. “We look forward to giving them a great first impression.

Helsinki really is emerging as a nexus of creativity and cultural exchange, at the heart of a New Silk Road between East and West that Finnair is proud to help build.”Finnair has been a cornerstone of Finland’s design heritage since the company’s founding in 1923, integrating design principles and the work of top Finnish designers in its cabin environment and service identity.

Finnair’s latest renewal of its visual look and service culture is in keeping with its progressive yet timeless tradition of customer-focused design.New uniforms for cabin personnel, created by renowned clothing, jewelry and home designer Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen, will be coming into everyday use on all Finnair aircraft starting December 2011. “It is a great privilege to be able to provide my own expertise to this uniform renewal,” Pohjalainen says. “The most important thing is to observe the needs and functionality of the uniform while not forgetting the visual image.”

The uniforms fulfill rigorous ergonomic and safety requirements while also expressing a uniquely fresh and Nordic identity.Finnair has also begun renewing its overall service design in a process led by Kati Lehesmaa, VP of Customer Experience Design. Lehesmaa, a former cabin attendant herself, is managing a long-term shift in service culture called Peace of Mind. Her team started by mapping the entirety of the consumer aviation experience and identifying customers’ most crucial encounters with staff.

“The work involves a lot of collaborative feedback from customers, employees and partners in order to create something new,” Lehesmaa explains. “Thinking about service from a design point of view enables us to put a quality, human experience first over mere process.”The World Design Capital is a project by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of cities that have used design as a tool to reinvent themselves and improve social, cultural and economic life.

Helsinki’s Design Capital year will feature design-oriented events and experiences programmed both for local citizens and international visitors, intended to stimulate further discussion and awareness of the social role of design in everyday life. Turin, Italy (2008) and Seoul, Korea (2010) are the previous design capitals.

Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts, is introducing three new Baltic itineraries this summer on the 312-guest Wind Surf. All three itineraries feature two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights in embarkation or disembarkation port cities.

“Capitals of Scandinavia” allows guests to experience the beauty, culture and city life of Scandinavia. They can explore Oslo’s parks and architecture; the palaces, canals and copper spires of Copenhagen; and the contrast of minimalist design and spice-colored buildings of Stockholm. Seven-day sailings between Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden visit Stromstad, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark (overnight); Rugen, Germany; and Bornholm, Denmark, and depart July 27 and August 19, 2012. Two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo or Stockholm, are priced from $2,799 per person.

“Best of the Baltic” features an overnight in St. Petersburg. Wind Surf docks close to the center of each port—just steps away from the grand capitals and hamlets. Guests can explore the treasures of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage and the city’s charming cafes.

Seven-day sailings roundtrip from Stockholm, Sweden visit Mariehamn, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Sandhamn, Sweden, with departures Aug. 3 and 11, 2012.

Cruises, including two free hotel nights per cabin in Stockholm, start from $3,699 per person.

“Treasures of Northern Europe” features three sailing days, plus the best of Northern Europe and overnights in Oslo and Amsterdam.

Guests can explore Northern Europe’s legendary cities and stand in the presence of some of the world’s great art masterpieces.

Eleven-day sailings between Lisbon, Portugal and Oslo, Norway visit Le Havre, France; Dover, Great Britain; Antwerp, Belgium; and Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight), with departures July 16 and Aug. 26, 2012.

Cruises with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Lisbon or Oslo, start from $2,499 per person. Seven-day sailings, LeHavre to Oslo or reverse, are also available from $2,199, with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo.

All fares are per person cruise only, based on double occupancy in category B and include non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional ($35-$300 per person).

Two-for-one cruise fares are based on 50 percent of published full cruise fares as shown on select sailings. The two-night complimentary hotel offer is available per booked cabin, is applicable on select sailings and includes one complimentary transfer to or from the yacht, all tips, gratuities, taxes and luggage-handling fees.

The only indigenous people in the EU area, the Sámi, are getting their own cultural center in Inari, Finnish Lapland. The Sami Cultural Centre Sajos opened on Jan. 2 to become the headquarters for Sámi culture and administration. The purpose of Sajos is to preserve and develop Sámi culture and the variety of Sámi languages, to create better possibilities for Sámi business ventures and to manage their cultural self-government.

Sajos is the new home of the Finnish Sámi Parliament and a bastion of multiculturalism. The center aims to actively communicate on all issues concerning the Sámi. Sámi traditions run deep in their native area, which covers largely the northern parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. Traditional sources of livelihood include reindeer herding, hunting, fishing and handicraft.

The Sámi are known for their mythical tales and a belief in everything having a soul. Sámi shamanism is a well-known concept in Finland. According to Sámi legend, the Northern Lights are caused by a fox running across the Arctic who falls and lights up the sky with sparks flying from its tail whirling up the snow. The modern Finnish term “revontulet,” meaning “the fox’s fires,” derives from this myth. For more information, email siida@samimuseum.

Finnish Lapland is maybe best known as a winter wonderland with reindeers, beautiful nature and – of course – Santa. Less known is summertime in Finnish Lapland and in particular it’s festivals. The Midnight Sun Film Festival, LuostoClassic, Pyhä Unplugged and RuskaSwing are all located just near the Pyhä-Luosto holiday resort and the Pyhä-Luosto National Park in in the middle of Finnish Lapland.

These festivals combine Finnish originality, world class performances and breathtaking surroundings above the Arctic Circle and under the Midnight Sun. The unique atmosphere of these festivals annually attracts internationally accomplished performers.

LuostoClassic is Finland’s most unique classical music festival

One of Lapland festivals is LuostoClassic, a classical music event, which breaks all boundaries. The festival brings the finest artistic experiences to nature, held in three unique outdoor venues: Ukko-Luosto by the Luostotunturi fell, Aittakuru, an open-air amphitheatre formed by an ancient glacial river and Ahvenlampi with it´s scenic lake.

The main guest orchestra in LuostoClassic festival 2012 will be the world-famous BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, which visits in Finland for the first time. The other performers in LuostoClassic are classical percussion specialist Colin Currie and young Finnish accordinist Heidi Luosujärvi. The BBC Philharmonic will perform the percussion concerto composed by Kalevi Aho with Colin Currie as a soloist. Lapland Chamber Orchestra with Colin Currie as a soloist will also premiere the piano concerto by acclaimed composer Dave Maric.

The Artistic Director of LuostoClassic is Finnish conductor John Storgårds, who is widely recognised for his creative flair. Storgårds is Chief Conductor of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Artistic Director of Lapland Chamber Orchestra and from the beginning of the year 2012 Principal Guest Conductor of BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Introduction of the festivals

Midnight Sun Film Festival, Sodankylä 13th – 17th June 2012

The atmosphere of the Midnight Sun Film Festival in Sodankylä is unrivalled. Under the Midnight Sun visitors can come face to face with some of the most famous film directors in the world, rising stars in the film business, an international audience, and the man in the street in a comfortable, warm setting.

This festival is best characterised by a sheer love for cinema! On display are works of the true masters from different eras, gems of the modern cinema, and thrilling silent film presentations accompanied by live music. Previous guests of honour at the festival include Samuel Fuller, Terence Davis, Milos Forman, Terry Gilliam, and Francis Ford Coppola.

Members of the 2012 Sodankylä Midnight Sun Film Festival Film Committee are Peter von Bagh, Aki Kaurismäki, Mika Kaurismäki, and Timo Malmi.

Pyhä Unplugged 2nd – 5th August 2012

The most enjoyable semi-acoustic music event of the summer takes place in the breathtaking surroundings of Pyhätunturi where it brings Finland’s leading artists and groups to the stage. Music lovers enjoy the music in the heart of a unique natural setting, in Aittakuru and Tajukangas, where campfires and the surroundings add flavour to the diverse musical line-up.

Artistic Director of the festival is Mato Valtonen, who brings new and surprising elements to the programme each year, guaranteeing the event’s diversity.

LuostoClassic 9th – 12th August 2012

LuostoClassic is a different kind of classical music festival. It brings classical music and the world’s best orchestras out into the fells, close to the people. Luosto Classic’s concert halls are places where the soul can rest, even without music. In the Ukko-Luosto Concert Hall, the audience is surrounded by eight stages, totally in the heart of the music. Deep in a ravine formed by an ancient glacial river at the edge of a pond lies the Aittakuru theatre, where top musicians play to the audience seated high above the stage. The clear waters of Ahvenlampi carry even the smallest sounds for the enjoyment of the audience gathered at the water’s edge.

The orchestra and programme selections of the event’s Artistic Director, John Storgårds, simultaneously show his uncompromising artistic approach and his love of Lapland. Kalevi Aho, the Luosto Symphony composer, has been involved in creating a unique festival every year.

Ruska Swing 13th – 15th September 2012

Ruska Swing is a jazz festival following the more traditional forms of the jazz genre. Other forms of lively music are also on the programme. The majority of the festival’s concerts take place on Pyhätunturi, with spectacular venues. Small and big restaurants, the atmospheric Kappeli and Aittakuru – a natural amphitheatre with dramatic acoustics. All this takes place against the backdrop of the autumnal colours of some of Lapland’s most beautiful fells.
Antti Sarpila, one of Finland’s best-known swing jazz musicians, is the festival’s Artistic Director. Next autumn’s events feature some of the foremost Finnish musicians of both blues and traditional jazz.

Introduction of the Pyhä-Luosto area

The Pyhä-Luosto area comprises of two fell resorts in the middle of Finnish Lapland (a mere 90 minutes north of the Arctic Circle).
At Pyhä-Luosto you can be active all year round. Choices for summer adventures include hiking up to Amethyst Mine or trekking in the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, canoeing, fishing, bicycling, swimming and relaxing at the cultural festivals are all also organised in the area.

Recruited by Finnair and Helsinki Airport, seven Quality Hunters have spent the last five weeks combing the world’s four corners in search of ground-breaking solutions for an improved air travel experience. Now Finnair and Helsinki Airport are giving the public the opportunity to submit their ideas for shaping the future of international air travel.

Meat-free Mondays, in-flight karaoke, virtual chess games and airport speed dating are just a few of the ideas submitted to Finnair and Helsinki Airport for consideration by air travel enthusiasts around the world. In their latest initiative to develop the customer experience and the role of Helsinki Airport as a central hub for travelers between Europe and Asia, Finnair and Helsinki Airport are actively encouraging creativity by offering prizes for the most innovative submissions for improving their service. Both companies are committed to implementing the most feasible and outstanding ideas.

“Our aim is to make air travel as convenient and pleasurable as possible by actually changing things. We are inviting people to share their innovative ideas and encourage out-of-the-box thinking and active discussion,” said Johanna Metsälä, Helsinki Airport’s customer experience manager, and Antti Nieminen, Finnair’s marketing innovations director.

The original seven Quality Hunters will be joined by Dutch Arjan Tupan as they begin their final week of travel. The 38-year-old entrepreneur who resides in Latvia was selected by the original Quality Hunters for his active participation on the Quality Hunters’ blogs and other social media. For his first assignment as Quality Hunter, Tupan will be flying to Stuttgart.

Finnair and Helsinki Airport emphasize that the initiative is open to all passionate air travelers willing to share their ideas and see concrete changes in the nature of air travel. For more information or to submit ideas, visit www.qualityhunters2.com

Baltic Holidays are offering a City and Spa package for £615 per person in Estonia this winter.

Stay in Tallinn, 2011 European City of Culture, and combine this with a stay in a Manor House Spa complex deep in the Estonian Countryside.

The deal includes flights, all transfers, 2 nights in the 4 star Von Stackelburg Hotel in Tallinn, on a bed and breakfast basis with one evening meal, and ice skating in Tallinn Old Town.

An hour’s transfer to the 4 star Vihula Manor in Northern Estonia, sees 3 nights on a half board basis sampling fine cuisine every night in their restaurant , and then the chance to burn it off with ice skating, Nordic Sticks and cross country skiing all included in the price, and a 90 minute massage to finish off.

An ideal winter experience for those wanting some winter exercise combined with culture and cuisine

Available from the 24th November through to 31st March 2012

All this from £615 per person including flights, from a number of Uk airports.”

www.balticholidays.com  Tel : 0161 860 5248

Finnair is now offering low roundtrip fares to some holiday hot spots in Europe from JFK International Airport. Finnair’s Winter Fares start at $579, from New York to Moscow, and are valid for travel from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 2012. Finnair flies the shorter northern route via Helsinki, offering passengers comfortable flights, convenient schedules, excellent service, and an extensive European route network. For more information, visit www.finnair.com

Tweet: Hurtigruten’s 12-Day “Opera Under the Arctic Sky”

Returns for 3rd Year – Book by Dec. 31 for 10% Savings; http://tinyurl.com/3do8kgj

For the third year in a row, Hurtigruten is offering a music lover’s dream with the 12-day “Opera Under the Arctic Sky” voyage, which features a diverse program of performances by soloists and musicians from the National Norwegian Opera – with 10% savings available on bookings made by Dec. 31, 2011.

Guests have the chance to experience distinctive musical events on land and sea daily, all set against an ever-changing landscape of majestic fjords, snow-capped peaks and charming fishing villages that hug the coast, with the possibility of the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky.

Reduced fares for the Jan. 6 departure range from $1,992 to $6,900 per person, double, and include accommodation, meals and cultural and musical programs on board; regular fares are $2,203 to $7,657. Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club, a loyalty club for those who have previously sailed on Hurtigruten, receive 10% off of the voyage as well as a range of complimentary onboard benefits.

After departing Bergen on a round-trip voyage along Norway’s stunning fjord-indented west coast, guests on board the 646-passenger MS Trollfjord are privy to a welcome concert in the Panorama Lounge.

The following days are filled with performances by renowned musicians and on-board concerts with popular pieces from operas, operettas and musicals, including an evening concert under the Arctic sky.

Optional activities and concerts onshore include a concert in the breathtaking Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø; a North Cape excursion across the 71st parallel followed by a performance in the North Cape Hall; a New Year’s concert at the Tromsø Kulturhus; and a performance at Svolvær in Lofoten.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast and Europe in the spring and fall.

The company’s fleet of 13 intimate ships, with 151 to 646 berths, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.

Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten’s visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us

or by phone: (877) 301-3117; fax (888) 524-2145;

for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

Hurtigruten is offering early-booking savings of up to 20 percent off on five 10- to 19-day Antarctic voyages when booked by Dec. 31.

Reduced pricing for the cruises, which operate from November 2012 through February 2013, range from $5,567 to $13,719 per person, double, and includes accommodation in cabin or suite of choice, flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Ushuaia transfers, all meals onboard, guides and lecturers, wind and water-resistant coat, and numerous PolarCirkel boat landings.

The 17-day “Christmas Expedition” celebrates the season during a roundtrip voyage from Buenos Aires to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and several ports in Antarctica.

Prices for the Dec. 17 departure range from $8,257 to $13,719 with savings.

The 13-day “Polar Circle Expedition” and the 10-day “Classic Expedition” focus solely on Antarctica.

The “Polar Circle Expedition” spends its extra days traveling as far south as the Antarctic Circle, departing Feb. 1, 2013, with discounted prices of $7,366 to $12,743.

Reduced rates for the “Classic Expedition” range from $5,567 to $9,814 for five departures between Nov. 29, 2012, and Jan. 11, 2013.

The 13-day “Weddell Sea Expedition” follows the path forged by British Capt. James Weddell, who reached 74º latitude in 1823. The Jan. 20 sailing is $7,366 to $12,743.

The 19-day “In the Realm of the Great Explorers” explores the same areas visited by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton.

In addition to Antarctica, the voyage includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, home to the largest king penguin colony in the world. The Feb. 22 departure is priced from $5,940 to $11,618.

The cruises are operated by the Fram, which normally accommodates 318 guests, but limits capacity at 200 passengers for the Antarctica sailings. For more information, call 877-301-3117 or visit www.hurtigruten.us