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

PlanetWildlife.com, a leading provider of diverse wildlife travel and tours around the world, presents Wildlife’s Hot Spots for 2012 – a month-by-month directory of what’s happening and when – and itinerary suggestions to inspire nature lovers to experience some of the seminal seasonal events of the natural world. To explore all the ideas and options available, visit PlanetWildlife’s Calendar presented on the website under ‘Travel’…..itineraries are all-inclusive from point of departure but do not include international flights.

January – India
January is the breeding season for the green sea turtles around the Galapagos Islands – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour – is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594 per person (pp)
This is also an excellent time of year to go tiger spotting in India when the clement weather facilitates close study of these rare and endangered big cats – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-kanha-and-bandhavagarh – a six day safari itinerary including elephant rides in Central India priced at £756/US$1,180pp

February – Nepal
February is a good time to go trekking in Nepal with better than usual odds of spotting the famed Bengal Tiger – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/chitwan-explorer  is a nine-day itinerary in Chitwan National Park priced at £1,465/US$2,287pp. This is also an ideal month for tracking the rare and beautiful snow
leopard in nearby Ladakh, India – visit www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/snow-leopard-experience  for a 13-day trekking adventure priced at £2,163/US$3,377pp.

February also sees the gathering of hundreds of thousands of spectacular pink flamingos on Lake Nakuru in Kenya, Africa – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp.

March – the Arctic
When the days start to lengthen and become milder in the Arctic region, this is an ideal time to spot Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – and a cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this natural wonder – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/lofoten-aurora-borealis through Norway is an eight-day journey on the schooner ‘Noorderlicht’ priced at £1,979/US$3,090pp.

April – Galapagos
April presents another excellent opportunity to go bird-watching in Galapagos where enthusiasts can spot blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gullies, frigate birds and red-billed tropic birds amongst others. www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/galapagos-island-hopping-tour is a five-day itinerary priced at £1,661/US$2,594pp).

May – India – Ladhak and Karnataka
In India, the weather is perfect for an extensive trek around Ladhak in the Himalayas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/amazing-leh-community-service-trek – presents an unusual 13-day itinerary and the opportunity to become involved in local community service in the villages of Spango Valley while learning about and tracking the elusive snow leopard – priced at just £569/US$888pp.

This is also an opportune month to visit Karnataka in India and the Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, the natural habitat of Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants and hyenas – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/classic-explorer-karnataka  is a five-day itinerary including the fascinating cities of Bangalore and Mysore and priced at £1,330/US$2,076pp.

June – Rwanda
Head to Rwanda this month to witness a unique baby gorilla naming ceremony, “KwitaIzina” – an annual ceremony attended by hundreds of local villagers but international visitors are also welcome – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/gorillas-wildlife-and-chimpanzees is a comprehensive seven-day adventure through some of Uganda’s best national parks of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi and is priced at £4,457/US$6,958pp.

July – Costa Rica and Brazil
Latin America is the destination to head for this month to spot the endangered green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beautiful Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. The park is also home to manatees, crocodiles, tropical gar, jaguars, sloths and basilisks, amongst other exotic wildlife – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/forests-and-volcanoes-costa-rica  is a 15-day excursion round Costa Rica and the Caribbean priced at £3,662/US$5,717pp.

Alternatively, in Brazil’s Pantanal area this is the best time of year for jaguar sightings and for close study of many other endangered species including the hyacinth macaw and the maned wolf – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/voyage-heart-amazon  is an eight-day voyage to the heart of the Amazon and is priced at £2,940/US$4,590pp

August – Kenya
Head to Kenya this month to be amongst the first to witness one of nature’s greatest shows – the annual Great Migration sees thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras make a dash across the Mara River risking death from predators such as the crocodile – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/simba-safari  is a seven-day safari priced at £2,027/US$3,164pp

September – Botswana
This is an ideal time to ravel to Botswana and explore the wilderness of Chobe National Park and the Okavango delta and take in the full majesty of the famed Victoria Falls – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/best-botswana-chobe-and-okavango  is an eight-day itinerary commencing in Maun and finishing at the Victoria Falls prices at £2,664/US$4,159pp

October – Madagascar
During this dry month off the coast of Africa, lemurs are particularly active and playful on the island of Madagascar – www.planetwildlife.in/travel/itineraries/magical-madagascar  is an exciting eight-day adventure combining lemurs and bird-watching as well as interaction with tribal villagers and is priced at £1,713/US$2,674pp.

November – the Falkland Islands

Head to the bottom of the world to the Falkland Islands (classified under the Antarctic zone) to watch five different species of penguins breed at this special time: the King, Rockhopper, Gentoo, Magallanic and Macaroni penguins – the islands also present a chance to spot the rare black-browed albatross – www.planetwildlife.com/travel/itineraries/antarctic-peninsula-weddell-see-falkland-islands  is a 14-day cruise from Ushuaia in Argentina to the Falklands priced at £8,995/US$14,041pp

December – Sri Lanka
In southern Sri Lanka, this is the best time of year to spot one of the natural wonders of the world – the Blue Whale….nowhere else do they come as close to the land as they do near the coast of Sri Lanka. The www.planetwildlife.com/trave/itineraries/blue-whale-and-leopard-experience  is a nine-day itinerary commencing in Colombo which combines blue whale and dolphin spotting with safaris in Yala, home to elephants and leopards – priced at £2,520/US$3,934pp.

For further information, please visit www.planetwildlife.com  or contact a PlanetWildlife office (listed on the website). PlanetWildlife is as a leading international provider of diverse wildlife and safari tours with over 300 creative itineraries in 26 countries around the world catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.

About PlanetWildlife:

PlanetWildlife is an international travel company based in India with sales offices in UK, India, Australia, Hong Kong and Sweden. It is backed by highly successful entrepreneurs and managed by a professional team who are passionate about wildlife and have been involved in a variety of nature conservation activities over the years. The www.PlanetWildlife.com website features over 300 itineraries to Africa, India, and South America comprising a diverse range of photography safaris, hiking expeditions and bird-watching adventures, including ocean cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.

Most tours offer daily departure dates and each is well-organised, competitively priced, environmentally responsible and tailored to suit the requirements of group or individual travellers. In all instances they are led by highly qualified and experienced leaders. Respected travel industry professionals and wildlife experts work in consultation with PlanetWildlife and are instrumental in designing each themed itinerary Via the website, a comprehensive and continuously expanding reference library on species and destinations is readily accessible and is regularly updated to ensure its usefulness to travellers, students, wildlife enthusiasts and bloggers.

PlanetWildlife is committed to responsible tourism, and in particular: minimising negative environmental impact; contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritages and embracing diversity; providing rewarding experiences for visitors through meaningful interaction with local communities to the economic benefit of those communities; and promoting a greater understanding and respect for local cultural, social and environmental issues. It is part of PlanetWildlife’s corporate policy to fund selected awareness drives and wildlife conservation programmes and welcomes suggestions from the public in this regard.

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.

Exclusive Savings for Returning Guests – 1893 Ambassador Club Members Save up to 20%

Tweet: Hurtigruten Celebrates the MS Finnmarken’s Return with Exclusive Savings for 1893 Ambassador Loyalty Club Members; www.hurtigruten.us

New York, NY – Award-winning cruise-company Hurtigruten is celebrating the return of the newly-refurbished MS Finnmarken to its Norwegian Coastal Voyage itineraries for 2012 – and inviting previous Hurtigruten guests to return as well, with exclusive savings of up to 20%. Designed in an Art Nouveau style reminiscent of the original MS Finnmarken (built in 1912), this 628-berth ship is outfitted with lounges, bars and bistro, conference facilities, fitness room, sauna, swimming pool, and outside Jacuzzis. After spending two years as a hotel ship in Australia, the MS Finnmarken will once again join the fleet of 11 Hurtigruten ships offering six to 12-day itineraries along Norway’s spectacular west coast, sailing to 34 ports between the cultural center of Bergen and Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle. The voyages offer guests a unique glimpse into Norwegian culture – Viking history and myth, the midnight sun, the Northern Lights, stunning fjords and rare glimpses of wildlife at every turn – as well as an exciting array of optional excursions to help personalize the voyage. Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club, a free loyalty club for guests who have sailed a minimum of three nights on any Hurtigruten ship in the past, save up to $2,290 on bookings made by Feb. 29, 2012 for specific voyages between Jan. 1 and May 16, 2012. Discounted fares range from $930 to $9,158 (regularly priced $1,163 to $11,448); higher prices are for suites.

Hurtigruten’s modern fleet visits 34 unique ports of call as it sails the 1,250 miles between Bergen and Kirkenes, a an itinerary named the “world’s most beautiful voyage” by Lonely Planet’s “Bluelist.” Guests take in an ever-changing landscape of small fishing villages in the rugged Lofoten Islands; Art Nouveau Alesund, the medieval Viking capital of Trondheim; and Tromsø, which was recently selected by Frommer’s Guide as a Top 10 Cruise Destination 2012.

Optional excursions provide guests with the opportunity to customize the cruise experience: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geiranger Fjord praised by National Geographic; a journey across the 71st parallel to the North Cape, home to grazing reindeer and the indigenous Sami people; and the Lofotr Viking Feast, which immerses guests in Viking culture with a visit to the Viking museum and a real Viking feast, complete with home-brewed mead. Guests are encouraged to book optional excursions prior to departure as space can be limited.

Rates are subject to availability and include accommodations in cabin or suite of your choice; full board; and entrance to the Hurtigruten Museum (on six-, 11- and 12-day options). International flights, optional excursions and fuel surcharges are additional.

The 1893 Ambassador Club loyalty discount reward can be combined with Early-Booking fares and other selected discount programs. Membership in the program is free of charge and its included discounts are for the cruise component only. Guest who have already cruised can join by visiting www.hurtigruten.us/1893 or calling 877-301-3059; new travelers can join the program while onboard their voyage or after returning home.

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.

Numbeo.com’s cost of living survey for 2012 was conducted by more than 23,000 contributors who entered more than 241,000 prices.

The most expensive cities (excluding rent) are Trondheim and Stavanger in Norway, followed by Zurich in Switzerland.

Based on 45 goods and services, Numbeo.com’s cost of living survey for the beginning of 2012 was conducted by more than 23000 independent contributors who entered more than 241,000 prices.

The most expensive cities (excluding rent) are Trondheim and Stavanger in Norway, followed by Zurich in Switzerland.

In Numbeo’s survey, New York is used as the base city for the index and scores 100 points, all cities are compared against New York and currency movements are measured against US Dollar and EURO.

Tokyo (Japan) scores 135.23 points and is nearly three times as costly as Manila (Philippines) with 47.34 points.

In the 2012, the most expensive cities (excluding rent) are:

- Trondheim, Norway (188.91)
- Stavanger, Norway (171.32)
- Zurich, Switzerland (152.84)
- Oslo, Norway (152.03)
- Geneva, Switzerland (146.24)
- Bern, Switzerland (142.44)
- Lucerne, Switzerland (139.94)
- Perth, Australia (139.63)
- Bergen, Norway (138.79)
- Tokyo, Japan (135.23)
- Sydney, Australia (132.39)
- Adelaide, Australia (129.60)
- Monaco, Monaco (128.15)
- Copenhagen, Denmark (123.82)
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom (122.52)
- Melbourne, Australia (121.53)
- Dublin, Ireland (119.56)
- London, United Kingdom (118.52)
- Arhus, Denmark (115.96)
- Canberra, Australia (115.89)

For complete rankings please visit http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings.jsp 

Numbeo.com is the biggest free Internet database about the cost of living worldwide.  Cut down your travel risks with Seven Corners trip cancellation insurance at www.sevencorners.com

Hurtigruten Deploys Extra Ship To Meet Growing Demand In Spitsbergen

Captivated by the BBC’s Frozen Planet documentary that everyone is talking about? Fancy a trip to the frozen north next summer to see more of the landscape and wildlife of Spitsbergen? Polar experts Hurtigruten have just announced that they will be sending an extra ship to Spitsbergen next summer to meet the substantial increase in interest it is experiencing in the region which has been given a high profile recently following Prince Harry’s Arctic expedition and current Frozen Planet TV programme. Book by 31 January to receive 10% off!

Between June and August 2012, Hurtigruten will send MS Nordstjernen up to Spitsbergen to travel the west coast of the island for a total of 21 five and six day itineraries. This nostalgic ship is well known in the Svalbard Archipelago having sailed there between 1994 and 2009 and for many, exploring this frozen landscape and reaching the 80th parallel on a traditional ship is a perfect combination. Between 2009 and spring 2012 Nordstjernen has sailed along the Norwegain coast. Hurtigruten’s newest ship MS Fram will continue to sail the summer in Spitsbergen also.

Spitsbergen lies just 1200km from the North Pole and is home to the King of the Arctic – the Polar Bear. On the journey through the light polar night in the north of the archipelago guests visit interesting settlements including the Russian coal mining town of Barentsburg and the Ny Ålesund research station, as well as excursions to fascinating glaciers and landscapes.In favourable weather conditions, the ship reaches the 80th parallel.An encounter with polar bears is one of the highlights of the trip alongside walruses, arctic sea birds and of course the Midnight Sun.

POLAR ENCOUNTERS VOYAGE – From £1614pp – A five-night ‘Polar Encounters’ voyage to Spitsbergen on selected dates in June, July and August costs from £1614 per person including four night’s full board on the ship, one night’s b/b in a Longyearbyen hotel plus landings, sightseeing in Longyearbyen and accompanied by an expedition team. Based on two sharing and price valid if booked by 31 January 2011. Flights are extra and can be booked via Hurtigruten from £844pp.

For more information call Hurtigruten – 0844 448 7601  www.hurtigruten.co.uk 

Hurtigruten is returning the newly refurbished Finnmarken to its Norwegian Coastal Voyage itineraries in 2012. Previous Hurtigruten guests are eligible for savings of up to 20 percent. The ship spent two years as a hotel ship in Australia. Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club, a free loyalty club, save up to $2,290 on bookings made by Feb. 29 for specific voyages between Jan. 1 and May 16. Discounted fares range from $930 to $9,158.

Hurtigrutenis offering a Pearls of the Baltic cruise this spring, traversing the Baltic Sea from Oslo to Stockholm. The cruise will visit six ports in as many countries on a nine-day journey aboard the Fram. Highlights include Stockholm, Tallinn and Saint Petersburg, as well as a range of optional excursions.

Early booking fares, for cruises booked by Dec. 31, range from $3,061 to $5,461 per person, double — a 10 percent savings off of brochure fares for the May 5 voyage. Included are all meals onboard, a wind- and water-resistant jacket, landings in Polarcirkel boats, and onboard lectures by the expedition team.

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.

Forget skiing green runs this winter and think big with Black Tomato’s pick of its top five alternative snowy escapes.

1) NEW Step into Narnia-like landscapes in Swedish Lapland

Feel a million miles from home in landscapes reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’s enchanted world, Narnia. Stay in hip city Stockholm and taste the delights of Sweden’s culinary prowess before heading out to the wilderness of Lulea located on the edge of the Gulf of Bothnia overlooking a beautiful archipelago in Swedish Lapland. Sleep amidst the forest at the world’s only tree hotel and glide along frozen waters on a private hovercraft. Discover the magical Northern Lights and enjoy a cross-country ski tour in the icy wilderness.

A seven night trip to Lulea, Swedish Lapland starts from £1,899 per person including international and internal flights, accommodation and transfers.

2) Race Husky dogs cross-country in Alaska

Alaska’s frozen rivers that snake through the Alaska Range and its wintery coastline become the arena for one serious adrenaline pumping adventure – the cross-country husky dog race. Learn how to mush and handle the dogs driving your own dog team, fly high over Alaska’s glaciers in a scenic ski plane and ride a snowmobile at full pelt across expansive Alaskan plains.

A seven day trip racing husky dogs in Alaska starts from £4,799 per person including flights, transfers and accommodation.

3) Polar Bear spotting in Manitoba, Canada

Come face-to-face with majestic wild polar bears in Manitoba, one of the most pristine and unknown areas left on the planet. Explore this final frontier in comfort with an exciting city visit to Winnipeg before heading out to the wilds of Cape Tatum Wildlife area for guaranteed opportunities to spot the magnificent polar bear.

A six night trip to Manitoba, Canada starts from £5,999 per person including flights, transfers and accommodation.

4) The Northern Lights by quad-bike in Iceland

Take a night spin on a quad bike for a totally unique perspective on the Northern Lights and visit the south of the Island to experience the geological spectacle of Skógafoss and Sejalandfoss waterfalls. Continue the adventure by testing the climbing skills on vertical ice walls. Panic not, first timers will be looked after by experienced guides. Finish up with a boat ride out onto the electric blue lagoon to cruise past precariously placed icebergs close enough to touch.

A five night adventure to Iceland starts from £2,199 per person including flights, accommodation and transfers.

5) Ski summit to sea in the Lyngen Alps, Norway

Ski virgin powder snow from summit to sea, snow shoe across frosted forests and cross-county ski on the surrounding islands with an experienced guide. Watch the Northern lights swirl around the clear Norwegian sky and rub shoulders with the local Sami people and their reindeers. Kick back in a traditional Norwegian Lodge, set directly above a magnificent fjord with open fires and panoramic views.

An eight day to Tromso, Northern Norway starts from £2,725 per person including flights, transfers, accommodation, six days lift pass and experienced ski guide.