February 2nd 2024.
Are you dreaming of seeing the breathtaking Northern Lights in person? Well, it's your lucky year because 2024 has been hailed as one of the best years to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon. The team at Expedia has put together a comprehensive report on the top destinations to catch the aurora borealis, and the results are in: Finland takes the top three spots, with Lapland in first place and the capital city of Rovaniemi in third.
One of the main draws to Lapland, besides its stunning winter wonderland scenery, is the affordability factor. While many people may think of visiting during the festive season, October actually offers much lower hotel rates compared to December, January, and February. In fact, the average daily hotel rates in October are nearly half the price! So if you're looking for a budget-friendly time to see the Northern Lights, consider planning your trip for October.
But don't worry, if Finland isn't your cup of tea, Norway also dominates the rankings with three spots in the top ten. The town of Narvik takes the fourth spot, followed by Kirkenes in fifth, and Tromsø at tenth. And it's no surprise that Tromsø has seen a surge in popularity, with a 40% increase in searches in 2023 and a 360% increase in hotel searches compared to 2021. The best time to catch the Northern Lights in Tromsø is from late August to mid-April, making April the ideal month for a budget-friendly stay.
But don't think you have to travel abroad to see the Northern Lights, as Scotland's Isle of Skye takes the ninth spot on the list. And if you're looking to save some cash on your trip, booking a package deal is the way to go. Expedia has handpicked some top package suggestions for each destination, such as a week-long stay at The Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromsø for £1,233, including flights from Gatwick and a husky experience for an additional £131 per person.
For those willing to venture a bit further, Fairbanks, Alaska is a prime Northern Lights destination with a 125% increase in hotel searches. A seven-night package trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort with flights from Heathrow can be booked for £3,055, and you can even add an Aurora Ice Museum experience for just £25 per person.
And for those looking to stay a bit closer to home, the Isle of Skye has seen a 60% increase in hotel searches year-on-year. If you're planning a domestic trip, consider booking your flights on a Sunday instead of Friday to save an average of 21% on your airfare. So whether you're ready to hop on a plane or take a road trip, there are plenty of options to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Do you have a story to share about your Northern Lights experience? Get in touch with us by emailing [insert email here]. And don't forget to check out our article on the UK's answer to Iceland, a "fairytale" island where you can also catch the Northern Lights. Happy travels!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
