Photo: Contiki
The Northern Lights are arguably one of the most sought-after bucket list experiences. From late October to early March, tourists around the world congregate above the arctic circle with their hearts set on seeing this natural phenomenon – cameras at the ready!
While living abroad in the UK, I was one of these tourists determined to see the magnificent, luminous colours of the aurora borealis dancing in the sky. Little did I know, seeing the Northern Lights is hard work – no, sadly, you cannot just walk outside in the middle of the night and expect to see them hanging above your hostel. In the end, I travelled to three different countries (it’s a hard life, I know) before the lights finally appeared bewitchingly over the Finnish Lapland, with silent snow and bare pines all around.
The celestial ballet is strongest where there is powerful and steady solar activity. Countries such as Iceland, Norway and Canada boast ideal conditions for the Northern Lights and can be explored as a solo traveller or on a Contiki tour.
If you’re heading to the arctic circle this year, here are 8 realistic tips for ticking the Northern Lights off your never-ending bucket-list.
1. Book an organised tour out of the city (more than once)
The best way to see the Northern Lights is to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, not to mention the bright lights. If you’re not confident hiring a car, book yourself a spot on an organised tour (like Contiki!). Local guides are trained to read the aurora forecast and are familiar with the best, secluded spots for Northern Light spotting. Most tours also include use of professional winter gear, a traditionally cooked dinner, and information about the area.
Image source:Contiki
2. Find alternative activities
Like everything in nature, the Aurora Borealis is deeply beautiful but wildly unpredictable – sightings are not guaranteed. Whether you’re planning an arctic circle expedition through Scandinavia, Canada or Iceland, it’s a good idea to research alternative bucket-list items to do in case your Northern Lights mission is unsuccessful. Skiing, reindeer sledding and hiking are all popular activities to do in areas frequented by the Northern Lights.
3. Learn the science, understand the philosophy
Before travelling to the arctic circle, do some research about the Aurora Borealis – where do they come from? Who discovered them? Why is mankind so impressed by green and purple lights in the sky? How exactly do solar flares work? What do they mean to Indigenous communities? Will they be around forever?
Recognising the scientific remarkability and cultural significance of the Northern Lights will give you both a deeper appreciation for them, plus make it much easier to track them down.
Image source:Lightscape / unsplash
4. Budget big
Travelling to countries above the arctic circle is pricey – accommodation, food, transport and attractions in these areas will stretch your budget. Start saving early for your trip to see the Northern Lights and overestimate how much you’re likely to spend. Consider cutting your costs by staying in shared dorms and cooking your own meals.
5. Use social media to your advantage
Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have become gateways and goldmines to some of travel’s best kept secrets. Social media can even be utilised to track down the Aurora Borealis. Join a Facebook group to stay up to date with recent and current sightings, or stalk through relevant hashtags and locations on Instagram to see where other tourists are doing their Northern Lights hunting.
Image source:Jessica Borten
6. Be prepared for long nights
The Northern Lights are most active between 9pm and 2am, so brace yourself for an incredible but exhausting journey. Avoid doing too much sightseeing during the day, take a nap beforehand, and don’t hesitate to sleep in the morning after to recover from your amazing night.
7. Take a friend
Solo travel is great: character-building, adventurous and liberating. But sometimes, those once-in-a-lifetime experiences are better shared with friends and family. Consider bringing someone along and sharing the wonderful moment with someone you love – you can sometimes even save money on accommodation and activities when travelling in a pair. If all your pals are too busy, book yourself into a hostel where you can meet new travel buddies.
Image source:Contiki
8. Figure out the ‘why’
Understanding the ‘why’ is imperative to making the most of any travel experience; it keeps you motivated when things get tough, encourages purposeful decision-making, and helps enforce your priorities. An adventure to the Northern Lights is not for the faint-hearted or budget-backpackers, so consider the real reason you want to see them: are you genuinely interested in seeing one of earth’s greatest marvels or are you just hoping for the social media stardom? Either way, take some time to address the ‘why’.
