Rail Tours in Scandinavia & The Baltic

What should you pack for a trip to Scandinavia?

Layering your clothing is a great way to combat against low temperatures, and in our experience there's no better base than proper thermal underwear and thick socks, made of a natural material. And as there will be times when you're taking part in activities you may even get a bit warm, so having something to take off without leaving you completely at the mercy of the elements is the ideal situation. Don't forget your sunglasses and sunblock though, as any glare off the snow may be much stronger than you are used to.

When you're indoors, normal clothing such as jumpers, skirts and trousers will be absolutely fine as all your accommodation will have adequate heating. Many hotels do have saunas and hot tubs however, as is the Scandinavian way, so if you want that authentic experience, you'll want to make sure there's some swimwear in your suitcase.

Where can you see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon famed across the world, and every year many tourists enjoy the experience of a lifetime as high solar activity and geomagnetic storms in space collide with the earth's atmosphere, creating the most fantastic light show you could ever hope to see. And to make the most of any sightings, some budding photographers will want to try and capture the moment for prosperity. For this a long-exposure is needed which means a tripod is an essential piece of kit. Camera batteries also have a tendency to drain quicker in cold temperatures, so remember to pack plenty of spares so you don't miss the big moment!

Throughout the rest of the year, the climate varies and coastal areas remain warmer than more mountainous regions that lie inland. A good rule of thumb is to plan as if you were holidaying in the UK and prepare for all eventualities! English is spoken widely, and pretty much fluently, throughout and there are no travel warnings in place or visas required when travelling from Britain.