7 Days in FINLAND 😮 Lapland, Glass Igloo, Northern Lights, Santa Claus | Travel Vlog

We spend a week in the Winter Wonderland of Finland - Starting in Lapland, we visit the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, meet THE Father Christmas, experience a husky ride, and take an Ice Breaker Cruise in the Baltic Sea, walking on the ice and swimming in the freezing cold waters too. Then we drive further north into Lapland, deep in the Arctic Circle to stay in a glass igloo and log cabin trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the sky, following a reindeer ride.
Finally we finish in Helsinki, Finlands Capital and take a day trip to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia just across the water via Ferry.
VIDEO SPONSOR - CONTACT DIRECT FOR 10% DISCOUNT
👉 This entire trip was sponsored and organised by JEE Travels. If you would like to plan or discuss your own bespoke version of what we got up to in this video, please contact them here: www.jeetravels.com/suitcasemo... quoting coupon code SMFINLAND to receive a 10% discount off their Winter Wonderland packages. Packages typically start from around €3,000 pp which can include domestic flights, meals, accommodation, private transfers and activities. JEE Travels can bespoke your trip so please contact them and enquire about the alterations you might be interested in. The 10% discount applies until the end of 2024.
Downloadable PDF With all links below: drive.google.com/file/d/1_DwO...
Tips Finland video: • What to Know BEFORE Vi...
HOTELS VISITED & ALTERNATIVES
👉* Rovaniemi Hotel we stayed, very central, close to tour operators, shops, restaurants: www.booking.com/hotel/fi/city...
👉* Great looking Rovaniemi alternative hotel, just outside the town centre: www.booking.com/hotel/fi/lapl...
👉* Glass Igloo and Log Cabin we stayed (Chalet, 4 adults was our room): www.booking.com/hotel/fi/hote...
👉* Luxury glass igloo alternative in Levi Town (2 hours drive north from Rovaniemi or domestic flight to Kittilä Airport): www.booking.com/hotel/fi/gold...
👉* Excellent Very Central Helsinki Hotel we stayed at (not shown in video): www.booking.com/hotel/fi/have...
👉* Great Hotel in Helsinki Airport if need to stay for early morning domestic flight (we stayed here but not shown in video): www.booking.com/hotel/fi/hilt...
ACTIVITIES & TOURS (Others would need to be arranged through JEE Travels)
👉* Santa Claus Village Reindeer & Husky ride (I can't confirm this is the same Husky ride as there are a couple in this area but it gets good reviews): www.getyourguide.com/rovaniem...
👉* Ice Breaker Cruise: www.getyourguide.com/rovaniem...
👉* Rovaniemi BBQ Northern Lights Tour: www.getyourguide.com/rovaniem...
👉* Tallinn, Estonia day trip from Helsinki: www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/He...
Visited in December
Mostly shot on iPhone 14 Pro with some iPhone 13
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#finland #lapland
00:00 Finland in Winter
1:20 Arriving into Lapland
2:04 Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi
3:47 Husky Ride
4:18 Meeting Santa Claus
5:34 Rovaniemi & Discount
6:20 Ice Breaker Cruise
8:31 Hunting Northern Lights
9:59 Winter Wonderland
11:00 Glass Igloo
12:03 Reindeer Ride
13:16 Log Cabin
14:52 Helsinki
15:52 Tallinn, Estonia Day Trip
👉* Denotes affiliate link that supports this channel at no extra cost to you.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

I've made a downloadable PDF with helpful links to EVERYTHING we did in this trip - hotels, activities and clothing - drive.google.com/file/d/1_DwOCn7G3UQUY8ylAevWKf8on71TRP_c/view?usp=share_link I've also made a Finland Travel Tips video kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2TXeI2Mn6Zlb7c which will be useful for anyone thinking of visiting this beautiful country.

[@eiszapfenkobold]

Yes please make that info video about luggage/clothes and other tips to Finland trips.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

One day!

[@randyv8232]

I just want to say i am happy for you both. I think the first video i saw of you was when you toured London as a tourist, or was it called a tourist in your own country. you had about 40 to 50 k subscribers back then. Now you have 242k!!!!! Congratulations!!!!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you for staying with us!!!

[@randyv8232]

@@SuitcaseMonkey thank you for making life much easier. Now i want to go to Finland!

[@vepakko]

As a 45 year old Finn who has not yet managed to visit Lapland a single time, Im always keen on watching these kind of travel videos. And when its done by the one and only Suitcase Monkey, its just perfection! Super nice video 👍🏻

[@sakurachanmemory8921]

Finland is so beautiful. Watching this video it is such a breathtaking scenery, very inviting.

[@GaleGummola]

​@@mahnoorehsan895 im Finn as well and never visited Lapland before moved to live Rovaniemi. And it's funny to watch this as he visited place where i work😸

[@GaleGummola]

​@@sakurachanmemory8921 にゃにゃにゃにゃー

[@RICHEST28]

Near your home great wishes from India

[@itsgoodiewoodie]

Ens talvena meet.

[@arctravels]

By far your best video you've made. The visuals are just stunning.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Well the country itself made my job a lot easier haha thank you though!!! 😅

[@amypriest7751]

I would love a Finland travel tips video! Great job on capturing the magic of winter and coziness...I really enjoyed this!

[@ameliabilly6304]

its so cold but beautiful. i could only do a short video on my channel

[@snorlonikins1]

I wanted to create a wonderful Christmas for my sons when they were 5 and 7. We went to Lapland for Christmas 1998 and I loved it! I said I would love to visit in the summer at some stage, not knowing that 12 years later I would actually be living in Finland.

[@Ilmarinen81]

As a person living in lapland, I appreciate your great work capturing the beauty of our nature and special atmosphere during those dark winter days but also want to say that you did great work with your storytelling. This was my first time seeing your videos and I'm really happy I decided to check this out. Great job!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

That always means a lot from a local thank you

[@xItzSpruce]

I live in Finland with my parents and i enjoy it :) I borned in there. Btw i love winter because theres so much snow that i can play on it. Ive actually experienced sun never sets and sun never rises

[@marknewton6984]

I like Finns.. But think I will stay in Florida.

[@sam-78558]

Please help me i want to come Finland for job 🌞

[@gillian876]

Hello from Canada🙂 Thank you for changing my mind about what it would be to visit Finland. Great video! Please, do a follow up video. Your tips/cost breakdowns/reality checks are always intelligent and helpful and one of the reasons I love your channel. I think it sets you apart from a lot of other travel KZbinrs!

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Your vlog highlights the essence of what Finland is all about. Harriet and I have been twice, both Winter and Summer. We did get to see the Northern Lights on Day One. We caught it at the right time. Timing is everything. Great Job. Thank you for bringing back those wonderful memories. Sending you much love to you and Julie. Harriet and Jim Richmond, Va.

[@andrewshalin]

Another Canadian here in awe of the beauty taken for granted for most people. This trip has been on my "to-do" for years and with your insight my goal is once more strengthened. Thanks!

[@jukkakoponen5492]

Your narrating voice is magical, I have watched this video a few times already! 😀

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you. Please inform the BBC

[@jukkakoponen5492]

😅😅

[@BiancaHaeckDesigns]

lol the Buzz Lightyear comment! I wanted a Woody doll! And the toilet scene, I snorted XD Welcome to Finland! Glad you enjoyed it. :D

[@kuldipshrestha1655]

I have been following your and Chiaki's adventures since Santorini, which for me is the best Santorini-travel Vlog available anywhere. Another awesome Vlog! Your adventurous spirit and unique perspective make every destination come to life. Your videos really capture the beauty of your journey and inspire viewers to pack their bags and explore the destinations themselves. Your voice is also very soothing, the videos are never overdone and a joy to watch.

[@072Joya]

What a wonderful video! definitely waiting for the what to wear video!

[@4x4adventure_pl]

I can't get enough of Finnish saunas - the ultimate relaxation!

[@evilduckqueen13]

What an incredible video, and trip! Finland is definitely on my bucket list!!

[@cinephilewannabetheoriginal]

Yes please a tips/info followup video will be much appreciated. Great video as always ❤

[@allisonmcgowan7526]

Finland is on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing your holiday! I would love a Finland tips video

[@kruidnagel]

Incredible video! Thank you 😊

[@iwonadlugosz5963]

Loved this, pleasure to watch, thank you

[@azariahspence8551]

What a majestic trip! I'm glad you sort of got to see the Northern Lights, Lol! Going to Finland sound like loads of fun!

[@jcdarnell1]

A great video. Looks so magical, along with the great editing and music, it now on my list to look up for next Christmas. Amazing work as always

[@annaburch3200]

I almost got choked up watching this one. It's a dream of mine to see the Northern Lights!! Going to Finland would be the #1 dream destination to see them, but for us, living in the Pacific Northwest USA and having a husband who works for Alaska Airlines, we'll most likely end up seeing them from Fairbanks, Alaska - not too shabby, either. 😉 What an adventure!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Ahh I’ll take that as a compliment thank you. Jealous you’re so (relatively) close to the lights!

[@annaburch3200]

@@SuitcaseMonkey your storytelling through beautiful videography is top notch! I always enjoy "traveling" with you.

[@Italianabroad]

This video is sooo beautiful! Well done!

[@andreeahandle]

Great vacation and video! Looking forward for the video with the practical tips that you mentioned.

[@laurencampbell7739]

This is a great vlog with tons of great information! Would so enjoy a follow up tips on things such as packing and what to wear. Really enjoyed this video!

[@watchNFeelgood]

WOW! Fantastic 👍 Thank you so much for this very beautiful and heartwarming video.

[@SM-ky8uj]

Great video! Always love your sense of humor!

[@sarahcrowe9730]

Thank you for posting your very exciting trip and teaching us about Finland and that part of the world. You are the perfect spokesperson.‼️🌺🌺😊♥️♥️😊♥️♥️

[@cp1236]

What a wonderful video! I was raised in Canada and I personally wouldn’t be bothered if I never saw another snowflake again but your video actually made me want to go to Finland in the winter. I’m also glad that are others like me who are fans of Blanche. Please publish tips on for this trip. Thanks again for another great video.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Haha well that’s a compliment! Yeah we saw people there who’d NEVER seen snow so their minds were blown whereas we have seen it lots ourselves but still found many of our surroundings to be inspiring. I’m glad that came across!

[@marknewton6984]

As a Florida beachcomber I have NEVER seen snow. I never want to.

[@jc9552]

Thank you for taking me to winter wonderland! It looked majestic and magical. ❤❤❤

[@55SilentShadow]

Love this. Thank you for making it. ❤

[@mldestabillo628]

Wow! The musical score is superb! I enjoyed watching your video. I hope to visit the Laplands someday.

[@stellahenry587]

We are considering this trip, so this was a great video for us to see. We'd love a Finland Travel Tips video, too!

[@KateStefan]

I love your videos, thank you for uploading! Please keep on traveling ☺

[@clairelybelgian]

Your videos are always so good! And usually I laugh out loud at some point too. I feel duty bound to take the children to Lapland and this has certainly made me feel better about actually doing it

[@carolinaa.4407]

Didn't know Finland was this majestic, looks spectacular

[@marknewton6984]

Looks cold to me.

[@thedudefromrobloxx]

14:12 It's also really cute how everyones out together looking for the lights

[@brendasaldivar2668]

Loved the video. Definitely on my bucket list. Yes please make a travel tips video.

[@myrtlebeachsocialscene]

Always love watching your videos!

[@TheTravelDiarieswithNess]

Absolutely stunning! Great video 👍🏻

[@iwonkakoko1101]

Amazing adventure you had. Thanks for this video. One of my favourites from yours

[@aussieanne6812]

Thanks for this video- I have added Finland to my ever expanding bucket list. A Finland travel tips video would be really helpful 👍😎🇦🇺

[@cedricnicholson7446]

Wow so cool! This is definitely on my list of travels. It’s definitely something for couples.

[@priyankasagar1192]

You have done a great shoot 🍓 of Finland in a chilly weather and shown a wonderful Lapland

[@goldmanz4852]

Excellent production. Quality work, well done.

[@mgoodinoz]

Would love a video about how to make the most of Finland please :)

[@katherinehayes5766]

yes please do a tips, cost video :) all of it would be helpful. The reindeer are so beautiful! I hope to do this trip so so much!

[@alquezada5910]

Great video with excellent picture and sound quality.

[@Capo51]

Very well done blog.✌️ You have catched all main tourist attreeactions that most ppl visiting Finland expect as 'once a life experience' expect. Even most of us Finns never make that itenary. 🇫🇮 Thumbs up for great video quality too.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you

[@nywicks]

Another great travel video - please create a tips for Finland travel guide. Thanks!

[@bernardgallagher172]

We took our 3 children to Lapland in early December and it really is a magical place.

[@PatPat-nk9kc]

Super video. Thank you

[@jeffreyulm9110]

Would love a video on Finland travel tips!! Fantastic job this video.

[@flowersflowers473]

I’d love a video on what to wear - clothes, shoes, gloves & how you protected your mobiles. This was a beautiful & peaceful video - thank you!

[@pinkesonsukhon2607]

Your commentary is always fantastic. This video brightened up my morning!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

🙏 thank you

[@brandiperson5441]

Great videos with beautiful views. We are so excited to visit.

[@YouLii]

I too did a series of vlogs for this beautiful place with a slightly different itinerary. It is interesting how our trips are so similar yet different. Finland is truly a must go in your lifetime

[@InspirePackGo]

Absolutely loved this, one of your best/my favourites. Really hope you do a tips video. Sold me on it and the company you booked with

[@oliviairmgard7290]

My sister lived in Finland for a few years. I was sadly too young to visit but I'm hoping to finally go in the next few years with my children. I'm so excited! I really enjoyed this video, thank you!

[@ChelseaAddams]

This was so well edited, wow! I really enjoyed watching this! It was done like a documentary and I really liked that! I worked in Finland last Christmas and seeing this now has made me really want to go back this year! I was in Rovaniemi so seeing the town again in this vlog really made me miss it haha! I got to see the northern lights only once during my time there and they were very weak so I really want to go back to try and see them stronger! Thanks for sharing this, I love watching videos about northern Finland!

[@sam-78558]

I want to do job in Finland please help me

[@ChelseaAddams]

@@sam-78558 hey, I was working as an elf guide, I actually just posted a video all about it if you’re interested in finding out about it ☺️

[@justbeachy4818]

Yes, please do a tips video! This is wonderful vlog. I did not realize how beautiful Finland is. After watching your video, I am intrigued…but would be challenged in preparing for a trip there.

[@cindymarasligiller2115]

Please do a Finland tips video. What a lovely trip! Thank you for sharing.

[@preetiabha444]

Once again you have made such a well designed travel video..great presentation...and the on point humour is just cherry on the 🎂

[@jennywilliamson3787]

I agree with that. Beautifully balanced video with well chosen music.

[@annbynum2480]

I would love to see the details as well. It is a lovely video. I hunted through tons of travel sites and never came across swimming in that frozen sea as an activity but my boyfriend saw your video and now it's on his list of things he wants to do.

[@tdcruse]

Loving your content thank you!

[@adsal100]

Great vid. I like your commentary. The buzz light year bit with Santa cracked me up.😂

[@mariamartin8029]

Definitely need the follow up video. Thanks for making this video.

[@chrissmith7881]

Thank you for the beautiful video! Please make the follow up with what to pack and wear.... thanks!

[@leptir7110]

OVO JE ZA ONE KOJI DOBRO PODNOSE HLADNOČU I SNIJEG ,HVALA ❤

[@sakurachanmemory8921]

Breathtaking landscape of Finland.

[@marknewton6984]

Cold.

[@deeoh3708]

Beautiful! thank you :)

[@haileyaulait]

Finland has always been on my list! Would love a tips video!

[@walkietalkietraveller2932]

Tip 1 - Save a lot of money for your time spent in Finland. Tip 2 - Save some more money ....

[@KillerTacos54]

Incredible video!

[@kimz6855]

A joy as always watching your videos. There must be a ton of hours in the editing for being this good. Think you guys missed out on one of the finns most treasured hobbies - icebathing and sauna. In Helsinki they have several of these concepts next to the sea, where you go in and out of the water and sauna for 1-2 hours and afterwards have a dinner. Tried this on a businesstrip where the locals arranged it. Was only 20euro for the sauna/bathing and then + dinner. A great experience! But remenber flipflops for your feet - standing in line on snow to get into the water...that's cold!

[@melh2333]

Great video! Would love to see a tips video!

[@athenadoreen5781]

I've been meaning to travel to Finland so your travel tips would be more than helpful thanks in advance. Great video by the way keep it up 😊

[@paulainnes3649]

Oh yes! I just booked my flights from Australia to Finland next December. So excited. I would love to see your trip tips. As always love your videos and laughed so much at the tellie tubbie with a mid life crisis 😂 even though you may not see the northern lights those reindeers and huskies more than make up for it!

[@SaadSaad-ni9cb]

😊

[@Luna-bx5lx]

Hello, just to know if you have been there? How was . I will prepared to be there with my kids. Exciting 🤩

[@tammyshirks6948]

Very beautiful country!! The beautiful Northern Light's..😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤

[@Basil-Fawlty]

Having moved to Northern Sweden I can assure you, your winter clothing might need an upgrade when your original residence is more than 1000km away from the Polar circle. So you made an excellent point. Last January we had -38­°C for 4 days and that is 335 km south of the Polar circle (Euclidean distance). Rovaniemi temperatures can dwindle to a staggering -45°C (although rare these days). But when staying out for longer than 30 minutes in a -10° degree atmosphere is already challenging without solid winter clothing (talking 3 layers clothing, thick soled isolated boots, a capful, shawl and mittens). In Scandinavia we have a saying; 'it's not cold, you are lacking proper clothing'. When clothed correctly, the wintertime is superb, regardless if it -1°C or -25°C. Warm greetings from Norra Sverige!

[@excavationcomics]

Very cool trip!

[@davidaarthur]

Great lighting on the cathedral at 15.25!

[@milachyc88]

I really enjoyed watching this video.. thank you so much, i hope one day my dream will come true! Merry Christmas!!

[@supriyajoshi1347]

Loved the video... We will watch all video you make... Please go for it....

[@santatelevision]

Thank you for your very nice video about Santa Claus Village and Lapland. Also visually and technically very high quality 🙂 Congratulations for stunning work :-)

[@oneminute6277]

I really enjoyed this. TY

[@mahivivazqueztarducci8780]

I'm so happy videos come so quickly now! I was really looking forward to this one and did not have to wait too long :). Could watch that cute raindeer nose covered in snow all day. Do count my vote for the tips to travel to Findland follow up! unless it interferes with the Canada video

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Haha thanks. Yes I am ploughing through them and I will eventually catch up to the present day and have no holidays recorded to edit which is scary. But we shall cross that bridge when we get to it!

[@margarets1449]

A Finland travel tips video would be so helpful! We are hoping to go to Finland in March 2024. Thank you for the inspiration and the information. Looks like such a lovely experience. We also failed to see the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2015, but we had success in Norway in January 2020. The lights are remarkable, so keep hunting!

[@mikrokupu]

Hi from Finland, March sounds like a good time to visit, especially Lapland/other northern Finland. Much more daylight then and less cold typically, but still a lot of snow. Winters in southern Finland are unpredictable, could be just rainy and grey. I think summer is the best time down here.

[@Justusosaa]

Summeri is Best time and march for Lapland.

[@patriciad.7309]

Another wonderful video, thank you SM! The only trouble is that we always then have to add another place to our future travel list! Anyway, we would love to have a Finland travel tips video. Love from Canada

[@abhishekbh3346]

THIS IS MAGICAL 😍😍

[@RebecaS]

Amazing video ❤

[@cynthialeaf8358]

What an amazing trip

[@ritikas3006]

My personal bucket list too....since I was in standard 4

[@Sleepysod]

Would not like the floaty in water in a dry suit experience but everything else blooming fantastic. This and the Jordan video are my favourites

[@bnzimusa]

Definitely looking into this

[@omarsk9800]

Your way of videography and narrating is just amazing 💯🔥

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you. Please tell your friends

[@successmusicvideo]

Great video. My great friend!🤝

[@maromar475]

I loved this video! Yes, please make a video about transport costs, hotels etc. This is definitely on my bucket list :)

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Tips video coming this Friday!

[@japantravel001]

It's a great video and easy to watch

[@moisesroque9542]

Hello! Yessir, a travel tips video would be highly appreciated. Especially that I am coming from a tropical country, i would love to know the specifics for such a journey. Thank you and safe travels to you both.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

The tips video came out yesterday. It’s linked in the pinned comment

[@moisesroque9542]

@@SuitcaseMonkey Oh great! Thank you very much! I will surely watch that!