What to Know BEFORE Visiting FINLAND - Clothes, Booking Igloos, Transport, Costs

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

As mentioned in the video, here is a downloadable PDF with all hotels, clothes, activities and transport linked: drive.google.com/file/d/1_DwOCn7G3UQUY8ylAevWKf8on71TRP_c/view?usp=share_link

[@KalleKilponen]

As a Finn who wears jeans pretty much all year round, the part about jeans being "an absolute no-no" gave me a chuckle. I mean it's solid advice if you plan to go skiing or otherwise wading through deep snow, but jeans with some warm underwear are perfectly fine even at -30°C. (Just don't get them wet.) That said, this video had some pretty good information for anyone coming here as a tourist. 👍

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Haha good point. I guess if you live there it’s a little different as you wanna wear jeans haha! But I more meant if you’re packing, it’s best to optimise what you’re carrying. Thanks for watching.

[@aprilamidon1776]

​@@SuitcaseMonkeyOur family came from Finland to USA 50yrs ago and they were so excited to buy jeans/ denim anything made from jeans because they didn't have them back home!

[@kayerowley4012]

Thank you for the great tips regarding the layering. As an Australian living in Perth, I have no idea about keeping warm in the winter wonderland, this will be very helpful

[@tonituomanen3113]

I have traveled with Onnibus in Finland, and it has worked well. The buses are comfortable and the tickets are very, very cheap.

[@seankenny2153]

Hi Paul, Thank you for this video, it is and it will be very helpful in our planning. I specifically asked you about clothing tips for Lapland. I had no idea you had such extensive modeling experience and my wife and I sat here unable to look away. 😊 Thanks again

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Years of training…

[@robertmonds4762]

Your video was lovely. As I was born in Finland, and then migrated as a 5 year old with my family to Australia in 1959, I felt a real earning to go back and see my homeland. Your video was very informative and helpful. I still have relatives in Oulu and Rovaniemi, so that would make it special. Pirkko from Queensland Australia.

[@godleads1]

Very informative. His modeling alone made this video worthwhile.

[@pizzaIsAnEmotion]

Very informative and really enjoyed the model-ing of the clothes 😉

[@johndoherty1336]

Another excellent balanced video. In particular the clothing element was super. Unless people have experienced the coldness of the likes of Norway (or Banff ) it’s difficult to appreciate just how cold it can be. Looking forward to the next video , Canada 👍👍👍

[@meta9590]

Hello John

[@ExpatNatt]

I've never visited northern Finland, only Helsinki and Turku, but this looks truly breathtaking. Amazing video as always 👏

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you

[@IHB1983]

I’m so glad you posted about the clothing, I plan on visiting Rovaniemi at the end of March and was not sure what to bring or how to dress.

[@tinaroberts-lm7qt]

"Thankyou Paul!".....I went shopping today for my upcoming January Helsinki to Lapland holiday, and realised that I needed to do my homework - came across your delightful 😄 clothes demonstration, and now sure of my needed purchases. 😊🙋

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Pre holiday shopping is my favourite kind 😀

[@robinheemeijer5905]

Thanks for the informative video and the extensive list! Will definately take a look at our local decathlon before i plan on going to Finland. Also love how you show your wacky side on the videos, while not overdoing it. It makes the video a bit lighter more natural and fun to watch even though it was mainly informative. Looking forward to your canada video !

[@muralis8195]

Planning to come from Bangalore/India during Feb,where plus 10 deg is considered cold. So excellent tips....will certainly use them

[@patriciadempsey4259]

Thank you so much for the advice on what to wear that's so useful, I haven't seen anyone else giving that type of advise. Xx

[@mimiesguerra6320]

Incredible information on Finland. Thank you so much for saving me all the research time. Happy travels and stay warm.

[@missrd395]

Thank you for this amazing detailed video!! The practical part about cloths was really helpful!

[@gulnazab5859]

beautiful country! thanks for sharing the video!

[@itsmeagain578]

An excellent informative video. Myself and a friend went to Finland (Helsinki/Rovaniemi) for the first time last year. We plan to return to Finland (Rovaniemi/Luosto) in the near future.

[@cantdecide2023]

What a fantastic vlog! You covered everything I could possibly want to know and then some (with a nice touch of humour thrown in for good measure!). Your video is not only a concisely informative view but it was also very enjoyable. Thank you so much👍

[@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 make viewers inspire 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.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you for sticking with us

[@Noidcici]

We came back from Finland a week ago, having spent a couple of nights in Helsinki, then taking the sleeper train to Rovanemi for 3 days. It was absolutely incredible! Really warm (21-22c), hired a car and went up to Levi which was gorgeous! Went to visit Santa and so many wild reindeer on the road, it was crazy! Our kids loved it!

[@KumaV-pd3os]

Hi.. How difficult is driving car in February snow? I mean will rented car comes with winter tyres or something

[@vandanadubay937]

Love the detailed description on clothing n layering

[@mum_with_the_peacock_tattoo]

It is essential you model all outfits for every trip from now on!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

🤣

[@pamelasaw]

I justr found your channel! Thank you for the aweseom vlog ~ From Malaysia

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks. We’ve just left Malaysia. Video coming this year…

[@NishantDas]

We went to the exact wooden cabin and glass igloo that you have shown. And we also took the same ferry to Estonia. Highly relatable video, we could reminisce our days in Finland. Thanks

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Ahh that’s cool!

[@danjetakeci7541]

Very informative details and a helpful video. Thanks a lot. Greetings from Albania 🇦🇱

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks for letting me know

[@wendypersad9859]

Nice to be back with u guys

[@shereend6341]

Thank you. Heading there in December. Greetings from Melbourne Australia

[@juliejames4896]

This is on my list. Love the tips in this video.

[@ciirutamar6976]

Very comprehensive. Amazing work

[@IO_sWorld]

Very helpful vlog! Thx a lot!!

[@yvetteandino13]

Great video 🎉your videos are so therapeutic and cannot wait to travel to all these places. Thank you for setting up the itineraries for us

[@zainraheel508]

i love the objectivity and amount of information...

[@amibatth]

Wow amazing , thank you for sharing, especially what to wear for a place like this.

[@pc3585]

Loved the Blue Steel look

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

You know it!

[@Iksu_kalastaa]

Good video. 👍 As a finnish person i do recommend to explore also other places in finland. There are lot of options tourist to hike and adventure and it does not smash your wallet. 👍 I prefer Porvoo old town to the tourists to visit ill think its much enjoyable that helsinki ratthole.😅 Savonlinna its also great summertown to visit and Olavincastle of course is something to explore. 👍

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hey thanks for the great info!

[@jennabarnes9713]

Feeling like a Teletubby going through a midlife crisis 🤣 Great informative video! I'm booked for my bucket list Feb 2024 with my kids (18yrs plus) & I literally have butterflies about it already. Booked a log cabin in Kittila where we will do the husky ride & then a house in Rovaniemi to visit Santa & a snow park. Hired a car but used to UK snow driving so hope to be ok after mastering the other side of the road driving 😅. You both look like you have a blast together ❤

[@finnishculturalchannel]

Great informative video. I'd add that as where you can divide Finland into North and South, you can also add central Finland to it and divide Finland into East and West Finland taking account the Eastern and Western influence on the regions. E.g. traveling in Southern Finland, there's a notable difference between traveling in Southwest or Southeast Finland. Then there's specific regions like the Finnish Lakeland, where the biggest lakes are and also each court have their own characteristics, mentality and history for those who want to dive into them-thinking especially the caravanners. There probably aren't that many municipalities, which doesn't have some kind of sights, accommodations and events to attract domestic and foreign tourism. Thinking E.g. the Wife Carrying World Championship held annually in Central Finland in Sonkajärvi, which has a population of 3700 people. And if you ask those born in Helsinki, they might tell that there's Helsinki and the rest of the Finland is countryside.

[@sam-78558]

Are you from Finland??

[@karenflores1203]

Thank you for all the info- definitely on my bucket list

[@prasunchoudhury8711]

I visited Lapland once during March and am planning another trip during Sep-early Oct (Fall colors + northern lights, if I am lucky). I had a rental car at Ivalo airport (returned it at Rovaniemi) and drove north to Utsjoki. I spend close to 2 weeks in Lapland with 5-6 days in Utsjoki and rest of my town in Lemmenjoki, Inari/Ivalo, Rovaniemi and Levi. The roads were well maintained though driving was tough on the day I returned my car at Rovaniemi.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Yeah I reckon it could be tough with some weather conditions. Thanks for sharing

[@villeharju2207]

You had a great itinerary my friend, much better than the standard tourist stuff. Lemmenjoki is a magical place, I'm glad you got to experience it. Utsjoki region has incredible nature as well. I hope you got to take that fall trip!

[@4x4adventure_pl]

Sampling Finnish cuisine, from salmon to reindeer, was a delicious adventure.

[@sachidanandal.prabhu4694]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. 11:00 - 13:40, that's what I was looking for. Suggestions: last 2 mins clip, if you break and repost it as new video, you will get more view/followers..

[@travelwiththehales]

Great Tips !

[@aurapictures]

Great video Very usefull

[@justinmurphy7423]

Love your videos!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Welcome!

[@duttysupra]

Tallin is a lovely place!

[@paulmorris3613]

This is an excellent summary, Just one item, are all the beds in the cabins bunk style, for those of us who can no longer climb to top bunks. The knowledge of the prices are really useful for those considering visits, I really must try and win on the lotto to afford such pleasures LOL

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

In the cabin there was a bunk bed and a normal king

[@traceg2903]

Hello from 🇨🇦 I am new to your channel and I am enjoying your travel very much even tho I not longer can travel myself...i have happily subscribed. Also, your tip for layering clothes is useful for our winter climate as well. I am looking forward to your up coming Canadian trip.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you and welcome! Still busy editing Canada video but it should be great! Please enjoy our back catalogue until then!

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Harriet and I have been to Finland several times. Enjoyed our time in Helskini , In the Lapland and Tampere. We visited in September , took a Harbor Tour of some island towns. Also, we took a ferry to Tallin, Estonia. Based on your experience, it would be interesting to visit Lapland in December. Thank you for the lovely tips. All the best. Harriet and Jim

[@Kuuj12]

This was actually very good review from foreigner

[@nehabhardwaj4390]

Awesome thanks loved it

[@andrearasmussen7874]

I think 2 days in Helsinki if not 3 and 1 in Tallinn then enjoy all that skiing sledding and snowmobiling

[@carolinaa.4407]

You might want to consider modeling 😂😂😂 On a serious note, the clothes section was very interesting to me, I’m from a warm country and didn’t know what to layer and how so thank you 🙌🏻

[@jackylenilagan6684]

great video

[@sachidanandal.prabhu4694]

I liked your detailing

[@Aldous-A2812A]

Greetings from Indonesia, I hope to be able to visit Indonesia later

[@yaya5805]

Thank you bro

[@whispie.]

3:23 deer??? Those are santa's reindeer! Great video though, greetings from Helsinki!

[@teguhraharjo4551]

I really want to visit in here

[@বিনোদনদিমুনাকি]

Nice video❤❤❤❤

[@HikariKagayakiMUSIC]

Im shifting there forever next year

[@kevlarnegative]

I lived in Finland for 3 years and there are few things you should know. Public transport outside of the big cities is very poor compare do UK for example, I have to drive at least 30 minutes to catch a train to Helsinki. Dont ever expect to see northern lights. 99% of winter Finland is covered by clouds. Its a low chance, I havent seen it yet. Come visit in summer too. Its fantastic, hot and the longest days. Finns are very frindly and everbody speaks english, or will attempt to communicate somhow.

[@Julia-ui5lw]

I really like driving in Finland! The only thing that pisses me off that finns switching on their high beams when passing just in front of your nose. I understand they try to reduce the amount of time without proper lights, but it scares me off :D in other countries you turn high beams on only when you passed the car, not before.

[@guillermoagustin6585]

hi jacob & jenny! Really love watching your vlogs, very helpful to 1st time travellers like me 😊, specially the do's & do'nts, tourist traps 😉. By the way, based on your tour experiences, which country can you recommend or you prefer to visit in a day or two from tromso norway? conidering the travel time, foods, scenic spots.. hope you can reply soon, please? quite urgent... thanks in advance

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hi there thanks for the message. Firstly who are Jacob and Jenny? Second, I haven’t ever visited a country for a day or two from Norway, we haven’t even been to Norway, so I have no idea unfortunately

[@guillermoagustin6585]

ooopppsss.... i am very sorry, wrong sent... but frankly, i am also watching your vlogs & find them useful as well, specially, (as i mentioned) to 1st time travellers like me... thank you for replying, despite the confusion.

[@taracatherineriley]

Hi- Awesome video. Planning a Lapland trip for next year. Txs for the tips. I had plans for Finland but changed to Norway. I didn’t miss any Norway videos for you did I? Take care ~

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hey. No Norway is on the list for us too!

[@petriL21]

hahah i tought it was me at grey bus :D setting my driving wheel :D

[@nanibabualthi3677]

Same like the decathlon items available hear.

[@AashiShah2001]

Could anyone help me if November is a good time to visit, including catching the northern lights?

[@Software_Engg]

no

[@WesterossFox]

I live in a very hot country so been looking into this after watching a few of your other videos, not really worthwhile for me to buy a ton of winter clothing but found a Winter clothing rental company online 88 euros for a week :). Simply called Winterent.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Great tip!

[@Ashima-n7d]

Same. I live in a very hot country. May be worth renting the gear.

[@jennifer1329]

The last time I visited Helsinki in winter, it was -40 Celsius for the whole two weeks... Doesn't happen every decade, but you never know.

[@mikrokupu]

I think you have misunderstood something, "-40C for two weeks" doesn't happen in Helsinki. Or anywhere in Finland for that long :) The lowest figure ever measured in Helsinki was -34C in the 1987, anything below -20C is pretty rare .

[@shanesheffield6346]

As someone from Minnesota in the United States I’d love to visit Finland is there anything cool in south savo or north savo?

[@ShSH-bb8ny]

how much money should I have? So I can go to Finland¿

[@smallfaucet]

LMAO at the guy trying to do lunges in the beginning of this video LOL!!

[@ShortsVlogsOfEntertainmet]

Greetings from Pakistan❤

[@justinf9934]

Excellent video, thank you, especially for the list of links. Do you know if busses run in the summer from Rovaniemi airport to Santa Claus village? Depending who I talk to, I can't quite tell if that area is crowded or quiet in the summer. Thanks again. Cheers

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hey no worries. I don’t, unfortunately

[@Capybara-d3h]

I have to go to Finland to live there

[@Ichigoeki]

I just passively listened through the clothing section, trying to remember what I wore during winters when I lived in Lapland... Pretty much the same underwear for legs Normal t-shirt Jeans Hoodie Beanie Gloves And a thin scarf in the pocket for when the wind kicks in (Buff is the "brand" name) This was enough until like -10C. -15C would make me put on a light jacket on top, -20C required just a t-shirt with a downhill skiing jacket, -25 and below was this thicker jacket with the hoodie. =D

[@miyayume_eclectic_dream]

Thank you!!! I love Tipps for -11°C. It looks really cold. Would a winter puffer coat but LONG one be good or better not?

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Yeah it would!

[@kmeanxneth]

that is wrong in the video south can get to -20°C in winter and ofc north more (like right now in Turku is -15°C and Turku is in south)

[@randyv8232]

Loved the ice breaker part with swimming. How much for that experience?

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

It’s linked in the description but I remember it being a lot. Like €300/400

[@randyv8232]

@@SuitcaseMonkey Looked luke it was worth it. 😊

[@trendingwwwandw]

💕💖 💖 wonderful + magical ! L938

[@georgianarotaru8119]

There will be snow in February? 😊

[@bchfhgvygfg8474]

❤❤❤❤

[@ville-valtteri6372]

As a born and raised Finnish person I'm open for any questions about Finland

[@lisakallvik716]

I live in finland

[@pablinmenendez]

Hello! Is it a bad idea to rent a car for driving around in winter if i never driven in snow? I’m used to really low visibility due to fog, muddy roads and treacherous narrow streets. Bc living in Costa Rica, but I don’t know if this is enough!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Personally I wouldn’t do it

[@annan.3283]

Did your phone get cold and stop working? Did you have to do something special to keep it warm?

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hi. My memory is hazy of this but the answer is either no it didn’t, or it did once and it was fine after a short while. I film so often, maybe that heats it up. I just kept it in my pocket away from elements.

[@annan.3283]

@@SuitcaseMonkey thank you! This video was very helpful!

[@lenydg]

👍

[@nguyenhuyclblinedancebuilu7725]

Phong cảnh đẹp quá bạn ơi mình thích luôn ủng hộ bạn và mời bạn ghé thăm mình nhé ❤️❤️👍👍👍🛎

[@sam-78558]

Anyone from Finland?? Please come here

[@oxxal7357]

9:03 had a rough night? :D

[@elizabethnilsson1815]

The deer's are EXTREMLY DANGEROUS .... they a HUGE very fast very heavy and they come out completely unexpected... they are more dangerous than the other things You mentioned here

[@Rania-nx9wx]

😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

PRO tip: if you're coming to Finland in winter - come in middle of March, and if you're coming in summer - come in July

[@chantellechojnacka]

Why?

[@muradchowdhary5270]

why all thinks is expensive in finland?

[@jennifer1329]

The narrator said, "if you're willing to drive in snow." What he should have said is "if you're an experienced driver in the snow."

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

True

[@tegeas69]

οκ

[@eeri_166]

that's not a deer

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Oh dear

[@Becks720]

Poor babys 😢 🐶

[@karenconroy5412]

🐵🤘