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These full and frank independent Finland Small group holidays reviews are from travellers who have booked directly through responsibletravel.com. They are not edited by us or any of the companies we work with. Find the real story, from real travellers below.
The best holiday we have ever been on and we would go on another tomorrow! With many thanks to the best guide in the business RAIMO. Thanks and we look forward to our next holiday.
(more)Superb. Wouldn't change anything at all (not even the outside loos in -25deg C, all part of the experience and gave us lots of laughs!).
(more)Amazing - one of the best we have ever had. The different activities each day and information given on culture and history were fantastic. It was lovely to be somewhere so spoilt and quiet. (more)Great weather even if cold. Great wilderness feel to the environment. Good sized group...Local use of hotel, cabins and information centre for food. (more)It was a fabulous experience. Despite being in a "wild" environment I felt safe, because of the company of the other travellers, the care our guide and the hotel staff.
(more)We all agreed that the husky safari was the best part of the trip. The kids enjoyed cuddling the dogs very much; they were the friendliest bunch of dogs ever seen. (more)Cycling in Tallinn, testing fresh food in central market of Riga, kayaking and pick mushrooms in the Aukstaitija National Park. (more)We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
“So what's your stance on the environmental impact of tourists driving snowmobiles Timmo?”
The question was asked by a British journalist at midnight whilst sitting in a traditional Lappish kota or teepee on top of Olos Fell in North West Finnish Lapland. I've always felt quite privileged to have been there to hear the answer because it highlighted just how important tourism has become in remote corners of the globe. The question itself was probably slightly leading as Timmo was our 55 year old guide on a two hour night time snowmobile safari. His response was impassioned to say the least and provides a lesson for us all I think. I don't recall his exact words but I'll do my best to paraphrase. “Without the snowmobile we wouldn't have a tourism industry. Huskies need feeding and attention for 12 months of the year. Reindeer need feeding and attention for 12 months of the year. Snowmobiles need feeding and attention for 5 months of the year. There is no money in huskies and reindeer, the only money is from snowmobiles.” Read more about Finland in this Finland article.
If escaping the July hordes and reconnecting with the last true wilderness in a land of magical landscapes sounds like your cup of tea, Finland can offer all that and more. As a summer destination, Finland has something for every kind of traveler, be it culture-hungry city-hoppers or independent backpackers seeking an escape from the bustle of modern life. Find unspoiled forests and lakelands on your doorstep, nature trails and fresh, cool forests. Towns and cities buzz with activity and long, sunny days encourage the outdoor lifestyle. Soak up the cool cafè-culture of the two great southern cities, Helsinki and Tampere, where modern art museums rub shoulders with traditional farmer's markets. Further north in Saariselkä, Santa's elves take a summer holiday experiencing a safari, Lapland-style, visiting reindeer corals and enjoying hikes in Urho Kekkonen National park. Read more about Finland in this Finland article. 
