Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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This is an absolutely fabulous trip that I would not hesitate to recommend. I really wasn’t sure how I would get on with a holiday in the cold as I am a warm weather person normally but I really enjoyed it. My feet and hands got cold sometimes but my body was warm all holiday – even in -24 watching the Northern Lights.
The variety of activities is brilliant – I got to do so many things for the first time.
I loved the Basecamp – so cosy with lovely staff and great food. The rooms are fairly small but are warm and comfortable with good storage space. I was fortunate to have an absolutely amazing group as well.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick one as the whole trip was an inspiration. Obviously things like the Northern Lights and Husky ride were amazing as was the optional walk in Riisitunturi National Park but I also really enjoyed some of the things I wasn't so sure would be as amazing like the reindeer farm which was really interesting and also the quinzee building which was brilliant fun.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Martti is fabulous. Funny, interesting, efficient - a great tour leader. His love for his country and the outdoors is infectious.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't worry about taking too many clothes if you don't already have them as they give you lots of layers to wear as well as boots and gloves etc. I would recommend hand and foot warmers though and good socks.
It is well worth upgrading from a 10km to 20km husky ride if you have the option. Also - being on the back is way more fun that sitting down!
Remember your driving license if you want to snowmobile as that was great fun as was the ice karting.
We’ve just returned from the Wilderness Week at Basecamp Oulanka and it’s been brilliant. I can’t believe that we managed to pack so much into one week. As complete novices to wintersports we weren’t sure how we’d fare but wanted to give them a try, which we did and thoroughly enjoyed them all. The tuition from Elina, Martti and the team was really good, they are a really friendly team and were happy to ensure that we got the most from the trip. For example Elina gave my wife a one to one lesson in cross-country skiing after she had to miss the group session. The food was lovely, including some traditional Finnish dishes and plenty of it too. The accommodation in the cabins was warm and comfortable and we were supplied with all the kit we needed, which included three sets of boots to cover all the activities.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the trip to anyone after an active holiday, as I have done to all our friends.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, I would say that three activities were my favourites. Firstly, the dogsledding was really memorable gliding along through the snow behind seven huskies. Secondly, the chance to try some ice climbing was a treat even if I'm not likely to repeat it at 70 and thirdly, racing ice karts was really good fun with the competitive spirit kicking in big time.
I'm sure that my wife would add spending a night in the Quinzee we built in -20C to that list.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elina, Martti and the team were really first rate with their tuition and helpfulness as I've said. They were all really sociable, informative about flora and fauna and Finnish history and customs all of which go to make the holiday enjoyable. All of the organisation was first class and all the excursions and externally provided activities went like clockwork.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Not particularly save that when the trip notes say that all kit will be provided it will be and good quality it is too.
Highly recommended and couldn’t stress how much effort the guides put in on making you feel welcome to this amazing country and how supportive they were in making the trip perfect for each individual. Head guide Elina is a fantastic overall lovely person.
The food was to die for (all traditional Finnish), don’t be expecting burgers unless it’s an Elk one!
The drink was expensive, but I had budgeted for this prior to the trip as I knew this would be the case. It’s good idea to purchase alcohol at a UK airport or lack some in your case before hand.
All of the activities were perfect to gain a taster of each, and once equipped with your gear, you were free to use them as you please in your free time.
I took a hike up a local hill on our free day, using the snowshoes provided, Elina showed me a map in which I took with me, and an easy to follow, well marked trail. What a fabulous day to get a view of the Russian border from the top.
The owners of the Huskies were so caring and knew a of the dogs inside out, what a lovely life they lead and the dogs really enjoy their work, this is obvious when you meet them, due to the excitement and noise they make when they know they’re going on a trip.
The reindeer are well looked after, and the herdsmen explained that they are trained to pull the sleighs in the winter when they are brought back to the farm, but released again to roam during the summer months.
I can’t tell you enough how much I love this country, the lovely people and how close they are to nature.
If your after a really laid back holiday and an escaped from the rush of day to day life, this is for you!
Most Inspirational Moment
The way of life the Finnish lead is to die for, they really are the most lovely people with an amazing connection to nature and their wildlife
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader Elina couldn't have been any better, she couldn't have tried to please everyone anymore if she tried
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't expect restaurant quality food, expect a more rustic and traditional Finnish cuisine such as reindeer, elk and fish
For me its was a amazing trip. Although my staying arrangements was not that good as expected but other things made my trip awesome. I enjoyed range of outdoor activities such as snowshoeing,downhill skiing and dog sledding.
Hi – as a single female traveller over 60 years of age I really enjoyed this holiday. Accommodation was quite basic, but this was too be expected and food showed much creativity but the company was enjoyable and activities varied and very interesting.
Most Inspirational Moment
My favourite activity was the husky sledge rides and seeing all the dogs in their natural surrounding.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was great - she couldn't do enough for us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just be wary of your own capabilities. On my free day off I chose to do a 6KM hike with a younger and fitter member of the group ; I think I would have been okay had we not cover the distance up to the highest point of the resort in 2 hours - however I've since suffered a repetitive calf injury and am still suffering 5 weeks later. Great views though and wouldn't have missed the trip!
We had the most amazing week at the logging lodge with Elina. What a huge variety of activities to try out. Our 16 and 18 year old daughters loved it too, particularly the dog sledding day and the downhill skiing in Ruka. Cooking pancakes and sausages over a fire was also a highlight. Elina was knowledgable, friendly and inclusive. Would really recommend to families with a sense of adventure.
Most Inspirational Moment
Dig sledding
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try everything. Take your sense of adventure. All equipment provided was more than adequate.,
We had the most amazing week at the logging lodge with Elina. What a huge variety of activities to try out. Our 16 and 18 year old daughters loved it too, particularly the dog sledding day and the downhill skiing in Ruka. Cooking pancakes and sausages over a fire was also a highlight. Elina was knowledgable, friendly and inclusive. Would really recommend to families with a sense of adventure.
Most Inspirational Moment
Dig sledding
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try everything. Take your sense of adventure. All equipment provided was more than adequate.,
I really enjoyed the trip and it was Greta to see the transition from winter to spring as we were the last trip of the season. The most enjoyable part was the husky ride, so much I went twice. But also, Elina and Ismo really took care to make sure we enjoyed Finnish traditions, and we cooked pancakes and bread on an open fire as well as quinzee building and first aid in the wildness.
I would definitely recommend this trip of you want a jam packed holiday and to tick off a few things from your bucket list.
The guides are fantastic and you really feel a sense of being in the wilderness, especially of you are staying in the loggers lodge
Most Inspirational Moment
Do selling and baking bread on the fire
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elina was fantastic, so friendly and knowledgeable, she loves the first and nature and is so open minded.
Ismo who helped her was also fantastic and he had a lot of knowledge about Finnish traditions and nature
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't expect 5 star accomodation as one of the people did when I went, she was shocked, bit I was pleasantly surprised as I was expecting mountain hut standard
I loved this trip. It was a chance to head to the frozen north (Finland/Lapland) in April and take part in a range of outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, x country skiing, downhill skiing and dog sledding. It was also great to go out in the wilderness and have a chance to see wildlife and perhaps the Northern Lights.
Most Inspirational Moment
What was special was a combination of things - a social group, feeling I could at least begin to get the hang of activities such as skiing and dogsledding, generally travelling around the Oulanka National Park area by road whilst seeing all of it covered in snow and getting to meet the huskies and reindeer.
I also had the chance to take off on my own in the afternoon into the wilderness which gave me a sense of exploration!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elina is a very good leader and had us clearly organised everyday. She took us out snowshoeing and showed us cross country skiing. Else kept us well fed from the kitchen and took us out on a night walk with the snowshoes. Both have a lot of local knowledge and were very social, as part of the group. Elina also organised us with the most outdoor kit I have ever been given on a trip!
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a week where there is a lot of choice as to what one can do. Hence, perhaps, it helps to have some preconceived ideas as to what one would like to experience from the week.
My friends suggested this trip to me and although it sounded amazing I was a little cautious but went for it and I am so glad I did!
The whole trip is just one fantastic experience after another. The weather was incdredible especially the -32 that warmed up to only -7!
The scenery is stunning without exception and thats just the start.
Ignore the neigh sayers about the accomodation and food. The chalets are lovely, cosy, comfortable and very warm. It’s so serene in the morning its wonderful, I woke up to that amazing woodland view, peace and quiet and the occasional squirrel coming for food.
The food is great and plentiful and filling just with a big grpup like ours (32 people) you sometimes have to queue to get it. Try not to be too British expecting a hot cup of tea each morning. I took my own kettle and onlu used it twice.
The kit is great and does the job perfectly and the room floor dries things out very well.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to name just one but the husky experience is unforgettable.
Being driven by those beautiful dogs across the amazing landscape under an epic clear blue sky was just jaw dropping especially when they turn around and look at you if you dare apply the brake to slow them down.
Actually getting to see the northern lights was truly memorable. Standing on that frozen lake in the middle of the night just watching the display in awe inspiring.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elina was wonderful. She explained everything well and really encouraged you to want to try that bit harder to get the hang of things.
She mixed with us and seemed to really enjoy her time with us as much as we did with her.
Special mention to Andrea who came to Riisilntunturi National Park with us. It was her day off and she had never been so came as back stop guide and was lumbered with the daft set messing about, she laughed so much I hope she enjoyyed it.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Throw yourself into it, and you really should give the sleeping out in the quinzee a try its crazy but fun.
As with other advice you don't need much so dont overpack. If you wear glasses and want to keep your face warm, try to find something tight fitting over your nose becasue as you breath the moisture in your breath feezes on your lenses.
If you like a drink perhaps pick up a bottle or two up before you get there it is quite expensive at the camp.
