OFF THE MAP TRAVEL INTRODUCES A NEW FAMILY ADVENTURE HOLIDAY: “RECONNECT UNDER THE AURORA” ARCTIC GLAMPING

By Staff

(Lulea, SWEDEN)  

After more than a year of separation, lockdown and missed family interactions, Off the Map Travel invites families to reconnect with a new Arctic Northern Lights glamping experience, Reconnect under the Aurora. It’s time to dust off those passports, print out your proof of vaccination or negative Covid test, and share in a holiday that’s designed to create sparkling memories for years to come.  

Designed for one group traveling together ensuring safety and social distancing, the Reconnect under the Aurora experience in Sweden brings loved ones together under the gaze of the Northern Lights in a “bucket list” vacation, an exciting and long-awaited holiday after a long period without international travel. Guests begin the adventure flying into Lulea Airport where a transfer to a snowmobile safari across the frozen river brings them to their first accommodation, a luxury teepee at the Aurora Safari Camp.

Created for families with children four years and older, the luxury four-night program includes two stays that everyone will love at the Aurora Safari Camp in a new aurora lavvu, a traditional tepee used by the nomadic Sami people, and in a log cabin at Arctic Retreat deep in the sub-Arctic woods. A meeting with reindeer, dog sledding, a sled ride, a sauna experience frozen into the lake and more snowmobiling are also part of the adventure.  The package is available from December 2021 – March 2022.

Each 325-square-foot lavvu has room for up to four guests and is winterized with a large “aurora window” which delivers awe-inspiring views of the Northern Lights. The lavvu also features wood and automatic fuel burners to keep guests cozy during their stay. 

“The newly upgraded lavvu accommodations are not only warm, inviting and beautifully furnished, but they also all face north to get the best views of the Northern Lights,” said Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel, the designer and exclusive provider of the experience.  “The large, clear Northern Lights panel in the side of the lavvu brings an immersive connection with the wilderness and the Arctic culture,” he added, “meaning you’ll never miss a second when searching for the Aurora.“

Programming is age-appropriate with adults encouraged to participate as well. Younger children, aged 4-eleven, will be kept entertained by an expert Sami guide who will teach traditional survival skills such as how to make Gáhkko bread over a campfire while older children will learn the art of ice fishing and how to stay safe and dry in the Arctic winter climate. 

“The Covid pandemic tore many families apart. We want this experience to be the ultimate antidote to help them unwind, come together and be a family again under one of the world’s great wonders,” notes Cooper.

The five- day, four-night, “Reconnect under the Aurora” package, offered exclusively by Off the Map Travel, is priced from $9145 per person, based on six people with total exclusivity for all activities. The package includes all meals, transfers, two nights in an Aurora lavvu, two nights in a luxurious private cabin at the Arctic Retreat, and more. Flights are additional.  

For more information visit https://www.offthemap.travel/reconnect-under-the-aurora/ www.offthemap.travel; +44 (0) 800 566 8901; info@offthemap.travel

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive into Lulea Airport and start your Arctic adventure right away by meeting some friendly moose and feeding them by hand. Did you know moose love bananas? Your private transfer will then continue to Lassbyn where you will experience a thrilling snowmobile safari across the frozen river to the brand-new Aurora Safari Camp. Settle into your three teepees and use the great facilities on offer this afternoon. After a delicious three-course welcome dinner, keep watch for the northern lights.

Day 2: After breakfast, it’s time to meet the most iconic animal of Lapland, the reindeer. Learn about local Sami culture over a traditional lunch and enjoy a short sled ride. There will be time to cross the Arctic Circle line before heading back to the Camp for dinner and relaxing in the sauna frozen into the lake to look for the northern lights.

Day 3: It’s time to test your snowmobiling skills again as you drive yourselves through the winter landscape to your next destination, Arctic Retreat. Check into your three luxury cabins and relax. Perhaps warm up in your private hot tubs and wood-fired sauna. This afternoon enjoy an exclusive “family reconnect” activity only available through Off the Map Travel:

              For kids 4-11

Learn to cook traditional Sami Gáhkko bread in an exclusive bread-baking outdoor experience. This bread is a delicious accompaniment for stews and soups and perfect with any kind of cheese. There are many ways to bake it but the best is to bake in a frying pan on the campfire. Kneading the dough is half the fun!

              For kids 11 – 18

Learn to make a fire in the snow with a flint, drill a hole in the ice and try to catch fish, make hot chocolate or tea over the open fire, as well as how to stay safe and dry in the Arctic winter climate in an exclusive outdoor winter skills session.

After dinner there will again be optimal Northern Lights viewing opportunities as you will be far away from any light pollution

Day 4: Another meeting with friendly Arctic wildlife awaits, and today it is with huskies. Drive your own team of lively dogs through the snow and stop for lunch over the campfire during your journey. This evening is at your leisure to relax together at Arctic Retreat.

Day 5: Check out and take your private transfer back to the airport for your onward journey. Perhaps there will be time to stop at Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, for additional exploring.

OFF THE MAP TRAVEL

The team at Off the Map Travel works with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of our planet. Specializing in Soft Adventure, OTMT creates tailor-made holiday itineraries offering authentic experiences not offered by many larger travel companies.

For more information on Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call +44 (0) 800 566 8901; email info@offthemap.travel  or join in the conversation on FacebookTwitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest

Soft Adventure

Soft Adventure is the opportunity to experience memorable adventures without the hassle of pre-planning or the requirement for specific skills or training. Perfect for families, as they are suitable for all ages, Soft Adventure programs incorporate all the creature comforts and luxury you want from a holiday and include activities that are less physically rigorous. It’s adventure – but not hardship!

Tailored Programs

Off the Map Travel believes everybody wants something different from their break — therefore, holidays are tailored to the requirements of the individual, couple or group traveling. No two holidays are the same. Off the Map Travel is owned and run by those who appreciate holiday experiences in authentic cities, towns and villages for a chance to see the real country.