Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Towards the end of last year, Susanne Sutton enjoyed a spellbinding day in Lapland with her family. Here is why she would recommend such a visit to anyone looking for a festive family trip.
I can’t say enough what an amazing, magical trip this was. We travelled with Newmarket Holidays and, although it was a day trip, we packed in so much and felt like we’d been on a holiday… a special one we’ll never forget!
The early morning chartered flight was unlike any flight I’d been on before. With cabin crew wearing Christmas hats, the atmosphere on board was lovely and the whole plane was encouraged to sing Christmas songs from song sheets given out. Everyone was excited as we landed, already feeling festive at what looked like a winter wonderland. We flew to Pajala in Sweden and it was minus 20 degrees when we landed and there was thick snow everywhere. We travelled the short distance to the remote Santa village by coach and were warmly welcomed by the locals bearing hot drinks and wearing the full thermal suits they provide.
During the day all, the activities we did were included and they were all memorable. Firstly, we had a reindeer sleigh ride which was a lovely start. Then we traded in the reindeer for some cute huskies and enjoyed another sledge ride. This was so exciting and dashing through the snow pulled by huskies was a definite highlight. We also got to ride the snowmobiles.
A hot lunch was included and then we made our way to the activity that turned out to be the highlight for many – walking through the forest to visit Father Christmas, following a trail that was lit by lanterns. This was not done in a group; each family had the chance to go separately and have their own personal experience of finding Father Christmas in his cabin. Our Father Christmas visit was as special as you would hope and we left with no doubt that he was the real thing.
After an amazing day, we flew back and on board we were given a certificate to say that we had crossed the Arctic Circle. And as if by magic we were provided with the perfect way to end an enchanting trip. As we flew through the night’s sky, the spectacular Northern Lights decided to pay us a visit.
A few days later, when we were still smiling about our trip, an envelope arrived in the post for my daughter with a Lapland stamp on it. Her face was a picture when she realised it was from Father Christmas.
Newmarket Holidays and all of our other travel agents in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and on the south coast, are now taking reservations for Lapland day trips in 2016. Drop by or call us today.
