The UK might not be the happiest place in the world right now but Finland is – and it’s official!
The United Nations has just named Finland the world’s most contented country for the third year in a row in its annual Happiness Report. The report ranks over 150 countries by how happy their citizens consider themselves to be. Finland’s capital city Helsinki also scooped the honours for the world’s happiest city.
This award is good news for Finland and great news for our customers as we’re planning some amazing trips there starting from this September, which is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights.
So, why is it that Finns are so happy? Professor John F. Helliwell of the University of British Columbia, who co-edited the report, said: ‘A happy social environment, whether urban or rural, is one where people feel a sense of belonging, where they trust and enjoy each other and their shared institutions. There is also more resilience, because shared trust reduces the burden of hardships, and thereby lessens the inequality of wellbeing.’
As well as their fantastic sense of community, the Finns are also lucky to be surrounded by some beautiful landscapes. Outdoor activities such as open water swimming and cross–country skiing as well as regular saunas definitely help with wellbeing too.
So, how can you find your happy place in Finland? Bookings are now open for next season and we have some treats in store:
Why not try a night in one of our legendary Aurora Bubbles – where you can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own cosy bed? We have a special 3 night trip at the Nellim Wilderness Hotel, maximising your chances of seeing the Lights (and we can even include an Aurora Alarm so you won’t miss a thing).
If you want to stay in an ice room but prefer a more intimate experience than some of the more famous snow hotels, then how about having your very own cabin made of blocks of pure ice? You will sleep in a super-thick thermal sleeping bag on top of luxurious reindeer hides – so don’t worry about getting cold. Just enjoy the silence, breathe the purest air and get ready for a deep sleep. Our 3 night package includes a Northern Lights search, husky ride and snowmobile safari.
Or, if you love animals as much as we do, how about combining a stay in a luxurious glass igloo with a visit to see the polar bears of Ranua. What could be nicer than relaxing under the Northern Lights with a glass of bubbles after a busy day of snowshoeing and snowmobiling?
For more details of all our amazing trips to Finland, please contact sales@arcticdirect.co.uk.
P.S. Three of our other destinations, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, also feature in the UN top seven so if you’ve already experienced Finland why not try one of our other happy places?
