The North Pole, the northernmost point of the planet, is a mysterious and beautiful place that attracts countless travelers. In the Arctic, you can see spectacular glaciers, fantastic auroras, adorable polar bears, and many other surprises and challenges. However, traveling in the Arctic is not an easy task, and it requires adequate preparation and planning to enjoy the charm and fun of the Arctic. Here's how to choose the best route, mode and season for your Arctic trip to make your trip to the Arctic smoother and more perfect.
There are many types of Arctic travel routes, which can be divided into the following categories:
Arctic Circle Route. This is one of the more common Arctic tours, suitable for first-time visitors to the Arctic and for those with limited time and budget. This route usually departs from Northern Europe or Russia and follows the edge of the Arctic Circle to visit some of the Arctic introductory attractions, such as Tromsø in Norway, Rovaniemi in Finland, Murmansk in Russia, etc. The advantage of this route is that it is more convenient and economical, it does not require special transportation and does not require a special visa, and it can be completed in about a week. The disadvantage of this kind of route is that it is relatively shallow and bland, you cannot go deep into the real Arctic region, and you cannot see some characteristic attractions of the Arctic, such as the North Pole Point, the Arctic Sea, the polar bear, etc.
Arctic Islands Route. This is a popular Arctic tour for those with some experience and interest, as well as for those who want to see more of the sights and animals. This route usually departs from Iceland or Norway and crosses the Arctic Sea by icebreaker to visit some of the famous archipelagos of the Arctic, such as Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic Islands. The advantage of this route is that it is more in-depth and rich, you can see the true face of the Arctic, and you can also see some rare animals of the Arctic, such as polar bears, seals, walruses, seabirds, etc. The disadvantage of this route is that it is more time-consuming and expensive, requires special means of transportation, and also requires special visas, which generally takes more than two weeks and is relatively expensive.
North Pole Line. This is a more adventurous Arctic itinerary for those with a strong sense of adventure and challenge, as well as for those who want to reach the pinnacle of life. This route generally starts from Murmansk, Russia, and takes the world's only nuclear-powered icebreaker to break through the thick ice and reach the northernmost point of the earth, at 90°N. The advantage of this kind of route is that it is more exciting and shocking, it can realize many people's dreams, and you can also see some of the wonders of the North Pole, such as polar day, polar night, aurora, etc. The disadvantage of this route is that it is more dangerous and expensive, it requires special transportation, it also requires special visas, it usually takes more than three weeks, and the cost is also very high.
According to your own situation and needs, choosing the most suitable Arctic travel route for you is the first and very important step of Arctic travel.
There are many ways to travel in the Arctic, which can be divided into the following categories:
Guided tours. This is a relatively common way to travel the Arctic, suitable for inexperienced or unwanted tourists, as well as for those who want to make friends or enjoy services. In this way, a fixed route is booked through a travel agency or platform, and according to the itinerary of the tour group, follow the tour guide or tour leader, and travel with other tourists. The advantages of this method are that it is more time-saving, labor-saving, money-saving, safe and secure, you can enjoy professional explanations and guidance, you can also enjoy some discounts and services, and you can also make some like-minded friends. The disadvantages of this method are that it is relatively lacking in freedom, lack of personality, lack of quality, can not arrange time and place by itself, can not choose transportation and accommodation by itself, can not decide which attractions to go to, how long to stay, what activities to participate in, and may also encounter some unprofessional or irresponsible travel agencies or platforms that provide some low-quality or false services, such as changing the itinerary, lowering standards, compulsory shopping, hidden charges, etc., which damage the interests and experience of tourists.
Free travel. It's a popular way to travel around the Arctic, and it's suitable for those who have some experience or want to be independent, as well as those who want to see more or experience more culture. In this way, you generally plan your own itinerary, inquire about transportation, book tickets and hotels, travel by yourself, and arrange everything by yourself. The advantage of this method is that it is more free and individual, you can arrange the time and place as you like, you can choose your own transportation and accommodation, you can decide which attractions to go to, how long to stay, what activities to participate in, you can also see some scenery that tour groups can't see, and experience some culture that tour groups can't experience. The disadvantage of this method is that it is more time-consuming and laborious, costly and troublesome, and the danger is relatively high, you need to bear all the risks and responsibilities yourself, and you also need to solve all the problems and difficulties by yourself, if you do not have enough experience and ability, you may encounter a lot of troubles and dangers.
Adventure Tours. This is an extreme way to travel the Arctic and is suitable for those who have a lot of experience or want to take on a challenge, as well as those who want to experience the Arctic at its most real. In this way, you generally organize yourself or join some professional expedition teams, use some special means of transportation, such as sledding, skiing, hiking, etc., to go deep into the most remote and dangerous places in the Arctic, and carry out some extreme activities, such as Arctic marathon, Arctic camping, Arctic diving, etc. The advantage of this method is that it is more exciting and shocking, you can reach the limit of life, you can also feel the most real and original side of the Arctic, and you can also see some wonders and animals that cannot be seen by tour groups. The disadvantage of this method is that it is more dangerous and expensive, it requires special means of transportation, it also requires special visas, it generally takes more than a month, the cost is also very high, and it requires strong physical strength, skills and psychological quality to cope with the harsh environment of the Arctic and various accidents and crises.
Choosing the most suitable way to travel in the Arctic according to your own situation and needs is the second and most important step of your Arctic trip.
There are many types of Arctic travel seasons, which can be divided into the following categories:
Winter. It's a deserted season for traveling in the Arctic, for those who want to seek peace and solitude, as well as for those who want to see the polar night and the Northern Lights. This season is generally from November to March, when the Arctic region is in a state of polar night, with no sunlight, only darkness, and very low temperatures, which can reach below minus 40 degrees. The advantage of this season is that it is quieter and mysterious, you can enjoy the silence and solitude of the Arctic, you can also see the most beautiful sight of the Arctic, the Northern Lights, and you can also experience some winter activities such as skiing, sledding, ice fishing, etc. The disadvantage of this season is that it is relatively cold and dark, and the test of the human body and psychology is very large, and it is also difficult to see some Arctic animals, such as polar bears, seals, walruses, etc., and it is also difficult to carry out some other activities, such as the North Pole, the Arctic Sea, the Arctic Islands, etc.
Summertime. It's a lively season for Arctic tourists, who want to see more of the sights and animals, but also for those who want to do more activities. This season is generally from June to September, and the Arctic region is in a polar day state, with sunshine and no night, and the temperature is relatively high, which can reach about 10 degrees above zero. The advantage of this season is that it is relatively bright and active, you can see the richest scenery of the Arctic, such as glaciers, flowers, waterfalls, etc., you can also see the most animals of the Arctic, such as polar bears, seals, walruses, seabirds, etc., and you can also do some other activities such as the North Pole, the Arctic Sea, the Arctic Islands, etc. The disadvantage of this season is that it is more crowded and expensive, because this is the peak season for Arctic travel, many tourists will flock to the Arctic, resulting in a shortage of tourism resources, ** may also affect the environment and ecology of the Arctic, may also encounter some mosquitoes and pollen, may also encounter some unstable weather, such as fog, wind, rain, etc.
Spring and fall. It's a well-balanced season for Arctic travelers, both for those who want to avoid the crowds and peaks, as well as for those who want to see a different twist. The season is generally from April to May, and from October to November, and the Arctic region is in a transition period of polar day and night, with sunshine and night, and the temperature is relatively moderate, reaching a few degrees above or below zero. The advantage of this season is that it is more suitable and comfortable, you can avoid the peak period of tourism, enjoy more space and services, ** is also more reasonable, you can also see different changes in the Arctic, such as the melting and freezing of ice and snow, the growth and withering of plants, the migration and reproduction of animals, etc., and you can also carry out some other activities, such as the North Pole, the Arctic Sea, the Arctic Islands, etc. The disadvantage of this season is that it is more unstable and uncertain, because this is the period of change in the Arctic, and the weather and ice conditions may change abruptly, resulting in the change or cancellation of some plans and arrangements, and may also affect the viewing of some landscapes and animals, and may also encounter some polar day or night discomfort, such as sleep disorders, mood swings, etc.
Choosing the most suitable Arctic travel season according to your own situation and needs is the third and very important step of Arctic travel. Different seasons will bring you different experiences and feelings, as well as different beauties and challenges, so think carefully and be well informed and prepared.
A trip to the Arctic is a very special and memorable trip that allows you to see a different side of the planet, feel the wonder and power of nature, challenge your limits and dreams, and meet some interesting and friendly people. However, traveling to the Arctic is not an easy task, and it requires thorough preparation and planning to enjoy the charm and fun of the Arctic. This article explains how to choose the best itinerary, mode and season for your Arctic trip, I hope it will help you and have a great trip!