Northern Lights Tour and Aurora Borealis Travel Guide

.:Samantha:. asked:

Where is the most common place to see the Northern Lights? I hear there was a huge sunburst recently which has inflamed the Norther Lights in various areas. I thought you could see them in Alaska…am i wrong?

If you visit Barrow in the late winter, then be sure to look for the awe-inspiring Northern Lights! These are just a few of the native villages, of course. If you are taking an Alaskan cruise or planning a bundled trip, then your travel agent should be able to point you in the right direction.

The Northern Lights is a  meteorological phenomenon occurs in winter when the night sky is lit up in a dazzling display. Your best chance of observing them is on a cruise ship or far from civilization.

Pictures in the video were taken from Greenland in December 2007. A Canon EOS 40-D was used to take these stunning pictures.

misery asked:

My husband has said he wants to take me to see the Northern lights for my 40th birthday present. We would like to view them in Iceland but are having difficulty finding a tour operator, can any one help?

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, every time we add a new destination, the questions come flooding in. Having recently returned from Iceland people wanted to know about my experience of the Northern lights, so here it is…

I am not really a people person and usually opt for private tours if I can get away with it. With clients in mind I like to experience the kind of things that they will experience when on holiday and not only that a group tour is far more economical, especially in Iceland.

I took a tour of Iceland in the winter months in order to be able to see the wonderful Aurora borealis along with other things that can only be observed in the latter part of the year. Of course the weather is very unpredictable at this time of year and the chances of getting a clear cloudless sky for a long period of time is something to be taken into consideration when doing an evening out such as this. One thing is definite and that is there is never a certainty that the trip will take place. If the weather is not suitable then the tour company will ring your hotel to let you know that the trip is off, offering a tour the next evening or a full refund.

The night that I was hoping to see the lights was very unpredictable and I was expecting a call to say the trip would be cancelled. Much to my surprise I was informed that I would be picked up from my hotel at 8.30pm, and so began my extraordinary adventure. I was picked up from my hotel nearer to 8.45pm and transported to the bus that would be my refuge from the cold biting winds, rain and snow blizzards for the next few hours. Once the bus had filled up we were driven off away from the bright lights of Reykjavik deep into the Icelandic countryside. At different intervals the tour guide exited the bus to check conditions and I began to feel that the short video about the Northern lights we had all been shown was the closest I was going to get to seeing them. For safety reasons we had to find a suitable place to park the bus in the darkness in order that we could all descend without getting run over.

Acting on a call from headquarters forecasting clear skies all fifty passengers got off of the bus and slid their way into position in the icy lay-by to get a good view of the Aurora borealis in the clear starlight sky. As I gazed upward all that I could see was the clouds making their way towards us at an astonishing rate. We were informed that this stop would be no longer than 30 minutes and then we would be moving on. The clouds were upon us before the 30 minutes was up so we all got back onto the bus under the guides instruction as he had it on good authority that he could locate the lights.

We drove further along when the guide pointed out to the driver that he could see something beginning to flare ahead of us. Once again he got off of the bus to check conditions and we drove a little further in order to park safely to disembark the 50 expectant visitors. So off we all got again and the guide pointed us towards what he believed was the start of a flare up. The area lit up not with the northern lights but with about 40 camera flashes aimed at what looked like a cloud to me. Hey I’m no expert and I was sure the guide knew what he was talking about and in order to not look ridiculous among my fellow light seekers I watched the “thing” in the distance. Well I was right after all it was just a cloud and it was back on the bus again.

By now I had given up any hope of seeing any lights other than passing car headlights and decided to stay on the bus for the next 3 disembarkations. From my window all I could see was the snow as it hit and slid off of it. At 11.30 the driver and the guide finally admitted defeat and began the long journey back to Reykjavik and I must admit I did feel sorry for them as they had tried very hard to show us something. The guide had mumbled through his microphone that these things had a habit of happening and that of course it was out of his control.

I could see the lights of Reykjavik looming in the distance and my hopes of seeing the Northern lights disappearing into the bitter night. “Stop” said the guide to the driver, “something is about to happen!” Of course it is, I thought feeling cold and tired, talk about the boy who cried wolf. I just want to get back to my hotel room now. The bus emptied out quickly once more with the people who were determined to see something as I stubbornly stayed in my seat. “Come on” the driver said motioning to me. But I wanted my nice warm seat. As I glanced out at all of the other “idiots” standing in the cold I saw the familiar waves of the sonic flares that looked as if they were directly above our bus. I got off of the bus and was treated to a most fantastic display of the most beautiful lights I had ever seen. At just after midnight I was standing in my snow covered surroundings watching this natural phenomenon and I was thankful of the tour guides persistence. Suddenly our long search had been rewarded and I came back to England feeling honoured to have seen another of nature’s wonderful gifts.

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Spending your holiday in Scandinavia means experiencing the history and cultural heritages of each country, with gastronomy, trendy cafes and exciting shopping in a beautiful combination; discovering the many landscapes and extraordinary sights; seeing the midnight sun as well as the colourful northern lights and feeling an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere all together.

Aurora Borealis over northern WI, September 2005. Time lapse of 2 hours, one shot every 35 seconds, each shot a 30s exposure with a Canon 1Ds Mark II camera and 17-40mm f/4L lens, f/4, ISO 1600.

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As the name suggests, most part of Iceland is covered by snow. It is recorded that almost eleven percent of Iceland’s total area is covered by snow and ice glaciers larger than life. It may sound very unfriendly and inhospitable but the fact is that the weather here in Iceland is very cozy and easy going. It suits tourists from any part of the world.

Iceland is located in northern most part of Europe. It is basically an island in north of Atlantic Ocean but a place one would wish to go again and again, if visited once. Entire Iceland is full of surprises for the tourists that pour down there whole year. There is a typical start to Iceland’s tour, but surprises come in wholesale once you enter Iceland. Some of the surprises are mentioned below.

Volcanoes – around the central plateau, there are more than one hundred volcanoes. Out of these almost forty are active. According to stats, there is a major volcanic eruption in every five years in Iceland. But, still Icelandic volcanoes remain one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe.

Mount Hekla is the most famous active volcano of Iceland. The last eruption in this volcano was recorded in the year 2000. Other famous active volcanoes are grimsvtn, kala, askja and krafla.

Vatnajokull – this is Europe’s biggest glacier and Iceland’s major tourist attraction. Its size is about 8300 square kilometers and it covers about 8 percent of Iceland’s total land. It is the highest point in Iceland. Its highest point is named hvannadalshnukur and is about 2119 meters above sea level.

Thingvellir national park – this park is one of the most visited places in Iceland. The fact that this park is situated in volcanic landscape makes it even more popular. During eruptions lava flows with the border of Iceland’s largest lake. One can see “the very rare” signs of tectonic plate’s movements.

Blue lagoon – it is also one of the most visited places in Iceland. The special fact about it is that it is a natural pool of hot water with temperature between 37 and 40 degree Celsius. Its location between moss covered lava fields makes it the most photographed place of Iceland. Blue lagoon is also famous for its beneficial effects on health. This is another reason why it attracts people from all around the world.

Northern lights of Iceland – perhaps, this is Iceland’s top tourist destination in summers. The reason why is because Iceland is the perfect destination to watch these northern lights or “aurora borealis”, popularly called in Iceland. It is nature’s most spectacular and surprising event. Iceland has the privilege to be in the most active part of this magic of nature. But these northern lights are visible only on the nights when the skies are all clear.

Gullfoss waterfalls of Iceland – people of Iceland believe that this waterfall is the most beautiful place on earth. They are one hundred percent right. Gullfoss is a double folding waterfall and one of the very few in the world. It thunders around thirty two meters over the fault towards its gorge. Its gorge is 2.5 kilometers long and as deep as seventy meters at some places.

Reykjavik: the capital – how can one forget Reykjavik, when on a tour to Iceland? It is one of the world’s most clean and peaceful cities. It has got a blend of contemporary and modern architecture. All colored in low and some bright paint, this city appears very friendly for tourists. It has got some old-fashioned buildings of eighteenth and nineteenth century. This presents the ancient side of this city.

Iceland is full of natural surprises and everyone should go their at least once in their lifetime to experience what you have never experienced and will never experience again in any other destination of the world.

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Scott Russell asked:

There are certainly quite a few myths out there about Alaskan cruises, and during my time working in the travel industry, I heard all of them. So in order to set the record straight, I have put together this list of the top 10 myths about Alaskan cruises.

When you take an Alaskan cruise, the experience is unforgettable – the shore trips range from fascinating to thrilling, the towns along the route are wonderfully quaint, and the scenery is simply spectacular. As far as I am concerned, it is the most amazing scenery anywhere in the world.

An Alaska vacation is one you will remember for the rest of your life. Alaska will, no doubt, defy many of your preconceived notions. It is a place that exceeds all expectations.

So without further ado, let’s move right to the myth busting.

1. You’ll see the Aurora Borealis

There is a chance that you could catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) at some point along your cruise, but the odds are definitely against it. You can increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights by including an inland tour that stops in Fairbanks or by scheduling your cruise at the very beginning or end of the season.

2. The weather in September and May is too cold

The Inside Passage actually has a relatively mild and moderate marine climate, more like that of Seattle than of northern Alaska. The temperature along the Inside Passage only varies about ten degrees from the coolest part of the cruise season in May and late September to the warmest time of the summer, when it can get up to the high 60’s.

3. Passports are not needed for an Alaska cruise

As of 2009, passports will be required for all passengers on Alaskan cruises. In fact, anyone who flies in or out of Vancouver from the U.S. has been required to have a passport for a number of years. So do yourself a favor and get your passport early.

4. It rains constantly

It definitely does rain quite a bit in southern coastal Alaska. In fact, without the rain, there would be no lush rainforest vegetation or breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers. But still, it is very likely you will experience a mix of rain and sunshine during your cruise.

5. It is always less expensive if you cruise from Seattle

It is definitely often less expensive to fly to Seattle than it is to fly to Anchorage or Vancouver. However, the money you save on flights can be eaten up by higher cruise fares, since sailings from Seattle often cost a bit more.

6. The front section of the boat is better for those with motion sickness

Neither the bow (front section) nor the top floors of the ship are your best bet if you suffer from sea sickness. Instead, people who are concerned about sea sickness might want to consider booking cabins on the lower floors of the ship, where there is less motion.

7. It is possible to make cell phone calls on an Alaska cruise

It’s true that you should be able to use your cell phone in some of the port towns (especially in Juneau). However, there is little chance your phone will get a signal in some of the more remote segments of the cruise.

8. The left (or right) side of the ship is better

Many people planning Alaska cruises seem to be under the impression that the right side of the boat is far better on a northbound Gulf of Alaska cruise (and that the left side is superior on a southbound cruise). There is indeed a period of about 1-2 days when your ship is out at sea in the Gulf of Alaska (assuming you have booked a one-way cruise). On those days, if the coastline is not shrouded in clouds (as it frequently is), you would have a better view from the rooms facing the coast. But for the remainder of the cruise, the views from both sides of the ship are often equally wonderful.

9. You can save big bucks by booking last minute

Through those buying last-minute might get great deals on cruises of the Caribbean, the same does not really hold true for Alaska cruises. Alaskan ships often sell out far in advance for cruises in the months of July and August. If you are really looking for a last-second deal, you might be able to find one in May or September, though you could have to settle for an inside cabin.

10. You can see polar bears on the cruise

While there are many incredible sights that you will see on an Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska cruise, you won’t see any Polar bears. These massive bears live almost exclusively on arctic ice flows in the far northern region of Alaska. The cruise route focuses on southern and central Alaska. However, you might well see grizzly bears on your cruise, for they are very common in lower Alaska and are an incredible sight.