Congratulations on your plan to visit Finland. You have made the right choice because this country has all the good things to make a perfect getaway. From the beauty of Nordic landscapes to the humble culture of the Sami indigenous, you will never regret your adventure here. Given the low crime rates, Finland is also safe and comfortable for backpackers and solo travelers.
Interestingly, you can make your Finland holiday even more fun if you follow these tips:
1. Different Season, Different Vibe
Your itinerary plan in Finland should match the season unless you have no desire to explore the outdoors. If you love trekking and nature explorations, autumn is the best time to catch the view. For festival goers, summer is when most events are. This season is also a great time for relaxing activities, such as swimming in the lake and staycation in a cottage. In winter, temperatures can drop to -30 degrees, but Finland offers several fun things to do, such as ice swimming and a hot sauna. For those who wish to catch the cold vibe without freezing, visiting in Spring would be a perfect option.
The season of your visit date also affects the list of things you must pack. Besides the appropriate clothes, there are also several other things you must bring along to prevent discomfort on your holiday. In summer, you might need bug repellents and remedies because mosquitos are abundant. In autumn and spring, rains may come unexpectedly, so bring a raincoat or an umbrella with you. In winter, insulated layers and thick shoes are essentials.
2. You Don’t Need Much Cash
According to ExpertMarket, Finland is one of the most cashless countries in the world. Most people and businesses, even the small ones, use payment cards, mobile payments, or online banking for transactions. Sure, it might be better to carry some cash just in case, but you wouldn’t need to have much of it in your wallet.
Finland also provides options for travel credit and debit cards with zero transaction fees. These cards make payments even more convenient as most places can accept them. There will be several discounts and bonuses as well.
3. Make Time for the Northern Lights
There are only a few places in the world that show Aurora Borealis, so make sure to spare time for it while you are in Finland. One of the best places to witness such a mesmerizing landscape is in northern Lapland, where the sky phenomenon happens every night. Sometimes, when the geomagnetic storm is strong, the glistening lights can be visible as far south as Helsinki.
For the ultimate experience, schedule your visit around late August to April, when the nights are darker, creating more distinct colours of the lights. You can also sign up for the Finnish Meteorological Institute to get accurate aurora alerts. If your budget allows, try a husky sledge ride, snowmobile safari, or stay in a glass igloo.
4. Don’t Skip the Cuisine!
Finnish cuisine is rich in diversity. There are many unique dishes and desserts you wouldn’t find anywhere else. From a series of breads and pastries to plenty of variations of fish dishes, you can plan different menus for every mealtime without running out of options.
Reindeer meat is one of the most unique ingredients common in Finland, so you might want to try several dishes. The country is also famous for its fresh and various berries, which can be abundant during summer and autumn.
Hakaniemi Market is one of the best places to hunt down tasty street foods with utmost authenticity and affordability. If you are fancy for fine dining experiences, there are several options of Michelin-starred restaurants serving Finnish cuisines, such as Natura and Finnjävel Salonki. Of course, there are also countless humble restaurants and food trucks that you must try as well.
Having specific dietary restrictions will not hinder you from the culinary experience in Finland. Especially in Helsinki, you can find many eateries that serve Halal, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and more. Many restaurants can also cater to specific allergies.
5. Consider Relying on Public Transportation
Going around Finland is relatively easy as most places are already accessible via public transport. Not only is it cheaper and good for the environment, but it may also give you chances to interact with the locals and fellow travellers.
Buses are the cheapest and most connected transportation systems, be it for inside the city, intercities, or even to neighboring countries. Trains and trams are also fun to ride, and yet still affordable. Finland also has water transportation options, such as boats and ferries.
6. Sauna Culture is Worth Trying
In Finland, you will notice that sauna centers are everywhere. They are more abundant in this country than any other cold-climate country. There is a cultural reason behind it. UNESCO even listed the Finnish sauna culture as an intangible heritage.
Dripping in a hot sauna is more than just keeping you from freezing. In Finland, sauna is one of the most popular activities to relax and get social. It is the time to cleanse your body and soul. Many Finnish people even considered the sauna as “the church of nature”.
Some families and friends like organizing a get-together event in a sauna. It would be an honor if a local invited you to one. If you plan to visit a public sauna, make sure to learn the basic etiquette to avoid offending the locals.
7. There Will Be Reindeers
Finland has an astonishingly high population of reindeer. The animals are so prevalent that they become a part of Finland’s culture and society. Many reindeer are semi-domesticated. Many locals keep them in their yards, use them to transport goods, and even incorporate them into the cuisine. If you go to traditional Finnish restaurants, you might find some menu with reindeer meat or milk.
Reindeers are the animals known to pull Santa Klaus’ sleigh. Interestingly, it is also Finland where the tale of Santa Klaus begins. According to local beliefs, Santa Klaus was from the Lapland area, where the reindeer population is the highest across Finland.
Bonus Tips: Use the MySecondLine App to Get Your Finland Number with Texts/Calls
Maintaining communication is important, especially if you are travelling solo. Without a Finland mobile number, calling and texting can be expensive. However, buying a local SIM card is not cheap either.
The best option for you is to install MySecondLine. Once registered, you can generate a virtual mobile number with the country format of your choice. Verification of a Finland number may require name and address information, but it doesn’t have to be in Finland. Any location is acceptable.
Compared to eSIM and physical SIM cards, MySecondLine rates are much cheaper. Not to mention that it works anywhere in the world, allowing you to continue using the same number even when travelling to different countries.