The Standard Blog

A Standard Tour or The Lapland Standard?

How to Choose Your Perfect Arctic Adventure

Lapland isn't just a destination; it's a feeling. It’s the profound silence of a snow-laden forest, the exhilarating dance of the Aurora Borealis, and the warmth of a story shared around a crackling campfire. When you invest in a journey here, you're investing in a memory that should last a lifetime.

But here’s the secret: the how of your trip matters more than the what. The difference between a standard group tour and a truly personal journey can be the difference between seeing Lapland from a bus window and feeling its magic in your soul.

This guide explores two fundamentally different approaches to travel. We want to help you choose the experience that aligns with the dream that brought you here. After all, wouldn't it be awesome to have a friend on the Arctic Circle? Consider us your friends. This is our promise to you. This is The Lapland Standard.

Photo by Taneli Kantanen on Unsplash

1. Your Guide: A Scripted Announcer or Your Local Friend?

A standard tour often relies on a contract or seasonal guide. They are professional and can be knowledgeable, but they typically work from a standardized script, delivering the same information to a large audience day after day.

The Lapland Standard is having A Personal, Local Host. Your guide isn't just an employee; they are one of our founders, born and raised in Lapland. They don’t have a script; they have a lifetime of stories. They know these forests, lakes, and fells as their own backyard because it is their backyard. They're not just showing you the sights; they're sharing their way of life, guaranteeing an experience so authentic it couldn't happen any other way.

2. Your Itinerary: A Rigid Timetable or an Adventure That Breathes?

A standard tour is built on a Fixed & Rigid Schedule. To manage a large group, every stop is timed, every route is pre-determined. There's little room for spontaneity. If the Northern Lights make an unexpected early appearance, or you want to linger in a moment of perfect silence, the bus schedule often can't wait.

The Lapland Standard is that Your Adventure is Your Way. The itinerary is a canvas, not a rulebook. We plan your moments with you. Want to focus on snowshoeing in the silent wilderness? We know the perfect, hidden trail. Hoping to see Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle? We’ll make it happen seamlessly. Because it's just your private group in our comfortable minibus, we can adapt to the weather, to your energy levels, and to the magic of the moment.

3. Your Group: A Crowd of Strangers or Your Own Inner Circle?

A standard tour means a Shared Group Experience. You'll be one of 20, 30, or even 50 other travelers. The pace is set by the largest common denominator, and those quiet, personal moments are rare.

The Lapland Standard is Intimate by Design. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, you decide who comes along. It's always just your group. This philosophy isn't an accident. Our founders saw the rise of mass tourism in the 90s—a business that prioritized volume over value—and dedicated themselves to creating something more genuine. Keeping our groups small and private is how we ensure every guest receives our full attention and a truly personal experience.

4. The Value: A Base Price with Add-ons or a Transparent, All-Inclusive Experience?

A standard tour often advertises a Lower Initial Price, which can be appealing. However, this base price frequently covers only the main transport and guide. Essential extras like professional photos, specific activities, or even snacks and warm drinks often come with additional, sometimes unexpected, costs.

The Lapland Standard is a Premium Investment for a Private Experience. We believe in transparency and letting you relax. Our clear price includes:

  • Your private Laplander guide and storyteller.
  • Comfortable transport in our new minibus.
  • Warm Finnish snacks and drinks by the fire.
  • The use of warm jackets for aurora hunting.
  • And most importantly, professional photography of your adventure.

5. The Memories: A Quick Snap or a Professional Keepsake?

A standard tour leaves the photography up to you. You'll be trying to capture the Northern Lights on your phone or fumbling with a camera with frozen fingers, often with a crowd in your shot.

The Lapland Standard ensures you leave with Beautiful, Professional Photos. We believe your memories are the most precious souvenirs. That's why one of us is always there with high-end equipment to capture the flaming auroras, the joy of a sled ride, or the emotional moments by the campfire. You get to live fully in the moment, secure in the knowledge that these memories are being preserved beautifully for you to share with family and friends. This is included. Always.

This is Lapland Done Differently

Choosing a tour is more than a transaction; it's choosing a philosophy. A standard tour can show you the sights. Our mission is to make you feel like our personal guest, to share our home with you, and to prove that a trip to Lapland doesn't have to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We want the connection to continue long after you've gone home.

We want you, your friends, and your families back in Lapland as soon as possible.

Let's plan together

Don't See the Perfect Fit?
Let's Create It!

Our passion is crafting one-of-a-kind experiences. The given examples are just the beginning. If you have a special request or a unique idea, we would love to build a custom itinerary just for you.

You can contact us multiple ways, use chat button in the corner to contact us directly, or call/whatsapp +358 40 538 0000 or timo@thelaplandstandard.com

A picture of Timo Autto, one of the founders