Activities Abroad

We took a northernlights holiday to the Jeris lake hotel in Muomio Finland. It wasn't terrible but it could have been a lot better. The group size was too large and it took forever to complete activities with many of us waiting in the cd for long periods of time. Equipment was also sparse for some activities. For example 24 people ice fishing with one drill - it took an hour and a half just to drill the holes one by one. The activities were variable. The husky safari was excellent and so was the snow shoeing (albeit crowded). The visit to the reindeer farm was pretty dire involving going in a small circle in a reindeer pulled sleigh followed by throwing a lasso onto a piece of wood which was supposed to mimic a reindeer. The hunt for the northern lights by mini bus however was our biggest complaint. Instead of 4 hours trying to avoid cloud cover it turned out to be a one hour drive to the tackiest tourist shop you have ever seen, one hour stuck inside the shop and an hours drive back. If we had known , we would have stayed in the hotel. The company rep was also useless, simply smiling whenever we mentioned an issue. The hotel was over-crowded and meal times were a nightmare as you struggled to get to and from your chair and asking others to continuously get up so you could do so. Overall, very disappointing. Too crowded and too little effort put in.

Last year, I went on a 7 day trip to Finnish Lapland with Activities Abroad and it was, without a doubt, the best skiing I've ever done. The slopes were great and the accommodation was marvelous but what really stood out was their take to Responsible Travel. I somtimes feel intrusive when I go abroad, but not with these guys. And they really do know the locals!

As well as skiing (which is all I thought I wanted to do!) I went dog sleding and ice fishing with local guides. Amazing! The group I was in was really small, 15 in total and, at night, we were the only people for miles around. It was mega. I loved it and I can't wait to go again.

I have just spent 4 nights with my 5 year old on an Activities Abroad holiday to meet Santa in Savalan in Norway. I had an experience that exceeded my wildest expectations. This holiday is as much for adults as it is for children. The Santa experience is well-thought through and sensitive. The husky safari and snowmobile excursions were simply wonderful, with the adults being given full responsibility for their vehicles and dogs. The hotel pool is heavenly and very welcome after the freezing action packed outdoor activities. I simply can't find anything to criticise about the whole experience. Wonderful, sophisticated and caring. Tanya Holt, 20th December 2010

We travelled with Activities Abroad to Finnish Lapland and had a fantastic time. we booked snowmobiling, dog sledding and snowshoeing - it was everything the guy i spoke to said it would be if not better. they really know their stuff and we didn't feel rushed on any of the activities. added bonus was all the winter clothing provided - this saved us having to buy ski gear we didn't have before we travelled.

Myself and a couple of mates booked an activity weekend to Slovenia last September. The whole three days was absolutely manic, including white water rafting, canyoning, hydrospeeding and various other things. Each day would consist of getting up at between 7 or 8am and rushing off to do the first activity (not good when you got to bed at 4 or 5am and were really hungover). You'd get back to the hotel for lunch, and then off to do the second activity of the day!

Even now, the Activities Abroad holiday is (an alcohol induced?) blur, but I would recommend it to anyone who thinks it's a good idea to chuck yourself down rapids clinging onto half a sledge (hydrospeeding).

The Slovenian staff were really friendly, and the owner also joined the trip, and sat in the bar with us most nights as well!