Coolest experience of my life... literally

Finland is the land of saunas, lakes, the Northern Lights, and a calm, quiet pace. If you go in the winter, beware: you need to wear MULTIPLE layers. It is the coolest place I've ever been to. You should go if: You want to see the aurora and the midnight sun You like nature, silence, and wood-fired saunas You are traveling with kids who want Santa Claus Must-visit places: Helsinki: Design district, Suomenlinna sea fortress, and public saunas Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle - the official northern pole! Stay at an ice hotel. Finnish Lapland: Husky and reindeer rides, glass igloos and aurora watching Lakeland: Thousands of lakes around Savonlinna and Kuopio Turku and the Archipelago: Island hopping by ferry or bike Must-try foods: Lohikeitto: Creamy salmon soup Karjalanpiirakka: Karelian rice pies with egg butter Korvapuusti: Cinnamon buns Reindeer with lingonberries, and salmiakki (salty licorice) if you dare Fun facts: Finland has roughly one sauna for every two people. Finns drink more coffee per person than almost any other nation. The country has topped the World Happiness Report for years. I approve of their schools and education philosophies. Logistics: Best time: December to March for aurora and snow; June to August for midsummer Currency: Euro; cards everywhere Getting there: Helsinki (HEL), plus flights and the night train to Lapland Tipping: Not expected Entry: Schengen Area; book Lapland stays months ahead for winter Must-learn phrases: Hello: Hei Thank you: Kiitos Yes / No: Kyllä / Ei Excuse me: Anteeksi Goodbye: Näkemiin Cheers!: Kippis!