Finland

In winter, Finnish Lapland is the stuff of storybooks: snow-laden forests, frozen lakes, reindeer and husky sledges, and the Northern Lights flickering over glass-roofed cabins. Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle, is the official hometown of Santa Claus, and his village there is open every day of the year.

Most trips combine two nights in Helsinki, a compact seaside capital of design shops, island fortresses and market halls, with three or four nights in Lapland, reached by a short flight or the overnight train. Helsinki also links easily to Tallinn by ferry and to Stockholm by overnight cruise, and in summer Finland offers lakes, islands and the midnight sun.

Finland is a dream for families with young children, especially in December, and for honeymooners who want to watch the aurora from bed. We arrange thermal clothing for outdoor activities, choose hotels experienced with Indian guests, and pre-arrange vegetarian and Jain meals; Helsinki has many Indian restaurants.