Lapland, How We Made It Happen
Travelling to Finnish Lapland feels like stepping into a dream. It’s a place so magical and otherworldly that it’s hard to believe it’s real. When I first started learning about Lapland, I was in awe of its pristine wilderness, Northern Lights, and fairy-tale snow-covered landscapes. But honestly, I thought, “There’s no way we could ever go there.”
Lapland felt completely out of reach – something for other people with endless budgets, not us. The idea of actually getting there seemed impossible. Yet, the more I learned, the more I fell in love with it. I couldn’t stop imagining what it would be like to visit such a place. One day, after months of dreaming, I turned to my husband and said, “I really want to make this happen. Other people are doing it – so why not us?”
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The First Step: Believing It’s Possible
That conversation was the turning point. We decided to stop dismissing the idea and start working toward it. To keep ourselves accountable, we set up a dedicated “Lapland Fund” in our bank account. We started small – just $10 from each fortnightly pay went into the account (we were on a single wage at the time). At that rate, it was going to take a long time, but it was a start.
Over time, we found ways to add more to the fund. If we had extra money in our pay packets or some leftover at the end of the fortnight, it went straight into the account. Birthdays, tax refunds, and unexpected windfalls were opportunities to grow the fund faster. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was steady, and little by little, it added up.
The Biggest Obstacle: Getting Started
Reflecting on our journey now, I see the biggest hurdle wasn’t the cost or the time – it was starting. So many people dream of incredible adventures but never take that crucial first step because the goal feels too overwhelming. It’s easy to think, “I’ll save for it later when life is less busy or when money isn’t so tight.” But the truth is, there’s rarely a “perfect” time to spend money on a holiday, especially when mortgages, bills, and responsibilities are ever-present.
The reality is, those obligations will always be there. What you’re investing in with travel is something you can never replace: the memories, the stories, and the sheer joy of experiencing something extraordinary. For us, the dream of Lapland became more than just a destination – it became a priority.
Visualising the Dream
If you’re sitting on the fence about taking a trip like this, start by visualising it. Picture yourself in Lapland- standing under the dancing Northern Lights, dashing through snowy forests on a husky sled, or cosying up in a glass igloo with snowflakes falling all around you. Let that image be your motivation to begin. All of those things are real and possible!
It doesn’t matter how small you start. The key is to take that first step and keep moving forward. Open a dedicated travel fund, set a goal and start putting away whatever you can. You’ll be amazed at how quickly small, consistent contributions add up over time.
Why Lapland is Worth It
So, was it worth the effort? Absolutely! Finnish Lapland exceeded every expectation. The landscapes were more breath-taking, the activities more exhilarating and the memories more precious than we could have imagined. Every moment felt like stepping into a fairy tale.
The best part? Knowing we made it happen through determination and planning. That sense of accomplishment made the trip even more meaningful.
Take the Leap
If visiting Lapland feels like a far-off dream to you, please know it’s possible. Start small, but start now. Set your goal, take the first step, and trust that you can make it happen. Because when you finally find yourself in Lapland, creating unforgettable memories, you’ll know it was all worth it!
Ready to Plan Your Lapland Adventure?
If you’re inspired to start planning your trip to Finnish Lapland, explore our website for tips, itineraries, budget-saving hacks, activities, the best eSIM for Lapland travel and more.
Let’s make your dream a reality, one step at a time!!
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
