Quality Holidays For Single Parent Families

Single Parent Holiday - Sample Itinerary

Please note this is only a sample itinerary. Flight numbers, stated times and other information in this itinerary are subject to change.

Christmas in Ivalo - Lapland, Finland

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Note: This was the itinerary for Christmas 2007

  CHRISTMAS IN IVALO
 

Make it a special time

Saturday 22^nd  December 2007
to
Saturday 29^th  December 2007

 Hotel Ivalo, Lapland 

Travel Itinerary

Your Small Families hosts Carole & Allen will be travelling with you on the flight and will be in the Check-In area to assist you if necessary.  In case of problems (on the day of travel only), please call the emergency mobile number located at the end of this itinerary.

MEETING POINT IN DEPARTURES
If you wish, we suggest you meet up with your hosts and your fellow travellers in the seating area outside The Beauty Centre which is adjacent to the large Dixons Store approx. 1 hour before the advertised flight departure time.
 

TRAVEL ADVICE

CHECK-IN
Check-In is at Heathrow Terminal 1 and we recommend you do so no later than 3 hours before the published flight departure. Check-In for Finnair is carried out by British Airways.  Please check the TV monitors for full and up to date check-in information.   Flight timings can be subject to changes at short notice, please ensure you check your tickets for exact timings.

AIRCRAFT SEATING:
Occasionally a situation occurs where the aircraft seating process splits up family members, please inform check-in staff that you must be seated with your children and check your boarding cards at check-in to ensure that all your family members are seated together.  To avoid this risk, please try to arrive at the airport in plenty of time

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Your luggage allowance for this flight is 20kg per person.  You may be charged by the airline for any excess luggage.  Please Note: When combining luggage allowances please be aware that a maximum weight restriction has been imposed of 32kg for any one piece of luggage; any piece of luggage in excess of 32kg will not be carried by the airline.  Excess baggage costs are high; we strongly recommend you stay within the weight limits.

HAND LUGGAGE (Important, please read)
Strict regulations were implemented regarding the size/weight of hand luggage allowed to be carried in the cabin. Only one piece of hand luggage per person allowed (excluding infants). The maximum weight is 5kg and maximum dimensions are: 22” (56cm) long, 18” (45cm) wide and 10” (25cm) deep. 

Regulations also apply on what can and cannot be carried in hand luggage and as these regulations and other security rulings can change at short notice, we recommend you visit www.baa.com prior to leaving home to obtain any updated security or baggage restrictions.

LUGGAGE LABELS
Please ensure that the enclosed Small Families luggage labels are clearly visible on each piece of luggage, especially your hand luggage, for easy recognition by your Small Families host and fellow travellers. Remember that when you arrive at the airport, everyone displaying these labels are your companions for the week so please introduce yourselves.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid passport. If you are travelling on a British or Irish passport you will not need a visa, however other passports may be different in which case you should contact the Finnish Consulate.  Children, including babies, who are not already included on a valid 10 year passport, will need to hold their own passport to travel abroad.

Where a visa is not required passports must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.  For security reasons it is very important that you check that the NAMES ON YOUR FLIGHT TICKETS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE NAMES IN YOUR PASSPORTS. (middle names excepted, note: we also use the titles Ms, Miss and Mstr on air tickets and electronic ticket vouchers - where issued), Please be aware that you may be denied travel should the two not match. Note - Once issued, airlines will charge to re-issue tickets if names do not exactly match your passport.

HELSINKI
On arrival into HELSINKI, you will pass through Passport Control before walking to the departure gate for the onward domestic flight.  Your luggage will be transferred to the domestic flight by Finnair. 

ARRIVAL IN IVALO
On arrival in Ivalo and after collecting your luggage, you will be directed to our private transport for the short trip to the hotel.  After you have settled in to your room, we will meet up for our first dinner together (exact time to be advised).  After dinner join your host for a gentle stroll into Ivalo to familiarise yourselves and get some good Finnish fresh air.

 Christmas Programme

Sunday 23rd December

08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast is available in the restaurant

We have arranged a later start on the first morning to help you get over the previous days travel.

09.30 - Meet in reception to be fitted for your special thermal clothing, this includes a one piece suit, balaclava, woolly hat, gloves, socks and boots which you will keep throughout your stay. 

11.00 - Here is your first chance to try out some traditional winter team activities, we will go to the frozen river behind the hotel where you can try snowshoe running, lasso throwing, tandem cross country skiing and quad slalom.  We use this time to allow you and your children to adjust to the two hour time difference and to check that you are warm enough in the clothing provided.  (Please read the important information on the last page of this itinerary about how to dress in the cold!)

14.00 - Lunch in the hotel restaurant

There will be free time this afternoon to enjoy the snow and your surroundings, check out the local shops or just relax.

16.30-18.00 Your hosts will be at the hotel auditorium to show suitable DVD’s to keep the children occupied, we are happy for you to leave your children with us as long as we know where you will be.

17.00-18.00   Sauna No 2 is reserved exclusively for Small Families.

The films and sauna are reserved for Small Families each day at the same times.

Monday 24^th December - Christmas Eve 

08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast is served in the restaurant

10.30 - We visit a nearby Husky farm for a wonderful experience of meeting these friendly animals. There will be the opportunity to go for a short husky drive after a little tuition, your children will sit in the sledge.

13.00 - Lunch in the hotel restaurant

15.00 - We depart the hotel by bus to the small Lapp village of Nellim, situated close to the Russian border.  Here we have plenty more fun and surprises in the snow.

In Europe Christmas Eve is the most important day of the festive season we will go to find the perfect Christmas tree in the forest, cut it down and then decorate it.  We will help to make the decorations for the tree and also help to bake some Christmas cookies to leave for Santa! 

A festive Finnish buffet will be served in Nellim and wine, beer and soft drinks are included.

On such a magical night, so close to Santa’s home, who knows whether we will see the great man himself?

21.30 approx.  Return to the hotel.

Tuesday 25^th December

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

08.00 – 10.00 Breakfast is served

Take it easy today, have a leisurely time OR get your skates on!  Attached to the hotel is an equipment room where you will find ice skates, cross country skis, snow shoes, toboggans & kick sleds.

12.30 - Lunch in the restaurant

Free afternoon but don’t forget to come along to the film show and meet for that sauna later.

19.30 - Dinner in the hotel restaurant

After dinner you will need to wrap up warmly as we move from the restaurant to the hotels wooden kammi in the hotel grounds where we can chat, sing carols and dance at our own private party.  Here you will also undergo the traditional Lappish Baptism ceremonyJ

Wednesday 26^th December – Boxing Day

08.00 – 10.00.  Breakfast is available in the restaurant

10.00 - Depart the hotel by bus to visit the Reindeer Farm.  This is one of the only farms in Finland where you have the opportunity to feed the reindeer.   You can also take a short ride on the reindeer sleigh (the poor things are just back from helping Santa after all!).  You also get the chance to try your hand at throwing a lasso the Sámi way.

Lunch will be served around the open fire in the traditional Kota, usually soup with bread and cheese and cookies.  You will also experience Sámi yoiks (a traditional way of singing).

After lunch we continue to the Lapp museum Siida which has received many International awards.  It shows much of the original way of life for the Sámi people and examples of local flora and fauna.  It is very child friendly with lots of interactive exhibits.

We return to the hotel by bus in the afternoon (about 16.00-16.30).

19.00 - A pre-dinner drink is the order of the day.

Thursday 27^th December

08.00 - 10.00 - Breakfast is served

Our safari equipment will arrive after breakfast and, after a briefing about snowmobile driving, we commence our journey.

We will drive along the snowy River Ivalo and across the great mysterious Lake Inari. You will see snowy fells and the beautiful northern islands.  Sometimes it’s possible to see wild reindeer on the lake and if you’re quick enough you can take photographs.

NOTE: Children under 12 yrs old will sit in a sledge pulled by the guides snowmobiles, however as it can get extremely cold we have arranged for small children to have a ‘taster’ sleigh ride of approx. 1 hour and then come back to the hotel where your Small Families host will take care of them and transfer them by mini bus to the Wilderness cabin to join the main group for lunch.  After lunch they will be transported back to the hotel to await the arrival of the parents and rest of the group returning by snow mobile.

Lunch will be in a warm, comfortable wilderness cabin, there is also an open fire outside where you can barbecue sausages on a stick.

After lunch we continue our safari on the snowmobiles, returning to our hotel at about 16.00 just in time to get into that sauna for a warm up!

19.00 - Let’s meet up for drinks before going into dinner at 19.30.

Friday 28^th December

08.00 – 10.00. Breakfast is available in the restaurant.

Take advantage of the last full day here in Lapland by enjoying fun in the snow.  Your hosts will be on hand to make suggestions of activities available should you wish.

13.00 - Lunch in the restaurant.

Afternoon at leisure but don’t forget the film show and sauna.

19.00 - Meet up for pre-dinner drinks

Tonight diplomas will be handed out to all of you that took part in the many activities.  Sadly it’s the last night and we have to advise you of the details of your travel back to the UK tomorrow.  Ensure that your luggage is clearly marked with the 'Small Families' tags before taking it to the hotel foyer tomorrow ready for loading onto the coach.  DO NOT PACK YOUR PASSPORT OR AIRLINE TICKET IN YOUR SUITCASE.

Saturday 29^th December 

08.00 – 10.00. Breakfast is available

Morning at leisure, however please remember to take your thermal clothing back to Club Nord.  You should also pay any outstanding bills charged to your room and hand in your room keys.

IMPORTANT:  To avoid any misplaced or forgotten luggage, you must see your luggage onto the bus before the journey starts.

GENERAL INFORMATION

(The information given below was correct at the time of going to print)

CLOTHING
Indoors - You will find the hotel very warm and you will only need casual clothing when inside.

Outdoors - The temperature can vary between + 5◦ and - 30◦ Celsius, so you must be prepared. 

Sensible outdoor shoes or boots are essential and we recommend wearing them for arrival into Finland.  You will not go outside in Helsinki as the transfer from international to domestic flights is all undercover; however, you will feel the cold immediately we arrive into Ivalo and you exit the aircraft down steps onto the tarmac which will be snow covered.

As you will not receive your thermal clothing until Sunday morning it is essential that you have your normal winter clothing that you would wear at home, hat, gloves, scarves and warm coat (there is no need to purchase special ski clothing).

The hotel does have a pool but you should be aware that it is not heated as it is used as an after sauna cold dip pool.  This might sound somewhat ‘scary’ but if you use the sauna correctly, you will find the cold dip pool a refreshing and invigorating experience.

CURRENCY - The official unit of currency in Finland is the EURO (€). At the time of going to print, £1 is currently worth approximately €1.30.  Major Credit cards are accepted everywhere.

HAIR DRYERS - These are fitted in your room.  You must never go outside with wet or damp hair as it will freeze in the cold temperatures.

TOWELS - Are supplied in the rooms.

POSTAGE - You can purchase postcards in the hotel or at local souvenir shops, stamps should be purchased at the same time.

TELEPHONES - There is a phone in each room.  Please note the charges before making international calls. 

To call the UK, dial 00 44 then the number you wish to call, omitting the initial 0. (i.e. 0044 1763 226567).

The number for the Hotel Ivalo from the UK is 00 358 16 688111

POWER SUPPLY - 230v/50hz is standard.  An adapter for two-pin sockets will be needed.

MEDICAL CARE – You are strongly advised to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is now the replacement for the former E111 form, (the old E111 form is no longer valid).  The EHIC (one per person) is required when travelling within the EU and entitles you to limited medical treatment at state-funded medical centres/hospitals under the EU reciprocal arrangements.  Note - the EHIC does not cover you for any private treatment you may obtain, any such treatment must be paid for in full at the time.  Applications for the EHIC are free of charge and can be made by post, via the Post Office or online at (www.dh.gov.uk/travellers)

TRAVEL INSURANCE - Please note that the EHIC has limited use and therefore, is not a substitute for normal travel insurance.  It is essential that you and your family are covered by appropriate travellers insurance which should include winter sports cover and cover for an emergency flight home in the event of serious injury or illness. Small Families can provide family travel insurance cover if required.

HEALTH HAZARDS – Surprisingly the main health hazard in Lapland is dehydration caused by the air being made incredibly dry by the cold. You will find that without protection your skin and lips can become dry very quickly.  Vaseline or similar oil based moisturiser is more suitable than any water based product.

WATER – The water is very safe to drink.

TIME DIFFERENCES – Finland is two hours ahead of GMT all year round.

HOW TO DRESS IN THE COLD
Talk to anybody who lives in a cold climate and they will all say that there is no such thing as cold it just means that you are wearing the wrong clothing. 

Because we live in Britain where we only experience short periods of being outside in cold weather we are not used to dressing correctly.  These notes are intended to give you guidance on how to dress for the cold as you will be outside for much greater lengths of time than you normally would.

The big secret of keeping warm is to wear lots of layers rather than just one thick one. By wearing layers it is possible to trap layers of air between your clothing which acts as insulation.

FEET - You will be provided with a pair of Thick Woolly socks but you should also wear one or two pairs of thinner woolly socks under them.  The boots that you are provided with come in many sizes and it is always better to have them to large rather than to small.  A very good alternative to just wearing socks is to wear a pair of woolly tights as this also gives your legs an additional layer.

HANDS - By far the best method for keeping your hands warm is Mittens. Once again you need layers so we strongly recommend that you wear a pair of woolly or fleece mittens inside the mittens that you are provided with. The same applies if you have gloves.

LEGS - As already mentioned a pair of woolly tights is perfect to give your legs an additional covering. Alternatively trousers are okay provided they are not Jeans or Denim as these do not retain any heat.

BODY - The suit that you are provided with is a one piece Thermal suit especially designed to cope with Arctic Weather. However it is still necessary on occasions to wear clothing underneath it. The best option is to wear 1 or 2 T-Shirts or Polo Shirts with either a jumper or sweatshirt over them. Again Thermal suits come in various sizes so it is no problem getting clothes to fit.

Although not provided you should wear a scarf around your neck as this does seal the air within the suit and keep your neck warm.

HEAD - You will be provided with a Balaclava to protect your face as well as a hat. It is extremely important to keep your head & ears covered whenever you are outside.

CHILDREN & SNOW - Children love to play in the snow but be aware that most of the problems of cold come from snow getting inside their boots, clothes and gloves whilst playing.  Be prepared by having spare gloves and socks to change into.

Remember it is a matter of keeping warm not about looking good!

And Finally – worth remembering..…

The Tourist Ten Commandments

1. Thou shalt not expect to find things as thou hast left them at home, for thou hast left home to find things different 

2. Thou shalt not take anything too seriously, for a carefree attitude is the basis for a fine holiday. 

3. Thou shalt not allow other tourists to get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself 

4. Remember to take only half the clothes thou thinkest thou needest and twice the money 

5. Know at all times where thy passport is, for a person without a passport is a person without a country. 

6. Remember that if we had been meant to stay in one place, we would have been created with roots. 

7. Thou shalt not worry, for he who worrieth hath no pleasure 

8. When in Lapland thou shalt be prepared to do somewhat as the locals. 

9. Thou shalt not judge the people of a country by one person who hath given thee grief. 

10.Remember, thou art a guest in other lands and he that treateth his host with respect, shall be honoured.
 

  Your Small Families hosts for this holiday will be Carole & Allen

Your Small families hosts, whilst not carers or childminders are friendly but unobtrusive.  They look after any travel arrangements, act as hosts at dinner and activities (where applicable), liaise with local agents/guides regarding any group excursions that may be requested and generally make sure that everything runs as it should. Your host will of course, also help resolve any problems you may have whilst on holiday.

Emergency Contact Number (on the day of travel only):  07712 007052

Small Families would like to take this opportunity to wish you a

Very happy and enjoyable Christmas in Ivalo

If You've had a great holiday with us and would like the chance to meet up with your new found friends again? Then join us at our

 Cambridge Party Weekend
25^th Jan 2008 

Beat the post holiday blues and give yourself and your children a fantastic weekend to look forward to at the Menzies Cambridge Hotel. 

Arrive Friday 25^th January and fill your afternoon with use of the hotels leisure facilities such as the Waves Health and Leisure Centre with its lovely indoor pool, maybe spoil yourself and try out some of the beauty treatments, take to the golf course or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.  For the children there will be a television set up from early evening where DVDs will be played.

Dinner on Friday evening is included and will be served from 7.30pm so we recommend meeting up with your Small Families hosts around 7pm in the bar for pre-dinner drinks (cash basis)  Island Cruises are sponsoring tonight with a chance to win a Mediterranean Cruise. Pirates of the Caribbean theme fancy dress and face painting, lots of fun and surprises.

After breakfast on Saturday we provide free transportation to Cambridge for those of you wishing to explore this beautiful University city, have some lunch and maybe even shop until mid afternoon when you will be taken back to the hotel to relax before the party night.

Saturday night is party night with a Welcome Drink before dinner which includes a half bottle of wine and soft drinks for the children.  There will be a disco getting into full swing after dinner leaving you to dance the night away!

Depart after breakfast on Sunday.

At only £145 per adult and £95 per child (13 years and under) this fun packed weekend isn’t one to miss!

 Small Families, 6 Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, ROYSTON, SG8 6NG
Tel: 01763 226567 Email: info@smallfamilies.co.uk Web: www.smallfamilies.co.uk