Arctic Guides & Stories
Data-driven guides for aurora hunters — solar cycle forecasts, honest destination comparisons, packing lists, and first-hand polar experiences.
Best Cameras for Aurora Photography in 2026: Mirrorless Ranked for Low-Light
We ranked the best mirrorless cameras for aurora photography by what actually matters: high-ISO performance, cold-weather reliability, and battery life at -20°C. The winner might surprise you.
Best Hand Warmers for Arctic Travel in 2026: Rechargeable, Chemical & Heated Gloves Compared
Your hands are the first thing that fails in Arctic cold — especially if you're holding a camera or adjusting tripod settings at -25°C. Here are the best hand warmers and heated gloves for polar travel.
Best Thermal Base Layers for Arctic Travel in 2026: Merino Wool & Synthetics Reviewed
Your base layer is the most important piece of kit you own for Arctic travel — get it wrong and no amount of insulation will save you. We tested the top merino wool and synthetic base layers so you know exactly what to pack.
Best Tripods for Northern Lights Photography in 2026: Carbon Fibre & Cold-Weather Picks
A tripod isn't optional for northern lights photography — it's the most important piece of kit after your camera. This guide reviews the best tripods for cold-weather aurora shooting, from travel-friendly carbon fibre to bombproof professional rigs.
Antarctica Expedition Guide 2026: How to Plan Your First Trip to the Seventh Continent
Everything you need to know about visiting Antarctica — costs ($8,000–$15,000+), best time to go, choosing an expedition company, what to expect, and how to prepare for the trip of a lifetime.
Aurora Borealis Beginners Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Northern Lights
A complete beginner's guide to seeing the northern lights — what causes them, where and when to go, how to photograph them, and what to wear for hours of aurora watching.
Best Cameras for Northern Lights Photography in 2026: Complete Gear Guide
From sub-$500 budget options to professional full-frame bodies — here are the best cameras for capturing the northern lights, with specific recommendations for every budget and skill level.
Best Glass Igloos in Finland: The Complete Guide to Sleeping Under the Northern Lights
Finland's glass igloos let you watch the northern lights from your bed. Here's every glass igloo hotel worth booking — from Kakslauttanen to Arctic TreeHouse — with prices, tips, and honest reviews.
Can You See the Northern Lights in March? A Month-by-Month Aurora Guide
March is one of the best months to see the northern lights — here's exactly why, where to go, what to expect, and how March compares to the rest of the season.
How Much Does an Antarctica Cruise Cost in 2026? (Complete Price Breakdown)
Antarctica cruises range from $7,500 to $50,000+ per person — here's exactly what drives the cost, what's included, and how to find the best value for your budget.
Iceland Northern Lights: The Complete Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about seeing the northern lights in Iceland — when to go, where to go, how to forecast, what tours are worth booking, and the honest truth about Iceland's cloudy skies.
Iceland Ring Road Aurora Itinerary: A 10-Day Road Trip Optimised for the Northern Lights
A day-by-day 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary designed around the best northern lights viewing spots — with waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes along the way.
Northern Lights Photography Tips: Camera Settings, Gear, and Techniques That Actually Work
Practical, specific photography tips for capturing the northern lights — from exact camera settings and lens choices to smartphone tricks and composition techniques for stunning aurora photos.
I Visited the World's Northernmost Distillery in Lyngen
Tucked inside a former NATO Cold War bunker beneath the Lyngen Alps, Aurora Spirit Distillery makes whisky at 69°N — and it's one of the most extraordinary experiences in the Arctic.
Tromsø vs Rovaniemi for Families: Which Arctic Destination Is Better With Kids?
Both Tromsø and Rovaniemi are magical for families — but they're very different. Here's an honest comparison of costs, activities, logistics, and what kids actually love at each destination.
What to Pack for an Arctic Trip: The Definitive Checklist for 2026
Field-tested packing list for any Arctic trip — clothing layers, photography gear, and what not to bring for aurora hunting in Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska.
Northern Lights 2026–2027: The Solar Maximum Aftermath Guide
Solar Cycle 25 peaked in 2024–2025 with record-breaking aurora displays. Here's what the science says about 2026–2027 and whether you've missed the best of it.
Iceland vs Norway for Northern Lights: The Honest Data-Driven Comparison
Both countries top every aurora bucket list. But which one is actually better for your trip? We ran the numbers on cost, aurora probability, activities, and crowds.
What to Pack for the Arctic: The Complete Polar Packing List
Packing for the Arctic is a different challenge to any other trip. Get the layer system wrong and you're miserable. Get it right and you'll be warm at -25°C watching the northern lights for hours.
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a Northern Lights Trip Actually Cost?
From £800 budget Iceland breaks to £5,000 luxury Norwegian lodges — here's the honest, data-driven cost breakdown for every type of northern lights trip, with real numbers.