Arctic Adrenaline Rush

Our team of sled-dogs whisks us deeper into the Lapland tundra, where mountains drop off into the fjords and wild reindeer roam. We are in Oteren, Norway with Lyngsfjord Adventure, an outfitter that knows how to make the most of the Arctic Circle. We stayed here for two days to catch the Northern Lights, try our hand at dog sledding, soak up tribal Sami culture, and make memories we will never forget.

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The Lyngsfjord team picked us up in the arctic capital of Tromsø with a few other guests, some coming to chase the aurora borealis, others to go snowmobiling and ice fishing for the night and those who wanted to pack in multiple adventures with an overnight stay at Camp Tamok. After a 75-minute drive deep into the wilderness, we arrived at camp and got suited up in Lyngsfjord’s insulated bodysuits, boots, and gloves to take on the Arctic.

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Our first excursion was something we never thought was possible outside of Christmas stories…reindeer sledding! Reindeer are actually the oldest form of transportation in northern Scandinavia and an integral part of Sami culture. Our leader Roar Nyheim, a Sami tribesman who grew up in Lapland herding reindeer, gave us a brief safety speech, then said, “Sit back and enjoy the view!” Cuddled up in blankets, Mike and I gazed up at the star-filled sky and snow-capped mountains until we arrived at Roar’s favorite spot. He made a campfire and served us tea in record time, all while regaling us with stories of the traditional Sami life and legends.

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We returned to camp and were ushered into a Lavvu-style tent for hearty stew and hot drinks. Guests swapped stories from their adventure of choice, then either headed back to Tromsø or got settled in for the evening. For those of us who stayed, we had an exciting night of Aurora-chasing ahead of us. This area of Norway is known for its clear skies and lack of light pollution so the Northern Lights are visible most nights from November to March. We stayed up well past midnight watching green and purple striations swirl between the shining stars.

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For lodging, guests and groups can stay in the Wilderness Cabin or Traditional Sami Tent, but for couples, the most romantic choice is the Aurora Chalet. This wooden cabin perched above the riverbank is charming and toasty warm, but its best feature is the skylight–perfectly angled to watch the Northern Lights from bed!

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Before our traditional Norwegian breakfast, we had a delightful sauna session. It warmed us to the core and loosened our muscles for the day of dog sledding ahead.

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Mike and I got a quick mushing lesson, were assigned to our team of five huskies, then set off into the Vass Valley! We thought dog sledding would be difficult but Lyngsfjord’s huskies are so well trained, they just run and you break and lighten the load, as needed (by jogging behind them on the hills, so fun!). The important thing to know is that once the huskies start running, they don’t stop..so hang on!


To see what it’s like to drive a pack of huskies through the snow, watch this clip from our 15-kilometer ride through this Norwegian winter wonderland!

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By our second day at Lyngsfjord Adventure, we’d figured out how Norwegians keep from getting cold in the Arctic… adrenaline! Insulated clothing helps, but mushing huskies, riding reindeer sleighs, and chasing the Northern Lights is the secret to feeling warm inside and out.

Anne and Mike Howard are creators of the around-the-world honeymoon blog HoneyTrek.com and Long Term Travel Coaches for anyone looking to travel the world safely, affordably and off the beaten path. You can follow @HoneyTrek on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Glamping the Scottish Way at Inshriach

When you think of traveling to Scotland does staying in castle accommodations immediately come to mind? What if you’re an off-the-beaten-path traveler who enjoys the nature experience? Then the quirky glamping choices at Inshriach in the heart of Cairngorms National Park will be just your style.

Walter Micklethwait has transformed his family’s 200-acre estate into a glamping haven. After restoring the Edwardian country house (for those who need a touch more in their lodging experience), Walter set out to create a quirky assortment of glamping choices.

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You’ll find yurts available throughout the glamping world. But the yurt at Inshriach includes Walter’s special touches like a Victorian double bed and woodstove. Secluded in the woods, the yurt has a view of the Monadliath Mountains with wildlife as your only neighbors. Bath facilities are 600 meters away at the farmhouse.

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But why stay in a yurt when you can experience sleeping in a fire engine? Yes, you read that right. Walter has transformed a 1954 Commer fire lorry into The Beer Moth, cozy accommodations complete with parquet floor, wood stove and that all-important Victorian double bed. Guests have the option of opening up the sides to be that much closer to nature. Again, bath facilities are located at the farmhouse.

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If a shepherd’s hut appeals to you, enjoy a bit of Sweden on a Scottish estate. The hand-built hut sports a raised oak bed with plenty of cushions. A private compost loo is close by or walk the 600 meters to shared facilities at the farmhouse. And be sure to amble down to the river for a soak in the wood-fired horsebox sauna.

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The Bothy Project rounds out this glamping menagerie. Used half the year as an artist’s residence, the sleeping hut is available to guests in the summer. And just maybe some creative influence will rub off on you.

For meals guests self-cater — yes, you cooking on top of the woodstove is allowed — or visit a local pub. But Walter doesn’t leave it completely up to you. Eggs are available in the farmyard and during the growing season, salads and vegetables are supplied from the Inshirach’s gardens.

Now all you have to do is enjoy the adventures of Cairngorms National Park knowing that comfortable sleeps await you at Inshirach’s glamping choices.

Holiday Glamping at Triple Creek Ranch

Holidays can be lonely when it’s not possible to celebrate with family or friends. There are two choices on how to handle the situation: sit at home and feel sorry for yourself or celebrate with new-found friends who become family for a few short days.

My husband and I found ourselves in this exact situation over the Thanksgiving holidays. So we packed our gear and headed for a luxurious glamping holiday at Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana, rated the #1 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure readers. You read that right. Glamping has met the big time.

An unusual November cold snap provided a layer of white over the Bitterroot Mountain landscape making arrival at Triple Creek Ranch extra scenic. At the main lodge, a staff member offered a friendly greeting, before introducing one of the activity directors who led us to the luxurious cedar cabin that would be our home for the holiday.

Inside we discovered a comfortable living room with fireplace, bedroom area and a bathroom with his and hers vanity areas. The collection of western art decorating the walls seemed especially apropos for this corner of Montana.

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The activity director pointed out special features like the steam shower, the inclusive stocked bar, basket of homemade cookies that’s refreshed daily and the private outdoor hot tub. She also demonstrated how to work the all-important Keurig coffee maker as well as both the flat panel television in the living area and the DVD player in the bedroom.

It was tempting to relax in front of the romantic fireplace for the entire holiday, or soak in the hot tub, but there was so much to do on the ranch. How could we possible stay indoors?

Horseback rides, hiking and archery competed for our attention. And if there had been just a little more snow, the cross country skis and snowshoes located on the lodge’s back deck would have offered some frozen fun on Triple Creek’s trails. If we’d been hardy fishermen, rods were provided for fly-fishing in the ranch’s stocked pond. Guided trips on the region’s world-class rivers are available at an extra cost.

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Of course all the fun had to be scheduled around meals. I was not about to miss any of the delectable dishes created by Chef Jacob Leatherman. Although meals can be delivered to your cabin for private dining, it was much more fun to dine in the lodge dining room where servers quickly learned our preferences — and our names. And comparing adventures with other guests over a drink in the Rooftop Lounge was a fun beginning to every evening.

Thanksgiving Day began with breakfast in front of the fire in the dining room and a walk on the property to work up an appetite for the huge meal to come. After lunch, my husband joined the horseback ride that ended in a field for the archery competition. I hitched a ride in one of Triple Creek’s car shuttles and sipped hot chocolate in front of a campfire while waiting for the horseback riders to appear.

The lack of archery expertise didn’t keep me from joining the competition. A staff member offered patient instruction on how to use the bow. Guests joked, teased and cheered each other on. And then it was my turn. After a couple of failed attempts, my arrow hit the target twice to win a prize from the Triple Creek gift shop.

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Later, guests relived the day over cocktails at the home of Triple Creek Ranch owners, Craig and Barbara Barrett, who also offered tours of their extensive western art collection. And then it was time to be shuttled back to the lodge for a family style Thanksgiving dinner prepared by Chef Leatherman. At the end of the meal, each guest shared a moment of thankfulness. And by then, we did feel like family.

Thanksgiving isn’t the only holiday celebrated at Triple Creek Ranch. Guests arriving for Christmas enjoy a Christmas tree set up in their cabin. To make it even more personal, ship your favorite tree decorations to the ranch and they’ll be waiting for you — either on the tree or for you to decorate. Like everything else at Triple Creek Ranch, it’s your choice.

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I’ve been looking through my selection of digital photos that the ranch emails to each guest. They remind me that you don’t have to be alone for Thanksgiving. Go glamping at Triple Creek Ranch, instead.