-
How do I redeem my voucher and for which travel dates is it valid? Are there blackout dates?
-
To redeem your voucher, simply reach out to Altai Norway as instructed in your confirmation email, and be sure to provide your order number. The voucher is valid for travel dates between February 7 - December 26, 2021. Generally, trips depart every Sunday during the voucher period.
The operator requires a selection of your desired dates at least 30 days prior to departure in order to coordinate the logistics of your trip. Requests under the 30 day period may still be requested but may not be available or may require a supplemental fee to coordinate. Please wait for confirmation from Altai Norway before making your travel arrangements.
Blackout dates are between April 1 - August 30, 2021, due to weather.
-
Are private departures available?
-
Yes, private departures are available. Additional costs may apply for private departures. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and availability.
-
Are departures guaranteed?
-
Each departure date requires a minimum of three guests to run. Please wait for confirmation from Altai Norway before making travel arrangements.
-
What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
-
Plan to fly in and out of Tromsø Airport (TOS). You’ll be responsible for booking your own international airfare, which is not included in the trip price. Transfers to and from Tromsø Airport are included once in Norway. Depending on where you are traveling from, this may require a layover at Oslo Airport (OSL). Please let Altai Norway know as soon as possible about your flight schedule so they can organize accordingly.
-
What are the accommodations like?
-
For the first and last nights of your trip in Tromsø, you’lll stay in a comfortable hotel with basic luxuries. Other nights are spent in Norwegian guesthouse accommodations. Altai Norway uses comfortable, private apartment-style guesthouses in fantastic locations. Accommodations are based on double occupancy, with double or twin beds in each room.
-
Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
-
This is subject to availability. If you would like a solo room, please contact Altai Norway quickly to reserve your spot. Inventory may be limited.
-
How large is each travel group?
-
The maximum group size for this trip is 8 travelers.
-
What meals are included? What is the food like?
-
All meals are included from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 7. Breakfast on Day 8 is also included. This means meals on Day 1 plus lunch and dinner on Day 7 and Day 8 are not included.
Each day begins with a hearty breakfast served at your accommodation with plenty of tea and coffee. Every morning, you and your guide will prepare a picnic lunch for the day featuring local foods: sandwiches, salads, fruits, cakes, and dried fruits as well as thermoses for hot soup, coffee, and tea. Evening meals are prepared together with your guide based on available local products. During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to taste grilled or smoked salmon (laks), water-cooked and fresh shrimp (reker/ferske reker), and cod (torsk).
Don’t forget that alcohol and cigarettes are heavily taxed and expensive in Scandinavia. If you wish to enjoy an aperitif with your group in the evenings Altai Norway recommends purchasing duty-free products at the airport.
-
How much extra money should people budget?
-
Plan to bring $30 to $50 USD per meal for lunches and dinners not included in the trip cost. You may also want to budget around $20 for museum entry fees for your free time in Tromsø. You'll also want to budget for transportation as necessary, drinks, tips, and other personal expenses. Although tipping is not widespread in Norway, if you are satisfied with the services of your guide, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.
The currency is the Norwegian Krone (kr). Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates.
You can withdraw the local currency from in-country ATMs and payment by card is widely accepted.
-
What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
-
The following is a suggested packing list:
Quality hiking boots (with sturdy soles and ankle support)
Slippers for the evenings
Thick socks for hiking
A waterproof jacket (the best jackets against Northern weather are windproof, waterproof and breathable with sealed seams)
A warm jacket (a synthetic down jacket is ideal) for lunch breaks and evening Northern Lights outings
A warm jumper (fast drying fleece or warm when wet wool is ideal)
Thermal long johns and long-sleeved tops
Waterproof trousers
Pajamas
Gloves, a hat, and buff or suitable scarf
A bathing suit and travel towel for saunas
You may also consider packing:
Evening outfits for Tromsø
Extra gloves/overgloves
An extra jumper/fleece jacket
Wet wipes
Blister plasters
A suitable camera
Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
Tissues
Advice for keeping warm:
It's preferable that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are breathable materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.
Winter in Norway can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring. Although your guides will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference. Altai Norway recommends:
- No cotton
- Bring dry spares of everything, even underwear and gloves
- Wear multiple layers (including a warm breathable base layer, a second thermal layer, a wind and waterproof protective outer layer). Altai Norway provides an additional quality jacket and over trousers.
-
How challenging is this trip?
-
You can expect up to three hours of hiking per day with minimal elevation, although you’ll gain little height to admire the views. Night outings last one to two hours to reach areas which maximize the chances of seeing the aurora borealis. Please note that some hikes may be done with snowshoes depending on the conditions. No previous snowshoeing experience is required.
-
Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?
-
Norway is renowned as a top destination for observing the Northern Lights, however it should be stressed that sightings of this natural phenomena can never be guaranteed. Specific conditions are required for the auroras to flourish. This being said, your guides know how to maximize your chances of enjoying an elusive display of the famous dancing lights. They are local experts and know the remote hotspots far from light pollution which give you the best chances to observe a jaw-dropping show. This trip is organized in a truly remote region of Norway and activities like evening snowshoeing hikes will increase your chances of seeing the magical auroras.
-
Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
-
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
-
Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
-
We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
-
Can I cancel or modify my trip?
-
Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2021 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within two years of your original departure date, or
2) Select a new adventure or destination, or
3) Receive 100% lifetime store credit toward a future trip.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you select a new adventure, you will be responsible for the difference of any additional trip costs above the value of your current trip.
Up to 30 days prior to departure*
You may postpone your trip up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within two years of your original departure date, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you choose to cancel, you will receive a lifetime credit, minus cancellation fees, towards a future trip.
Less than 30 days prior to departure*
In some cases, you may have the option to postpone your trip within 30 days prior to departure.
If this is available at time of your request, you will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date. Additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.