Finland: A Journey That Quietly Changes You
Dear friends,
Can we take a minute to talk about my recent trip to Finland?
There are trips you enjoy… and then there are the ones that truly reset your expectations for what travel can feel like.
I just returned from Finland after experiencing Collette’s Northern Lights of Finland tour, and I’m still trying to find the right words for it. “Amazing” feels too small. “Unforgettable” gets closer—but even that doesn’t quite capture the depth of it.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the beauty (although yes, it’s breathtaking). It was how immersive the entire experience felt. This wasn’t a quick pass-through or a checklist of sights. It felt like stepping into a completely different rhythm of life—one shaped by nature, tradition, and a deep connection to the land.
Finland in winter is quiet in a way that feels almost sacred. Snow softens everything. Forests stretch endlessly. The air is crisp and clean in a way you don’t realize you’ve been missing. And in that stillness, you start to notice things differently—light, sound, even your own pace.
One evening, we bundled up and set out on a reindeer sleigh ride through the forest. It was completely dark except for the snow reflecting the light of the moon—and then, as if on cue, the Northern Lights appeared again above us. Sitting quietly in that sleigh, gliding through the trees with nothing but the soft sound of hooves and the sky alive overhead… it’s the kind of experience that stays with you forever.
Then there was the dog sledding.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s as fun as it looks—the answer is yes, and then some. It’s fast, a little wild, and incredibly joyful. You’re working with the dogs, not just sitting back, and there’s this shared energy between you and the team that makes it feel like a true adventure. It’s one of those moments where you catch yourself grinning from ear to ear as you fly through the forest, without even realizing you're doing it.
Even the more whimsical experiences—like visiting Santa’s home—felt thoughtfully done and surprisingly meaningful. It wasn’t kitschy or rushed. It leaned into the cultural roots of the region in a way that made it feel authentic and fun at the same time.
But what truly deepened the experience for me was the people of Finland. For eight years running, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world—and after spending time there, you start to understand why. There’s a quiet warmth to the Finnish people that doesn’t demand attention but is deeply felt. Their generosity shows up in thoughtful ways, in genuine conversations, and in a kind of service that feels sincere rather than scripted. Everything around you feels cared for—the cities, the countryside, even the smallest details—reflecting a deep respect for their environment. It’s one of the cleanest, most pristine places I’ve ever experienced. There’s also a strong cultural awareness, especially in how they honor the indigenous Sámi people of Lapland, preserving traditions while inviting visitors to learn and appreciate them. And underlying it all is a quiet resilience. Living alongside the longest border between any EU nation and Russia, there’s a sense of steadiness and perspective that shapes how they move through the world. It’s subtle, but it’s powerful.
What really stood out, though, was how all of these experiences came together. It wasn’t just about doing exciting things—it was about how they were woven into the story of Finland itself. The traditions, the landscapes, the people… it all connected.
This kind of travel isn’t about luxury in the traditional sense. It’s not about polished perfection or over-the-top indulgence. It’s about depth. It’s about feeling something. It’s about stepping outside your usual routine and discovering what’s possible when you do.
Finland might not be the first place people think of when they start dreaming about their next trip—but maybe it should be.
If you’re someone who craves experiences that are a little different, a little more meaningful, and just adventurous enough to surprise you… this is the kind of journey that’s worth considering.
I came home with stories I can’t stop telling—and checking my calendar to plan a return trip.
Your Globetrotting Friend,
Joy