Northern lights

The northern lights, one of several astronomical phenomena called polar lights (aurora polaris), are shafts or curtains of colored light visible on occasion in the night sky.

Polar lights (aurora polaris) are a natural phenomenon found in both the northern and southern hemispheres that can be truly awe inspiring. Northern lights are also called by their scientific name, aurora borealis, and southern lights are called aurora australis.

The origin of the aurora begins on the surface of the sun when solar activity ejects a cloud of gas. Scientists call this a coronal mass ejection (CME). If one of these reaches earth, taking about 2 to 3 days, it collides with the Earth’s magnetic field. This field is invisible, and if you could see its shape, it would make Earth look like a comet with a long magnetic ‘tail’ stretching a million miles behind Earth in the opposite direction of the sun.

When a coronal mass ejection collides with the magnetic field, it causes complex changes to happen to the magnetic tail region. These changes generate currents of charged particles, which then flow along lines of magnetic force into the Polar Regions. These particles are boosted in energy in Earth’s upper atmosphere, and when they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, they produce dazzling auroral light.

Can I see them anywhere?

Yes, although they are more frequent at higher latitudes and places like Alaska, Canada, and Antarctica, closer to the Earth’s poles.  Occasionally, they have been seen closer to the equator, and even as far  south as Mexico. To view them, look in the direction of the closest pole (the northern horizon in the northern hemisphere, the southern horizon in the southern hemisphere).

Can I see them at any time of the year?

Yes. In some areas, such as Alaska or Greenland, they may be visible most nights of the year. And they occur at any time of the day, but we can’t see them with the naked eye unless it’s dark.

What causes the colors and patterns?

Colors and patterns are from the types of ions or atoms being energized as they collide with the atmosphere and are affected by lines of magnetic force. Displays may take many forms, including rippling curtains, pulsating globs, traveling pulses, or steady glows. Altitude affects the colors. Blue violet/reds occur below 60 miles (100 km), with bright green strongest between 60-150 miles (100-240 km). Above 150 miles (240 km) ruby reds appear.

Magical Places to View Northern Lights

Iceland

Even without the northern lights, Iceland is an otherworldly place to visit, with glaciers, geysers, massive waterfalls, and volcanoes. Both the latitude and longitude of the country favor aurora viewing, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. However, a good coastline road around the country lets you chase clear skies.

I have seen my best auroras from Kirkjufell mountain on the west coast. In high activity you can even spy the northern lights from the suburbs of Reykjavík; the Grotta Lighthouse is a popular viewing spot.

Across the country, sky watchers can take in the dancing lights from outdoor hot tubs, inside Buubble lodges, and from hot spring lagoons.

When to Go: Late August to early April

Fairbanks, Alaska

Located just two degrees below the Arctic near international airport and close to the impressive Denali National Park, Fairbanks is the best place in the U.S. to take in the northern lights. It even has its own forecast system and offers tours to take visitors far from city lights.

When to Go: Late August to mid-April

Yellowknife, Canada

This Northwest Territories capital on the shores of Great Slave Lake boasts its own Aurora Village and special activities for northern lights tourism.

Canada is an aurora viewing paradise, thanks to its northern latitude and low light pollution; elsewhere in the country, Wood Buffalo and Jasper National Park are popular viewing spots.

When to Go: Mid-August to late April. For Churchill and Wood Buffalo, early August to early May.

Tromsø, Norway

The largest urban area in northern Norway is 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, but thanks to the Gulf Stream the coastline has surprisingly moderate temperatures. It also has beautiful scenery, magnificent fjords, and the Lyngen Alps.

I have seen spectacular auroras from the village of Ersfjordbotn, 12 miles from Tromsø. Other popular locations in the country are the Lofoten Islands and the far northern towns of Alta, Nordkapp, and Kirkenes.

When to Go: Mid-September to late March

Northern Sweden and Finland

Sweden’s northernmost town of Kiruna is a gateway for nearby attractions. There is the ICEHOTEL, mountainous Abisko National Park, the local Sami culture, and plentiful reindeer. A short drive from the town takes you to a good spot for aurora viewing. The weather here is much more stable than the Norwegian coast, but it’s colder too.

In Finland’s Lapland region, Rovaniemi serves as a gateway town to nearby national parks—where in winter you can spot frozen snow-covered trees called Tykky sculptures along with the northern lights.

When to Go: Mid-September to late March

Greenland

It’s possible to be too far north to see the northern lights—such is the case in northern Greenland. But head farther south for beautiful auroras and attractions like Qaleraliq Glacier, which has small floating icebergs even in summer.

When to Go: Mid-August to late April in the south and late August to mid-April in Nuuk.

Tasmania and New Zealand

You hear about northern lights more often than southern lights (aurora australis) because there are fewer locations to see auroras from the Southern Hemisphere. Your best chance is on the southern tip of both Tasmania (Australia) and New Zealand, where a dark sky will help you see any active auroras over the southern horizon. These are the closest accessible places to the south magnetic pole, outside of Antarctica.

When to Go: Year round, but your best chances are near equinoxes.

For decades, Europe has remained an unattainable dream for many, seen and admired only on the silver screen. Whether it is the gorgeous snow-covered Swiss mountains, the chic vibe of Paris, the cosmopolitan flair of London, the stunning art in Florence or the culturally evocative streets of Spain, Europe is versatile and simply stunning. It’s no wonder that Europe Holiday Packages are so popular and are much sought after. The number of countries that you can cover in a single vacation is quite mind boggling but travelling expands your mental canvas in a way that nothing else can. Europe is rightly the centre of culture and quite possibly the heart of modern civilisation. Lastly, food is one of the more popular reasons people love to go on a vacation to Europe because it packs in a magnificent amount of diversity when it comes to food and drink.

For many people, Europe is the ultimate honeymoon destination. Or it’s just the sort of holiday you need to take if you want to take a break from the tedium of your everyday work and life. Whatever the reason, a Europe trip is certainly going to bring a smile on your face. With so many different facets on offer, you can decide whether you want to let your hair down and party in the glorious cities of Paris or Berlin, or become a culture vulture for a change and visit the awe-inspiring museums, you won’t find yourself short of things to do. Adventure lovers will be thrilled with some of the fantastic things that you can do in Europe such as mountain climbing, bungee jumping or even skiing to name just a few and well, gourmands have nothing to complain, what with the availability of delicious food and wine no matter where you go. We arrange a Customized Europe holiday that focuses on just the things you want to do. Naturally, this makes your vacation even more perfect. If you’ve always thought ‘now or never’ is too dramatic, wait till you decide to go on your Europe Trip.

Best Time to Visit Europe
The best time to visit Europe is during the summers and it lasts from June to August. The weather during this time is just perfect for sightseeing and all the different activities that you want to undertake. Since the weather is sunny and warm, there are a number of cultural festivals and galas that are slotted for this time and many people come to Europe specifically for these events. However, do remember that Europe has several countries and they won’t have the same weather at the same time.

Summer in Europe might be the best time to visit but it’s also one of the most crowded times as well. There will often be throngs of tourists in popular cities like Amsterdam, Berlin and of course Paris during this time. Apart from the crowds, the other drawback is that you won’t be able to get tickets for events and tourist attractions unless you book in advance. Everything – from travel to stay – will cost more, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets, hotel and even car rentals ahead of time.

However, Europe during off season has its own charms as well. Apart from the obvious advantages of cheaper flights and accommodation, there are fewer crowds too. This season is usually from April to June and September to November. However, the downsides could be that there might be inclement weather and you have to be ready for it. Also, if you don’t mind cold weather, then you can even travel to Europe during winter. After all, who doesn’t enjoy the snow and skiing among other things? However, several attractions are closed during winter, so you have to check carefully before making plans. 

How to Reach Europe
The best way to reach Europe is by flight, especially if you’re travelling from India. There are direct flights from several major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad to popular destinations in Europe such as Rome, Paris, London, Berlin and Amsterdam to name a few. However, do note that there are no direct flights to countries like Denmark or Sweden. But there are numerous connecting flights that you can take which have a small stopover in Middle Eastern countries. Since summer is peak season in Europe, it’s a good idea to book your flight tickets well in advance.

Once you’re in Europe, you can choose to fly to different countries on local carriers like Ryan Air or Easy Jet, but these offer the basic minimum which might not be the best when it comes to travelling in comfort or with luggage. Another excellent option is to travel around by car, and you can visit multiple countries even in a rental car. However, you must have a license to drive in Europe.

One of the best ways to get around the different countries in Europe however is by train. The Eurail connects 28 countries and offers scenic routes which are quite unforgettable. Another option is to travel by bus which is also cheaper than train travel. Bus travel is quite comfy too and most bus companies offer Wi-Fi services which make travel easier.

Places to Visit in Europe
With forty-four countries in Europe, each having something fantastic to offer visitors, it can get quite difficult to choose where you want to go. Nevertheless, here are some of the places to see in Europe, countries that you must visit if you want to have the full European experience.

France
One of the most popular countries to visit in Europe is undoubtedly France. Located in Western Europe, France has both cosmopolitan and medieval elements, which irrefutably make it one of the best places to visit. Paris is a delight for those who revel in fashion or even culture, thanks to museums like the Louvre and the Pompidou Centre and of course, the inimitable Eiffel Tower. Apart from Paris, other must-see places here include Normandy, Versailles and the glamorous Riviera. France is the hub for all things beautiful and should certainly be on your list of places to see in Europe.

Germany

Located in Western Europe, Germany is simply par excellence when it comes to lush landscapes, forests, mountains, rivers and what not. At the same time, cities like Berlin bring an air of cultivation and culture with its art and vibrant nightlife. If beer is your thing, then you should definitely visit Munich for the famed Oktoberfest while Frankfurt with its awe-inspiring skyscrapers has its own charms. If you want to do some hiking or skiing, then the Alps are spectacular and perfect, making this an obvious reason why you should visit the country.

Italy

Italy is yet another unmissable country in Europe, filled with beauty and delight. With some landmark spots to see here such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy is a must visit spot for tourists. Apart from these famed sightseeing places, there’s also Florence, Venice and of course Milan. Those who visit Italy are unable to resist the pizza in Naples and of course historic cities like Pompeii and Sicily which have much to offer in terms of ruins and a sense of a civilisation.

Spain

Spain brings yet another facet of Europe into the open. Its loud, boisterous and vibrant and filled with visual delights such as the Royal Palace in Madrid and gorgeous structures in Barcelona. But what strikes one here the most is the intense love for food and the deep culinary culture that is a part of the country. There’s more to Spanish food than paella but it perfectly encapsulates the richness of the cuisine and well, since it’s also the home of sangria, there’s much to celebrate here. Also, famous here is the passion-filled flamenco and the exuberant bullfighting.

Greece
Yet another historic country, Greece today is perfect for those who love beaches and tasty Mediterranean food. Stark whitewashed houses framed around the brilliant blue seas is a typical Grecian scene that you might have come across on a postcard. But a visit to Crete, Mykonos and of course Santorini will have you believe the picturesque views you’ve seen so far. Athens, the capital, is famous for its ancient ruins like the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Greece is also famed for its delicious food – feta cheese, olives, lamb and fish to name a few favourites.

Switzerland

Quiet and stunningly picturesque describes Switzerland best. With its many lakes, quaint villages and of course, the snow-covered Alps, a trip to Switzerland is a feast for the eyes. Some of the well-known places to visit here are the capital city of Bern, the global financial centre of Zurich, Interlaken, Grindelwald and of course Geneva. Switzerland can feel like it’s an overload of sensation but it’s the best kind of feeling. To be surrounded by all that beauty is surreal in a way but that’s what a trip to Switzerland feels like, a wonderland that continues to be breathtakingly beautiful.

Netherlands

Among the places to see in Europe, Netherlands also occupies prime position. The sight of the windmills or the tulip fields stretching far into the horizon is heartening while the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum offer more serene and arty delights. There are also several medieval castles and canals and the humongous Hoge Veluwe National Park which is 13,800 acres and one of the most popular destinations for tourists and even locals. The towns and villages themselves are extremely pretty and colourful and in a way epitomise Europe in the best possible way.

Croatia

With thousands of miles of seafront and more than a thousand islands, Croatia’s coastline is Central Europe’s Riviera. Holiday-makers love its pebbly beaches, balmy summer weather, and dramatic mountains. But there’s history here as well: from ruined Roman arenas and Byzantine mosaics to Venetian bell towers, Habsburg villas, and even communist concrete, past rulers have left their mark. Most travelers flock to the Dalmatian Coast, where dramatic cliffs rise from the deep and islands are scattered just offshore. But savvy travelers make time for more: the Venetian-flavored Kvarner Gulf and Istrian Peninsula, the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, and Zagreb, the nation’s engaging capital.

Food in Europe
Food is the common unifier that brings people together and with its diversity of cultures and countries, Europe indeed has the best to offer. There’s something here for every taste and some of it is even quite iconic. It would be quite difficult to list the ones that would symbolise European food because of the sheer variety that’s available throughout the continent. Here are some of the popular dishes that you can expect to taste while travelling in Europe.

Waffles and Strudels
The unmistakeable delight of biting into a warm strudel, flaky and buttery, filled with raisins and topped with whipped cream is something that has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. And although waffles are now popular all over the world, try the ones in Belgium and you’ll know the delicious difference.

Cheese
It’s impossible to visit Europe and not indulge in cheese especially as so much of it is made here. Whether it is the halloumi cheese from Cyprus or the famed skyr from Iceland or fondue from Switzerland, cheese lovers will have much to rejoice in Europe.

Bread
Croissants from France, rye bread from Estonia, bread dumplings from the Czech Republic, pretzels from Germany and juicy gyros from Greece are just some of the few ways in which you can enjoy this staple in Europe. Of course, let’s not forget pizza from Naples or cinnamon rolls from Sweden.

Things to Do in Europe

Europe is filled with several things to do and you may feel short changed if you miss out on some of these iconic activities. Even though several tour packages include most of these activities, there are some which you must try to make time for, because they will make your experience unforgettable.

Visit the Ars Electronica Centre in Austria
Popularly known as the Museum of the Future, this is one of the places that’s perfect for tech lovers or even those who have a scientific bent of mind. The CAVE (Cave Automatic Visual Environment) is the kind of virtual reality that will have your senses spinning and make you feel like you’ve stepped out of the world into another one altogether. 

Check out the Santa Claus Village in Finland
While it seems straight out of a storybook, it’s completely true. There’s a Santa Claus village in Finland which actually receives all the letters from children all over the world. Rovaniemi, or the Santa Claus Village is actually just ten minutes away from the Arctic Circle and you can even visit his reindeer and go on a sleigh ride in the snow!

Enjoy bathing in the Krka National Park
The water in the lakes in the Krka National Park in Croatia is crystal clear and a brilliant shade of turquoise. It’s perfect for a cool and refreshing dip during the day and you will see plenty of families here, enjoying the deliciously cold water and having fun.

Go on a cruise on the Thames 
It can’t get more English than this. A cruise on the Thames that takes you past global landmarks while you sip tea in the elegant cruise ship is just perfect and an activity that you must not miss if possible.

Soar across the sky in a hot air balloon
France’s Dordogne Valley is stunningly beautiful but what makes it even better is if you can get to fly on a hot air balloon over the valley. The sights as you float across the sky and look down below are simply out of this world.

Don’t miss out on the Northern Lights
If there’s one thing you simply must see when in Europe, it’s the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland. From September to April, it’s possible to see these beautiful landscapes in the sky and you will feel every single moment of wonder keenly.