Planning a family trip to Lapland is incredibly exciting, but packing for the Arctic Circle can be a bit overwhelming! I’m generally a pack light fit it all in a backpack kind of gal but this trip required a little more planning and a little more gear. With temperatures dropping as low as -30°C, staying warm and comfortable is key so that everyone can cope in the cold and have a great time. We flew from Dublin to Rovaniemi in early January with Ryanair for a week-long adventure. I hope this guide will help you pack everything you need for a family of five, ensuring you make the most of your time in Santa’s homeland.
Travel Essentials
Before you start packing clothes and gear, make sure you’ve got all the basics covered:
- Passports (check expiry dates!)
- Boarding passes (download the Ryanair app for easy check-in)
- Travel insurance documents
- Currency: Euros
- Credit/debit cards
- Phone chargers and a power bank
- European plug adapters. I like to bring an extension lead and an adapter for all our chargers.
- A small first-aid kit with kids’ medications (Calpol, inhalers, plasters)
- Lollipops for take-off and landing
- Board game (like Uno or Dobble) for downtime and waiting in the airport.
Clothing: Staying Warm with Layers
Layering is the secret to staying warm in Lapland. Here’s exactly what I packed for each family member:
Base Layers
- 2 sets of thermal tops and leggings per person (merino wool or synthetic for warmth and moisture-wicking). I picked up ours in Lidl, Aldi, Decathlon and Amazon. Click here for the ones that the kids liked best and that they can wear again for sports.
Mid Layers
- 3 fleeces per person (lightweight but warm)
- 3 pairs of tracksuit bottoms per person (comfortable and warm for layering – again synthetic materials work best)
Outer Layers
- 1 ski/winter jacket per person (waterproof and insulated) – I picked up the kid’s ones in Lidl/Aldi. I wore this coat from Regatta (which they kindly gifted me for the trip).
- 1 pair of ski trousers per person (essential for outdoor activities) – I picked up these for the kids in Lidl, and a pair for my husband in Decathlon. I bought mine in the sale from Mountain Warehouse.
- 1 pair of ski gloves per person (thermal, waterproof and insulated). For younger kids I suggest ski mittens – which are easier to get on and off and work better with heat pads. I picked up ours from Lidl. I also brought a pair of thermal gloves that worked with our phones for both myself and my husband to make it easier to take photos.
Accessories
- Thermal hat (make sure it covers the ears). The kids had these already, I picked up this one which I wore for the entire trip and was very cosy.
- Snoods for kids (better than scarves for keeping necks warm). Again you can pick these up in Decathlon
- I brought this Balaclava for my youngest who is 6 which worked really well and kept his face warm.
- 3 pairs of wool socks per person. Click here for the ones I ordered for the kids. I picked up adult pairs in the Lidl ski event. I also picked up synthetic fiber hiking socks in Dunnes.
- 3 pairs of ski socks per person Click here for the ones I ordered for the kids.
- Disposable heat pads (3 pack boxes of 24 to keep hands and feet warm). Click here for the ones I ordered. These were a must have – as temperatures dropped as low as -30C during our visit.
Footwear
- Snow boots: Waterproof and insulated with a good grip. Wear them on the flight to save luggage space. I purchased ours from Lidl’s ski event and Decathlon. M&M Direct and Mountain Warehouse also stock some good value options.
Must-Have Extras
- Retractable marshmallow sticks for toasting marshmallows by the fire
- Mini marshmallows and hot chocolate cups for cozy evenings
- Thermos flask to keep drinks warm on outdoor excursions
- Marshmallows for toasting
- Sunglasses (the snow glare can be intense)
- Bubbles to make frozen bubbles (a fun activity for the kids)
- A headlamp or torch for walking in the dark or when playing outside
Toiletries
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Lip balm with SPF (the cold air can be harsh on lips)
- A thick moisturizer for face and body
- Hairbrush/comb
- Any personal hygiene products
- PJs and underwear for everyone
Entertainment for the Flight and Downtime
- Coloring books and crayons
- Small toys or puzzles
- Yoto Players or audiobooks
- Tablets with movies for the plane
- Snacks (bring some familiar snacks from home to keep the kids happy)
- Instant noodles for the night you arrive (a lifesaver after a long travel day)
Ryanair’s Kids Equipment Policy
Ryanair allows each child to bring two free pieces of checked baby equipment, including kids’ booster car seats, so we checked these in to save having to pay for them with our car rental.
Final Thoughts
With this packing guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy an epic week in Lapland. We fit everything into two cabin sized suitcases and one larger case. As we stayed in an AirBnB for the week, we had access to a washing machine during our trip. That being said we’d have managed with what we brought without the washing machine. We organised the trip ourselves, so as we weren’t on a package weren’t provided with any snow gear on arrival. The key to a successful trip is staying warm, organized, and ready for adventure. Have an amazing time in Santa’s wonderland, and don’t forget to capture every magical moment!
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For more family travel inspiration check out my recent posts on London, Efteling and Legoland, Billund.
