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FINLAND
The Hideout: 155 miles north of the Arctic Circle in a log cabin, snow igloo, or glass igloo at Hotel & Igloo Village Kakslauttanen.
Low-tech lowdown: Traveling to this resort in Finnish Lapland is like stepping into the wardrobe and entering a frozen Narnia. Kakslauttanen has stripped away much of the modern world's noise (and electricity) for one of the world's most spectacular sightings of the swirling northern lights. While each cabin has its own sauna, the snow igloos are surprisingly warm and cozy. But the glass igloos—with their transparent walls and roofs—are the best accommodations for viewing the aurora borealis.
Your new "to do" list:
• Learn the art of Lappish lasso-throwing and ice-carving
• Swim in an ice hole before dashing to the sauna. (Just watch out for the reindeer.)
• Hike along more than 150 miles of marked trails in the forested Saariselka area
The road less traveled: Fly to Helsinki and hop a second flight to Ivalo Airport; the hotel's staff will drive you the final 30 minutes to the village.
Don't forget: Dog treats to reward your team of six huskies after they've drawn you on a thrilling ride through a snow-covered wonderland.
Hotel & Igloo Village Kakslauttanen
Tel: 358 16 667 100
Cabins from $160; glass igloos from $360
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