PolarTourist Journal

Arctic Guides & Stories

Data-driven guides for aurora hunters — solar cycle forecasts, honest destination comparisons, packing lists, and first-hand polar experiences.

Aurora Borealis Beginners Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Northern Lights
Guide

Aurora Borealis Beginners Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Northern Lights

A complete beginner's guide to seeing the northern lights — what causes them, where and when to go, how to photograph them, and what to wear for hours of aurora watching.

17 February 202610 min read
Iceland Ring Road Aurora Itinerary: A 10-Day Road Trip Optimised for the Northern Lights
Guide

Iceland Ring Road Aurora Itinerary: A 10-Day Road Trip Optimised for the Northern Lights

A day-by-day 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary designed around the best northern lights viewing spots — with waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes along the way.

17 February 202612 min read
Northern Lights Photography Tips: Camera Settings, Gear, and Techniques That Actually Work
Guide

Northern Lights Photography Tips: Camera Settings, Gear, and Techniques That Actually Work

Practical, specific photography tips for capturing the northern lights — from exact camera settings and lens choices to smartphone tricks and composition techniques for stunning aurora photos.

17 February 202610 min read
Northern Lights 2026–2027: The Solar Maximum Aftermath Guide
Guide

Northern Lights 2026–2027: The Solar Maximum Aftermath Guide

Solar Cycle 25 peaked in 2024–2025 with record-breaking aurora displays. Here's what the science says about 2026–2027 and whether you've missed the best of it.

15 February 20268 min read
What to Pack for the Arctic: The Complete Polar Packing List
Guide

What to Pack for the Arctic: The Complete Polar Packing List

Packing for the Arctic is a different challenge to any other trip. Get the layer system wrong and you're miserable. Get it right and you'll be warm at -25°C watching the northern lights for hours.

10 February 20267 min read
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a Northern Lights Trip Actually Cost?
Guide

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a Northern Lights Trip Actually Cost?

From £800 budget Iceland breaks to £5,000 luxury Norwegian lodges — here's the honest, data-driven cost breakdown for every type of northern lights trip, with real numbers.

8 February 20269 min read