• More than half of Aussies (57%) dream of aurora chasing this year, eclipsing other bucket list experiences
• Canada, Norway and Finland boast the most popular destinations for aurora hunters, with Expedia searches historically up triple-digits
• April and November revealed as the most affordable months to visit the Northern Lights

• Tor-Ivar Næss, award-winning Northern Lights photographer, shares top tips for capturing the aurora
• With experts predicting extraordinary aurora visibility in 2024, Expedia’s Northern Lights Insider Guide helps travellers plan their trip

Today, Expedia® released its comprehensive Northern Lights Insider Guide. With 2024 promising more frequent sightings of this natural wonder, Expedia shares travel data insights, saving hacks, photography tips and ideal itineraries to help travellers plan for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the magical auroras.

According to a survey commissioned by Expedia, more than half of Aussies (57%) aspire to witness the Northern Lights as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Following closely behind are wishes to visit the Pyramids (44%) and exploring Japan during blossom season (43%)[1].

“Planning your Northern Lights adventure might feel like navigating uncharted territory, but we’ve made it easy for travellers to make this trip a reality,” said Melanie Fish, Head of Expedia Group Brands Public Relations. “From Churchhill, Canada to Tromsø, Norway, the free guide shows where to stay for under $289 a night or how to bundle a whole trip together for under $3,000. There’s even a photography guide to make sure you know how to capture the memory.”

Expedia Northern Lights Insider Guide
Destination Trends: To help travellers discover popular and lesser-known destinations to experience the Northern Lights, Expedia has pulled together these exclusive insights on destination trends.

1. Norway Remains Ultimate Northern Lights Hotspot:
2. Searches for Tromsø increased by 40%[2] in 2023, following a notable rise in 2022, highlighting its popularity among travellers seeking the Northern Lights.
3. Additionally, there was a 360%[3] increase in hotel searches compared to 2021, further highlighting the growing interest in visiting Tromsø for the aurora display.
4. April stays in Tromsø offer the most budget-friendly travel option with daily hotel rates historically averaging $225[4], which is $121 less per night compared to February. 
5. Other emerging Norwegian destinations for Australians included Kirkenes, Narvik and Alta, seeing an average increase of over 490%[5].

• Canada’s Top Northern Lights Destinations:
• Churchill was the top Canadian destination for Australians for Northern Lights viewing, boasting close to a remarkable 280%[6] increase in hotel searches last year.
• Other trending locations included Jasper and Yukon, which both saw increased hotel searches from Australians of around 65% year-on-year.

• The U.S. Continues to Be Popular:
• Alaska and Fairbanks were predicted to be the most popular areas for Australians to catch the lights in the U.S., with an average over 100%[7] increase year-on-year.

• Top Ten Trending[8] Northern Lights Destinations Worldwide: As a result of searches for these destinations increasing by over 40% year-on-year, we predict they will continue to be popular among tourists this 2024:

1. Lapland, Finland
2. Churchill, Canada
3. Rovaniemi, Finland
4. Narvik, Norway
5. Kirkenes, Norway
6. Kálfafell, Iceland
7. Inari, Finland
8. Abisko, Sweden
9. Isle of Skye, Scotland
10. Tromsø, Norway

5.    The Best Times and Places for Budget-Friendly Trips: Based on average daily rates from previous years, these offer the most cost-effective destinations[9] for viewing the Northern Lights:

• February: Faroe Islands, rates have proven to be $185, a $117 contrast from the most expensive month, September.
• March: Aberdeen, priced at $131, $18 cheaper than April.
• April: Tromsø, marked at $225, a $121 difference compared to February.
• September: Finland, with rates at $208, $137 cheaper than December.
• October: Lapland, priced at $159, less than half the cost of December, January, and February.

• November: Yellowknife, priced at $210, 10% cheaper than January and February.
• December: Greenland, rates at $165, a $152 difference compared to February and March.

Expedia Smart Savings Hacks: According to Expedia, 70%[10] of Australian travellers have not travelled to the Northern Lights due to financial reasons. By following these savvy tips on how to save money when booking your Northern Lights trip, travellers can cut costs without compromising on the experience.

• Expedia’s Price Tracking feature on the app helps with the uncertainty involved in choosing the right time to book a Northern Lights trip by notifying travellers when flight prices change and using exclusive data to help choose the best time to book. 
• Whether booking items together in the same transaction or in steps, travellers also have their Northern Lights itinerary all in one place, making it easier to keep track of their journey.

Ideal Itineraries:

• Tromsø, Norway: With an Expedia package, you can experience six-nights at The Clarion Hotel The Edge, Tromsø, from a total of $3,752 per traveller, including flights from Sydney, Australia between 24th-31st March 2024. Add a husky experience and dog sleigh driving adventure for $249 per person.[11]

• Fairbanks, Alaska: As a prime Northern Lights destination, Fairbanks has seen an over 90%[12] surge in hotel searches. Book a six-night package trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort with flights from Sydney between 14^th-21^st October 2024 from $2717 per traveller[13]. Add an Aurora Ice Museum experience for $24 per person.

Photography Perfection: 38%[14] of Australian travellers would be disappointed if they never see the Northern Lights in their lifetime, so to help learn the secrets of capturing the perfect Northern Lights shot on your smartphone, award-winning aurora photographer, Tor-Ivar Næss, has shared his top five invaluable tips to enhance your Northern Lights photography experience.

1. Use a Tripod: Or place your phone on a sturdy surface, like a backpack. Stability is key for long exposure photography. A tripod will keep your phone steady, which is crucial for capturing the slow-moving lights of the aurora without blur.
2. Manual Mode: If your smartphone camera allows manual settings, use them. Adjust the ISO (try starting around 800-1600), lower the shutter speed (several seconds), and set the aperture as wide as possible to let in as much light as you can.
3. Focus to Infinity: Ensure your camera’s focus is set to infinity. This is important because autofocus might have trouble in the dark, and you want the stars and lights to be sharp. You know you are in focus when the stars are at their smallest.
4. Use a Remote Shutter or Timer: To avoid camera shake when you press the shutter button, use a remote control or the built-in timer function on your smartphone.
5. Experiment With Composition: The aurora is unpredictable, so try different compositions and include interesting foregrounds for a sense of scale and place. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. And if the aurora is above you, try to shoot straight up.

“This year the Northern Lights promise an unforgettable display and photo moment, making it an ideal year for travel enthusiasts to experience this once in a lifetime experience. Consider heading on your journey between mid-September and early April when the darker, clearer nights enhance your chances of witnessing this photo phenomenon,”Tor-Ivar Næss said. 

“From the beautiful landscapes of Iceland to the majestic fjords of Tromsø in Norway, this year offers an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture the beauty of the lights. By using my recommended tips for photography fanatics, you can increase your chances of capturing remarkable shots. Remember, capturing the Northern Lights is often about patience and experimenting with settings, so don’t get discouraged if your first few shots don’t turn out as expected. Keep trying!”

For more information on how to make the most out of your Northern Lights trip this 2024, visit expedia.com.au

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[1] The survey about once-in-a-life-time experiences was conducted online among 2,000 AU adults who intend to travel for leisure in 2024, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.  

[2] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[3] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com made throughout 2022 in comparison to 2021.

[4] ADR data based off YOY global Expedia hotel rates in 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[5] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com.au made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[6] Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com.au made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[7]Data results based off hotel searches on Expedia.com.au made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[8] Data results based off global hotel searches rankings on Expedia.com made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[9] ADR data based off YOY global Expedia hotel rates in 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[10] The survey about once-in-a-life-time experiences was conducted online among 2,000 AU adults who intend to travel for leisure in 2024, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.  

[11] Based on Return economy flights with Qatar and Scandinavian Airlines from Sydney to Tromso. Price per person twin share from 24 March to 31 March 2024 (correct as at 5pm AEDT 31.01.24). For travel until 24 March 2024 (black out dates apply). Subject to availability. Visit expedia.com.au for terms and conditions.

[12] Data results based off AU hotel searches on Expedia.com.au made throughout 2023 in comparison to 2022.

[13] Based on Return economy flights with Delta Airlines from Sydney to Fairbanks.. Price per person twin share from 15 October to 21 October 2024 (correct as at 5pm AEDT 31.01.24). For travel until 15 October 2024 (black out dates apply). Subject to availability. Visit expedia.com.au for terms and conditions.

[14] The survey about once-in-a-life-time experiences was conducted online among 2,000 AU adults who intend to travel for leisure in 2024, by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia.