10 mistakes I made in the Arctic

Travelling to Svalbard was a lifelong dream but as this writer soon discovered, a little more research would have been helpful.  

Rugged up in the Arctic. Picture: Dilvin Yasa

Did someone say reindeer burgers?

Ah Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world and the final stop before reaching the North Pole. I arrived in May believing I was adequately prepared for every ‘surprise’ that could come my way., but I was wrong. Here are the top mistakes I made - published to my great shame, to prevent you from making the same ones. 

Mistake 1: I packed ‘nice’ things

Polar destinations call for merino thermal undergarments, fleece jackets and jumpers, ski jackets and pants, fleece-lined beanies, waterproof  gloves,  wool hiking socks and waterproof hiking boots. What you won’t need is your ‘going out’ shoes or a jewellery box full of dangly earrings. Yes, I packed all of the above and guess what? They never came out of my suitcase once. 

Mistake 2: I forgot seasickness pills

The Arctic Ocean cares not for your sensitivities, often becoming violent and white-knuckle terrifying without warning. Even if you never get seasick, it’s important to pack travel sickness medication such as Kwells or Travacalm so you can enjoy your trip. Yep, I forgot mine on the kitchen bench. 

You won't need that ballgown. Picture: Dilvin Yasa

Mistake 3: I tried to do everything, all at once

I timed my Arctic visit for early May so that I could enjoy the final weeks of winter and winter sports before moving into the summer sports which traditionally begin in the middle of the month. Makes sense, right? Of course, some of my tours (snowmobiling, for example) were cancelled because of the weather and I couldn’t reschedule since the season had ended. My top tip? Aim for a winter adventure or a summer one rather than trying to put a foot in each camp. 

Mistake 4: I wore lace ups

Svalbard has a long tradition of leaving shoes at the door and you know what this means? Constantly taking your shoes off to enter cafes, restaurants, hotels and attractions - not so easy to do when you’re wearing 20 puffy layers and hiking boots. Look for boots you can slide on and off easily. 

The historic Camp Mansfield is still standing. Picture: Dilvin Yasa

Mistake 5: I believed a crappy pair of binoculars would do

As the sea ice vanishes, so too does the wildlife, Arctic greats such as the polar bear moving inland to find new sources of nutrition (good for the seals, bad news for the Svalbard reindeer).  If you’re on a ship hoping to see mammals lazing about on sea ice with a cheap pair of binoculars - or with your naked eyes - there’s every chance you’re going to leave disappointed. Do yourself a favour and invest in the most powerful binoculars you can afford. 

Mistake 6: I didn’t make reservations for every restaurant

Everyone knows to make reservations and fine dining establishments, but the local pub? Not so much. I quickly discovered that even the most casual of pubs on Longyearbyen is crammed by 7pm - particularly during the summer months when tourism is at its all-time high. Make reservations for every meal, be it for a burger, pizza or 14-course tasting menu. 

The famous burger at Funken House. Picture: Dilvin Yasa

Mistake 7: I believed I’d be contactable at all times

Okay, this one is incredibly stupid, but in my defence, I was TOLD I’d have access to wifi at all times (a fact I cheerfully passed on to editors). On one occasion, I checked into a remote property only to be told their system had gone down and that I’d be offline for a few days and at sea, I had wifi for the first evening before it all went dead. I didn’t speak to my children for days and I probably upset more than a few people. Prepare everyone for your disappearance and don’t count on getting any work done. 

Mistake 8: I didn’t upgrade my camera before my trip

Svalbard is full of once-in-a-lifetime photography opportunities (you can check out all the local photography tours here), so do yourself a favour and bring along the best camera money can buy. Planning to upgrade your phone, do it before you leave home.

A better camera would have done the landscapes justice. Picture: Dilvin Yasa

Mistake 9: I believed in the sun

You’ve dressed for the warmth of the sun, but when the weather turns in the Arctic, it doesn’t mess about so always - ALWAYS - pack enough layers  that you can withstand a blizzard like it’s no big deal. While we’re discussing sunshine, it’s a good time to tell you to pack melatonin (some suffer insomnia on account of the midnight sun) and sunscreen. You’ll be needing that any time you’re out in the snow. 

Mistake 10: I believed I would go on every tour I booked 

In the Arctic, everything is dependent on the weather and things get cancelled ALL THE TIME. Many of the tours I booked were cancelled for a variety of reasons and I had to work quickly to find backup options. Be flexible in your thinking and know that there’s every chance that the tour you’re booking isn’t going to happen. Keep and eye out for our refund and research Plan B, C and D should you need a handy replacement. 

Ice-capades in the Arctic. Picture: Dilvin Yasa

And some things I did right…

I checked into the nicest hotel in town

When you’re out all day in the elements, there’s nothing better than coming back to relax in luxurious surroundings. Funken Lodge is the hottest place in town, its hilltop location commanding views across Longyearbyen. On days when it was too frightful to go outside, I holed up with a burger in their fireside lounge, propped up the bar or enjoyed the feast of kings at Funktionærmessen Restaurant.

Check out how stylish this Funken Lodge is. Picture: Dilvin Yasa

I committed to my stay

Most travellers stay three days but when you’re travelling a long distance to reach Longyearbyen, you want to make the most of your experience. I stayed long enough to eat at every restaurant, drink at every cafe and bar, and undertake every bookable activity, from an expedition cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions and a remote stay at Isfjord Radio Hotel to day adventures. 

I purchased the world’s most expensive travel insurance

Going cruising or throwing yourself into the heady world of snow and adventure sports? Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance that covers all of the above. Yes, it hurts financially, but it’s just a drop in the ocean compared with what you could be up for if you don’t have adequate cover. 

I used Hurtigruten Svalbard like my own personal travel agent

Whether you want a cruise around Svalbard, a few day trips, a stay at a local hotel or some restaurant reservations, Hurtigruten Svalbard can assist. Super helpful when you’re new to a destination and don’t quite know what you’re doing. 

This writer travelled at her own expense with help from Hurtigruten Svalbard. 

Originally published as 10 mistakes I made in the Arctic