Finland is an astounding natural beauty. Explore its snow-covered landscape in the winter and marvel at the Northern Lights, great lake views and its green forestry in the summer. With tourism initiatives (like FinRelax) aimed at getting you to chill out and unwind in its lush landscapes, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the country's jaw-dropping natural wonders and refreshing saunas. Beauty fiends will love this country's obsession with health and wellness–trust us, the Finnish sense of calm could rival Indonesian zen. If you are looking to tour Helsinki (as you should, it's marvelous) this is the year to do it;
Finland celebrates 100 years of independence on December 6th and the capital city will be partying all year long. Take a day to enjoy its unique costal geography punctuated by glistening bays and sharp inlets. A visit here places you right in the heart of Scandinavia, which means quick, easy visits to bustling neighboring must-sees like Stockholm and Oslo. Not yet as popular as its cohorts (but its place on many a must-visit list will change that soon), Finland benefits from far fewer crowds but just as many delights.
Where to Stay: Stay at the friendly HavsVidden hotel–you won't be disappointed with the incredible Baltic Sea views at this stylish and chic eco-friendly property. While there, you can sail down from various Scandi seaports or board a super short flight from Stockholm or Helsinki into Mariehamn, where you'll be driven a scenic 45 minutes up to HavsVidden, just off the Havsviddsvägen trail. Bursting with open-air activities both on and off shore, the HavsVidden is prepared for everything from incredible wreck-diving to unforgettable wildlife and nature experiences.
If you're planning a visit in summertime, book a room at the buzzy St. George, which plans to open in Helsinki this year, or at its sister property Hotel Lilla Roberts.
When to Go: Depends on what you're into, this country has something to offer year-round.