The best transportation methods when traveling above the Arctic Circle
Trips above the Arctic Circle are becoming increasingly common. The one thing that prevents them from becoming even more common is the difficulty of getting around. The arctic is huge; most people seriously underestimate how far apart things in the arctic are. There are also no roads in the arctic, the combination of permafrost and the fact that there is snow on the ground most of the year make them impractical. That means in order to travel to the arctic you are going to need to come up with a different way to get around. So, what are the best ways to get around when travelling above the Arctic Circle?
The most common way to get around in the arctic is in an airplane. There are no roads in the arctic and almost everybody travels by airplane, especially in the summer. The airplanes that are used in arctic are usually small airplanes that fly into and out of gravel runways. This makes a lot of people uncomfortable but it really is the only way to reach many areas in the arctic. Traveling by airplane can be quite expensive but everything in the arctic is expensive so this is something that you are going to have to budget for. Depending on where you want to go you may be able to get a scheduled flight but the more likely scenario is that you will need to charter an airplane.
Most people would be surprised to learn that one of the most common ways for tourists to get around the arctic is by boat. During the summer the ice in the Arctic Ocean melts and there are a number of companies that offer unique cruises. Most people find this to be the easiest way to see the arctic since it solves a couple of problems. The two biggest obstacles to travel in the arctic are being able to get around and to find accommodation. A cruise ship will solve both of these problems. This is the way most tourists choose to travel in the arctic. For the really adventurous you can even book a trip on an icebreaker that will allow you to visit areas that the regular cruise ships can't get to.
There are other ways to get around above the Arctic Circle. Snowmobiles and dog sleds are commonly used by the Inuit during the winter but since very few tourists visit during the winter these aren't commonly used by visitors. There are many rivers in the arctic and these can usually be used for transportation. Many people take canoe and kayak trips in the arctic. One option that many people choose to use in order to get around in the arctic during the summer is simply to walk. Trekking has become a popular activity in the arctic and walking remains one of the few options for getting around, although how far you can go is severely limited.