Should you hire an Aurora Tour Guide?
This quiz will help you think about what you want to do, rather than tell you what to do.
Should you hire an aurora tour professional or do it yourself?
Let’s find out!
Questions and their answers are in random order.
#1. Are you interested in learning about the science of the aurora?
#2. Are you traveling with children under 12?
#3. Do you need photography or camera help for night sky photos?
#4. Are you able to take your own photo under the aurora or night sky?
#5. Which sounds like the best plan for you?
#6. Are you comfortable driving into the night with spotty or no cell phone service?
#7. How long are you visiting the aurora zone?
#8. Are you skilled or comfortable with driving on icy roads?
#9. Are you on a budget?
#10. Are you aware that there are wild animals in the wilderness, such as bear, lynx, moose, porcupine, and caribou?
#11. What is your plan if you have car trouble or stuck in a ditch?
Select all that apply:
#12. Are you relying on hotel staff or bnb owner to wake you up if the aurora is out? ? (not that there is anything wrong with that)
#13. Are you interested in doing an activity at night, such as ice fishing, dog sled rides, or bonfires?
#14. While waiting for the aurora to come out, will you be...
Select all that apply:
#15. Do you have plans in the morning 6am-noon?
#16. Do you enjoy the company of other people?
#17. Do you require indoor facilities when nature calls?
#18. Do you like going to special spots/views for watching or photography or do you just want to see the lights (any location ok)?
Select all that apply:
#19. Can you read space weather data and be able to tell if the aurora should be out?
#20. What is your plan each night?
Select all that apply:
#21. Did you bring full winter gear? ? If traveling during winter
#22. Did you get enough sleep the night before, or nap the same day you plan on seeing aurora?
Results
You may consider hiring a guide at least for one of the nights you will be looking for aurora. You will have peace of mind driving on the ice, staying warm, and know you are with a professional who can understand and interpret the space weather data.
Another idea is to stay at or visit a place with a viewing area (indoor or out).
Both choices, you will learn how to read the forecast, where and when to go, and how to get a great photo. Enjoy refreshments and with some having indoor facilities.
Each guide / company is different, so do a little research on what would be the best place for you.
You will have fun!
This quiz was intended to help you think, and not for what you should do. Even professional photographers and skilled drivers enjoy taking tours or visiting a lodge. Decide what kind of experience sounds good to you.
Hi.,thank you for this quiz.,i will hire a tour guide for one day..can u help me
I have a list of tour guides whom I’ve met with myself in the Fairbanks Alaska area. Here is a list
Aurora has been in my bucket list. I would NEVER drive in ALASKA to chase and watch Aurora. And am pretty sure I will not do it by myself.I was hoping that you have a group I could join (just like a group tour) and go with them wherever they go. That is what my idea or hiring a guide but not alone by myself. Thanks for the FYI.
This is great Amy. Thank you for putting this together
Some of the questions not that valid in finland well atleast here in southern parts
I would love to improve the quiz for any local nuisances. Could you provide another question and answer?
I’m pretty sure I won’t try it all on my own again. Although we did stay at the base camp, we only had one night with very little activity. I’m guessing a tour guide will find us the lights, or give us another chance the next night! Thanks for all the advice. There’s nothing better than counting on an expert!
Really important things to consider not all would think of. This would be my 2nd year so probably more realistic with answers.
PS Amy you probably saved some folks from getting in serious trouble!