Shefali Shah shares practical travel tips for planning a Northern Lights trip

Shefali Shah shares candid, no-filter tips from her Finland trip after finally witnessing the magical Northern Lights. (Image: Instagram/ @shefalishahofficial)

Watching the Northern Lights dance across the night sky is one of those bucket-list dreams many of us carry quietly for years. Actor Shefali Shah recently ticked that box off her list during a family trip to Finland—and true to form, she didn’t just post pretty pictures. She shared a refreshingly honest, funny and very real travel guide for anyone planning their own aurora-chasing adventure.

Taking to social media, Shah described the journey as one of the most-awaited trips of her life. Between snowy landscapes, family moments, snow play and even diving experiences, her Finland holiday doubled up as the perfect winter moodboard. But beyond the magic of the Aurora Borealis, what truly stood out were her practical, no-filter tips on surviving extreme cold—delivered with her trademark wit.

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A post shared by Shefali Shah (@shefalishahofficial)

Here are Shefali Shah’s most useful takeaways for travellers heading north in search of the Northern Lights:

1. Thermals over romance, always

It’s not love, poetry or dreamy views that’ll keep you warm in the Arctic—it’s solid thermals. Pack smart, or prepare to shiver through the magic.

2. Never underestimate desi comfort food

Don’t ditch the ever-loyal theplas. When the cold bites hard, familiar food can be unexpectedly comforting—and energising.

3. Black ice is the real villain

Black ice is bad ice. You will fall. So will your phone, gloves and dignity—unless you have Kali-level multitasking skills.

4. Leave chiffon sarees to the movies

They look great in Yash Raj films, not in sub-zero temperatures. Unless you’re okay with frozen fingers and toes, dress sensibly.

5. Cold laughs at minimalism

Do not underestimate the cold. Here, less is not more. Layer endlessly—you might just fit 64 thermals under one jacket.

Northern Lights (Image: Canva)

6. Stylish winter dressers are mythical creatures

Some people claim to look fashionable in winter wear. Shefali Shah assures us she isn’t one of them—and you don’t need to be either.

7. Choose warmth over aesthetics

You can be sharply dressed or warm and alive. Shefali picked survival, and honestly, it’s the only sensible option.

8. Snow pants serve a purpose

They’re not about style—they’re about keeping yourself dry. Snow pants matter, so wear them without overthinking.

9. Getting dressed is a marathon

Set aside at least three hours for one outfit. Layering, un-layering, tying laces, removing gloves—only to realise you skipped a thermal—takes time.

10. Borrow photos, if needed

Missed clicking yourself against fjords, snowlands or auroras? Claim someone else’s back-facing photo. Everyone looks the same anyway.

11. Focus on what actually works

Only the innermost and outermost layers truly matter. Everything in between is just “dil ko behlane ke liye, Ghalib”.

12. Test your snow shoes before flying

If your snow boots are from another century, wear them everywhere before the trip. A missing sole can quickly leave you soul-less.

Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, (Image: Canva)

13. Heels are optional, warmth is not

Heeled boots may be sexy, but frumpy footwear keeps you alive. The model might survive—your toes may not.

14. Don’t expect Santa in full uniform

Santa doesn’t wear his red suit while working from home. In case you’re wondering why you can’t recognise him.

15. Orcas aren’t the biggest threat

When diving with orcas, they won’t kill you. Hypothermia might—but the experience, she says, is absolutely worth it.

Wrapping up her reflections, Shah described the Aurora Borealis as one of the rare natural wonders that somehow looks even better through a lens. Each snowflake, she noted, is unique—much like people themselves. Her final advice? Surrender to the magic.

For travellers planning a Northern Lights trip, Shefali Shah’s Finland diary is a reminder that while the auroras may be ethereal, surviving the cold is very real. Prepare smart, laugh at yourself, and let nature do the rest.