Planning a Trip

In the United States, contact the Scandinavian Tourist Board, 655 Third Ave., 18th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (tel. 212/885-9700; www.goscandinavia.com or www.finland-tourism.com), at least 3 months in advance for maps, sightseeing information, ferry schedules, and so forth.

In the United Kingdom, contact the Finnish Tourist Board, P.O. Box 33213 London, W6 8JX (tel. 020/7365-2512; www.visitfinland.com/uk).

If you use a travel agent, make sure he or she is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), so that -- in case a problem arises -- you can complain to the consumer affairs department of the society at 1101 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (tel. 703/706-2782; www.astanet.com).