Vast, empty, glittering, snowscapes scoured by howling winds, freezing waters full of icebergs sculpted into fantastical shapes, the dancing Northern Lights - the Arctic certainly isn't lacking in dramatic scenery or unusual sights.

This is an environment that swings from one extreme to another with never-ending midnight sun in the summer and endless polar night in winter. Yet, in spite of the climate the area is alive with wildlife and has been occupied by man for thousands of years.

The Arctic has more to offer in the way of excitement than you might think. Things to do include wildlife-spotting, visiting glaciers, touring by air, land or sea and a very wide choice of wintersports and outdoor activities, of which dogsledding and snowsculpting number among the more unusual. There are also many cultural museums to visit.

Warm, friendly people, comfortable modern hotels and lively nightlife even in the remotest-seeming of locations complete the itinary and make this one of the most stimulating and unforgettable travel destinations whether you are touring or holding a conference.

Other Arctic destinations to consider include Iceland and northern Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.