5 extraordinary night-time experiences to do around the world

When booking a holiday, it's usually the sun we're chasing. But once the moon is up, a whole other world of spectacular tourist experiences open up to us - if you know where to look.

Ed Finn from Ed Finn Travels joined Today with Claire Byrne to share his pick of the best night-time travel experiences to do around the world.

Nothern Lights, Scandinavia

All you have to do is say the word 'Scandinavia', and images of the spellbinding Northern Lights come to mind. Although many travellers have flocked to Iceland in recent years on a hunt for the shimmering green and purple lights, Finn suggests heading to Finland and Norway. However, he cautions it's "a bit like safaris - you could go and you might never see them".

Tromsø, a city in Norway, is one place to make your base, Finn says. "In winter time you're up in the Arctic Circle and it's really the place to go", he says. Oulu in Finland is another good option. You can check forecasts for how likely you are to see them and plan accordingly.

The Milky Way, Canary Islands

"La Palma, one of the islands in the Canaries, has very strict light pollution rules", Finn explains, "so it is one of the best places to go to see for example, the Milky Way." Star-gazing may not be your go-to holiday activity, but when else are you going to lounge around underneath the skies? The region is proud of its nightscapes, so some hotels even have telescopes on the roof for even better star-spotting.

"You're looking up and it's in all its glory and you're seeing all these millions of planets and stars, and it makes you feel small and then makes you feel part of something amazing at the same time." Book a tour with an expert for the most informative experience, Finn says. Pairing it with a memorable dinner beforehand is ideal, or exploring the rest of the island before settling under the heavens.

Night markets, Marrakesh

With a new direct route between Dublin and Marrakesh, taking just three hours and 20 minutes, the bustling markets of this ancient city have never felt so accessible. Finn travelled there recently and stayed in a medina, which opens right onto the "hectic" market. "It's almost like biblical times, you've donkeys, motorbikes and all these narrow streets, spices, it's amazing."

As well as restaurants and the open-air market, you'll find snake charmers, fortune tellers, henna artists and more. Finn recommended visiting the Secret Garden, an ornate collection of gardens and complexes that date back to the 16th century and were revamped in the 19th century. Don't miss the delicious street food while you're there.

Full moon dinner, Austria

Nestled in the Apline mountains, Bad Gastein - a spa and ski resort town - hold a monthly full moon dinner. This stunning candlelit experience showcases the best of Alpine cooking, complete with a long table seating up to 100 people. Wrapped up in your winter gear, you'll be sampling a lavish fondue and all manner of Austrian delicacies.

"You're under the stars and it's a full moon, so the rays of the moon bounce off the white snow and it all lights up, almost like bioluminescence", Finn explains. "Nobody wants to leave!" If that wasn't reason enough to visit, The Sound of Music is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, so the region will be alive with celebrations.

Night-time raclette rafting, Switzerland

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You've probably never seen a more surprising collection of words strung together, but in the picturesque region of Interlaken, it's just another of their delightful night-time festivities. "You're melting cheese on a sort of a big dingy and there's four of you on one side, four on the other and you have your potatoes and your pickled pineapples", Finn explains, with an adept guide rowing the group along.

"It's very peaceful and wonderful", he adds. There's plenty to keep you occupied in Interlaken, which is seen as the adventure centre of Switzerland, so you'll have myriad ways to burn off that cheese.