The aurora borealis has jumped to the top of many travelers' wish lists, creating a tourism boom in the northernmost reaches of our planet. This writer found a unique experience in northern Norway.

Several spas, lodges, and resorts offer great northern lights viewing. If you're lucky, you might see the aurora borealis from a hot tub.

The northern lights are visible from late August to early April, but the peak season is from September to March, when nights are longest. The best viewing hours are typically between 9 PM and 2 AM, when the sky is darkest and aurora activity is strongest.