holiday advice
Hi Irish Dipper
Not sure if you mean advice only for Finland / Sweden or advice in general as it sounds like it's a first re birding holidays. Anyway, I'll keep it brief in case it's the former but just a word to look out for any local accommodation plus guide birding deals, if there are any out there.
They can be very cost-effective by the time you've added in car hire, accommodation, airport transfers, etc. when going it alone, and you don't have to worry about getting lost, wasting time, Plan B in case of weather or species 'no shows', etc.
Of course, that's half the fun of birding so I don't know why anyone would use a guide!
Regardless, another 'tip' would be to mention you're birding to hotels, restaurants, etc if you get chance as it let's people know where the money's coming from and see the value of birding to their economy.
Good luck and as always please let us know how it goes via a trip report.