Summer crowds have gone home (and we, penguins, rejoice). Temperatures are down (again, we rejoice). Winter hasn’t yet wrapped everything in snow. And in between, fall (or autumn, depending on where you’re reading this from) quietly transforms Europe’s wildest corners into glowing forests, aurora skies, and solitude you didn’t know you needed.

If you’ve ever wanted to trade pumpkin spice lattes for misty valleys, or swap city noise for the crunch of leaves under your boots, this is your season. Here are five wilderness escapes we’ve loved (or are about to explore) where fall feels like nature’s secret handshake.

Take a deep breathe in… and fall for nature with us!

You’ve seen the photos. The swirls of green and purple. The ice hotels and starry skies. But how do you actually plan a Northern Lights trip in Europe without blowing your budget, freezing your face off, or ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time?

We’ve chased the aurora across Scandinavia and beyond — from cozy Finnish cabins to Swedish frozen lakes. We’ve waited hours in the cold, sometimes with a reward and sometimes with nothing except frostbite. We’ve tested apps, gear, and all the local tips we could get.

So, here’s our not-boring, fully practical guide to the best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe — and how to pick the one that matches your vibe.

If winter is for skiing and spring is for soggy hikes, summer in Vancouver is when the city truly comes alive. The mountains are still in view, but suddenly you’re on a paddleboard instead of a trail, eating sushi by the ocean instead of hiding from the rain. Well, of course, rain DOES show up (this green forest needs it!), but sunny days are frequent, and we had some the 3 times we went there.

Vancouver is one of our favorite cities in the world, and we’re not city people. Not because it’s flashy (it’s not) — but because Vancouver has that rare combo of nature (ocean, moutain AND rainforest), neighborhood charm, absolute coolness, and chill. And, because skyscrapers are made of glass and most cars & public transport are green, you don’t get a sensorial overload.

Whether you’re planning a local staycation or adding Vancouver to your summer travels, here’s our shortlist of what to do when the weather’s warm and your sandals are ready.

If mainland British Columbia is nature turned up to 10, Vancouver Island is nature turned up to… 100. A place where the forests are thicker, the ocean spray is stronger, the coffee shops are cooler, and the goats… live on roofs.

We’ve road-tripped the island from top to tail and back again, chasing waterfalls, seafoam, and the perfect seafood truck. It’s where the moss drips like candlewax, the air smells like cedar smoke, and the ocean always feels a little too cold and a little too right.

Whether you’ve got a weekend or two full weeks, here’s what to see, where to go, and why it’s one of the most heavenly places we’ve ever been to.

Vancouver isn’t just an awesome city — it’s a launchpad. There’s a reason why people flock to live there — at least the ones who can afford it — and why it’s our favorite city in the whole world. If you’ve ever been to the Pacific Northwest, you understand what we’re talking about. In every direction, you’ll find moody forests, glacier lakes, indie cities, and coastal villages where life runs on West Coast time. These aren’t your average “day trips or excursions.” Some are close. Some are wild. All are absolutely worth it.

We’ve personally visited each of these places (except one — it’s high on our list), and if you visit Vancouver, venture out. You won’t regret it.

Wild calas, nudist escapes, pine forests, and soft golden sand — all under 50km from the city.

Everyone’s heard of Barceloneta beach, in Barcelona. Too many people, in our opinion. But Barcelona’s coast hides dozens of lesser-known beaches you can reach by train, bus, or rental car — with fewer crowds, better views, and actual space to stretch out your towel.

Whether you want a quick escape or a secret beach day, here’s our pick of the best hidden beaches less than 50km from Barcelona. We’ve split them by direction — south and north — plus a few worth the extra distance. ¿Vamos?

Everyone’s heard of Barcelona. A lot of people have heard of Costa Brava. Some may have heard of Tarragona. But if you keep driving south — past the Roman ruins and beach resorts of Costa Dorada — something quieter and wilder starts to appear. Pine-covered cliffs, secret calas you’ll have to shimmy into, a coastline that smells like fennel and salt, and tuna. Massive, impressive bluefin tuna.

Welcome to Southern Catalonia’s wild coast. Here's how we fell in love with it — and how you can too.

We’ve packed for Arctic ferries, jungle hikes, desert road trips, and one slightly questionable swamp tour in Louisiana — and if there’s one thing we’ve learned? Most packing lists are basically long-winded ways of telling you to buy more stuff.

This isn’t that.

This is the gear we actually use for every trip, regardless of the destination. The stuff that’s earned a permanent spot in our suitcase after being thrown around, rained on, and occasionally stolen (RIP Lonely Planet Indonesia, and shame on you, anonymous traveler who took it in our hostel). It’s not minimalism. It’s lagom. It’s just common sense, hard-earned from years of overpacking, underpacking… and repacking on the hotel floor.

Who better to share the best of Sitges than the locals? We’ve partnered with @TheGuideSitges, a great go-to resource for all things Sitges, to bring you their top tips. From hidden spots to iconic events, here’s everything you need to know — straight from the experts.

Although increasingly blighted by mass day tourism which sees large tour groups doing hit-and-runs on the main sites, Sitges retains many places off the beaten track for discovering unforgettable corners that you would only find if you knew where to look. That’s what this guide is all about.

Here’s a rundown of some experiences that not everyone will get to know about, gathered specifically for readers of Penguin Trampoline

Sure, you’ve seen the photos: turquoise coves in Formentera, impossibly blue beaches in Sardinia, rugged cliffs hugging the Costa Brava. These Mediterranean icons are no secret — and in July or August, they can feel more like open-air festivals than peaceful getaways. Sure, we’re all about Arctic destinations, but we love a good Mediterranean beach too!

And here’s the thing: even the busiest places have quiet corners. You just need to know where to look.

After years of exploring these coastlines (and ducking the crowds like pros), we’ve put together our favorite off-the-beaten-path spots — the secret beaches, small-town stays, wild hikes, and local food joints that still make us feel like we’ve discovered something new.

If you want sun, salt, and (some) space to breathe — this is your summer guide.

Everyone’s heard of Algarve’s golden sands and dramatic cliffs. But here’s the secret: Portugal’s wildest, quietest, most soul-restoring beaches aren’t in the brochures.

From the windy wilds of the Alentejo to the moody cliffs north of Lisbon, here are 10 spots where the Atlantic still roars and the Wi-Fi still sucks (in a good way). Swam in their icy Atlantic waters (check local advice for currents). Got lost on dusty trails. Ate delicious fish along the way.

These aren’t polished. They’re not trendy. They’re not all swimmable — head to Algarve for calmer waters. They’re wild, raw, and totally worth the detour. And yuou’ll definitely need a rental car.

Here are 10 of our favorite underrated beaches in Portugal — the ones we almost didn’t want to share. These are the “praias” we tell our closest friends about — and now, you!

We were looking for a nature destination with whimsical, dramatic landscapes for our unofficial wedding. Iceland had gotten way too popular, and the Lofoten Islands seemed to be next…

We found the perfect Faroese photographer, so we decided to travel to the Faroe Islands to symbolically get married, and, of course, explore this one-of-a-kind destination!

Will you join us on an unforgettable trip to the Faroe Islands?

Spoiler alert: A very famous character died there!

We often get asked if a travel insurance is necessary.

Good question!

Keep reading to find out, to learn all the benefits of a travel insurance, and to enjoy 5% discount — up to 15% off with seasonal offers — exclusive to Penguin Trampoline readers if you do need one.

Packing for Greenland is like dressing for mood swings — sunshine, snow, wind, and rain all before lunch. We’ve lived it, felt it, and nearly froze our eyelashes off. Take this as your Arctic survival script (with a side of style… or not).

And yes, read our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide for even more cherry-picked wisdom!

Imagine a place where rainbow flags dance in the Mediterranean breeze, where cobblestone streets lead to hidden calas and iconic beaches, and where the spirit of love and acceptance is palpable in the warm welcome of the locals.

Benvinguts a Sitges, the ultimate destination for LGBTQ+ pride celebrations and a magical place we’re blessed to call home!

Nestled on the stunning Garraf coast, near Barcelona, this postcard-perfect town offers so much more than sol y playa; it’s a vibrant haven of inclusivity and joy. ¿Nos acompañas?

here’s something quietly radical about sailing down the coast of Greenland. In a world obsessed with faster, flashier, and flatter, boarding the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry from Ilulissat to Nuuk felt like a deliberate act of slowing down. Like trading in your high-speed train for a wandering polar bear. Or, say, skipping the flight in favor of a three-day odyssey past glaciers, fishing villages, and the kind of endless horizon that recalibrates your sense of scale.

We hate cruises. This has nothing to do with one. Welcome aboard!

Icebergs that groan and crack like thunder. Midnight suns that never set. Sled dogs howling across the frozen fjord. Welcome to Ilulissat: Greenland’s jaw-dropping, iceberg-studded west coast town where nature doesn’t just whisper—it roars.

Nuuk might be Greenland’s capital. But Ilulissat? Ilulissat is the showstopper. The drama queen. The main event. It’s the number 1 tourist destination in Greenland, and there’s a good reason for that.

At a young age, I (Eli) saw a documentary about Disko Bay and always remembered. So, seeing these icy giants 3 decades later was a dream come true. And there’s no word to describe a feeling like that, but we will try our best.

So why Nuuk, Greenland? Because it’s not trying to impress you. Nuuk doesn’t show off. It just is. It’s a capital without the stress, and without the tourist groups of Ilulissat. A city that feels like a village — if that village had sushi, mummies, arctic fjords, and some of the most grounded, generous people you’ll ever meet.

We had seen Nuuk in Conan O’Brien Must Go, we knew about the new airport, and we landed here with a few vague expectations about “Arctic vibes.” What we got was something else entirely: a crash course in Greenlandic calm, a boatload of icebergs, and an accidental royal sighting (more on that later). And honestly, we were very surprised on many levels.

Nuuk is not just a place. It’s a reset button. And we can’t shut up about it.

Greenland was a childhood dream for us, and the only Arctic destination we hadn’t explored (with the exception of Siberia, but not happening right now). So, when we heard about Nuuk’s new international airport and direct flights from the US, we HAD to go before everyone else does.

We just came back from Nuuk and Ilulissat — with a ferry ride in between — and we’re still thawing out emotionally. If you’re even slightly tempted to go, this is your sign. Here’s everything that might be useful if Greenland is on your bucket list (don’t worry, we’ll leave a few surprises). Adventure ahead!

Espot, Spain, is the hidden gem of the Spanish Pyrenees we had been dreaming of. Imagine stepping into a postcard-perfect village, surrounded by dramatic mountains, with welcoming locals.

While there are tourists, mass tourism is not a thing (yet), so we thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet!

Espot offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and local charm that's simply irresistible. Ready to dive into this beautiful corner of Catalonia? Let's explore top six things to do in Espot.