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Penguin Trampoline: The blog

With Penguin Trampoline, adventures soar to new heights!

Are you ready to bounce into a world of awe-inspiring destinations, where the thrill of exploration meets the grace of a penguin's waddle?

From the icy wonderlands of polar regions to the sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches, our travel blog is your ultimate ticket to discovering hidden gems, unlocking travel tips, and embracing the sheer joy of discovering new horizons.

We're not just about sightseeing; we're about experiencing the heartbeat, culture and gastronomy of each destination, bouncing into moments that leave an indelible mark on our souls.

Join our community of dreamers and explorers as we leap from continent to continent, propelled by curiosity and an insatiable wa/onderlust.

So, buckle up, grab your passport, and prepare to spring into the exhilarating world of Penguin Trampoline!

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Eat Cajun food in Louisiana

Cajun food is easily one of our favorite cuisines — and if you’re a foodie, don’t miss our foodie corner!

Surprisingly enough, it’s a well-kept secret which is relatively unheard of beyond American borders.

Obviously, a trip to Louisiana wouldn’t be complete without tasting the best of Cajun gastronomy. Between peaceful bayous and bustling cities, the Pelican State is renowned for its unique cuisine.

So join us on the most delicious adventure, exploring the incomparable tastes of Louisiana!

This article is part of our series: 5 things to do in Louisiana — off the beaten track.

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Follow the Boudin Trail - Louisiana Cajun Country

We both loooove Cajun boudin, so imagine our excitement when we found out about… drum rolls… the Boudin Trail!

In the heart and soul of Cajun Country, every bite tells a story steeped in tradition and flavor. From the lively streets of Lafayette to the quaint towns straight out of a book, you’d better prepare your taste buds!

Join us on an adventure through Louisiana’s Cajun Country: Acadiana. And don’t forget to “Laisser les bons temps rouler !”

This article is part of our series: 5 things to do in Louisiana — off the beaten track.

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Reflect on a Louisiana plantation tour

As we entered Louisiana's plantation country, we felt like we were entering a living museum of history, where every tree, every building, whispered stories of times gone by.

But this journey wasn't just about sightseeing; it was about connecting with the past, confronting its complexities, and remembering some of the saddest chapters of American history.

Our visit to Oak Alley Plantation was both beautiful and painful, and we can only encourage every visitor to visit at least a Louisiana plantation on the Great River Road/Plantation Alley.

This article is part of our series: 5 things to do in Louisiana — off the beaten track.

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Stay in the Louisiana bayou

If you're itching for a getaway that's anything but ordinary, stay with us in a fisherman's cabin nestled among the cypress trees, with alligators visiting in the twilight and the sounds of the bayou lulling you into a state of blissful relaxation.

Jump aboard a swamp tour led by the coolest guides this side of the Mississippi. Get ready to spot gators, spy on sunbathing turtles, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Bigfoot's Cajun cousin (just kidding... or not).

Welcome to the Louisiana bayou – where every day is a new chance for adventure and every night is a celebration of Southern hospitality.

This article is part of our series: 5 things to do in Louisiana — off the beaten track.

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Winter travel to Luleå, Sweden - Island hopping on foot

Sweden is always a good idea, no matter where you go.

This time, to satiate our winterlust, we decided to head a little more South than usual and spend a week in Luleå.

The largest city in Swedish Lapland seemed to have it all, with a well-connected airport, snowy landscapes, cozy cafés and restaurants, and, of course, the frozen Bothnian archipelago. It’s a university town with very few tourists — exactly our kind of places!

Ready to travel to Luleå with us?

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Trip to the Faroe Islands: Things to do and everything in between

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!

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Save on your Travel Insurance

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 a 5% discount exclusive to Penguin Trampoline readers if you do need one.

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Things to do in Swedish Lapland: Why we love Kiruna

Kiruna is one of our happy places.

Eli has been there no less than 6 times and counting, and it was the first Arctic destination she took Jake to when he moved to Europe.

Yet, Swedish Lapland is not the most visited. Finnish Lapland is more popular due to Rovaniemi’s Santa Village, and Norway’s Troms and Finnmark regions attract visitors from all over the world.

Find out why Kiruna is so special to us, and our best tips to explore this beautiful corner of the Arctic!

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Things to do in Ålesund & around

Nestled between fjords and mountains, Ålesund is a perfect Norwegian postcard.

While we usually prefer Arctic destinations, we’ve decided to go a bit more “south” this time.

The fjord regions of Norway are very popular in summer, with dozens of cruise ships visiting every day. Since we prefer to selfishly keep Norway beauty to ourselves, we’ve decided to visit in winter.

Keep reading to explore Âlesund & Sunnmøre region with us!

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Around Ålesund: The Sunnmøre Alps & fjords

Ålesund is the perfect base to explore the surrounding fjords and mountains.

Møre og Romsdal region is home to dozens of beautiful fjords, which have contributed to Norway’s popularity for international travelers over the centuries.

Equipped with a rental car, our snow gear and great tips from Destination Ålesund & Sunnmøre, we decided to venture into the magical realm of winter fjords. Wanna tag along?

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Hiking around Ålesund

Set in a spectacular decor of fjords and mountains while being easily accessible, Ålesund is a perfect hiking base.

And Norway in general is a hiker paradise!

If you enjoyed our article on Things to see in Ålesund, keep reading for an active vacation!

Note: These hikes are doable in winter.

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How to travel cheaper: Travel for less, experience more

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

Ah, wise words. But they still won’t pay for your trips!

While we’re privileged enough to be able to travel and work from anywhere, we make choices. But we also know how to travel cheaper!

Not all penguins live on golden sea ice! This article aims to show that traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. So, follow our little penguin guide!

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Svalbard travel guide (and Jan Mayen) - Next level Arctic

Svalbard had been on our bucket list for a long time. And we finally took the leap… with a little help from a Black Friday offer on flights!

Remote… Freezing… Empty… Dark… Everyone asked us why on earth we decided to go there.

Well, because it’s the northernmost place you can go without an expedition, which means flights are actually affordable.

Yep, the northernmost, so close to the North Pole… How could we NOT want to go there? And in the heart of the winter, of course!

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Hiking in the Lofoten Islands: An Arctic paradise

The Lofoten Islands are a stunning playground for hikers. So picture-perfect, in fact, that the first time you’ll go there, you’ll have a hard time believing it’s a real place — and not something out of Arendelle!

If you’re physically able to hike, that’s how you’ll breathe and feel the Lofoten Islands. And forever fall in love.

While increasingly popular, these gems are still not crowded with tourists. But hurry, it won’t last long.

So, put on your hiking shoes and follow us on our favorite trails!

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Arctic Foods: The best of nature

Nordic gastronomy is still under the radar. However, after dozens of trips to Fenoscandia, we can ensure you that we tried some of the best food we ever had up North.

And there’s a good reason for this: while most of the Western world is “suffering” from processed food and a disconnection from nature, Nordic cuisine is still heavily based on natural resources and deeply rooted in tradition.

So, follow us on a delicious culinary journey through Arctic Europe!

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Northern Lights for Dummies: Your ultimate guide to see them

The northern lights seem to be everywhere on social media. A couple of decades ago, this breathtaking natural phenomenon was only accessible to just a few lucky people. Now, it’s easier than ever to try and see them.

But between the best locations, when to go, the weather forecast, and the more scientific details such as the Kp-index (Kp-what?), it's not always easy to know where to start.

So if the northern lights have been on your bucket list for a while, keep reading for a few northern lights tips!

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The Bubble Theory

In the most visited regions, mass tourism is sometimes perceived negatively by the local population. Locals often complain about tourists: "They wouldn’t do this at home"!

Without reaching the extreme case of party tourism in seaside resorts, most travelers notice an alteration of their behavior and perception. And for longer stays, they even come back transformed, different.

How can such a phenomenon be explained? Find out more about what I call the "bubble theory".

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How to avoid — or reduce — jet lag

Your eyes open in an unfamiliar place... all of a sudden, you remember, you’re in New Zealand! But it's 4am, and you can't go back to sleep.

Sounds familiar? Since we know this too well, we have gathered some tips on how to avoid jet lag, or at least reduce it:

What to do before travelling? What to do on the plane? What to do during your trip? What to do when you come back?

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5 destinations for nature addicts

Cities can be nice, but as far as we’re concerned, they do not trigger strong emotions like nature does.

Sure, some monuments are real masterpieces, but we don’t think there is anything more powerful and impressive than nature.

If your favorite artist is also Mother Nature, keep reading to discover 5 top destinations all nature addicts should have on their bucket list.

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Places that make you feel like you're on a different planet

Are you looking for a complete change of scenery for your next trip? Sometimes, there is no need to travel to the other side of the world (or to space!) for an “out of this world” feeling.

So, check out these 6 places which will make you feel like you’re on a different planet.

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