When we travel, be it the arctic fjords of Norway or the hidden beaches of Portugal, one thing stays constant: our insurance. We’ve used Heymondo for every trip and in this Heymondo review you’ll see why we keep going back to it — especially because of its value for cancellation coverage and outdoor-activity protection.

So, yesterday, our friend who is planning a trip to Japan asked us what pants we usually wear for a long-haul flight. And we realized she’s probably not the only one wondering about that — so we decided to write an article about it!

So, you’ve booked your ticket, packed your bags, and now the eternal question hits: what do I wear on the plane?

It sounds silly until you’re 36,000 feet up, crammed between a snorer and the armrest, regretting every clothing choice you made. We’ve flown everywhere from New Zealand to the Arctic — and trust us, the wrong outfit can ruin a flight.

Here’s our 2025 guide to airplane outfits: personal lessons, science facts, and gear that actually makes long-hauls less miserable.

Norway is one of the best places on Earth to chase the Northern Lights and enjoy breathtaking landscapes — but when you zoom into the map, the Arctic north gives you two tempting main bases: Tromsø and Alta.

Both towns promise aurora magic, Arctic adventures, and that raw, snow-dusted beauty. But which is the right one for your trip in 2025? We’ve been to both — frozen toes included — and here’s the breakdown.

👉 This article is part of our Arctic Travel Hub, where we gather all our insider tips, destinations, and stories. If you’re chasing the northern lights, also check out our Northern Lights Hub.

Spoiler alert: We have a personal favorite, but both are absolutely worth a visit.

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!

The Northern Lights are one of those rare things that live up to the hype. They look like magic — glowing curtains of green, pink, and purple rippling across the night sky. But behind the wow-factor is a cocktail of solar physics, Earth’s magnetic field, and a bit of folklore humans have been spinning for centuries.

This guide breaks down what the Northern Lights actually are, how they form, why they come in different colors, and the surprising ways they affect both people and animals — without turning into a boring science lecture. We’ll even talk about the different shapes they take, so you can show off at the next party (providing your friends are nerds like us!)

The aurora is wild enough on its own. But try to photograph it and suddenly you’re fighting the dark, the cold, and a camera that refuses to focus. And by the time you figure it out, Lady Aurora is already gone. Don’t panic: you don’t need to be a pro to bring home shots that look like they belong on a postcard — or at least on Insta. You just need a little prep, the right gear, and a few tricks to outsmart the Arctic night.

This is your beginner-friendly guide to photographing the Northern Lights — no tech snobbery, no 200-page manual, just clear steps to help you capture the sky on fire.

So you want to catch the Northern Lights? Smart move. But here’s the thing — the aurora doesn’t just show up on demand like a Netflix show (or, as a local joked in Alaska, by activating a switch). Timing is (almost) everything. Get it right, add a pinch of luck, and you’ll be under a sky on fire. Get it wrong and… well, you’ll just be staring at some very expensive clouds or, at least, a stunning starry sky.

This guide covers the best months and seasons to see the Northern Lights (in Europe, North America, and even the Southern Hemisphere), plus a few insider tips — and some gear recs — to up your odds...

So you’ve booked your aurora adventure. Flights? Check. Camera? Charged. Excitement level? Off the charts. But here’s the deal — the Northern Lights love the kind of weather that can turn your eyelashes into icicles. We’ve been there —repeatedly. Yes, voluntarily. And we know how to dress for our beloved Arctic! But show up unprepared and you’ll spend more time shivering than stargazing.

This guide is your survival kit: what to wear, how to layer, and the gear that actually keeps you warm at –30°C while waiting for the sky to put on a show.

If you’ve been reading us for a while, you know we’re in love with Arctic regions. And a lot of people turn to us for advice, and even want us to go with them on an Arctic trip!.

We’ve been there. We’ve hiked across frozen tundras, stood under the shimmering Northern Lights in absolute silence, and yes, once questioned our life choices while knee-deep in snow, miles from civilization.

The Arctic isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling, a test of resilience, and a reward for those who seek the extraordinary. So, this guide is for you, adventurous penguins, and all of our friends and relatives who keep asking us stuff (we love you)!

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.

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!

Spoiler alert: You won’t find Mykonos or Ibiza here. This is a deeply biased, highly personal list of European beaches we’ve actually been to — and loved enough to forget our towels (and sometimes swimsuit) for. And don’t expect just sea, sun and sand! From lava-black shores in Iceland to dreamy coves in Sardinia, here’s where to go if you’re looking for irresistible landscapes and sweet solitude (well, at least off season).

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our Arctic adventures, it’s that human stubbornness knows no latitude. Where most creatures call it quits, slap on some fur, and hibernate, humans build bars, churches, and—of course — saunas. Because what’s a little darkness, ice, and bone-snapping wind when there’s beer to drink, sins to confess, and steam to sweat out?

We’ve been there, frozen that — from sipping local brews in Svalbard to sweating it out in a sauna shaped like a golden egg in Sweden. So here’s our firsthand guide to the northernmost everythings—places so absurdly remote that you’ll question why (and how) they even exist.

We all know that feeling — you’re itching to go on your next adventure, but accommodation prices make your wallet cry. The good news? There are plenty of ways to travel without breaking the bank. From secret hotel hacks to unconventional stays, this guide will help you stretch your budget while still enjoying a comfortable and memorable trip.

Travel dreams and budget realities don’t always get along — but they can. If you’ve ever put off a trip because of sky-high accommodation costs, it’s time for a mindset shift. The secret? Flexibility, creativity, and a few clever hacks to cut your lodging expenses without sacrificing comfort (well, maybe a bit of comfort sometimes, but it’s part of the fun)!

From hidden-gem destinations to last-minute booking tricks, this guide will show you how to travel smarter and stretch your budget further — so you can save your money for the real adventure.

So, here are our best tips to save on travel accommodation, as part of our more comprehensive article “How to travel cheaper”.

We hear it all the time: “You must be rich to travel so much!” The truth? We’re lucky to have the flexibility to work from anywhere, but it all comes down to choices. Most of our extra cash goes straight into travel.

The secret? We know how to travel smarter—and that changes everything.

Not all penguins waddle on gilded ice! We want to prove that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, we know plenty of people who burn through more money at home than we do on the road.

And one of the questions we hear the most is: “How to find cheap flights?”. So, here are our best tips, as part of our more comprehensive article “How to travel cheaper”.

Let’s be honest—over-tourism is real, and sometimes, you just want to escape the crowds and find a place that still feels undiscovered. At least, we do, and this is why we always prefer going off the beaten path. The kind of spot where you don’t have to queue for an overpriced coffee or jostle with selfie sticks just to catch a glimpse of a landmark. It’s also a more sustainable approach to traveling!

And while we do visit famous destinations, we’re all about the hidden gems, the places that still have that raw, unfiltered magic. Here’s our hand-picked list of underrated destinations for 2025 — places we’ve actually been, places we love, and places you should definitely add to your travel plans.

If you're planning a winter trip to Lapland, you're probably torn between magical Rovaniemi, the "official" hometown of Santa Claus in Finland, and Kiruna, Sweden's Arctic gem. But wait — there’s more! Other Lapland destinations like Tromsø, Norway, and other less known towns, might also be calling your name. So, which icy wonderland should you choose? Let’s break it down.

"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!

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".