If you’re yearning for the perfect fall escape, Finnish Lapland is your dream come true. Vast toundra and taiga landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, vivid fall colors, cozy log cabins with crackling fireplaces, warm saunas, cold lakes, and the northern lights dancing overhead.

Whether you’re an intrepid adventurer or someone who just wants to snuggle up with a good book and hot cocoa, Finnish Lapland offers the perfect blend of wild and warm.

Romania surprised us — not with flashy resorts or five-star hotels, but with mountain cabins where the fog rolls in like a blanket, family-run guesthouses with woodsmoke and wildflower gardens, and city stays that still feel human.

We didn’t come here for luxury. We came for views, silence, stories. And these are the places we’d actually stay again — the kind that make you want to slow down, grab a coffee or a hot ciorba (soup), and watch the clouds drift past your window for hours.

So whether you’re headed for Dracula’s castle, bear country, or the cobblestone charm of Sibiu, we’ve got a stay to match.

We didn’t plan on the road vanishing. Or the fog rolling in like a movie set. But that’s what happens when you head into the Făgăraș Mountains in October — Romania has a habit of throwing a little mystery your way.

Before the mountains, though, came Sibiu — the kind of town where the buildings literally look back at you. It’s full of baroque charm, slow moments, and sleepy rooftops with “eyes” in the attic. And just outside, the ASTRA Museum offers an awesome open-air museum experience.

We stayed in Cârțișoara, a quiet village at the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains with sweeping views — when the weather cooperates. Ours didn’t. The famed Transfăgărășan Road closed early, so no drive to Bâlea Lake. But we got monastery bells, steaming bowls of soup, and mountain mist instead.

The guidebooks all say the same thing: Start in Brașov.
But here is the thing: we always prefer off-the-beaten path destinations, and Brașov is pretty touristy.

So, we preferred to stay near Zărnești. We were enchanted by foggy valleys and curious cows, but it was pouring rain, so no hike that day. We’d figured we’d swing through the region’s biggest name for the classics — Old Town charm, Dracula’s Castle, and whatever Transylvanian mystery we could cram into a day trip.

Spoiler: We weren’t blown away by Brașov. But that’s not really the point of this story.

Because around the edges of this tourist hotspot, the magic lingers — in weather-worn monasteries, A-frame cabins that vanish into clouds, and backroads that look like they’ve never heard of GPS.

This is Brașov & Beyond. A mini adventure through myth, fog, and a surprising amount of garlic.

Tucked between the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains, Măgura and Zărnești are where Romania’s wild soul beats slow and steady.
Here, time moves differently — mornings start in mist, afternoons end with cowbells, and somewhere in between you might meet a bear (from a respectful distance).

We came for Piatra Craiului National Park, and left with muddy boots, a full heart (and belly), and a very loyal village dog.

When Jake found out that the world’s largest bear sanctuary was in Transylvania, he surprised me with a trip!

Our route wound from the Carpathian peaks of Magura to the mediaeval calm of Sibiu, through foggy Făgăraș roads that refused to show their secrets and Bucharest’s creative chaos.
It’s one of those places where nothing goes exactly to plan — and that’s what makes it unforgettable!

Buckle up (literally, because driving there is… can’t even describe it) and follow us!

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.

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!

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.

Ah, La Graciosa — Literally “The graceful”, or “The fun one”. Just saying the name brings back the memories of dusty trails, endless turquoise waters, and that peculiar scent of sea breeze mixed with volcanic earth.

It’s hard to believe this tiny island, often overshadowed by Lanzarote’s dramatic attractions, remains such a well-kept secret. It’s not even that remote! But maybe that’s its magic—hidden, untouched, and breathtakingly wild.

This was definitely the highlight of our trip to the Canary Islands, one of those places with an “end of the world” feeling that we love at Penguin Trampoline!

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If you’re looking for authentic Catalunya, just a few kilometers from the Costa Brava’s beautiful beaches, Garrotxa is the place to go!

This small but mighty region is packed with things that make you go “wow.” We’re talking volcanoes you can hike, villages where time has stopped, and super “grammable” views. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this hidden gem, with five epic adventures you absolutely can’t miss.

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.

For nature lovers, hiking is often the nicest and most eco-friendly way to discover a country.

From day hikes to more challenging treks, there are suitable options for everyone.

We’ve picked 5 destinations which we consider ideal for hikers of all ages and levels, but there are many others to discover!