Rovaniemi sits just below the Arctic Circle and markets itself as the official hometown of Santa Claus. It’s easy to reach, well-developed, and famous worldwide.

But timing here isn’t just about temperature. In the Arctic, light changes everything. Dark winter for auroras, endless summer for midnight sun, golden autumn (ruska) for quiet forests.

And depending on when you go — and whether you stay in Rovaniemi or beyond — your experience can feel wildly different.

Let’s break it down honestly, with pros and cons of each month and season.

ILofoten is never just “nice.” It’s dramatic in winter, cinematic in summer, moody in autumn, and quietly magical in spring.

But the experience changes completely depending on when you go.

Are you chasing northern lights? Midnight sun hikes? Empty roads? Snow-covered rorbuer?

Here’s exactly what to expect month by month — so you can choose the Lofoten season that matches your reason for going.

Keep wA/Ondering — but plan wisely.

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.

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.