If you live in Southern Europe like us, you’re probably really, really hot right now. So, this summer, go up north!

Most people think of Tromsø, Norway, as a winter destination: northern lights, dog sledding, snow-covered peaks. And yes, that version of the city is real and a bit too crowded for our taste. But summer in Tromsø is different!.

The midnight sun runs from mid-May through late July. That means golden light at midnight, warm enough afternoons to swim (brave souls do, and not just Norwegians), wildflowers on the ridgelines, and an incredible energy in the air. You can hike at 11pm and still have hours of light ahead of you. The beaches — with white sand and turquoise water — fill up with locals who wouldn’t even dream of spending the summer in Spain. Oh, and less tourists!

This is our guide to the best things to do in Tromsø in summer.

We came to Tromsø for the first time in winter 2009. Since then, the city has changed quiiite a bit. It’s now a true Arctic capital, with a true capital offering, which is surprising at this latitude (thanks, Gulf Stream!). However, most visitors go on a northern lights tour, take the cable car, buy a couple of souvenirs and leave without really exploring Tromsø and its majestic surroundings. This guide of things to see in Tromsø is for the other kind of trip.

Most people come to Lofoten for the scenery and leave surprised by how much there is to actually do in it. Hiking gets most of the attention — and we've written a full hiking guide in Lofoten if that's your priority — but the activities here go well beyond trails. Whale watching in the Arctic dark. Kayaking under the midnight sun. Sea eagles dropping from altitude to snatch fish from the surface beside your boat. A fishing village frozen somewhere between 1890 and now. The Northern Lights over the harbor.

This is everything worth doing in Lofoten beyond the hikes, with honest notes on what each experience is actually like and when to go for it.

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

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.