Blog

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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Finnish Lapland in fall: Cozy wilderness beyond Rovaniemi

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.

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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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Churchill, Manitoba: The town of polar bears

Welcome to Churchill, Manitoba, where the frosty wilderness meets the adorable, yet very respected locals—and by locals, we mean the polar bears!

Seeing polar bears in the wild… I (Eli) had this lifelong dream. So, when I finally gathered enough savings, and taking advantage of a trip to Canada, I booked a tour from Winnipeg to Churchill.

So grab your warmest jacket, pack your sense of adventure, and follow me into the Hudson Bay wilderness, where the polar bears rule and humans are just “guests”.

Feat. an interview with Polar Bears International!

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Why Alta, Norway? The underrated Finnmark town

When we got to Alta, locals kept asking us: “Why Alta”?

Indeed, many visitors skip Alta on their way to the North Cape, or just stop in Tromsø. And you know what? They’re missing out. Big time.

Alta might not be plastered all over Instagram, but that’s the beauty of it. And, as you know, our kind of destinations at Penguin Trampoline!

Interestingly for us, Arctic addicts, Alta is considered the northernmost city in the world with a population surpassing 10,000.

So, keep reading to find out why visit Alta, Norway!

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Things to do in New Zealand: North Island Journal

Pack your bags, grab your camera, and buckle up for the kiwi adventure of a lifetime in our series: Things to do in New Zealand!

We start our adventures on the Northern Island. From the bustling streets of Auckland to the mystical glowworm caves of Waitomo, our road trip will take you through lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and dreamy beaches.

So, whether you're a seasoned traveler, a Lord of the Rings nerd or a New Zealand newbie, get ready for some serious wanderlust as we explore the North Island’s hidden gems.

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What to do in Luleå, Swedish Lapland - 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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Sleeping among orangutans in Borneo: Tanjung Puting National Park

During a month, I’ve (Eli) explored different sides of Indonesia: Hindu temples and volcanos in Java, rice fields and buddhist temples in Bali, dreamy beaches in Gili islands and Lombok…

But, without a doubt, the most unique experience was sleeping on a fisherman boat in the deep jungle of Borneo.

Pack your curiosity (and maybe a lot of bug spray), because we’re about to dive into the lush, wild, and fascinating world of Borneo’s Tanjung Puting National Park — home to some of the last truly wild orangutans on Earth!

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5 things to do in Costa Rica - ¡Pura Vida!

Costa Rica — what a place. I (Eli) went in expecting beaches and jungle, but it turned out to be so much more.

From active volcanoes to stretches of coastline that felt like paradise, without forgetting the coolest animals ever, this country stole my heart in no time. And the Ticos? They’re definitely some of the friendliest, warmest people I’ve ever met. I could have stayed there forever, but here are five things I did that you definitely need to add to your list.

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5 things to do in Louisiana — off the beaten track

Welcome to the hidden gems of Louisiana! While the vibrant nightlife and rich history of New Orleans often steal the spotlight, there's a whole world of adventure waiting beyond the well-trodden paths.

Louisiana is a unique state in many aspects, and its peculiar culture — eccentric in a good way — won’t leave you indifferent.

So, if you're ready to uncover the lesser-known wonders of the Pelican State, follow us! From secluded bayous to quaint small towns bursting with charm, Louisiana has something unique for every curious penguin.

Here are 5 things to do in Louisiana — off the beaten track. Laissez les bons temps rouler !

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6 things to do in Espot: The best of the Spanish Pyrenees

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.

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Why the Faroe Islands are the next Iceland: Our Travel Guide

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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Things to do in Nazaré, Portugal: Big Waves Capital of the World

It all started with a HBO documentary: 100 Foot Wave. We watched it during lockdown and promised ourselves that we would visit Nazaré as soon as travel resumes!

So, combining a visit to our friends in Ericeira, we headed to Portugal in October, hoping to catch the Big Waves.

We loved every single town and sight we visited in Portugal, but we particularly fell in love with low key Nazaré — apaixonámo-nos pela Nazaré! — this small, off the beaten path town that became famous with Garrett McNamara.

Explore the Big Waves Capital of the World with us and discover the best things to do in Nazaré, Portugal!

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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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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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LGBTQ+ Sitges: Celebrate Pride in a postcard town!

Imagine a place where rainbow flags dance in the Mediterranean breeze, where cobblestone streets lead to hidden calas and iconic beaches, and where the spirit of love and acceptance is palpable in the warm welcome of the locals.

Benvinguts a Sitges, the ultimate destination for LGBTQ+ pride celebrations and a magical place we’re blessed to call home!

Nestled on the stunning Garraf coast, near Barcelona, this postcard-perfect town offers so much more than sol y playa; it’s a vibrant haven of inclusivity and joy. ¿Nos acompañas?

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Best time to visit Iceland and top things to do

Spoiler alert: Anytime is a good time to visit Iceland!

And it’s because Iceland isn’t just another travel destination; it’s like visiting an entirely different world — or even planet. I (Eli) had always dreamed of venturing through its surreal landscapes, and after experiencing it twice, I’m convinced Iceland is a place everyone should see at least once.

From surreal black-sand beaches to incredibly blue glaciers, every turn will leave you in awe. Keep reading to know more!

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Adventure in Morocco: Marrakesh and the Sahara

Landing in Morocco, you're hit with a swirl of spices, desert warmth, and the energy of a place that’s as vibrant as it is rooted in history.

I (Eli) went from Marrakesh to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, driving through the Atlas Mountains, secret gorges, oasis and cinematic towns like Ouarzazate.

Buckle up, little penguins; here’s what a true Moroccan adventure looks like. يله! (Yallah=Let’s go)

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Interview with Barbara Nielsen, Polar Bears International

If you enjoyed our article on Churchill, the town of polar bears, and want to learn more about polar bears, this article is for you!

We had the honor to interview Barbara Nielsen, Senior Director of Communications at Polar Bears International.

Keep reading to find out more about their mission, their work, and polar bears!

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Into the Wild: 10 things to do in Alaska

Alaska is more accessible than it seems.

If, as a child, you dreamed of National Geographic documentaries on bears, salmon and gold diggers, we invite you to discover this wild land on a trip to Alaska that will awaken all your senses...

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