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...

Some road trips are just… fine. You drive, you snack, you wonder if the destination will be worth it. The Miami to Florida Keys drive? Whole different story. It's sunshine on the dashboard, water on both sides, and has that slow, sweet shift from city buzz to island time.

On this trip, we started in Miami's art splashes and salsa-beat sidewalks, rolled past gator country in the Big Cypress National Preserve, and wound our way over the Overseas Highway — each mile taking us closer to turquoise water, conch fritters, and those sunsets Key West locals swear by.

You'll cross 42 bridges, possibly spot manatees from your car window, and end up watching the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico — maybe with a mojito in hand! Here's everything you need to know: the route, the stops, the hidden gems, and why this might just become your new favorite escape.

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)!

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.

Vancouver isn’t just an awesome city — it’s a launchpad. There’s a reason why people flock to live there — at least the ones who can afford it — and why it’s our favorite city in the whole world. If you’ve ever been to the Pacific Northwest, you understand what we’re talking about. In every direction, you’ll find moody forests, glacier lakes, indie cities, and coastal villages where life runs on West Coast time. These aren’t your average “day trips or excursions.” Some are close. Some are wild. All are absolutely worth it.

We’ve personally visited each of these places (except one — it’s high on our list), and if you visit Vancouver, venture out. You won’t regret it.

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!

here’s something quietly radical about sailing down the coast of Greenland. In a world obsessed with faster, flashier, and flatter, boarding the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry from Ilulissat to Nuuk felt like a deliberate act of slowing down. Like trading in your high-speed train for a wandering polar bear. Or, say, skipping the flight in favor of a three-day odyssey past glaciers, fishing villages, and the kind of endless horizon that recalibrates your sense of scale.

We hate cruises. This has nothing to do with one. Welcome aboard!

Icebergs that groan and crack like thunder. Midnight suns that never set. Sled dogs howling across the frozen fjord. Welcome to Ilulissat: Greenland’s jaw-dropping, iceberg-studded west coast town where nature doesn’t just whisper—it roars.

Nuuk might be Greenland’s capital. But Ilulissat? Ilulissat is the showstopper. The drama queen. The main event. It’s the number 1 tourist destination in Greenland, and there’s a good reason for that.

At a young age, I (Eli) saw a documentary about Disko Bay and always remembered. So, seeing these icy giants 3 decades later was a dream come true. And there’s no word to describe a feeling like that, but we will try our best.

So why Nuuk, Greenland? Because it’s not trying to impress you. Nuuk doesn’t show off. It just is. It’s a capital without the stress, and without the tourist groups of Ilulissat. A city that feels like a village — if that village had sushi, mummies, arctic fjords, and some of the most grounded, generous people you’ll ever meet.

We had seen Nuuk in Conan O’Brien Must Go, we knew about the new airport, and we landed here with a few vague expectations about “Arctic vibes.” What we got was something else entirely: a crash course in Greenlandic calm, a boatload of icebergs, and an accidental royal sighting (more on that later). And honestly, we were very surprised on many levels.

Nuuk is not just a place. It’s a reset button. And we can’t shut up about it.

Greenland was a childhood dream for us, and the only Arctic destination we hadn’t explored (with the exception of Siberia, but not happening right now). So, when we heard about Nuuk’s new international airport and direct flights from the US, we HAD to go before everyone else does.

We just came back from Nuuk and Ilulissat — with a ferry ride in between — and we’re still thawing out emotionally. If you’re even slightly tempted to go, this is your sign. Here’s everything that might be useful if Greenland is on your bucket list (don’t worry, we’ll leave a few surprises). Adventure ahead!

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.

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.

Thanksgiving is a cherished day of tradition, gratitude, and favorite recipes.

For Eli and me (Jake), celebrating in Spain means getting creative to bring this American holiday to life, sharing North American flavors, and introducing our friends to its unique spirit.

Join the festivities and discover our best recipes and tips!

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!

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!

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 !

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!