Seeing Northern Lights in Alta: Independently or on a Tour?

Seeing Northern Lights in Alta: Independently or on a Tour?

Alta is known as the city of the Northern Lights — but does it deserve this self-appointed title? This post is dedicated to helping you decide just that. As one of the northernmost cities in the world, Alta definitely has some solid rationale behind its claim to fame when it comes to the Northern Lights side…

Dog Sledding in Alta: My Experience & Tips For Your Husky Tour!

Dog Sledding in Alta: My Experience & Tips For Your Husky Tour!

One of the main reasons why people visit Northern Norway is to enjoy through its snow-coated, glittering white landscapes. And there’s no more special way to celebrate the beauty of a crisp Norwegian winter day than by mushing your own dog team through the landscapes of Alta, a beautiful small city north of the Arctic…

Visiting the Svalbard Ice Caves: The Tour I Took & 3 Unique Others!

Visiting the Svalbard Ice Caves: The Tour I Took & 3 Unique Others!

Of all my memories of the frozen world of my February visit to Longyearbyen, snowmobiling out to a remote ice cave in Svalbard was definitely the highlight of my trip. … even though it was an activity I almost didn’t do because I had the worst anxiety I’d experienced in the last decade. Luckily, my…

Svalbard Packing List: What to Wear in Svalbard in Winter and Summer

Svalbard Packing List: What to Wear in Svalbard in Winter and Summer

The furthest north you can fly on a commercial flight, Svalbard is so far above the Arctic Circle that it’s equidistant to the North Pole and the northernmost point of Northern Norway! Since it’s known for its polar bears, the Svalbard archipelago conjures up icy images, but in reality, Svalbard is generally a bit warmer…

Best Time to Visit Svalbard: Monthly Weather, Daylight & Activity Breakdown

Best Time to Visit Svalbard: Monthly Weather, Daylight & Activity Breakdown

While Svalbard is a beautiful place to visit, it’s also an extremely expensive one… which means it becomes even more imperative to pick the right time to visit Svalbard for the experiences you’re hoping for. Here’s the rub: for many, Svalbard is a “once-in-a-lifetime” type of place. Between expensive flights and the necessity of taking…

Northern Lights in Svalbard: Honest Guide on What to Expect

Northern Lights in Svalbard: Honest Guide on What to Expect

Svalbard is home to the world’s northernmost settlements, endless nights that stretch on for months, and enough polar bears that residents can’t leave the main town without a firearm. So it’s logical to assume that the Svalbard archipelago, located far north of the Arctic Circle at 78° N, would have some of the best chances…

14 Things to Do in Biarritz, the Best Basque Resort Town

14 Things to Do in Biarritz, the Best Basque Resort Town

Perhaps the most famous destination in French Basque Country, Biarritz is synonymous with glitz and glamor. But in my view, even with its jet-set reputation, Biarritz manages to maintain its laidback charms implicit in any beach town… despite the Hermès store posted up casually downtown. In fact, that’s part of the main draw of Biarritz…

Saint-Jean-de-Luz: 7 Charming Things to Do (& Insider Tips)

Saint-Jean-de-Luz: 7 Charming Things to Do (& Insider Tips)

Part of the windswept Atlantic coast of France’s Basque Country, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is often compared to its flashy, fashionable neighbor, Biarritz, just 20 minutes away. But don’t let that comparison fool you into thinking Saint-Jean-de-Luz doesn’t stand out. It deserves to stand alongside Biarritz, rather than in its shadow. The town center is compact enough that…

The 21 Best Warm European Destinations in January [for 2026]

The 21 Best Warm European Destinations in January [for 2026]

New Year, new you, new holiday destinations, anyone? If you’re looking to escape the more frigid clutches of other parts of Europe, don’t worry! Lovely warm European destinations in January are usually never more than a few hours’ plane ride away. Plus, prices for these Europe vacation spots in January are usually lower than they…