Welcome to our Destination Page! This is where we share our travel knowledge divided up by region and country.
We specialize in the continents that we are originally from – North America and Europe – but also cover parts of Oceania as we’ve been to this region as well.
Below, you’ll find categories of the countries we have travel posts for. Just click through on a country to see everything we have written about that place.
From detailed city guides covering things to do and see to great ideas for day trips and practical transportation posts, here’s our knowledge for Canada, Germany, Scotland, Spain, and beyond!
Jump to: Europe | North America | Oceania
Europe
Europe is our most-covered destination on Penguin and Pia – but for good reason: we call it home half the time!
This culturally and geographically diverse continent always amazes visitors. There are snowy mountains in Switzerland, sunny beaches in Croatia, charming old towns in Germany, historical spots in the United Kingdom, beautiful architecture in Italy, and so much more!
We’ve also explored lesser-known countries like Romania, Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina – all of which are beautiful and worth seeing.
Albania
Once an up-and-coming destination that was foreign to visitors, Albania has transformed into a welcoming country open to exploring. The busy capital city – Tirana – is a hot spot for great food, history, and cafe culture while the sunny coast around Durrës makes for a getaway on the Adriatic Sea.
Austria
Known for stunning landscapes comprised of lakes and mountains, Austria has no lack of natural beauty for you to experience. Cultural hubs like Salzburg, Graz, and the capital city – Vienna – make for a great city trip while Innsbruck is a hot spot for outdoor sports (especially skiing in the winter)!
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Located in the heart of the Balkan Region, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that should be explored. The beautiful, diverse capital city Sarajevo offers diversity and a glimpse into a troubled but resilient history. Smaller places like Mostar feature natural beauty and the “Stari Most” stone bridge.
Croatia
It is no secret that Croatia offers sun chaser a place to relax. However, there is more to this country than gorgeous islands like Hvar and a vast shoreline that hugs the Adriatic. Krka National Park features waterfalls while Split, Dubrovnik, and the capital city – Zadar – have their share of history, culture and food.
Czechia
While it’s true that the country is known for its cheap beer, Czechia is more than just a cheap weekend getaway. The colourful capital Prague is loaded with attractions and history while cities like Pilsen offer up a different side of the country. Český Krumlov makes a great side trip with a castle to check out.
Denmark
As one of the jewels of the region known as Scandinavia, Denmark is a country with something for everyone. The capital city Copenhagen is known for its colourful Nyhavn Harbour and Little Mermaid, while other cities like Aarhus and the numerous islands throughout the country make for a well-rounded visit.
England
A popular tourist destination and a cultural powerhouse, England requires little introduction. The sprawling capital city of London is loaded with top attractions while Oxford, Cambridge, and Bath offer rich history. Don’t forget about the southern coast at Brighton where you can find a sunny seaside getaway!
Estonia
Small but beautiful, Estonia is a Baltic country with a proud people and a fascinating culture. There’s no shortage of green space around the country and the capital city of Tallinn features a UNESCO medieval old town to explore. Coastal centres like Pärnu allow for a beach getaway on the Baltic Sea.
Finland
From the snowy Lapland region famous for the northern lights and reindeer to the busy capital city Helsinki with its iconic cathedral and island fortress Suomenlinna, Finland is a beautiful country with deep Nordic roots and natural beauty that is prime to explore.
Germany
Since Germany is Lisa’s home country, we know and love exploring Germany. From gorgeous old towns in Bamberg and Heidelberg to the big cities of Hamburg, Munich, and the capital Berlin, there is history to learn about and natural beauty spread from the sea to the mountains!
Hungary
While most people know Hungary for its popular capital city of Budapest, there is more to see in the country! Other cities like Pécs and Győr are worth checking out while a cruise of the mighty Danube River allows visitors to see more of the country’s natural side.
Iceland
Need a destination that mixes stunning outdoor landscapes with Nordic culture? Iceland is for you. The capital city – Reykjavik – is a charming city full of sights like Hallgrimskirkja while the northern lights and Gullfoss waterfall are things to see on the famed Golden Circle.
Ireland
Showcasing a rich history of tradition, art, and music, Ireland is an island that is just asking to be visited. The capital city Dublin is known for many different attractions while cities like Cork and Galway – and natural wonders like the Cliffs of Moher – should also be explored!
Italy
Italy is another country that needs little introduction. From the ancient capital of Rome that is loaded with attractions to the beautiful coastal walks of Cinque Terre, Italy also boasts natural beauty through lakes, the wine region of Tuscany, and the floating city of Venice.
Latvia
Small but mighty, Latvia is a fascinating country sandwiched in the Baltic Region. The capital city of Riga is known for its churches and towers while the countryside around Sigulda offers visitors green landscapes to enjoy. You can also check out the beaches at the popular Jūrmala!
Lithuania
Tucked in between Latvia and Poland, Lithuania is a country not usually on the radar of travellers. The capital city Vilnius is loaded with rich history and hilltop views. The town of Trakai features a castle, and Klaipėda makes for a great beach getaway on the Baltic Sea!
Malta
It might be a tiny country, but Malta is one of our favourites. With a neolithic history, quaint fishing villages, and seaside cliffs, Malta is packed with things to do and see. The capital city of Valletta is a colourful maze to explore while other islands like Gozo and Comino offer beach spots on sunny days.
Montenegro
Often overlooked for nearby Croatia, Montenegro is a country that can offer travellers a lot. While the capital city of Podgorica may be small, you can discover great hiking in the north of the country. Of course, the country is known for the sun at stunning seaside towns like Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi, and Ulcinj!
The Netherlands
There is more to the Netherlands than just windmills, wooden shoes, and tulips! The small country in Western Europe is a culture-packed destination with the capital of Amsterdam serving up a canal-infused wonderland. Of course, the coastal areas at The Hague and cities like Rotterdam should also be explored!
Norway
Known for its incredible landscapes and beautiful culture, Norway is a traveller’s destination in all seasons. The Capital city Oslo is home to attractions like the Operahuset and Royal Palace while the western city of Bergen is known for mountains and fjords. Don’t forget about hiking to viewpoints like Trolltunga!
Poland
Poland is a country that should be explored if you are interested in history. The capital – Warsaw – is a modern city with a colourful old town and Royal Castle. The popular city of Krakow also has a stunning Royal Castle and medieval Town Square. The seaside city of Gdańsk offers visitors a different side of the country.
Romania
We fell in love with Romania and definitely think it’s worth visiting. The capital city of Bucharest features the mammoth-sized Palace of Parliament – while the famed region of Transylvania offers visitors cities like Brasov, Sighisoara, and gorgeous castles like Bran and Peles!
Scotland
Known for the rolling natural beauty of the Highlands with many castles and lochs, Scotland is a country we have a soft spot for. We both lived in the capital – Edinburgh – with its famed Castle, Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat that you can climb. Other cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen offer a well-rounded sense of Scottish culture!
Spain
Spain is another one of those countries that need little introduction. You’ll find a vibrant culture that celebrates food and music in stunning cities like Barcelona, Bilbao in the north, and the capital, Madrid. Spain also offers visitors rich history through fortresses and seaside escapes in cities like Valencia and Málaga.
Switzerland
For a destination that is a great “Swiss Army Knife”, Switzerland fits the bill well. Some visitors might like the capital city of Bern and the economic centre of Zurich for great city stops. Switzerland also has a natural beauty enjoyed in the Swiss Alps, the Rhine River in Basel, and the French-speaking southern hub of Geneva.
North America
From stunning mountain ranges and pristine forests to seaside escapes and booming cities, North America is a diverse continent both geographically and culturally.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are popular destinations. A number of fascinating island nations in the Caribbean and vibrant countries in Central America are also ready to be explored.
Canada
Eric’s home country is loaded with amazing landscapes to discover. Hike the trails near the Rocky Mountains, explore bustling Toronto, wander historic Montreal, visit mighty Niagara Falls, or grab a seafood meal in Halifax – a hub of Atlantic Canada!
United States
It is no wonder the United States of America is so popular – there is just so much to see and do. From exploring historic Boston to hiking the National Parks in California and catching the sun in Florida, the United States truly has something for every travel interest!
Oceania
Sure, many people associate Oceania with sunshine and water – but there is so much more to this diverse region of the world located in the Southern Hemisphere.
With populous countries like Australia and New Zealand receiving many of the visitors to the area, don’t forget about the tiny island nations like Tonga, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, and Vanuatu!
Australia
A journey to the “Land Down Under” – which is what Australia is often called – is rarely a bad idea! From the booming port city of Sydney to the stunning Blue Mountains, Gold Coast, and the vast expanse of the Outback, Australia is a country where you can experience sun, surf, cultural diversity, and a whole lot of nature.
New Zealand
If you are searching for a wide mix of outdoor activities with a chance to catch the sun and even explore vibrant cities, New Zealand might be for you! While Auckland and Wellington are modern cities that boast the nearby ocean, New Zealand also has stunning fjords – and hiking spread across the two islands!