After asking the big “North or South?” question, it didn’t take long for something to click. Thanks to everyone who shared thoughts and tips — your input helped steer the compass.

In the end, Scandinavia won out. Why? Because it’s a corner of Europe we’ve never explored. And right now, the pull of the North — the forests, the fjords, the endless summer skies — feels too strong to ignore.

There’s also the small matter of the Northern Lights. We know they’re never guaranteed, but if there’s even a chance of seeing them, we’re heading toward it.

We’ve loosely mapped out a 3-month journey. It will start in Sweden, heading north through lakes and national parks. Along the way, Bow Boe will take her first trip in a canoe — something we’ve been talking about for a while. We’ve yet to purchase one, but we’ll be on the lookout for a pet-friendly two-seater option with a sturdy bottom, something stable enough for both human and dog to feel secure on the water. If you’ve got any suggestions, we’d love to hear them.

From there, we’ll cross into Norway, hoping to reach Tromsø just as the nights begin to darken and the auroras start to stir. Then we’ll drift back down the coast, wrapping things up in Denmark before the Schengen clock runs out.

The plan (as always) is to travel slowly, staying around two hours on the road most days and pausing for rest every few. We’ll seek out off-grid spots, coastal coves, pine forests, and quiet corners where Bow Boe can run free and the van can settle in for the night. Please do keep the hints and tips coming as we shape our journey — whether it’s a secret swimming spot, a wild camp you loved, or somewhere unmissable with a view.

Our route will be mapped out soon on the Destinations page, and we’ll keep you posted along the way. It may still be a couple of months before we head out, but we’re already looking forward to what lies ahead.

Next stop: the land of light, lakes, and long horizons. Let’s see what stories the North has in store.

Warmly, Steve & Bow Boe