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Polarsteps is the app to plan, track and relive your travels in a smart and beautiful way. Make your way in the world 🌏 Want to share your journey?

We're helping millions of travelers plan, track and relive their trips in a smart and beautiful way with our all-in-one travel app. Build your dream itinerary and easily plan how you'd like to get from A to B. Once you're there, let us take over and plot your path on a digital world map that you can fill with your own photos, videos, and thoughts. Simply invite your loved ones along for the virtua

l ride. Finally, at the end of it all, you can create a beautifully designed Travel Book with the push of a button – turning your travel moments (the good, the bad, and everything in between) into lifetime memories. Polarsteps – Make your way in the world.

22/07/2024

This is the ghost village of Houtouwan on China’s Gouqi Island 🌿✨

Nestled in the Zhoushan Archipelago, it's a surreal spectacle where lush greenery reclaims crumbling architecture 🏚️🌱 The abandoned houses, draped in ivy and moss, create a spooky backdrop straight out of a movie set 🎬

Once a bustling fishing village, Houtouwan was home to more than 2,000 residents. However, as larger ports and modern infrastructure developed, villagers left in search of better opportunities on the mainland. The village's remote location and lack of resources accelerated its decline, and by the early 1990s, Houtouwan was almost completely deserted. Today, the encroaching vegetation has taken over, giving it a haunting beauty 👻

What to expect:

🏞️ Stunning hikes: wander verdant trails with jaw-dropping coastal views
🍣 Fresh food: while the village itself is abandoned, elsewhere on the island you can enjoy plenty of locally caught, extremely fresh seafood
🚤 Boat rides: explore the surrounding waters and nearby islands for an unforgettable maritime adventure

19/07/2024

Has social media led you to believe that a road trip through New Zealand’s nature is a mind-blowing experience? 👀

Well, Polarsteps Explorer (and awesome photographer 📸) Erik is here to tell you that it’s true. And honestly, one look at his photos is all you really need to believe him!

Erik, who comes from Germany 🇩🇪, took these incredible shots on a recent campervan road trip 🚐 he took through both islands.

“In addition to the breathtaking nature, which always made me feel like I was in Middle Earth (yes, I visited many of the Lord of the Rings filming locations and loved every single one), my highlights included seeing lots of kea birds, a s***m whale 🐋, little blue penguins 🐧, and baby seals 🦭 in the wild. I will also forever remember the hike in a canyon where we were completely alone and had to wade through a lot of water. The whole experience was thrilling.”

His advice for people who want to get more involved in travel photography? 📷

“Get to know your camera, take lots of photos, have fun, and don't put any pressure on yourself — enjoy the process of learning!”

You can see more of this tremendous trip on the Polarsteps app: https://bit.ly/3xI2ey9

17/07/2024

Yes, that is a door that you can see in that mushroom-shaped rock! Welcome to the ‘smurf houses’ — 10m-high cone-shaped pillars of petrified lava that have been hollowed out to create homes straight from a fairytale 🧚🏻

Known as the ‘casas de los pitufos’, these peculiar pointed pinnacles are part of a stone forest nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, near Pampachiri 🏔️ Formed four million years ago by the Qarwarasu and Sotaya volcanos, and sculpted by millennia of wind and water erosion, they’re also used by locals to store grain.

You can make a day trip to this out-of-the-way destination via a three-hour bus ride from Andahuaylas. While you’re there, explore the area’s other captivating sights — from hiking trails to plateaus with sweeping views of otherworldly landscapes, to hidden waterfalls and pre-Incan ruins.

Dive deeper into this unforgettable destination with the Polarsteps Guide to Pampachiri! https://bit.ly/3zOR8bi

15/07/2024

🕌 Exploring the mystical Mizdakhan Necropolis near Nukus, Uzbekistan 🕌 Dating back to the 4th century BC, it’s one of the oldest in Central Asia.

But it’s more than just a burial place — it's a living museum. Wander through a maze of intricately carved mausoleums and domed tombs, each telling a story of the region's rich cultural heritage. The site offers a unique glimpse into the diverse civilizations that once thrived here, blending Persian, Zoroastrian, and Islamic influences 🏛️🌿

The highlight? Visiting at sunset. As the sun descends, Mizdakhan is bathed in a golden light, transforming the site into a serene, almost mystical place. It's a moment of pure magic, perfect for reflection and photography 📸🌅

Whether you're a history lover, a culture enthusiast, or just in search of a unique travel experience, Mizdakhan Necropolis makes for a fascinating visit 🌟

11/07/2024

Last week, we posted about an amazing place in Bhutan, the Taktsang Monastery — a holy site perched precariously on the edge of a 3,000-foot cliff... 🏔️✨

In the comments, we learned that two Polarsteps Explorers actually got engaged there during their current travels (and wrote about it in their Polarsteps trip) ❤️

So, of course, we had to make Lilly (who is originally from the UK) and Martin (who is German) our Explorers of the Week and find out a bit more about the very special adventure they are on 🌍

Here’s what they had to say about it (including that amazing proposal):

“We love to travel so we can see the world, its culture, and its people — especially off the beaten track. So, we both secured sabbaticals from our work in Berlin and started planning our world trip — each choosing three locations we wanted to visit and working out our route from there.

We wanted to do this trip now, while we have no other responsibilities (aka a family) so that we can go to all the remote and logistically complicated places. Climate change also played into it, as some of the South Pacific countries (Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Kiribati) might disappear in our lifetime 😢 We’ve visited every independent island nation in the South Pacific except Nauru and Papua New Guinea on this trip.

Our trip is going to be 12 months long, and currently, we are on day 305 with only about 42 days left to go. Our final count will be 34 countries and 4 overseas territories 😍”

And the proposal?

“Our proposal was a complete surprise (for Lilly!). The ring in the photo is actually her grandma’s. Martin sneakily packed it and carried it around for weeks, including during the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. We then had it redesigned and made into a new ring in Bangkok, Thailand. Lilly has wanted to visit Bhutan/Tiger’s Nest since she was a little girl, so two dreams definitely came true that day” 💍🇧🇹

We love a happy ending! 🎉

Want to know more about this romantic escapade? Check out Lilly and Martin’s trip on the Polarsteps app! 📲 https://bit.ly/3xQcvZ2

10/07/2024

The Dolomites are known not just for their signature spiky summits (including the UNESCO-listed Tre Cime), but also for their system of via ferratas threaded between valleys, around rock faces, and behind waterfalls, and connecting the area’s epic hiking routes to each other in a thrilling way 🧗🏻

At the peaks you’ll find snow (even in summer), mountain refuges serving drinks and hearty snacks (bring cash!), and breathtaking views. Tempted? Take a look at our Polarsteps Guide to the Dolomites to plan your trip! ⛰️ https://bit.ly/3zkR2YI

Fun fact: Team Polarsteps can’t get enough of this Italian mountain range — three of us have hiked its peaks in the last 12 months alone! 🥾 Here’s Fieke, one of our Product Designers, tackling Gran Cir last September as part of a 10-day route through the mountains that took her from Toblach-Dobbiaco to Merano.

08/07/2024

🌟 Discover the hidden gem of northern Albania: Lumi i Shalës 🌟

🌍 Only accessible by boat, this pristine river valley is a wonderful, off-the-beaten-path adventure. Expect crystal-clear turquoise waters winding through rugged canyons and lush greenery 🏞️

Perfect for a day of kayaking, hiking, or simply lounging by the water, Lumi i Shales offers a slice of paradise far from the usual tourist trails ✨

🚣 To get there, take a boat from Koman Lake
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the rocky paths
🍉 Pack a picnic — there are plenty of scenic spots to relax and enjoy

Tag your adventure buddy and start planning your Albanian escape! 🌿

07/07/2024

Our Explorers of the Week are finishing up an epic adventure 👀🔥 We asked them to pick some of their favorite photos from their trip and tell us about them…

Here’s what they had to say:

#1 “This is us! We are Jeroen & Ghislaine. We’ve been on the road for almost 2 years in our 37-year-old fire truck, Pepper. We drove from the Netherlands to South Africa and are now driving back home from Oman. Oh, and this is not Petra in Jordan, it’s Saudi!”
📍Medain Saleh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

#2 “Our beloved Volkswagen has proved to be the perfect overland vehicle. She’s slow but can bring us everywhere. Who doesn’t want to drive up to the beach and watch a spectacular sunrise?”
📍Sugar dunes, Oman 🇴🇲

#3 “For us, traveling is of course about seeing places, but it is even more about meeting people and exchanging thoughts, knowledge, and ideas. We love to learn about new cultures, but we also love to open up ourselves and show people our way of life.”
📍Himba Village, Northern Namibia 🇳🇦

#4 “Can you believe this is Iran?! We were amazed by the beauty of its nature and the incredibly open and friendly people. Crossing this 3000-meter-high mountain pass was literally and figuratively a highlight of the country.”
📍Kalambar Mountain Pass, Iran 🇮🇷

#5 “Driving through the West Coast of Africa can be very challenging in all kinds of ways. But when you find yourself on dusty red tracks like this, in one of the last remaining rainforests in Africa, you know you are very lucky to explore the world like this!”
📍Off-road track, Cameroon 🇨🇲

#6 “Going on a guided safari in a safari vehicle is nice, but when you are driving through a national park yourself and the animals come this close, the reward of spotting them is even bigger.”
📍Etosha National park, Namibia 🇳🇦

Want to know more about this amazing trip? You can find their adventure in full on the Polarsteps app! https://bit.ly/4d9Frub 📲

03/07/2024

This isn’t exactly São Miguel’s top-rated hotel… 🏨 But, after being abandoned by its developers for struggling to attract clients, this formerly five-star resort is now, ironically, an offbeat attraction for Azores explorers 👻

Monte Palace was built in the late 1980s, opened in 1989, and closed just 18 months later 🤯 The complex was initially guarded against intruders, but since 2011 it’s been left open to the elements. Curious visitors sneak in to roam its haunting, graffiti-covered hallways and eerie suites — and to climb up to the roof for panoramas of the crater lakes of Sete Cidades and the Atlantic Ocean ⛰️

If you want to see it for yourself, bear in mind that you’re doing so at your own risk. Watch your step for broken glass, weak floors, crumbling stonework, and holes in the roof. And expect to come across bougie birds and cultured creepy-crawlies living (for free!) in this once chic, now derelict space 🦉 🐛

For tips on other cool things to see and do on São Miguel (plus much more appealing places to stay!) check out our Polarsteps Guide! https://bit.ly/4eO5sjZ

01/07/2024

Perched precariously on the edge of a 3,000-foot cliff in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery (also known as the Tiger's Nest) defies gravity and belief! 🤯

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate, and when you see this majestic temple clinging to the rock face, it’s easy to believe in miracles 🐯

Getting to the monastery is not just a hike — it's a journey through serene forests peppered with prayer flags, leading you to breathtaking views that blend spirituality with sheer natural beauty. Pack your boots and a sense of adventure — this is one divine trek! 🏔️✨

26/06/2024

⚰️ Have you heard of the cliff graves of Tana Toraja? ⚰️

In Tana Toraja, on Sulawesi, death is a way of life. The Torajan people are famous for intimate embalming rituals and elaborate funerals. The region is peppered with burial sites — this one, in the town of Lemo, is for wealthy Torajans. Graves are carved from the cliff face and guarded by a wooden carving of the deceased (called a tau tau).

According to the Torajan belief system, the spirits of the dead linger on Earth until their funeral takes place. This happens only when the family has saved enough to give their loved one a fitting death ceremony. Due to the cost, it can be years before this important, multi-day, and very public rite of passage can be celebrated. In the meantime, family members tend to the body, retrieving the coffin to clean and re-dress the co**se.

Most Torajan funerals take place between July and September, and respectful visitors are usually welcome to attend — expect processions, animal sacrifices 🐃, embalmed bodies, and huge crowds. Or visit one of the region’s many burial sites — find these, plus more fascinating aspects of this region of Sulawesi, in our Guide to Tana Toraja. https://bit.ly/45LGJZO

24/06/2024

🏞️💙 Dive into the heart of the Austrian Alps at Lünersee, Vorarlberg’s crown jewel. This stunning lake, cradled by towering mountains, is a spectacle of nature and pretty as a postcard 🌄🇦🇹

Accessible by a scenic cable car ride, the journey to Lünersee is an adventure in itself, offering panoramic views of the Rätikon mountain range. Once at the top, the lake’s circular trail invites you to explore its pristine shores, with easy walks suitable for all ages and fitness levels 🚠🥾

21/06/2024

We asked you for your essential train journey tunes, and you came through with an eclectic selection! 🚞🎧

Here’s your definitive train trip playlist, perfect for those endless travel days and epic landscapes — curated by you, the Polarsteps Explorers! 🌟 Find it through the link in our bio 🔗

(Scanning the playlist and think a top song pick is missing? 🤔 Drop us a DM and we’ll make sure it gets on board! 📩)

What kind of themed playlist should the Polarsteps Explorers assemble next? Let us know! 🙌

19/06/2024

Welcome to the ‘Iron Gates’ of Crete’s Samaria Gorge, where the 500m-high rocks have parted to create a passage that’s just four meters wide at its narrowest point! 🏞️

This walkway over the water is part of a 13km hike that takes you from an altitude of 1,250m in Xyloskalo, in the mountains, down to the village of Agia Roumeli, at the coast. If you’ve got enough energy left to walk the extra 3km to the beach, you can cool off in the sea — so bring your bathing suit! 👙

The whole thing takes up to five hours (with breaks). Start early to get to the beach before the midday heat makes the going too sticky, and bear in mind that the route closes at 1pm ☀️ If you drive to the starting point, you’ll take a ferry and a bus to get back to it.

This is just one of six Hellenic hikes featured in our Guide to Chania — where you’ll find mountain-bike trails, ski-mountaineering, scuba diving, and much more to keep you busy while visiting Crete. https://bit.ly/4cdDj4x

17/06/2024

🌍💦 Embark on a journey to the heart of Botswana’s natural wonder, the Okavango Delta.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this vast inland delta is a maze of sparkling lagoons, meandering channels, and lush islands, born from the floodwaters of the distant Angolan highlands 🛶✨

As the water breathes life into the arid Kalahari Desert sands, it creates a haven for Africa’s majestic wildlife. From the elegant giraffes browsing on acacia trees to the elusive leopards lurking in the shadows, the delta is a sanctuary for some of the continent’s most iconic species 🦒

Embark on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) ride, guided by the expert hands of local polers, and glide silently among hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun 🚣‍♂️🐊

Then, take to the skies to see this living mosaic from above, transforming it into a mesmerizing, natural patchwork quilt, stretching as far as the eye can see 💚

14/06/2024

Do you dream of working for yourself while traveling the world? 🌍✈️ Well, Jules here is proof that it can be done! And it's pretty damn amazing if you do (although not without its challenges, of course 😉).

We asked her how she swapped a conventional lifestyle for life as a digital nomad:

"It all started with me wanting to see the world — I left for Japan and Australia (with plans to see as many countries as possible), but then Covid hit, and I was stuck in Australia for 8 months, draining my bank accounts, of course.

After moving back to the Netherlands, my new boyfriend and I decided that it wasn’t what we wanted. We gave up our apartment, quit our jobs, and we both started our own businesses so that we could work fully remote.

I now work as a Virtual Assistant and have had many different clients over the last three years (Polarsteps included!). It’s been challenging to set up our own business with no experience of doing so, but we’ve made it work and have been on the road, traveling and working for the last three years."

But why take such a big chance? 🤔

"I just LOVE exploring the world and living in places I could never have imagined myself living — such as Costa Rica, Bali, and Colombia.

Our lifestyle is addictive, and I’m not sure if we will be able to settle back into what people perceive as 'normal' life at home. This life is normal to us, dragging everything that we own across the globe.”

Jules is here pictured living her best life in the desert oasis of Huacachina, Peru — where, when she wasn’t working, she spent her time sand surfing, riding dune buggies, and watching incredible sunsets (how’s that for an alternative to nightly Netflix marathons?!) 🏜️🏄‍♀️🌅

Want to know more? You can, of course, keep up with Jules’ epic adventure on the Polarsteps app: https://bit.ly/4aYpfKt

12/06/2024

If this picture sets your pulse racing with excitement rather than fear, you’ll want to be the person free-falling 23 meters from Mostar’s oldest bridge into the Neretva River, rather than a cheering spectator. The good news? It could be you! 💦

How? Just join the Mostari Divers Club next to the bridge. Its instructors will train you with a few warm-up jumps at a 10m practice board, before leading you to the apex of Stari Most to take the plunge... At that point, if the bridge’s daunting height doesn’t turn your insides to jelly, the river water (around 7ºC in summer) will! 🥶

And once you’ve done it, you’re made a lifelong member of the club, meaning all future jumps are free! 😅

Daring to dive into these depths is a tradition as old as Stari Most itself. Originally built in the 1500s, the bridge was sadly destroyed during the Bosnian War (1992–95), but was lovingly reconstructed in peacetime. Every summer, thousands of people gather to watch local and international competitors jump before the judges. Swipe for an action shot!

Like the look of Mostar? Find out more about its history and culture in our Polarsteps Guide! https://bit.ly/3VCNGZs

11/06/2024

Meet Alaska’s rock stars — the Sea Stacks in Kenai Fjords National Park! 🇺🇸 These natural towers have been sculpted by the power of the sea over thousands of years and are best experienced by kayak 🛶

Launch from Seward to paddle around these rugged sentinels that guard the coast where glaciers meet the sea and wildlife reigns supreme.

As you navigate these waters, look out for bald eagles circling overhead and seals lounging on the rocks 🦅🦭 You might even spot a playful sea otter or two.

Keep an eye on the deeper waters too, as orcas and humpback whales are known to make dramatic appearances, especially during the summer 🐋👀

Nearby, the massive Harding Icefield and its glaciers set a frosty, dramatic backdrop, occasionally punctuated by the thunderous sound of ice calving into the ocean ❄️🏔️

So pack layers for the unpredictable weather, bring your camera, and get ready for an adventure that’s as cool as it is thrilling!

10/06/2024

We’re beyond thrilled to share that our community of curious, roaming Polarsteps Explorers is now 10 million strong! 🎉

That’s right — a spark of an idea that was born on a catamaran halfway across the Atlantic has grown into a global movement 🌍

You see, an app could be seen as nothing more than lines of code and pretty pixels that sit in a phone in your pocket. And without you, that’s basically what Polarsteps would be.

But you have gone out into the wide world and put our app to use, capturing and sharing incredible moments of wonder, stories of struggle, and journeys of self-discovery.

From the person strapping on a backpack for the very first time 🎒 to the seasoned travelers in a leaky, well-loved tent halfway up a mountainside 🏕️ — you are the ones who have given our work meaning.

Because we see you out there, living lives of true adventure, and we couldn’t be prouder to be with you every step of the way.

For us, every milestone is just the start of an even more exciting journey — and we have lots of exciting plans! But before we move on to the next turn in the road, here’s to you, us, and the amazing memories we can create from here on out.

Let the next chapter begin! 📘

06/06/2024

🏔️ This is the view from Hamnøy viewpoint, Norway — and an inspiring example of the sights a life of road-trip travel can bring you. The photo was taken by vanlifer and Polarsteps Explorer of the Week, Jo, during a trip around the Arctic Circle ❄️

Jo (who is originally from the UK and can be seen in the second photo) is now in the middle of her second European road-trip.

She told us about van life:

“I began travelling long-term in 2021 after self-building my campervan during lockdown. I was already self-employed and largely location independent, but the decision to take the leap came when I realised I didn’t need to be in one place and there was no ‘one place’ I wanted to be.

“After finding my feet in the UK, I tentatively took my first overseas road trip last October. Having always been terrified of driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, let alone in a van, it was another huge leap of faith. But it was an amazing experience, and all my fears were proved wrong. I’ve since covered 15 countries in my van over the last 9 months alone!

“People often ask me, ‘How long will you live in a van?’ And my answer is always: ‘Until something else presents itself as the next phase of my life.’

“Currently, I combine vanlife with house-sitting for people’s pets in the UK, which works well as it creates a loose sense of structure for me in terms of location, as well as offering home comforts and a break from the van.

“In many ways, I feel that vanlife offers the ultimate freedom, but with that comes uncertainty and many people don’t realise that the two go hand in hand. My life has no anchor or solid routine and whilst that is liberating it can also be very mentally challenging.

“But there is no ‘right way’ to do vanlife; there is only your way. Give yourself longer to adjust than you anticipate. Things will go wrong, and there’ll be times you want to give up. But remember that just around the corner will be another beautiful view to wake up to, a sunset to fall asleep to, and stars to gaze up at while you’re parked in the middle of nowhere. Moments like those are priceless, and they bring everything back into perspective.” ✨🚐🌌

Follow Jo on Polarsteps! 🔗 in bio!

05/06/2024

Ready to rev up your engine for an epic adventure? 🚘 We’re talking 2,500km of coastal roads that will take you from the top to the bottom of Ireland, passing through nine counties and three provinces, with views of craggy cliffs, windswept beaches, and thundering Atlantic waves. 🌊

Some of the spectacular sights you might have recognized in our video include:

Uragh Stone Circle, Co. Kerry — mysterious standing stones from the Bronze Age 🪨
Grianan of Aileach, Co. Donegal — a medieval-era hillfort with far-reaching views 🏹
Baltimore Beacon, Co. Cork — a lighthouse resembling a pillar of salt 🧂
Downpatrick Head, Co. Mayo — a commanding sea stack with blowholes 💦
Sliab Liag Cliffs, Co. Donegal — sky-high cliffs with hearty hiking trails 🥾

Find these and 400+ other recommendations for this epic itinerary — which has been drawing adventurers to the Emerald Isle for a decade — in the Polarsteps Guide (the largest one we’ve published so far!). https://bit.ly/3Xfj55L

03/06/2024

🇲🇬 Discover the Avenue of the Baobab: Madagascar's Unpaved Gem 🇲🇬

Embark on a journey along Madagascar’s most enchanting road, the Avenue of the Baobab. This simple dirt track is transformed into a stunning natural corridor by the towering baobab trees that line its edges. These majestic giants, some over 800 years old and reaching heights of more than 30 meters, are the true stars here.

🌅 Best Viewing Times: Experience this magical scene at sunrise or sunset. The silhouettes of these ancient trunks against the colorful sky create a surreal and shadowy, awe-inspiring spectacle.

🚗 Travel Tip: Brace yourself—it’s a bumpy ride! Make sure to have an experienced driver at the wheel so you can fully enjoy the breathtaking views without a worry.

29/05/2024

You can’t help but see Mount Etna when you’re in Catania — Europe’s tallest volcano looms over the city 🌋 It’s 3,357 meters high as it stands right now… However, thanks to regular eruptions of slow-moving lava that cools close to its crater, it’s actually steadily growing — sometimes at a rate of tens of meters per year! 📏

Sicily’s seismic star is one of the world’s most active volcanos, so you’ve got a good chance of seeing lava spilling from one of its five craters. And if you don’t get to see the volcano in action, you can trek to its summit, explore its slopes with an expert guide, and even mountain-bike down its dirt trails.

All this (and more!) can be found in our Guide to Catania — a city that has lived in the shadow of this menacing mountain for more than 2,700 years (and has stacks of ancient ruins to prove it)! https://bit.ly/3wIb7as

Psst… Etna is also one of few volcanos on Earth to blow smoke rings (known as ‘vortex rings’) 😮‍💨Take a look at the live we**am trained on its summit for a chance of seeing them! 🔎

27/05/2024

🌊🥾 Check out the grand beauty of Kirkhelleren on Norway’s Sanna Island — the name translates as “Church Hall” because of its towering, cathedral-like structure ⛪️

But this isn’t just any sea cavern — it was a Viking refuge back in the day and still rocks dramatic vibes 🏞️

The cave’s vast stone hall was shaped by centuries of crashing waves (back when the sea level still reached it).

Now that the cave sits above the water, it not only stuns visually but also boasts incredible acoustics. This is why it’s used as an atmospheric concert venue during the annual Træna Music Festival (swipe to see) 🎶

⛴️ To get there, take a ferry from the mainland to Sanna — from there you can hike the rest of the way.

22/05/2024

There are two ways of viewing Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, on Java — from above or from below. Both offer pretty spectacular perspectives on Indonesia’s most impressive cascade, so we suggest you do them both 👀

First, make the short walk from the car park to the panoramic viewpoint to see streams of water thundering past misty jungle 🍃 Then, pull on your waterproofs for the slippery 40-minute hike down to its base, to appreciate the scale and power of water free-falling from a 120m height 💦

A local guide is recommended for the descent (which is at its most beautiful and least crowded first thing in the morning).

Take a look at our Polarsteps Guides to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, where this waterfall and more unmissable sights are located. You can also make a day-trip from nearby Malang, and we have a Guide for that city, too 😉 https://bit.ly/3VaElbj

21/05/2024

Ever heard of the festival where dogs are treated like royalty? 🐶🐾 It’s called Kukur Tihar and takes place in Nepal!

This unique celebration is part of the five-day Hindu festival of Tihar, where, on the second day, our furry friends are honored and adored 🐕✨

During Kukur Tihar, dogs are adorned with garlands made of marigolds, smeared with tika (a red mark on their foreheads), and treated to delicious feasts 😋

But why does this beautiful tradition exist? In Hinduism, dogs are seen as messengers of Yama, the god of death, and they are also associated with Bhairava, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. By honoring dogs, people seek protection and blessings, acknowledging their role as guardians and faithful friends 🐾🙏

From strays to pets, every dog is pampered and praised, causing vibrant scenes of wagging tails and happy barks across the country. It’s a beautiful reminder of the love and respect we owe to our four-legged companions ❤️

16/05/2024

✨ The magic of relocating to a new country? Every day brims with adventure 🗺️

Take Siddhee, for instance, a dedicated Polarsteps Explorer 🧭 who has fully embraced her new chapter.

Hailing from India, she ventured to Japan 🇯🇵 for work at the age of 22 and has been thriving there for the past four years.

But her life in Japan hasn’t been all about the grind. Siddhee regularly carves out time for exploration 🚶‍♀️ and, impressively, has visited 35 out of the 47 Japanese prefectures! These excursions aren’t just trips, they’re also opportunities to indulge her growing passion for photography 📸 — as these beautiful snapshots clearly demonstrate.

Here’s what Siddhee had to say about her life in Japan so far:

“I’m an engineer by profession, and that’s what landed me here. Japan, being the beautiful country that it is, led me to my current passions of traveling and photography.

“It has a lot to offer all kinds of travelers. Its blend of ultramodern cities and quiet countryside areas, thoughtfully conserved cultural and historical pieces, the Alps and national parks with pristine landscapes, and much more! Oh, and let’s not forget how good the food is here! 🍣

“And even though this is a very homogeneous country, every prefecture has its own history and food specialties, and that’s what keeps me looking forward to going to new areas!

“Moving here, I must say, was the best decision I’ve made in life. It gave me a new purpose and made me the independent person I am today.” 💪

Want to see Siddhee’s Japanese dream in more detail? It’s captured, of course, on her Polarsteps account — link in bio! 🔗

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🎉 Polarsteps has 10 million explorers! 🎉

We’re beyond thrilled to share that our community of curious, roaming Polarsteps Explorers is now 10 million strong! 🎉 That’s right — a spark of an idea that was born on a catamaran halfway across the Atlantic has grown into a global movement 🌍 You see, an app could be seen as nothing more than lines of code and pretty pixels that sit in a phone in your pocket. And without you, that’s basically what Polarsteps would be. But you have gone out into the wide world and put our app to use, capturing and sharing incredible moments of wonder, stories of struggle, and journeys of self-discovery. From the person strapping on a backpack for the very first time 🎒 to the seasoned travelers in a leaky, well-loved tent halfway up a mountainside 🏕️ — you are the ones who have given our work meaning. Because we see you out there, living lives of true adventure, and we couldn’t be prouder to be with you every step of the way. For us, every milestone is just the start of an even more exciting journey — and we have lots of exciting plans! But before we move on to the next turn in the road, here’s to you, us, and the amazing memories we can create from here on out. Let the next chapter begin! 📘

A preview of the Polarsteps Guide to the Wild Atlantic Way

Ready to rev up your engine for an epic adventure? 🚘 We’re talking 2,500km of coastal roads that will take you from the top to the bottom of Ireland, passing through nine counties and three provinces, with views of craggy cliffs, windswept beaches, and thundering Atlantic waves. 🌊 Some of the spectacular sights you might have recognized in our video include: Uragh Stone Circle, Co. Kerry — mysterious standing stones from the Bronze Age 🪨 Grianan of Aileach, Co. Donegal — a medieval-era hillfort with far-reaching views 🏹 Baltimore Beacon, Co. Cork — a lighthouse resembling a pillar of salt 🧂 Downpatrick Head, Co. Mayo — a commanding sea stack with blowholes 💦 Sliab Liag Cliffs, Co. Donegal — sky-high cliffs with hearty hiking trails 🥾 Find these and 400+ other recommendations for this epic itinerary — which has been drawing adventurers to the Emerald Isle for a decade — in the Polarsteps Guide (the largest one we’ve published so far!). https://bit.ly/3Xfj55L #wildatlanticway #roadtrip #ireland

Our top tip for anyone preparing to tackle the wilds of Snowdonia? The weather can change quickly — one minute you’re bathed in glorious sunshine, the next the rain is coming down so hard, you wonder if it would be easier to swim. This is what happened to our Product Manager Annelijn, seen here hiking behind her friend along a path-turned-stream last July. Luckily, she brought her waterproofs! 💦 But if that doesn’t put you off, the Polarsteps Guide to Wales’s most popular national park (Welsh name: Eryri) features 15 trails, from hardcore, multi-day treks along remote ridges to night hikes that time reaching the summit of Mt Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) with sunrise. Boots ain’t made for walking? We’ve got you… 🚵🏻 Ride gravity-fed MTB trails at Antur Stiniog bike park ⛰️ Zip down a quarried mountainside at 100mph 🛶 Kayak around Llyn Padarn with views of Mt Snowdon 🏄🏻 Surf waves in an artificial lagoon 🍺 And on rest days, find castles, culture, and characterful pubs aplenty When hiking, don’t forget that these peaks are as wild as they come, with no bathrooms, so be sure to leave no trace of your visit 💩 To see all these tips, trails and alternative adventure activities in more detail (plus much more) — check out our Guide in the app. https://bit.ly/4adlFMm #snowdonia #eryri #hikingwales

The blue flames of Kawah Ijen, Indonesia

🌋✨ Embark on a night trek to Indonesia's Kawah Ijen and experience the wonder of its natural blue flames! These captivating lights are caused by the combustion of sulfuric gases as they escape into the cool air, creating a luminous, otherworldly glow 💙🔥 Reach the volcano summit to witness not only the flames but also the incredible turquoise hue of its acidic crater lake at sunrise — an unforgettable sight 🌄 Before you lace up your hiking boots, be sure to obtain a medical certificate, a necessity for anyone preparing to take on the rugged terrain and potent sulfur fumes. On top of that, you’ll want to pack a robust gas mask and find a knowledgeable local guide to fully appreciate this volcanic marvel 🌍👟 #KawahIjen #VolcanoAdventure #Indonesia #NightTrek

Every day, Polarsteps explorers place digital steps all around the globe 🌍 — some of them are on familiar journeys, while others are lucky enough to be visiting destinations most of us only dream of 🤩 One of the most memorable examples that has been shared with us recently came from Natasha and Brian. What did they do? 👀 They slept outside… in Antarctica… without even a tent to shelter them from the elements! ❄️ Yep, you read that right. Here’s what they had to say about about the experience: “You have to dig a hole for wind protection, and we slept (well, Natasha did, Brian lay awake) in our multi-layer sleeping-bag pods. There were some very cool views and natural ASMR. We had rain sprinkles, snow and sunshine. When you leave you have to take everything with you and refill your sleeping hole to return the land to its natural state 🩵” And they didn’t stop there — in fact, they visited all seven continents in seven weeks! ✅ For their first major trip as a couple, that’s quite the journey. Was it a big test for their relationship? In their own words: “We’re happy to say we really thrived on it!”. Their advice for couples navigating the highs and lows of travel? 🎢 “Check in with each other and verbalize what energy level you’re at — especially if you’re stressed, or feeling a bit under the weather. This helped us avoid fights, by just saying, ‘Hey, I am overwhelmed, can you handle this?’” 👍 Top tips! Want to keep up with where Natasha and Brian head next? Follow them on the Polarsteps app: https://bit.ly/42gcwQT

And so, with that, this chapter of The Never-Ending Road Trip draws to a close. And what a fantastic, wild ride it has been! 🙌🎢 20 key handovers, 44 keen explorers, 160 days on the road, 21 countries crossed, 2 continents visited, and almost 30,000km covered 🤯 During that time, there were countless sunsets, hours spent stargazing, and thousands of views so beautiful that they took breaths away. New friends were made, kindness from strangers received, fireside chats enjoyed, and deep musings had. There were “Cheers to this adventure” beers, and “Oh my God, this tastes SO good” meals never tried before 🍻🤤 There was even one hitchhiker picked up and dropped off at their destination without sharing one word of the same language ❤️ Travel isn’t simple, though. There were also two van breakdowns, multiple times when the van got stuck (once in sand, once in snow, and once in a tightly-packed Moroccan car park), a hell of a lot of wrong turns, and even one fight with a cactus 🌵😁 But, most of all, there was adventure, freedom, and the endless possibility of the open road... 🛣️ We want to thank every single Polarsteps explorer who has been a part of this wonderful journey full of twists and turns — thank you for taking a chance on the unknown, for sharing your wonderful stories with us (the good and the bad), and for showing that adventure, no matter how big or how small, truly is what life is all about 💪 With all this excitement under its belt, ‘The Beast’ 🚐 (as our campervan has lovingly come to be known), is in need of some maintenance, rest, and general TLC — all of which it will be getting here in the Netherlands. So, keep exploring, and goodbye for now! 👋 (Missed any of it? You can catch up on all the action here: https://bit.ly/3TtD2DW 📲)

Get 25% off the perfect travel-themed gift

Struggling to find the perfect gift for your favorite travel buddy? 👀🎁 We’ve got just the thing 🙌 Sweeter than chocolate, much more meaningful than money, and bound to give them fuzzier feelings than even the fluffiest pair of socks… Your latest shared adventure transformed into a hold-in-your-hand Travel Book! 📖 Because nothing beats the gift of incredible travel memories. Especially when we’re giving you 25% off! 😉 Grab this deal by December 4th. Code: GIFT2023. #gift #holidayshopping #travelgifts

Don’t know what to give the explorer in your life this holiday season? 🎁 We’ve got you covered 💪 Check out The Polarsteps Store — travel-inspired streetwear and expedition-ready accessories 🌏 See our full product range here: https://store.polarsteps.com/ #holidayshopping #travelgifts #polarsteps

Trinity, Stephane and Osi in the USA!

Meet Trinity, our Explorer of the Week 🌟 She's not only a keen and ever-moving adventurer but also a photographer, travel blogger, and Twitch presenter — a fact that regularly sees her streaming her travels as they happen, unfiltered and unedited! 🎥 Originally from France 🇫🇷, Trinity is currently on a round-the-world road trip with her partner Stephane, and their beloved dog, Osi 🐶. You can catch some of the highlights so far in this video! Of course, this is just the start of their epic travel journey 🌍 — they expect to be on the road for at least three years, crossing both American continents from Canada to Ushuaia, before jetting off to Asia. After that? Well, as Trinity puts it, "We’ll see where the wind takes us! I travel because I’m addicted to the constant change of scenery. In fact, my favorite moments are when I arrive somewhere and realize I’ve lost all my bearings.” Her most memorable travel moment so far? 👀 “It was an encounter I had in Egypt when I was lost in the souk of Cairo. A man called Jimmy, who was in his sixties and spoke French, helped me find my way back, and we spent the day sightseeing together. He knew all the history of the old city, gave me a taste of its specialties, and invited me into his home for a delicious meal — all in front of thousands of viewers from my Twitch community. A real moment of sharing!” ❤️ You can, of course, follow Trinity’s adventures on Polarsteps: https://bit.ly/49bjUA2 If you’d like to join her during a livestream, find her on Twitch (just search for Trinity).

We recently caught up with Richie, Heidi, and Jazzy (@vanlife_steps), two previously featured Polarsteps explorers and their adorable, adventure-loving dog 👫🐶 And guess what?! They're still on the road, creating beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime memories (as you can see). Here’s what they had to say about their experience on the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia 🧂 ‘When the sun had set, and everyone had left, we found ourselves completely alone with just the miracle of Uyuni. At first light the next day, we were still alone and could appreciate this natural wonder in complete peace and silence. So if you have your own transport, don’t do the tour, go on the salt flat yourselves. Just make sure to have the vehicle cleaned and oiled before entering. And, of course, after you leave, have it thoroughly cleaned again.' Follow their adventure on Polarsteps as they take a long and winding route towards Alaska (user name: Vanlifesteps) 🚐 #travel #vanlife #explorer #dogs #bolivia #uyunisaltflats

In 2022, Polarsteps explorers placed over 15 million steps — some of them were bored airport check-ins, some told tales of trips gone wrong, but many were once-in-a-lifetime, “I can’t believe we are here” steps, just like this one ❤️ This particular magical moment comes from our ‘Explorers of the Week’, Laura and Ricardo — a German couple that arrived in New Zealand in October 2022. Fast forward to today, and they’re still there exploring all there is to see! 🙌🇳🇿 Their advice to others who have a long-term trip ahead of them? “Take your time to explore a country and make no rush.” 👏 Fancy seeing the view from Roys Peak for yourself? The hike takes around 6 to 7 hours, but, as you can see, it’s worth every second! 🥾 See more of Laura and Ricardo’s New Zealand dream on the Polarsteps app — https://bit.ly/3l6Uorp

At Polarsteps, we’re all about capturing and sharing your travel adventures 🗺️ Every day, thousands and thousands of people do just that using our app — publishing steps jam-packed with wondrous written tales, fabulous photos, and vivid videos 🙌 So, we think it’s only fair we share our latest travel story as well… Check out our recent trip to Portugal in all its glory 🇵🇹 — there was surfing, workshops, lots of quality time together, plenty of games of ‘The Werewolves,’ and, of course, some partying! 🥳 Want to be on the next trip? 👀 Check out the careers page on our website!

Not sure what to give to your travel buddy this holiday season? 🎁 We get it — video games are quickly completed, clothes go out of fashion, and that fancy bottle of champagne probably won’t make it through the night… But the memories of your last amazing trip? Well, they can last forever 😊 And they’re even better and easier to reminisce over (with a glass of bubbly, if you still have some) when they’re in beautiful hardback book form. So, treat your travel companion — or yourself, we won’t judge — to a festive gift that won’t be forgotten. Oh, and do it with 25% off 🎉 Order before midnight, December 3rd. Code: GIFT2022

Luscious landscapes and sites steeped in history are always nice, but sometimes it’s an unexpected brush with the local wildlife (from a safe distance, of course) that makes a trip one to remember — especially when the wildlife is as adorable as this pair 😍 This heart-warming footage of a mother polar bear and her cub playing was taken by Polarsteps explorer Jesse Luo in Ytre Norskoya, a Norwegian island that is part of the Svalbard archipelago ❄️ As well as the Arctic Circle, Jesse’s two-month adventure took in the UK and Iceland. You can check out his fabulous photos (which include many more awesome animal sightings) on the Polarsteps app — https://bit.ly/3dRYjVk 📸 What has been your most memorable wildlife moment?

Our Chief Cuddle Officer, Pia 🐾 recently emBARKED on a Slovenian summer adventure. Job (one of our founders) and Julie (his girlfriend) were there too 😏 As you can see, this pawsome trip had stunning nature, long leafy walks, and plenty of new smells. And with hot tubs and hammocks and many a local tipple, it wasn’t bad for the humans either. See more of this pooch-friendly adventure in the app — link in bio! Do you travel with your four-legged friends? 🐕

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