Author Archives: Susan Gleissner

Unforgettable Things to Do in Levi Finland in Winter (for non-skiers!)
8 Unforgettable Outdoorsy Things to Do in Levi Finland in Winter (That Aren’t Skiing!)

With 718 lakes, 2053 saunas, and more than 20 kilometers of winter walking and fat [...]

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How to Avoid Getting Eaten Alive by Mosquitoes and Ticks for Hikers

With the longer days and warmer temperatures comes the inevitable onslaught of mosquitoes. It’s an [...]

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Bright blue sky as seen from the bottom of Korouoma Canyon near Rovaniemi in winter. Along the snowy canyon wall are giant frozen waterfalls among the trees.
Unique & Wonderful Winter Activities in Rovaniemi Finland

There was no question in my mind that I would make a stop in the [...]

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DNA Travel Journal: Finland Edition

As the jolt of the plane touching down went through my body, it hit me. [...]

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How to choose between Levi and Rovaniemi when visiting Lapland in winter! Image of me hiking in deep snow in a forest overlooking a frozen lake with sun shining on me.
What is the Best Place to Visit in Lapland in Winter?

Levi or Rovaniemi? When I excitedly scanned my DNA results, my eyes stopped when I [...]

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Perfect Beginner Backpacking Trips in the US

The leap from day hiking to multi-day hiking can feel daunting. Backpacking is not as [...]

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10 Outdoor Adventures for Your Minnesota Bucket List

Minnesota probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of incredible [...]

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15 Essential Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad

There we were, sitting at a table at an adorable outdoor cafe in Paris. The [...]

Inca Trail Packing List: A Prepared Girl’s Guide

So, you’re getting ready to hike the Inca Trail! Yay! But, wait, what in the [...]

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How to Survive Hiking in Bear Country

Bear Safety Tips for Hikers At some point, almost all hikers will find themselves hiking [...]

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