Questions and answers
Fernscout, Polarsteps, FindPenguins and Journi compared
Four ways to share a trip with the people at home. This table states what each one publishes about itself, as of September 28, 2026. Prices and features change; check each service before you decide.
| Fernscout | Polarsteps | FindPenguins | Journi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How readers get new updates | By email, free, read in any browser, no app needed | No email updates for followers; they read through a private link in the browser | Followers who confirm their email get email updates, at most every 3 days | – |
| Price of the app | Free plan CHF 0; Trip pass CHF 19 once; Plus CHF 49 a year | Plus: €29.99 a year | Free | Premium: €53.99 a year |
| Printed photobook | From CHF 36.90 | €36 to €150, one landscape size | – | From €22.99 |
| Printed postcards | CHF 3.90 each, posted anywhere | – | – | – |
| Where the data is stored | Helsinki, Finland | – | – | – |
| Open source | The journal, Apache-2.0 | – | – | – |
“–” means this page makes no claim either way. Competitor details are taken from their own published prices and descriptions as of September 28, 2026. Fernscout's plans open with public sign-up.
Already on Polarsteps? See what comes with you if you switch
When Fernscout fits
When the people you travel for would rather get an email than install an app, and when you want your journal as files you can take with you.
In short
Is Fernscout an alternative to Polarsteps?
Yes, for sharing a trip with family and friends. The difference is how they read along: by email, without an app.
Which travel journal sends email updates to followers?
Fernscout emails each new day to the readers you invite, free. FindPenguins emails followers who confirm their address, at most every 3 days (as of September 28, 2026).
What does a printed photobook cost?
As of September 28, 2026: Journi from €22.99, Polarsteps from €36 to €150, Fernscout from CHF 36.90. Sizes and page counts differ.