Regular readers of this blog will know that I love a good castle. This fact traces to my childhood, when my favorite movie was Disney’s Robin Hood. I delighted in watching the cartoon animals sing and frolic around ye olde countryside and dreamed of being Maid Marion in a castle of my own. (Dramatic scenes were often […]
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3 Days in Vienna: The Best Palaces and Museums
Vienna is a beautiful city filled with art, music, and coffee houses. It was home to Mozart and Beethoven, seat of the Hapsburg Monarchy, and capital of the Holy Roman Empire for hundreds of years. With over 100 museums and multiple palaces to explore, you will need at least 3 days in Vienna. The following […]
40 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Istanbul in Winter
When I first learned that Turkish Airlines offered direct flights between Riga and Istanbul, I started dreaming about a sunny winter getaway. The average temperature for Istanbul in January is 45F/7C, which might not seem super warm, but is an improvement over Riga’s 30F/-1C and near-constant snow cover. Istanbul is also 1,800 kilometers south of Riga, resulting […]
Two Days in Cologne, Germany
When I visited Cologne for its world-famous Christmas Markets, I was also on the hunt for other fun things to do. Germany’s fourth-largest city did not disappoint. In fact, with its UNESCO-listed Cathedral and over 30 museums, I was rather spoiled for choice. If you are looking to soak up some culture on a city-break […]
Why You Need to Visit Lisbon in Winter
Winter sun in Europe can be as elusive as a unicorn. Even destinations you might expect to stay warm, like the Amalfi Coast and Istanbul, can be blanketed in fog or even snow. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I traveled to Lisbon in December, but I needn’t have worried. Thanks to the city’s […]
Winter Packing Tips for People Who Hate to Be Cold
Packing for winter travel can be super stressful. You want to be prepared for every possible weather condition, but airline baggage restrictions mean you can’t bring your entire wardrobe along. Plus, bulky winter wear takes up all the extra space you’ll need for your souvenirs on the way home. Whether you are chasing the aurora […]
Top 15 Things to Do in Riga in Winter
A winter visit to the Baltics might seem crazy to some. Daylight hours are limited and the temperatures drop so low that the Daugava River has been known to freeze over. But there are so many fun things to do in Riga in winter that I think you’d be crazy NOT TO visit! The Christmas […]