When you travel as much as I do, things are bound to go wrong. Lost luggage, food poisoning, and rental car damage are just a few speed bumps I’ve encountered around the world. Cancelled flights and missed connections are standard for everyone these days. But what happens when your final destination is, in the words […]
Europe
An Enchanted Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania
The Vilnius Christmas tree lighting has become one of the most revered holiday events in the Baltics thanks to the city’s over-the-top illuminations. The year I took the bus down from Riga, the fantastic fir was decked out with windows, lanterns, green garland, and enough lights to be seen from space. It looked like an elf’s […]
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 […]
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 […]
Tips for Visiting a Traditional Latvian Sauna
Nē, nē, nē, duša ir pirmais! These were the instructions given by a Latvian grandmother in her birthday suit after I entered the bath complex and reached for the steam room door. Never mind that I was already clean. The Latvian sauna ritual always begins with a shower. Perhaps amused by my halting Latvian and my […]