Is English spoken in the Baltic countries?
English is often a second language for many people, and it's on most signs which makes it really easy to get around. Is it expensive to travel in the Baltics?
It was very affordable! It was quite a contrast to what you would pay for the same experience on a traditional European vacation. How are the hotels?
Our hotels were extremely modern with excellent, friendly service! We felt comfortable, safe, and cared for. What is there to see and do?
From rustic countryside to entertainment and nightlife, there's an intimacy you might not get elsewhere. The architecture was particularly intriguing! Is a trip to the Baltics relaxing?
There's enough to see to provide entertainment and food for thought, but still plenty of time to unwind at a cafe with a glass of wine. How would you describe food in the Baltics?
We discovered wonderful local restaurants where they focused on local cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. They were hip, but felt very local and inspired. The restaurants really had a fresh feel. Are B&B tour guides knowledgeable?
Our tour guides had grown up in the cities and seen them go through all kinds of changes. They had a lot of interesting insight. How is the shopping?
Compelling! I enjoyed finding beautiful amber jewelry that was reasonably priced, as well as wonderful hand-knit items. |
Is transportation safe and comfortable?
It's very easy to get around. It ran efficiently and was a chance to spend time with people who really live there! How important is music in the Baltics, and Latvia in particular?
In Riga, there's someone performing on every street corner. You'll hear a lot of different kinds of music! Is it safe to travel in the Baltics alone or as part of a tour?
I did a lot of exploring on my own and always felt completely safe and secure. It was very comfortable. Do Baltic people practice “paganism”?
Although there are many Catholic and Protestants in the Baltics and many beautiful ancient churches you can visit, “it should be noted that ‘paganism’ in the Baltics has a very different connotation than it does in the U.S. and some parts of the Western world. It is a celebrated aspect of the culture and traditions, and is not viewed as a wacky, outside-the-mainstream ideology, but rather it has some romantic, getting back-to-nature connotations. In fact, a ‘neo-pagan’ renaissance of some pagan traditions related to nature seem to be in vogue in Lithuania.” (Experiencing Lithuania by Columbia J. Warren). One example of a delightful, nature-based “pagan” tradition is the annual Midsummer celebration in all three Baltic countries, which celebrates the summer solstice with music, flowers, dancing and people staying up all night to watch the sun rise. Midsummer is a wonderful time to visit the Baltics – particularly Riga, Latvia – for a unique, beautiful and family-friend European vacation you’ll never forget! |