A Guide to the Hill of Crosses, Lithuania

I stumbled upon a photo randomly of the Hill of Crosses, and knew I had to go there. Lithuania was my final European country on this leg of my travels and I wanted it to be special; something unusual, but picturesque at the same time. It’s actually pretty close to the border of Latvia, so it would’ve been more efficient to come from Riga but I didn’t discover it til afterwards. It’s definitely worth the drive though!

Hill of Crosses is both a Catholic pilgrimage site and symbol of faith and hope. It’s important to be respectful to this site; you may also opt to leave a wooden cross.

A Guide to the Best Saunas in Helsinki

Sauna culture is a major thing in Finland, so I decided to make the most of my visit to Helsinki and visit a few! Here’s a guide to the best (or most interesting) saunas in Helsinki, Finland!

Allas Sea Pool

This sauna has a gorgeous view of the Presidential Palace and Market Square. The warm lap pool and sea water pool were the perfect mix between sauna breaks.

Skywheel Sauna

The world’s only sauna with a ferris wheel! How cool is that!

Burger King Sauna

Yes, you can order your Whopper with a side of steam! But it’s the world’s only Burger King-branded sauna!

Kotiharju Sauna

The last genuine wood-heated traditional public sauna in Helsinki and has been open since 1928!

Saunaboat

A floating sauna in the harbor of Helsinki, where you can jump into the water anytime!

Top Things to do in Tallinn, Estonia

My 90th country, Estonia! Tallinn had a medieval feel to it that I absolutely loved. Here are my top things to do in Tallinn, Estonia!

“The Times We Had” Wall / Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

This was one of my favorite viewpoints of Old Town Tallinn with the ocean in the background!

Town Hall Square

In the heart of the Old Town you can find a lot of restaurants and colorful architecture!

Tallinn City Walls

Another great view of the city plus a museum, you can also try their local drink, Glogg! Glogg is a hot mulled wine with aromatic spices like cloves and hints of citrus and almond.

Olde Hansa

To sample some Medieval platters or Mead, try this Hanseatic tavern! All the recipes are traditional from the 15th century and their mead is specially prepared.

Top Things to do in Riga, Latvia

LATVIA

As I step foot in Riga, Latvia, I am immediately struck by its charm and elegance. The city is a stunning mix of medieval architecture and Art Nouveau buildings, all wrapped up in a quaint and picturesque atmosphere.

Walking through the Old Town is like stepping back in time, with cobblestone streets and towering spires stretching towards the sky. The streets are filled with vendors selling traditional Latvian crafts, and the sweet scent of freshly baked bread wafts through the air.

As I continue my journey through the city, I am captivated by the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings that dot the landscape. The ornate facades are adorned with intricate designs and details, and are truly a testament to the city's rich history and culture.

One of my favorite experiences in Riga has been exploring the local food scene. Latvian cuisine is a beautiful blend of local ingredients and centuries-old traditions, resulting in hearty and delicious dishes that satisfy the soul.

But it's not just the food that makes Riga so special - it's the people. The locals are friendly, warm and welcoming, and their passion and pride for their city is truly contagious. It's clear that Riga is a city that is deeply loved and cherished by its inhabitants.

As I sit back and reflect on my journey through Riga, I realize that there is truly no place like it. Its charm, history and culture are truly unique, and I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Out of all the Baltic states, Latvia was one of my favorites. Arriving at the airport I felt like I was in another Scandinavian country with how modern everything was! Here’s my list for the top things to do in Riga, Latvia.

WHERE TO STAY IN RIGA

Riga is filled with hotels to fit all budget requirements, however, I did find hotels to be a little bit on the pricier side than other parts of the Baltics. Here’s a few recommendations on where to stay in Riga:

Hotels

AMBER PRIVATE ROOMS: Because I work remotely, I’m always on the hunt for the most budget-friendly private room that’s clean and close to the city center. This is a great option!

SEARCH | Search for availability, the best rates or to book your stay in Riga using Booking.com

HOSTELS

BLUE BIRD HOSTEL: I’m pretty picky about the hostels I stay in these days because I work remotely, so my suggestions aren’t necessarily the cheapest option out there, but I look for cleanliness, location, and how private the sleeping areas are. This is a great option!

Alternatively, check prices and availability for hostels in Riga here

TOP THINGS TO DO IN RIGA

House of the Black Heads

The House of the Black Heads stands as a remarkable testament to the rich history and architectural elegance of Riga, Latvia. This magnificent 14th-century building, adorned with a striking facade featuring ornate sculptures and intricate detailing, emanates a sense of grandeur and mystery. Originally serving as a vibrant meeting place for the Brotherhood of Black Heads, a fraternity of unmarried merchants and foreign visitors, the building has witnessed centuries of activity and cultural exchange. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, its meticulous restoration has preserved its enchanting allure. Today, the House of the Black Heads stands proudly as a symbol of resilience, inviting visitors to admire its magnificent exterior and explore its captivating interiors, which house a museum celebrating the city's vibrant past.

Riga Central Market

Riga Central Market is a bustling and vibrant hub in the heart of Latvia's capital city. As I make my way through its labyrinthine alleys, I am greeted by a symphony of colors, scents, and sounds. The market's diverse stalls offer a mesmerizing array of fresh produce, fragrant spices, delectable pastries, and an assortment of meats and fish. The energy of the vendors and the constant buzz of shoppers create an electric atmosphere that instantly immerses me in the local culture. Whether it's savouring a slice of freshly baked rye bread or bargaining for a unique piece of traditional handicraft, Riga Central Market is a captivating destination that celebrates the rich culinary and heritage traditions of Latvia.

Holy Trinity Church

This was actually my must-see spot in Riga! The Holy Trinity Church is an Eastern Orthodox Church with a 17th century Russian baroque-style architecture. The Holy Trinity Church stands majestically at the heart of the city, its towering walls adorned with intricate detailing that whispers tales of a bygone era. Its architectural marvels are a testament to the skilled hands that crafted it with unparalleled precision. Sunlight streaming through stained glass windows paints a kaleidoscope of colors on the stone floors, illuminating the grandeur of the altar.

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A Guide to Southern Sweden

Stockholm is generally the most popular city that tourists visit in Sweden, but I found the southern part of the country to be quite beautiful!

Osterlen

I was quite surprised how stunning the beaches are here, especially in the Stenshuvud National Park! The sand was powdery white and the water was an iridescent blue. I can see why it’s such a popular getaway for Stockholmers!

Kaseberga

If you check out this beautiful fishing harbor village, grab a salmon burger from Kaseberga Fisk restaurant! It’s prepared like poke and amazingly fresh. This is also a great place to surf!

Ales Stenar

After grabbing a burger, there’s a trail behind the village that leads you to this Viking relic. The stones range from 400 - 600 AD, but some samples have been carbon-dated to be about 5500 years old. Highly recommended for a stunning sunset view over the ocean!

Cold Bath Houses & Saunas

Sauna culture is a big thing in the Scandinavian countries; although there are many you can try, this one is the best in southern Sweden! Check out Bjerreds Saltsjöbad, a cold bath house and sauna that is at the end of a pier over the ocean.

Ystad

The downtown area is really cute with all sorts of fun shops! My favorite restaurants are Graffiti Cafe and Byvagen Ystad!

Everything you need to know about Transnistria

An unrecognized breakaway state, Transnistria is technically part of the country Moldova but has its own government system and currency. It’s also known as Pridnestrovian Moldova. Visiting this “country that doesn’t exist” was like stepping back in time with statues of Lenin, classic cars, and the sickle & hammer symbol everywhere — a quasi-Soviet state even after the fall of the USSR thirty years ago.

Getting There

It’s easiest if you stay in the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, and take a day trip to Transnistria. I stayed at the Amazing Ionika Hostel, which offers a day trip for a reasonable price, much cheaper than other options and takes you to both Bender and Tiraspol.

Border Crossing

You will have to do customs to enter Transnistria; all you have to do is show your passport and they give you a slip of paper with your information in Cyrillic. DO NOT lose this paper! You must turn it back in upon exiting. If you take a bus from Chisinau to Kyiv, you will have to go through customs three times: entering/exiting Transnistria, exiting Moldova, and entering Ukraine.

Currency

Yes, Transnistria has its very own currency! The coins are famously plastic, but are rare to find. It was fun going on hunts around all the different markets to find them! I’m still missing a couple, so hopefully one day I can go back to find the rest.

Bender

Personally there wasn’t much to see in the border town of Bender, but there was a really interesting flea market where you could purchase the famous plastic coins from locals. The country is very poor, and you’ll see people selling all sorts of home goods just to make a few bucks.

Tiraspol

The capital of Transnistria, Tiraspol, is absolutely fascinating. Check out the USSR Canteen for a bite to eat, an underground classic Soviet restaurant with traditional dishes and regalia.

How to visit the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

I had a tight schedule since I was trying to make a flight to Cyprus (it was $8 for a specific day, and I was not about to give that up), but I had one bucket list item I really wanted to see in Bulgaria: the Rila Monastery.

How to Get There

There are tour buses that can take you for the day, but I found the easiest method was renting a car for $20 for the day. It was an easy two hour drive, and absolutely beautiful with the changing autumn trees. Plus you can stop at the “Unofficial Junk Museum,” a collection of items from the Soviet Bulgarian era, which is extremely unique!

The Rila Monastery

You have to pay about $5 for parking in front of the monastery, but you’re free to wander as you like! It’s fascinating since it’s still in working order. Of course I use my tripod to get my photos but the security guard kept shoo-ing me away. I found a nice corner to be able to take my photos quickly and get out of there since the guard was getting extremely upset. Sometimes I find it annoying that having a tripod to take photos of yourself upsets people; I’m extremely picky about how I compose my shots so I can’t just give my camera to a person to take a photo! Anyways, photography is something to be aware of if you’re a solo traveler like myself trying to get your shot.

The People

I don’t think I met a single person who spoke English, which is totally okay, but I didn’t find Bulgarians to be that friendly. This translated over to an incident I had; I had a flight at 4 AM, which meant I needed to be at the airport around 1 AM, so I decided I was just going to sleep in the car in a McDonald’s parking lot until my flight. Well, the car battery died, and it was 11 PM. I knocked on the door of the McDonald’s and they wanted nothing to do with me. Eventually, a girl took pity on me (mostly because I wouldn’t leave the drive through window) and called a mechanic to jump the car. Moral of the story, don’t sleep in your rental car in Bulgaria in autumn when it’s starting to get frigidly cold.

Cyprus on a Budget

CYPRUS

CYPRUS ON A BUDGET
Is it possible to experience the magic of Cyprus without breaking the bank? Absolutely! With its picturesque landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, Cyprus offers a plethora of affordable options for travelers on a budget. Whether you're a sun seeker, history buff, or foodie, this Mediterranean gem has something for everyone. Here are some tips for enjoying Cyprus on a budget:

Flights

I flew into Paphos on a $8 flight from Sofia, Bulgaria on Ryanair, which is an absolute bargain. The thing is, they usually get you on the return flight; so I decided to fly out of Larnaca, which is much cheaper. The next thing to figure out was public transportation.

Buses

So up until this point, Google Maps has been totally reliable getting around Europe and I was able to catch any bus or train I needed to get to where I needed to go. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case with Cyprus. There was no bus schedule online or anywhere; and even though I read there were direct buses from Paphos Airport to Larnaca, there weren’t. You had to take a bus from the airport to the city of Paphos, then to Limassol, then onwards to Larnaca. It took all day. Had I known there weren’t any direct buses, I probably would’ve just booked my flight out of Paphos to save time and go sightseeing around there.

Where to Stay

Instead of pricey luxury resorts, consider staying in guesthouses, hostels, or budget-friendly hotels in towns like Larnaca or Paphos. These options not only provide comfortable lodging but also allow you to immerse yourself in local neighborhoods, where you can find authentic experiences.

There was only one reasonable hostel I found online to stay at, Le Mat Hostel, but it was completely booked out at the time. I also found an Airbnb which was perfect for the night, and they actually organized transport to the airport.

What to See

Honestly, Cyprus is extremely difficult for backpacking; I think it’s best if you rent a car and drive around the island, see Northern Cyprus and quaint little towns and national parks along the way. Here’s a few other handy tips for exploring Cyprus on a budget:

Cultural Immersion: Take advantage of Cyprus' rich cultural heritage by visiting free or low-cost attractions. Explore ancient ruins, such as the Paphos Archaeological Park or the Curium Archaeological Site, where you can witness the island's history without spending a fortune. Additionally, many churches and museums offer discounted or even free entry, allowing you to indulge in local art and traditions without straining your budget.

Coastal Splendor: One of Cyprus' biggest draws is its stunning coastline, and you don't need to pay a hefty fee to enjoy it. Skip the private beaches and head to the public ones, such as Fig Tree Bay or Nissi Beach. Pack a picnic and spend a day relaxing under the Mediterranean sun or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters - all without breaking the bank.

Savory Delights: When it comes to food, Cyprus offers a range of affordable culinary experiences. Seek out local taverns and street food stalls where you can try delicious Cypriot dishes like souvlaki, halloumi cheese, or traditional pastries. Don't forget to sample the island's famous local wine - an affordable and flavorful delight.

Nature's Bounty: Cyprus is blessed with natural wonders that won't cost you a fortune to explore. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the Troodos Mountains, where you can hike scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views. Alternatively, visit the Akamas Peninsula, a nature reserve boasting

Everything you need to know about Caldea Spa, Andorra

Getting There

My final microstate was the country of Andorra, located in the mountains between France and Spain. My uncle and I did a road trip from Frankfurt through France to Andorra, stopping in Toulouse for the night. Early the next morning we made the trek to the capital of Andorra la Vella.

Caldea Spa

We checked out all the main sights, but since it was the shoulder season between summer and fall and it wasn’t skiing season yet, the main thing to do is the Caldea Spa. If you know me by now, I love anything hot spring or spa related, so this was right up my alley. There’s so many different pools to check out, we spent a lovely afternoon just floating around! One of my favorite spas was the outdoor infinity spa with a view of Andorra!

Cost

The Caldea Spa is a little bit on the pricey side, but I highly recommend paying online in advance since it’s much cheaper than paying in person. Plus you can check out specials and deals they have and choose what’s best for you.

How to Visit Liechtenstein

During my quest to visit the remainder of the microstates, one of the few I had left was the country of Liechtenstein! The only way to reach the capital of Vaduz is to either take public transportation or drive your own car. Public transport was easy enough so I decided to go that route!

From Zurich, Switzerland, I took the train to Sargans, Switzerland. Since there aren’t any trains to Liechtenstein, you have to transfer to a bus right when you get out of the station. You’ll see a bright yellow bus that will take you straight to Vaduz.