Riga surprised me. I came for the architecture, stayed for the calm of the Daugava River, and fell hard for the food. Latvian cuisine, especially in Riga, feels like a secret kept too long. It’s hearty, seasonal, earthy, and surprisingly diverse for such a small country. In this post, I’ll walk you through my favorite …
Travel tips
Budget Airline vs. Full-Service Carrier: My Experience Flying to Riga and What You Should Know
I’ve always believed that how you start a trip sets the tone for the entire experience. So when I planned my journey to Riga, the capital of Latvia and one of Europe’s underrated gems, I faced a common traveler’s dilemma: should I fly budget or go with a full-service airline? Being someone who likes to …
Latvian Charm: My Stay at Riga’s Most Unique Boutique Hotels
Latvia has always intrigued me—a small country tucked beside the Baltic Sea with a soulful history, a stunning capital, and a charm that feels untouched by commercial tourism. When I finally decided to visit Riga, I knew I didn’t want to stay in a generic hotel. I wanted something special—places that reflected the spirit of …
8 Must-Try Danish Dishes When Visiting Aalborg for the First Time
When I first landed in Aalborg, Denmark’s charming northern gem, I was expecting a lot—Viking history, colorful houses, and perhaps a crisp coastal breeze drifting in from the Limfjord. Tucked away from the hustle of Copenhagen and often overlooked by guidebooks, Aalborg felt like the kind of place where time slows down just enough for …
Flying to Aalborg from Other European Cities: Popular Routes & Flight Timing Recommendations
As someone who has visited Aalborg multiple times over the past few years, I’ve grown quite familiar with flying into this charming Danish city from various parts of Europe. Aalborg isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think about major flight hubs, but that’s part of what makes it so special — …
Recommended Hotels in Central Aalborg: Great Options Within Walking Distance of Major Attractions
As someone who adores discovering the charm of second cities—those underrated cultural gems often overshadowed by capital cities—Aalborg in northern Denmark quickly won my heart. Nestled along the Limfjord, this vibrant yet peaceful city offers a blend of rich Viking history, striking modern architecture, and a welcoming Danish spirit that’s hard to resist. And when …
Turku Must-Eat Food Guide: From Traditional Finnish Dishes to Creative Nordic Cuisine
When I first planned my trip to Turku, Finland’s oldest city and former capital, I expected cobblestone streets, medieval castles, and peaceful views of the Aura River winding through the heart of the city. I imagined long walks through historic neighborhoods, visits to centuries-old cathedrals, and maybe a quiet museum or two. What I didn’t …
How I Found Affordable Flights to Turku: My Best Tips and Personal Booking Strategy
Flying to Finland has always intrigued me. The promise of Nordic charm, pristine nature, and quiet sophistication drew me in. But instead of heading straight to Helsinki like most travelers, I wanted something different — something smaller, more local, more immersive. That’s when I set my sights on Turku. Turku isn’t Finland’s capital, but it’s …
Riverside Views, Nordic Design, and Old Town Charm: My Personal Guide to Turku’s Unique Stays
As someone who’s constantly chasing that magical blend of comfort, style, and local charm when I travel, Turku, Finland completely surprised me. This southwestern city, once Finland’s capital and still a major cultural hub, has a laid-back elegance that seeps into its hospitality scene. From riverside boutique hotels to impeccably designed modern stays and atmospheric …
Iceland Has Flavor Too: 10 Must-Try Local Dishes That Changed My Perspective
When I first set foot in Iceland, I was expecting dramatic landscapes, gushing waterfalls, and the magical northern lights. What I didn’t expect, however, was how deeply I’d fall in love with the local food scene. Iceland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of culinary destinations, but after …