Latina’s Handbook To Exploring The Baltics

This Latina’s Handbook To Exploring the Baltics provides you with the ultimate tools you need to explore the countries of Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia.

Each of the Baltic countries were surprisingly unique from each other. Despite them being so close together, their similar history and being younger /smaller European countries. Admittedly, my friend and I feared that every country would seem similar but oh how wrong we were. Every stop felt like we were in a different country and left us creating lasting memories as female travelers.

Join me as I show you how to curate your own Baltics adventure as a Latina, female traveler or girlfriend duo below:

Plan Your Baltics Adventure

Flight	Stay	Do	Drive
Skyscanner	Agoda	GetYourGuide	Rentalcars.com

Baltics Travel Tips

Money Accepted:	Credit cards are accepted in most places with many ATMs available if you do need cash.
Safety In The Baltics:	Being a female traveler of Latina descent, I experienced a strong sense of security while exploring the Baltics. Regardless of the time, day, or location, my Italian friend and I explored without experiencing any feelings of danger or concern related to our gender. If you’re contemplating a solo journey as a female traveler, I wholeheartedly endorse Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Friendly To Tourists/Latinas:	Despite the language barrier at times, the Baltics history and Soviet ties, locals admittedly do seem more serious. Regardless, we experienced very friendly locals during our trip. They loved that I was American even if they didn’t know where Guatemala was and were even more excited to know we had chosen to visit the Baltics.
Length Of Stay:	Lithuania – 3 days if only visiting Vilnius & 5 days if you want to explore more cities in this Baltic country. Latvia – 2 days for Riga & 4 days if you want to explore outside of the capital. Estonia – 4 to 5 days can have you cover the top highlights of the country. BONUS: Consider extending your trip and visiting Helsinki, Finland for 2-3 days. It is a short 2-hour ferry from the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. Read my guide on visiting Helsinki on a short stay.

Ways To Travel Between The Baltic Countries

Fly	Check out cheap flights using Skyscanner – your new and trustworthy travel companion.
Train	I booked trains using Omni and they were very reliable and affordable.
Car Rental	Depending on the number in your group and what else you plan to see, renting a car may be a cheaper option. Book your CAR RENTAL.
Flexbus	Flexbus operates in the Baltics with many routes and busses available throughout the day. Find your bus journey.

Baltics Trip Itinerary

Lithuania:	Vilnius – 2 days Druskininku – 2 days Trakai – 1 day
Latvia:	Riga – 2 days Barefoot Trail – 1 day Sigulda – 1 day
Estonia:	Parnu – 2 days Tallinn – 2 days
Finland:	Helsinki – 3 days Tampere – 2 days

Latina’s Handbook To Exploring the Baltics

Exploring Lithuania

Our week journey through Lithuania led us to the enchanting trio of Vilnius, Druskininkai, and Trakai. With the assistance of my friend’s colleague we immersed ourselves in the culture and found out why these cities hold a special place in the hearts of the locals.

Vilnius, reminiscent of Austria but more budget-friendly, offers quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants along with a remarkable array of churches for enthusiasts to explore.

Druskininkai, a renowned spa town, invites visitors to indulge in mineral water treatments and unique experiences, including an evening water show with rock music.

A quick one-hour train ride transports you to the serene old capital of Trakai, where a stunning lake, castle on Pilies Sala island, and the Karaim people’s cultural heritage await.

These three cities left us with lasting memories of Lithuania’s appeal.

Read the full Lithuania Like A Local: Insider Tips For Must-See Places & Experiences here.

Exploring Latvia

As a travel blogger, I never expected tiny Latvia to capture my attention, until I heard about the nearly 2-mile barefoot nature trail in Ķemeri National Park. This sold me on a Baltic trip to try this unique experience and discover Latvia’s history and culture. Over 4 days I traveled across Latvia, from walking barefoot through lush landscapes to exploring vibrant cities like Riga and Sigulda. I found out that this little country packs rich rewards into a small space.

Read the full Latvia: Blogger’s 4-Day Insights here.

Exploring Estonia

Let’s dive into Estonia, starting with Tallinn and Parnu. Tallinn’s medieval vibe welcomed us as we also saw the ever changing landscape in the Telliskiv neighborhood, where we stayed in a revamped sleeper train for a unique experience. We explored the city’s history on a walking tour and met friendly locals like Yuman, our Greether in Tallinn. And we couldn’t miss unwinding in Parnu, Estonia’s summer capital. Enjoying the sandy beaches and top-notch spas at Estonia Medical Spa & Hotel was such a treat. It was the perfect costal break.

Read the full Beyond Tallinn Exploring Estonia Culture & Landscapes here.

Want to discover where else you can visit in Europe?

See my Travel Guides Section for tips and recommendations for other bordering cities from the Baltics including Hungary and Finland. Learn how to get there, where to stay, eat and what to do!