Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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About the Baltics

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania offer captivating experiences for travelers, rich in history and culture. Estonia’s Tallinn, with its medieval Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Latvia’s Riga boasts stunning Art Nouveau architecture and a picturesque Old Town. Lithuania’s Vilnius, with its baroque architecture and the striking Gediminas Castle, is a cultural gem. The Baltic States are home to breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, vibrant festivals, and charming villages, making them perfect destinations for culture and history lovers.

Overview

Capital cities:

Estonia- Tallin

Latvia- Riga

Lithuania: Vilnius

Time Zone: Eastern European Time (UTC- 2:00)

Emergency Number: 112

Currency: Euro (€)

Outlet Type: Type F (Schuko) outlets

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Packing List

Language

Estonian:

  • Tere – Hello
  • Aitäh – Thank you
  • Palun – Please / You’re welcome
  • Kuidas sul läheb? – How are you?
  • Jah – Yes
  • Ei – No
  • Head aega – Goodbye
  • Vabandust – Excuse me / Sorry

Latvian:

  • Sveiki – Hello
  • Paldies – Thank you
  • Lūdzu – Please / You’re welcome
  • Kā tev klājas? – How are you?
  • Jā – Yes
  • Nē – No
  • Uz redzēšanos – Goodbye
  • Atvainojiet – Excuse me / Sorry

Lithuanian:

  • Sveiki – Hello
  • Ačiū – Thank you
  • Prašau – Please / You’re welcome
  • Kaip sekasi? – How are you?
  • Taip – Yes
  • Ne – No
  • Sudie – Goodbye
  • Atsiprašau – Excuse me / Sorry
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Fun Facts

Estonia:

  1. World’s First E-Country: Estonia is known for its digital innovation and was the first country to offer e-residency, allowing global entrepreneurs to manage businesses online.
  2. Over 1,500 Islands: Estonia has more than 1,500 islands, many of which are uninhabited and perfect for nature lovers.
  3. Tallinn's Old Town: Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  4. Saunas Everywhere: Estonia has a deep sauna culture, with over 100,000 saunas in the country, almost one for every 5 people.
  5. Midsummer Festival: "Jaanipäev" or Midsummer is a massive celebration in Estonia, marking the summer solstice with bonfires and traditional dances.

Latvia:

  1. Riga's Art Nouveau Architecture: Riga is home to one of the largest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  2. Latvia is Green: About 50% of Latvia is covered by forests, making it one of the greenest countries in Europe.
  3. Home to the Oldest Song Festival: The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is one of the world’s oldest and largest amateur choral events, dating back to 1873.
  4. Lake District: Latvia has over 2,000 lakes, making it a stunning destination for nature enthusiasts.
  5. Latvian Language: The Latvian language is one of the oldest in the world, with deep roots in the ancient Baltic languages.

Lithuania:

  1. The Hill of Crosses: Lithuania is home to the famous Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site with thousands of crosses placed by visitors from around the world.
  2. First to Declare Independence: Lithuania was the first country to declare independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.
  3. Vilnius Old Town: The historic Old Town of Vilnius is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe.
  4. Basketball Obsessed: Lithuania is often referred to as the “basketball capital of Europe,” with the sport being the most popular and widely followed.
  5. Lithuania’s Pagan Roots: Lithuania was the last country in Europe to officially adopt Christianity, only doing so in 1387, preserving many ancient pagan traditions.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $4-5 per person/per day
Drivers USD $4-5 per person/per day
Restaurants  USD $4-5 per person/per day

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling. To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Yes, tap water in all three countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) is generally safe to drink and meets EU safety standards. If you're in a more rural or remote area, it’s always good to check locally.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, visit click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! 

 

What does public transportation look like?

  • Estonia: Public transportation is excellent in Tallinn and other major cities, with buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Tallinn also has a free public transport system for residents, and visitors can buy passes.
  • Latvia: Riga has an efficient system of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Buses and minibuses serve rural areas.
  • Lithuania: Vilnius has an extensive bus and trolleybus network, and Kaunas has a smaller system. Public transport is also available in other cities.
  • Tip: Tickets are often available through mobile apps, and you may need to validate them when boarding. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are widely available as well.

 

How much should I pack? The amount to pack depends on the season and activities. In general:

    • Summer (June to August): Light clothing, a jacket for cooler evenings, and sunscreen.
    • Winter (December to February): Warm layers, heavy coat, gloves, scarf, and sturdy shoes.
    • Spring/Fall (March-May, September-November): Layered clothing to accommodate changing temperatures.
  • Don’t forget essentials like comfortable walking shoes, a power adapter, and a camera for sightseeing.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? Uber is available in Estonia (Tallinn), Latvia (Riga), and Lithuania (Vilnius) but Lyft is not. In these cities, Uber is the primary ride-sharing app, and Bolt (formerly Taxify) is also popular.

 

What about Wifi? Wi-Fi is widely available in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public places offer free Wi-Fi. Estonia is known for its advanced digital infrastructure, and Wi-Fi is often readily available even in remote areas. It’s good to check with your accommodation or look for public Wi-Fi hotspots if needed. Some airports also provide free Wi-Fi for travelers.

Luggage Restrictions

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Book With Confidence

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