If you want to learn about Riga’s and Latvia’s modern history (and I did), there are a few museums that will provide you with a lot of information. Latvia’s history since independence after World War I to occupation by the Soviets in 1940, Nazi Germany in 1941 and again by the Soviets in 1944, until […]
We recently returned to Hong Kong for a weekend trip and we also returned to the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong. It sits in an enviable spot with stunning harbor views, offers great rooms and service and is even available with IHG Rewards points, making it a great deal in an expensive city!
My second hotel in Riga, as part of my Baltic Explorer trip, was the Radisson Blu Daugava hotel. I had picked it based on value alone – at 15,000 points for two nights (a value of $30/night), and I didn’t expect a whole lot. It turned out to be a great bargain upscale hotel in
One of the things that makes Riga unique among the Baltic cities is the large number of Art Noveau (or Jugendstil) buildings in the city – there are 950 buildings in that architectural style, making up 40% of the old cities buildings! While it was common across European cities at the beginning of the 20th
You only have one day in Bangkok, the City of Angels, and need the perfect itinerary for one day in Bangkok to make the most of your time? No problem, you can enjoy a fun river tour, see a historical palace and temple, enjoy great Thai food and a uniquely Thai market – all in
While the Baltics and Riga are not known as a wine region, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good glass of wine or two. In fact, you can even do a wine tasting of sorts or even better do a meal with your own wine pairings! Wine Easy is a type of concept
There has been a lot of news coverage about a scam at Manila’s NAIA airport, in which security staff places a bullet in travelers luggage and then extorts a “fine” from the traveler or threatens to jail them if they don’t pay. This can of course be nerve-wracking and spoil your trip. I have traveled
Visiting Riga without a walk through the old town is like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower – the old town is the historic heart of the town, inviting visitors and locals alike with its cobblestone streets, churches and beautifully restored buildings. It’s situated between the Daugava river on the one side and a
The Radisson Blu Ridzene was my first hotel in Riga, part of my Baltic Explorer trip. I wanted to stay in the best location in Riga and was looking for a comfortable hotel without paying a fortune. I had picked the Ridzene out of four Radisson Blu hotels in Riga it turned out to deliver:
KLM (KL) is the flag carrier of the Netherlands (read the facts & figures here). Since their merger with Air France, they are one of the biggest carriers in Europe and the world and they serve destinations around the world. I had a good experience on two recent flights – they offer a solid Economy class
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier of the Netherlands and the oldest airline still operating under their original name, since 1919! I have flown them a few times and have all the facts and figures below, to see if they are a good fit for your travel plans!
If you are tired after a walking tour of Tallinn’s Old Town or are stuck on a rainy day, you can check out the Kalev Spa & Wellness Center. It’s operated by the Kalev hotel and sits on the border of the Old Town and the new city center. You have access to a water