Estonia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is a developed country with an advanced, high-income economy and part of the European Union and in 2011 was ranked among the fastest-growing in the EU. As a part of the Union, the country accepts the Euro. Even not so well known the country is pretty tech-savvy. Some of the most known companies started in this country are Skype, Hotmail, Transferwise, Veriff and others.
The best time to visit this Baltic country is late spring or summer when the weather is good enough to allow you to explore the cities by combining some great outdoors. Traveling to Estonia is perfect for all types of outdoor lovers.
Summers are short – from around mid-June to late August, but even then you can experience showers and chilly nights. It is recommended to pack a waterproof jacket and warm sweater alongside your T-shirts.
The first snowfalls usually can be expected around mid-November.
The reasons to visit Estonia are countless. But before you book your trip to Estonia, here a few things you may want to know:
Currency
The euro is the official currency of Estonia, which is a member of the European Union. ATMs are available throughout the country and credit cards are widely accepted, but you can expect to pay with cash or pay with your phone, most of the time. Half of all point of sale transactions in Estonia were done with cash in 2016, according to the European Central Banks in comparison to the rest of the EU where on average, 75% of POS transactions were made with cash.
Technology in Estonia
Estonia is one of the top tech countries in Europe. You’ll have WiFi pretty much everywhere you go. Internet access is widely available throughout the country. Based on Estonian World Estonia is ranked 15th in world fastest internet speed. The electrical outlet is standard as the rest of Europe, so you can use your European adapter.
Language
The official language of Estonia is Estonian, a Uralic language which is related to Finnish. It is unrelated to the bordering Russian and Latvian languages, both of which are Indo-European.
Prices
Estonia is still a budget travel destination in Europe. The prices in Tallinn have increased in the past couple of years, but still affordable.
Safety
Estonia is pretty safe to travel to. Its crime rates are mostly low, but of course in bigger cities and the capital city of Tallinn, you have to be more cautious about areas to avoid pickpockets, or other types of assault.
Cuisine
The traditional cuisine of Estonia uses meat and potatoes varieties. There are a lot of soups, seafood, of course, meat. Estonian food is heavily influenced by its nearby neighbors. Many types of food are close to Russian. Kohuke is a great Estonian snack. It is a milk-curd sweet covered with chocolate.
The most typical foods in Estonia are black bread, pork, and potatoes. Estonians are proud of their beer and vodka.
Transportation
Estonia is a small country and it is, therefore, very easy to get around. The majority of the travel throughout the country is by bus. However, some of the islands require a car in order to fully explore them.
Reccomendations: Travel Insurance – Don’t forget about getting travel insurance when you are traveling since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Visas – Many countries do not need a visa in order to enter Estonia, for any stays shorter than 90 days. If it is longer than that, you might need to acquire a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you plan on return. You can always check your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com
If you have your own tips on what not do, when you visit Estonia, please share them in the comment below. I would love to hear about your experience.
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The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic. The islands are characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas.
The Azores islands are consistently ranked as one of the best, most sustainable, and most affordable island travel destinations in Europe. Located between Europe and North America, the Azores are the perfect island getaway for those looking for a unique and beautiful destination.
There is plenty to see and do (and eat) throughout the nine islands to keep the most ambitious traveler busy and beyond satisfied; here’s just a starter.
Lets explore the top 10 things to do in the Azores:
Photo Credit: Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal | ARoxo/Moment/Getty Images
Azores Geopark
The Azores Geopark is a network of 121 geographically-dispersed sites of geographic heritage and marine areas that covers the nine volcanic islands of the archipelago of the Azores, representating the archipelago’s vast and varied volcanic geodiversity. There’s no place quite as geologically interesting and breathtaking as the Azores Geopark.
The natural beauty in the park includes about 300 volcanic cavities, underwater geothermal sources, fumarolic fields, crater lakes, dry calderas and so much more.
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering the world of wild dolphins and whale, then look no further. Many species of whale and dolphin pass by the Azores on their annual migrations. The Azores attracts huge numbers of dolphins and whale, many of whom are very interactive both with boats and swimmers. Whale are, undeniably, one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful and majestic creatures, so it’s only natural to want to see these marvelous animals up close and personal.
This is of the most unforgettable experiences for the whole family includes sailing through the Atlantic in search of these majestic marine mammals. Most of the islands have guided tours available. The largest of the nine islands, Sao Miguel — some of the biggest highlights lie in the vast ocean that surrounds it. And probably the easiest way there with companies in Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo.
April through June is the best time to see blue whales, but you can still see other kinds of whales and dolphins the rest of the year-round.
The waters that surround the Azores are a diver’s paradise, filled with all sorts of fish species and amazing rock formations, but diving isn’t a year-round pursuit. Each island brings something different to the table: For diving enthusiasts, the very best can be found in the waters of Terceira, near the old port of Angra do Heroísmo in Terceira there’s an underwater anchor graveyard of ancient ship anchors and marine life like eagle rays and octopus, while the awesome topography of Pico Island continues beneath the waves with sheer volcanic cliffs.
Off São Miguel there are volcanic canyons at low depth, providing habitat for octopuses and triggerfish.
Throughout the islands, there are more than 100 diving spots with over 3,000 marine species, vertical walls, clean waters and incredible encounters with manta rays, mobulas and even whale sharks.
You can dive the Azores any time of the year, but the best offshore dive sites are only really accessible during the summer.
There’s a lagoon in the middle fed by the ocean on the landward side, and so completely shielded from the ocean currents. This strange, beautiful spot fills up quickly on sunny days. You can take a short boat ride from the Pier of Vila Franca do Campo to get to this amazing location
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. You can enjoy an afternoon on the slopes of the ancient caldera or go for a swim within the Islet’s crater. This tiny island is just a kilometer away from São Miguel’s coast. Spot beautiful and vibrant vegetation, a gorgeous lagoon shielded from the ocean’s currents, and marvel at the natural cone that the islet creates.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sete Cidades Caldera
This landscape has been shaped by successive volcanic events over the last 38,000 years. The last eruption might have been as recent as the 1400s, just before the island was colonized.
Nothing can prepare you for the astonishing views of the Sete Cidades Massif on the west side of São Miguel Island. Twin green and blue lakes are ensconced in evergreen vegetation and shielded by a massive volcanic crater that rises like ramparts is one of the scenic highlights of the Azores. Sitting inside the crater of an extinct volcano, a bridge divides the lake into two sections. They each have quite distinct colors. Visit on a clear day if possible, as that’s when you’ll get those perfect breathtaking views.
The natural beauty of this twin lake is breathtaking with lively hues of green blanketing the surrounding landscapes. The twin lakes, which are relatively small and are ecologically unique, are connected by a small square and can be crossed via a small bridge. They are known simply as the Green Lake and the Blue Lake
Boca do Inferno translates as the Mouth of Hell, is likely to be one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever visited. With just a few minutes walk, you’ll see a breathtaking panorama that you can’t imagine.
You can see the small town of Sete Cidades visible in the distance, and it’s one of the best places on Sao Miguel to see how volcanic activity has shaped the island.
If you are driving, don’t park in the car park off the main road, but continue driving on the dirt road opposite for a few minutes until you reach the end. The dirt road runs along the top of the caldera, and you walk walk directly alongside where you park the car.
Photo Credit: Tiago Ferreira / Flickr
Terra Nostra Park
A visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens is like spending time in a secret paradise tucked away at the Azores, one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Over 200 years old, the Terra Nostra Gardens are internationally renowned for their incredible beauty which is showcased in a sprawling 31-acre complex. Visitors to the gardens can see beautiful plant life from all over the world such as Rhododendrons from Malaysia, a collection of Cycads and Camellias, the exceptional Victoria Cruziana, and even over 300 kinds of ferns. Full of tropical and subtropical plants from the Azores and around the world, it’s easy to spend an hour or more exploring these large, impressive gardens.
Terra Nostra Park The Botanical Park´s next highlight is the famous thermal water pool. The volcanic hot spring nourishes the pool with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Photo Credit: madeinazores.eu
Pico Island Wine Country
With all of the volcanos surrounding the Azorean islands, the Pico Island Wine Country has been producing world-class wine since the 15th century. The stone homes and stone-walled vineyards that were built to protect the 2,439 acres of vineyard from fierce Atlantic winds and surges of salty ocean water from centuries ago can still be seen today in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Criação Velha wine region, in the municipality of Madalena.
Tour the vineyards with a local guide during the day and spend the late afternoons and evenings sipping and tasting all of the gorgeous wines that Pico Island has to offer.
Photo Credit: wikipedia
Montanha do Pico
At Pico Island you can climb the mountain, 2351 meters (7713 feet) above sea level. The Montanha do Pico is one of the highest Atlantic mountains, it’s the tallest in Portugal and twice the elevation of any other peak in the Azores. The Montanha do Pico is classified as a basaltic stratovolcano and was declared a nature reserve in 1982 because of its spectacular beauty and wildlife. With a summit that often disappears into the cloud.
You can climb the mountain in the afternoon so you can see the sunset when you are in the top or enjoy a remarkable view of the Faial, Graciosa, São Jorge and Terceria Islands. The steep, nearly 3-mile trek takes about three hours. In addition to magnificent vistas, you’ll see lava tubes and fascinating rock formations too.
The Montanha do Pico is classified as a basaltic stratovolcano and was declared a nature reserve in 1982 because of its spectacular beauty and wildlife.
Photo Credit: azoresontravel.com
Poca da Dona Beija
Take a break from your tour of Sao Miguel with a relaxing swim at Poca Da Dona Beija, a small spa featuring three natural pools of iron-rich water known for its therapeutic properties. Fed by a series of hot springs, the small pools remain at about 39 C (102 F), an ideal temperature for soothing tense muscles and easing pains associated with chronic rheumatism.
Today, Poca da Dona Beija has been lovingly renovated and update to exude a rustic charm with its brick pools that are fringed by vibrant tropical vegetation. After the hot bath, you can enjoy the tropical landscaping and the gift shop of the facility. Keep in mind that the yellowish water can leave stains on your clothes.
Photo Credit: Jorge Santos / olhares.sapo.pt
Lagoa das Furnas
There are three spectacular lakes on São Miguel Island and one of them is the Lagoa das Furnas. Lagoa das Furnas is unique in scenery and experiences. One of the most unique features of Lagoa das Furnas is the clear and amazing sign of volcanic activity that takes place on the lake’s northwestern shore. Furnas is the place to visit if you want to see the hot springs. It has an active caldera with steam vents, mud pots and geysers, locals cook food in earth ovens available in picnic areas. This hot spring and most touristy city of the island is situated in the east inland of Sao Miguel in the middle of mountains and forest.
On a raised boardwalk guests can navigate to get a great view of the small calderas and pools at the lake spouting steam.
These small craters are even used by restaurant chefs in the town of Furnas who bring their pots of cozido (meat and vegetable stew) and let them simmer in the hot ground. And after that you may be enticed to head to town to taste traditional food cooked with volcanic activity.
Check this official video about Azores from VisitPortugal. Don’t forget to check their Youtube channel for more and unforgettable videos about Portugal.
Zürich or Zurich is the largest city, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history.
Zurich is famous for luxurious lifestyles, high-end shopping, and fancy chocolates.
Why visit Zurich
Zurich has for years ranked among the world’s top cities in terms of quality of life. Permanently settled for around 2000 years, the history of Zurich goes back to its founding by the Romans.
Cultural diversity
Zurich is a mixed hub for railways, roads, and air traffic – both Zurich airport and railway station are the largest and busiest in the country.
Zurich is a culturally and ethnically diverse city – 31% of the city’s population are foreign nationals, 39% are born abroad and 61% have a migration background. The most important sector in the economy of
Zurich is the service industry, which employs nearly four-fifths of workers.
The City’s current strategy prioritizes culture that reaches Zurich’s diverse mix of citizens, ranging across age, ethnicity, and neighborhoods.
In order to provide an interesting and compelling cultural program for such a wide range of citizens, Zürich offers a well-balanced range of established cultural venues, temporary project spaces and recurring events.
Visit the bars and club scene
With 500 bars and clubs in a relatively small city, you’ll have many options to go out and have a good time. People of all ages love to go out and socialize in upscale bars like Kaufleuten, Acapulco, a ’70s-themed bar, and Pur Pur.
Zurich’s nightlife offers classy clubs, casual and alternative bars, as well as live-music venues. The main nightlife areas are Niederdorf in the old town, the streets around Langstrasse and Zurich West.
The city’s extraordinary Badi Bars also deserve attention.
Visit Marc Chagall’s stained glass windows in Fraumunster church.
Marc Chagall created 5 windows for the Fraumünster church in Zurich. Today the windows are world-famous and captivate visitors. In the 1970s, Belarussian-born Marc Chagall created a five-part stained-glass window series and a rosette for the chancel of the Fraumünster church in Zurich.
The windows are best seen in the bright morning light as all five stained-glass windows illuminate the entire church.
The Fraumunster Church is located in Zürich’s city center. The church was built in 853.
The Altstadt Old Town is the most beautiful area in Zurich. The Old Town is divided into two parts from the river. Here you can find houses from medieval times, great beautifully presented historic cafes, restaurants, and shops. Here is also the highest concentration of clubs in Switzerland.
This beautiful Historic Centre is home to a number of architecturally impressive buildings.
Photo credit: Zoo Zürich, Marcel Fierz, 2003
See the Masoala Rainforest Hall at Zurich Zoo
If you have kids with you you, you’ll want to visit the 36,000-square-foot Masoala Rainforest Hall, known as the only rainforest in Europe. It’s presenting the living species of Madagascar, where you can see wildlife, ferns, rubber trees, insects and even fish.
The Zoo Zürich is a zoo located in Zurich, Switzerland conveniently accessible from Zürich city center. The building costs were financed with donated funds, and the volume of the shelter is 200,000 cubic meters. With the small rainforest ecosystem, the Masoala Rainforest became an actual conservation center with the capability of offer animals and over 500 plant species.
Zoo Zurich operates a tree nursery in the Masoala Rainforest, and it produces over a hundred young trees and bushes that are pricked out in the Masoala Rainforest.
The shopping
Zurich has built up a reputation as a shopping city. Some of the places you have to visit are the Bahnhofstrasse: a pedestrianized street, where you’ll find many world-famous brands as well as large, impressive department stores, Teddy’s Souvenir Shop has a broad selection of traditional crafts and souvenirs from all over Switzerland. In the side streets and alleys of the Old Town, you’ll find interesting stores selling a wide range of unique curios.
Zurich offers a great selection of restaurants where you can try traditional Swiss dishes or international cuisine.
You can try Guild House for traditional cuisine like Zurcher Geshnetzeltes or you can head up to Zurich West, where you can find many stylish restaurants with impressive décor.
Gateway to explore central Switzerland
Central Switzerland is the cradle of Switzerland where its origins were founded in 1291. The area can be reached quickly and easily from all parts of Switzerland.
You can take so many great day-trips close to Zürich and explore the Rhine Falls (the largest waterfall in Europe), the beautiful and historic city of Lucerne, and endless Mount Titlis.
The alps are only a short distance away, and you can often see them in the distance.
The annual Street Parade is a must for house and techno music lovers. The Parade is one of the country’s biggest party events on the year and you can see 30 decorated trucks in a 2.4-kilometre route around Lake Zurich.
Lindenhof
Photo credit: Max Stolbinsky / Flickr
The Lindenhof is a moraine hill and a public square in the historic center of Zürich
This is a very large and peaceful plaza with many linden trees and benches that make it perfect for picnics. Great views of the city abound. The Romans royals would stay here when traveling in the region. You can check out the replica Roman tombstone in Pfalzgasse out of the square.
The Switzerland Travel System provides a dedicated range of travel passes and tickets for visitors.
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