Estonia

[Ozpacka]

Shit, sorry...

anyone got any reasons for visiting estonia/latvia/belarus/lithuania?

let me know if yourve travelled through these areas, or will i have to be the first and let you guys know whats going down...


Leeroy.

p.s. Anyone know the best way to get to malta from mainland italy.

[cliffo]

I'm planning to go to Estonia but mainly just to get a Russian visa but will be sure to check out the sites while there. I'll be going to Tallinn - not sure whats there but i'm sure i'll find some fun and interesting things to do.

What's you reason for wanting to go there out of curiosity? - just because you can if you anything like me

[worldwidemike]

Hey Fixx,

I spend a day in Talinn, Estonia, as part of Baltic cruise a few years back. It is a really cool looking town. The castle/fortifications are fairly well restored and have these quaint red peaked roofs, and the view from atop, looking out over the city is pretty cool.

I remember the girls were good looking, too!

Lithuania has lots of neat churches, too, like Estonia. My favorite place there was Trakeit -- a historical area with a lake castle and various other ruins. Nice view of it from the shore, and vice versa.

And if you'll excuse the plug, you can always check out my website for my travelogue and impressions of those places...

"Shameless self-promoter" worldwidemike

[Sijuki]

As far as getting to Malta, I am pretty sure you can take the boat from Naples. I don't remember how long of a trip they said it was. But that is how I am looking to get there.

When are you going on this trip Fixxera? Cause it sounds relatively similar to mine.

[Ozpacka]

Heading out in May dude...

Just trying to work out the time frame and logistics of it all now, which is even harder than trying to work out what i wanted to see/do.

Keep ya posted once i got a rough idea on itinery.

Leeroy

[npabga]

Greetings Fixxxera,

I was lucky enough to spend to days one night in Estonia about two months ago, Tallinn specifically. Ok it was cold, but you should enjoy yourself in May. I heard good things about Turku (a university town, so a lot fo students), but I couldn't go with my schedule.

But in Estonia I stayed at Beatra Hostel, it was ok, about 200 EEKs Estonian Currency, so about 15 bucks at the time. It was fine...since I was the only person there. expect it to be kind of tough in May, since there is only one bathroom. Vanna Tom's is also nearby...a bit more expensive 35 EEKs, but you get a free breakfast, which I heard is really good. Maybe a selling point, there is a strip club upstaires. Both are not far from the old city hall in the old town (my memory isn't the best)

After leaving Estonia I met some people who told me about a little hostel off of Urs (sp?) street just on the border of the old town (old town hostel or something)...10 Euros off season, 12 Euros during the peak season. But it is small and will be crowded with bunks.

Lithania was great (about 6-7 days, Kaunus, Vilnius, Trakai, Anukshchai) as was Latvia (2 days in Riga)...For Lithuania I stayed spent the night in Vilnius and did day trips to the other cities. I stayed at old town hostel, it was really cool with good people (and a clean kitchen!) and in Riga I stayed at P.O.S.H-which is the best bet for budget travellers.

Best of luck and keep us updated. If you need something more specific I'll try to help. I do recommend buses for getting around, especially in the Baltic states.

Sorry I can't help you with Belarus, I did not want to deal with visas, and I already had a short schedule anyways. but if you have the time, I think Grodno, Brest, and most improtantly Minsk would be good. Just expect to experience something "Soviet" there though.

How about Russia?

I am sure you'll enjoy yourself!

[Ozpacka]

Thanks for all the info guys..

Yah, just starting to narrow down some countries i had on my list, but i am going to leave estonia on there for sure. Probably scrub off belarus, unless something unusal happens and i really want to go there. Russia would be good, probably just make st. petersburg and moscow the main objectives there.

I'd expect i can see a great deal of europe with a 3 month budget. So, yeah, ill keep ya all posted.

Thanks again
Leeroy.

[Sijuki]

I started planning with a three month trip to see Europe, but slowly it kept extending itself. More so with seeing certain things or to have specific weather. I am now up to 7-12 months depending on how much I can save. But 3 months will be a great overview, especially of main attractions I think.

[Ozpacka]

Sijuki...

How'd you go with that info regarding getting to Malta...

Can't seem to find a budget friendly way of getting there... even *cheap* flights there from Rome are 250euro.

Hmmm, i will keep looking...
Leeroy.