Author: Riikka

Hei! I'm Riikka, a Finnish slow traveller with a passion for immersing myself in local cultures: I've lived extended periods in Scotland, Sweden, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Latvia and my latest stop: Italy (I've surprised even myself with this one!). At 40, I've figured out that my favourite type of travel isn't about racing through a list of must-sees, but about really getting to know a place – its history, its people, and why they do the things they do.

A wooden signpost with colorful arrows pointing in different directions, indicating distances to various destinations around the world. Locations include Kathmandu, Patagonia, Fermo, Galway, Toronto, Sydney, and Seattle, with handwritten text and small illustrations on each sign. A woven straw hat sits atop the post, and travel brochures are displayed in the background.

Hostel life Travel tips

The Ultimate Guide to Hostel Life

Posted onMarch 2, 2025March 2, 2025

Hostel life 101! From booking the right stay to surviving dorms and saving money, this guide has everything you need to know before your first hostel trip

A ginger cat with soft, fluffy fur is peacefully sleeping on a white bed. Its head is slightly tilted, eyes closed, and one paw stretched out in front. The relaxed pose and content expression make for a cozy and calming scene.

Hostel life Travel tips

Sleeping in Hostels: How to Actually Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Posted onMarch 2, 2025March 2, 2025

Struggling with sleep in hostels? Learn how to block out noise, pick the best dorm, and stick to your routine so you can wake up refreshed.

A glass display case in the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia featuring an old surveillance device used by the KGB to monitor conversations in Hotel Latvia. The exhibit includes a newspaper, an intercepted letter, and explanatory text in Latvian and English. The dim lighting and red backdrop emphasize the secrecy of Soviet-era surveillance.

Latvia Europe

A Comprehensive Guide to Museums in Riga

Posted onJanuary 29, 2025January 29, 2025

Riga is home to a surprising variety of museums, from history and art to unique medical collections. Explore Latvia’s stories and culture!

Latvia Europe

Discovering the Best Coffee in Riga: A Surprising Twist

Posted onJanuary 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Discover the best coffee in Riga, Latvia: from the corner stores and supermarkets. Affordable and perfect for coffee lovers exploring the city!

An upward view of St. Peter's Church in Riga, featuring its iconic spire illuminated in warm light against the evening sky. Strings of hanging lights add a cozy ambiance, contrasting with the brick architecture and modern adjacent buildings.

Latvia Europe

The Best of Riga: Things to Do, See, and Experience

Posted onJanuary 9, 2025July 12, 2025 Updated onJuly 12, 2025

Discover the top things to do in Riga with this guide! Explore over 30 must-visit attractions and hidden gems, plus a few you can skip in Latvia’s capital.

Europe Estonia

Exploring Tallinn’s Christmas Market: Highlights and Impressions

Posted onDecember 24, 2024November 26, 2025 Updated onNovember 26, 2025

Wondering if the Christmas Market in Tallinn is worth a visit i 2025? Read my thoughts here!