I love to travel with friends, family, and at times alone, but the task of planning a trip is overwhelming with the hours I work. So this is when journey beyond destination, is ideal for me. They plan individual or small group trips with experiences small workshops, tours and built in individual time to explore and soak in the culture and surroundings . My experience in Latvia was absolutely wonderful! It’s amazing how sometimes a destination that wasn't on my radar turns out to be such a gem. Latvia offered the perfect mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation. The Art Nouveau architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming blend of old and new city vibes is really enticing.
I also enjoyed the local cuisine especially the seafood. I appreciated that many local shops focus on authentic, Latvian-made products. Its a really rich cultural experience and the artists are enthusiastic about their products which many are handcrafted right in the area. The country is small enough that the trip includes travel to small towns and cities outside Riga which were fairytale like with castles and quaint streets. There were bread makers, shops with handmade goods and wonderful cuisine. The drive to the Baltic sea was beautiful and the added bonus of a magnificent sunset while walking along the shore was not to be missed.
Being in a small group or individual trip works well for me and one can imagine how much easier it is to be able to immerse myself in the experience when all the details are thoughtfully planned out. Its a perfect balance of guided exploration and personal time to discover things.
If you ever think about visiting other off-the-beaten-path destinations, check out journey beyond destination where the leg work , personal experience and connection has already been made in the planning of the trip. My recommendation is go because you will love it. Linda Davis Parsons 2024 MA, USA