Embark on a solo journey to Vilnius, a metropolis that embraces single vacationers with its wealthy historical past, vibrant arts scene, and heat hospitality.
It didn’t appear ‘proper’ to know subsequent to nothing about the place I got here from.
As solely the third technology born within the United States, my ties to Lithuania ought to have been stronger.
However they weren’t; they had been non-existent.
The language was misplaced, familial ties had been misplaced, and – save for a number of household tales handed right down to me from my aunt – even the precise place the place my household had lived was a thriller.
So, what’s a woman to do when she has nothing however overflowing curiosity about her heritage? And at that, a heritage that’s not taught about in our American historical past courses and books?
A heritage rooted in a tiny Baltic nation in Jap Europe that many could be hard-pressed to find on a map?
Effectively, I can inform you what I did. I flew there to research. I fell so deeply in love with my nation and grew a lot in my understanding of myself that I now journey again each likelihood I get.
As a now frequent customer, I nonetheless discover so many issues to do in Vilnius and past.
Let me share with you why I like to journey in Lithuania, and why I wholeheartedly advocate this nation for solo journey. Maybe, after studying, you’ll take into account visiting, too.
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Fast data: solo journey to Vilnius, Lithuania
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Is solo journey to Vilnius protected?
You is perhaps shocked to study that I’d advocate solo journey in Lithuania to anybody – not simply these of us who’ve Lithuanian blood in our veins!
A part of the marvel of journey, a minimum of for me, is discovering unknown locations, sights, flavors, and sounds.
Lithuania has all of that in spades since most of us don’t develop up studying something in regards to the Baltics.
Lithuania and its neighbors have skilled many struggles, comparable to back-to-back occupations, and have fought exhausting for his or her freedom.
These struggles are a part of what makes Lithuania so peaceable. The native individuals appear to stay quiet, joyful lives.
The streets are protected – I’ve walked alone in any respect hours with no points. I’ve taken public transportation throughout.
I’ve rented a automobile and road-tripped the nation. And I’ve explored many alternative cities and villages utterly alone.
As with every vacation spot, solo vacationers ought to pay attention to their environment, and you must all the time belief your intestine.
However general, the dangers of touring listed here are low. Violent crime is rare and there aren’t any particular cities or areas that vacationers ought to make sure to keep away from.
Quite the opposite, all vacationers, even solo females, ought to discover bigger cities and small rural cities. You’ll discover tons of historical past, limitless inexperienced landscapes, and even quirky spots that deserve a glance.
Is Vilnius good for solo journey?
After I deliberate my first-ever journey, it took lots of analysis.
This was each attributable to my want-to-see-it-all perspective and the truth that it wasn’t (and nonetheless isn’t) some of the closely visited European cities.
I had a lengthy record of sights that I simply couldn’t stay with out seeing, and it took numerous effort to find learn how to get from right here to there.
Fortunately, issues have modified fairly a bit since then. Public transportation is far simpler to navigate these days, obscure spots are rather less obscure, and mapping out your itinerary can be fairly straightforward these days.
Most worldwide guests will fly into the worldwide airport within the capital metropolis, Vilnius, like I did.
That is not a kind of cities you must spend one night time in and go away as rapidly as doable. This can be a capital metropolis you should discover.
Vilnius has a big selection of sights to see
There are simply so many issues to do in Vilnius. The distinction between the centuries-old structure and the close by fashionable, hip cafes is an invited visible.
Within the arts district, you’ll discover conventional Amber jewellery (a Lithuanian specialty) in addition to colourful, quirky galleries. There’s something right here for everybody!
Cathedral Sq., for instance, is likely one of the most well-known assembly factors in all of Vilnius, and you’re prone to move by this spot a number of instances throughout your keep.
The extensive open space is commonly used for festivals all year long, and in the event you’re fortunate you would possibly simply get to take part in a single.
The Cathedral of St Stanislav and St Vladislav is the official title of this iconic white constructing. Step inside for a visible deal with.
Then, head over to the tall and breathtaking bell tower, close by. Many guests usually are not conscious – you possibly can truly climb this bell tower, and I extremely advocate doing so!
It’s lots like climbing to the highest of a lighthouse, and the panoramic views of Vilnius are spectacular.
The St. Anne’s and St. Bernardine’s Church Complicated are additionally sights to see. Each time I’ve stepped foot in Lithuania, I’ve made it some extent to cease inside these beautiful but contrasting church buildings.
Each are free to enter, and the interiors are equally beautiful. It’s value noting that Lithuania is a Catholic nation. Whether or not you’re Catholic or not, add these to your itinerary, stat!
St. Anne’s church is constructed within the Gothic type and showcases tall, ornate spires. It’s believed to have been constructed within the late fifteenth century by architect Benedikt Rejt from Prague.
The outside of the church has remained unchanged since then. The inside has had some maintenance, and extra fashionable parts had been added within the twentieth century.
To not be overshadowed, the spectacular St. Bernardine is true subsequent door. This huge and strange neighborhood was in-built a shiny and eccentric type.
Seeing these two very completely different church buildings aspect by aspect highlights the distinction and sweetness.
Vilnius has a deep historical past
Lithuania’s historical past, after many occupations, is lengthy and tough. The Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights in Vilnius tells the story of those struggles.
Although a darkish and somber expertise, this museum is probably going THE MOST vital cease you’ll make in Vilnius.
On a private notice, this museum opened my eyes to all that Lithuania has been by.
Phrases can’t categorical all that I felt, however suffice it to say that there was huge respect, a great deal of unhappiness, a little bit of pleasure, and a eager understanding of precisely the place I got here from.
This museum takes you thru the chronology of all-too-recent atrocities that occurred in Lithuania over time from each Soviet and German occupations.
This museum taught me issues I might by no means have identified about Lithuania’s historical past and resiliency.
Every ground options images of historic individuals and occasions, and is jam-packed stuffed with a lot data it’s overwhelming.
The basement holds a former KGB jail and – chillingly – an execution room. It’s extremely haunting however so vital in the event you actually need to perceive the Lithuanian individuals.
For those who journey outdoors of Vilnius, Kaunas is one other metropolis stuffed with historic sights and museums. For historical past lovers, Vilnius and Kaunas ought to be on the prime of your record.
Vilnius has unbelievable meals!
I do want to the touch on the standard meals right here, as a result of after all your strolling and studying in regards to the nation, you’re certain to wish some gas.
One shock spotlight I found on my first journey to Lithuania was the delicacies.
Etno Dvaras is the primary restaurant in Lithuania to have its dishes licensed by the Lithuanian Culinary Heritage Fund.
So, in the event you seize a meal right here, know that you can be consuming genuine Lithuanian treats cooked in conventional methods.
Probably the most well-liked meals in Lithuania is cepelinai, that are gargantuan-sized dumplings manufactured from potato flour, and full of meats or cheeses.
Sure, the cheese model is vegetarian, and it’s scrumptious. These are like no different dumplings on earth, although – the “partitions” are extraordinarily thick, and they’ll fill you up rapidly!
Brilliant pink beetroot soup and potato pancakes with dill are on a regular basis staples as effectively.
Lithuania can also be well-known for its beer. In case you are a beer drinker, don’t skip the native favourite, Švyturys.
Vilnius is affordable to go to
I’m additionally joyful to report that Vilnius, and all of Lithuania, are extraordinarily cheap. Although they’re on the Euro, you will see considerably cheaper price than discovered nearly wherever in western Europe.
Yow will discover resorts and guesthouses for effectively beneath $50 per night time, relying in your wants, and hostel beds are fairly low cost.
A full dinner with extra meals than you possibly can end is perhaps round $12 USD. And souvenirs are very inexpensive too.
On my final go to, I obtained a heat and fluffy winter scarf that was high quality for $20, and little question it might be greater than double the value within the US.
So whilst you can splurge and discover extra luxurious lodging in Vilnius, you actually don’t have to and might truly get by fairly low cost.
Easy accessibility to different off-the-beaten-path international locations
Lithuania is certainly one of three Baltic international locations, joined by Estonia and Latvia. Latvia and Lithuania share borders, and Estonia is simply north of Latvia.
Many guests highway journey by the three Baltics, and I extremely advocate doing so!
Alternately, Lithuania shares borders with Belarus and Poland, that are additionally thrilling escapes I’ve taken.
So, how do I really feel about Lithuania now after having visited many instances over?
I nonetheless get extraordinarily excited when my aircraft first touches down. I nonetheless really feel like its “dwelling.” I nonetheless study a brand new reality or observe mannerisms that make my upbringing make sense.
And, I’ve since took my father to discover his personal heritage right here, and can quickly be taking different prolonged relations to Lithuania subsequent.
It’s unusual to be from a rustic that you recognize nothing about. I’m joyful to say that’s not the case! And that I’ll maintain going again, as a lot as doable, to study much more.
TALK TO TRISHA
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I’ve been giving professional and real recommendation to solo vacationers and digital nomads for the final 15 years. You select the vacation spot and I’ll reply all of your questions!
