Some of our TOP Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Travel Out There operate?
We began our operations in Riga in 2004 and expanded into Lithuania and Estonia in 2006. In 2010, Travel Out There began working in Belgrade, Prague, Krakow and Budapest. There are plans in place for further expansion into some of Europe’s most exciting up-and-coming destinations in the future.
Is your money safe if you book online?
Reputations are built upon reputations! We have an excellent reputation in both the Baltic States and abroad. If any company in this industry cheats its customers then you soon get to hear about it. Our own website allows people to post comments about their experiences, while travel forums also offer open access to people to post their opinions about us and other companies.
Do they use Euros in the Baltic States?
Estonia adopted the euro on January 1, 2011. The euro will replace the Estonian Kroon. Latvia and Lithuania, meanwhile, have their own unique currencies – the Lat and the Lit.
There are 100 santimi in a Latvian Lat. Lat notes come in denominations as large as 500 lats (approximately 700 euros)
Lithuanian Litas and the Latvian Lat are likely to remain in use for several more years before either of the two countries joins the euro.
We advise all our clients to take advantage of ATM machines, which can be found all over the three Baltic States.
Is the weather ‘Baltic’ all year round?
Far from it! Although temperatures can dip to as low as minus thirty around February time, the 2009 winter was the mildest on record with snow only arriving in January. Mind you, in winter 2010, the Baltics then experienced the coldest winter on record! Spring and autumn are similar to Western Europe, but with greater temperature extremes. Summers can be positively balmy, on occasion, with temperatures reaching +30 Centigrade in 2009, while in summer 2010 temperatures topped 30 degrees on around 20 days in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
What are the health and visa entry requirements in the Baltics?
Citizens of EU countries do not need a visa to enter any of the Baltic countries. UK visitors are permitted to stay for up to 90 days in any six-month period. All visitors are advised to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before they set off.
You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. No injections are required for visitors although Tick-borne encephalitis is a problem in Latvia, especially in some parts of the countryside during the summer months from May to August. If in doubt, you should consult your GP about inoculations against Tick-Borne Encephalitis. If you plan to visit the Baltic countryside during the summer months, be sure to bring plenty of mosquito-repellent!! Elderly travellers should be aware that temperatures can drop to as low as minus 30 degrees in winter.
Isn’t the food a bit strange?
Perhaps the only thing that is really strange about the food is that it isn’t strange! The three Baltic capitals offer a dizzying selection of international restaurants including Tibetan and Uzbek, as well as the usual suspects – namely, Italian, Chinese and Indian. It’s never easy being a vegetarian anywhere but most restaurant owners are beginning to recognise that providing veggie menu options makes good business sense.
Is it safe?
Crime levels are generally lower in the Baltic States than they are in Western Europe.
But I’ve heard reports about people getting in to trouble in Riga. Is there anything I should be worried about?
There has been some media coverage about a number of male tourists becoming involved in trouble during their stay in Riga. These incidents have occurred inside some of the city’s strip clubs, so if in doubt, stay clear of strip clubs. For more information be sure to check out our Riga Do’s and Don’ts page.
Won’t it be a problem if I can’t speak the local language?
Not unless you are planning to marry a local! English is in widespread use. In fact, some ex-pats complain that they aren’t able to improve their language skills because the locals invariably reply to them in English. Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian are quite distinct languages, which are not similar, as many people believe, to the Russian language.
This said, there is probably no greater compliment to local people than if you try to speak their language. For a few pointers on the Latvian and Estonian languages click on the links.
How can I get around while I’m on holiday?
Most of the major sites can be reached on foot, but an extensive and cheap public transport system exists in all three Baltic countries. Taxis are rarely in short supply, although some have a reputation as rip-off merchants. But never fear! We offer transfers from the airport to your hotel in Riga, Tallinn or Vilnius.
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