Sandwiched by Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is often assimilated to its neighbouring Baltic states, mistakenly. At the crossroads of east and west, and close to Scandinavia, Latvia is still building its identity and its capital Riga is an off-the-beaten path gem waiting to be discovered.
Author: bestregardsfromfar
Travel inspirators: eclectic content, in-depth articles, inspiring photos.
Salmon farms: good or bad?
In Norway, digging more into the fish-farming industry. Problem or solution?
A city trip to off-the-beaten-path Leuven
Explore Leuven, Belgium, a lovely off-the-beaten path student town with great vibes, a lovely architecture and interesting museums. Check out insider’s tips, inc. an exclusive bike loop in this article to make the most of your visit!
13 fun & interesting facts about Leuven
Check out these fun and interesting facts about Leuven, a hidden gem in Belgium! Did you know any of them?
The REAL North Cape [don’t be fooled!!]
The North Cape is NOT the northermost point of continental Europe… Don’t get fooled, and find out where to really go… It is a real adventure!
12 fun & interesting facts you did not know about Tallinn
The picturesque capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is full of surprises! Off the beaten path, discover it through our 12 fun & interesting facts and let them be an inspiration for your next trip!
Soviet Tallinn
The lovely Tallinn was under harsh Soviet occupation for most of the 20th century. Explore the city and try to grasp it through this rather uncomfortable prism.
Top 5 mountain biking adventures in Norway
For the best views and best trails, either in the remoteness, or close to cities… Check out the top 5 mountain biking trails of Norway!
Is Rovaniemi, Lapland worth it?
Beyond Santa’s office, what is there to do in Lapland’s capital? Here is your guide…
Mountain biking in the tracks of the CIA and reindeer in true wilderness [Norway]
The best trail of Norway (for hikers & mountain bikers), in the footsteps of the CIA and reindeer in the remote wilderness!
10 fun facts about Santa
10 fun facts about Santa, after interviewing him in his office in Rovaniemi, Lapland!…
15 fun & interesting facts from the North!
15 exclusive fun and interesting facts brought back after 2 months spent above the Arctic Circle!… Did you know any?
Whale, whale, whale: safari time!
Embark in a sea safari to spot the ocean’s apex predator & Earth’s largest predator!
Have you heard the Big Bang! in Leuven?
The BANG! festival in Leuven taking place throughout the city will challenge you… Ready for the Big Bang?
3 days in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic
Explore Tromso, the gateay to the Arctic with these indoor & outdoor ideas!
Authentic Lofoten
Text: Claire LessiauPhotographs: Claire Lessiau & Marcella van Alphen Hamnøya, Lofoten, 1900s The ice-cold winds howl through the planks. The fishing nets and gear hanging in the adjacent room make the whole cabin humid. The stinking cod liver oil lamp provides a gloomy light. There is no escape from the pungent smell of cods hanging…
Goat climbing & stockfish tasting in Lofoten!
Truly experience Lofoten and the Svolvær area, from rock climbing, hiking to tasting the local stockfish and staying in cute fishermen’s cabins!
Your 4-day itinerary in Norway’s Tuscany!
Wheat fields, churches on hilltops, slow food from local farmers… you are in Norway! Slow down and enjoy!
The vibes of Trondheim & its must-visits
Charming Trondheim is lovely to visit. Know where to hang out and its must-see places!
In the footsteps of Olaf the Bloody, the Saint Viking & eternal King of Norway [around Trondheim]
Impossible to visit Norway and not hear about Olaf the Holy… Let the eternal king of the country, bloody viking, and saint be your guide in teh Trondheim area!
Cracks under pressure: The Blue Ice Hike
Scientists forecast that by 2200, 90% of Norway’s glaciers will have disappeared. It is about time to explore one!
Face-to-face with Norway’s predators [Polar Park, Tromsø]
Get to know the fascinating predators of Scandinavia!
The 6 must-visit Stave Churches of Norway
A trip to Norway is not complete without visiting Norway’s unique contribution to the world architecture. Know what to expect and which stave churches to visit!
Meeting romantic Norway deep in Telemark
The ideal Norway according to Norwegians: explore lovely Telemark!
Bergen in 11 fun facts
A fun way of exploring Bergen!
11 fun facts you did not know about Norwegian Stave Churches
As Norwegians like reminding it, their 100-percent wood Stave Churches are Norway’s unique contribution to the world heritage. How much do you know about them?
Touching Permafrost, Ice Tunnel & Norse Mythology
The ice tunnel in Norway is the best place to discover the ins and outs of this world of ice and the fragile climate balance. Touch climate change yourself!
72 hours in Bergen
While many just spend a few hours in town, Bergen is a very attaching city that is worth exploring…
On the roof of Northern Europe [Galdhøpiggen]
Hike up the roof of Northern Europe and discover the superpowers of the fauna & flora in this polar climate!
Musk ox safari in the Norwegian mountains
Observe the only musk ox population of Norway!
The white gold that shaped today’s Norway [Odda/Trolltunga]
The face of Norway changed drastically thanks to hydropower. Walk in the footsteps of its pioneers in Odda & Tyssedal, close to Trolltunga.
12 interesting facts about Delft [& insider’s tips!]
Delft is worth so much more than the few hours most travellers spend in the charming city. Get inspired, and get insider’s tips about the city of Vermeer & Delft Blue!
Truly experience Delft Blue at Royal Delft!
More than a simple visit, experiencing a workshop at Royal Delft is a way to grasp the complex Delft Blue making process.
Antwerp: A Must for Book Lovers!
Between the Plantin Moretus museum, stamped UNESCO twice, and the most beautiful library of Belgium, Antwerp is definitely a miust-visit for book lovers!
La Sainte Chapelle, Paris’ jewel
The 13th century Sainte Chapelle, built in a record time to host Christianity’s most precious relics, is a magical place to admire world’s most beautiful stained-glass windows, only a stone’s throw away from Notre Dame de Paris. Probably one of the most breath-taking moments you will have in the city of lights…
Take the 12-question diamond quiz [Antwerp]!
Text: Claire LessiauPhotographs: Marcella van Alphen & Claire Lessiau The history of Antwerp’s diamond industry starts in the fifteenth century, when rough diamonds arriving from India were brought first to the city of Bruges and then to Antwerp, where they were polished and set in jewellery for nobility and the city’s rich traders.
La Conciergerie, Paris: 10 facts why you should visit
Often disregarded with its stunning neighbour, La Sainte Chapelle, being visitor’s favourite, La Conciergerie is a marvel of gothic architecture with one of the most beautiful medieval halls of Europe. It is definitely worth a visit, and here are some interesting facts that will spice it up!
Let Rubens guide you in his hometown of Antwerp
What better way to discover Antwerp than to follow in the footsteps of its greatest master, Pieter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)! Admire his artwork, visit his house, meet his friends and discover the places he frequented during the Golden Age of the harbour city on the Scheldt River.
The harbour of Antwerp through past & present [with GPS track]
Exclusive tour of the harbour of Antwerp, Europe’s second largest, between capsize bulk carriers and cute villages surrounded by nature.
The best Wine Route of South Africa!
Explore the best wine route of South Africa, a stone’s throw away from Cape Town. Here is your comprehensive guide to the Constantia Wine Region!
Inside the Chefs Warehouse in Cape Town & around
Discover these fantastic restaurants in Cape Town and surroundings – a must for anyone even remotely interested in food and visiting Cape Town!
Rhino facts – all you need to know about rhinos [Africa’s Big 5 series]
Increase your chances of spotting black and white rhinos on your next safari (and be able to tell them apart!) by learning facts about their behaviour!
In the tracks of wildlife in Africa
Better than going on a safari and staying in the car, go deep into the bush to study tracks and trail wildlife. An enriching once-in-a-lifetime learning experience with amazing sightings!
5 nature destinations in the UK you need to visit
With the UK still being seriously hit by COVID-19, and its borders still being closed to travellers, we are happy to offer you a sneak preview of five beautiful nature escapes on the island…
Up close and personal with rhinos
Step into the South African bush for a special encounter with the Rhino Whisperer…
In the footsteps of the rock artists of the Drakensberg [South Africa]
Admire this precious open-air museum created by the San people, the first nation of South Africa.
Your guide to Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is an off-the-beaten path National Park in Utah that is definitely worth visiting…
Visit Claude Monet’s finest masterpiece [Giverny & more]
Dive into Claude Monet’s universe with a visit of his beloved garden that set the stage for the master’s most famous paintings!
Unique: Swimming with penguins [Boulders Beach, Cape Town]
The only place in the world where you can swim with penguins!
GPS-powered articles – literally on the go! [GPSmyCity]
We are taking our articles to the next level! We are proud to announce that we have started converting some of our articles into an app that will allow you to make the most of them: in this app, our articles are GPS-powered!
Best regards from far, 