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Where to Go in Finland Beyond Helsinki for Medieval History and Creative Dining

When most of us think of Finland, chances are you’re imagining Helsinki, the picturesque capital. And truth be told, it’s likely that many of us can’t name any other cities in the Nordic nation aside from the capital. But Finland is filled with a myriad of hidden gem destinations, ranging from an outdoor lovers paradise to a city steeped in Finnish history.

Fresh air and natural beauty are just some of the many reasons to visit the happiest country in the world, but we’d be remiss not to mention that there’s plenty of culture to experience in broader Finland’s cities, including Rovaniemi, the capital of the Lapland region; the quaint wooden town of Porvoo; and the former Finnish capital of Turku. Make sure your Finland itinerary includes time for all three and they might just make Finland your new favorite European destination to visit again and again.

When to Visit Finland

To experience Finland’s wide range of snow activities, visit from late November to March, when the average temperatures range from low to mid-30s. For warm weather jet skiing, horseback riding, and comfortable strolls through town, opt for a late May through early August trip. Make reservations on the early side if you plan to visit during May to August, since tourism is at its height in the countryside during this time.

Rovaniemi

Fans of the great outdoors adore Rovaniemi. The city is filled with outdoor activities for both the cooler and warmer months, making it a great place to disconnect from the[……]

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3-MINUTE TRAVEL GUIDE:MAASTRICHT, NETHERLANDS

DON’T FORGET TO PACK Clothes that layer easily (weather can change drastically throughout the day), waterproof coat/shoes, a belt (you may lose a few inches by walking/biking/eating healthier food), a bag that fits budget airline dimensions for weekend trips, favorite snacks from home, and skincare/makeup (there are fewer options in the Netherlands). Most important, leave extra room in your bag to bring items home!

BEST LEFT AT HOME Athleisure clothes, too many pairs of shoes (takes up a lot of room), heels/uncomfortable shoes.

WHERE TO LIVE The UM Guesthouse, which is specifically for exchange students at Maastricht University. The rooms are spacious and a 10-minute bike ride from everything in Maastricht. You will meet students from all over the world while living here!

BEST EATS NEAR CAMPUS Bread & More for the best ready-made sandwiches in the city center,

Soup Bros for homemade soup made from organic, locally-grown ingredients,

With Love Burrito if you find yourself missing the Mexican food in California, and

Cafe Frape, which serves over 500 types of beer. Tell the staff what flavors you prefer, and they will give you recommendations.

FAVORITE NETHERLANDER ACTIVITY Picnics in the Stadspark when the weather is nice, walking along the medieval city walls, shopping at the weekly farmers market, people-watching at one of the many cafes in the city center, karaoke at Peter’s Irish Pub, not doing any work after 5 PM.

WHERE TO STUDY So many places! Here are my fav[……]

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Top 15 Unique Places to Stay in Iceland: Cool Places to Stay

Iceland is a land of stunning natural beauty, from its glaciers and volcanoes to its black sand beaches and lava fields. But what if you want to experience something even more unique? If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable vacation, you should consider the many unique places to stay in Iceland.

What are unique places to stay in Iceland?

Unique places to stay in Iceland are accommodations that offer a unique experience or have unique features. This could include hotels, lodges, cabins, or other types of accommodations that are off-the-beaten-path or offer something special that you won’t find anywhere else.

Why stay in a unique place in Iceland?

There are many reasons why you might want to stay in a unique place in Iceland. Maybe you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, or maybe you want to stay somewhere that’s more eco-friendly or sustainable. Whatever your reason, there’s sure to be a unique place in Iceland that’s perfect for you.

Here are some of the benefits of staying in a unique place in Iceland:

You’ll get to experience something truly unique and memorable.

You’ll be supporting local businesses and communities.

You’ll be helping to protect the environment.

You’ll get to stay somewhere that’s more off-the-beaten-path and less crowded.

Here are some of the challenges of staying in a unique place in Iceland:

They can be more expensive than traditional hotels.

They may be more difficult to book, especially during peak season.

They may not ha[……]

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