If you want to explore Reykjavik or perhaps whole Iceland you are at the right place. This guide gives you an insight about which are the best places to stay in Reykjavik, the smallest capital of the Nordic countries.

Tourism in Reykjavik: Overview

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, but still a small sized city on a world scale. It has approximately 125.000 inhabitants and lays on 273 km2. It is located on the shores of the Nordic sea in the Southwestern part of Iceland.

Iceland has several domestic airports just one major international hub, Keflavík International Airport which is 50 km far from Reykjavik. The Keflavík Airport is growing exponentially in recent years, as low cost airlines are investing in routes to Iceland. Visiting Iceland might also be a good idea if you are traveling from North America to Europe and vice versa. WOW Air is a low cost carrier from Iceland and has great flights connecting Iceland to other countries.

If you are flying to Osaka you can find the cheapest flights on Jetradar. For those looking to rent a car in Osaka, check RentalCars.com.

There are different coaches available from the airport to reach Reykjavik. The other common solution is to rent a car right at the airport. If you are up to an adventure you can take a ferry or a cruise from some of the major cities on the Nordic sea to get to Reykjavik.

Reykjavik welcomed more than 2 millions tourists in 2017 and the numbers are growing. Each year more and more people are interested in the amazing nature around the city and the unique cultural inheritance of the Vikings.

Best Place to Stay in Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, and it is easy to get around by foot. There are 10 districts in the city, but most of the sights and museum are in the Downtown area or very close.

Downtown

Downtown is the best area to enjoy your stay in Reykjavik. It offers entertainment to everyone by the perfect combination of cultural programs and nightlife joy. The area around the Lake Tjörnin is a good reference to your stay in Reykjavik. This small lake is pretty central, surrounded by beautiful buildings and gives shelter approximately for 50 different types of birds. Its location, right next to City Hall, is not just a sight by itself but the home of the Tourist information centre. Some of the best areas in downtown Reykjavik are 101 Reykjavik and Vesturbær.

If you are interested in Iceland’s culture and history you should definitely visit the National Museum of Iceland. If you are more into modern architecture you cannot miss the Harpa, the full glass concert hall of Reykjavik. You can see the city’s breathtaking view from the tower of the Hallgrímskirkja Church. If you are looking for a great restaurant and a special experience visit the Perlan museum. It offers a real size model of a glacier cave and a 360o panorama of the city.

From the harbour of Reykjavik there are several boat trips available. You can go on a whale watching tour or checking out the puffins at the nearby islands. Perhaps the most famous phenomenon you can see here is the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. Boats are going out almost every night to catch the amazing view.

Budget Accommodation in Reykjavik

Reykjavik Downtown HI Hostel  – one of the best budget accommodation options in Reykjavik.

Hotels in Reykjavik

Kvosin Downtown Hotel – just a short walk to the Lake Tjörnin, this property is an excellent choice to stay in Reykjavik.

Hotel Ódinsvé – another excellent option to stay in a very central area of Reykjavik.

Cost of Travel in Reykjavik

The prices in Reykjavik are above average but the city is also extraordinary. The cheapest option is staying in a hostel, and you can expect prices similar to those in other Nordic capitals. There are, however, hotels in all price ranges, including luxurious ones.

A lunch menu in the city can cost around 2500 ISK. A la carte choices and dinner courses are more expensive, but also cheaper meals are available in street food trucks and fast food restaurants.

Public transport is fairly priced for its reliable services. A day ticket costs 1700 ISK a 3 day pass is 4000 ISK. However most of the tourists just walk around the city or take a bike during the summer months.

You can consider purchasing a Reykjavik city card which contains the public transport and free entrance of some of the sights and the thermal pools. Some of the sights are free anyway, but others require 1500 kronors or more for entrance.

Best Months to Visit Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s winter is not as cold as you would imagine the average temperature is around 0 0C normally. However it could go down under -15 celsius degrees time to time. On the other hand the summer is not really hot, with the hottest days hovering around 25 celsius degrees but it is more likely around 15 oC. The climate of the autumn and spring stays somewhere in between.

As in most of the nordic cities during the summer there are extra long hours of sunshine and never ending felt darkness in the winter. But these long dark hours let you admire the amazing Northern Lights and enjoy all the winter activities such us the glacier caves.

In the summer you can participate in great programs like Icelandic pony riding and hiking around the wonderful national parks of the island. All of them are easily reachable from Reykjavik after you discovered the museums and the harbour.

Other Resources for Traveling in Northern Europe

If you are traveling in Northern Europe you may want to check our guides to this region. Check where to stay in Oslo and the best places to stay in Stockholm.

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If you are considering moving to Spain, you probably have already some reasons to like the country. But, before we get to the actual possibilities and requirements, let’s analyze the advantages and disadvantages of living in Spain:

Advantages of Living in Spain

Great Weather and Nature: Spain has one of the best climates in Western Europe. Not only that, it has one of the most diverse landscapes in the continent. From snow covered peaks to beaches to deserts and forests, Spain has it all. More than that, you don’t have to travel much to find all these options.

Delicious Affordable Restaurants and Nightlife: Spain is famous for its tapas, its cuisine and its nightlife in general. Prices are also pretty affordable and you can have a decent meal Menu del Dia for around 10 euros in most of the cities.

Safety: Spain is pretty safe. It is in fact one of the safest countries in Western Europe, and much safer than the United States. This is especially truth if you are going to smaller cities outside of the Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia axis.

Relatively Affordable Cost of Living: Spain cost of living is also relatively low for Western European standards. This is especially true if you considering to live in any city except the capital and Barcelona. Real estate is affordable, and rentals are easy to find.

Relaxed Immigration Policies: Immigration policies in Spain are considerably more relaxed when compared to other Western European countries like the UK or Germany.

Disadvantages of Living in Spain

High Taxes: Spain has currently one of the highest tax burdens in the world. High taxes affect almost all types of residents, but some less than others. Passive residence or retired people will certainly pay less taxes in Spain compared to business people or employees.

Bureaucracy: Spain, like most European Latin countries is pretty bureaucratic. The bureaucracy is not only complex in itself, but also lengthy. Expect each and every possible of moving to Spain to be quite slow, including those to be done before arriving in the country.

Faltering Economy: It is no surprise that having high taxes and overwhelming bureaucracy would affect any country’s economy. That happens in Spain, that has one of the highest unemployment rates in the European Union. Salaries are also lower than most other Western European countries.

How to Immigrate to Spain

Before we analyze each one of the options to live in Spain, let’s consider some broad aspects that apply to almost every type of residence permit.

First of all, it is important to stress that those below are only for non-EU citizens. If you are an EU citizen you will have everything much easier. The requirements are usually lower or non existent.

Now, let’s check one by one all of the options to immigrate to Spain as a non-EU citizen.

Regardless if you are an EEA citizen or not, you will have to acquire at some point a Spanish NIE. More information about the NIE and how to obtain it is available here.

Immigrate to Spain as a Student

Studying in Spain can be a great idea if you are a non-EU citizen. Tuition fees are much lower than in countries like USA, Canada or UK, and Spain has world class universities.

The financial requirements to study in Spain are also quite low. You have show that you have 6500 euros available to cover your expenses to get the first visa and residence permit as a student. Apart from that, the other basic requirements usually apply.

Immigrate to Spain based on Employment

One of the most popular options to acquire residence in Spain is through employment (trabajo por cuenta ajena).

The main document you will need for this visa depends on your employer. He will have to apply for your initial residence and work permit.

Apart from that, you will have to apply in your country of residency, and not in Spain, like most visas/residence permits.

Immigrate to Spain to Retire

If you want to retire in Spain, the most suitable visa is the one below (non economically active person visa/residence permit).

Immigrate to Spain as non Economically Active Person

This is a great option if you don’t want to run business or have a job in Spain. It applies well if you are living off investments, or if you are a shareholder of a company abroad and earn dividends from it. It is also a great option if you live from income originated on real estate rentals for example. The name of this residency in Spanish is residencia no lucrativa.

The main requisite to acquire this type of residence is to prove you have enough money to qualify. Currently, this sum is at %400 of the IPREM annually.

The IPREM is currently at 537,84 euros per month. 400% of that times 12 months is roughly 25,776 euros. This amount may vary depending on where you apply and what type of income you have.

You will also need a private health insurance to go along with your application. A clean criminal record is also required.

Immigrate to Spain as an Entrepreneur

If you want to move to Spain as an Entrepreneur, you basically have two options.

The first option is the visa to work by your own means (trabajo por cuenta propria). This visa is rather complicated, as the number of documents required is quite high.

Among those, one can expect to provide qualifications needed to run your business. Those usually are a university degree, but this will heavily depend on which type of business you will start.

You will also need to provide a business plan featuring the amount of money to be invested, the projected revenue, etc.

The second option is the investor visa (see below). You can also qualify for it if the amount of money you will invest, will be in a business. The amounts for this type of business are much higher as opposed to the one to work by your own means.

Immigrate to Spain as an Investor

Another option, if cash is not a constraint, is to immigrate to Spain as an investor. The so called Spanish Golden Visa, has quite high requirements in terms of capital. The advantage is that the process is less bureaucratic and you may get it quicker than going through the other alternatives.

Investments to get this type of residence permit start at 500,000 Euros and can be as high as 1 million Euros. The cheapest option require the applicant to invest 500,000 euros in Spanish real estate.

Once you get this visa you will also acquire the right to work or manage business in Spain.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

As of 2023, it is also possible to move to Spain, at least temporarily with the new Spanish digital nomad visa.

Residence After Residing a Number of Years Illegally

As I mentioned above, Spain has one of the most relaxed immigration policies in Europe. If you have lived in Spain for a number of years illegally and you have a job, you can get a residence permit and make your status legal. The name of this residence permit is Residencia por Arraigo.

Residence Based on the Citizenship of a Family Member

You can also apply for residence in Spain if one of your immediate relatives is living/will be living you in Spain and he is Spanish or EEA citizen.

This usually applies for married couples. But it can also apply to couples (pareja de echo) and persons with some other specific types of family ties.

Spanish Citizenship by Naturalization

If you live a certain number of years in Spain, you will be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship.

Usually, you will need to live in Spain for 10 years before you will be able to apply for Spanish citizenship. The number of years can be reduced significantly if you fall into some specific categories.

You can apply after 2 years if you are a ciziten of Ibero-America(most Latin American countries), Portugal, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea and the Philippines.

If you are married to a Spanish citizen you can apply after 1 year (as long as both of you are living in Spain).

More Information about Residency in Spain

If you want further information you can check the official Spanish Government website regarding living in Spain (in Spanish).

Other Resources to Travel and Live in Spain

If you are considering moving to Spain check our articles on how to retire in Spain. You can also check our guide on the cost of living in Madrid.

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Are you in Milan and want to get to Zurich? The guide below will analyze the best ways to get from Milan to Zurich, including bus and train options.

Milan to Zurich: The Route

Zurich, also known as The portal to the Alps, is the financial center of Switzerland and it is also the main transportation hub in the country. The swiss city is also a great scientific and educational center. The largest city in Switzerland is also known for its high quality of life in the world, and has a high concentration of millionaires.

Milan on the other hand, has an equally important relevance in its country, Italy. Apart from being the Italian financial center, it is also an important European hub for fashion.

Both Milan and Zurich are definitely worth to visit if you are coming to Western Europe. The Zurich Kloten Airport as well as the Milan Malpensa Airport are excellent points of entry to Europe, being served with many intercontinental flights.

If you are starting your journey in Europe from Milan or Zurich, check and book tickets on Jetradar.

The Distance

The distance between Zurich and Milan by land is only 282 kilometers or 175 miles.

Milan to Zurich by Bus

Taking the bus is the cheapest option when traveling from Milan to Zurich. If you are on a budget, and want to visit as many European cities as possible for less money, this is the option for you. The ticket price for one way starts from 14 euro the travel duration is around 4 hours.

If you want to get the best out of your trip, travel by day to see the beautiful scenery throughout your ride. You will be crossing the Alps and it would be a shame not to see that view, even if part of the trip goes through tunnels. When traveling by bus through Europe, Flixbus is always a good choice. The buses have wi-fi, toilets, Air conditioning, plug sockets and extra legroom. You can also get a ticket discount if you are a student.

The best option to buy bus tickets is using the Trainline website.

Milan to Zurich by Train

This is the most common and popular way of traveling from Milan to Switzerland. You can travel from Milan to Zurich in two ways. There are three ways to travel on this route by train. With a direct EuroCity train, a regional Italian train and then another in Switzerland, and the Bernina Express.

The first option is the most convenient, choosing the EuroCity train. These run several times a day (almost at once every hour) and you will start your journey at the iconic Milano Centrale Station. In Zurich you will arrive at the Zurich Central Station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof). Prices for this trip usually start at 39 EUR (one way).

The second option is taking a regional train to Lugano or Bellinzona. Both these cities are in Switzerland. Then you can take an InterCity train to Zurich. Lugano is especially beautiful and definitely worth the stop. This option may be slightly cheaper than the EC train, but that is not guaranteed.

The third option is traveling by The Bernina Express. The Bernina Express is the most scenic Swiss train. The main difference between these and regular trains are enormous windows on each side of the train. If you choose to take this route, you will have a chance to see the breathtaking icy Switzerland and sunny Italy. You will go through over 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, and see the beautiful Alps and forests. In order to see all of this, you will need to switch trains a few times.

The Bernina Express is the most expensive option for those going by train.

If you want to buy regular train ticket, you can do it on Trenitalia or on Trainline.

If you want to travel by Bernina Express, you can buy on the Bernina Express Website.

 Milan to Zurich by Plane

Despite its relative short distance, it is possible to travel by plane from Milan to Zurich. SWISS international airlines and its subsidiaries (Edelweiss and Helvetica) operate on this route. The travel duration is of slightly less than one hour.

The disadvantage of traveling by plane are the traveling from and to the airports in both Milan and Zurich. Another thing you should consider are the prices. Traveling from Milan to Zurich by plane costs considerably more than the options by train and bus.

You can book your tickets on Jetradar.

Milan to Zurich by Car

The most flexible way of traveling is for sure by car. Both Zurich and Milan are in the Schengen area, so you can drive your rental car through the border without any problem. Renting a car in Italy is considerably cheaper than in Switzerland, so I definitely recommend it..

If you do not have one, you can rent it online and pick it up in Milan at RentalCars.com.

Hotels in Milan

Hotel Mondial – an excellent choice if you are traveling by train to Milan. The Hotel Mondial is just a short walk to the Milano Centrale Station.

Hotel Milano Navigli – as the name says, a great accommodation option in the Navigli area with pretty price to quality ratio.

Hotels in Zurich

Sorell Hotel Rütli – A great accommodation option, located at a walking distance to the ETH University. This mid-sized property is ideal to enjoy all the aspects of the old town without worrying about transportation.

Hotel Bristol Zurich – This great budget option is located 5 minutes from the Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Main Railway Station). It is a great option to enjoy the old town and also if you have an early train the next morning.

Other resources for travelling in Italy and Switzerland

If you are traveling to Milan and Zurich you might want to check some of our other guides to Italy and Switzerland. Check where to stay in Milan and the best places to stay in Florence. You can also read our post on how to travel from Milan to Florence and from Zurich to Liechtenstein.

Are you already in Italy or traveling to the country soon? Leave your thoughts and questions in the comment box below.

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The city’s rich variety means that there’s always plenty to entertain a visitor but it’s also a great base for exploring the area. By choosing to base your visit around a holiday accommodation in Lisbon, you have the option of choosing city-based pleasures one day, or a trip to the beach another day. There is no other European city with such an outstanding range of beaches within an hour’s drive or less.

Here are some of the best.

Praia dos Galapinhos

Sometimes called ‘the most beautiful beach in Europe’, this out of the way wonder is just an hour’s drive from Lisbon. Its spectacular crescent of white sand is reached either by a challengingly steep goat path or by a scramble over the rocks, from the neighboring beach, at low tide.

Its inaccessibility and lack of facilities have ensured that the beach has not been spoiled by over commercialization. The calm, clear waters are set against a backdrop of the lush hills of the Parque Natural Arrabida. An incredible, peaceful location in which you can really get away from everything.

Praia da Ursa

Taking its name from the two huge stacks at the northern end of the beach, which are said to resemble a bear and her cub, this is another unspoilt little treasure of a beach.

The westernmost beach in mainland Europe, Praia da Ursa is on the Atlantic west coast of Portugal, just north of Cabo da Roca and around 45 minutes by car from Lisbon.

Access, via a steep path, is difficult and there are no facilities on the beach, so you need to come with provisions for the day. Cold water and strong waves mean that this is a beach for sunbathing, rather than swimming.

Praia de Carcavelos

By contrast, Praia de Carcavelos is an easily accessible beach, just 26 minutes by train from Lisbon, with extensive tourist facilities.

The vast golden sands and clean sea make this a popular choice for family outings. The water can be cold but there are good waves for surfing and though the beach is always lively it is rarely crowded.

Praia de Sao Joao

One of the best beaches on the 15km stretch of the Costa da Caparica, this 1.4 km sandy beach offers great waves and plenty of bars and restaurants. Situated on the Iberian Peninsula it’s an easy 30-minute drive from Lisbon.

Praia do Tamariz

One of the most popular beaches in the area, this family beach is situated in the resort town of Estoril.

This may not be the most spectacular of Portugal’s beaches, but it is just a 30-minute train ride from Lisbon and the beach is served by plenty of bars and restaurants. The sea is calm and there are rock pools for the children to play in. Avoid visiting at the weekends when it can become very busy.

Other Resources for traveling in Portugal

If you are visiting Porto soon you may also want to check some of our other Portugal guides. Check where to stay in Lisbon and our article on the best places to stay in Porto. You can also check the our article on the average and minimum salary in Lisbon and the cost of living in Lisbon.

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Are you considering moving to Latvia? In this post we will discuss the options to get a residence permit in the country as an EU and as a non- EU citizen, for the purpose of work, business, investment and study. We will also list the advantages and disadvantages about living in Latvia.

Latvia Overview

Latvia is a country in Northeastern Europe, and part of the Baltic States together with Estonia and Lithuania. The country is a full European Union member, a member of the Schengen area, and currently uses the Euro common currency. The economy of Latvia is relatively stable, and the country has experienced huge economic growth since it got independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990’s.

However, Latvia is currently the worst performer in terms of recent economic development in the region. Lithuania is doing a bit better than Latvia, and Estonia is doing fairly better than both.

Below, we will analyze the options if you want to move to Latvia, temporarily or permanently.

Latvia Residence Permit for EU Citizens

If you are an EU citizen and you want to live in Latvia for more than 3 months, you need to register your stay. The process is pretty straightforward and you can do everything after you are already in Latvia. You will need to either own real estate, have a rental contract, or the consent of a property owner in Latvia to live and register your address there.

In Riga, usually it will take longer for you to register your stay than in other parts of the country. However, in Latvia, you can register your stay in any city, it doesn’t necessarily need to be in the city where you live. This way, you can get it done much faster, and get your Latvia residence card in a matter of just a few days.

Once registered, you can go on and start your activities, whatever they might be: work, study, retirement, non-economic activities broadly with the same rights as citizens of Latvia.

Latvia Residence Permit for Non EU Citizens

If you are not an EU citizen, things are slightly more difficult. However, Latvia is one of the EU countries with the highest availability and flexibility in terms of residence permits for non-EU nationals.

There are residence permits for most categories. Currently, they include, non-EU citizens residence permits for study, work, running a business, self-employed persons, real estate and bond investors, retirees, and many others. Let’s cover a few them below. There are really many, so we will not cover all of them.

Residence Permit for Business

Firstly, let’s check how to get a residence permit to run business in Latvia. There are a few different options, including residence permits for company shareholders, for self-employed persons, and also, if you want to run a start-up company in Latvia.

The disadvantage here is that things are not that easy. While anyone, even non-EU citizens can freely open a company in Latvia, getting a residence permit involves a number of requirements to be met. 

The most difficult requirement in my opinion is that your business plan must be checked and approved by a sworn auditor. But, at least you can set up the business plan initially and try to get it approved. If it does, then you can move on and actually invest.

The easiest option if you want to run business in Latvia is going for the Startup Visa. The financial requirement to apply is just 6000 euros, but remember, you will still need to get your business plan approved.

Residence Permit for Investors in Latvia

Now, let’s check two options that I consider some of the best ones if you want to live in the European Union and you want to be a passive investor, as opposed to an active business manager.

The first option is the real estate investment residence permit in Latvia. You need to make a real estate investment of 250.000 euros to qualify for this residence permit, plus some government fees. There is no minimum number of days you need to stay in Latvia to renew it. 

The second option is investing in bonds in Latvia. You need to invest 250.000 euros in an interest-free government bond plus fees. The advantage with the bonds is the liquidity. You don’t need to look around for properties, and if you don’t want to renew your residence permit you will not need to find a buyer for your property. However the government fees are lower if you invest in real estate.

Studying in Latvia

Another option to move to Latvia is by studying there. There are three main advantages if you want to move to Latvia to study.

The first advantage is that you will be able to find a decent amount of inexpensive degrees in English. 

The second advantage is that the cost of living in Latvia is considerably lower than in most European countries. This applies not only to Western European countries but also when compared to its immediate neighbor, Estonia.

Finally, full time students can work while having a student residence permit in Latvia. This is limited to part time work during your studies, and you can work full time during breaks, for example, in your summer vacation. 

Residence Permits for Retirement

Latvia also has a residence permit option for retirees. This option is good if you want to actually spend most of the time of the year in Latvia, and the funds you need to be eligible for it are far lower than investing in real estate or opening a company.

From the Baltic region, Latvia is currently the only country that has a specific residence permit for retirees.

Other Residence Permits in Latvia

There are other reasons that render you eligible for a residence permit in Latvia. Among them, the most common ones are working for a Latvian company, being married to a Latvian national.

Permanent Residence Permit in Latvia

When you complete 5 years living on a temporary residence permit in Latvia, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. In some cases this time window can be reduced.

Apart from the time living in the country requirement, you will also need to prove you have at least basic knowledge of the Latvian language to get your permanent residence.

Latvian Citizenship by Naturalization

If you are aiming to get Latvian citizenship, you will need to add some extra years in the country before you can apply. Once you become a permanent resident of Latvia, you need to live in the country for 5 years in order to be eligible for Latvian citizenship. Among other requirements, you will also need to be fluent in Latvian.

Advantages of Living in Latvia

Now, let’s check some of the main advantages of living in Latvia:

Good Number of Residence Permit Options

One of the most significant advantages of Latvia is that they have a broad options of residence permits. This is especially good about Latvia, since the other countries in the vicinity have much less options. Among this option, the real estate investment one and the retirement one are really interesting.

European Transportation Hub

Another important advantage is that Riga is a good transportation hub in Europe. This is especially the case if you want to travel from and to countries in Northern Europe, such as those in Scandinavia, or former Soviet Republics, like Ukraine, Russia and even Uzbekistan.

The Riga Airport offers direct flights to all of these locations plus to many other European hubs.

Relatively Low Taxes and Level of Bureaucracy

Another interesting advantage of Latvia is its relatively low taxes and low level of bureaucracy. While taxes in Latvia are definitely not super low, they are fairly lower than most Western European countries, especially when it comes to income taxes.

Bureaucracy in Latvia is also less complicated than the average in Europe. Many processes can be done electronically and the fact that the country is quite small also helps.

Disadvantages of Latvia

Weather

One thing that might be considered as a disadvantage for some is the weather. Latvia, just like the other Baltic States has a pretty low overall average temperature. Winters in Latvia are pretty long and dark, which may be an unpleasant disadvantage for some. If you like snow and subzero temperatures, Latvia is a great option.

On the other hand, Latvia has pretty interesting summers. Days are rarely excessively hot, and they are also quite long. In fact, it gets dark just a few hours per night during summer in Latvia.

Everyone is a Polyglot 

Most people in Latvia speak three languages, either fluently or at least have a decent command of them. They are Latvian, English and Russian. The younger generation know less Russian than older generations. But Latvia is still by far the country in the European Union with the highest percentage of Russian speakers. 

This can be a disadvantage if you are a foreigner entering the Latvian job market. While many jobs do not require you to speak neither Latvian nor Russian, it is quite common that job offers have Latvian, Russian and English as a requirement for the position.

Latvia Brain Drain

The last disadvantage I would like to point out about Latvia is the Latvia Brain Drain. Latvia is one of the European countries with a significant negative net migration rate. In other words, for more than a decade, every year in Latvia, more people are leaving the country than moving to it.

This impacts the country’s economy and daily life in many ways. I do hope that Latvia finds a way to keep its citizens living in the country and attracting more foreign talent to the country.

Other Resources to Traveling in Latvia

Are you in Latvia or considering moving or traveling to it soon? Check some of our other guides to the region, such as where to stay in Tallinn and the cost of living in Tallinn, Estonia.

The post How to Move to Latvia? (EU and Non-EU Residence Permit) appeared first on Check in Price.

Traveling abroad means, in most cases, to use a credit or debit card to cover for most transactions and withdrawing money. In this guide we will give you useful tips on how to save money while using your debit and credit card abroad. We will also cover some tips on how to use your cards in different countries more efficiently.

Using your card abroad safely usually means that you should take a few precautions before you leave your country, so let’s start with out tips.

Check with Your Bank if Your Card Works Abroad

In many cases, your card is not active to work abroad. In most cases you can activate it to use it abroad online, while in other cases you don’t have to do anything. Some banks also have a feature for travel notice. You can select on your online banking where you will be and when. This is useful for the bank to prevent fraud in case someone makes a purchase from a country you have never purchased anything in.

Have More Than One Card When Traveling Abroad

This is a tip for those who want to play it safe. Many things can happen while traveling abroad, you may just lose your card, or accidentally lock its PIN number. For that reason, you should ideally travel with more than one card, especially if you are traveling alone. Ideally try to have different cards from different brand like one Visa and one MasterCard, and even from different banks.

How to Use ATMs Abroad

ATMs abroad can be tricky, for a number of reasons. In some ATMs, your card will work, and in others not. From my experience if your card doesn’t work right at the first time you try to withdraw money from it, try another ATM from another bank. If you keep trying using the same ATM, the machine may eat your card, or you may lock your pin.

Bear in mind that not all ATMs in all countries have the same number order on the keypad. So look carefully at the numbers you are pressing, to avoid putting your pin incorrectly and locking your card.

Fees and Currency Conversion Rates

This is another important thing you should consider, both while using your debit and credit card abroad on ATMs as well on POS(points of sale). Different cards from different banks have different fees and currency conversion rates.

If your card has a fixed fee per withdrawal, you want to reduce the number of withdrawals. Withdrawing more money at each time it will certainly offset your withdrawing costs.

If you are going on short trips to different countries, there is not much you can do in terms of conversion rates. However, if you are a frequent traveler and often travels to the same countries, it may be a good idea to get a pre-paid card or a bank account in this country. This way you can transfer money or top the card before hand, saving a lot of money in conversion rates and other fees.

What to do if you Lose your Credit Card Abroad

This is an unpleasant situation that sometimes happens, but there are a few ways you can minimize its damages with simple steps.

The first step is to make sure you have indeed lost it. In many cases, if you leave your card at an ATM, you can go to the bank next to the ATM (if there is one, and ask for it). In case you are sure you have lost it, call your bank and block your card.

If you have another card, you can continue your trip without too much hassle, and request a new card when you are back home. For those staying abroad for longer than a few days and you are staying in the same address, you can, in some cases, request a new card to be sent to you abroad.

If you do not have another card, you can still get money while abroad. Services like MoneyGram.com or CurrencyFair allow you to send money everywhere, so you can have a friend or a relative to send you, even if you are in an exotic country.

Other Options

Another option that is growing popular is buying good and products with your mobile phone (that usually has a card attached to it). Finally, in some major cities Bitcoins ATMs are a good backup plan to withdraw money abroad if you do not have other options.

If you are considering traveling abroad, check our Europe and Asia guides. For those considering a longer time abroad, check our retirement abroad guides.

Have you used your debit or credit card abroad? What is your experience using them? Let us know on the comment box below.

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If you are traveling from Prague to Karlovy Vary this guide will help you to find the best options for this route. It includes information on the route about bus and train stations and how to buy tickets from Prague to Karlovy Vary and vice versa.

Prague to Karlovy Vary: The Route

Prague is a city that needs to introduction. From the astronomical clock to the Charles’ Bridge, it is easy to understand why it is one of the top European tourism destinations. Karlovy Vary, on the other hand, is a much less known destination, however, it also has a romantic atmosphere. It is full of charm and was used as one of the location for 007 Casino Royale movie.

The good news is that if you are visiting Czechia, getting to Karlovy Vary is relatively uncomplicated. The two cities are roughly 130 kilometers a part and there are plenty of options to get to Karlovy Vary from Prague and vice versa. In fact, you can even do just a day trip to Karlovy Vary and be back to the capital by the evening.

Prague to Karlovy Vary by Bus

The first, and the best option in my opinion to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary is by bus. There are numerous advantages on choosing the bus over other means of transportation in this route.

The main advantage for traveling by bus from Prague to Karlovy Vary is the price. In almost all cases, traveling by bus from these 2 cities will be the cheapest option.

The second advantage of taking the bus is availability. There are considerably more buses running on the route from Prague to Karlovy than trains. Finally, the bus ride tends to be faster as it usually travels without stops, unlike the train. The trip duration is of usually 2 hours and 15 minutes.

How to Buy Bus Tickets from Prague to Karlovy Vary

You can buy bus tickets from Prague to Karlovy Vary both offline and online. Unless its peak season (July and August) you can get them directly at the Florenc Bus Station without issues. However, I recommend to buy tickets online to avoid any surprise. Bus usually depart from the Florenc Bus Station.

You can buy bus tickets online for the route Prague to Karlovy Vary at infobus.eu. Another option is browsing for the best fares on GoEuro.

Prague to Karlovy Vary by Train

Another option, yet less popular to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary is by train. The main advantage of taking the train on this route is the level of comfort. However in this specific train trip, the bus is still a better option.

The train trip from the capital to Karlovy Vary usually takes 3 hours, which is more the bus. Trains to Karlovy Vary are mostly those operating on the Prague (Praha – Cheb) route. They are usually just slightly more expensive than the buses.

Ideally you can catch the train from the Prague Main Station, but it is also possible to do so at Prague Holesovice.

How to Buy Train Tickets in the Czech Republic

You can buy the train tickets for this route directly at the Prague Main Railway Station (Praha Hlavni Nadrazi) or online at the Czech Railways website.

Prague to Karlovy Vary by Transfer or Car

If you want to travel by car between these two Czech cities and you are without your own vehicle, you have two options. One is renting a car, and the second one is getting a transfer.

These options are certainly more expensive than going by bus or train, but they might be handy in some situations, especially if you are traveling in a small group.

If you want to rent a car check RentalCars.com. For those looking for a transfer check Kiwitaxi.

Karlovy Vary Tours

There are many companies offering day tours in Karlovy Vary starting from the Czech capital.

Hotels in Prague

Residence Tabor – an reasonably priced hotel in one of the best areas to stay in the capital, with a good breakfast.

Pension U Lilie – if you want to stay close to the Charles’ Bridge, the Pension U Lilie is the perfect accommodation in the city center.

Hotels in Karlovy Vary

Romania – a reasonably priced option to stay in one of the best areas in the city.

Grandhotel Ambassador Národní Dům – an excellent hotel to stay in Karlovy Vary.

Other Resources to Travelling in Czechia

If you are traveling to the Czech Republic you will certainly enjoy some of guides to the country. Check the best hotels in Prague city center. Check also the Prague travel budget per day as well as the cost of living in Prague. For those traveling from Prague to other destinations, check how to travel from Prague to Dresden and how to travel from Prague to Warsaw. You can also check the Czech Official Tourism website.

Are you traveling to Prague or Warsaw anytime soon? Leave your thoughts and questions below.

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Are you considering a trip to Cusco and Machu Pichu? Check below our guide to Cusco featuring the best neighborhoods in this exciting Peruvian city.

Cusco is the former capital of the Inca empire and has one of the best-preserved colonial centres not only in the country, but the whole of South America. Because it’s located at 3,400m it’s a good idea to spend a few days here acclimatising before heading out to the myriad of architectural, historical, and cultural sights in and around the city.

Of course, if you’re going to stay in the city, you’ll need to know the best places to get a good night’s sleep (which is tougher than you might think so high up!) So, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you make the most of your trip and find the best place to stay.

Travel in Cusco: Overview

Cusco is Peru’s number one tourist destination thanks to a number of reasons, the biggest being its proximity to the ancient Inca ruins of Macchu Picchu. That’s not all though, the historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a number of churches, temples, and examples of Incan and colonial architecture. You’ll find some top restaurants and vibrant nightlife in the city too.

Getting out of the city, it’s a short ride to the Sacred Valley, where you’ll find the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. There’s also the natural phenomena of Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake. There really is something here to suit every tourist, and every budget.

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but in crowded areas and during big events, such as New Years’ Eve etc. pickpocketing can be a problem. Keep your wits about you, and leave your valuables in your hotel room, especially if you’re heading out at night.

If you don’t want to take a 22-hour bus from Lima, you can fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.

Best areas to stay in Cusco

Most areas of Cusco offer a range hotels and hostels, but some neighbourhoods are safer than others. It is also the case that some just offer a better experience of the city. Staying around Plaza de Armas offers the best in terms of being near to most tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, and cafés.

San Blas offers a more Bohemian experience, whereas the area towards Santa Ana offers a number of party hostels. The historic centre isn’t too big, and the public transport system is good so staying outside of the centre isn’t a huge deal.

Avoid San Pedro, a dangerous area where many thieves are known to operate.

San Blas

San Blas is fast becoming one of the hottest spots to stay in Cusco. There’s a reason a lot of expats live here! It’s Cusco’s Bohemian barrio, and is characterised by its many cafes and restaurants, great nightlife, and yoga studios.

San Blas is wonderfully picturesque – whitewashed buildings throughout the district which spreads out from a cute plaza set around a fountain and the Church of San Blas. It’s in this square that an artisanal market takes place every Saturday. The market is a great place to pick up some traditional souvenirs for friends and family.

There are a mixture of hostels, hotels, and apartments for rent here, suiting every budget and type of traveller, and best of all it’s only a 5-minute walk to Plaza de Armas.

However, there is one major downside to San Blas you should consider. Some of the cobblestoned streets are very narrow, and cars and small trucks drive up them leaving you very little space on almost non-existent pavements.

San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal is a great place to stay if you want an authentic experience of the city. And yet, you won’t be too far from the historic centre, which is only a 10-minute walk away.

The church of San Cristóbal is one of the highest points in the city. It is also a reference point, as it can be seen from almost everywhere in the historic centre. The views looking down from the church are spectacular. It is also only a short walk to the Sascayhuaman, one of the city’s ancient Incan sites.

The downside to staying in San Cristóbal is the massive steep hill that you have to climb either on foot or in a taxi (you may be charged a little extra).

Budget Accommodation in Cusco

Pariwana Hostel Cusco – a great budget option if you are visiting the city on a budget.

Hotel Casablanca – a nice hotel offering a great value for the money in Cusco.

Reasonably Priced Accommodation in Cusco

El Balcón – an excellent mid-range hotel in one of the best areas to stay in Cusco.

Hotel Marqueses – an beautiful hotel with easy access to all attractions of the City Centre.

Luxurious Hotels in Cusco

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco – one of the most luxurious hotels in Peru, located in one of the most central areas of Cusco.

Inkaterra La Casona Relais & Chateaux – an splendid choice to stay in Cusco.

Cost of travelling in Cusco

While Cusco is more expensive than a lot of other cities in Peru, it can still suit all budgets. There are two things that will set you back here though. Tours of Macchu Picchu and other nearby attractions and eating out. That said, tours still cost much less than booking them in your home country, while eating out also can suit any budget.

Best Months to Visit Cusco

Cusco has a subtropical highland climate, and its high elevation plays a major role in its temperatures year round. What you should consider though, is avoiding the most rainy months.

Other resources for traveling in South America

If you are visiting other parts of Peru and South America you may want to check some of our guides. Check where to stay in Lima, the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires, and where to stay in La Paz.

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Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, although it feels like a small town in comparison with other European capitals. However, that shouldn’t put you off visiting. There’s a lot going on here for tourists and travellers, with lots of history, culture, nightlife, and places to eat.

The unofficial symbol of Helsinki is its Evangelical Lutheran cathedral, located right in the heart of the compact city centre. This guide will help you decide the best and most suitable neighbourhood to stay in during your trip to Helsinki.

Travel in Helsinki: Overview

Summer is the time to visit Finland’s capital city Helsinki. It’s one of the northernmost capital cities in the world, so winters are long, dark, and cold. However, in summer there’s almost no darkness and temperatures can average a very pleasant 22 degrees Celsius. The city is compact, so it’s easy to walk around However, if you’re feeling cold, the public transport system is excellent and efficient, comprising of trams, buses, and a metro.

The city centre has a number of churches, art galleries, and museums which are well worth a visit.

3 sides of Helsinki are bordered by the Baltic Sea. Here, there are several small islands which make for a great day trip on the ferry. These include Seeurasaari Open Air Museum island, the Zoo island, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Suomenlinna Fortress. It dates back to the 18^th century and is considered to be the Baltic’s greatest sea fortress.

Best Areas to stay in Helsinki

Although Helsinki has a small city centre, there are a number of cool neighbourhoods which make for great places to get to know the city. Each has their own unique character and atmosphere. There are two island districts: Suomenlinna and Lauttasaari. Suomenlinna is not only home to the UNESCO fort, but also houses 800 residents and other amenities. Lauttasaari is peaceful and picturesque and has lots of coffee shops as well as outdoor activities.

Closer to the city centre, and most popular areas for tourists are Helsinki City Centre, Punavuori, and Vallila. The City Centre is home to most of the top attractions and is a good idea for first time travellers to the city. Punavuori is part of Helsinki’s design district and is great for shopping. However, accommodation here is generally more expensive than other parts of town. Vallila is a good option if you’re considering actually moving to Helsinki, as property prices are lower than other parts of the city.

In our guide, we’ll be specifically focusing on the two best areas to stay in Helsinki: Kallio and Kamppi.

Kallio

Located north of the city centre, Kallio has a Bohemian vibe and is popular among Helsinki’s students. Accommodation here is more affordable than in the city centre and the relaxed vibe is a big plus point. Plus, you can choose between a short and leisurely stroll, or a quick journey on Helsinki’s efficient tram system.

It is a residential area, however there are a number of bars, cafes, and restaurants in the area. That’s not all though – there are some unusual attractions too. Enjoy a real local experience at the Helsinki’s last wood burning sauna, Kotiharjun. Or, enjoy the 1950s rollercoaster at Linnanmäki amusement park.

If you weren’t already convinced, Kallio has some great and varied nightlife too. Regular club nights are on the menu, but so are poetry slams and gigs. There an annual block party here too which takes over the entire district. Kallio is also the centre of Helsinki’s LGBT population.

Kamppi

Kamppi is right by Helsinki city centre. It’s got some of the city’s best nightlife, and it’s just a short walk from all of the city centre’s best attractions. If you find that the city centre itself is a little too pricey when it comes to accommodation, this is a great alternative for your first time in the city.

For some unique architecture, head to the Church in the Rock which was completed in 1969. It was built directly into the rock and is one of the most famous sights in Helsinki. It’s just a few streets from Kamppi.

Culture vultures shouldn’t miss the Natural Museum of Helsinki. Be careful when you’re walking around though – the museum has an infestation of venomous spiders since the 1960s. In over 50 years, there’s only been one accident, so you’ll probably be fine. Honest!

Cost of travelling in Helsinki

Northern Europe is one of the most expensive parts of the world to travel, and Helsinki is no exception. Expect average costs for even budget travellers to be above $100 when taking into account accommodation, food, and activities. It’s possible to reduce these costs by preparing your own meals and staying in budget accommodation like hostels.

When to Visit Finland

Helsinki and the whole of Finland are known for its harsh winters and mild summers. Unlike many European capitals, Helsinki rarely gets overcrowded with tourists, so any time of the year will be a good idea in this sense.

The weather and daylight, or the absence of it, will depend on your particular taste. Summers are great for being outdoors, and the days are really long. Finland is known for its white nights, although this only happens completely above the Arctic Circle in Lapland.

If you want to enjoy the uniqueness of the cold Finnish winter and its darkness, winter is the time to come. This is especially an interesting idea if you will continue your trip northwards to Lapland. 

Other Resources for Travelling in Northern Europe

If you are traveling to Northern Europe you might want to check some of our other guides to the region. Check cost of living in Helsinki, how to travel from Helsinki to Tallinn, and where to stay in Tallinn.

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The data and scores are from the Ease of Doing Business Report by the World Bank.

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