Planning a Summer Visit to Latvia

The best time to visit Latvia is summer. With its beautiful mossy hills and stunning birch forests, it is definitely a place travelers should have on their list. But the thing about seasons in Latvia is that they are unpredictable.

During the summer months of June, July, and August in Latvia, the average air temperature is around 20 degrees and up, but it can rise to over 30 degrees on some days. Then, it’ll drop to about 12 degrees at night.

Still, as nature is one of the most appealing qualities of Latvia, summer would be the best time to plan the perfect road trip with friends.

How to Plan the Perfect Summer Road Trip With Friends

RossHelen / Getty Images/

Sometimes, it’s the thrill of the unknown that fuels travelers. For travelers who’d like to leave everything to luck and go without any plans, they can do as they please and see what Latvia offers.

But for those who’d like to plan, here are some essential things to have before a summer road trip to Latvia.

Planning the Route

Map of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus

omersukrugoksu / Getty Images

Study the maps and read travel guides to see the most effective way to reach the destinations. This is important for keeping the gas cost low and making the most of the time at the destination.

Checking the most strategic accommodation is also crucial so it’s easier to visit destinations that are not too far to reach. It’s often also cheaper to book the accommodation early on to ensure a place to stay. E-commerce also often offers discounts that won’t be available when booking in person.

Choose the Destinations and Entertainment

FreedomMaster / Getty Images

One of the most popular attractions in Latvia is gambling, and all online casino operators in Latvia are required to obtain a local casino license to operate. If it’s too costly to visit, playing casino online in Latvia can be equally as fun. Accessing casino games from your phone can be a fun way to pass the time while waiting for transportation or relaxing.

Many visitors pick their destinations once they’ve landed and see what the locals can offer. But to keep the budget in check while still optimizing the time on hand, it’s best to know beforehand where to visit and what to do next. Planning ahead can help eliminate any additional or unexpected costs before landing at the destination. Being blinded by prices can jeopardize the fun of traveling.

If it feels like a hassle to make an itinerary, some travel agents and e-commerce usually have tour packages. These packages contain several different destinations with a pre-planned time frame, so travelers only have to show up and enjoy.

Some of these packages have a lower price, but there are some who offer the same deal at a higher price. Try to look for options and compare the offers for the best outcome. Make sure to book online for these packages because, more often than not, it’ll be pricier to book in person.

Keep The Budget in Mind

Central square with cafes and restaurants in Riga, Latvia

RossHelen / Getty Images

It’s important to decide which attractions would be the main thing in the itinerary, so the costs for everything else can be kept in check. For example, if the main objective of the road trip is to visit as many destinations as possible, see if the costs for meals can be lower.

Check the best budget restaurants around the destinations, so travelers can still enjoy the meal without making it too costly, leaving room for more prioritized activities.

Don’t Keep the Itinerary Too Tight

Wirestock / Getty Images

Leave some room in the itinerary to ensure there’s still a time gap for unexpected plan changes. Often, when visiting a place for the first time, travelers will discover new attractions that they couldn’t find online. When the itinerary is loose, it’ll leave some room for these new unplanned destinations so you won’t miss out on some local events.

It’s also possible that some issues arise when travelers are already at the destination such as car issues, traffic delays or bad weather. Researching how to avoid tourist traps would also be necessary to stay out of trouble when visiting somewhere foreign.

Flights and Car

f9photos / Getty Images

Flights can be tricky to book, especially when looking for the best price. It has to be meticulously done so travelers can find the lowest price while still getting a quality and safe flight.

Renting the car beforehand is also a must. Consider how many people would be going, and match it with the size of the vehicle. If the itinerary contains destinations in the wilderness, visitors can rent an SUV capable of carrying them through the route.

Overall, it’s essential to focus more on comfortability and functionality rather than luxury or style.

This article is a partnership with Bet Safe.