Estonia's medieval charm, beautifully preserved naturescapes, and Baltic culture are cultivating a burgeoning tourism scene. Bradt guidebook author and Estonian authority Neil Taylor lets us in on the abundant appeal of the former Soviet republic. And a certified Cicerone — that's "craft beer expert…Estonia's medieval charm, beautifully preserved naturescapes, and Baltic culture are cultivating a burgeoning tourism scene. Bradt guidebook author and Estonian authority Neil Taylor lets us in on the abundant appeal of the former Soviet republic. And a certified Cicerone — that's "craft beer expert" — takes us on a tour of European suds and helps us tap into the best pints across the continent.more
We’re toasting 2026 with whiskeys and liqueurs around the world. There’s a new favorite Irish whiskey, a liqueur that causes you to make a sour face, a drink made from cacti, and the signature drink of Estonia. [Ep 370]
Show Notes:
Destination Eat Drink foodie travel guides
Destination Eat Drink …We’re toasting 2026 with whiskeys and liqueurs around the world. There’s a new favorite Irish whiskey, a liqueur that causes you to make a sour face, a drink made from cacti, and the signature drink of Estonia. [Ep 370]
Show Notes:
Destination Eat Drink foodie travel guides
Destination Eat Drink blog
Rick’s publishing company Eckhartz Press
David Hammond and Monica Eng’s book Made in Chicago
Simon Bajada’s website
Simon’s book Malta: Mediterranean Recipes from the Islands
Hello, and welcome to number 152! This week, I am re-joined by Dave Seminara, the author of Mad Travelers: A Tale of Wanderlust, Greed, and the Quest to Reach the Ends of the Earth, which I read.
I find Dave fascinating to speak with; he is always welcome back on the podcast. Today, he is back to t…Hello, and welcome to number 152! This week, I am re-joined by Dave Seminara, the author of Mad Travelers: A Tale of Wanderlust, Greed, and the Quest to Reach the Ends of the Earth, which I read.
I find Dave fascinating to speak with; he is always welcome back on the podcast. Today, he is back to talk about a recent trip to the Baltics, a month-long trip to Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. We talk about hidden gems in those places and why these areas are some of Europe's quietest during the summer. There are recommendations for bear tours, castles, small old towns and great city breaks. We also discuss the political situation and how it impacts people in those countries and travel.
We also get to discuss one of Dave's most recent YouTube videos about his father's hometown of Niagara on the USA side. He explains how this once thriving city is now desolate and struggling in modern times.
This episode has many other subjects, such as climate change, regional accents in the UK, the production of travel YouTube videos, and the Amish community. It was a fascinating chat. Thanks, Dave, for coming back!
Episode blog - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com/episodes/spotify-apple-podcasts-spreaker-audible-and-youtube
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Thanks to Laura Hammond for supporting this podcast. She does so by purchasing a monthly membership on my Patreon. You can support me, too, by checking out the details below!
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Some of our favorite travel moments are the ones you’d never in a million years expect. These are where the best travel stories are born. And this week, Afar’s executive editor, Billie Cohen, has a very delicious, very serendipitous story for us.
As you’ll hear in the episode, Billie was in Estonia…Some of our favorite travel moments are the ones you’d never in a million years expect. These are where the best travel stories are born. And this week, Afar’s executive editor, Billie Cohen, has a very delicious, very serendipitous story for us.
As you’ll hear in the episode, Billie was in Estonia (one of Afar’s picks for where to travel in 2024) for work. It was 9 p.m. and she was due to fly home the next day. But then her guide, Hanno, mentioned something about the country’s “open café days,” where Estonians across the south open their homes, cook food, and serve anyone who wanders in. Smart traveler that she is, Billie changed her flight home and joined Hanno in a very unique foodie road trip through the south.
In our companion video for the episode, Billie shares some of the discoveries that didn’t fit into her story—including an encounter with an Estonian wedding hazing involving Santa Claus—and her travel superpower, talking to everyone. She also shares some of the favorite foods she ate, from freshly made onion rolls to a red currant cake baked by the grandmother of one of her new friends. So really our only tip for you this week is: Don’t listen to this one hungry.
Resources
Read the transcript of the episode.
Listen to the episode on YouTube.
Read about Billie's bog hike in Estonia.
Explore the Onion Route Buffet Day
Learn more about Tartu's European Capital of Culture 2024 (events).
Find more food festivals in Estonia.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Unpacked, which unpacks one tricky topic in travel each week.
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Brent talks with Anastassia from Discover Estonia about the city of Tallinn and its unique cuisine. We’ll down Estonian Jagermeister, answer a sandwich dilemma, and learn about edible Christmas trees. Plus, chocolate covered cheese curds and a great market in Tallinn. [Ep 290]
Show Notes:
Support …Brent talks with Anastassia from Discover Estonia about the city of Tallinn and its unique cuisine. We’ll down Estonian Jagermeister, answer a sandwich dilemma, and learn about edible Christmas trees. Plus, chocolate covered cheese curds and a great market in Tallinn. [Ep 290]
