A Summer Escape to Latvia

Cruising has become our go-to way to travel, especially with kids in tow. It’s a perfect setup for them—endless activities, live concerts, and entertainment galore keep them busy and beaming. Meanwhile, my partner and I steal some much-needed alone time to unwind and savor the moment. We’ve taken several cruises now, and each one has been a unique, unforgettable adventure. One standout perk is the food. The cuisine onboard is diverse, surprising, and downright delicious—a culinary journey in itself. I love the variety, indulging in flavors I’d never try at home. Beyond the plate, there’s something deeply soothing about being surrounded by water. The gentle sway of the ship, the sound of waves, and those endless scenic views melt my stress away, leaving me refreshed and at peace.

Traveling also opens doors to connect with people from all walks of life, which I treasure. On a recent trip to Latvia, I was struck by the locals’ effortless charm—they looked like they could grace a magazine cover, yet they were warm, soft-spoken, and genuinely kind. That down-to-earth hospitality, echoed in so many European cultures, lingers with me long after the trip ends. Food, of course, is another huge part of the adventure. I’m always eager to explore new restaurants and dive into unfamiliar dishes. Italian and Indian top my list, with Chinese and Thai close behind, but I’m game for anything that promises a burst of flavor. The thrill of culinary discovery is so inspiring that I’m even thinking of starting a vlog to share my favorite finds with fellow food lovers.

For me, travel isn’t just about the sights—it’s about carving out time for myself. Stepping away from the daily grind and immersing in new experiences brings a fresh perspective and a sense of calm. Sharing these journeys with family and friends amplifies the joy, weaving memories that last a lifetime. Holidays are more than a getaway; they’re a chance to explore the world, deepen bonds, and find inner peace. Cruising with my family has evolved into a beloved tradition, blending kid-friendly fun, gourmet delights, and serene moments on the water. From the tranquility of open seas to the warmth of new cultures and the thrill of diverse cuisines, travel is a vital part of my life—a way to disconnect, recharge, and create cherished moments with the ones I love.

Family, Fun, and a Suitcase Saga

This summer, we traded our usual routine for a holiday in Riga, and let me tell you—it’s been one for the books. Riga, the charming capital of Latvia, welcomed us with open arms and a beauty that’s hard to put into words. It’s easily one of the prettiest places I’ve ever visited, with its blend of historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and a vibe that feels both timeless and alive. Our trip kicked off with a mix of excitement and a little chaos, but it set the tone for a family adventure that’s already etched itself into my memory. Here’s how our first day unfolded—complete with a suitcase scare, hotel bliss, and the pure joy of watching my son turn every moment into a celebration.

Touchdown in Riga: The Hotel Haven

We landed in Riga with that familiar buzz of travel—tired but eager to dive in. From the airport, we headed straight to our hotel, a stunning spot that promised amazing views and a cozy respite. I’d booked us into the Radisson, and as soon as we stepped into the lobby, I knew I’d made the right call. The sleek design, the warm staff, and the promise of a room overlooking the city had me grinning ear to ear. It’s no secret I’m a sucker for a good hotel—Hyatt and Hilton are usually my go-tos—but this Radisson was quickly climbing the ranks.

Our room was everything I’d hoped for: spacious, modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing Riga’s skyline. I could already picture us unwinding there, sipping coffee while my son played nearby. But before we could settle in, we hit a snag—my suitcase wouldn’t open. I’d packed it to the brim, and in my overzealous stuffing, I’d apparently jammed the zipper. Panic mode kicked in fast. Here I was, standing in this gorgeous room, tugging at a stubborn suitcase while my husband tried to calm me down and my son bounced around, oblivious to the drama.

The Suitcase Saga: A Lesson Learned

I’ll be honest—I overpacked. Big time. I’d checked the weather forecast obsessively before we left, and Riga’s summer promised a mix of sun and clouds. So naturally, I threw in a dozen dresses, sandals, jackets, and enough outfits to cover every possible scenario. In my head, it made sense—I wanted options! But as I stood there, yanking at the zipper and picturing a trip spent in the same travel-worn clothes, I regretted every extra pair of shoes I’d squeezed in.

In a mild frenzy, I called the concierge. Thank goodness for hotel heroes. A staff member came up, armed with patience and a few clever tricks, and after some finessing (no breaking required), the suitcase popped open. Relief washed over me as I saw my carefully folded dresses spill out—lovely, summery pieces I’d been dying to wear. I silently vowed to never overpack again. It’s a rookie mistake, one I should’ve outgrown by now, but this trip hammered the lesson home: less is more. A streamlined suitcase means less stress and more freedom to enjoy the moment.

Kid Chaos and Hotel Joys

With the suitcase crisis averted, we could finally breathe and take in our surroundings. My son, who’d been running circles around the room during the whole ordeal, was in his element. He tumbled across the sofa, flopped onto the bed, and turned the space into his personal playground. Watching him, I couldn’t help but smile. There’s something so pure about a child’s joy—he doesn’t need much to feel on top of the world. Give him his toys, a little space to roam, and he’s set. No self-consciousness, no overthinking—just pure, unfiltered fun.

We decided to keep the morning low-key after our travel day. The weather outside was cloudy but pleasant, with a soft breeze that made it perfect for relaxing indoors. We ordered room service—simple comfort food that hit the spot—and flipped on the TV. My son, full of energy as always, turned the room into a dance floor. He twirled and jumped to some cartoon theme song, and soon enough, we were all laughing and joining in. It morphed into an impromptu party—nothing fancy, just us, some music, and a lot of silliness. For a moment, I forgot we were in a new city halfway across the world. It felt like home, only better.

The Power of a Nap

By midday, though, my son’s energy started to wane. Nap time is sacred in our house—it’s the difference between a happy kid and a meltdown waiting to happen—so we dimmed the lights and tucked him in. He curled up with his favorite stuffed animal, and within minutes, he was out. My husband and I took the chance to unwind too. I stood by the window, gazing out at Riga’s rooftops and the Daugava River snaking through the city. The view was mesmerizing—Art Nouveau buildings mixed with modern touches, all bathed in that soft, cloudy light. It was the kind of scene that makes you pause and soak it in.

I’ve always loved how travel strips away the everyday clutter and lets you see things with fresh eyes. My son’s innocence reminded me of that too. He doesn’t care about schedules or tourist checklists—he just wants to play and explore. It’s a perspective I try to borrow from him, especially on trips like this. Sure, we had sightseeing planned, but there was no rush. The Radisson gave us a perfect base to ease into Riga at our own pace.

Breakfast and Beyond: Ready for Adventure

After his nap, we fueled up with a late breakfast. The hotel’s spread was a dream—pastries, fresh fruit, eggs made to order. I loaded my plate with a little of everything, while my son stuck to his usual: anything he could smear with jam. With full bellies and renewed energy, we were ready to step out and see what Riga had in store. The cloudy sky had started to break, hints of sun peeking through, and I could feel the excitement building. This was it—our first real taste of the city.

We bundled up our essentials (toys for him, camera for me), and headed out the door. The plan was loose—just some light sightseeing to get our bearings—but I knew it’d be special. Riga’s charm isn’t loud or in-your-face; it creeps up on you with its quiet elegance and hidden gems. I’ll save the full rundown for my next post, because trust me, there’s a lot to tell. From the old town’s winding streets to the stunning views we stumbled across, day one was only the beginning.

Reflections on Day One

Looking back on that first day, it was the perfect mix of chaos and calm. The suitcase fiasco could’ve derailed us, but instead, it became a funny story we’ll laugh about later. The Radisson wrapped us in comfort, giving us a soft landing after a long flight. And my son’s boundless energy turned a hotel room into a playground, reminding me why I love traveling with him. He doesn’t need much—just his toys and a little room to roam—and his joy is contagious.

This trip is already teaching me things, too. Overpacking’s a habit I’m kicking, starting now. I wore one of those dresses from my suitcase that first day—a breezy, floral number that felt just right for Riga’s summer vibe—and it was all I needed. Simple, comfortable, and me. Maybe that’s the real takeaway from day one: strip away the excess, and what’s left is what matters.

Why Riga?

So why Riga? People keep asking me that. It’s not the flashiest destination—no Eiffel Tower or Big Ben—but that’s exactly why I picked it. It’s understated, authentic, and brimming with character. The city’s history whispers through its streets, from medieval churches to Soviet echoes, all layered with a modern Baltic flair. Plus, it’s family-friendly without feeling like a tourist trap. My son can run around, and I can sip a coffee without dodging crowds. It’s the kind of place where you can just *be*—and after a long winter, that’s what we needed.

What’s Next?

Day one was just the warm-up. We’ve got more sightseeing on the horizon—think pastel-colored buildings, riverside walks, and maybe a park or two for my son to burn off steam. I’ll be back with another post to spill all the details, complete with photos and maybe a few travel tips. For now, though, I’m savoring the glow of that first day—the relief of an opened suitcase, the laughter of our little dance party, and the promise of a city waiting to be explored.

If you’ve been to Riga, I’d love to hear your favorite spots—drop them in the comments! And if you’re dreaming of a summer getaway, take it from me: pack light, pick a place that speaks to you, and let the adventure unfold. Here’s to more Riga days ahead—stay tuned.