Moonika Apart
I’m originally from Tallinn, Estonia but I lived in Australia for 7 years, which was also the time when I travelled the world and visited over 50 countries. I LOVE travelling and it plays a big role in my life. Baltic countries and Finland have a special place in my heart. I love that they are small, charming and off the beaten path. Nature is very important to me and there’s plenty of it around here and that’s another reason why I love this region so much and want to introduce it to everyone. When I create the trips, I like to include the highlights of the destinations that you visit, combined with equally fascinating sites off the beaten path and unique experiences that will help you immerse in new places to learn, grow, and connect. Responsible travel and respect and love for nature is something that I strongly believe in and when I build trips, I try keeping this in mind. I understand that it’s our responsibility to protect and sustain the environment we use and enjoy and that's why we are planting a tree for each traveller who books a trip with us.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Baltic States and Finland. We specialise from city sightseeing to more off the beaten path places. Unique, authentic and traditional experiences and nature based tourism. There's a lot of pristine nature around this region so everything related to nature is our speciality. Northern lights tours, sustainable animal tours and nature tours in Lapland. I try to avoid big group tours and touristy activities. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I moved back to Estonia in 2017 and decided to start my career in the tourism industry. As I was a big traveller myself I wanted to share my passion and knowledge with other people. For some reason the Baltic region is not that known around the world as a travel destination but it has so much to offer and my dream is to introduce the Baltic States and Finland to a wider public. To show, what this region really has to offer but in a sustainable way."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I love hiking and decided to do a solo hike up in the mountain in Peru. I had my tent and food an everything with me and started the hike. It was a bit scary as I got up in the mountains late at night and decided to camp the first night close to a village. When I woke up the next morning a dog from the nearby village was sitting in front of my tent, waiting for some food. Once I started hiking he followed me and through the whole hike up the mountains he was my companion and guide. When I got lost or walked slowly, he waited for me and showed me the right way. Sometimes it felt like he was annoyed with me that I walked so slow and had to walk back down again to lead me to the right path but he stayed with me the whole time. He slept under my tent every night and we kept each other warm, I gave him some food and he was my guide. Most importantly I felt a bit safer and not so alone with him. He was a perfect companion. After the hike we reach a village on the other side of the mountain and I asked in a local shop there if I could buy some food for the dog and the owner told me that this dog eats better than all the other village dogs. It turned out that he did this as a profession. he was a mountain dog who was walking with all the tourists all the time and clearly they all fed him very well. "
Featured trips & expertise
Highlights of the Baltic Capital Cities - 8 Days
Discover the capital cities of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on this whirlwind 8-day trip through the Baltic states. As you travel north from Vilnius to Riga to Tallinn, you'll learn about each city's rich cultural, historic, and culinary traditions. Visit churches in Vilnius, indulge in a food tour in Riga, and explore the creative hub of Tallinn on this Northern European adventure.
Baltic Adventure: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania - 15 Days
Rich culture and unspoiled nature are the stars of the show on this unforgettable 15-day journey through the Baltic States. Traveling through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, you'll explore cultural highlights with tours of medieval cities, ancient castles, and fascinating museums. In between, the great outdoors beckons with kayaking, biking, and hiking excursions into a paradise of lakes, forests, and national parks.
Discover the Baltics - 14 Days
This two-week holiday is your opportunity to discover northeast Europe and three beautiful countries hugging the Baltic Sea. You'll arrive in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where you'll tour medieval castles and cathedrals. Then it's off to Latvia and Estonia to visit the lakes and forests of their national parks, go on walking tours of ancient towns and cities, and overnight in opulent countryside manor homes. You'll even have the option for a quick day trip to Finland.
Finland in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More
December is the dead of winter in Finland, which means cold temperatures and minimal hours of daylight. However, Lapland is the mythical home of Santa Claus, and where better to celebrate Christmas? Read on to find out more about visiting Finland in December.
Best Time of Year to Visit Finland
Despite spanning the Arctic Circle, Finland is a fantastic destination at any time of year. Summer (June-August) draws visitors for vibrant cultural festivals, sunny days and warm temperatures, and the endless daylight of the midnight sun. Winter is equally stunning for its snowy landscapes and snowsports and a chance to see the northern lights and meet Santa on his home turf. And spring and fall are ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a temperate climate.