Estonia is a quaint and charming country that has evolved dramatically from the days when it was occupied by the Soviet Union. It's a wonderful example of the economic, cultural, and political development that can evolve after such a dramatic history. Today this country is a peaceful and proud member of the European Union.

Estonia is also becoming a new hotspot for travelers in Europe. Picturesque Tallinn is the most commonly visited city, but don't miss a visit to the island of Saaremaa. The island takes up about one third of the country's land mass and a visit is like stepping back in time with the old churches and windmills. You'll have to rent a car, but well worth the expense to wander the island freely.

Many people head to Estonia for the cheap drinks, loud parties, and late night activities, but there's so much more to this country. The cities come to life with a youthful vibe, but the rural countryside holds tight to the traditional way of life.

Estonia is still a budget travel destination in Europe, but things are slowly changing. The best time to find good deals is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is cool and crisp, but the hotels and restaurants are open and eager for business. If you head to Estonia during the cold and bleak winter months, you'll find many places have shut down for the season.

Transportation in Estonia is generally cheap, particularly if you use the local buses almost exclusively. Some more rural areas require a car, but rental cars in Estonia are surprisingly affordable as well. They are almost always manual, so do not expect to be able to rent an automatic.

The most affordable food option in Estonia, particularly in Tallinn, is the cafeteria style dumpling restaurants. You can fill your bowl with any number of dumplings and sauce and then pay for your food by the weight. These are particularly popular with the student populations. Less common, but also good, are the pancake options. Similar in style, you load your pancakes high with any number of sweet or savory toppings and enjoy a filling and satisfying meal at a low cost.

Old Town Tallinn: Old Town Tallinn is an absolutely beautiful glimpse into the history in Eastern Europe. It has preserved cobblestone streets and wonderful examples of regional architecture, you can easily spend a couple of days exploring the area. It's also known for its late night parties and bar atmosphere, which is part of the appeal for many of the younger travelers.
Estonian Open Air Museum: Just eight kilometers outside of Tallin, this is one of the best open air museums in Europe. It is the recreation of an old Estonian village and has a working farm, shops, a fire station and examples of of over sixty eight different homes.
Kadriorg Palace: Located in Tallinn, the Kadriorg Palace is a beautiful palace on lovely grounds. Its construction began in 1718 under the rein of Peter and Catherine. You can take an English tour of the building and see the impressive art collection inside.

Rosolje: A traditional Estonian dish made from beetroot, meat, and herring rosolje is essentially a beet salad. It is served cold and is a nice accompaniment to most meals.
Pirukad: A dumpling like dish filled with meat, cabbage, carrots, or rice and usually served with bouillon. It's the Estonian answer to the Polish pierogi.
Raim: A traditional Estonia dish that is quite popular and made from Baltic dwarf herring. It is often marinated in a sour cream based sauce, giving it a very rich flavor.