I Took a Package Tour to Terceira Island in the Azores—Here's What It Was Like

The all-inclusive trip illuminated why vacation packages are more relevant than ever before.

Amtrak Is Offering $100 Off Its USA Rail Pass in New Sale

You can ride up to 10 segments to 500 destinations across the country.

The TSA's Getting New Scanners. Could This Mean Less Time at Security?

You may see the new scanners at your local airport as early as this summer.

Destination of the Day

Helsinki, Finland

Recently named the happiest country in the world for the fifth year running, Finland combines wilderness, design heritage, and strong epicurean traditions into one Nordic package. But compared to the Scandinavian capitals of Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Reykjavik, Helsinki is still somewhat of an under-the-radar gem. But the small capital city is one of the most alluring destinations in Northern Europe, offering a wealth of attractions from historic UNESCO sites to world-famous saunas. Here are some of the top things to do in Helsinki.

Visit the Suomenlinna Fortress

Suomenlinna Fortress is one of Helsinki's top tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Construction on the UNESCO-designated historic site, which spans six different islands in Helsinki's harbor, began in 1748, when Finland was still part of Sweden. While it's no longer an active military site, Suomenlinna is home to a number of museums—including one housed in the Vesikko submarine—as well as shops and restaurants.

Partake in Finnish Sauna Culture

Saunas are an integral part of the country's culture, and you'll find many public saunas throughout the city, from the historic Sauna Arla, which opened in 1929, to the modern Kulttuurisauna. You might want to ask your hotel concierge or the admissions desk at the sauna about proper etiquette before entering, as there are some customs that may surprise visitors; for instance, Finns always go nude in saunas, though it is not usually frowned upon if tourists wear bathing suits.

Sail to Helsinki's Nearby Islands

Helsinki is surrounded by an archipelago comprising some 330 islands, and locals and visitors alike flock to them for recreation and entertainment throughout the year. Seurasaari is one of the most popular, as it's home to Helsinki's "open-air museum," which showcases not only Finnish buildings from the 1700s to the 1900s but also Finnish traditions. For exploration on a smaller scale, head to the tiny island of Lonna, a former military base that's now home to a new Nordic restaurant, a café, and a traditional sauna. Ferries to the islands depart from the harbor next to Market Square.

Vacation Like a Pro

Tipping in Finland is not required, and if you want to tip at all, simply round up the bill to the nearest 5 or 10 Euro amount or leave something in the tip jar. Unless you're in a touristy area, you may choose to avoid tipping altogether; some locals will not know how to react if you do and may believe you have made an error. If in doubt, simply ask if tips are accepted.

Terri Mapes
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

Spring in Finland is finicky, and you'll still need most of your heavy winter gear, especially if you're traveling in the northern part of the country. Bring warm layers that you can easily put on and take off in case of variable temperatures.

If you're planning a summer trip, the country will experience milder and warmer weather then, but long-sleeved shirts and long pants are still good to carry year-round.

Bring comfy footwear with good traction, especially if you're doing outdoor activities.

The Midnight Sun occurs during the summertime and results in near-continuous daylight above the Arctic Circle; consider packing a sleep mask if you need absolute darkness to feel rested.

Trending in Travel

Everything to Know About Hiking With Your Dog

Taking a European-Inspired Solo Trip Around the US

The Best Waterproof Phone Pouches, Tested by TripSavvy

Get Inspired

Thanks to its position along the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best places to go scuba diving in Egypt. Its marine life is exceptionally diverse, with over 1,000 fish species in addition to turtles, rays, and summer whale shark sightings. Shore diving is a great way to keep costs down, but it's also well worth taking a boat to the world-famous reefs of the Straits of Tiran, where plunging walls offer the best chance of pelagic fish and shark sightings.