The Baltic States joined Europe on May 1, 2004 and since then tourism is really gearing up--no visas are required, only three hours from London by plane, and a vast improvement in hotel accommodations and restaurant fare, so go now, before the cities change out of recognition and lose their old-world charm. Travel in winter for a full-on icy experience--swim in hot volcanic pools while it snows in Iceland, shop in pre-Christmas markets in Finland, see the Baltic capital cities by horse and cart, and skate on the frozen River Neva in St Petersburg. Or, travel in summer for outdoor music beside lakes and in parks, "White Nights" in Finland where the daylight never ends, and experience an outdoor cafe culture to rival Brussels or Paris. In Tampere there is a museum devoted to beloved children's author Tove Jansson (the Moomin books), that have been translated into many languages. Combining all three countries in one trip is easy as there are plenty of ferries to take travelers between Helsinki and St. Petersburg.