Israeli Traveler Surprised by Affordable Prices and Welcoming Atmosphere in Lithuania
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Israeli traveler Uri Liron was impressed by Lithuania's low prices, with main courses around 10 euros and hotel rooms for three costing 100 euros per night, during a recent family trip. He found the country welcoming to Israelis and noted a strong local focus on the war in Ukraine due to fears of Russian aggression. Liron also explored Vilnius's Jewish history and the artistic republic of Uzupis, recommending Lithuania as an affordable and pleasant destination for Israelis.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli traveler Uri Liron found Lithuania surprisingly affordable and welcoming during a recent family trip.
- Main courses in Vilnius averaged 10 euros, cocktails 5 euros, and a hotel room for three was 100 euros.
- Lithuanians showed solidarity with Ukraine due to fears of Russian expansionism.
- The country has a significant Jewish history, with much of its community lost in the Holocaust.
- Liron highlighted the unique artistic micro-nation of Uzupis within Vilnius.
- He questioned why more Israelis do not visit Lithuania, citing its affordability and direct flights.
Israeli traveler Uri Liron expressed astonishment at the affordable prices and welcoming environment he encountered during a recent week-long family trip to Vilnius, Lithuania. Liron, who typically seeks more adventurous destinations, found Lithuania to be a surprisingly calm and budget-friendly European country, with main courses costing around 10 euros, cocktails 5 euros, and a hotel room for three people costing 100 euros per night. He noted that direct flights from Israel to Vilnius take about four hours.
Liron observed that Lithuania, with a population of 2.8 million, has a small, relaxed airport and a generally quiet atmosphere. He felt a strong sense of solidarity with Israelis, receiving only positive or indifferent reactions, which he attributed to Lithuania's strict immigration policies potentially limiting the spread of antisemitism. The locals' primary focus, he noted, was on the war in Ukraine, with Ukrainian flags visible everywhere and even messages of support on public transport, stemming from Lithuania's history as part of the Soviet Union and current fears of Russian expansionism under President Vladimir Putin.
During his visit, there was an incident involving drones crossing from Russia, which led to the temporary closure of the main airport for an hour. Liron also explored Vilnius's rich, albeit often tragic, Jewish history, noting that Lithuania once hosted one of Europe's largest Jewish communities, largely decimated during the Holocaust. He also encountered the unique artistic micro-nation of Uzupis, which declared independence decades ago and has its own constitution, anthem, and a small symbolic army, with some of its founders being Jewish, leading to Yiddish signage in the area.
Beyond the city, Liron praised Lithuania's stunning natural landscapes, including ancient castles, lakes, and the vibrant colors of the European autumn foliage, along with family-friendly attractions. He concluded by questioning why more Israelis do not visit Lithuania, given its affordability, direct flights, good food, and friendly reception, suggesting it could become a popular destination for Israeli tourists.