What we've learned in this week's travel
Cruise ship visits have lifted the profile of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, since the Baltic states emerged free from the old Soviet Union in 1991. “As have, in a totally different way, stag parties for betrothed young Brits,” writes Bob Wallace. “But for a deeper immersion, overland journeying on an organised tour can be somewhat more fulfilling.” The Baltic » p14-p15
At the Kumbh Mela, a 55-day festival currently under way in Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, in northern India, an anticipated 150 million salvation-seeking Hindus will attend one of the greatest spiritual gatherings on Earth. The festival happens four times within a 12-year cycle — its dates determined by astrology and ancient Vedic scripture — and the next one is on in Haridwar, in 2022. Asia » p17
The 180km Around The Mountains journey from Queenstown’s Walter Peak Station to Kingston around the Eyre Mountains sounds like a slog, but it’s actually great with kids, writes Greg Bowker. New Zealand » p18-p19
When you’re camping, solar-powered garden lights are handy for making sure people don’t trip over your tent ropes. Tips » p20-p21
Greg Fleming reckons brand-new billion-dollar cruise ships have a particular smell. “A mix of champagne, sweet perfume and giltedged expectation,” he says after sailing on the Celebrity Edge. Cruising » p26-p29
The Yolngu people of Australia’s wild and rugged East Arnhem Land have been there for about 40,000 years. Ethical Traveller » p30
Rottnest Island, off the coast of Western Australia, got its name because early Dutch explorers mistook the quokkas (small native marsupials) for rats. “But these are heaps cuter,” writes David Skipwith. Australia » p32
The Haute Route series, billed as “the highest, toughest and most prestigious amateur cycling events in the world”, takes keen riders on the same routes that are used in the world’s most dramatic cycling races, including the Tour de France. Europe » p36
In 2006, Frederic Rouzaud, the newly appointed director of Louis Roederer Cristal, despaired of the champagne brand’s newfound popularity among the rap music crowd. “What can we do?” he sniffed. “We can’t forbid people from buying it.” Rapper Jay Z called for a boycott of the wine cellar’s label. “I’m sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business,” he told the Economist. Bar/fly » p39
Flyers with a lengthy layover in Hong Kong and no lounge access should consider a visit to the Plaza Premium Lounge, where you can buy entry for $90. Flight Check Omnibus » p48-49
For just $1.45 million, you can book the twobedroom Owner’s Suite for Silversea Cruises’ Expedition World Cruise — a 167-day voyage to 107 destinations in 30 countries. Travel Wires » p51