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3 Can’t-Miss Cities Along the Baltic Sea

By U.S. News & World Report

The cities along the Baltic Sea in northern Europe enchant visitors with their beautiful settings and rich backstories. Imagine: Viking ships setting sail for far-off destinations, merchants of the German Hanseatic League gaining wealth and power from significant seaports and trade routes in the region and the rise of legendary kings such as Henry the Lion in Germany and Peter the Great. This part of Europe is also home to some of the best-preserved medieval towns, impressive baroque, Gothic and Renaissance structures, along with cathedrals, castles and culturally vibrant cities in Europe. With a unique edge and vibe, cities like Gda?sk, Poland, Tallinn, Estonia, and St. Petersburg, Russia, look and feel unlike other cities in Western and Eastern Europe.

[See: 10 Money-Saving European Travel Tricks.]

The best way to get an overview of this region may be by cruise ship, with many lines offering itineraries that include these cities, as well as popular destinations such as Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm. Regardless of how you choose to arrive, here are some of the not-to-be-missed attractions and things to do in can’t-miss Baltic cities.

Gda?sk, Poland

Gda?sk is situated on the southern part of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Gda?sk in northern Poland. Once under Soviet rule and carrying a tumultuous past, including much damage during WWII, today’s Gda?sk is bustling with tourists wandering the cobblestone streets of its beautifully restored Old Town. Gda?sk was one of the wealthiest cities in the Baltic during Hanseatic times due to its strategic location, and a highlight is the Old Town’s treadmill crane. Originally built in the 14th century, this intriguing structure was human-powered and instrumental in loading and unloading cargo from merchant ships during medieval times.

Stroll the famous Ulica Dluga (Long Lane) with its colorful buildings similar to those in Copenhagen and Dutch-inspired architecture reminiscent of the buildings along the canals in Amsterdam. Begin at the famous Golden Gate, which dates back to the early 1600s, continuing on to Dlugi Targ (Long Market), a wide pedestrian street, ending at Green Gate, a former royal residence. Then, wander along Mariacka Street, which is one of the prettiest areas in the city and attracts many street performers. Its lively scene is also home to restaurants, bars and shops selling the Baltic’s highly prized amber. Take notice of the traditional porches and terraces in front of the buildings, and at the far end of the street, the impressive St. Mary’s Church, which soars high into the sky. Dating back to the 14th century, St. Mary’s Church is one of the largest brick churches in the world.

Tallinn, Estonia

Known as one of the best-preserved medieval town centers in the world, the picturesque winding narrow cobblestone streets of Tallinn are brimming with photo ops at every turn. This capital city, across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki, has a thriving modern city center, but a main draw is entering through the stone gates of this fairy tale-like walled city, wandering through the maze of streets and hiking the steps to the fortified upper town, Toompea Hill, for spectacular views of the endless array of red rooftops with sea views in the distance.

[See: 12 Great Destinations in Europe You Can Afford.]

Originally called Reval, this city was also an important merchant center and port. Falling under Russian rule several times, Tallinn’s architecture exhibits Russian influence, especially the domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on Toompea Hill. Built in the early 20th century in the Russian-Revival style and named after a Russian prince, the cathedral is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Kadriorg Palace, built for Catherine by Peter the Great, is in Petrine Baroque style, and features a swan pond and beautiful Japanese Gardens.

Another highlight is St. Olaf’s Church in the lower town, the largest medieval structure in Tallinn.Climb the narrow staircase to the top of the tower for sweeping views of Old Town. The modern Kumu Art Museum, with works by Estonian artists from the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, and the nearby Song Festival Grounds, the home of the Singing Revolution, are also not-to-be missed. It was here in 1988 that Estonia launched a monumental musical demonstration against Soviet rule and set the stage for the country’s independence.

And while the hustle of the busy market square may be tempting when it comes to dining, opt for less touristy spots. Find a quiet side street or courtyard café where the prices are lower, the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is inspired.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, and the second largest city in Russia (behind Moscow), St. Petersburg is a world-class destination. Aspects of this city make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the grand scale of the opulent palaces and majestic estates built by the Romanovs will take your breath away. And that’s just where it begins. Museums, like the Hermitage, are filled with priceless treasures and works of art from around the world, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Madonna” and “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Rembrandt. Every cathedral and palace enthralls visitors.

[Read: Where to Go in Europe During the Peak Travel Season.]

With the magnitude of the city and so much you don’t want to miss, especially if time is limited, the best way to visit is with a tour guide. During high season, major attractions are extremely busy with long lines. With a small group tour, guides move to the front of the line and navigate travelers through the immense museums, palaces, and cathedrals while avoiding the crowds. Several larger tour companies, like TJ Travel, offer itineraries highlighting must-see attractions such as Peterhof Palace with its astounding maze of palaces, gardens and fountains, the Church on Spilt Blood, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Catherine Palace and St. Issac’s Cathedral. Visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral in the evening and climb the 300 steps to the top for unforgettable views over St. Petersburg with magnificent domes and spires. These companies also provide visas if you’re traveling by cruise ship, so you won’t have to obtain a Russian visa. In stark contrast to all the grandeur, explore modern-day St. Petersburg. Visit historic New Holland, a revitalized part of the city with restaurants, a park and garden, art installations and live performances.

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3 Can’t-Miss Cities Along the Baltic Sea originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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