Latvia is a small European country in the Baltic region of northern Europe bordered by Russia, Belarus, Lithuania and Estonia. Now independent of Russia for 20 years, the population of 2.2 million people retains a strong sense of national identity founded in the country's extensive traditional folklore. The capital of the country is Riga, a city of some 700,000 permanent residents on the banks of the River Dagava leading to the Gulf of Riga in the Baltic Sea. The capital is home to a UNESCO recognised historical centre known as the Vecrīga; famous for its cathedrals and churches dating back to the 13th century.

In the business and tourism industries, English is widely spoken to at least a basic level making travel in the country an easier prospect. Other parts of the country are also worth booking a serviced apartment in Latvia; the west is famous for its white sandy beaches and extensive coastline and has a number of excellent walking and biking trails. The south is home to many grand castles and the north has wonderful rolling hills and traditional towns. The traditional northern European summer months of June, July and August see the best of the weather with average temperatures being between 15 and 20°C.