Travel didn’t begin as a hobby for me — it started as a deep desire to break free and explore the world. As a child, when I first heard about other countries and cultures, something about it stayed with me. It wasn’t just about wanting to see new places, but because deep down, I felt that the world had more to offer than just my hometown in Lithuania. This was the first true fascination that shaped my life’s path.
One day, during a family vacation, I saw how travel can change a person. It wasn’t just a regular tourist route, it was an experience that inspired me to search for more, to discover and understand what lies behind words like “freedom” and “discovery.” It became my mission – to travel independently, rather than follow a pre-planned itinerary with guide where every step was marked.
I started planning my own trips in mu early teenage years. I may not have had much experience at the time, but the desire to be independent from guides and to travel at my own pace was strong. My first travel plan was to Norway. Unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted this plan, but it didn’t stop me – it became a turning point. I realised that when international travel became impossible, I could start exploring my home country, Lithuania. At this stage, traveling became both a challenge and an opportunity – to travel whenever and however I wanted.
At first, my travels were very strictly planned, as my parents only allowed me to create a trip for one day at a time. These were often quick trips, covering large areas, like Aukštaitija, but everything went smoothly. Each trip plan gave me more confidence and helped me adapt to any situation.
Having explored much of Lithuania, I eventually began traveling abroad. My first destinations outside the country were Tartu, Tallinn, and Riga. It all felt simple and natural — I went with my family, who don’t speak any English and had little experience with travel, being both their guide and translator. That’s when I realised: this was the kind of travel I had always dreamed of — personal, spontaneous, and free. That moment solidified my belief that independent travel was my true path.
After many years and numerous journeys, I finally created Mapturas - a project born from my experiences and a desire to share them. I wanted to show others that meaningful travel isn’t defined by luxury or exclusivity. It’s about curiosity, courage, and connection.
Mapturas is my way of helping people experience that. I hope to inspire others to explore more deeply - not just the world around them, but themselves too. Places like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia often go unnoticed, but they hold stories, landscapes, and cultures just as rich as any major destination. Through Mapturas, I want to shine a light on the beauty of these regions and remind others that adventure can begin anywhere - even close to home.
Our mission is to make exploring the Baltic States easy, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone. We provide detailed maps, curated guides, and travel tools designed to empower solo travelers and adventurers to confidently explore Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. We believe travel is a journey of self-discovery - one best experienced with curiosity, confidence, and respect for local cultures.
Our vision is to become the go-to travel companion for exploring the Baltic region, known for our authentic experiences, expert guidance, and commitment to empowering travellers - whether they’re seasoned explorers or first-time adventurers.
We believe that travel is about more than just destinations - it’s about the confidence to explore and connect. Our maps, guides, and expertise ensure you can navigate the Baltic States safely and easily, no matter where your journey takes you.
Whether you’re wandering the medieval streets of Tallinn, discovering Latvia’s hidden beaches, or tracing Lithuania’s historical paths, Mapturas is your trusted travel companion - turning every trip into an unforgettable adventure.