If you're interested in visiting Lithuania to search for your family's roots, here are some tips and people to send you in the right direction.

Accommodation:

Vilnius is a moden city with some great hotels of all standards. I stayed at the Bernadinu St Guest House, which has clean, modern character rooms of various sizes. Some have basic kitchens, and some bathrooms are shared with one or two other rooms (all spotless). Best thing is the location: less than a block from Pilies St, and a few minutes walk from all the action in Old Town. W: www.avevita.lt/guesthouse T: +370 5 260 8410 E: guesthouse@avevita.lt

Guides:

For Vilnius (and I'm sure beyond), look no further than Marius Bernatonis. He's fluent in English (and a few other languages), knows all the sights, and can arrange transport and other services. He's also just a super nice guy. W: www.101turas.lt E: info@101turas.lt T: +370 5 234 1977

If you're Jewish and looking for a particular shtetl, then Regina Kopilevich is absolutely the best person to contact. She's been doing this for over 15 years and knows where to go, who to speak to, and how to get there. She's also a terrific character! Get in touch as soon as possible since she's also very booked up. E: miregina@delfi.lt T: +370 699 05456.

Food

I practically lived at the Double Coffee, a chain that combines Starbucks with a hip bar, offering 24 hour service, free wireless internet, excellent food and friendly (often beautiful) servers! You`ll see them around. Lithuanian food can be a little heavy, fried dumplings, potato latkes, soup. My bottle of Tabasco got serious use!