Russia is an amazing place to visit, and lots of people have wistfully said to me, “I would love to go to Russia one day.” However, it can seem a bit daunting to actually plan the trip, and thus for many people, visiting Russia remains just a wish and not a reality. The truth is, however, that it’s actually not as difficult as you might think. Here is your complete guide to an easy and safe trip to Russia:
Before You Go
Before you embark on your journey to Russia, determine where you would like to go and for how long. Therefore, finding a reputable travel agent is essential to assist you in obtaining a Russian visa. This is often the most critical and, at times, intimidating step to visiting Russia, so it’s crucial to address it promptly. Once your visa application is in process (it’s really not that scary), you can continue with your travel planning.
Getting There
By Air: You can fly to Moscow and St. Petersburg from most major airports. Getting to other Russian cities is not always straightforward; however, even if there isn’t a direct flight from your closest airport (for example, to Murmansk), you can usually fly to Moscow and connect from there. If you do this, however, it’s important to check the airports you are flying from – getting from one to another in Moscow can be challenging.
Hint: If you are traveling through Europe, consider exploring local airlines such as Germanwings and Rossiya Airlines, which may offer budget-friendly flights to Russia. Moreover, if you are on a tight budget, consider the following options…
By Train: Two trains (one day train and one overnight) run from Vilnius, Lithuania, to St. Petersburg. Additionally, you can take a train from Helsinki, Finland, to St. Petersburg, and get to Moscow by train from Riga, Latvia. Within Russia, traveling by train is recommended unless you are very tight on time. If you’re heading to Siberia in the east, you may find flights to be rare and costly.
By Bus: From Riga (Latvia), you can take a budget-friendly bus to St. Petersburg, which takes approximately 11 hours.
Staying There
When selecting a hotel, keep in mind these tips for Eastern European hotel bookings. If you’re looking to save money or seek a bit of adventure, considering hotel alternatives may be a worthwhile option.
Where to Go
Consider where you want to go in Russia and your reasons. While Moscow and St. Petersburg are the obvious destinations, there are countless other wonders to discover if you take the time to explore. If you’re traveling during winter, consider visiting a warmer area of Russia unless you truly believe you are prepared to face the renowned Russian winter.
Survival Tips
Budget Travel: Budget travel can be more challenging compared to other travel types that offer convenience and simplicity. The good news is that it is entirely feasible to navigate Russia on a budget.
Language: One of the most effective ways to ease your trip to Russia (or anywhere) is to learn some basic Russian words and phrases before you go. If you want to travel longer in Russia, visit remote regions, or immerse yourself in the culture, you may wish to learn the alphabet and consider taking additional Russian language lessons.
