Tips for Traveling to Russia – How to Enjoy A Siberian Peninsula Holdiay.
Are you interested in travelling to Russia? If so, you will be relieved to know that it is not difficult to get a tourist visit. All that is needed is a completed visa application and it should be submitted to the Russian Embassy. You must have confirmation of reservations at a hotel for the first night or so as well as an “invitation” from a Russian tourist organization. There are quite a few agencies and hotels that will be able to assist you with this matter.
If you are a UK National and are planning on stopping Mongolia and/or China then you will also need visas for these countries. Both the Chinese and Mongolian Embassies will be able to assist you with this.
Where to Visit in Russia
You can visit the vast majority of the cities on the Trans-Siberian with the exception f a couple of military centres. Remember, however, that if you are using an agency to plan your tip you should make sure that you plan very carefully. That’s because once you have begun your trip you won’t be able to make changes to your itinerary. Travelling independently will provide you with more choices and allow you to buy tickets and update your itinerary as many times as you want. Some of the stopovers that are popular with tourists include Irkutsk, which is not too far from the deepest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Baikal. The Mongolian capital of Ulaan Baatar is also quite popular.
Planning Your Trip to Russia
Traveling during the winter will provide you with the visuals of Siberia you likely have in your head with snow on the ground and trees weighted down with layers of ice. The cold brings out the fur coats and the strongest of vodka! During the winter when there is a layer of snow covering the city it is most beautiful. St. Petersburg looks especially beautiful covered in snow and the skies are clear. However, if you are looking for things to do you may find that the summer, fall, and late spring all provide tourists many options for activities. The weather is incredibly cold during December and January and it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop as low as -40°C. During the months of February, March, and April the weather is cold and clear. Those who enjoy swimming will prefer to visit in July and August when it is warm enough to swim in Lake Baikal. However, those who enjoy the scenery may like to visit during September or October when the trees are changing colors.
The high seasons is considered from May to September and the low season is between the months of October and April. You can frequently find discounted tours during the low season. Not to mention, booking the train on short notice is considerably easier.
What to Pack For a Trip to Russia
Travelling on the train once was challenging because there was little to choose from in the way of food and drink. Now, however, the selection has improved and you can buy items in the dining car including biscuits, chocolate, and even beer. Other food is sold on station platforms by hawkers and you may find boiled potatoes and eggs, bread, and even tomatoes.
If you want to travel with your own food it’s recommend to pack cheese, biscuits, and fruit as well as tea bags and/or coffee. If you desire sugar or whitener pack that, too. You can find hot water in each carriage from the hot water urn. Other foods that pack well include peanut butter, instant noodles, dried soup, crackers, Marmite, hot chocolate, fruit juice powdered, and the like.
Washing is somewhat of a challenge and you may either fill the basin and pour water over you with a mug or else pack a shower hose that is flexible and that will fit on the tap nozzle. Only passengers in the first class compartment will have actual showers.
Booking your Russian Holiday
Go ahead and book now so you will get the pick of your destinations, the train, and at the best prices. Remember the suggestions here and plan well in advance to ensure you have no problems with your visas or other trip details. If you shop around for Russian trips, you can actually find some pretty cheap holiday deals.