Travel to Russia

Russia is a fascinating country and an amazing place to visit, but travel to and within this great nation can at times seem a little intimidating.  Russia is absolutely huge and expands over much of northern Eurasia, in fact it is the largest country in the world.  Containing over one eighth of the Earth's area and sharing borders with countries as far apart as North Korea and Norway, travelling to Russia can certainly fill you with many concerns.  Russia expands over 11 time zones, all of which are full with cultural and geographical diversity.  With cities rich in history and culture, the second largest forest reserves in the world and rivers and lakes to compete with anywhere in the world, where exactly do you start when making a trip to Russia.

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union it has become possible for visitors to explore a huge array of Russia's exciting ancient cultures.  Many of these cultures have been left relatively untouched in the past due to their politically enforced inaccessibility.  This has all changed however, and a new Russia is in full bloom, embracing its tremendous diversity and welcoming international visitors with open arms.  Russia is dominated by a continental climate due to the distance that many of its areas lie from the sea.  The climate generally is either very cold or very hot, and the more in between times of Spring and Autumn are very short lived in most regions. 

When thinking of Russian culture, most people might think of the classical music and ballet that have been such a strong international force.  Russian architecture is also unique and beautiful with its many amazing churches on most visitor's check list.  However as Russia has modernised since the fall of the USSR, many new activities are making a home there.  Along side the fantastic architecture and vibrant visual arts scenes Russians are embracing new artistic and sporting mediums.  Exactly what the future holds in store for mighty Russia is an educated guess at best. 

Travel to Russia has been made very difficult in the past due to a healthy and over used bureaurocratic system, but it is now easier than ever before.  Since the fall of the Soviet empire, the nation of Russia has relaxed its grip a lot, however registration and visas are still very much a necessity.  If you plan ahead well before you go and fulfill the necessary requirements you will be fine.  Credit card facilities can still be scarce in parts of Russia, so always make sure that you have some cash with you.  Russia is generally a clean and safe country, however water is not usually at the same standard as it may be in the U.S.A or other parts of Europe - be careful.  It is recommended that you have the following shots before you go, but you should of course always consult with your doctor first;  Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B and at times Tickborne Encephalitis.

Most visitors associate Russia with its great cities and seem most interested in visiting them above all else.  Although St Petersburg, Murmansk and Moscow are definitely amazing places, any traveller to Russia will certainly be spoilt for choices when it comes to choosing great travel destinations.