Travel to Russia
You have probably thought about a travel to Russia at least a couple of times but made a change in the plans due to Russia’s current political situation. It’s also made obvious in the media that the biggest country in the world is an unstable destination to visit. 
Here’s one thing you need to know: Moscow and St. Petersburg doesn’t fall under any travel alerts by the government. So it’s proved that you can travel to Russia safe any time of the year.
If you’re a luxury traveler or even a backpacker, you need to know these 7 tips before traveling to Russia.
1# Be culturally appropriate
My advice here is to make an appropriate search on the social culture of the Russian people. It would ease the contacting with other people during your visit and make sure you don’t fall into any embarrassing situations. One of which is that it’s not respectful to keep your hands in your pocket during your tour inside churches – the Lenin Mausoleum too.
2# Give the vodka a try
As it’s considered a pastime, the Russian restaurants serve the vodka with meals. I really recommend giving it a try; don’t sip it, it’s better if you drink it as a shot.
3# Learn a few words
Because only a few people speak English in the streets. It’s either that or you can download an offline dictionary to help you through your communication with people outside hotels.
But also, try to learn some basic words by heart on your plane trip to Russia and save yourself some time!
4# Always have a plan B
Since you will probably get lost in the fun and catch yourself in the middle of the day very hungry with no clue where a good restaurant would be. So make sure you have a little research on good restaurants and mark them down so you don’t have to eat terrible food and ruin your day.
Not only restaurants but everything. If you were planning to visit some museum, make sure you know where you wanna go next, or what happens if a particular one was closed.
This way you’ll have a flexible mind, and any disruption during the visit won’t upset you.
5# Take your passport everywhere
Yes. Don’t leave it at wherever you’re staying; also, don’t lose it. Take several copies of your visa and passport online, on your phone, and hard copies to show if anycase the original went lost.
6# The issue about Visas
Everyone stresses about getting their visa. I tell you what, you can ease the pain and pay $115 for an agency to take care of all your paper work and official invitation.
It’s propably not the only option, but sometimes it’s better not to take the risk of getting it wrong.
7# Find out opening days and times
There aren’t standard open and close times for the Russian museums, cathedrals or other attractions in Russia as a whole, each one has its own timing.
The Lenin’s mausoleum in the Red Square only opens at 10 am until 1 pm during the week except for Mondays and Fridays.
So make sure you research the opening and closing times a day before your visit to that place.
If you been there, I’d like to hear your experience. And if there anything you wish to add to the list, please let me know in the comments below.
