Ever Thought of Holidaying in Russia?

Have you ever thought of holidaying in Russia? Probably not. But travel experts are claiming that there’s actually never been a better time to visit the former Soviet Union. The major cities are at a kind of turning point - they still show tremendous evidence of the Soviet era, and yet are beginning to blossom with remarkably modern architecture and attractions. There’s a very diverse and fluid culture in Russia at this time that is making the country one of the most fascinating places to visit. From Moscow and St Petersburg to Sochi and Samara - Russia is simply begging to be explored.

Falling Numbers, Great Deals

Unfortunately, despite everything Russia has to offer, tourism numbers from European countries have dropped by an estimated 20 - 25 percent in recent years. The good news for those thinking of holidaying in Russia is that those dwindling figures mean there are some great deals to be found, if you look in the right places! Some destinations are continuing to thrive in terms of tourism, however - particularly the port city of St Petersburg which offers incredible shopping opportunities, beautiful walks along the Neva, and even plenty of activities for kids, like the Leningrad zoo and Kirov Park.

Visa Issues

It’s important to remember that entering Russia as a visitor isn’t quite as simple as visiting Spain or the United States, for example. British visitors need to apply for a visa before heading to Russia, which is valid for up to 30 days and costs up to £150, depending on how quickly you require the visa to be issued. Many travellers find that it’s much more cost effective to arrange for a group visa. These are visas organised by tour companies that cover all visitors, providing they remain as part of a tour group during their trip. This takes a lot of the hassle out of arranging for a visa independently.