As you communicate with a Russian woman by e-mail and realize that you like her more and more, sooner or later you will find it necessary to visit Russia and meet face-to-face. Only personal meeting can help you feel whether this is a woman you have been looking for.

Russia is a wonderful country and by far you will enjoy your trip. At the same time, it is rather different from other tourist destinations, particularly, from Western countries; hence, one should plan his visit carefully. Russia is a country with the long and unique history retained in it s unusual architecture, beautiful churches and cathedrals. There are many museums, monuments, and theatres. The most popular tourist destinations are Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Winston Churchill once said, "Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." Actually, Russia is very unusual; it is full of contrasts and surprises. Believe it or not, rarely visitors leave Russia disappointed. But this is already another story… Lets first define general things you need to know before going to Russia.

Seasons and weather
The first question is when to visit Russia? The best season is, of course, summer, which lasts in Russia from June to August. Russian winter is charming, but subzero temperatures may not be suitable for you. The beginning of autumn (September) is especially spectacular season; the cities lined up with many trees obtain most unusual colors and shades from bright yellow to ruby and brown.

Rains are common to all seasons except winter, so an umbrella is your indispensable companion in traveling to Russia.
The temperature is quiet changeable. Even in summer it may dr0p to 3-5C above zero, hence you need some warm clothes such as jacket and sweater; raincoat will also go.

Services
When organizing your trip, booking flight and hotel, make sure that you will be met at the airport. Some hotels provide pick-up services, others don’t. The first variant is more convenient for first-time travelers as you will be met by an English-speaking person, who will take you to the hotel and answer any questions you may have.

Language
The first trip to Russia, especially if you travel alone, is always confronted with language problems. Russians are very helpful but many of them don't speak English. Even the hotel staff may not speak English, if you stay in some moderately priced hotel. Most travelers admit that a talking translator", which can pronounce words in both English and Russian, is greatly useful device.

Money, safety and security
Credit cards are accepted in many places, but usually in most expensive ones. In regional cities, credit cards are not widely used. Dollars are not effective as payment and must be converted to rubles nowhere but at banks. It is illegal to exchange money from some individuals; in addition, you may be scammed. As you exchange money at a bank, there are no any restrictions on amounts, but you must produce your passport.

Don’t show around great amounts of money or walk alone at night along dark lonely streets. In fact, large Russian cities are much safer than large cities in the United States, but pickpocketing is everyday occurrence.

The crowded public places (i.e. close to railway terminals, Arbat, etc.) are full of Gypsies (people, mainly women, wearing multicolored skirts and shawls), who may tell you your fortune by hand, cards, etc. Many of them are thieves or pickpockets and you may not even notice as they cheat you. You will voluntarily give away all your cash, if you do not get rid of them as soon as possible.

It is also recommended not to share taxis and lifts with strangers and have a telephone number of your tourist agency, hotel or someone, whom you may always call in case of need or emergency.

You should always have with you your passport and visa. If the police stop you and you are without your documents, they can easily take you to the nearest jail and make you pay the fine.

Travel and medical insurance

Travel and medical insurance are vital. Medical care is below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. A number of quality medical facilities in major cities usually require cash payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S. Embassy and consulates have lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Your travel insurance should also cover medical evacuation for emergency conditions.

Irina Abolentseva