Orthodox Tours

SOME RUSSIAN TRAVEL TIPS BY AN EXPERIENCED AMERICAN TRAVELER:

LUGGAGE — I recommend packing as compactly as possible. Take only as many pieces of luggage as you can manage yourself. There will be several times on the trip, especially going through Russian customs, when a luggage cart may not be available. Large luggage pieces (larger than 24") also may create an inconvenience while traveling on the trains since the train compartments have very limited space available to store your belongings.

MEDICATION — Bring whatever medications (including medicines for colds, sore throats, nausea and diarrhea) that you think you may need. While most medicines are available in the larger cities in Russia, the quality may be questionable and you need a doctor's prescription for antibiotics.

BE SURE TO BRING - an alarm clock (very few hotels provide room clocks); alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wet wipes (to clean your hands while touring and for those emergency trips to the restroom); your own toilet paper, if you chafe easily; Kleenex; film/memory cards and extra batteries for your camera; comfortable shoes (do not start the trip with new shoes). Russians don't have the smaller wash cloths we are used to when bathing. Bring your own, if you won't feel clean without using one. Bug/mosquito repellant is recommended. You are most likely going to use it at night in the provincial towns. A portable fan may be of use at night since most of the hotels do not have air conditioning systems. An electric outlet adapter is necessary if you plan to use any electric gadgets from non-European countries. We are going to visit a lot of churches and monasteries. While the dress code is getting looser, especially in larger cities, I want to encourage all to show moderation and respect. Russians prefer women to wear head-coverings in churches, even if it is something symbolic. Skirts are also necessary, especially at the monasteries. People in shorts and open shouldered outfits will not be allowed in the monasteries and churches.

RUSSIAN FOOD - is excellent, although calorie content is obviously not a major concern. Generally dairy products are only available at breakfast, and sugar substitutes and powdered creamer are not provided - so bring your own if you must use these. In case you would like to buy something in a store, use caution, check the expiration dates and don't buy anything that is easily spoiled. Avoid buying anything from the street vendors.

CHURCH AND SERVICES - Church services in Russia are absolutely magnificent. There are two services scheduled during the trip. They are open to all who want to attend, but are not mandatory. Those Orthodox travelers who would like to receive Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy must come for confession on that day, prior to receiving the Holy Communion.

WATER - Since a major upgrade in the water system in Moscow for its 850th anniversary in 1997, the tap water in the city is fine. In any case, in Moscow or in especially in the smaller cities I would either filter the water before I drink it or just buy bottled water, which is not expensive and is widely available.

SECURITY - Don't keep all of your cash in one place, and carry important documents (like your passport and visa) with you in a hidden pocket or secure bag. You don't want to be in a foreign land without money or travel documents. Expensive jewelry and fancy are best left at home.

CURRENCY – There are more and more places in Russia that accept credit cards (mostly Visa or MasterCard, no Discover or American Express). The easiest way to obtain cash is to use the ATM machine. For ATMs use your debit card because you won’t be charged any interest on cash withdrawals. On your credit card purchase or with your debit card cash withdrawal you get the best exchange rate of the day. It is a good idea to let your bank or credit company (the one that you’ll be using a card of) know that you are traveling overseas. Without such a notice some companies may “freeze” your account to prevent foreign card fraud. If you still feel more comfortable with cash, there are numerous currency exchanges in hotels, banks, stores - even in the smaller towns. You're rarely very far from one and it's easy to exchange dollars for rubles. But try to obtain clean, recently printed U.S. bills. Russian banks are VERY particular about the dollars they will accept and don't want dirty, torn or defaced bills. If you are exchanging cash money please use larger bills, since it always take a while for the bank clerk to check the bills. The exchange of a large number of small bills may slow down the process and the pattern of the day in general.

Russia is a beautiful country full of friendly people. But like traveling anywhere in the world, it's best to be prepared and to take precautions that will keep you and your possessions safe.