Russia is one of the more intriguing and contradictory nations in the world, because even as we learn more about its culture and history, its proper identity appears yet more obscure.
Russia has some of the most celebrated business innovators who have amassed tremendous wealth, and it also has some truly startling portions of extreme poverty. While Russia has been the home or birthplace of countless great statesmen and scholars, it has also seen the rise and fall of a number of cold-blooded dictators.
Russia’s general population is known as a practical group that handles adversity well, while the leaders are often seen as thugs who don’t respect the rights and liberties of their people. Many admire the country as a leader of great art and magnificent buildings, but the country also created some of the worst, most ugly industrial architecture and pollution ever seen.
However, you’ll find great expanses of natural habitats that include wonderful birch forests as well as majestic coastal regions and mountains that will take your breath away. From the well-known wooden spires of the Russian cathedrals, to sturdy small enclaves that have been immune to any sort of change for centuries, you’ll find a surplus of history in the buildings you’ll find in Russia.
Take steps to obtain new US passports, because you and any others traveling with you can’t get into Russia without them.
Explore requirements to get Russian travel visas well in advance of the date you plan to tour this land because you’ll find that there are some stringent requirements you must fulfill.
It may seem like excess advice, but you should be reminded that getting your paperwork together in advance of your trip is absolutely essential if you wish to avoid difficulties. There is usually a crush of first-time tourists to certain places of interest in Russia, so be aware that various destinations are liable to be packed when you are planning to visit.
As a first-time sightseer, you’ll probably gravitate toward Moscow, since it is the most well-known location in all of Russia, and holds many of the locations tourists want to visit. It’s not uncommon for tourists to explore the Russian countryside after spending time viewing the high points that the cities have to offer.
If you need a change of pace, get out of the cities and visit some of the country’s vast countryside, where you can drink in the natural beauty. Many visitors gravitate toward the coast, the mountains or to the Russian forests when they want to experience a dynamic contrast to life in the big city.
An attraction for many, the Black Sea town of Sochi is a prime spot for sports buffs because it will host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Perhaps you’re a veteran of many a far-off expedition, but with its seemingly endless expanse of land, Russia is a grand undertaking even for the seasoned tourist.
For you, it may make sense to limit your scope to a more manageable portion of Russia your first time there, and then plan to return at another time for more pleasure.