Sometime next year I will be out of work but with a wad of dough in my hand and some free time. I fancy taking the train across Russia to Vladivostok. Just wondered if anyone out there who's done this can give me some pointers? Any good places to stop off and see along the way? How far in advance do I have to arrange things? etc.
2006-10-26 03:55:22 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Russia
I was there from 1989 - 1992, so it's been a while since I was over there, but make sure that you have your paperwork ready well in advance (visa/ passport) and make sure it's valid for way past your return home! A couple of photo copies won't go amiss either (keep them separate). I found that little things like bars of soap/ polo mints/ stickers were handy. Out in the countyside, you will become the local television! Stared at openly, followed constantly and probably approached for donations. I used to keep a pocket fuIl of low denomination coins, but rarely used them in crowded situations. I saw so many scenes of what we would call poverty, and recieved so many acts of kindness from these same people. Usually involving food. Lots of it! They are an extremely proud people, refusing gifts of money. The children loved the stickers, the women loved the soap and everybody loved the polo mints!
The country is enormous and trains usually travel at night. Take toilet paper and a plug for the sink! I hope the wash room facilities have improved!!!
In the towns, don't walk around looking at the floor. Look up, the architecture is absolutely breathtaking and far surpasses anything I've seen anywhere else.
The further out into the sticks you go, the less chance there is of finding anyone who speaks English. So a little Russian is very helpful. Having said that, when you do find an English speaker, they are your instant friend as they rarely have chance to use their skill. If you can't speak Russian already, at least make yourself familiar with the cyrillic alphabet It makes a huge difference when you can actually read what's written on sign posts! Token greetings, staple food names, numbers (for shopping) will all help you enjoy your trip. There are maps/ books available written in both languages which make it much easier.
Your question has made me remember so many incredible moments. Thankyou for that. Have a wonderful trip. It's something you will remember for the rest of your life.
2006-10-26 04:44:52 · answer #1 · answered by Val G 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I went from Vlad to Estonia kind of by accident (long story). I went third class (called platzkartny in Russian) which is basically an open dormitory carriage with absolutely no privacy.It's not the Tran-Siberian railway. There are no other tourists, just Russians and no-one speaks any English. The ticket was £80 with two changes. It took virtually two weeks.
I would recommend it to anyone. It was the most amazing couple of weeks of my life. It would definitely help if you can speak reasonable Russian. Take plenty of food and supplies to share. Bread, cheese, sausage, fresh fruit and beer and vodka of course. Be nice to the provodntisa (she's like a caretaker on the train and can make life heaven or hell for you).
Irkutsk for Lake Baikal, Tyumen, Novosibirsk and Perm would be my must-see's.
It's not a holiday exactly. You'll be filthy, knackered and hungover by the end but it's the experience of a lifetime.
www.waytorussia.com is a helpful website.
Have an amazing time!
2006-10-26 09:41:40 · answer #2 · answered by Katya-Zelen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lots of good advice, but I see none of the warnings that go with this trip.
Do not carry valuables in your suitcase, and do not carry lots of cash. Rubles go a long way, and flashing a bunch of money around is a sure way to get yourself robbed. You sleep, your goodies go away.
Knowing some Russian is a good idea. Again, speaking English points you out as a "rich foreigner", and puts you at risk of robbery.
Don't worry too much... nobody will pull a gun or knife on you, and steal from you in person. They will simply go through your bags when you are not watching them. It is quite safe physically.
There is a small book that I recommend in addition to the one suggested already. "Customs and History of Russia". It is a small pocket book, and is well worth reading before you go. It has all the "social politeness rules" you will want to know... like never extend your hand to someone over a threshold, and a man should always get on the train before a woman (because it is a man's duty to lift the womans bags into the carriage, and offer his assistance in climbing aboard).
Oh, don't dunk your bread in your borsch. Only gypsies do this :P
You can email me if you have other specific questions.
2006-10-27 14:19:16 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm doing it in June next yea, starting form China, can't wait!
The only thing I would suggest is a good book which gives you all the information you would need. It's called The Trans-Siberian Notebook and will set you back approximately £14 but it gives you train times, how long and how much.
2006-10-26 04:08:10 · answer #4 · answered by LOAJP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did Moscow - Beijing a while ago, now. Travelled alone, but always found fellow travellers to talk to, even had the Governor of a Bank in Kyrgyzstan buy me drinks! Spent a lot of time looking at the scenery. Stopped off at Irkutsk, Siberia - worth a couple of days to visit Lake Baikal.
2016-05-21 22:11:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im planning on doing it in july august next year,
There are many website of people who have done this. And a book i just purchased , called Trans - siberian handbook, from most book stores , it gives details and advice, all so time tables , and prices..
hope u have a good time, maybe u can email me, and let me know more when u get back
2006-10-26 04:04:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I did this journey in1994 from Moscow to Irkutsk, firstly buy a copy of Trans-Siberian Handbook by Bryn Thomas it gives you a mile by mile account of railway side towns,villages and things to look out for. Take a universal sink plug (golddust) we also took ladies tights,Bic dispossable razors and chewing gum (for the children) all to barter with it may have changed in 12yrs. but once you are out of Moscow things become rather basic
2006-10-26 04:14:38 · answer #7 · answered by brad 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take a juice,Korean spaghetti DOSHIRAK,a lot of cakes,also you can eat at wagon restaurant.There are nice russian food,not McDonals
2006-10-26 10:00:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but I've always wanted to! There was an article in yesterday's Guardian about it. http://travel.guardian.co.uk/ecotourism/story/0,,1930896,00.html
2006-10-26 04:10:05 · answer #9 · answered by rainy-h 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good batteries for caneras, keep them warm also, let some one know where you are , there are some websites for this i think, is it waynes world?
enjoy
Simon
2006-10-26 03:58:30 · answer #10 · answered by hodsons1966 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋