Russian Visas - Page 2 - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**cliffo** · 10-31-2003, 12:05 AM

npabga - thank you so much for all the info dude. I'll probably want to stay for the whole month - especially considering how involved it seems to get a visa. I'm sure it will be worth the effort when i finally get there though.

I was looking at maybe 5 days each in St Petes and Moscow but as for the rest of my time i'm not sure. Certainly Novogord will be on the list though. Will probably plan something in greater detail as it gets closer but for the time being what you have mentioned sounds like a good way to go...cheer bud!!

npabga · 10-31-2003, 06:51 AM

Cliffo, no problem man! Always happy to help with what little bit I could (which is, honestly, little

). Russia I think is well worth it, though I actually haven't gone a true backpacking route, being tied down with studies and an internship here. So I think you are a braver guy than I. I just do weekend trips sometimes to outlying cities for a day or two- not the whole on the road and into the great unknown.

Have you got an idea of where you want to stay? Moscow is relatively expensive from the searches I've done (I bummed a free night from a relative there- so I never had to get a place of my own in that town). Never tried the hostels here- though I heard that they are comparable with others in Eastern Europe. I slept in a hotel room in Novgorod for 6 bucks, dirty but a roof. In St. Petes you can find a bed and breakfasts for $15 a night near downtown.

Also bring your student ID card (I accidently said discount card in my last e-mail)- it will save you money, even if few people can read it though.

If I can help, I will, just let me know.

I just like this smiley

**cliffo** · 10-31-2003, 03:29 PM

No definites yet - will have to start looking at places to stay though. I'll be going the backpacker route for sure though.

As for the student card...i haven't been a student for quite some time so thats something i'm not gonna have

**Sijuki** · 10-31-2003, 08:22 PM

Cliffo,
I am just trying to get a good idea of what I need to do. Like as far as rail passes and other transportation issues. I am breaking it down into regions and weather. Just looking for suggestions right now. I am going to come up with an itinerary where there will be certain dates that I should be moving from like Region A to Region B. Beyond that I am not going to get too strict on it. Aside from a few places where I may make reservations, if needed. I have had the travel bug in me and I have just fought it off too long. I can't take it anymore!

-- Rob (Sijuki)

--Cliffo said--
"One thing though - guess it depends on the person, but do you really want to plan out your itinerary in so much detail? You may do that and then when you get there change your mind on where you want to go, meet people to go somewhere else with, etc... I'm pretty much just gonna wing it when i land and see which way the wind blows. "

**Sijuki** · 10-31-2003, 08:29 PM

Npabga,

Thanks for the great info man. I know Russia has some really beautiful things to see, and I really wanted to go, but I frankly had no clue at all, besides it was difficult. The only experience I have had with Russia is one person travel log and watching Jackass : The Bubblegum Tour Episode.(which really is no experience). This single thread has made my membership here completely worthwhile. Thanks

-- Rob (Sijuki)

npabga · 11-04-2003, 01:05 AM

Well, so you know Cliffo, if you happen to find your old card, bring it along- often the clerks at the ticket offices will glance at it, for a split second, if at all. Many can't read English anyways. However, if it has an old date stated prominently on it or looks really old- you may not be able to get in. One time I had to talk my way into getting a discount since the lady noticed that my card was issued in 1999. The worst that will happen is that you will pay the full amount. Take care and best of luck.