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Read our articles and discover Russia’s tourist attractions, ways to learn its traditions and culture, top activities and interesting places, world-famous museums and hidden gems, and much more that’ll inspire you to come and see Russia.

These are some of our hand-picked tours and itineraries that will let you get the most out of your trip to Russia. Choose one of ready programs or customize it and create your own trip!

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WOW. From the choice of hotels, amazingly planned itineraries, to the amazing guides and drivers, and, of course, the stunning cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. No long queues for museums, churches, and palaces entries. I would gladly recommend using Travel All Russia to anyone.

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Russia Travel Guide

Your ultimate russia travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in russia. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Russia, the world’s largest country. From off-the-beaten-path destinations, like Irkutsk, to the idyllic countryside to glittering palaces and ancient fortresses to vodka induced parties that last until the wee hours of the morning, Russia definitely has it all. 

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Fast Facts about Russia

• Russian power voltage is 220V 50Hz;  Plug C
• The Russian currency is the Russian ruble and is around 69 RUB to 1 USD
• Get your visa well in advance . North Americans and most Europeans will need visas to enter Russia. The official invitation option has been dropped, however people still need to show certain documents, such as hotel confirmation letters, bank/income statements or a travel insurance policy.
• Upon arrival you will be handed a  migration card  that is either filled out or blank (which you will need to fill out yourself!) You will need this card to register at hotels and to leave the country so make sure you don’t lose it!
• Be extremely careful at zebra crossing / crosswalks.  There are times when cars will not slow down and will fail to give way.  Never assume that a driver will stop for you when you cross the street. 
• When buying art you need the piece certified as being  culturally insignificant  to have it pass through customs. It can take time to get the proper documents, so it is advisable to avoid buying art if you are visiting Russia for a short time.
• Women should cover their heads with a scarf in Orthodox churches, if it is an active church.
• Travelers are advised against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan, as well as all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.
• Avoid drinking water from the faucet, especially in St. Petersburg. The water leaving the purification plant is fine but the water pipe system is woefully outdated and the purified water is often contaminated with city ground water.

Things to See and Do in Russia

• Climbing Mt Elbrus  – You don’t have to pay a fee to conquer the 5640m European peak.
• Hiking in the Altai Region  –The region has incredible spots for hiking and beautiful scenery.
• Moscow Kremlin  – Features cathedrals built in the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Hermitage Museum  – Features over 3 million art and culture exhibitions.
• Attend a concert  – You’ll enjoy a stunning performance at the Moscow International Performing Arts Center.
• The Magnificent Moscow Metro  – the metro system is more of an art deco design project than a transport hub.
• The Astrakhan Kremlin  – Located on the banks of the Volga River ever so close to the Caspian Sea, this pleasant waterfront city boasts a bustling boardwalk complete with jugglers, rollerbladers, performers and vendors.

Russia Travel Guides

17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

• Mongolia Pictures from the Russian Border to the Gobi Desert
• Motherland Calls – Mother Russia Stands Proud Over Volgograd

Accommodation

Budget  – Some budget hotels can be found in Russia starting at $15 US per night. They may include free Wi-Fi and a private room.

Mid Range  – Mid-range hotels start around $85 per night. They may include a restaurant, family rooms, and a lounge.

High End  – Luxury hotels are priced at $200 – $300 per night. These hotels offer high-end amenities such as indoor pools, fitness centers, and spas.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and  Air B&B  for the best deals on accommodation in Russia.

• Pelmeni  – Pastry dumpling filled with meat.
• Borscht  –Soup made with beetroot. 
• Blini  – Thin pancakes that resemble crepes.
• Solyanka  – Stew made with meat, pickles, onions, herbs, and spices. 
• Kvass  –A beverage made from rye bread. 
• Plov  – Seasoned rice with meat.
• Okroshka soup  – Made with yogurt, mayonnaise, or kvass. 

The Best Ways to Get Around Russia

Getting to russia:.

Flights:  The main airports in Russia that have international flights include Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo. These airports receive flights from many countries, including Britain, Turkey, Egypt, Spin, France, and many more.

You can check for the best flights to Russia on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : In Russia, you can get around by bus at affordable prices. The general cost of bus fare in Russia is as low as $1.

Taxis / Uber : Taxis are available in almost every part of Russia. Some of the popular taxi services are Yandex Taxi, Taxi Moscow International, and Lingo Taxi. Taxi prices in Russia start from $13 for a distance of 1.5 KM.

Car Rental:  In Russia, there are both local and international car rental services such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Prokat Auto, and Arenda Car. On average, a rental car in Russia costs $45 a day. You can also compare  prices here .

When to go To Russia

Russia  has a largely continental  climate  because of its sheer size with warm to hot dry summers and cold winters with temperatures of -30°C and lower and sometimes heavy snowfall. 

In Moscow and St. Petersburg the first snow usually falls in late November and stays till early April. The average winter temperature is about -10°C. Much of the country experiences only two main seasons: summer and winter.

• Russia has four seasons and there is no bad time to visit Russia if you are prepared for the weather.
• It has a very similar climate to Canada.
• Summer (June to August) is a good time for road trips , hiking, and exploring cities.
• Winter (November to February) is great for skiing, ice skating, and winter carnivals.
• Spring (late March to May) can be unpredictable with a mix of snow, rain and warm sunshine and the same can be said for Autumn (September/October) although Autumn is usually dry.

Where to Stay in Russia

• Four Seasons Hotel Moscow  – Located just steps from Red Square, this hotel offers luxury accommodation and many incredible amenities for travelers.
• Kempinski Hotel Moika  – This is a great place to stay in Zenit St Petersburg. The hotel offers warmly decorated rooms, entertainment facilities, among many other amenities.
• Vysotskiy   – This is one of the best hotels for tourists in Yekaterinburg. It offers genteel rooms, suites, city views and spa.

What to Pack for Russia

• Layers –  You could possibly be sweating all afternoon and then be freezing by nightfall! Make sure to stock up on the layers. If you plan on heading to Russia during the winter make sure to pack the  winter essentials:  Warm, waterproof, fleece-lined boots big enough to wear with heavy wool socks, hat, waterproof gloves and thermal long underwear!
• Classic Basic items  – You do not need to be a fashionista to blend in. The key is in embracing neutral toned items that can be mixed and matched easily. Avoid logos, baseball caps, shorts, hoodies, flip-flops and running shoes as these items scream  tourist!
• Rain Essentials –  the weather can be a little unpredictable so make sure to pack a lightweight easily compacted waterproof/windproof jacket and a pair of waterproof boots.
• Personal Safety products  – Certain areas in Moscow and St. Petersburg are known as pickpocket hotspots. Before leaving for your trip, make sure to pack some  personal safety products , like money belts and locks, so that you can keep your valuables safe on your trip.

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Russia Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Russia Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Russia click here .

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Experience the Real Russia with the Open-Minded Locals

Do you find the boring walking the million-times-beaten tracks with numerous confusing and insignificant facts you have come to the right place we are sick of such old-schooled tours, too., our guides are the highlights of each tour they are friendly locals with a good sense of humor , who are not afraid to discuss hot topics. politics, religion, mentality... why not, if this helps you to understand so contradicting country like russia, we are a small family business ; therefore, we do rare and extraordinary tours with a highly personal touch. whatever your age, mobility, and interests we will provide a wonderful insight into our moscow heritage and its local culture. make your russian holidays unforgettable and..., t ravel r eal r ussia.

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Visiting the countryside is a great opportunity to travel the Golden Ring of Russia and to see the common life of ordinary people.

Vladimir and Suzdal are small towns that are famous worldwide because of their great history and picturesque architecture with numerous UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Duration: 14-16 hours

We have a very unique off-road Soviet UAZ van that looks like it is still 1965. Driving it on typical Russian mud road will make you feel like a real Russian!

For a second part of our adventure, you will visit a network of underground limestone caves with an experienced caver guide.

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What is daily life in rural Russia? How the traditional Russian village still looks like? This is a very popular question among  foreign travelers.

This August we visited a small Russian village located in the middle of nowhere that is just 250 km from Moscow.

Our 4x4 Journey to Rybachy and Solovki Islands.

Very emotional and existential article about Russia Arctic, its abandoned settlements and severe nature. Amazing if you have time for philosophical thoughts.

Spend four hours off-roading through the mud and then climbing underground to walk 15-km wild catacombs in Moscow? EASY!

This kind of weekend is quite typical for some Russians (who loves adventures, of course). A couple of journalists joined Tony to see how his Adventure tour really looks!

Travel Guide: Explore the Real Russia­­ on Your Own

What is Moscow? How big is Moscow? When was Moscow founded? When did Moscow become the capital of Russia? Is Moscow in Europe or Asia? And, finally, Moscow tourist attractions and travel guides... Learn it in a single article.

Day trip from Moscow is a great option to explore the real Russia and its local culture! Depending on your wishes, we may make a "classic" route or go off the beaten paths.

Check Top 7 sites below to learn best day trip options or contact us to design the trip for free!

The Moscow subway system or Metro is the cheapest and fastest way of getting around the Russian capital!

How to pay? How to read metro map? Learn in this article!

Who is behind "Travel Real Russia"?

Hello my name is tony terentev . with my wife ira , we are the owners of the «travel real russia» company., actually, i am a licensed physician and doctor with 6-years of experience. one day i decided to change my way of life and start doing what i really want to do – traveling in my soviet military van , meeting new people and broadening my view and horizons today, i'm happy to work as a guide and business manager., i know a lot about bustling moscow . even more, i know about the russian countryside , where epochal monuments neighbor with abandoned churches and desolated villages. join us to explore the most complex, confounding and contradictory country in the world, about the soviet military van.

These top tips can help you make the most of your visit to Russia © MarinaDa / Shutterstock

The world’s largest country beguiles and fascinates with its world-class art, epic landscapes and multifaceted society. You may also find that perseverance  and a sense of humour will go a long way in enriching your first-time Russian travel experience. From the things you absolutely must do before you travel to the things we recommend that you steer clear of once you're there, here are some top tips for avoiding common pitfalls when visiting  Russia .

DO apply for a visa early and register on arrival

Visas must be applied for in advance by all visitors. How you do that varies depending on your nationality and where in Russia you are traveling to. Travelers from many countries, including the UK and US, need to apply in-person at an embassy or consulate and provide biometric data. An e-visa may be an option for passport-holders from 52 countries, which include many EU travelers, as well as those from China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern countries. However these are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.  Check with your local Russian embassy or consulate for confirmation, or get up-to-date information here . 

You can apply at the last moment, but it may cost you a fortune. Start the application process at least a month before your trip and consider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas and make key transport bookings. Every visitor to Russia should have their visa registered within seven days of arrival, excluding weekends and public holidays. The obligation to register is with your hotel or hostel, or landlord, friend or family if you’re staying in a private residence. Also keep in mind that your visa entry and exit dates will be written according to European calendar convention (day/month/year) as opposed to the American style, so don't get mixed up or over-stay your visa. 

DO check the events calendar

During major holidays – the first week in January (between New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day) – Moscow and St Petersburg empty out. Despite this, both cities are festive during these times, with parades, concerts and other events, but museums and other institutions may have shortened hours or be shut altogether. May to September is the best time to visit St Petersburg but mid-June is when the city is irresistible, with the White Nights revelry at its peak.

DO dress up for a night out

We can’t guarantee you’ll make it past Moscow’s "face control" (the term comes from clubs trying to "save face" by only letting in patrons who meet their image standards) but you can better your chances of getting in to the top clubs by making a sartorial effort – high heels and skirts for women, all black for men. Russians also make an effort when they go to the theater or a posh restaurant – you should do likewise to fit in.

DO learn the Cyrillic alphabet

Making an effort to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet repays tenfold. It will help you decode street and metro signs, maps, timetables and menus, even if you don't know many Russian phrases. While digital tools like the Russian Metro app  and Google Translate make it easier than ever to visit countries where you don't speak or read the language, brushing up beforehand can reduce frustration and endear you to the locals.

Rideshare options such as Taxovichkoff and Yandex Taxi upended the taxi industry in Russia as much as anywhere else. That means less pressure to know the Russian phrases you'd need to hails cabs in the streets, but it still is wise to learn key phrases in case there's a navigation mixup, like the address of your hotel or intersection of your short-term apartment rental. 

DO expect to spend your money

Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world and St Petersburg is not a cheap destination either; wallet-thinning shock is common at many restaurants and hotels. As a foreigner you’ll also find yourself paying more than a Russian for some museums – often as much as 10 times the price Russians pay. If you’re a student, flashing your ID can save you money at museums and other institutions.

You can save on dining out a few different ways. Many restaurants offer "business lunches" that are great value and very filling. Several years ago the trend for " anti-cafes " cropped up in larger Russian cities, and there are still a few where you pay by the minute for coffee, biscuits, and a little wi-fi time. 

Food markets  that blend farmers markets and food halls are popular, and are often found in architecturally significant vintage buildings. You can shop for ingredients to cook yourself or sample cuisines from around the world from dozens of  vendor stalls. Many food markets are less expensive than sit-down restaurants and let you try a wider variety of local and international dishes. 

DON’T ask for a mixer with your vodka

Few traditions in Russia are as sacrosanct as the drinking of vodka , and any foreign notions of drinking it with orange juice or tonic are anathema to your average Russian. If you need something to wash it down, you can chase it with a lemon, a pickle or, perhaps, a separate glass of water. Vodka is drunk in swift shots, not sipped. It’s traditional (and good sense) to eat a little something after each shot, so order some vodka snacks too.

DON’T be disrespectful in a church

Working churches are open to everyone, but as a visitor you should take care not to disturb any devotions or offend sensibilities. There's no face control, but women should cover their heads and bare shoulders when entering a church. In some monasteries and churches it’s also required for a woman to wear a skirt – wraps are usually available at the door. Men should remove their hats in church and not wear shorts.

DON’T take photos of government buildings

Be very careful about photographing stations, official-looking buildings and any type of military-security structure – if in doubt, don’t snap! Travelers have been arrested and fined for such innocent behaviour.

DON’T be surprised if you’re stopped by the police

Although new laws were passed in 2011 that ostensibly reconfigured Russia's police and their interactions with the public, it's still wise to carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration – not to mention travel documents that indicate how and when you'll return home – and present them when an officer demands to see your documents. You may also see special tourist police near major attractions like the Red Square , who have special training and language skills to assist travelers.

If you're issued a fine, Russian authorities might expect an "unofficial payment" to expedite their service on the spot, as opposed to handling the matter later at the station. Either way, always ask for an official receipt, and consider carrying the phone number for your country's embassy in case matters get more complicated. 

You might also like: How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow    How to plan and pack for the Trans-Siberian Railway    Beyond the Trans-Siberian: travelling Russia's unexplored northwest by train   

This article was originally published in August 2009.

This article was first published October 2019 and updated September 2021

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Russia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 5, 2023, russia - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks.

Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the  unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces , the potential for  harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials , the  arbitrary enforcement of local law ,  limited flights into and out of Russia , the  Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia , and the possibility of  terrorism .  U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately.  Exercise increased caution due to  the risk of wrongful detentions.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.

There have been numerous reports of drone attacks, explosions, and fires in areas in Western and Southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately.

In September 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, subject them to mobilization, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them. 

U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited due to sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.

Commercial flight options are extremely limited and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens to depart the country and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited. Click  here  for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

U.S. Embassy personnel are generally not permitted to travel on Russian air carriers due to safety concerns.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the air safety rating for Russia from Category 1 to Category 2 on April 21, 2022, due to Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport noncompliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over those areas of the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW) and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

The right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not consistently protected in Russia. U.S. citizens should avoid all political or social protests and not photograph security personnel at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations and there are numerous reports Russian nationals have been detained for social media activity. 

Country Summary:

U.S. citizens, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private citizens engaged in business who are visiting or residing in Russia, have been interrogated without cause and threatened by Russian officials, and may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion. 

Russian security services may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy of the detention of a U.S. citizen and unreasonably delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services are increasing the arbitrary enforcement of local laws to target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”

Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia to perform work for or volunteer with non-governmental organizations or religious organizations.

There have been multiple security incidents in southwestern Russia related to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government declared martial law in Russia’s regions bordering Ukraine (Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Krasnodar) on October 20, 2022. The martial law regime allows the rapid introduction of restrictive measures such as curfew, seizure of private property, restriction of entry/exit and freedom of movement, internment of foreigners, forced relocation of local residents, and restrictions on public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.

Recent legislation has expanded the ability of Russian authorities to detain, question, and arrest individuals suspected of acting against Russia’s interests, including posts on personal social media accounts, engaging with foreign and international entities, discrediting the Russian state or military, as well as advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.

Terrorist groups, both transnational and local terrorist organizations, and individuals inspired by extremist ideology continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs and systems, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Travel to the North Caucasus (including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus) is prohibited for U.S. government employees and strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.

The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya – that Russia has purported to annex more recently. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. Russia staged its further invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea, and Russia is likely to take further military actions in Crimea, and the four other Ukrainian oblasts are the subject of intensive fighting. There are continuing abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continues to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya, although the ongoing conflict severely restricts the Embassy’s ability to provide services in these areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Russia.

If you decide to travel to Russia:

• Familiarize yourself with the information on  what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Monitor local and international media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Russia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Moscow · Russia

A trip of a lifetime

I loved the whole trip, so couldn’t say there was one particular part that stood out as it was so well organised that each trip, excursion and visit worked together to give me a great picture of the country overall.

Russia Travel guide

Best time to visit Russia

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More information about Russia

An absolute giant of a country,  Russia  spans an amazing  12.5%  of the worlds inhabited the land area and sits across two continents, stretching from  Eastern Europe  to  North As i a . The fusion of these two distinct cultures comes together to form a country of epic proportions. Spanning an amazing  11   time zones , it is the world’s  9th most populous  country with a population of around  146.77 million  people, most of which live in the  west  of the country, leaving a major part of the interior largely uninhabited. The country borders a huge number of countries, from  Norway  in the  northwest  corner to  North Korea  and  China  in the  East,  and is separated from the  U.S.  state of  Alaska,  by only  82 kilometers,  through the  Bering Strait.  The huge metropolis and capital city of  Moscow  contain some of  Russia’s  most iconic buildings and architecture, whilst the other most visited city,  St Petersburg,  is a cultural center filled with artistic treasures and relics of the  Russian Empire . Other notable cities include  Nizhny Novgorod  and  Yekaterinburg.  Although a  tour of Russia  will often only scratch the surface of this enormous country, the treasures to be found in the most popular cities and sights will leave all visitors with a sense of wonder at the unique culture and fascinating history of this global giant.

Sights in Russia

Travelers on a  holiday to Russia  will no doubt desire to soak up the charms of its most iconic sights.  Moscow’s Red Square,  a huge square in the city center, stands out as the ultimate spectacle for the multi-colored patterned dome of the  St. Basil Cathedral ,  Lenin’s Mausoleum , the mighty  State Historical Museum , and the iconic  GUM Department Store , all of which are located on the square. It is most famous as an urban space that acted as the focal point for many of the demonstrations and parades of the  Soviet-era  and in recent years has been the stage for various high-profile music concerts. After  Red Square,  the  Kremlin complex  is considered another of the capitals unmissable highlights, today the official residence of the  President,  and houses several important buildings, including the  Grand Kremlin Palace,  once the home of the  Tsars  and a number of  cathedrals ,  towers , and  palaces.  Another of the most popular  tour routes in Russia  is the prestigious  Golden Ring,  a tourist route northeast of  Moscow  which passes through towns and cities such as  Suzdal, Yaroslavl , and  Vladimir  and beautifully showcases the country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. In the grand city of  St. Petersburg,  the  Hermitage Museum , which abounds with masterpiece artworks, and the  Winter Palace,  the historic residence of the  Russian Emperors , stand out as two of city’s highlights. A  package holiday to Russia  is the best way to immerse yourself in the splendor of the country’s imperial era and delve into the turbulent history of the past century still so evident in the city’s architecture and atmosphere.

History of Russia

Many visitors to  Russia  are attracted by the countries wealth of history, a subject of extensive study and interest, ranging from  Tsardom  to  Communism.  The medieval state of ‘ Rus’  emerged in the  9th century  and soon after the state adopted  Orthodox Christianity  from the  Byzantine Empire , a religion which still plays a big role in the lives of many  Russians  today. This marked the beginning of a long fusion between  Byzantine  and  Slavic  cultures, which has had a strong influence on  Russian  identity. Centuries of  Mongol  invasion from the  East  were followed by the reunification of the nation under the  Grand Duchy of Moscow , and by the  18th century,  the mighty  Russian Empire  was firmly established, with possessions stretching as far as  Finland, Alaska  and modern-day  Turkey,  occupying  one-sixth of the world land mass.  Perhaps the most romanticized era in  Russian  history is that of the imperial years of the  Tsars  between  1721  and  1917,  when many of the grandiose buildings and palaces, in  Rococo  and  Baroque  architectural style, dating from this period. The reign of  Catherine the Great  in the  18th century  is considered to be the  Golden Age  of this era. In the  20th century , the  Russian Revolution  of  1917  saw the abdication of  Tsar Nicolas II  and the end of the ruling  Russian  aristocracy. The  October Revolution  of the same year saw the  Bolsheviks , led by  Lenin , take power in the country and marked the beginnings of the world’s first  Communist State.  From  1922  until  1991,  the  USSR  played a huge role in the global politics of the century and made fantastic technological progress such as launching the first man,  Yuri Gagarin,  into space. The country is also famed for being a powerful  Allied Power  during the  Second World War .  1991  marked the dissolution of the  Soviet Republic , as the  USSR  became the  Russian Federation  and granted self-governing independence to  12 republics.  Today,  Russia  has a federal government and a huge economy, with rich oil and gas reserves. Anyone with a keen interest in history will find a  holiday to Russia  to be an enriching and eye-opening experience, as you explore the country’s most iconic centers of historical significance.

Nature in Russia

It’s almost impossible to characterise the landscapes of  Russia , due to its immense size and variety of climates and scenery. In fact, the majority of the country is comprised of vast open plains in the interior of the country, known as the ‘ Russia Plain’,  where there are very few communities and nature has been left to develop at its will. In the north of the country, you can expect to find landscapes of snowy, inhospitable  tundra  and heavy  coniferous forests .  Russia  is home to the largest  forest reserves  in the world, which act as the  ‘Lungs of Europe’.  With over  37,000  kilometres of coastline, stretching along both the  Pacific  and  Arctic Oceans,  there are a number of fishing communities who inhabit some of the most inhospitable parts of the country, such as on the  Kola Peninsula , which lies almost entirely within the  Arctic Circle  and is known as a  salmon fishing  destination .  The highest mountain in  Russia , and consequently the whole of  Europe  is  Mount Elbrus , which measures a staggering  5,642  metres high and is located in the  Caucasus  mountain range, in the  south  of the country, close to the  Georgian  border. From the icy  Subarctic  climate in the  Siberian  regions to a  Subtropical  climate in the areas around the  Black Sea Coast,  the country’s weather is as varied as its landscapes, ensuring there is something to suit everyone on a  tour of Russia . Nature lovers will also enjoy the numerous  Natural World Heritage Sites , of which there are  11,  including the virgin forests of  Komi  and the  Kamchatka Volcanoes,  described as the most outstanding volcanic region in the world. The  Brown Bear  is the symbol of the country and can be found in the country’s most heavily forested regions.  Reindeer, arctic fox  and  polar bears  inhabit the northern  tundras , whilst  Amur tigers  and  leopards  can be found in the far eastern regions of the country, and in the  Zov Tigra National Park.

Russian Culture

Russia  boasts a rich cultural heritage, with many of its literary and artistic masters enjoying global fame. Poet  Alexander Pushkin  considered the  ‘Russian Shakespeare’  is thought to be the founder of modern  Russian literature . Names such as  Dostoevsky  and  Tolstoy  are known throughout the world for their contributions to literature, with works such as  War and Peace, Anna Karenina  and  Crime and Punishment  still selling millions of copies worldwide.  Russia  is also famed for its performing arts, in particular,  Ballet , with  Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet   Company  considered to be one of the most elite ballet groups in the world. With a diverse culture, owing to the  190 ethnic groups  which comprise the population,  Russian  folklore and traditions remain a big part of peoples lives, as does the  Russian Orthodox Church , with around half of the population identifying themselves as followers of the faith. Visitors on a  package holiday to Russia  are able to admire the rich craftsmanship of the country, something which has been passed down through the generations and purchase traditional gifts such as the iconic  matryoshka dolls,  elaborately painted and a classic symbol of the country.

A global giant, with a history, culture and natural attractions to match, a  trip to Russia  is an eye-opening journey where you can walk in the footsteps of the  Tsars,  get to grips with the country’s immense history and experience the diverse landscapes of this colossal nation.

Entry requirements

Passport with a minimum of six months validity with 2 blank passport pages.

A visa is required to enter the country. This is issued at the consulate before travel with a letter of invitation.

UTC + 03:00.

Russian Ruble.

Tourist Office website

https://europe.russia.travel/ 

Electricity

220 V. 2 pin European style plug..

Other useful information

Due to its size, Russia has great climatic variation however the predominant climate is continental.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers from the U.S.

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St. Petersburg   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Getty Images |

Why Go To St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg stands at the geographic and cultural borders of the west and east. While the city's appearance was influenced by the intricate and ordered architecture of Western Europe, it is still infused with a vibrant and persevering Russian spirit. St. Petersburg largely owes its dualistic nature to its founder, Peter the Great, an unabashed lover of all things European. In the early 1700s, Peter commissioned the city's streets and architecture to resemble his favorite western cities.

And the results of the czar's great experiment? A grand European-style city, replete with long boulevards, narrow canals and grand public squares. It's also an epicenter of distinctly Russian culture, as the place where literature and music greats like Dostoyevsky, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev all found their voice. Moscow might be known for its luxury and decadence, but St. Petersburg offers compromise between the expensive tastes of Russia's capital and the often-overrated (and just plain crowded) cities of Western Europe.

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Best of St. Petersburg

Best hotels in st. petersburg.

• # 1 in Grand Hotel Europe
• # 2 in Hotel Astoria, a Rocco Forte Hotel
• # 3 in SO/ Saint Petersburg

Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg

• # 1 in Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace
• # 2 in Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
• # 3 in St. Isaac's Cathedral

St. Petersburg Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit St. Petersburg is from mid-June to September. Although it's expensive, St. Petersburg's near 24 hours of sunshine and White Nights celebrations during the summer months are not to be missed. Summers are generally cool but pleasant, with low temperatures dropping to the 50s and highs hovering around 70 degrees, so be sure to pack accordingly. Traveling to St. Petersburg in the winter is rare; days are short, and temperatures will dip well below freezing into the teens.

Weather in St. Petersburg

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Bring your Russian dictionary English is widely spoken in major hotels and restaurants, but you'll find very few English speakers outside the tourist districts. You'll hear Russian and see Cyrillic almost exclusively, so it's best to be familiar with the alphabet before your trip.
• Carry change for restrooms While St. Petersburg once had reputation for inadequate, ill-equipped public restrooms, the city has improved its facilities. However, use of restrooms in some public spaces, such as parks and shopping malls, may require a small payment (around 30 rubles or 50 cents).
• Breathe easy Thanks to legislation passed in 2013, bars, restaurants and public transportation are now nonsmoking spaces, making secondhand smoke less of an issue for visitors. However, public sidewalks are another story.

How to Save Money in St. Petersburg

• Invest in a St. Petersburg Card With the St. Petersburg Card , you'll enjoy free admission to more than 80 museums and tours, including the Peter and Paul Fortress , Peterhof and the Russian Museum , among others. Plus, you can use the card to pay your fare on public transportation. St. Petersburg Cards can be purchased in two-, three-, five- or seven-day increments.
• Book early Making your hotel reservations up to a year in advance – especially if you intend to visit during June's White Nights celebration – can save your wallet some pain.
• Protect your pockets As in many large cities, pickpockets are prevalent in St. Petersburg. Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas, such as Nevsky Prospekt and the metro.

Culture & Customs

English is spoken in major hotels and restaurants, but you'll find mostly Russian speakers in the more local areas like the market or small inns. Some helpful Russian greetings include the informal "hello" ( priv-EYET ), the formal "hello" ( ZDRA-stvooy-te ), the informal "goodbye" ( pah-KAH ), and the formal "goodbye" ( Dah svih-DA-nee-ye ). Saying "thank you" ( Spa-SEE-ba) is always nice as well.

The ruble is the official currency of Russia. One U.S. dollar is equivalent to about 64 rubles. Plan to check the current exchange rate before your trip. While you might want cash for some purposes (purchasing metro tokens, for instance), you'll find that most restaurants, stores and hotels accept credit cards. Currency exchanges in airports generally offer less favorable rates than banks. ATMs are common in Russian cities, so your debit card might work (though you should check with your bank before you go regarding fees and exchange rates).

Tipping for service is common practice in Russia, and tips of around 15% are typical.

What to Eat

While it's true that visitors can still find classic Russian culinary staples like borscht, stroganoff, cabbage stew and caviar on menus around the city, travelers will also enjoy more contemporary dishes as well. And fortunately for visitors, food prices are more reasonable in St. Petersburg compared to Moscow .

You'll find hundreds of culinary hot spots in St. Petersburg, especially along Nevsky Prospekt, ranging from luxurious eateries to sprawling, local markets. If you're looking for an affordable snack on the go, try a Russian crepe, or blini. This Russian pancake is usually stuffed with butter, caviar or other fillings and is a treat for the adventurous foodie. You'll find it at street vendors around the city. To acquaint yourself with local produce, meats and cheeses, pay a visit to the Kuznechnyy Rynok (Kuznechny Market) a favorite among tourists for its honey vendors and plentiful souvenirs.

If you're craving a classic Russian meal, consider Literary Café on Nevsky Prospekt, which once played host to the likes of Pushkin and Dostoyevsky. For a more modern take on Russian fare, head to Hamlet + Jacks for dishes like Baltic herring and Siberian venison. And for Georgian cuisine, Phali Hinkali is a top spot thanks to its hearty dishes. If you're celebrating a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself to a memorable meal, critics and travelers suggest making a reservation at Palkin , which is known for its elegant dining room and fusion of Russian and French cuisines. Other well-reviewed eateries include Probka (Italian), Bekitzer (Israeli) and Etnos Café (Georgian).

St. Petersburg has a mixed reputation when it comes to safety, but most agree that it has improved from the chaotic time immediately following the fall of the Soviet Union. Discrimination against ethnic groups, specifically individuals of Asian or African descent, is still reportedly an issue in Russia, as is discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Government officials warn against traveling alone at night to avoid violent confrontations.

In October 2019, the U.S. State Department issued an advisory urging increased caution in Russia because of possible terrorism and arbitrary enforcement of laws. However, these mainly applied to specific areas (such as the North Caucasus for terrorism and occupied portion of Ukraine for abuses by authorities). With respect to St. Petersburg specifically, the State Department noted possible delays in services for U.S. citizens because of reductions in diplomatic personnel. According to the State Department, you can be detained by Russian police for not having your passport with you (police in Russia do not need to show probable cause to stop, question or detain you). Plan to carry your passport with you at all times. Visit the State Department's website for more information.

When walking around, you'll also want to be very careful when crossing roads, as drivers don't always yield to pedestrians here. Use crosswalks and only cross when vehicles have come to a complete stop. Several travel sources advise tourists not to drink the tap water in St. Petersburg due to the antiquated pipes and high metal levels in the tap water. To avoid illness, only drink filtered or bottled water.

Getting Around St. Petersburg

The best way to get around St. Petersburg is by public transportation; otherwise, you can walk around Nevsky Prospekt, the main thoroughfare. There's an extensive bus and metro system with lines that run throughout the center and into the city's outskirts. The tram or trolley is best for short journeys through downtown. For trips to the suburbs, try the metro system. Rental cars are available at the Pulkovo Airport (LED), but acquiring the proper driving documents can be a hassle. Taxis are also a prevalent (though, at times, unsafe) way to move around.

From the airport, a taxi can cost anywhere from 600 to 1500 rubles (or about $9.50 to $24), depending on your destination. Taxi Pulkovo is the preferred company; you'll see Taxi Pulkovo stands in the arrivals area of the airport. However, several recent travelers have been overcharged for taxi trips between the airport and the city. Many recommended relying on smartphone apps instead to ensure a fair price.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Acquiring a visa to travel in Russia is a bit more complicated and expensive than visiting other countries. Every foreign traveler entering Russia must have a Russian-based sponsor (like a hotel, tour company, university or relative). In addition to a valid U.S. passport, you must also obtain a travel visa from a Russian embassy or consulate prior to arriving in Russia. If you plan to stay in Russia for more than seven days, you have to register your visa and migration card (the white paper document given by the border police on first entry to Russia) with the Federal Migration Service. Tourists visas start at $160 per person. You can apply for a visa up to 90 days before your intended visa start date. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department  website .

St. Petersburg is built around a network of rivers and canals, with many of the city's top attractions located on the banks of the water.

Explore More of St. Petersburg

Things To Do

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Is Russia Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

• Russia : Safety by City
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Novosibirsk
• Saint Petersburg
• Yekaterinburg

Russia is the largest country in the world, spreading over more than one-eighth of the world’s inhabited land area, stretching over two continents – Eastern Europe and northern Asia.

Russia is an immensely large country, and it offers an extremely large amount of tourist attractions, though many of them can be found on the remote and hard-to-reach parts of the country.

However, the best-known ones are precisely in the urban parts and cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Talking about Russia’s landmarks and attractions itself would take a couple of hours.

Russia’s history attracts the most tourists, as they are fascinated by its surreal and sometimes brutal but nevertheless thrilling and jawdropping national story.

It is told in Russia’s numerous museums some of which are among the world’s greatest, for example, the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, which is truly known all around the world.

However, there’s plenty to see and do if you’re a nature lover too.

Though there are large spaces between them, Russia offers many natural wonders.

In this sense, Siberia is the first to be mentioned, with Lake Baikal like a perfect ornament, known as its “jewel”.

• Warnings & Dangers in Russia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Russia today is safe as much as other countries in Europe, despite its problematic history with criminal activity in the 90s. However, if you’re planning on traveling to Russia, keep in mind that you should avoid regions close to the Ukraine border, this is not recommended, because of the high level of risk and unstable situation in the region of Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kharkiv.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally speaking, transportation in Russia is safe, but you should bear in mind that kidnappings have been known to happen, mostly in unlicensed taxis, so be careful when hailing one on the streets. Keep in mind that the most dangerous areas where small crime tends to occur are the underground walkways, called “perekhods”. Only use official services like Yandex Taxi, Uber or Gett taxi.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is very common in Russia, and surprisingly it is mostly performed by groups of children. Pay attention to your belongings, don’t leave them in plain sight and be especially careful in crowded places like stations or near tourist attractions.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Russia isn’t particularly susceptible to natural disasters. Some blizzards are possible during winter which can cause affect the traffic and delay your flights. Also, in areas near Mongolia and Kazakhstan, earthquakes can happen sporadically.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Kidnappings for political reasons have happened in the North Caucasus, and there have been reports of foreigners being attacked there. Generally, never accept free drinks or food when you’re in a club or a bar. Drink spiking and then attacking and robbing the victim have been reported on numerous occasions.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Recent military interventions in Syria have caused high terrorism activity in the areas of Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, the south-east part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya, Gabardine-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus area), and Karachay-Cherkessia. Apart from that, terrorist attacks have recently taken place in St. Petersburg.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a world-known scam typical for Russia: scamming people through dating websites. When the victim gets to know a person from Russia via a dating website, and the relationship develops, the victim is asked by his/her (usually men are the victims here) partner to transfer some money to the country where the future partner lives, to make her/his trip to the victim’s country possible. After the money is transferred, the relationship ends. As for scams on the streets, you should avoid playing street gambling games.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are generally safe in Russia, though you should avoid finding yourself alone in clubs or bars, and of course, apply all normal precaution measures like avoiding remote and poorly lit streets and areas.

• So... How Safe Is Russia Really?

Russia experienced a rise when it came to crime rates during the 1990s.

Violent crime, as well as petty crime and scams,  have increased, but the biggest part of the violence was within the criminal groups themselves, and it didn’t affect foreigners that much.

However, it decreased since the 90s, so right now, for tourists, major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg aren’t more dangerous than any other European city, they’re even less so.

The crime rate in Moscow, for example, is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.

When it comes to the authority officials, you should keep in mind that they usually don’t speak English, so don’t expect any English by them outside of the major cities.

Speaking about the officials, don’t ever try to bribe them: you will be charged with bribery.

Bear in mind that if you are a member of LGBT community, there is no reason to avoid Russia altogether but you should refrain from any public displays of affection since, as of June 2013, “homosexual propaganda to minors” is prohibited, which basically means that any discussion of gay rights or homosexuality issues in the presence minors is punishable by law.

Tourists are also strongly advised against traveling to the North Caucasus, as that region is considered to be the most dangerous in the entire country.

The area has a bad reputation as there have been incidents of terrorist and criminal activities there as well as cases of both corruption and lawlessness.

• How Does Russia Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Russia, and if you’re a U.S. citizen you must possess both a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. None of the nationals that do need a visa can acquire one upon arrival, so make sure you apply for your visa in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Russian ruble is the official currency in Russia. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Russia has highly continental influenced climate characterized by warm to hot and dry summers and extremely cold, freezing winters with temperatures as low as -30°C – sometimes even lower, with heavy snowfall.

Sheremetyevo International Airport is Russian busiest international airport. It is located in Molzhaninovsky District, Northern Administrative Okrug, in Russia’s capital, Moscow, about 29 km northwest of central Moscow.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Russia, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Russia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Russia - Safety by City

Explore russia.

• 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Russia
• Where to Next?

38 Reviews on Russia

Take out the warnings for North Caucasus area and Russia is about as safe as anywhere. Sure, pickpocketers can be a problem, but common sense will thwart them. I have been in Russia every year since 1991.

Risk of detention

Unless the govt decides to randomly single you out for incarceration. Not everyone detained has clear cut crimes. Plus, lets not add any cash to their economy just yet.

I visited Moscow twice and St Petersburg once. Both are must visit cities. Can be tough for English speakers as most signs are in cyrillic, and i found that not many Russians speak English. The vibe in Moscow is a bit colder with people, but nevertheless still friendly. I did find the atmosphere and people in St Petersburg to be much more open and friendlier. Be aware of pickpockets as I’ve unfortunately experienced it. While it happened, i have no ills against it. Highly recommend it. I’ll be visiting again!

seems a complicated country, size can play a part in crime. Although “Gopniks” all over is not a result of mass pickpocketting. It originating in the late Soviet Period as Many high rise buildings were built in cities to accomdate the people migrating there from the country. This meant that the price was cheap attracting “Gopniks and Gopnistas ( Female gopniks- For more information see Life of Boris “What is a Gopnik.” video) It is what is called slavic ‘culture’ with slav squatting and addidas tracksuits. But for more accurate watch that video

Not safe for gays

If I were gay, I absolutely wouldn’t visit there, it’s on par with places like Somalia and Saudi Arabia for violence against LGBT people.

Wrong. Only appears in Muslim areas like North Caucuses. Do you honestly think someone will assault, kill or rape you because of your hair color or LGBT badge on your shirt in Moscow, St.Petersburg, or Kazan like they do in the countries you mentioned? If you think so, then either you are homophobic yourself or just a not-in-line with the rest of society.

Moscow has gay clubs unmaked that go along an area. No one cares . It’s just a Country of respect for anyone. Really no one wants to see it, or hear it in your voice.

No, im sorry, you are very wrong. Russian government is very openly antigay. Definitely not safe for gays, especially as far as russian police. Promise. Maybe look at the “names” who is providing the information and see who would actually know what it like in Russia. Like “Alexander” and “Jenia” 😉

Update once again.

Russia is really in fact, safe, it’s crime rate isn’t that bad, compared to countries like Honduras or El Salvador. Of course, there is a widespread alcohol problem, but just try to avoid going to bars. The terror problem isn’t that bad, you won’t hear about a terrorist attack in a Russian city so often, however, there is a terror threat on the border of Ukraine and the Caucasus Region.

You sir, are a donut

Are you absolutely brain dead? You cannot compare a country such as Honduras to Russia. Obviously, Russia is safer. That’s why Russia is in yellow, not red. Come on man use your brain a bit. This review is 1000% accurate. You basically summarized everything that was said. But seriously, stop comparing two IMMENSELY different countries when it comes to crime. Compare Russia to the United States next time.

Pretty safe

Completely weird a pretty safe country like Russia shows a safety index of 34. Its safety was even repeated countinously in the description, so it should be definitely changed to at least the 70’s (on par to Chile, which is a much more dangerous country). Bad standards!

Only safe for caucasians

Non caucasians, stay in your hotel rooms.

Can’t agree. Half of the country are Turkic or Asian. 200+ nationalities living there permanently, also lots of foreign students. Maybe kids in smaller towns or villages will be surprised if you’re Black. So it’s best to avoid visiting kindergartens.

Agreed. Been to Moscow twice recently with my wife who is Asian. Enjoyed nightlife in Moscow (bars/restaurants) and travelled the Metro late at night. Not a single issue. Everyone was lovely and helpful, even with the language barrier. Feels so much safer than London or New York for example which we have also visited.

Overall Russia is a very safe place for tourists.

I don’t understand the score of 34. It’s too low for Russia.

Colder than vertical says!!!

And I promise, the temperatures the article offers are a bit warm. Moscow may be in the teens Fahrenheit, but outside that city, we see zero, 4-5 below anytime in December!! Sometimes the entire month!!

Life in Russia has been fine for me. Since 1991, the “mafia” ended about when President Putin came to power. Since then, in our faraway city of 110,000 people, I have witnessed so much Hope and Change, I thought President Obama was in power. Churches, schools, hospitals, etc. and typical transportation infrastructure (sidewalks to airports) have been improved thru rebuilding and new construction. Walking nights never seemed unwise. From Moscow to Barnaul and many cities and villages in between, and likewise- places from St Petersburg to Vologda to Ulyanovsk; all safe and walked late at night. (no guns) Sure, keep your senses, don’t try to keep up with a Russian drinking… you won’t. You shouldn’t, as that can be a ruse for taking advantage of you.

Russian flattering

Putin can only turn cities in ruin with one metric ton and cluster bombs.

Russia is great

I must say that from Moscow, east to Barnaul, and from Vologda to south of Moscow, Ulyavovsk and around that entire area (Kirov, Izhevsk, Kazan, etc) life is simple and easy, just don’t be “American”. Be reserved, polite, low key, quiet, and as invisible as possible and you won’t have any problems. I am an American, I have traveled this area, scouted food and drink late nights, and never have been bothered. If you wish to visit Russia, by all means, do so. Expect differences and accept those differences as life. Russia is calm, safe and a nice, peaceful place to live.

Amazing place to visit.

I have been there 4 times and love the Moscow area and surrounding towns, always felt very safe and only ran into one drunk who didn’t like me because I was obviously English speaking. But like you said, just be low key and move on. I will gladly go again when this current BS lockdown is over.

Such ignorance that it doesnt warrant a lengthy sensible response, You cant have been there. I spoke to plenty of people of color in Moscow who go about their trip or their daily lives without harassment and enjoy their stay.

Russians are not human

You are aggressors and terminators and shed so much blood in you neighbouring countries, latest in the list is ukraine, turning their cities in ruins and killing their kids and pregnant women, starving the poorest countries of the whole world people by blocking ukraine grain export and let them to die from hunger. You are savage and you country safety index must be a big zero.

Great Country to visit

I’m a Brit who has lived in Russia for many years. Good review. The Caucuses are in fact the most interesting place to visit and very safe so long as you respect the local (mostly Islamic) religion. Walking around at night (although I wouldn’t recommend anywhere in the world) is much safer in Russia than most other countries. Highly recommend visiting. Visa is the bigest barrier – but some good news – Some places you don’t need a visa – like if you arrive by cruise ships to St Pete and Sochi (check out the rules). Russia is trying to introduce really easy e-visas (apply online and show print-out), which “after COVID” should make life easy for citizens of EU and many other countries (Not UK & USA though, due to reciprocal “unfriendly” visa regimes with absurd rules for Russians)

i love Russia, i love to visit, beautiful people and kind faces! one of the biggest country in the world for a reason.

Don't visit it at this time (wait for better days)

Right now this is a 1 star and very unsafe. It usually is a 3 star location. Russia has some beautiful cities and landmarks that should be visited but right now, I wouldn’t recommend going there. Ever since they started the attack on Ukraine neither Ukraine nor Russia is safe. This crazy war that has started will soon lead to all sorts of problems in Russia so keep your distance for the time being. Once this is over, hopefully soon, you can give it a try.

And yes, there is a certain terrorism risk in Russia at any given time, especially now. I know of someone that has been mugged in Sankt Petersburg. It was night but he wasn’t on an unlit alley or something. I was also surprised to see how many pickpockets there are in the major cities. I wasn’t expecting to see so many. And yes, I can confirm that in some cases, children are the ones that will try to steal from you. It sounds insane but it’s the truth.

I will outline a few interesting places that can be visited. For example, Lake Baikal. This lake holds around 20% of the world’s fresh water!!! Just imagine how big it is?! When it’s not frozen, you can do some kayaking or go on boat cruises.

St. Petersburg should also be on your list – this city is a mix of history and art and beautiful design. Visit the St. Isaac’s Cathedral or the Hermitage Museum is the 2nd biggest culture museum on the globe. And they’re both worth a visit. There’s also Peterhof Palace which is close to St. Petersburg. This place looks like the Palace of Versailles from France.

Another interesting place is Vladivostok which has the longest cable-stayed bridge on earth with a length of 1885 meters. The city is worth exploring, having a beautiful military museum and there’s also a fortress that’s now became a museum as well.

Again, there’s a lot to see but don’t go now. Wait until things settle down.

3 years living in provincial areas and Moscow

34…? This is grossly inaccurate. Morocco is 54 and Russia a 34? I have experience in both countries and attest you are misled. Sounds like you wrote this based on the 90s. Even now in the middle of the war, despite frequent travel, Moscow poses minimal risks. pickpocketers, terrorist acts, or scams are a genuine rarity. Racist violence I have not yet been exposed to. Police and legal system serviceable.

Who rated Russia that low?

I’m not sure why rating is lower than some African countries, but I can assure you 34 is way too low. Russia is a police country and the law enforcement system is actually working comparing some countries we have traveled to and by some reason rated on this site higher. It might be politics involved or some people personal experience not sure, but we never had a single issue in Russia. Petty crime is common unfortunately, just put your grey shirt with spotty armpits along with beat up keds and blend in or not lol, Russians tend to dress nicely, mostly. We learned Russian and Cyrillic alphabet so it might helped a bit, but nowadays a lot of Russians speak English fluently and we had no issue communicating. Of course you have to be vigilant like anywhere even crime infested Brighton and Hove eg and people around you are not your friends, but overall very positive experience. Don’t bring forbidden substances and don’t express your political point of view and enjoy your trip. Cities v. Moscow, Barnaul, St. Pitersburg, Voronezh, Kazan.

Completely unsafe

Since russia invaded Ukraine, it’s not safe anymore. You can be easily beaten or brought to the jail just because of your anti-military position. Kidnapping is very popular in Caucasian area, while other areas are not safe tho. There’s also a possibility of being assaulted because of your sexual orientation or political opinion. Women are often treated cruelly and impolite. Russia is completely unsafe for both travelling and living.

still safe for Anglo-Saxons after a year of genocidal war

I visited in late 2022 , and kept a low profile – had no problems . Russian makes are often very sexist , ometimes mysoginistic and brusque but also ” chivalrous” in this ultra-conservative society

Russia is safe

Sorry to say but this is absolutely not true, I live in Russia as a foreigner, and have never experienced any of this, not even in the past year.

Slava Ukraini

Russia is not unsafe …… as long as you avoid the macho violent young men , and you do not engage in very heavy drinking / drugs . There is a very small chance that you could be detained randomly on a trumped up charge , as a hostage for future spy swaps . And some likelihood that you will be interviewed by the FSB either on entry or deparrture about the purpose of your visit or your profession/ security/army background .

Don't go to Russia

Their president is the worst, more than 200k+ as of this writing are dead because of the war he started, this country should be stopped.

Putin – your crimes against humanity will not go unpunished. Your day will come for all the destruction you’ve caused.

Sh** results

Totally safe country. If you leave bad rate you hadn’t been there. Cold country… And me in June having sun baths in +50C in Rostov-on-Don (not even the southest city in Russia)

Simply not true

You lie, as temperature in rostov never ever reaches 50C.

Thank you as you swear for vladimir putin. I totally hate him just as joseph stalin

Russia is relatively safe for people with common sense. Just like in any other countries: Just don’t be a moron, don’t be a d🍆k. Don’t run into trouble. Avoid unsafe situations/places. Act orderly. Be polite. Don’t provoke people. Carry your money and valuables in a theft-safe bag (that’s a must for any trip, and even in your home country) Beware of scammers (inform yourself about common scams on the streets to know who/what you should avoid).

Alcohilic russions

People giving 5 stars have not been to russia and are part of russian propaganda machine. As a sailor I have traveled to some russian port cities and we were attacked by knife and forced to give up our cash. Even the western african countries ports are safer than russia. Most of russians we have seen are alcoholic and have a their mood is highly variable as they get very aggressive sometimes. Alcohol is their weak point and they can resist drinking as much alcohol as they can.

you can’t even spell alcoholic or russians, and your experiences are not related to tourism. What tourist is going to ports to argue with sailors? Such a stupid comment..

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Is it possible to visit Russia as a tourist in 2023?

Yes, traveling to Russia as a tourist in 2023 is possible. Here’s what to look out for if you’re preparing for your dream trip. 

Visa requirements

First things first, it is worth checking if you need a visa to cross the Russian border. In 2023, citizens of some 65 countries can visit Russia without a visa. This includes most of the post-Soviet states like Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as Ukraine.

Additionally, citizens of some countries in South and Central America – including Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Uruguay, Ecuador – do not need a visa to travel to Russia.

Citizens of Israel, South Africa, Cuba, Montenegro, Thailand, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Andorra, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Mongolia, Botswana enjoy visa-free regime with Russia, too.

For the full list of countries, click here .

* Data for the infographics is from November 2022 and was obtained from the Russian consular information website.

* The status of a particular country is subject to change. We advise additionally researching the relevant information in each particular case before booking any trip to Russia.

* Visa waivers may apply for holders of diplomatic or military service passports, select businessmen, air crew members, members of a ship or train crew, professional truck drivers, organized tourist groups and people who have official permission to live in some border regions.

Is it safe to travel to Russia right now?

Russia as a travel destination received a fair share of negative PR from various sources in early 2022.

Some official travel accounts run by governments of countries like the U.S. , Australia , Great Britain and others advise their citizens to abstain from non-essential travel to the country.

That said, it is always advisable to evaluate safety risks when traveling to any foreign country. Traveling to Russia is no exception. However, Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major Russian cities have been widely regarded as being safe , especially in comparison to other popular tourist destinations.

Little has changed in major Russian cities from the point of view of tourists or local residents. Consequently, the most extreme and vocal concerns over security may be disregarded as being too alarmist.

That said, logistics pose the greatest challenge for tourists traveling to Russia in 2023. A number of countries closed their national airspace for Russian air companies resulting in more complicated logistics for tourists who intend to visit Russia in 2023.

However, specific changes depend on a particular country from where a tourist departs. In some cases, direct flight routes remain intact. For example, nothing has changed for tourists from China, India, Turkey, Middle Eastern countries and the majority of post-Soviet states. They can book direct flights to Russia’s main airports.

Tourists departing from European capitals will have to book connecting flights via Turkey or countries in the Middle East. This makes tickets more expensive and flights longer. However, it is still possible to travel to Russia from virtually any country in the world.

It should be noted that every country has its own nuances that must be taken into account beforehand. For example, the Indian Embassy in Russia advises Indian nationals against traveling to Russia via third countries. According to the embassy website, Indian travelers should choose only direct flights from Delhi to Moscow, otherwise they risk being denied entry into Russia.

In another instance, the British government prohibited its citizens from purchasing tickets on Russian airlines that were under sanctions. Nonetheless, the British authorities made an exception for those journeys originating in or within Russia: in this case, British nationals may purchase tickets from Russian companies without breaching UK sanctions.

Covid restrictions, vaccination status & quarantine

In 2022, Russian authorities canceled Covid-related restrictions for Russian citizens and foreign tourists, alike.

In 2023, foreign nationals no longer need to provide results of a negative PCR test when entering Russia by any mode of transport. Therefore, foreign travelers no longer need to take a coronavirus test in advance before departure.

Furthermore, Russian authorities lifted Covid-related restrictions that required visitors to provide a specific reason for visiting the country facilitating tourist traveling.

The only remaining Covid-related regulation is a requirement to fill in a questionnaire. Passengers – both Russian and foreign citizens – will be asked to fill out the paper version of the questionnaire on board during their flight to Russia.

Click here to find out who can travel to Russia without a visa in 2023.

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How to Go to Russia – How Do I Get to Russia?

 yulenochekk / Getty Images

Russia is an amazing place to visit , and lots of people have wistfully said to me “I would love to go to Russia one day”. But it can seem a bit daunting to actually plan the trip, and thus for many people going to Russia remains just a wish and not a reality. The truth is, however, that it’s actually not difficult to go to Russia, or at least not nearly as difficult as you think. Here is your complete guide to an easy and safe trip to Russia:

Before You Go

Before you go to Russia, find out where you would like to go and for how long. Then find yourself a reputable travel agent and get started on getting a Russian visa. This is the most important, and often, the most daunting step to visiting Russia and thus it’s crucial to get it over with as soon as possible. Once you have your visa application in process (it’s really not that scary), you can go ahead with all your other travel planning.

Getting There

By Air: You can fly to Moscow and St. Petersburg from most major airports. Getting to other Russian cities is not always as easy; however, even if there isn’t a direct flight from your closest airport (like, for example, to Murmansk ), you can usually fly to Moscow and from there take a connecting flight. If you are going to do this, however, don’t forget to check the airports you are flying from – getting from one to another in Moscow can be difficult.

Hint: If you are going to be traveling through Europe anyway, don’t forget to check out small local airlines such as Germanwings and Rossiya Airlines, which sometimes have very cheap flights to Russia. You can also consider the following options if you are on a budget...

By Train: Two trains (one day train and one overnight) run from Vilnius, Lithuania to St. Petersburg. You can also catch a train to St. Petersburg from Helsinki, Finland. You can get to Moscow by train from Riga, Latvia.

Within Russia, you can (and should, unless you’re very tight on time) travel anywhere by train. If you’re going to Siberia in the east, you may even have no other choice, as flights can be rare and prohibitively expensive.

By Bus: From Riga (Latvia), you can take a cheap bus to St. Petersburg. It takes about 11 hours.

Staying There:

When booking a hotel, keep in mind these tips for Eastern European hotel bookings. If you’re on a budget, or just feeling up for an adventure, consider choosing a hotel alternative instead.

Where to Go

Give some thought to where you want to go to Russia and why. While Moscow and St. Petersburg are the obvious options, there are so many other places you can discover if you take a bit more time to find them. If you’re traveling in the winter, consider going to a warmer area of Russia , unless you truly believe you’re ready to battle the famous Russian winter.

Survival Tips

Budget Travel: Budget travel can be more difficult than the kind where you can buy convenience and simplicity. The good news, however, is that it is very possible to travel through Russia on a budget.

Language: One of the best ways to make your trip to Russia (or anywhere, really) easier is to learn some Russian words and phrases before you go. If you want to travel in Russia longer, go to remote regions, or just get to know the country & culture better, you may want to learn the alphabet and taking some additional Russian language lessons.

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The Full List of Travel Companies Retreating From Russia

Skift Team, Skift

March 11th, 2022 at 10:05 AM EST

The list of companies taking a stand has grown considerably since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly three weeks ago. Here's our latest recap of travel's pullback from Russia.

Skift Staff

Ukraine Coverage

Skift’s reporters and editors are working to explain how the war on Ukraine is impacting travel. All of our stories about the subject are free for all readers.

In merely two weeks, most Western travel companies sliced many arteries of money between them and Russia, responding to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Businesses appear to be complying with sanctions, but some companies went further than what sanctions required — out of a mix of outrage and fear of public shaming.

On March 4, Skift published Russia Travel: Who’s In, Who’s Out , spotlighting travel company actions. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute have been updating a list of hundreds of companies across industries that have rushed to disengage because of the aggression.

Sonnefeld made the case on CNBC for a Western retreat from Russia. The ambition is to spark an economic crisis in Russia that will prompt many of its 145 million citizens to force Putin to stop the humanitarian crisis. The lack of foreign capital may be enough of a blow , agreed other analysts.

Ironically, Putin’s circle may welcome the isolation .

The leakiness of the boycott may also be undermining its impact. Europe is unwilling to cut off energy imports , which more than travel or anything else funds the war . China and countries in the “ global South ” such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, and Brazil haven’t joined the sanctions.

Some travel companies haven’t pulled back. India’s MakeMyTrip has been selling lodging in Russia. Many hotel brands that have third-party owners in Russia continue to open their doors. Avis, Budget, Rentmotors, and Yodo are among the car rental firms still doing business.

We’ll leave the predictions to the geopolitical experts. Skift’s team will keep updating our list in the table, below.

Companies Curtailing Business in Russia

Skift edit staffers Dennis Schaal, Rashaad Jorden, Matt Parsons, Lebawit Lily Girma, Sean O’Neill, and Madhu Unnikrishnan of Skift’s Airline Weekly contributed to this report.

The above lists aren’t exhaustive, and the situation is fluid.

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: russia , ukraine

Photo credit: A rally for peace in Ukraine outside of the White House in Washington, D.C. mikespeaks / Flickr/Creative Commons

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Airline passengers in parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland faced travel disruption at airports on Saturday due to flight cancellations as a storm swept across both countries and left thousands of Irish homes with power outages.

Scientists fear that the season could be damaging given that Greece has just had its warmest winter on record, leaving much of the land warm and dry.

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• Purchase from April 2 through April 11, 2024 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Continental U.S. travel valid April 23 through June 5, 2024 and August 6 through November 20, 2024.
• Hawaii, international, and San Juan, Puerto Rico travel valid August 20 through November 20, 2024. Travel continental U.S. to/from Hawaii, international, and San Juan, Puerto Rico blacked out September 3, 2024. Orange County (SNA) travel not valid. Travel is valid Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Fares valid on nonstop service where indicated; if not indicated, fares are valid on single connecting service.
• Displayed prices include all U.S. and international government taxes and fees.
• Points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at least $5.60 per one-way flight.
• Seats and days are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of the week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods.
• Travel is available for one-way Wanna Get Away® fares.
• Fares may be combined with other Southwest Airlines® combinable fares. If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare's rules apply.
• Advertised fares may be available on other days of the week, but that's not guaranteed.
• Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines, as long as reservations are canceled at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Failure to cancel prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds on the reservation.
• Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel may require a fare upgrade depending on fare purchased and Rapid Rewards® tier status.
• Fares are subject to change until ticketed.
• Offer applies only to published, scheduled service.

Southwest Wanna Get Away sale 2024: Where you can fly for $39 from Phoenix

Southwest Airlines passengers can pay a little less for their summer vacation flights this year, if they book sooner rather than later.

On Tuesday, April 2, Southwest launched its nationwide Wanna Get Away sale. The airline's spring fare sale offers one-way flights as low as $39.

Travelers flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport can fly to and from four cities at the lowest one-way fare, including two Southern California destinations.

Flyers will have to book now to get the best fares, as the sale is limited and ends soon. Here's how to shop Southwest Airlines' Wanna Get Away sale.

Guy Fieri, empanadas: All the new restaurants at Sky Harbor Airport in 2024

Where does Southwest fly for $39 each way from Phoenix?

The promotional $39 fare is available for flights to and from four cities out of Phoenix:

• Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• El Paso, Texas.
• Long Beach, California.
• Ontario, California.

The Arizona Republic found the low fares available for these cities on weekdays from late April to early June, and August to mid-November. The lowest fare we spotted for travel on weekends was $49.

If booking a departing and returning flight at $39 each, these itineraries can be booked as low as $78.

Unlike ultra-low-cost carriers that usually offer the lowest base fares for travel to and from Phoenix , Southwest passengers don't have to pay extra to bring a carry-on bag and/or up to two checked bags. But passengers should be aware that their flights have an open seating policy and where they sit will depend on their boarding position.

What does the fine print say about the deal?

Trips must be booked by 11:59 p.m. Arizona time on April 11. The promotion is valid for U.S. travel from April 23 to June 5 and Aug. 6 to Nov. 20.

Seats and days are limited. Fares vary based on the itinerary and the day of the week, and are not available during busy travel times and holiday periods. Changes to the itinerary after booking may lead to a fare increase.

Starting April 9: Southwest Airlines adds new nonstop flight from Phoenix. Here's where you can go

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:  @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

StarTribune

The next total solar eclipse will hit these two popular world travel destinations in 2026, iceland-spain eclipse in 2026.

Feeling FOMO from not traveling for the Great Texas-Indiana Eclipse of 2024? Yeah, we know. Then it's not too soon to daydream about the next total solar eclipse, coming to Iceland and Spain on Aug. 12, 2026. It makes for a tantalizing choice for travelers.

Around 5 p.m. GMT, the zone of totality will fall across western Iceland, including the acclaimed, remote Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Reykjavik region, with more than two minutes of blackout. Then the moon's shadow crosses to northern Spain, on a swath between Barcelona and Madrid, for almost two minutes of totality. It ends near sunset over the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, etc.). Eastern Greenland, far northern Russia and a sliver of Portugal will also get in on the total darkness.

Grand Marais, Minn., will see about 6% of the sun eclipsed that day; Minneapolis will see only 0.49%. The next TSEs to be visible in the continental U.S.? Set reminders for Aug. 23, 2044, and Aug. 12, 2045.

Simon Peter Groebner

Airbnb updates cancellation policy

Airbnb is updating its Extenuating Circumstances Policy, including renaming it the Major Disruptive Events Policy. Under this updated cancellation policy, guests can cancel reservations and receive refunds in cases of "foreseeable weather events," such as hurricanes, that would result in another covered event occurring, such as large-scale utility outages. According to Travel + Leisure, the policy already applies to other unexpected major events, such as declared public health emergencies, including epidemics, but excluding COVID-19. This revised policy, which will go into effect on June 6, overrides individual hosts' own cancellation policies. This updated policy also applies to mid-trip cancellations, so travelers can receive refunds for the unused portion of their stays in the event of a covered cancellation.

TravelPulse

Sammy Hagar in Vegas

Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar is setting up Sammy's Island at the Palms Pool in Las Vegas, opening May 17. Its signature party platform is the island in the middle of the deck, encircled by pools, cabanas and revelers on deck chairs. Such hits as "I Can't Drive 55," "Right Now," and "Why Can't This Be Love" will emanate from the spot. Sammy's Island is essentially Hagar's famously free-spirited personality adapted to Vegas. The Palms Pool's tropical vibe fits the Captain of Cabo Wabo's general concept to build a rock-party oasis similar to his buoyant beachside birthday parties. "I'm not a big planner. I'm a big thinker. So I just started thinking, let's build something with a Cabo Wabo theme, and have everything I would ever want in one place," Hagar said. "So we created that."

Las Vegas Review-Journal

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I Used to Work in Beauty Retail, and These Are the 14 Things To Shop During Sephora’s Spring Sale From $9

Snag discounts on top-tier brands like Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Summer Fridays, and more this week.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure

As far as major shopping events go in the beauty world, few are as big of a deal as Sephora’s Savings Event . And as a former beauty retail employee with plenty of experience working sales of this caliber, I can confidently say that the Sephora spring sale is my Super Bowl. From now until Monday, April 15, you can save up to 30 percent on popular brands like Charlotte Tilbury , Kosas , Rare Beauty , and more; all you have to do is apply the promo code YAYSAVE at checkout. 

But here’s the catch: to access the Spring Sale at Sephora, you need to be a Beauty Insider Member . But don’t fret, this membership program is free to join, making it accessible for everyone to get in on the fun (and giving shoppers more perks to enjoy long after the sale is over). Actually, there's another catch. The amount that you'll save depends on your Beauty Insider Member tier. Beginner-level Insider Members can snag 10 percent off everything, while VIB Members can access 15 percent off sitewide. On the other hand, Rouge Members can score 20 percent off during the sale. But, there's still good news for those who haven't moved up in the Sephora ranks yet: regardless of tier, all members can save 30 percent on the entire Sephora Collection . 

With so many products on sale, I went ahead and outlined my top travel beauty picks that I highly recommend checking out before the Sephora Savings Event ends. Keep scrolling to shop the sale like a pro and find your new favorite toiletry bag additions. Don’t forget: use the code YAYSAVE at checkout to unlock 10 to 30 percent off on each of these items. 

Sephora Collection Microsmooth Multi-tasking Baked Face Powder Foundation

If you have especially oily skin in the spring and summer and want a one-and-done product that’ll provide coverage and some pore-mattifying magic, then check out this smoothing powder foundation (especially while it's on sale for $14 this week). This product comes double vetted by my grandma and I; she’s tried plenty of formulas, but just loves how this one “gives a nice, natural, medium finish that doesn’t settle into [her] fine lines and wrinkles too much.”

Sephora Collection Cleansing Balm

As much as I love a good face wash, few cleansing products compare to the effectiveness that you get from a cleansing balm. And considering all of the oil and dirt that you pick up throughout a day of travel, cleansing balms emerge as the do-it-all hero by providing a deep clean that practically melts your makeup, breaks down sunscreen, and gets that gunk out of your pores — all while providing some extra (and much-needed) moisture. Beyond its amazing skincare benefits, this product is an absolute steal right now at $9.  

Supergoop! Mini Glowscreen SPF 40

If there’s one product that you should absolutely prioritize during this savings event, it's a high-quality SPF. And while there are plenty on the market, Supergoop is trusted by Travel + Leisure editors for its next-level protection and better-for-you ingredients. And we particularly love this glowy formula that offers a luminescent finish, leaving you with smoother, brighter-looking skin. In fact, it works so effectively that you might even consider leaving your foundation at home and relying solely on this SPF for sun protection and dewy skin.

The Inkey List Caffine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream

I have (and love) this eye cream so much that I continually go back to it even after trying more expensive name-brand products. The brand got its start at Sephora and quickly became a fan-favorite for its straight to the point, no-frills ingredient-packed formulas that actually work. It’s formulated with plenty of caffeine to de-puff tired bags, peptides to improve the appearance of dark circles, and other skin-friendly ingredients to reduce those pesky signs of long travel days by leaving you fresh, energized, and refreshed. Oh, and to make it even more universally friendly, it’s fragrance-free for those with sensitive skin.

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer

As much as I love an in-depth, 12-step skincare routine, if I had to prioritize just one item, it would be a high-quality moisturizer with skin-friendly add-ons. The stress of travel can wreak havoc on your skin and deplete it of much-needed moisture, so if you’re looking for a stellar moisturizer to compliment your skin, then consider this one that’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to lock in extra moisture and plump up fine lines for a dewy, supple complexion that feels instantly nourished and looks radiant. Insider tip: Glow Recipe products hardly ever go on sale like this, so don't let this opportunity pass you by. 

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-one AHA Lactic Acid Treatment

Sephora is the destination for all of the top-rated and best-selling anti-aging treatments. And while it can be a bit overwhelming navigating all of the different products and active ingredients, it's best to start simple with one serum that can do double (or even triple ) duty. I recommend this one from Sunday Riley that is formulated with lactic acid, which gently exfoliates your skin to stimulate collagen, improves skin texture, shrinks pores, and reduces dark spots and fine lines over time. It may be on the pricier side, but its effective formula makes it well worth the splurge, especially when combined with its limited-time discount. Plus, it'll help you simplify your travel beauty routine since it's so many products in one. 

Summer Fridays Mini Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer

It’s no secret that stale airplane air and general travel chaos can seriously dry out your skin, and while I haven’t personally tried this two-in-one mask and moisturizer from Summer Fridays, I immediately added it to my cart after seeing that it has over 4,000 perfect ratings from shoppers — one of whom quipped that it made their skin feel like “it drank a [bottle] of Gatorade.” I honestly haven’t read a review as convincing as that in a while, but that combined with its super skincare-charged formula of niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid makes me excited to use this extra-nourishing mask after a long travel day. It can even double as a moisturizer when I know I’m going to be spending the day on a plane (or if I'll need to streamline my beauty packing list for a trip). 

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip and Cheek Secrets Set

There have been plenty of TikTok-famous beauty products that have come and gone over the years, but few have remained as well-loved as these Charlotte Tilbury beauty wands. Back in my beauty retail days, I always recommended value sets to shoppers as a way to save money on big-ticket items, and this set comes equipped with two travel-sized beauty wands (one blush shade and one bronzer shade) and two full-sized lip products from the brand's famous Pillow Talk line — all for $50. 

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

When you’re packing your toiletry bag for a trip, it's best to streamline your products as much as you can to save precious space. For just that, I love traveling with this tinted SPF that acts as a sunscreen and glowy foundation. I’m not the only one that loves sensitive skin-friendly sunscreen, one T+L writer raved that “this product saves time and does double duty by evening out my skin tone while also protecting from the sun, no matter the season.” 

Sol De Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Jet Set

Sol de Janeiro has won over the internet with its tropical vacation-reminiscent scented lotions, sprays, and body washes. With this value set, which comes with a trio of lotion, body spray, and shower gel, you can bring your favorite body care products with you on the road (and avoid using those ultra-drying hotel toiletries altogether). Plus, it's a cost-effective way to sample the brand before committing to purchasing the pricier full-sized versions. 

Milk Makeup Mini Hydro Grip Primer

The key to making your makeup last on a busy travel day is a high-quality primer, and this Milk Makeup Hydro Grip formula acts like glue for your makeup by keeping it from cracking, creasing, and fading. But don’t be scared of its gripping qualities, this primer is also formulated with skin-friendly ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to add a bit of extra moisture, too. In fact, it works so well that a firefighter said that after applying, their “makeup looked just as fresh after a 24-hour shift as it did when I first put it on.” If that doesn’t convince you, I don't know what will — well, maybe that it's on sale. 

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer With Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid

I have tried a lot of concealers over the past decade. If I had to guess, it would be somewhere around 40 to 50 different formulas, so believe me when I saw that this is hands-down the best concealer that I own. In addition to providing a medium-coverage natural finish, it's also formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep my under-eyes from looking fatigued and dry. And if you're someone looking for full-coverage, this concealer also layers like a dream without looking too cakey. I’m using this sale as an opportunity to stock up on this top-tier concealer, and I highly recommend that you do the same. 

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

If given the time, I could probably write a 50-page research paper on the impact that this Rare Beauty liquid blush has had on the beauty industry in its short time on the shelves. As far as liquid makeup goes, its long-lasting, pigmented formula truly changed the game and while many brands have tried to replicate its success, none compare to its stunning finish and all-day wear. A little goes a long way, so much so that if you were to wear this blush every single day for a year, you would barely hit the half-way mark on the tube (I know this because that’s the exact situation I’m in right now). If I were you, I’d snag a bottle while it's on sale this week so you can see its stunning finish for yourself. 

Tower 28 LipSoftie Hydrating Tinted Lip Treatment Balm

If you are looking for a lip balm that provides excellent hydration, consider this dermatologist-approved lip treatment balm that’s formulated with ultra-moisturizing shea butter, jojoba, and lysine; it not only provides immediate relief, but it can even prevent future chapped lips. Additionally, the tinted balm shades provide a subtle, natural-looking color to your lips, so you can leave your lipstick or lip gloss at home. And, it's not sticky and comes in a convenient tube for on-the-go application, which is why it's my top recommendation for travelers. 

This is just a taste of the amazing Sephora Savings Event deals. Keep reading for other travel-friendly and top-rated beauty, skin, and haircare finds to shop before the sale is up. 

More Sephora Spring Savings Event Deals

• Tatcha Mini Favorites Set , $68
• T3 AireBrush Duo Interchangeable Hot Air Blow-dry Brush , $190
• Igk Rich Kid Coconut Oil Air-dry Styling Cream , $29
• Virtue Mini Hydrating Recovery Conditioner , $18
• Amika Mini Perk Up Talc-free Dry Shampoo , $15
• Kérastase Mini Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum , $28 
• Haus Labs Dual-ended Multi-Purpose Makeup Brush , $44
• Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush , $20
• Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 , $40
• Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain , $24
• Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum , $69
• Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Skincare Foundation , $448

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See More T+L Shopping Deals

Southwest's Latest Sale Has Flights Across the U.S. and Caribbean Starting at $36 — When to Book

The sale, that also includes flights to Hawaii, ends on April 11.

Southwest Airlines has a bunch of flights across its network on sale for a limited time — and travelers can find deals to Hawaii, the Caribbean, and beyond. 

The airline's latest sale must be booked by Thursday, April 11, at 11:59 p.m. PT and is available for travel between April 23 and June 5 and Aug. 6 and Nov. 20. Flights are automatically discounted on Southwest’s website or app for these travel periods and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“We know low fares and lots of flexibility are top of mind for customers and are thrilled to offer this sale getting customers to the people and places that matter most in their lives,” a spokesperson from Southwest Airlines told T+L about the sale.

Travelers can get a significant discount on last-minute travel in May and June, but all flights must be booked 21 days in advance to take advantage of this discount. However, this latest sale includes dates through the fall for travelers looking to take advantage of discounted tickets later in the year. 

Those looking for deals should also check out prices in Southwest Rapid Rewards, as tickets can be booked for as little as 3,000 points and $5.60 in taxes and fees. 

It's worth noting that, all travel from Santa Ana is specifically excluded from this promotion, and flights between the continental U.S. and Hawaii, San Juan, or Southwest’s international destinations are blacked out on Tuesday, Sept. 3, for Labor Day travel. 

The beloved domestic airline may look a little different to frequent Southwest fliers in the coming months, as it plans to introduce red-eye flights to its schedule to maximize aircraft efficiency. It plans to add up to 50 overnight flights to the schedule, as well as roll out new, slimmer seats in its new Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX-8 aircraft starting next year. 

The changes come as Southwest made other major upgrades to its fleet, including faster Wi-Fi that can be purchased for $8 per flight segment. All passengers can take advantage of free same-day standby changes and digital checked bag tracking on its app. 

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