Russia Travel

Travel East Russia - Travel Partners Travel Partners Throughout our years of involvement in Eastern Russia, we have worked and cooperated with numerous travel companies. We have had a chance to look at their operating capabilities and procedures, their product, their management style and most importantly how they deal with their clients. We also monitor for safety concerns and client's response to their tour programs. We undertake at least two to three trips each year to monitor development and work very closely with the travel community here in the US and in Eastern Russia. We have also put in a system of ranking tour operators according to their experience with foreigners. *Extensive working experience with international travelers **Interested in working with foreigners. Great experience working with Russians These travel partners provide individual arrangements. They also can put together tour packages upon request: Buryatia Region Baikal-Naran Tour * Contact: Sesegina Rabdanova, General Director baikalnarantour@mail.ru This company has lots of logistical experience in Buryatia. The General Director is a former Intourist employee and of Buryat heritage. They offer a number of different programs with local Buryat communities. They formerly operated in cooperation with a US partner. Firn Travel * Contact: Larissa, International Travel Coordinator Info@travelbaikal.net Firn travel has long time experience in ecotourism operations in Buryatia. They started out at Firn Club, dedicating their efforts to leading volunteer youth groups on ecotours in the regions of Severobaikalsk and the Barguzinsky Reserve. They have both English and German speaking staff and have a lot of experience in operating tours for German tour operators. Irkutsk Region Baikal-Discovery * Contact: Alexei Nikorof, Manager travel@baikal-discovery.com Alexei Nikiforov has been involved in tourism in Irkutsk for a long time, about twenty-five years, first as an Intourist guide, later connected with the Baikal Business Center, Green Express and now his own company. The company has long -term experience in operating eocotours connecting the regions of Mongolia, Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. Their itineraries are well researched and include unique encounters with the indigenous populations. Alexei is a tireless supporter of ecotours in this part of Russia. He writes a lot of articles about ecotourism development, speaks at conferences and educates other tour companies on following ecotourism principles in their own operations. Ivan Ivanov who oversees the operational aspects for the company has achieved one of Russia's highest accomplishments graduating from the Presidential Management course with honors. Both Alexei and Ivan are involved in the development of interesting program spanning all nearby regions. The company also offers an interesting program of winter activities and is always interested in new ecotourism ideas. They have cooperated with a number of travel companies from Europe and the US, including TCS Expeditions. Kamchatka Region Kamchatintour * www.kamchatintour.ru Contact: Irina Sedova, Director of Tourism inform@kamchatintour.ru Kamchatintour was one of the first companies after Perestroika that took the lead in catering to international travelers. They met the first expedition ship traveling from the Komandor Islands to Petropavlovsk. They also developed the first business partnership with Japan now generating about four to five charters of ecotravelers to Kamchatka from that country. Innovative ideas and excellent operational qualities characterize this agency. ExploreKam * Contact: Martha Madsen, Director explorekam@elizovo.ru Explore Kamchatka In 1991, Martha Madsen was the Curator of the Pratt Museum of Homer, Alaska. Even at that time, Martha had a great interest in bringing cultures together and worked with both native Alaskan and Koryak and Even cultures of Kamchatka. Little did she know that she would eventually move from Alaska to a totally different environment, Kamchatka, Russia? When I met Martha, she had finished a stint as Assistant Director for Program Development and Fund Raising at the Yelizovo District Library System and just started her career in travel with Yelizovo Tour Service. This agency was way ahead of the crowd, perhaps not in experience, but in concept as it brought together many of he smaller entrepreneurs who had specific skills related to travel and used their expertise to create and manage their own tours. Not an easy thing to do, in a region where competition is frowned upon. The idea itself though, offers the traveler the best experience. Martha not satisfied with this experience alone, also opened the first Bed & Breakfast in Yelizovo, in a house she and her Russian husband are carefully refurbishing. From feedback, we have heard they serve the most wonderful meals and the ambiance brings travelers back over and over again. Martha as an extension to her hospitality efforts also now operates her own tours, continuing the principle of joint operations with those who have the greatest knowledge. Martha is also the creator and editor of the Kamchatka Explorer brochure. This brochure contains great information about the region and its tourism possibilities. The information is also available through a Web Site www.kamcahtkaepxlorer.com. Volcanolog Tour * Contact: Elena Kochneva, Director travel@mail.iks.ru This company is lead by a scientist in volcanology and a man with great knowledge and humor. He has worked with many German and French groups and has an excellent reputation. Kamchatka Travel Group Ltd. ** Contact: Yulia Nenasheva, inbound travel services yulianiko@yahoo.com This company was founded and is managed by a number of travel professionals with long term experience in tour management in Kamchatka The Climb ** Contact: Galina V. Volgina, Owner climbkam@hotmail.ru This company has been offering hiking and climbing tours in Kamchatka for at least ten years. The company has also a partner in Alaska. Beringia Land ** Contact: Inna Obukhova, Executive Manager inna@mail.iks.ru Beringia Land has been leading sled dog races over the past years. . Beringia is a philosophy as much as a company, offering unique experiences beyond the conventional for the last twelve years. Itineraries offered include remote wilderness travel to general sightseeing and activities from hiking, river rafting and sea kayaking to dog sledding. The company focuses on tours off the beaten path an entrance into what makes Kamchatka so special. Khabarovski Krai Unitravel ** Contact: Ivan Kazzenov Ivan@unitravel.com We have not worked with this company before. They did attend our training and have been excellent in following through with our recommendations. The company has established several ecotours in the region. Bon Voyage * Contact: Svetlana Cherkasova, Director svetlana@mail.kht.ru The company has an excellent record in operating complex logistics and has shown a aptitude for working with foreigners. Primorski Krai Dalintourist * Contact: Olga V Bekhtereva, Director Inbound Department dalint@mail.primorye.ru This company has good experience with international travelers and offers programs all over the Primorski Krai. One of their new efforts includes the development of community tourism in a small village north of Vladivostok. The village still offers travelers a look at the traditional way of life during the soviet years. Dalintourist offers accommodations in its own lodging facility. Villagers are employed in all activities and benefit economically from them. Intourist, Nahodka * Contact: Natalia Kucherenko, Head of International Department natalia@intourist.nahodka.ru Intourist has both an office in Nahodka and Vladivostok. Mirabel Tour Company ** Contact: Elena Andreeva, General Director mirabel1@vladivsotok.ru An established, innovative tour company in Vladivostok offering a variety of tours in the region. They are one of the first agencies offering nature oriented tours to the local population and foreign travelers accompanied by a specialist. The agency is very supportive of new tour development and is always looking for new tour product. "Nika tour - 2000" Co., Ltd** Contact: Tatyana Kalinina, General Director nikatour@mail.ru Terratour ** Contact: Anastasiya K. Kaushinskaya, Manager terra-julie@mail.ru This company has not had much experience with the international market place. However, they are very experienced in handling logistics all over Russia. They just finished managing a motorcycle race from Moscow to Vladivostok. Also recommended by WWF/Russia. Vladivostok Travel & Excursion Bureau** Contact: Elvira Khodounova, General Director globus@vlad.ru Vzmorye * Contact: Svetlana Lozovskaya, Leading specialist vzmorye@mail.ru This company is lead by a team of scientists in the field or ornithology and biology. They also have set up a network of B & B's throughout the Primorski Krai. The company is very knowledgeable about birding tours in the Far Eastern Marine Preserve and also nature oriented tours to other areas of the Primorski Krai. The company has excellent relationships with WWF/Russia and the local government. Maik-DV Contact: Natalya Nosyreva Maik-Dv@yandex.ru This company has quite a bit of experience handling conferences andmeetings for the regional government. They also have a number ofspecialists they work with specifically on programs focussing on theAmur Tiger. Magadan Region DVS Tour * Contact: Victoria Belger, Manager dvs_tour@sferacom.ru DVS-TOUR has been organizing ecological, fly fishing and rafting tours for many years. Clients include both Russian and foreign clients. Last year the company managed expedition cruise clients of Zegrahm, a well know US company. Virginia ahs spend about four months in the US as an intern with several ecotourism companies. Yakutia Region Tour Service Center. Co. Ltd. * Contact: V. Ipatiev, Director contact@yakutiatravel.com This company offers exciting and well-managed excursions of Yakutia. One of the main reasons they can do this is because they work with a number of tourism partners in the region who have expertise in specific activities. Arctic Travel * Contact: Guerman Arbugaev, Director g-arbugaev@yandex.ru arctic@sakha.ru This company offers excellent experience in one of a kind tours around Yakutia, specifically to off the beaten places, such as reindeer herding camps, both in the summer and winter. They also offer birding tours in the north. The company has excellent contact with all indigenous communities. Join our mailing list be informed of tours as they become available: Email: Subscribe Unsubscribe World Wise Ecotourism Network 1321 W. Emerson #6 Seattle, WA 98119 Phone: 206-282-0824 Fax: 206-281-4417 E-mail: Info@TravelEastRussia.com 2000 All Rights Reserved

Italy Travel

Delicious Italy regional food, culture, history, tour, travel advice and events guide Find your Italian region ....................................... Abruzzo & Pescara Basilicata Calabria Campania & Naples Friuli Venezia Giulia Emilia Romagna & Bologna Lazio & Rome Liguria & Cinque Terre Lombardia & Milan Marche & Ancona Molise Puglia Piemonte & Turin Sicily Sardinia Tuscany Trentino Alto Adige Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto & Venice Search Delicious Italy ® Entire Site Products Services News & Events About us Search where? 10 25 50 100 Number of results per page ------------ Ranking Result Size Last Date updated Arrange in order ------------ Great Food, Great Holiday. Delicious Italy ® is compiled for anyone who enjoys eating and traveling well. Sample the latest food and tourism initiatives as well as our first hand suggestions for local restaurants, itineraries, tours, traditional events, authentic regional recipes and artisan products. info@deliciousitaly.com dellearti design hotel Cremona Click on image above Food, History, Culture Plan your own exploration of the food, wine, history and local culture of the Italian regions by making use of our personal contacts and links across Italy. Mosaic Art Gallery and Craft School in Rome Artisan articles and Christmas gifts quick travel suggestions Find your Italian Youth Hostel across the regions Alpine atmosphere at Villa Abbazia near Treviso, Veneto Refined hotel in the foodhills of mount grappa Hotel in Bardolino on lake Grada, Veneto Aristocratic hotel in the Historical centre of Rome Italian Christmas menu cookery lessons in Friuli Welness spa and resort hotels near Venice Italian gardens and luxury accommodation near Siena Friendly and family B&B near Amalfi Coast Weekend golf and health breaks in Montecatini Terme Cookery school and chocolate tour in Perugia Umbria Charme in a medieval village Cooking classes in Florence studying the renaissance Country Houses in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany Cultural weekend in Ferrara city of exhibitions and art Charming hotel near Verona, Veneto Classic car hire in north east Italy christmas & new year in italy Christmas Day and Christmas Eve special holiday offers and packages New Year's Eve and New Year's day special holiday offers and packages © Delicious Italy s.r.l. All rights reserved. Hosted by Mondoweb s.r.l.

Japan Travel International Travel

Metropolis - Tokyo Japan Travel: God speed JAPAN TODAY | METROPOLIS | CLASSIFIEDS | PERSONALS | JOBS Issue Index Original Features Features Mini Features Cultural Features Life in Japan Big in Japan Rant & Rave Cars & Bikes Health & Beauty Interiors Practical Jobfinder Money Talks Tokyo Tech Web Watch Food & Drink Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Bar Reviews Word of Mouth Travel Travel Features Japan Travel International Travel Travelogue Style Art Artifacts Fashion Tokyo Talk In Store Buyline Music Japan Beat CD Reviews In Person Concerts Clubbing JAPAN TRAVEL Photos by Mary King The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual home of the Japanese nation. Mary King takes a pilgrimage. D own the ages various rumors and tales have circulated about the sacred mirror of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. It was once said that whoever laid eyes on the mirror would immediately be struck blind, a possible deterrent for would-be thieves. Others have claimed to have seen the mirror and reported that it is inscribed with ancient Hebrew lettering, reading “eheyeh asher eheyeh,” the name of the Judaic-Christian God written in Exodus 3:14 and meaning “I AM THAT I AM.” Heavenly abode Japan’s sacred mirror, one of three items of the Imperial Regalia, is kept in the Inner Shrine (Naiku) at Ise Grand Shrine, a sanctuary that many visitors to the Mie Prefecture city of Ise are astonished to discover they are not allowed to enter or even see. Ise Jingu, popularly known as “O-Ise-san,” or officially “Jingu,” holds the most honored position among the more than 100,000 Shinto shrines that are scattered throughout the breadth of Japan. The site of the nation’s most Holy of Holies, and boasting some of the world’s greatest architectural monuments, Jingu is also home to some of the simplest and most mysterious structures. Described as the “starting point for all journeys in Japan,” Ise is regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese, a place to which most wish to make at least one pilgrimage to in their lives. In fact, more than six million pilgrims and worshipers come to Jingu each year, crossing the Uji Bridge spanning the sacred Isuzu River to symbolically leave behind the temporal world and enter a “pure world” of kami (gods and spirits) and the ancient mythology of the land. Odyssey Passing through the second huge torii at the end of Uji Bridge, a long gravel approach leads you through a natural cathedral of towering cryptomeria. Pilgrim and tourist alike are taken on a divine journey toward the Naiku and Geku, where Amaterasu and Toyouke (God of Abundant Food) are respectively worshipped. It is an unforgettable odyssey, one that spirits you back to the country’s earliest recorded “history” that tells of the “Age of Kami,” the creation of Japan and the origins of its people right through to the Imperial line and succeeding generations of emperors and empresses. The auxiliary shrines resemble ancient granaries The Geku (Outer Shrine) was dedicated to the grain deity Toyouke, possibly in a bid to bolster the new imperial cult that started, according to the myth, when Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, down to earth to rule. The Sun Goddess handed her grandson the mirror that had lured her out of her cave, along with Susano’s sword, and a curved jewel. The mirror (yata no kagami), along with the jewel and sword, remain the Three Imperial Regalia, symbols of divine authority, and to this day the emperor conducts rites to ensure a bountiful harvest as well as secret rituals in which he symbolically mates with the Sun Goddess. The high priestess of Ise, meanwhile, has traditionally been an Imperial princess, reflecting the nation’s early history of shamanesses, priestesses and ruling empresses. Having passed through large open grounds and crossed over a small bridge (hiyokebashi), you gradually move towards the more sacred area of the Naiku. To the right of the main pilgrimage path is located a font for the ablutions made by pilgrims prior to proceeding toward the main sanctuary grounds. Beyond the daiichi torii (first sacred gateway) are steps that lead to the Isuzu River, where since ancient times pilgrims have purified their body and mind by washing their hands in, and rinsing their mouths with, the waters of this sacred river. According to Shinto thought, one’s pure mind and body given by the kami must be ritually cleansed so as to return to a state of purity. Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined in the main sanctuary building, the Goshoden, of the inner sanctum of Naiku, in which the august mirror, her symbol or goshintai, is kept and worshipped. As they are considered most sacred, pilgrims or other visitors may see neither the mirror nor the main sanctuary. In fact, the only people allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, according to my guide, are members of the Imperial Family, although on one occasion, it is rumored, Queen Elizabeth was invited in. Restoration Except for the exalted mirror, all of Jingu’s other sacred shrines and objects must be reconstructed in synch with each 20-year Shikinen Sengyo cycle. The elaborate transference procession and ceremony involves the remaking of some 491 holy treasures, 1600 accessories and 125 kinds of sacred apparel that are then put in their proscribed places by the priests. Formerly used objects are kept in the nearby Jingu History Museum, which is open to the public. It is possible to find two absolutely identical Naiku and Geku standing side by side-one old, one new. In time the older one will be deconstructed and its wooden parts, now forever consecrated, recycled as repair pieces for other shrines around Japan. The newer one-once the transference of holy objects has been consummated-hence replaces the old as a locus of veneration. The shrines themselves are thought to resemble ancient granaries or storehouses and are built from Japanese cypress (hinoki) from the Kiso forestry preserves extending between the Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Befitting the reverence accorded to these sanctified building blocks, death, loss of a limb, or imprisonment have, over the centuries, been the penalties for felling these jewels. A visit to the majestic Ise shrine allows one to understand why. Where to stay: Oaken, tel: 059-622-2589; Hinodekan, Tel: 059-628-2954; Saekikan, tel: 059-628-2017; Okubun, tel: 059-628-2231. Ise City Tourist Information, tel: 059-623-9655. TRAVELOGUE WORLD TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURES JAPAN TRAVEL: SEPTEMBER 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine AUGUST 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet JULY 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes JUNE 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan MAY 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group APRIL 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain MARCH 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave FEBRUARY 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- TOP

Japan Travel Tips Japanese

Japan Travel Information - World Travel  You are here: About > Travel > Japan for Visitors Travel Go Japan Essentials Clickable Map of Japan Japan Pictures Japan Travel Tips Japanese Geisha Japan 101 - Fact about Japan Articles & Resources Japan Maps Picture of Japan / Web cams Best of Japan / Attractions Hotels/Accommodations Tokyo / Cities / Regions Japanese Translators Japanese Culture Etiquette / Living in Japan Japan Weather / Geography Japan History / Samurai Japanese Penpal / Chat Plan Your Trip to Japan Air Travel / Train Travel Restaurants / Japanese Food Japanese Gift / Japan Books Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Japanese Gifts Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Japan for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Japan for Visitors From Shizuko Mishima , Your Guide to Japan for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Best Japan Photos in 2005 Which Japan photo gallery was viewed the most by visitors to About Japan for Visitor's site? Best Japan Photo Gallery of 2005 Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Japanese New Year's Cards Sending New Year's cards to relatives, friends, teachers, classmates, and co-workers is an important custom in Japan. Send your favorite Japanese new year's cards online! Free Japanese ecards Monday December 26, 2005 | permalink Photo Gallery: Christmas Decorations in Japan Christmas in Tokyo Disneyland, Odaiba, Ebisu Garden Place, and more. Japanese Christmas Pictures Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Christmas in Tokyo There are many fun events and beautiful Christmas illuminations to visit in Tokyo. Here is a list of places to go. Tokyo Christmas Pictures of Christmas in Japan Shibuya Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licenced to About.com, Inc. Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink Japan Holiday Travel Tips Are you planning to visit Japan in December or January? I have some travel tips for you. Japanese Holidays Monday December 19, 2005 | permalink Japanese Railways Japanese railway systems are very advanced. Traveling by trains is very efficient. Plan a trip by trains in Japan. A list of railways in Japan Photo (c) 2005 Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com, Inc. Saturday December 17, 2005 | permalink Health Insurances in Japan "I plan on going to Japan in April to study for two years can anyone tell me what is a good insurance company. I hear health care in Japan is very expensive..." Suggestions? Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Christmas in Japan December 25th is not a Japanese national holiday . How do Japanese people spend Christmas? Read more... Pictures of Christmas in Japan Pictures of Tokyo Ebisu Garden Place, Tokyo - Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licenced to About.com Inc. Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Japanese Gift Ideas This is a list of Japanese things which might be good gifts for your loved ones. Japanese Gifts Monday December 12, 2005 | permalink Top 10 Christmas Lights to See in Japan Beautiful Christmas decorations are seen many places. This is a list of popular destinations for Christmas illuminations in Japan. Visit many places near your destinations! Japan Christmas Lights and Decorations Chirstmas in Japan Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licenced to About.com, Inc. Saturday December 10, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular New Year Cards Japanese Geisha Christmas in Japan Japanese Tattoos Free Japanese postcards - Japanese new year cards - japan fr... What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Related Topics Japanese Cuisine Japanese Language Asia for Visitors Anime PlayStation Games        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Headlines Best Japan Photos in 2005 Which Japan photo gallery was viewed the most by visitors... Japanese New Year's Cards Sending New Year's cards to relatives, friends, teachers, classmates, and... Photo Gallery: Christmas Decorations in Japan Christmas in Tokyo Disneyland, Odaiba, Ebisu Garden Place, and more.... Christmas in Tokyo There are many fun events and beautiful Christmas illuminations to...

Russia Travel Resources >

Travel Essentials - Russia  You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia Travel Essentials - Russia For your travels to Russia, use this resource to know where the tourist offices are, when to go, what to expect from weather, public holidays, and similar logistical information. Also find information about communications and health and safety Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Russia Profile Undergoing profound economic and political changes, Russia is struggling to remain an important power on the world stage. For travelers, the country is a rich trove of art, culture and history. Find out more about Russia in this overview of the government, people, languages, travel, history, and more, in one concise page. Money Matters- Russia Like everywhere else you travel, you'll need money when you visit Russia. In this article, you'll find handy information about money in Russia, including cash, credit cards, travelers checks, exchange rates, ATMs, costs, and banks. Transportation in Russia: Long Distance Whether you're traveling across borders or from city to city, Russia has transportation options to get there. Public Transportation - Russia In this segment of the Russia Travel Guide, you'll find general information about mass transit in Russia as well as specifics about Moscow and St. Petersburg: the metro, trams, buses and trolleybuses, and taxis. Driving in Russia Driving in Russia presents challenges. If you still want to drive, read on. Dining and Drinking - Russia Learn what to eat and drink (and what not to) in Russia. Shopping - Russia Visitors to Russia will find plenty of ways to spend their money, particulary in Moscow and St. Petersburg where shops catering to tourists are everywhere. Here you'll find art and antique stores, souvenir shops, department stores and outdoor flea markets. Before You Go - Russia Before you go on your trip to Russia, read this section of the Travel Guide for Russia to learn about tourist information, travel tips, when to go, and what you can bring with you. Need to Know - Russia Before you go on your trip to Russia, read this article about items you need to know, such as time zones, electricity, measurements, weather, and public holidays. Health and Safety - Russia With a little foresight and common sense, you can stay safe and healthy while traveling in Russia. Read on to learn what you need to know. This article deals with crime, theft of your passport, eating and drinking to stay healthy, immunizations, and sex in Russia. Communications - Russia Learn about communicating in Russia, from the post office (and its private sector alternatives) to mobile phones, the Internet, media and webcams.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Headlines Spas of Budapest Whether you want to simply swim or soak in... Warsaw for Travelers In Warsaw, modern glass office buildings have emerged all over... Castle Hotels in Europe If you're seeking unique accommodations for your travels in Eastern... Romantic Destinations in Eastern Europe Looking for something beyond Paris or Tuscany for a romantic...