Erin and I met through Pinterest at first, and then e-mail, and then in real life (when we lived, worked, and explored Austria together). Isn’t it funny how internet friendships begin?
When Erin and her sister visited Russia (why didn’t I go!) for a sister vacation (oh, that’s why), she fulfilled one of her pipe dreams. You can’t live a dream unless you make it happen. So Erin did. Erin’s cool. Do what Erin did.
And travel bug that I am, I wanted to know all about Erin’s experience, and then I thought, “Why not share it with all of you?”
So here’s Erin playing along with me, sharing her Russia experience and her gorgeous photography. If you love her photos, follow her on Instagram at @wayfaringreader.
Traveling to Russia
1. Why Russia?
Erin: Why Russia, indeed. A common question from people while planning this trip. It was kind of random. Me and my sister are fans of Anastasia and interested in the Romanov family. And St. Petersburg is where all that happened. And we were both in Europe, closer than we will ever be to Russia, so why not!?
2. What types of questions did you ask yourself as you planned your trip?
Erin:I found a very important question, at the beginning, was, “do I need a visa?” Luckily I answered that question early on, yes. Other questions were, “When are we going? For how long?” “Where are we going to stay? Airbnb or hostel?”, “who’s paying for what?” (divide the cost between sisters), “what is the currency? What is the rate to dollars/euros?. Pretty general, important questions. But I’d definitely say the first (visa) question is the most important with international travel.
3. Hotel, hostel, or airbnb?
Erin: Airbnb!! We had an amazing room! She had the most reviews, and good reviews. And she spoke English, very important. And it was on the main road. 15 minute walk and we are in the center of things.
4. What was the trickiest detail to work out?
Erin: The visa. Mostly because I was doing it here in Austria. So I had to find the Russian Embassy and take my flatmate because I didn’t speak German and they didn’t speak English. So that was a hassle. And it cost more because I wasn’t EU.
5. What were you most looking forward to in visiting Russia? Did it live up to your expectation?
Erin: As horrible as it sounds I don’t think I have many expectations. I was pretty busy leading up to the trip. When we got there we found out that we really didn’t plan much of the fun stuff. The technical details kind of took up our time. But I think going in without too many expectations can be good. I had a blast! It was fun and we saw some great things! Hit the major sites and some hidden treasures.
6. What, culturally, surprised you about Russia?
Erin: So many Russian tourists!! You can pick out the tourists, but then they spoke Russian!! I had never thought about Russians touring their own country. But it’s as big as the U.S. It’s makes sense for them to tour. (don’t know if that’s really culture, but it surprised me)
7. I know some people fear for their safety in other countries. What do you have to say to that?
Erin: Be smart. Don’t go giving out your address. Don’t go walking down dark deserted streets at night. Just be smart. Be aware of your surroundings.
8. Favorite meal/restaurant
Erin: Graf-in. Honestly can’t quite remember the food, but it was a fun atmosphere. And we got frufru drinks there. It was on a side street and we just needed to sit and cool off and this was a perfect place!! If anyone ever goes there, go to the bathroom and look up. They have some awesome lighting in there. haha
9. What would you visit again?
Erin: The Winter Palace/ Hermitage Museum. You get lost in there, but it’s a palace!! And there was a theatre museum we went to on our last day. We didn’t get to spend too much time there, but it was super cool and the ladies working there were adorable. Helping us with their broken English!
10. Advice to someone planning a trip to Russia?
Erin: Have a game plan and things you want to see before you go. So you don’t waste time figuring it all out.
Bonus:
Erin: In any mansion, palace, whatever you go to, look down. They usually have AMAZING wood floors!! And go on a trip with your sibling!! It’s fun!!
If you loved these photos (and the wonderful Erin), check out her instagram @wayfaringreader!!!
Why You Should Travel To Russia…because, why not?!
Leave a Reply