russia trip cost

• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Russia Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Russia?

• How much does a one-week trip to Russia cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Russia cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Russia cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Russia

Visitors to Russia usually spend between $25 and $200 per day on average for one person and $50 to $399 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $68 (₽5,984) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may vary based on travel style and the locations visited, but if you plan wisely while visiting the most popular destinations, such as , then you'll likely spend somewhere in this price range while on your trip. Further down we have a breakdown of expenses by category, as well as a comparison of independent travel versus guided tour prices.

If you're considering an independent trip to Russia, it's helpful to have an idea of the amount of money you'll need. For budget travelers, planning to spend around $25 (₽2,198) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities. For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $68 (₽5,984) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $200 (₽17,547), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options. It's worth noting that these price ranges are based on extensive travel cost data for Russia from fellow travelers, as well as insights from travel companies regarding hotel and tour prices. For further details on travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Russia .

How much does a one week trip to Russia cost?

Most visitors spend between $175 and $1,397 for a one week trip to Russia, with the average being $476. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to visit one, two, or maybe three locations in Russia, depending on how in-depth you want to make your visit. Some of the most popular places to visit are .

How much does a two week trip to Russia cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $350 and $2,795 for your trip to Russia. The average price for a two week trip is $953. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Vladivostok.

How much does a one month trip to Russia cost?

With a month-long trip to Russia, expenses can be anywhere from $750 to $5,989 with the average being $2,042. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Russia?

Organized tours are an easy and convenient way to visit Russia. All of the details are handled by travel experts, and during the trip you'll benefit from the knowledge of an expert guide.

Traveling independently offers freedom and flexibility that is hard to find on an organized tour.

Many travelers appreciate the convenience and ease that an organized tour offers. Many tours provide transportation and expert guides that help you enjoy your trip.

Alternatively, you'll enjoy freedom and flexibility with independent travel that is difficult to find with an organized tour.

Comparing Trip Costs in Russia

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Russia?

Organized tours average $0 per day in Russia, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $68 (₽5,984) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Russia here .

More for Russia

If you're planning a trip to Russia, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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• Tours to Russia

Our 20 Best Russian Tours of 2022

Take the Journey of a Lifetime with us. From St. Petersburg, the mysterious and romantic city of the Tsars to Moscow, Russia’s vibrant capital. From an exploration of Siberia and Lake Baikal to a visit to the medieval cities of Russia’s Golden Ring, Express to Russia has it all and most importantly, we make it fun! Every tour that we offer is fully customizable and can be designed to fit any budget. Below are our most popular Russian tours but if you think something is missing, we’ll make a tour just for you! Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Russian tours using the form at the bottom of the page.

OUR RUSSIAN TOURS

Land-only tours to russia.

Express to Russia is a leading provider of customized and package tours to Russia for all budgets. Our Russian tours are offered as land only. We ask that you arrange your own airfare to Russia and we will meet you at the airport and handle everything else on the ground including accommodations, guides, tours and more. You can easily book the discount tickets yourself through our own discount internet ticket office .

Customized Tours for Independent Travelers

If you are an independent traveler and you have an idea of what you really want to see and how you want to travel, Express to Russia will be glad to help you create your own, perfect tour. You can either request adjustments to one of our standard package tours or you can create a totally different itinerary with the help of our Russian travel specialists, this goes for both summer and winter tours to Russia.

Shore Excursions

To those coming to Russia on a sea cruise we offer shore excursions in St. Petersburg. Ships stay in the city for up to 72 hours (this is the maximum time that you can stay without a Russian visa) and we have created itineraries for 1-day, 2-day and 3-day stays. We provide our customers with a so-called ‘tour ticket’ - the document which allows you to go ashore in St. Petersburg without a visa.

Group Tours to Russia

If you feel more comfortable traveling in group, take a look at our fantastic group tour section where you can find tours to Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Golden Ring. Besides these, we also offer Trans-Siberian group tours . The more the merrier!

Russian River Cruises

Taking a river cruise is probably the most relaxing way to see Russia. Whichever cruise you choose - be it a Volga River Cruise, Moscow to St. Petersburg cruise or a cruise to the Russian North - you will enjoy a great sightseeing program, wonderful on-board entertainment, excellent food, and most importantly, a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere aboard the ship.

Experienced Staff and Happy Customers

Travel to Russia is our specialty and our experienced staff will go the extra yard to make your Russian holidays spectacular. Russia travel can be extremely interesting, rewarding and exciting if you find the right places to visit. Please see what past travelers to Russia have to say about our services by visiting our testimonials page . Explore Russia with us! Please take the time to browse our 2022 Russian tours – just click on any picture above to get started with your Russian travel adventure.

If you have not found the tour that you are looking for and would like us to create something special for you, please contact us . Travel to Russia with Express to Russia!

Highlights of Two Capitals

This is a well-balanced tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg that includes all must-see sights, such as the Kremlin, Red Square, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof with its world-famous fountains and, of course, the Hermitage Museum.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

Classic St. Petersburg

This is our most popular tour of St. Petersburg. It includes all the most important highlights of the Northern Capital, and also provides enough free time for exploring the city on your own. We have a huge variety of St. Petersburg excursions that you can take for extra sightseeing.

Moscow - St. Petersburg 4-star cruise by Vodohod

With this 12-day cruise, you will visit Russia's largest cities - Moscow and St. Petersburg - and several charming small towns and villages, all rich in Russian culture and history: Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritsy, Kizhi, and Mandrogui

Cruise Ship

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Journey of a Lifetime

The tour is a great opportunity to visit three countries on one trip. You will be delighted with the capital of Russia, see the border of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, admire beautiful nature in Krasnoyarsk, see the world's largest lake Baikal, steppes of Mongolia and China's cultural heritage.

Astrakhan - Moscow 4-star cruise by Vodohod

With this cruise, you will get a feeling for both the south-eastern Russia with its link to the Asia and the Orient and the European, imperial Russia. You will start your trip in Astrakhan and sail practically the whole length of the Volga River from the edge of the Caspian Sea to Moscow.

Trans-Sib through Russia - Mongolia - China

This exciting Trans-Siberian tour takes you to three countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. From Moscow you will proceed to the Siberian cities of Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, close to Lake Baikal. Then you will cross Mongolia with its endless steppes and the Goby Desert, and finally arrive in China with the Great Wall and more.

Moscow - St. Petersburg 5-star cruise by Vodohod

Enjoy an 8 day Russian river cruise on our luxury ship. Besides visiting Russia’s two capitals – Moscow and St. Petersburg, the cruise will also take you to the ancient towns of Uglich and Goritsy, Kizhi island with its outstanding wooden architecture, and Mandrogui village, famous for traditional handicrafts.

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Group tour Taste Of Russia by Intourist

Taste the Russian culture, traditions and way of life by visiting 3 completely different cities: Europe�s largest megalopolis Moscow, provincial Novgorod with medieval Russia spirit, and gorgeous St. Petersburg with glittering baroque palaces and romantic canals.

Trans-Siberian 3 in 1

This is our shortest version of our Trans Siberian railroad tours but it covers some of the most interesting cities. The trip begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia, then continues on to Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains and at the edge of Siberia. The tour ends on the shores of Lake Baikal.

Moscow - Astrakhan 4-star cruise by Vodohod

This Volga cruise covers many cities. You will admire the vibrancy of Moscow, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of ancient Vladimir. You will visit Nizhny Novgorod, the old center of the Volga region as well as Kazan and Astrakhan which occupy the former territory of the Golden Horde.

Jewels of Two Capitals

It is our most complete and popular tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg. In addition to visiting all the emblematic places, you will also have free time for your own discoveries. On your free nights you can watch the shows at the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters or a folkloric show.

Express St. Petersburg

This tour gives you a great overview of the city. You will visit Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of the city and also the location where the Last Romanovs are buried. You will become acquainted with the rich collection of the Hermitage Museum and learn about Imperial life while visiting Peterhof.

Ancient Russia, the Beginning

The Central European part of Russia is known for its ancient towns. On this tour you will make stops in the most important towns of the Silver Ring - Velikiy Novgorod, Pskov, Izborsk and Pechory. Each of these towns are home to unique monuments of Russian history and culture.

St. Petersburg - Moscow 5-star cruise by Vodohod

This 8-day Russian river cruise by luxury ship will take you to the jewels of Russia - St. Petersburg and Moscow as well as the most significant towns between these 2 magnificent cities: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island with its amazing wooden architecture and Uglich and Goritsy with their tranquil, country atmosphere.

St. Petersburg - Moscow 3-star cruise by Vodohod

This is our most popular St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise. Besides in depth visits to St. Petersburg and Moscow, the cruise covers all the most important areas between the two capitals: Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island with its beautiful nature and wooden architecture, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

Group Tour Golden Ring, Moscow and St. Petersburg

This tour is a perfect combination of the 'Two Capitals' of Russia - Moscow and St. Petersburg, and the charming ancient towns of Suzdal and Vladimir located in the Golden Ring area of Russia. The tour is highly recommended to those interested in Russian history.

Moscow - St. Petersburg Luxury Cruise by Vodohod

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I would like to thank you and your team for organizing our trip to Moscow and St Petersburg which went of very well. Everything was perfect and to our full satisfaction. We have already recommended your group to some of our friends who plan to visits Russia shortly.

Express to Russia provided my daughter and I will all the online tools we needed to plan our train trip between irkutzk and St.petersburg. I was consistently impressed by the level of support provided via email. We could not have done this trip without this excellent website. Highly recommended! This site is reliable, offers quick turn-around, and provides excellent serve at reasonable costs. Cheers – we had a great time

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Russia travel guide

Russia tourism | russia guide, you're going to love russia.

Russia is the home of diverse culture and historical heritage and its size is just a great excuse to return and explore more.

What to do in Russia

1. visit the red valley.

The Red Valley is one of the best spots in Russia to snowboard and ski.

2. Hit the Sights in Moscow

Visit the Red Square, Moscow's most famous tourist attraction and landmark.

3. Visit St. Petersburg

In St. Petersburg, don't skip a tour of the famous Hermitage museum.

4. Discover Russian Nature

Travel to the east side of the country to explore the Stolby Nature Reserve.

5. Watch World-Renowned Bolshoi Ballet

Attend a ballet performance at the iconic Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

When to visit Russia

If you want to see Russia covered in snow, the best time to travel is between November and April. It's the low season, but prices around New Year's tend to increase.

For travelers who prefer the warm weather, plan your trip in June for the White Nights event in St. Petersburg.

How to Get to Russia

Entry requirements.

Nationals from most countries in the world need a visa to enter Russia. The process is often bureaucratic, so start applying for the visa at least one month before your trip. Tourist visas are usually valid for up to one month.

Most international flights to Russia land at one of the three airports in Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo) or the Pulkovo International Airport in St. Petersburg.

It's possible to enter Russia by train from most of the neighboring countries. Double check if there are special visa conditions for your nationality when crossing the border from one of them.

Russia is equipped with well-maintained roads and highways in urban areas. To drive, you need car registration and insurance papers, your driver's license, and your valid passport and visa.

It's best to cross the border in Latvia, Estonia, Finland, or Lithuania.

There are regular buses to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kaliningrad from Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia), Helsinki (Finland), Warsaw and Gdansk (Poland), and Klaipeda and Vilnius (Lithuania).

In the summer, there are frequent ferry routes to St. Petersburg from Helsinki (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden), and Tallinn (Estonia).

Popular airports in Russia

Popular airlines serving russia, where to stay in russia.

Chain hotels are the most common type of accommodation you'll find in Russia. In large touristic cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, it's becoming more common to find budget-friendly hostels.

Where to stay in popular areas of Russia

Most booked hotels in russia, how to get around russia, public transportation.

Moscow and St. Petersburg have an excellent subway network, but most cities are served by an efficient system of trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

On average, a bus or tram ticket can cost approximately 15-50 RUB (0.25-0.80 USD) per person.

Getting around by train is one of the most popular and comfortable options. Almost all cities and towns are connected by an efficient railroad with trains that usually run on time.

Long-distance trains are for trips of four hours or longer. For smaller distances, you can take a commuter train.

Long-distance buses are usually used to reach areas not served by regular trains. An extra fee may be charged if you're traveling with luggage.

Renting a car, with or without a driver, is less of a hassle than bringing your car unless you're traveling for a long time in Russia. You'll need your local driver's license, an International Driving Permit, insurance, car registration papers, and a declaration for customs stating that you won't leave your car behind when leaving the country.

The rule of thumb to decide to travel by plane within Russia is to check how long it takes to reach that destination by train. If it involves more than an overnight trip, than catching a domestic flight might be a better option. Most flights depart from Moscow.

The Cost of Living in Russia

Eating out can average between approximately 500 RUB (8 USD) for a cheap meal and 1,000 RUB (16 USD) for a more expensive one. Bus and subway tickets cost around 15-50 RUB (0.25-0.80 USD). A week's worth of groceries costs around 600 RUB (9.50 USD). Both credit and debit cards are accepted and ATMs are commonly found.

©Chan Srithaweeporn/Getty Images

The world's largest country offers it all, from historic cities and idyllic countryside to artistic riches, epic train rides and vodka-fuelled nightlife.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery

Northern European Russia

This imposing, stone-walled monastery is the heart and soul of the Solovetsky Islands. Founded in 1429, it has played various roles throughout its…

The Armoury dates to 1511, when it was founded under Vasily III to manufacture and store weapons, imperial arms and regalia for the royal court. Later it…

State Hermitage Museum

St Petersburg

The Hermitage fully lives up to its sterling reputation. You can be absorbed by its treasures for days and still come out wanting more. The enormous…

St Basil's Cathedral

At the southern end of Red Square stands the icon of Russia: St Basil’s Cathedral. This crazy confusion of colours, patterns and shapes is the culmination…

Moscow Kremlin

The apex of Russian political power and once the centre of the Orthodox Church, the Kremlin is the kernel of not only Moscow, but of the whole country…

Lenin's Mausoleum

Although Vladimir Ilych requested that he be buried beside his mum in St Petersburg, he still lies in state at the foot of the Kremlin wall, receiving…

Immediately outside the Kremlin’s northeastern wall is the celebrated Red Square, the 400m-by-150m area of cobblestones that is at the very heart of…

Hermitage Gardens

All the things that have improved Moscow parks no end in recent years fill this small, charming garden to the brim. Today, it is possibly the most…

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• Things to do

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Top vacation destinations in Russia

St. Petersburg

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Russia vacation.

The largest country in the world, Russia is full of intrigue for the intrepid traveller. This sprawling nation is famous for its rich history, vodka and geographic diversity.

Russia Hotel + Flights

One of the best ways to score better prices when going on vacation is by bundling your flight and hotel bookings into a Russia Vacation Package. And with 269,517 hotels on offer starting at CA $159 a night, you’ll have plenty of choice. You can save even more by booking your extras, like car rental and activities, at the same time. If you plan on visiting the Kremlin while in Moscow, why not book a tour so you don’t miss a thing?

Your Russia Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-3: The largest airport in Moscow, Domodedovo International Airport is your gateway to the country. Pick your luggage up from the carousel, ditch it at your hotel and get started on some of Moscow’s most popular attractions. Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Bolshoi Theatre are just a few.

Day 4-7: Jump on a domestic flight to Sochi. It’s a great base from which to explore the picturesque Black Sea Coast, Russia’s favourite seaside playground.

Day 8-10: A trip to Russia would be incomplete without a stay in St. Petersburg. Once the nation’s capital and known as the Venice of the North, there is plenty to see and do here. Check out the Summer Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress and the State Hermitage Museum.

Russia Information

Join the locals as they celebrate Russia Day, held June 12 each year. Public events take place in all large cities across the country and include concerts and fireworks.

Want to spend a few days in the capital? Stretch your dollar (or, more accurately, your ruble) further with one of our Moscow Vacation Packages .

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in russia, moscow kremlin.

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace

Immerse yourself in a collection of prehistoric artifacts, Middle Eastern jewelry and European art that spans 6,000 years in one of the world’s oldest museums.

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Russia Holidays

Book a hotel + flight or car together to unlock savings.

I only need accommodation for part of my trip

Your Russia Holiday

Leave all the planning up to us with a Russia holiday package. With everything arranged before you go, the only thing you'll need to do is relax and experience this destination's many wonders. Your trip to Russia wouldn't be complete without visiting some of its leading cities, starting with Moscow . Families should make a beeline for Museum of Cosmonautics and Dream Island. St. Petersburg is another favourite with Russia travellers. If it's a romantic getaway you're on, head to Mariinsky Theatre and Oktyabrskiy Big Concert Hall. Round up your loved ones and pack your bags, because your Russia holiday is only clicks away with Expedia.

• Top destinations in Russia

St. Petersburg

Kaliningrad

Vladivostok

Russia holiday.

The largest country in the world, Russia is full of intrigue for the intrepid traveller. This sprawling nation is famous for its rich history, vodka and geographic diversity.

Russia Hotel + Flights

One of the best ways to score better prices when going on holiday is by bundling your flight and hotel bookings into a Russia Holiday Package. And with 268,224 hotels on offer starting at AU$191 a night, you’ll have plenty of choice. You can save even more by booking your extras, like car rental and activities, at the same time. If you plan on visiting the Kremlin while in Moscow, why not book a tour so you don’t miss a thing?

Your Russia Holiday Itinerary

Day 1-3: The largest airport in Moscow, Domodedovo International Airport is your gateway to the country. Pick your luggage up from the carousel, ditch it at your hotel and get started on some of Moscow’s most popular attractions. Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Bolshoi Theatre are just a few.

Day 4-7: Jump on a domestic flight to Sochi. It’s a great base from which to explore the picturesque Black Sea Coast, Russia’s favourite seaside playground.

Day 8-10: A trip to Russia would be incomplete without a stay in St. Petersburg. Once the nation’s capital and known as the Venice of the North, there is plenty to see and do here. Check out the Summer Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress and the State Hermitage Museum.

Russia Information

Join the locals as they celebrate Russia Day, held June 12 each year. Public events take place in all large cities across the country and include concerts and fireworks.

Want to spend a few days in the capital? Stretch your dollar (or, more accurately, your ruble) further with one of our Moscow Holiday Packages .

Russia Essential Information

Our pick of the best russia hotel deals.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in russia, moscow kremlin.

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a stop at Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace

Immerse yourself in a collection of prehistoric artifacts, Middle Eastern jewelry and European art that spans 6,000 years in one of the world’s oldest museums.

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11 tips for traveling in Russia on a low budget

1. Get a volunteer invitation

Ferapontov Monastery

Like people from all over the world, many Russians are open to volunteering in exchange for food, accommodation, and new experiences. There is, for example, the Help Exchange advertising service. Foreigners are invited as volunteers by small companies, families, children's camps, and even the Academy of Sciences (before the beginning of the archaeological season, for instance).

The conditions depend on the host but be sure that for interesting offers there will be stiff competition: You have to monitor the offers and respond quickly, says traveler and blogger Asya Repreva . It helps if you have recommendations. "Last year, on a competitive basis, it was possible to go to Ferapontovo [an ancient monastery on the Unesco World Heritage list], to Kamchatka and Siberia, and to a summer camp on Lake Baikal. The ‘hottest’ time is the summer season. The obvious plus - apart from the fact that you pay almost nothing - is that many hosts provide help with visas and pay for your journey. And the minus is that you will really have to work,” Repreva explains.

2. Buy a tourist pass and save money

Russian tourist pass CityPass

The Russian tourist pass CityPass (available in Moscow and St. Petersburg) offers free museum admissions and excursions, admission without queuing, river cruises, discounts for taxis and restaurants, unlimited calls within Russia, and many other benefits. It costs 3,500 rubles ($56.5) but it will save you much more.

3. Check for free admission days

Every museum has free admission days.

You can also save money without a tourist pass. "If you are not too shy, remember: In Russia, you can enter many museums and parks at the exits. Often exits are not guarded. [Note: Russia Beyond does not recommend trying to sneak into museums on the sly!] If you are not that pushy, bear in mind that every museum has free admission days," says traveller and blogger Vladimir Druganov.

At the Hermitage in St.Petersburg the first Thursday of each month is a free day, while at the New Tretyakov Gallery in the Russian capital it is every Wednesday.

4. Ask locals to buy you a ticket. And don't take an audio guide

As a rule, tickets to museums and art galleries cost more for foreign nationals than locals.

As a rule, tickets to museums and art galleries cost more for foreign nationals than locals. Tourists who don't want to pay extra should ask a Russian to buy tickets for them. And don't waste money on an audio guide. To be honest, you won't need it. You can download audio guides in English for many popular museums in Russia from the App Store.

5. Eat at places with special offers

Canteens (cheap restaurants that serve homemade dishes) are a win-win option.

You can find special offers in Russian cafes and restaurants at any time of the day. Canteens (cheap restaurants that serve homemade dishes) are a win-win option. Here, a soup, main course, drink, and dessert will cost you just 250-300 rubles ($4-4.8) or cheaper.

"I had the following routine when traveling around Russia. In the morning I had breakfast in canteens attached to institutes or ordinary public canteens, which you can find on 2Gis [a multilingual digital service that has city maps and tells you how much the average bill in different eateries will be]. For lunch I would go to any place serving business lunches [many restaurants offer them between 12:00 and 17:00], giving preference to places with a high rating on Flump App [or its alternative Foursquare ]. And for dinner I would use coupons from Groupon [now called Frendi , available only in Russian] - a sushi selection at a 50-percent discount is very filling and very tasty. Or on some evenings I cooked my own dinner buying food in a supermarket," Druganov says.

6. Take petrol cans with you

Top up your cans at the very start of the journey.

The further east you go in Russia, the more expensive the petrol becomes. If you're traveling by car and intend to go from Moscow to Vladivostok, a petrol can will be your best traveling companion. Top up your cans at the very start of the journey (it is important they are metal ones), fill the boot with them, and use them towards the end of your trip.

7. The ‘month in advance’ and ‘happy Tuesdays’ rules

Russian Railways has discounts every Tuesday.

Russian trains and the long distances between Russian towns are an ideal combination. Long overnight journeys are excellent for killing two birds with one stone: You save on hotel costs and you cover huge distances. So choose night trains if at all possible. To save on tickets, you will need to buy them well in advance: Then the cost of a proper sleeper compartment ( kupe ) will only be around 200 rubles ($3) more than a ticket in an open-plan couchette car ( platskartny vagon ). The latter is for the adventurous only - but here's how to survive . If you need tickets immediately, Russian Railways has discounts every Tuesday.

"For short distances (less than nine hours) I always managed without bed linen (to keep the price down) and used a sleeping bag instead. By the way, as far as sleeper compartments are concerned, always choose seats 37/38, which will be in a two-berth compartment (instead of the usual four for the same price)," Druganov advises.

8. Use a low-cost airline

Russia has just one low-cost air carrier serving domestic routes - Pobeda.

Russia has just one low-cost air carrier serving domestic routes - Pobeda. You can find tickets two or three times cheaper than with other airlines and fly to destinations in Russia for the price of a good meal in a restaurant. But you're going to have to travel very light. The airline charges a significant supplementary fee for baggage.

9. Get a 50 percent discount on the Sapsan high-speed train

Three friends of yours can also get the same discount.

Sapsan is the high-speed train that can get you from Moscow to St Petersburg in four hours. If your birthday is next week or has just passed, you can get a 50-percent reduction in the fare. Three friends of yours can also get the same discount. The only thing is you can't book the tickets ahead - they are available no more than seven days before your birthday and seven days after (and only in railway ticket offices, not online). There’s also a 50-percent discount for newly-weds. Don't forget to bring your original marriage certificate.

10. Leave the train wherever you want

You can remain in your stop-off destination for up to 10 days in the knowledge that your ticket will remain valid.

This "secret" option isn't widely known even by Russians. During your journey you can get off at any station without invalidating your ticket. The important thing is to find a station official within four hours and inform them. You can remain in your stop-off destination for up to 10 days in the knowledge that your ticket will remain valid. You will hardly lose any money, either: There will just be a small supplementary payment for a seat on a later train.

11. Don't try to hitch a lift with a sign saying where you're going

It is best to forget about holding a sign displaying your intended destination.

Hitchhiking is perfectly doable in Russia. But it is best to forget about holding a sign displaying your intended destination. In Russia it does not increase your chances of getting a lift. In actual fact, it reduces them.

"If my sign says ‘Yekaterinburg’ and a passing driver is going to within 20-30 km of Yekaterinburg, he won't stop. He'll simply think it's not worth giving you a lift because he won't be able to take you all the way. Another driver might be going all the way to Yekaterinburg, so he'll take you... That is what they'll be thinking and it is why they will drive straight past you," says experienced hitchhiker Anya.

Another option, which takes away the uncertainty, is to use the BlaBlaCar carpooling service. You look for people heading to the same destination and chip in for petrol.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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Russia Tour Packages

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• The Moscow Kremlin: This is the best place known for the Kremlins (Russian citadels), a fortified complex in the center of Moscow. It includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosed Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. In addition, within the complex is the Grand Kremlin Palace, formerly the Russian emperor's residence in Moscow. The complex is now the official residence of the Russian president. It also features a museum with over three million visitors every year. It overlooks the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square to the east, and Alexander Garden to the west.
• Red Square: It is next to the Kremlin, which has an east wall, and the famous Pokrovski Cathedral (Cathedral of St Basil the Blessed), which is one of the most beautiful monuments of age-old Russian architecture built in 1555–1560, symbolizing the victory of Ivan the Terrible over the Kazan Khanate. It has magnificent domes apart from paintings inside and outside the cathedral. Red Square is one of the oldest and largest squares in Moscow, which is the site of official military parades and demonstrations intended to display the strength of Soviet armed forces.
• Baikal Lake: Lake Baikal is extensive and diverse so that everyone can put it on the itinerary for a perfect holiday here. From just sitting on its shore to hiking up Chersky Mountain, it offers leisure and adventure. The area surrounding Baikal is unique, and many of the flora and fauna exist only in this area. The lake is filled with rich marine life like Baikal Seals, 50 species of fish, 25 species of gobies, and over 320 bird species. This lake is protected under the Lake Baikal Coastal Protection Zone and is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The State Tretyakov Gallery: It is an art gallery in Moscow, considered the foremost depository of Russian fine art in the world. It was built in 1856 when the Moscow merchant Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov acquired artworks by Russian artists to create a collection that might later grow into a national art museum.
• Sochi: Sochi is known as a city and resort area of Krasnodar Kray (territory), in the southwestern region of Russia. The city shares a border with the Black Sea coast at the foot of the western part of the main Caucasus Mountain range. The presence of mineral springs, beautiful coastal and mountain scenery, long beaches, and a pleasantly warm climate has made Sochi a large and popular holiday destination and a health resort for vacationers. Sochi has dozens of hotels, tourist centers, campsites, and over 50 sanatoriums. The streets of the city and gardens are filled with exotic subtropical trees and shrubs. 
• Lighthouse Egersheld: Established in 1876, Lighthouse Egersheld is one of the oldest lighthouses in Russia. It is located on an artificial stony spit from Tokarevsky Cape - the so-called Tokarevskaya Koshka. Tourists can visit the first one from the Tokarevsky Cape to the lighthouse by car. Another part of the spit, leaving into the sea, is called the "cat's tail,” which one can reach during the low tide. 
• Kenozersky National Park: About 550 miles from Moscow city, the Kenozersky National Park contains natural and cultural monuments. It is also a famous ecotourism destination. Several trails have been opened in the park. In addition, there are many wooden architectural monuments. The park is home to small, quaint villages, rugged hills, ancient wooden chapels, and serene lakes. It is encompassed by breathtaking taiga forest and huge wetlands that add to its charm. This attraction was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2004.
• The Golden Ring: The name ‘Golden Ring’ refers to an overland tourist route, a return loop from Moscow that became a popular journey among Muscovite travelers in the 60s. This is a perfect retreat to the medieval cities of Russia. It is nestled amidst green hills and floral meadows, with rambling country roads surrounded by forests, lakes, orchards, and wooden farmhouses. 
• Kizhi Island: It is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located amidst Lake Onega. The island is home to stunning wooden architectural marvels and shows brilliant traditional crafts. It also features the country’s oldest wooden church - the Church of the Resurrection, which dates to the 14th century.

Things to do in Russia

• Take a canal tour: This amazing tour begins from St. Petersburg Canal. You can discover the romantic network of canals within the city, built around the waters of the Neva River. Round-trip hotel transport is also provided at most of the hotels, and you can also sightsee multiple attractions on this tour. Summer is the best time when you can enjoy this tour on a boat.
• Go to the skiing valley: Skiing is one of the must-do activities on Mount Elbrus. You can ski at the Red Valley, a mini paradise for those who enjoy adventures. This famous valley of the Mzymta River offers calm scenery of high mountains and landscapes and incredible settings for presenting wonderful and thrilling skiing experiences. The steep slopes, high altitude, well-maintained pistes, fast and convenient lifts, and quality service make it full of challenges and thrills. So, if you are thirsty for an adventure, doing this activity in Russia is breathtaking.
• Explore Samara Embankment: It is a 5 km long well-paved walking path on the Volga River's left bank. One can enjoy a sunny day with family and friends in the summer. It begins from Lesnaya Street and Samara River Port, which provides great opportunities for clicking photos to get a fond memory of beautiful and classical structures as impressive backdrops. Relieve yourself from all the worldly stress and tension by taking a stroll, hopping on a boat cruise on the Volga, or enjoying the beach. 
• Visit Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre: This is meant for those who enjoy music and dance. It is one of the largest music theaters presented in Russia, and it offers an insight into Russian culture through musical folklore. They have mind-boggling and fabulous decorations and impressive stages. Not just that. Fine actors/actresses, dazzling costumes, and great themes are all something you can use to entertain yourself in Russia.
• Go on a hiking trail: If you go to a mountainous region, witnessing sunsets or sunrises is a given. And many recreational activities are also offered on many hiking trails, including Mount Elbrus, Northern Urals and near the cliff on the banks of River Ballikal. 
• Surprise your tastebuds with Russian cuisine: One must try some lip-smacking and mouth-watering dishes while in Russia. These include Blini, Russian pancakes traditionally made round but thin and fresh to eat when hot. It is also called French crêpes, which are sweet and served with sour cream, salmon, caviar, or mushrooms. There’s also Beef Stroganoff, a delicacy that is a mixture of sautéed beef served in a delicious sauce with smetana (sour cream). You can also try other famous dishes like Okroshka and Pirozhki.
• Experience the vibrant nightlife: As the heat is defeated by the sun's setting, the night takes on Russia and people enjoy their time at clubs, casinos, and pubs. Drinking and dancing to trendy music is a popular activity. You can check out Moscow City Lights, Detalka Anticafe, Kot Shrodingera, and Einstein Lounge for some fun and good food.
• Head to The State Hermitage Museum: Featuring a whopping 3 million items in this collection, the Hermitage Museum is a must-visit tourist location in St. Petersburg. This museum is considered one of the most prestigious ones across the globe, and it is the best place to explore. These are the most loved and rare treasures many tourists see. Most of the bulk collection of this museum comes from the Winter Palace, a house for the Russian Rulers.
• Catch a show at Moscow Cat Theatre: The Moscow Cat Theatre is a world-famous feline-centric circus in which over 100 cat actors perform stunts who are well trained along with their human masters, and they perform various acts like balancing on a ball, walking a tightrope, etc. It was founded by the veteran Russian clown Yuri Kuklachev in the year 1990 to entertain Russians with something unusual and new. 
• Check out the psychedelic salt mines: There’s your typical salt mine and then there’s the psychedelic salt mine - a unique mine made hundreds of years ago. It lies below Yekaterinburg City, an abandoned Psychedelic Salt Mine replete with a natural wonder of colored patterned walls. It is the most captivating site and the beauty of the mine leaves you dazzled. This is one of the most fascinating things to explore in Russia. It contains layers of carnallite, creating swirls of colors on the tunnel walls, making technicolor masterpieces throughout the rocks. The color spectrum varies from yellow, white, and reddish to blue and even completely colorless. 
• Go ice skating at Gorky Park: This activity that most young generations enjoy is Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park, which is meant for ice skating. It is one of the most fun activities in Russia, and many tourists watch or experience it. In winter, half of it gets converted into one of the city's biggest skating rinks, where over 4000 visitors can enjoy a lifetime skating experience. You can glide over the ice with your skates, and it is one of the milkiest smooth ices among beautiful surroundings, illuminated paths, lovely crowds, and melodic music.

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10 best places to visit with russia tour packages.

Russia is a country of subtropical beaches and lovely cities where the people are so sweet to make your trip sweeter. Our Russia travel packages are not only offering you excursions of multiple places but also stapling more joy with museum and churches here. There are a number of places to explore in Russia and we are listing a few of those incredible destinations here –

1. Golden Ring

What’s Special: Historical sites, churches, scenic views

Timings: Throughout the day

Major Attractions: Saviour Monastery of St Euthymius, Old Vladimir

Distance From City: 0 km

Transportation Option: Bus, cab, taxi, train

Museum, Rostov-Veliky Kremlin, Assumption Cathedral, Pereslavl Railway Museum Golden Ring is filled with quaint cottages, cherry orchards, domes and the awe-inspiring churches. All are containing the old country arts and this is making the place special to visit and explore. If you want to experience the bygone era of Russia, you must visit this place. The place also has fortresses and monasteries, where you must visit.

What’s Special: Ancient sites, intricate architecture

Major Attractions: Hermitage Museum, Krestovsky Stadium, Peterhof Palace, Pushkin Museum, Kolomenskoye, Novospassky Monastery

Moscow has its own political reasons to stay popular in Russia. Additionally, there are many more reasons that are making the place special. There is the very impressive Red Square and the stately Kremlin, that none can afford to miss with this trip. The artistic endeavors are making the place awe-inspiring and fascinating.

3. Saint Petersburg

What’s Special: Cultural sites, architectural monuments, theatres, galleries, museums

Major Attractions: Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Mariinsky Theatre, St Isaac Cathedral, Palace Square

Saint Petersburg is the second-largest city in Russia and is now known as Leningrad. Still, there are many in Russia and all over the world who are referring to the city with the name Saint Petersburg. This place is also known as the cultural capital of Russia. Also known as “The city of Boats”, it is one of the finest collections of art.

What’s Special: Mosques, historical attractions, cultural sites

Major Attractions: The Kazan Kremlin, Museum of Soviet Life, Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan Arena, Suyumbike Tower

Transportation Option: Bus, cab, taxi

Kazan has one of the highest standards of living in the nation. Kazan is the capital city of Tatarstan. There are church towers and minarets that are filling the skyline. The Kul-Sharif Mosque is worth visiting, which is named after a man who was killed while defending Kazan.

5. Nizhny Novgorod

What’s Special: Historic monuments, heritage sites, lovely river views

Major Attractions: Memorial Apartment of Andrei Sakha, Kremlin, Rukavishnikov Mansion, Nizhegorodsky State Art Museum

Nizhny Novgorod lies on the confluence of two rivers, the Volga and Oka. Formerly, the town was known as Gorky as Maxim Gorky was born here and the town was seeded with a mere fortress. Gradually, the town thrived and adopted the immense beauty of architecture. Adding this town to your itinerary will not spike up your Russia trip cost, therefore, you can plan on visiting it on your vacation.

What’s Special: Natural surroundings, rich history and culture, waterfalls, caves, forests, lakes

Major Attractions: Park Riviera, Rosa Khutor Ski, Park Arboretum, The Singing Fountain, Lake Ritsa, 33 Waterfalls, Frunze Park, Stalin’s Villa

Sochi is a popular town in Russia, located on the coast of the Black Sea and surrounded by the beautiful Caucasus Mountains. The place is known for its remarkable sandy beaches and outstanding architecture. The place is also known for Kinotavr, a summer festival, which is celebrated with much enthusiasm. Sochi is also known for its rich flora and fauna and has Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve in 50 kilometers vicinity. So, before booking Russia packages from India, make sure to include Sochi in your itinerary.

7. Olkhon Island

What’s Special: Lakes, breathtaking views, natural surroundings, lake island, coastal sand dunes

Major Attractions: Cape Burkhan, Khuzhir Village, The National History of Museum of Revyakin, Cape Khoboy, Sagan Khushun Cape, Lake Baikal

Distance From City: 238 km

Transportation Option: Bus, marshrutka, ferry

Olkhon Island is one of the sought-after places in Russia and is also the third-largest lake island in the world. The entire island is home to lakes, dense forests, beaches, waterfalls, and rocks. Visit the island which attracts tourists with its natural beauty. The place is also known for its calm and serene ambiance far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. So if you are planning to visit this beautiful place, book the tour in advance, so that Russia tour packages from India cost can be minimized.

What’s Special: Historical town, Russian architecture

Major Attractions: Suzdal Kremlin, Muzey Derevyannogo Zodchestvo, Saviour Monastery of Saint Euthymius, Pokrovsky Monastery, Aleksandrovskiy Muzhskoy Monastery, Cathedral of Nativity of the Theotokos

Suzdal is a cultural and historic city in Russia. The city is truly charming and captivating, especially to history buffs. The city has managed to preserve its ancient history and valuable culture. You will see a plethora of cathedrals, monasteries, along with incredible landscapes. The tranquil surroundings and sacred vibes make this city a perfect place for a vacation.

What’s Special: Frozen rivers, glaciers, and snow capped mountains

Major Attractions: National Museum of the Republic of Altai, Waterfall Uchar, Altayskiy Reserve, Church of St. John, Chemal

The Altay Mountains extend from Russia, spreading out to China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. These mountains were traditionally inhabited by local ethnic groups, however, today it welcomes visitors from across the world. Home to numerous nature reserves and water bodies, these mountains are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Peterhof

What’s Special: Long stretches of pebble and sand beaches, Stalinist architecture

Major Attractions: Sochi Park, Fisht Olympic Stadium, Krasnaya Polyana Mountain Cluster, Southern Cultures Park, Rosa Khutor Ski Resort

Peterhof was established in the early 17th century for Tsar Peter. It resembles the Palace of Versailles and is spread across almost 4000 hectares. The place is home to nearly 173 garden fountains, out of which Grand Cascade fountains are the most popular ones.

Best Time to Visit and Explore the Russia Tour Packages

June - august (summer).

Russia blooms greatly in the summer season. The snow melts to reveal the beauties of lawns and flowers, which makes for a perfect Russia trip plan. If you are not a fan of winter season, then you can plan your Russian vacay during these months. This weather is pleasantly warm that will make your vacation all the more memorable.

March - May (Spring)

As spring is considered to be the most favorable time of the year, you will get to spend time outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. The gardens, streets, and parks are usually filled with people to receive pleasant sunlight. During your time in Russia, you may visit various places in the capital of the country called Moscow. The Kremlin, where the president of Russia lives, is a must-visit and a fascinating sight to see. You will be able to visit it on the most exciting Russia packages.

December - February (Winter)

You can visit Russia during wintertime if you are interested in adventure sports. The lakes and rivers are frozen up during winter and it is an ideal time to get engaged in skiing and ice-skating. Winter usually lasts up to 3 months from December to February. The snowy scenery will captivate you and you may enjoy your vacation during this time of the year

How to Reach Russia?

The following are the best ways to reach Russia:

The fastest way to reach Russia is by air. Sheremetyevo International Airport, Domodedovo International Airport, Vnukovo International Airport, and Pulkovo Airport are the busiest airports in Russia. If you are traveling from India then direct flights are available to Moscow and St. Petersburg from Delhi and Mumbai.

Russian roads, as well as motorways, are well connected and you can rent a car from a nearby European country if you wish to drive to Russia. There are a few bus companies offering international connectivity to popular cities in Russia including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Tallinn, etc.

RZD Russian Railways are connected to numerous international cities. Central and Eastern Europe are well-connected to cities like Moscow and St.Petersburg, via these trains. Moscow also features extended rail routes even to Asia and Western Europe.

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₹ 30,250/- ₹ 32,880/-

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Russia, for sure is one of the most beautiful and intriguing places in the world. There....

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Russia is one of the largest countries in the world and it has way too much to offer to....

Russia Tour Packages by Theme

Faqs for russia, what are the best russia tour packages offered by traveltriangle.

Below listed are some of the best Russia tour packages offered by us:

How many days are ideal for a trip to Russia?

Russia is home to many awe-gasping wonders, some of which require a full-day tour. Therefore, ideal duration of 7 days & 6 nights is suggested for a trip to Russia. An average trip of 7 days & 6 nights will most likely cover visiting some of the famous cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg. Moreover, it will take you to places that are apt for sightseeing tours.

What are some of the best things to do in Russia?

Russia being a vast country offers a plethora of activities that you can partake in. Mentioned below are some of the activities that you must indulge in on your trip to Russia.

• Diving in Ruskeala Marble Quarry
• Hiking in the Altai Region
• Horse Riding in Central Russia

When is the best time to plan a trip to Russia?

The temperature in Russia can at times really freeze you to bones, therefore, it is important to note down when to visit. If you are planning to travel to Moscow or St’ Petersburg, then the summer season is ideal for visiting. With the end of spring and the start of summer, the weather becomes soothing and perfect for embarking gon sightseeing tours. However, if you wish to skip crowds then plan your visit between the months of late spring and early summer.

When can I witness the snow and freezing temperature?

The winter season brings the snow and makes the place blanketed with the crisp white snow. The season runs from November to February and thus you should Visit Russia in this period of time.

What is there in Russia to eat?

Russians are most likely to eat wheat and veggies dishes. They are so much devoted for porridges.

What should I wear in Russia?

It is suggested to wear warm clothes in Russia. You can choose warm coats and sweaters for packing the stuff to move for vacations.

Where can the pedestrian enjoy shopping in Kazan?

Bauman Street in Kazan is a quite poplar street for pedestrians to enjoy shopping.

Where can I enjoy the shopping and dining more?

Saint Petersburg is the place where the streets are offering you best experiences of shopping and dining.

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V's 10 days trip to Russia

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Parimal's 5 days trip to Russia

Rohit's 6 days trip to russia.

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Rinki's 4 days trip to Russia

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• Places To Visit In Russia

Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination

The Peter and Paul Fortress In St Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is the port city in Russia. Also, it has been the imperial capital of Russia for two centuries. There are various places to visit, and things to do in Saint Petersburg and among them is the Peter and Paul Fortress. Peter and Paul Fortress is an extremely famous citadel situated in Saint Petersburg, Russia. ...

• Ideal for friends
• Ideal For Family

The Russian Museum In St Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is the extremely beautiful port city in Russia. Also, it has been the imperial capital of Russia for two centuries. There are various places to visit and things to do in Saint Petersburg and among them is The Russian Museum. The Russian Museum is an extremely famous museum and is situated in Saint Petersbur...

• Ideal for families

Winter Palace In St Petersburg

Amidst all the glitz and glamour of urbanization, the best thing that St Petersburg has to offer is still its rich history and heritage. And right in the middle of it stands the magnificent Winter Palace of Peter the Great and all the Russian Tsars that came after him. Today, it is an inseparable part of St Petersburg’s cul...

• Winter Palace

Amber Room In St Petersburg

Tired of those boring beach trips to Goa or Gokarna? Here’s another value-added trip for you to make, this time to Russia. This country has great wealth and also some very good viewable material on showcase. Pack your bags and fly to beautiful country which has many stellar cities that offer a great deal when it comes to to...

Russian Museum In St Petersburg

With European trips being planned aplenty, go somewhere closer to home. Russia isn’t too far away, in the broader sense from India and the conversion rate of 1 rupee to Russian currency RUB 9 Rubles) stands at just 1.12 Rupee per Ruble. With costs covered, getting a visa could be a bit of a tirade, but it is still very much...

• Things To Do In Russia

Your list of the best things to do, compiled on the basis of actual traveler experiences

The Mariinsky Theatre In St Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is the Russia post city and is situated on the Baltic Sea. It has also been the imperial capital of Russia for two centuries. There are various places to visit and things to do in Saint Petersburg and amongst them is The Mariinsky Theatre. The Mariinsky Theatre is an extremely famous theatre situated in The...

Kazan Cathedral In Moscow

Kazan Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals dedicated to Our Lady Of Kazan, in Moscow, Russia. The first mentions of the cathedral dedicated to the Virgin of Kazan are found in the historical record of 1635 as having been constructed by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. It was torn down and rebuilt many times during the followi...

Ostankino Tower In Moscow

A radio and television tower located in the Ostankino district of Moscow, Russia, the Ostankino Tower is one of the iconic attractions in the city. Built around 163-1967, this amazing structure is made up of cement, and has an observation deck which makes it even a more interesting place to visit. As one visit this approxim...

5 Best Things To Do In Russia

There are a plethora of things that one can partake in on your trip to Russia. However, there are some things that are an absolute must to truly enjoy your vacations in Russia. Go through the following list to know more about these activities:

1. Canal Tour

Canal tour makes for a perfect activity to partake in while your stay in Russia. St. Petersburg is home to many canals, therefore, making canal tour an amazing way to see through the city. There are different types of boat tours that you can choose from.

Russia is also an ideal place to go skiing and Russia vacation packages make it possible. Anyone who wishes to go for skiing and snowboarding is recommended to take a trip to Red Valley that is an ideal place for these activities. Nestled there you will find mountains the slopes of which are any skier dream come true.

3. Visit to Amber Room

Amber Room is one of those spectacles that lures every traveler’s gaze. It is a beautifully architectured room in the Catherine palace. Its gold plated interior makes for an amazing piece of art.

4. Museum Tour

Russia is home to many unique and mesmerizing museums which one can explore while on a tour to Russia. The country is full of many hidden gems, which can be discovered while taking a museum tour. The most famous museums in Russia are Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the Hermitage, Museum of Hygiene, and Museum of Soviet Arcade Games.

5. Visit Star City

Visiting Star City is another most sought after thing to do in Russia. Star City is basically a cosmonaut training centre, located in Moscow. You can visit this place and experience many crazy things like zero gravity or know about rocket launch. It is an exciting and thrilling place for kids as well as for adults.

Best Places to Stay in Russia

1. swissotel krasnye holmy moscow.

Location: Kosmodamianskaya Emb., 52/6, Moscow 115054 Russia

Price per night: INR 15,000 onwards

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

One of the best luxury hotels in Russia, Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow is known for its cozy ambiance and unmatchable luxuries. It is amongst the tallest buildings in Moscow and features 234 palatial rooms, from where you can witness breathtaking views of the surrounding region.

2. Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg

Location: Antonenko ln., 2, St. Petersburg 190000 Russia

Price per night: INR 22,000 onwards

TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5

The Lotte Hotel in St. Petersburg is established in the historical mansion that was built in the year 1849 - St. Isaac's square. As the property is located in proximity to the popular tourist attractions of the city, Lotte Hotel St.Petersburg serves to be a perfect escape for holidayers.

3. Radisson Blu Hotel, Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport

Location: Mezhdunarodnoe Shosse, 1A Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, Khimki 141400 Russia

Price per night: INR 7,200

TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5

The Radisson Blu Sheremetyevo is known for its impressive structure that can be seen on arriving at the Moscow Airport. The property connects directly to the Sheremetyevo Airport terminal and you can indulge in a world-class dining experience.

4. Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg

Location: ul. Chaykovskogo, 17, St. Petersburg 191187 Russia

Price per night: INR 13,000 onwards

The Hotel Indigo St.Petersburg was established in 1863 and features a unique amalgamation of culture and luxury. The property is merely a few steps away from the iconic tourist attractions including Summer Garden, the Hermitage and the Neva River embankments.

5. Sochi Marriott Krasnaya Polyana

Location: 1 Vremena Goda Emb, Esto-Sadok, Sochi 354392 Russia

Price per night: INR 23,000 onwards

Sochi Marriott Krasnaya Polyana Hotel is another famous luxury hotel in Russia that gives you a perfect chance to enjoy opulence and world-class adventures. The property is located along the footsteps of the Caucasian Ridge, overlooking the panoramic mountains that surrounds the region.

Recommendations for Every Tourist

Russia is a country that is rich in history and architecture as well. Therefore, traveling to the place is no less than a treat for your soul. Russia holiday packages offer travelers to grab the best experiences from the place and to create a lifetime of memories. Here are some important travel tips you must keep in mind while planning a trip to Russia:

• Savor some of the best traditional Russian delicacies on your trip
• Make sure that all the top attractions are included in your itinerary
• Before finalizing the package, check all the inclusions and exclusions
• Research about opening days and timing of various attractions
• Carry the passport along with you all the time
• For commuting to various tourist attractions, try out the public transport

So book your trip now choosing from the many Russia tour packages that are provided by TravelTriangle. Moreover, you can also ask for customization if required as per your travel requirements.

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Russia Tour Packages FAQs

Q. How long does it take to get a tourist visa for Russia, and what is its validity? A. Typically, the processing time for a Russian visa in the general category is between 4-5 working days. For an urgent visa, you need to wait for 2-3 working days. The processing time is the same regardless of the fact that you are applying for a single, double or multiple entry visa. You visa validity will depend on your date of travel, with validity getting stretched to the date of final exit from Russia. All tourist applications are processed through the embassy in New Delhi. Your application submission takes place on an appointment basis. Only for group applications, the appointment is taken as a group. Usually depending on your date of travel, it is scheduled 15 days ahead of your date of departure. Q. Is Russia safe for tourists? A. Contrary to popular notion, Russia, especially large cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, is perfectly safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to be cautious of the surroundings and avoid shady or restricted areas. Q. Which airports has a flight to Russia from India? A. All flights to Russia are operated from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Delhi serves direct flight connectivity to Russia’s capital city Moscow via Russian carrier Aeroflot. There are no flights to Russia from other airports in India. Q. How long should my Russian vacation be? A. Russia is a tremendously vast nation with massive geographical extension that spans from Europe in the west to the far reaches of the east till Asia, and Arctic poles on the north. Firstly, you need to decide what places you want to cover, which any reputable travel agent like Yatra can guide you on that. That said, for most tourists, Moscow and St. Petersburg are the main attractions, and you need a week or so to see both cities. Q. What are the packing tips for Russia? A. For summer, bring comfortable clothes, plus a warm sweater or a light jacket for early mornings and evenings. Do carry comfortable walking shoes like sneakers. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella and a raincoat as summer often receives rainfalls. Pack heavy woollen clothes if arriving in winter as temperatures in winter plummet to below zero degrees. You will need a good fur cap, a warm coat, a scarf, gloves, thermal pants and boots for the snow. Women should bring a scarf or shawl in the bag since they might need to cover their head or shoulders to enter some Orthodox churches. And of course, always look for the weather forecast before your Russia trip to be able to wear the most appropriate clothes. Q. Will I be able to communicate in English when travelling in Russia? A. English is one of the most popular foreign languages in Russia. And, as a tourist, you can easily get around in English in large cities, plush hotels, good restaurants and the busier tourist areas of Russia. But, this is not always the case in regular shops, among public transport staff where Russian is primarily spoken and understood. A local English-speaking tour guide can be helpful in such an event. However, learning a few common phrases such as Hi, Thank You, Please, etc. can make your Russia tour much better. Q. What is the currency of Russia? A. The currency used in Russia is Ruble or Rouble. 1 Indian rupee is equal to 0.93 Ruble. Q. Are vegetarian dishes readily available in Russia? A. Traditional Russian diet is mostly based on meat along with root vegetables, potatoes and flour. However, today, many establishments are catering to vegetarian needs. Cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have several eateries that serve a variety of salads and vegetable-based dishes, and grocery stores where you will find many meat-free options. Q. How expensive are Russia tour packages from India? A. If you compare with other European nations, Russia is cheaper for Indian travellers. As ruble is almost equal to rupee, that means going to Russia can be easily done within budget. Q. Can Russia be visited in winter? A. Russia is cold and covered in snow for most of the year. It is a good time to visit the country, as many activities are only possible during this season, such as ice trekking, dog sledging, skiing, etc. For instance, you can visit the frozen Lake Baikal over where you can walk, ride a dog sleigh, cross the lake by car, or do a marathon. To the northwest in Karelia, you can do snowmobiles, skiing, or watch the northern lights. You can visit ancient sites and Russian provinces, take a walk in the forest, do horse riding, indulge in a Russian Banya (steam bath) or embark on a scenic Trans-Siberian train ride. These are but only a handful of things you can enjoy in the Russian winter. Moreover, you will get the lowest prices possible on accommodation, entertainment and activities. That said, the warmer months May to August is the best choice to travel to Russia when the weather is beautiful and comfortable to be outdoors and enjoy the attractions. The summer months have longer days, which means attractions in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have broader schedules. It is also the peak tourist season in the country.

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Global tech outage hits airlines, banks, health care and public transit

In the u.s., hundreds of flights were canceled friday morning and some public transit systems reported impacts..

A defective update from U.S. cybersecurity software company CrowdStrike crashed Microsoft Windows systems around the globe Friday . The tech outage disrupted operations across industries such as banks, hospitals and 911 call centers, plus grounded flights and hampered public transit systems and. Although a fix was deployed to restore most systems by the afternoon to return to normal, ripple effects may be felt throughout the weekend, experts warn. 

CrowdStrike , which advertises being used by over half of Fortune 500 companies, said one of its recent content updates had a defect that impacted Microsoft's Windows Operating System, adding the incident was "not a security incident or cyberattack."

"Earlier today, a CrowdStrike update was responsible for bringing down a number of IT systems globally," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement on Friday afternoon. "We are actively supporting customers to assist in their recovery."

The company's CEO, George Kurtz, apologized for the disruptions in a post on X, noting the issue has been identified and isolated and a fix has been deployed. CrowdStrike is "working with all impacted customers to ensure that systems are back up and they can deliver the services their customers are counting on." Meanwhile, Microsoft said, "the underlying cause has been fixed" and impacted Microsoft 365 apps and services have been recovered, though the company continues to monitor the issue.

Kurtz went on to warn in his statement, "We know that adversaries and bad actors will try to exploit events like this. I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and ensure that you’re engaging with official CrowdStrike representatives."

In the U.S., thousands of flights were canceled Friday morning . American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines were among those who grounded flights less than an hour after Microsoft said it resolved a cloud-services-related outage that impacted several low-cost carriers.

“Every line is long,” said Chance Ortego, 31, whose flight to New York was canceled Friday morning.

Public transit systems in the U.S. also reported temporary impacts, but for the most part, trains and buses were running as scheduled. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in Washington, D.C., said its "website and some of our internal systems are currently down," but trip-planning applications were later restored. In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority also said some of its MTA customer information systems were temporarily offline until around 5:30 p.m.

Around the world, the outages disrupted London's Stock Exchange, caused major train delays in the U.K., sent British broadcaster Sky News off air, forced medical facilities in Europe and the U.S. to cancel some services and caused disruptions at airports in Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong and India.

Widespread economic impact from the outage is expected to be small, even though many companies were still trying to resume full operations by the time the stock market closed.

Travel disruptions: Over 2,000 US flights canceled amid global IT outage

Developments:

◾ More than 5,000 flights were canceled globally as of 3:30 p.m. Eastern, about 4.6% of all scheduled commercial flights for the day, according to aviation analytics company Cirium.

◾ Some U.S. border crossings saw impacts amid the outage: Traffic stalled on the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, Canada, as well as at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the Detroit Free Press reported . CBP One, the Customs and Border Patrol app, and the agency’s border wait times website, each appeared to experience outages.

◾ U.S. stocks closed lower on Friday, in the wake of the outage. CrowdStrike shares closed down 11.1% at $304.96, with analysts predicting the outage would cost the company money to fix and restore trust with its customers. It was the lowest close for the shares since May 2. Microsoft shares fared better, closing down only 0.74% at $437.11.

◾ Krispy Kreme gave away free doughnuts  Friday due to the global tech outage.

◾ Some Starbucks locations were reportedly taking only cash Friday, and customers reported being unable to use the coffee chain's mobile app.

◾ Some had a sense of humor through it , with workers who had to muddle through expressing their wishes for a digital snow day from the office − "Knock Teams out" − as the outage didn't equate to a work stoppage for all.

◾ Dubai International Airport said on X it was operating normally following "a global system outage that affected the check-in process for some airlines." It added the affected airlines "promptly switched to an alternate system, allowing normal check-in operations to resume swiftly."

CrowdStrike impact: How a global IT outage unraveled the world's tech

How the CrowdStrike outage played out throughout the day:

Portland issues emergency declaration

Portland, Oregon, Mayor Ted Wheeler issued an emergency declaration Friday over the tech outage, with a statement noting the outages are affecting city servers, employee computers and emergency communications.

Meanwhile, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management increased its state activation level from "normal" to "partial," citing the tech outage. A post on X says a "partial" activation is for incidents that require "significant monitoring or resources," with additional emergency operations staffing from other agencies, functions and supporting organizations.

- Bailey Schulz

What is CrowdStrike?

CrowdStrike is a popular cybersecurity software company created in 2012 by CEO George Kurtz, along with Dmitri Alperovitch, and Gregg Marston.

According to its website, CrowdStrike has the "world's most advanced cloud-native platform that protects and enables the people, processes and technologies that drive modern enterprise."

Alperovitch, CrowdStrike's former Chief Technology Officer, is a member of the Biden administration's Homeland Security Advisory Council , which is meant to provide advice and expertise to support decision-making "across the spectrum of homeland security operations."

- Gabe Hauari , Bailey Schulz

What caused the CrowdStrike outage?

According to an alert sent by CrowdStrike to its clients and reviewed by Reuters, the company's "Falcon Sensor" software caused Microsoft Windows to crash and display a blue screen, known informally as the "Blue Screen of Death." 

Kurtz said "there was an issue with a Falcon content update for Windows Hosts" but customers “remain fully protected,” according to a post on X . He also reiterated that Friday's outage "was not a security or cyber incident."

Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, said she spoke to Kurtz Friday and confirmed the incident did not appear to be related to a cyber attack.

“At this point, we believe that it is an IT-related patch, an issue with that patch,” she said while speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado. "I think they're determining what went wrong there."

‘I’m just hoping to make it onto a flight’

Chance Ortego had reached the finish line of a nearly two-week work trip when he saw the news all air travelers dread: his flight was delayed. 

Ortego was in the AirTrain en route to his flight from San Francisco International Airport when he heard other travelers discussing the outage. After checking the status of his 7:05 a.m. Delta Air Lines flight to New York – which was pushed back nearly three hours – he rebooked another flight at 9:15 a.m. 

He later learned his original flight had been canceled. Ortego was among the thousands of passengers around the world facing delays, cancellations and problems checking in as airports and airlines were caught up in a massive IT outage that grounded U.S. flights early Friday. 

“I was already planning to sleep,” said Ortego, who works in health care. “Now I'm just hoping to make it onto a flight.” 

Inside the airport, there was more chaos than a typical travel day as airlines recovered from the outage. Many screens were blank except for an error message and airport personnel made announcements directing questions about flights to airlines.

All U.S. airlines issued travel waivers for those affected to easily rebook their plans. Those who opted to cancel can rest easy knowing the Department of Transportation classified the cancellations and delays as controllable, thus airlines are responsible for upholding the commitments they've made to customers when it comes to policies like rebooking or hotel and meal vouchers as the mess gets sorted out. 

- Nathan Diller

Impact on the economy

The outage isn’t expected to have any effect on the broader economy unless it persists for days.

“At this point, the IT outage is more a nuisance than an economic event,” says Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics. “If it drags on into early next week, the economic damage will begin to mount.”

If the outage is limited to a day or two, canceled flights can be rebooked and banking transactions can be completed later.

“There is plenty of time for activity to be recovered over the remainder of the month,” says Jonathan Miller, senior U.S. economist at Barclays.

- Paul Davidson

Outage impacts US public transit websites, ticketing

Major cities were generally able to keep trains and busses running, but tech issues have been causing problems with ticketing and other tech systems, leading to delays in some cases.

The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Transit Authority reported website and other tech issues, but said trains and buses were running as scheduled.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City reported problems with "customer information systems" but said it's buses and trains were unaffected. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it was not affected but urged riders who might be using public transit to any area airports to check with their airlines before traveling for updates.

New Jersey Transit said some of its ticketing machines may have been impacted but its buses and trains were, for the most part, running on time. Some trains were out of operation Friday due to repairs that had to be made because of the intense heat that blanketed the region all week.

The Chicago Tribune reported Friday morning that commuter rail lines were affected, though it noted traffic is typically lighter on Fridays than other days. Delays on some lines were as long as 45 minutes, the Tribune reported. Chicago Transit bus and rail service was not affected but some CTA customers were unable to add value to their payment cards via the app or machines overnight, but the issue has been resolved.

Some transit systems, including Metro Transit in Minneapolis and Cincinnati Metro reported temporary disruptions to websites, trip planners, social media and other applications but no impact to its bus or trains.

- Phaedra Trethan

Despite summer break, schools disrupted by IT issues

The CrowdStrike outage crashed some computers at colleges Friday and hampered a popular software for enrolling students in K-12 schools for the fall.

The University of Rochester, a private school in New York, told students to keep rebooting their systems until the problem was fixed. The University of Alabama’s technology office said its campus computers using Microsoft Windows crashed. Rutgers University and the University of Kentucky also reported disruptions. 

Despite the summer break, K-12 schools in Maryland and Kansas said they were having problems with PowerSchool, a widely used software for grading and student enrollment. An update posted to the company’s webpage Friday morning said the outage was impacting all its major products, including its enrollment feature. 

- Zachary Schermele

911 call centers disrupted

State and local law enforcement agencies across the country reported disruptions to 911 services after the outage hit.

National reports of 911 outages peaked at more than 100 on Friday just before 3 a.m. according to Downdetector .

Agencies in at least seven states reported temporary outages, including the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office and Faribault Police Department in Minnesota, 911 systems New Hampshire , Fulton County, Indiana , and Middletown, Ohio . 

Non-emergency and 911 calls to multiple dispatch centers in Alaska "were not able to be answered" for around seven hours overnight, Austin McDaniel, communications director for the Alaska Department of Public Safety, told USA TODAY in an email.

"Dispatch centers switched to analog phone systems or to partner dispatch centers that were not impacted to continue taking calls," he wrote. Systems in the state were back up as of 4:23 a.m. local time.

The Phoenix Police Department was also impacted ‒ 911 call centers could take calls, but had to dispatch officers manually, the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported .

The Federal Communications Commission said in an email to USA TODAY that it was aware of reports of disruptions to 911.

"We’re closely working with other federal agencies to provide assistance and determine the extent of these service disruptions.”

- Cybele Mayes-Osterman

Biden briefed on global outage as federal agencies assess impacts

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the CrowdStrike outage and his team is in touch with the cybersecurity firm, as well as with impacted companies and agencies, according to the White House. Biden will receive "sector-by-sector updates throughout the day and is standing by to provide assistance as needed," the White House added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement it is working to "fully assess and address system outages."

DHS added it's working alongside the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as well as CrowdStrike, Microsoft and federal, state, local and critical infrastructure partners to get a grasp on the incident and its impacts.

Over 2K US flights canceled amid outage

Several U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, issued ground stops for all their flights early on Friday due to communication problems, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA said operations were no longer impacted as of 10:53 a.m. ET, but it continues to monitor the situation and warned the global IT issue could continue to affect flights this weekend.

There were more than 2,500 U.S. flights canceled and more than 7,900 delays as of 3:25 p.m. EDT, according to flight-tracking website  FlightAware .

Most airlines were able to resume operations as the morning progressed, but many said they expected disruptions to continue throughout the day.

Read more about the outage's travel impacts

Hospitals cancel nonemergency services

Hospitals across the U.S. and overseas were impacted by the outage, which forced some to cancel elective surgeries and halt visitations as well as outpatient services.

Mass General Brigham in Boston canceled previously scheduled nonurgent surgeries, procedures and medical visits, according to a statement sent to USA TODAY. In the same area, Tufts Medical Center told media outlet WHDH it’s still assessing the outage’s effect on clinical and surgical operations.

In Texas, Ben Taub Hospital and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital suspended "hospital visitation and patient information," citing a "Microsoft Windows failure," according to a statement from Harris Health System . Cincinnati Children's Hospital said many of its Microsoft-based computer systems are down because of the outage, which forced the hospital to cancel early morning appointments.

"We are in touch with the hospital field and the federal government and monitoring the situation closely to better understand its scope and impact," said John Riggi, the American Hospital Association's national adviser for cybersecurity and risk. 

Two hospitals in northern German cities canceled elective operations scheduled for Friday but continued to provide patient care and emergency services.

Outages exposes fragility of internet infrastructure

While there were reports of companies gradually restoring their services, analysts weighed the potential of what one called the biggest-ever outage in the industry and the broader economy.

"This is a very, very uncomfortable illustration of the fragility of the world’s core Internet infrastructure," Ciaran Martin, Professor at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government and former head of the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre, told Reuters.

"IT security tools are all designed to ensure that companies can continue to operate in the worst-case scenario of a data breach, so to be the root cause of a global IT outage is an unmitigated disaster," said Ajay Unni, CEO of StickmanCyber, one of Australia's largest cybersecurity services companies.

Outages ripple far and wide

From the United Kingdom to Singapore, the effects of tech outages were far-reaching on Friday.

British broadcaster Sky News went off-air and train companies in the U.K. reported long delays. Departure boards at several U.K. airports appeared to freeze, according to passengers who posted reports on social media.

London's Stock Exchange reported experiencing disruptions. Some hospitals also reported difficulties processing appointments and several chain retail stores said they couldn't take payments. The soccer club Manchester United said on X that it had to postpone a scheduled release of tickets.

In Australia, media, banks and telecoms companies suffered outages.

There was no information to suggest the outage was a cybersecurity incident, the office of Australia's National Cyber Security Coordinator Michelle McGuinness said in a post on X.

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority said some of its systems were offline due to a worldwide technical outage, but have since been restored. It said MTA train and bus services were unaffected.

Spanish authorities reported a "computer incident" at all its airports.

Berlin's main airport said check-ins were delayed because of a "technical fault."

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, warned passengers of potential disruptions which it said would affect "all airlines operating across the Network." It did not specify the nature of the disruptions.

There were reports a shipping terminal in Gdansk on Poland's Baltic coast was not operating normally.

NetBlocks, a digital-connectivity watchdog, said that the outage reported by global airlines, corporates and infrastructure services firms and others was having "minimal" impact on global Internet connectivity.

Contributing: Reuters

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The Golden Rules of Affordable Travel

Travel is, for many of us, a distinctly rewarding experience—yet it comes at a price. Sky-high flight costs , accommodation costs , and overpriced restaurants can make budgeting seem impossible, and suddenly, booking that trip quickly becomes daunting instead of exciting. While we can’t promise your dream getaway will ever be a bargain, our editors have picked up a few tips and tricks during their years of traveling for cutting costs. Travel is for making memories, so it is important to carefully plan your spending to make the most out of your trip. Here is how to stretch every penny with the golden rules of affordable travel our editors swear by.

Visiting city markets can be one of the best ways to experience fresh, in-season produce, seafood, and local delicacies.

Talk to locals

Most of us tend to plan our trips in advance , with an ever-growing list of attractions and restaurants around the world we're eager to experience. But leave some space on your itinerary for spontaneity and get chatting with locals to find their favorite places. “Eat where the locals eat,” says Callie Thorpe , an international travel influencer, “These off-the-beaten-track kinds of places are often far more affordable with less inflated prices, and you can support a small local business.” Avoid eating out in high-pedestrian traffic areas, as these are usually more expensive and not as good. If you’re finding it hard to meet any locals, try asking around at your accommodation—“I always ask the front desk for tips,” Sarah Allard, Condé Nast Traveller UK ’s digital director tells us, “They are usually locals and have the best insider intel.”

Pack sensibly

Airlines have increasingly begun to overcharge on luggage, and there’s just no getting around it anymore. Instead, try to fit as much as you can into a carry-on bag. There are lots of tips and tricks when it comes to how to pack efficiently, so we asked the experts for packing tips to help maximize space on your next adventure . Most people agree that rolling your clothes to the smallest possible size is the way to go—this saves space and stops your clothes getting wrinkly. Using packing cubes is another great way to organize your luggage and help make sure you have the right amount of items for your trip.

Rumored to house the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Paphos District in Cyprus is an affordable vacation option known for its legendary beauty.

Don’t pay for airline seats

Similarly, airlines often ask travelers to pay for seat selections on flights. As nice as it is sitting next to a friend on a long flight, most of us tend to just plug in and watch movies, listen to podcasts, or read for the journey, so paying extra doesn’t make much of a difference. Save precious cash by allowing the airline to allocate you a seat and take lots of entertainment to distract you and stop you from getting bored.

Book flights strategically

There are lots of handy tips and hacks for finding cheaper flights if you know where to look. While many people believe that searching for flights in your browser’s incognito mode will help avoid cookies and prevent the airline from raising the price on your most-searched flight routes, however, this has recently been proven to be a myth ( according to Quartz ). We asked our favorite travel experts for reliable tips on how to find cheap flights , from price comparison sites and what dates, months, and times of day are best for booking affordable travel. Booking on Sundays, for example, can save you money. Being strategic about how you earn and spend airline points and miles can also go a long way—start with joining your favorite airlines' loyalty programs and figuring out which travel credit card is best for your spending habits.

Opting for alternatives to air travel such as trains can allow travelers to take in great ground views and socialize with companions on top of helping them budget.

Travel during off-peak periods

Naturally, prices peak during the school holidays and summer months , when everyone wants to travel. Choose to travel during the off-season or shoulder season to get good value for your trips. The more strategic you are with your vacation times, the better the deal you’ll get—particularly for traditionally expensive trips, like safaris . “Seasonality should always be considered and prices compared,” advises Yellow Zebra Safaris . “November sees rates drop in Serengeti , but the 15th of November sees migration in the heart of the park, where there is also a huge concentration of cats and fewer tourists. It’s clever and good value and a great experience as the rains don’t tend to set in till December . Alternatively, by traveling to Tanzania in November, you're away from the crowds, and you can take advantage of areas where the migration herds have flattened the grasses, as these areas will now be in an ideal place for big cat sightings.”

Don’t overlook travel agents

Most of us tend to book our trips ourselves these days, but while many brick-and-mortar travel agents have disappeared from high streets, lots of online travel agents specialize in finding the best value trips for customers. “A lot of travel agents offer to beat any price for flight bookings,” Charlotte Davey, fashion editor at Condé Nast Traveller UK , tells us. “So, if you take in screenshots of the flights you want with the cheap price being advertised (the price that disappears as soon as you actually try to book) they will book the flight for under that price. I did this once when I was traveling over Asia and saved literally hundreds of pounds.”

Shopping local for snacks and drinks is a great low-lift way to save money on vacation.

Think outside of the box with accommodations

Booking accommodations can prove tricky on a budget. Of course, Airbnb offers plenty of pocket-friendly choices , but if you’re looking to save cash it’s better to be choosy about the location of the accommodation—staying in the city center will always cost more than opting for somewhere on the outskirts or in a lesser-known neighborhood (just make sure there are good connections into the main hub areas). “Don't price yourself out of lovely Airbnbs with too many rooms—it's always worth messaging the owner and asking if they'll let you use fewer rooms than advertised for a discounted rate (especially for last-minute bookings),” Anna Prendergast , travel writer and editor, advises. “I've had homeowners from places like Lisbon and Nicaragua offer bigger properties for less than advertised.”

Other options include home shares or house swaps— Live Kindred is a members-only home-sharing community where users earn credits as they host and are then able to stay at other properties for free. Trusted House Sitters is another site where pet and home-owners offer their house up to travelers willing to look after their animals and property while they’re away.

Packing a picnic can be an affordable and fun alternative to dining out for every meal while traveling.

Embrace picnicking

“Eating out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can add up,” says Callie. “Opting to do a supermarket trip to stock up on essentials and food to make sandwiches on beach days (even when staying at a hotel) can save so much money and allow for a special splurge for a bucket-list restaurant .” Most cities have lovely parks or green areas perfect for settling down for a lazy picnic lunch in between museum or gallery-hopping. The same applies to long travel journeys. “Pack your own sandwich and snacks for both short and long-haul flights, stopovers, and journeys,” Anna suggests, “Carbs and protein bars are always useful when you’re traveling in between meals.”

Seize the day with hotel breakfast

Even for those of us who aren't early birds or breakfast people, a quick, included meal can be one of the best ways to fuel up before a full day and avoid the temptation of a pricier option. “I’ve learned the hard way over time that spending a little bit more ahead of time can save you lots in the long run,” Condé Nast Traveler Destinations editor Shannon McMahon tells us, “and one place where this almost always rings true is choosing the hotel that includes breakfast. Starting your days with the ritual (even if it’s just a modest continental) saves you the pricey coffees and sit-down lunches.” And while hotel breakfasts get a bad rap for being bland and underwhelming, there are plenty of surprising gems out there.

Stick to one destination

As much as we love a multi-destination trip, the cost of flights and trains between countries racks up pretty quickly. Instead, focus on traveling slowly —choose one destination and really get under its skin. This way, you’ll be able to really discover where the locals hang out; the more affordable restaurants and bars, the under-the-radar galleries to visit, the neighborhoods that give you a feel for the destination—it’s better for the environment and for your wallet. “Picking one country versus trying to conquer lots in one trip will help save costs on flights and potentially visas,” says Yellow Zebra Safaris . “It also allows you to maximize your time instead of moving around from place to place.”

Do your research

There is no right answer to the debate between package and independent booking—it all depends on the vacation. Some destinations, such as Costa Brava or Sharm el Sheikh , thrive with all-inclusive packages, whereas a quick city break to Paris or Amsterdam may be better organized by yourself. On the one hand, independent bookings offer more flexibility, the control to avoid unnecessary add-ons, and no travel company fees. On the other, package bookings offer bulk savings for families , better financial protection, and no burden of price comparison sites. There are lots of factors to consider, and ultimately it comes down to finding the best option for the type of vacation you want to have.

Researching neighborhoods and restaurants frequented by locals ahead of time makes all the difference when vacation-planning.

Consider a travel pass

Particularly for longer trips, it is a good idea to invest in a travel pass. Daily, weekly, or monthly passes are much more cost-effective than single fares, and with no need to wait in line for ticket machines, they are also more convenient. Many cities now offer travel cards tailored to tourists, including quick access to all the popular areas, different modes of transport, and sometimes even airport transfers. If you’re city-hopping in Europe , a great option is the Interrail Pass , offering a range of rail routes across 33 countries. These passes can be limited to one country or include all and have options from as little as 3 individual journeys to 3 months of unlimited travel.

Avoid foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees are the charges placed on card payments abroad for currency conversion. They are usually just a small percentage of the purchase, but for frequent travelers, they can quickly add up. Avoid these pesky charges by opening a credit card or bank account with low or even no foreign transaction fees. Monzo and Revolut are popular app-only banks which do not charge foreign fees, while Barclaycard and Natwest offer specific credit cards that cater for travel. Foreign ATMs often have the most extortionate charges, so if you plan to spend cash, make sure to exchange your currency at home.

There are plenty of affordable options to partake in stunning views, cultural events, and sightseeing when traveling, especially to great-value destinations like Lisbon.

Choose attractions wisely

The just-arrived buzz we often get when we begin vacationing often throws all thoughts of money out the window. This is when you are at risk of racking up unnecessary expenses, so it is important to plan ahead. The most famous gallery in the city may be tempting, but often—if you dig a little deeper—you will find plenty of cheaper (or even free) options available, showcasing work which is just as impressive. Check if a place you want to visit offers free admission in the evenings or on Sundays. Of course, some attractions are worth the extra pennies, so set aside some time to map out a balanced itinerary. Once you have chosen your main event, fill the rest of your day with budget-friendly activities, like hiking , sunbathing on a beach , or visiting a government-funded museum .

Visit cheaper destinations

While this may be stating the obvious, falling into the tourist trap of big-ticket places is one of the most common mistakes. One way to steer clear of this is flight-centric planning. Choosing your next vacation based on where offers the cheapest flights will prevent the shock of pricey air travel after settling on your destination. Affordable vacation options are neither few nor far—we did a little digging to find the countries where the US dollar goes the furthest based on current exchange rates and the results included fabulous destinations like Brazil, South Africa, and Vietnam. It’s important to remember that cheaper does not always equate to worse—it may simply mean it is yet undiscovered by the travel crowds. Often the lesser-known locations are the most beautiful. They offer idyllic, unspoiled nature , authentic cultural representations, and, most importantly, the chance to see impressive sights which are not overrun by tourists.

Biking can be one of the best ways to get around cities like Paris and Copenhagen.

Buy a local bottle of wine

There's no better way to take advantage of a hotel balcony than pairing the view with a glass or two. “The bars will always be there for the inevitable cocktail,” writes Charlie Hobbs, associate editor of Condé Nast Traveler , “but between a long day of walking and that post-sunset dinner, spare yourself the markup on a glass of vino and support the small liquor store that you pass on your way through town.” With the busy mix of souvenirs, meals, transportation, and ticketed events competing for our attention while traveling, purchasing a local bottle can prove to be one of the most satisfying and best-value purchases you make while on vacation.

Rent a bike

One of the expensive but inevitable costs when traveling is transport, so consider going back to basics with a bike. Seville , Paris , and Copenhagen are just some of the cities across Europe investing in cycling infrastructure, making riding a bike accessible to even the most inexperienced cyclists. Across 70+ European cities, Donkey Republic supplies classic and electric bike rental through their app technology with pay-as-you-go fees from as low as $5.20 per hour. Cycling as an alternative is not only kinder on your pockets but kinder on your health and the environment as well.

Make friends in many places

A nice perk to forming long-distance friendships with fellow travelers and locals is that you'll have a rolodex of cool people to visit and couches to crash on! Of course, be sure to return the favor and offer to host your new friends in return—or treat them to a meal or two. “One of my favorite parts about traveling is all the fantastic friends I've met along the way," writes Hannah Towey, associate editor at Condé Nast Traveler . "Not only does maintaining strong relationships make travel more affordable in the long run, but it also creates a much more rewarding travel experience."

As important as it is to stick to your budget plan, remember that you are traveling for a reason—there’s not much of a point in traveling only to stay home and avoid doing the things you’ve traveled for. “I only ever regret the things I didn't do, not the money I spent on doing it. Do the thing!” says Anna. Don’t restrict yourself too much, and make sure you're still able to enjoy your vacation while you're there.

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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What we know about CrowdStrike’s update fail that’s causing global outages and travel chaos

A faulty software update issued by security giant CrowdStrike has resulted in a massive overnight outage that’s affected Windows computers around the world , disrupting businesses, airports, train stations, banks, broadcasters and the healthcare sector.

CrowdStrike said the outage was not caused by a cyberattack, but was the result of a “defect” in a software update for its flagship security product, Falcon Sensor. The defect caused any Windows computers that Falcon is installed on to crash without fully loading.

“The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” said CrowdStrike in a statement on Friday . Some businesses and organizations are beginning to recover, but many expect the outages to drag on into the weekend or next week given the complexity of the fix. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz told NBC News that it may take “some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover.” In a later tweet , Kurtz apologized for the disruption.

Here’s everything you need to know about the outages.

What happened?

Late Thursday into Friday, reports began to emerge of IT problems wherein Windows computers were getting stuck with the infamous “blue screen of death” — a bright blue error screen with a message that displays when Windows encounters a critical failure, crashes or cannot load.

The outages were first noticed in Australia early on Friday, and reports quickly came in from the rest of Asia and Europe as the regions began their day, as well as the United States.

Within a short time, CrowdStrike confirmed that a software update for Falcon had malfunctioned and was causing Windows computers that had the software installed to crash. Falcon lets CrowdStrike remotely analyze and check for malicious threats and malware on installed computers.

At around the same time, Microsoft reported a significant outage at one of its most used Azure cloud regions covering much of the central United States. A spokesperson for Microsoft told TechCrunch that its outage was unrelated to CrowdStrike’s incident .

Around Friday noon (Eastern time), Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella posted on X saying the company is aware of the CrowdStrike botched update and is “working closely with CrowdStrike and across the industry to provide customers technical guidance and support to safely bring their systems back online.”

What is CrowdStrike and what does Falcon Sensor do?

CrowdStrike, founded in 2011, has quickly grown into a cybersecurity giant. Today the company provides software and services to 29,000 corporate customers, including around half of Fortune 500 companies, 43 out of 50 U.S. states and eight out of the top 10 tech firms, according to its website .

The company’s cybersecurity software, Falcon, is used by enterprises to manage security on millions of computers around the world. These businesses include large corporations, hospitals, transportation hubs and government departments. Most consumer devices do not run Falcon and are unaffected by this outage.

One of the company’s biggest recent claims to fame was when it caught a group of Russian government hackers breaking into the Democratic National Committee ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. CrowdStrike is also known for using memorable animal-themed names for the hacking groups it tracks based on their nationality, such as: Fancy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate, or GRU; Cozy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, or SVR; Gothic Panda , believed to be a Chinese government group; and Charming Kitten , believed to be an Iranian state-backed group. The company even makes action figures to represent these groups, which it sells as swag .

CrowdStrike is so big it’s one of the sponsors of the Mercedes F1 team , and this year even aired a Super Bowl ad — a first for a cybersecurity company. 

Who are the outages affecting?

Practically anyone who during their everyday life interacts with a computer system running software from CrowdStrike is affected, even if the computer isn’t theirs. 

These devices include the cash registers at grocery stores, departure boards at airports and train stations, school computers, your work-issued laptops and desktops, airport check-in systems, airlines’ own ticketing and scheduling platforms, healthcare networks and many more. Because CrowdStrike’s software is so ubiquitous, the outages are causing chaos around the world in a variety of ways. A single affected Windows computer in a fleet of systems could be enough to disrupt the network. 

TechCrunch reporters around the world are seeing and experiencing outages, including at points of travel, doctors’ offices and online. Early on Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration put in effect a ground stop, effectively grounding flights across the United States, citing the disruption. It looks like so far the national Amtrak rail network is functioning as normal. 

What is the U.S. government doing so far?

Given that the problem stems from a company, there isn’t much that the U.S. federal government can do. According to a pool report, President Biden was briefed on the CrowdStrike outage, and “his team is in touch with CrowdStrike and impacted entities.” That’s in large part because the federal government is a customer of CrowdStrike and also affected.

Several federal agencies are affected by the incident, including the Department of Education , and Social Security Administration, which said Friday that it closed its offices as a result of the outage.

The pool report said Biden’s team is “engaged across the interagency to get sector by sector updates throughout the day and is standing by to provide assistance as needed.” 

In a separate tweet, Homeland Security said it was working with its U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA, CrowdStrike and Microsoft — as well as its federal, state, local and critical infrastructure partners — to “fully assess and address system outages.”

There will no doubt be questions for CrowdStrike (and to some extent Microsoft, whose unrelated outage also caused disruption overnight for its customers) from government and congressional investigators. 

For now, the immediate focus will be on the recovery of affected systems.

How do affected customers fix their Windows computers?

The major problem here is that CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software malfunctioned, causing Windows machines to crash, and there’s no easy way to fix that. 

So far, CrowdStrike has issued a patch, and it has also detailed a workaround that could help affected systems function normally until it has a permanent solution. One option is for users to “reboot the [affected computer] to give it an opportunity to download the reverted channel file,” referring to the fixed file.

In a message to users , CrowdStrike detailed a few steps customers can take, one of which requires physical access to an affected system to remove the defective file. CrowdStrike says users should boot the computer into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment, navigate to the CrowdStrike directory, and delete the faulty file “C-00000291*.sys.”

The wider problem with having to fix the file manually could be a major headache for companies and organizations with large numbers of computers, or Windows-powered servers in datacenters or locations that might be in another region, or an entirely different country.

CISA warns that malicious actors are ‘taking advantage’ of the outage

In a statement on Friday, CISA attributed the outages to the faulty CrowdStrike update and that the issue was not due to a cyberattack. CISA said that it was “working closely with CrowdStrike and federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners, as well as critical infrastructure and international partners to assess impacts and support remediation efforts.”

CISA did note, however, that it has “observed threat actors taking advantage of this incident for phishing and other malicious activity.” The cybersecurity agency did not provide more specifics, but warned organizations to stay vigilant.

Malicious actors can and will exploit confusion and chaos to carry out cyberattacks on their own. Rachel Tobac, a social engineering expert and founder of cybersecurity firm SocialProof Security, said in a series of posts on X to “verify people are who they say they are before taking sensitive actions.”

“Criminals will attempt to use this IT outage to pretend to be IT to you or you to IT to steal access, passwords, codes, etc.,” Tobac said.

What do we know about misinformation so far?

It’s easy to understand why some might have thought that this outage was a cyberattack. Sudden outages, blue screens at airports, office computers filled with error messages, and chaos and confusion. As you might expect, a fair amount of misinformation is already flying around , even as social media sites incorrectly flag trending topics like “cyberattack.”

Remember to check official sources of news and information, and if something seems too good to be true, it might just well be.

TechCrunch will keep this report updated throughout the day.

TechCrunch’s Ram Iyer contributed reporting.

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Chaos and Confusion: Tech Outage Causes Disruptions Worldwide

Airlines, hospitals and people’s computers were affected after CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company, sent out a flawed software update.

• Share full article

By Adam Satariano ,  Paul Mozur ,  Kate Conger and Sheera Frenkel

• July 19, 2024

Airlines grounded flights. Operators of 911 lines could not respond to emergencies. Hospitals canceled surgeries. Retailers closed for the day. And the actions all traced back to a batch of bad computer code.

A flawed software update sent out by a little-known cybersecurity company caused chaos and disruption around the world on Friday. The company, CrowdStrike , based in Austin, Texas, makes software used by multinational corporations, government agencies and scores of other organizations to protect against hackers and online intruders.

But when CrowdStrike sent its update on Thursday to its customers that run Microsoft Windows software, computers began to crash.

The fallout, which was immediate and inescapable, highlighted the brittleness of global technology infrastructure. The world has become reliant on Microsoft and a handful of cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike. So when a single flawed piece of software is released over the internet, it can almost instantly damage countless companies and organizations that depend on the technology as part of everyday business.

“This is a very, very uncomfortable illustration of the fragility of the world’s core internet infrastructure,” said Ciaran Martin, the former chief executive of Britain’s National Cyber Security Center and a professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University.

A cyberattack did not cause the widespread outage, but the effects on Friday showed how devastating the damage can be when a main artery of the global technology system is disrupted. It raised broader questions about CrowdStrike’s testing processes and what repercussions such software firms should face when flaws in their code cause major disruptions.

How a Software Update Crashed Computers Around the World

Here’s a visual explanation for how a faulty software update crippled machines.

While outages are common, often caused by technical errors or cyberattacks, the scale of what unfolded on Friday was unparalleled.

“This is historic,” said Mikko Hypponen, the chief research officer at WithSecure, a cybersecurity company. “We haven’t had an incident like this.”

George Kurtz, CrowdStrike’s chief executive, said that the company took responsibility for the mistake and that a software fix had been released. He warned that it could be some time before tech systems returned to normal.

“We’re deeply sorry for the impact that we’ve caused to customers, to travelers, to anyone affected by this,” he said in an interview on Friday on NBC’s “Today” show.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive, blamed CrowdStrike and said the company was working to help customers “bring their systems back online.” Apple and Linux machines were not affected by the CrowdStrike software update.

A White House official said the administration was in “regular contact” with CrowdStrike and had convened agencies to assess the impact of the outage on the federal government’s operations.

CrowdStrike, founded in 2011 by Mr. Kurtz and others, has built a reputation over the years as a firm that could solve even the toughest security problems. It was tapped to investigate a 2014 hack of Sony Pictures and the 2016 hack of the Democratic National Committee, which exposed Hillary Clinton’s emails.

But problems stemming from CrowdStrike’s products have surfaced before. In April, the company pushed a software update to customers running the Linux system that crashed computers, according to an internal CrowdStrike report sent to customers about the incident, which was obtained by The New York Times.

The bug, which did not appear to be related to Friday’s outage, took CrowdStrike nearly five days to fix, the report said. CrowdStrike promised to improve its testing process going forward, according to the report.

On Thursday, the tech issues began when Microsoft dealt with an outage on its cloud service system, Azure, which affected some airlines .

Then CrowdStrike sent an update for its software called Falcon Sensor , which scans a computer for intrusions and signs of hacking. If everything had gone according to plan, CrowdStrike’s software would have received minor improvements and customers would have hardly noticed.

Instead, when CrowdStrike’s faulty update reached computers running Microsoft Windows, it caused the machines to shut down and then endlessly reboot. Workers around the world were greeted with what is known as the “blue screen of death” on their computers. Insufficient testing at CrowdStrike was a likely source of the problem, experts said.

As computers restarted themselves over and over, known as the “doom loop,” there was little CrowdStrike could do to fix the problem. Tech staff at affected companies were faced with a choice: walk around to each machine and remove the bit of flawed code, or wait and hope for a solution from CrowdStrike.

The problems cascaded instantly. At Sydney Airport in Australia, travelers encountered delays and cancellations, as did those in Hong Kong, India, Dubai, Berlin and Amsterdam. At least five U.S. airlines — Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Spirit and United — grounded all flights for a time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

How the airline cancellations rippled around the world (and across time zones)

Share of canceled flights at 25 airports on Friday

50% of flights

Ai r po r t

Bengalu r u K empeg o wda

Dhaka Shahjalal

Minneapolis-Saint P aul

Stuttga r t

Melbou r ne

Be r lin B r anden b urg

London City

Amsterdam Schiphol

Chicago O'Hare

Raleigh−Durham

B r adl e y

Cha r lotte

Reagan National

Philadelphia

1:20 a.m. ET

Health care systems were crippled, forcing hospitals to cancel noncritical surgeries. In the United States, 911 lines went down in multiple states, though many of those problems were being resolved later on Friday. Britain’s National Health Service also reported issues.

“We knew we had a catastrophe on our hands,” said B.J. Moore, the chief information officer for Providence Health, which has 52 hospitals in seven states. He said 15,000 servers were down and 40,000 out of Providence’s 150,000 computers were affected, adding that it was “worse than a cyberattack."

The United Parcel Service and FedEx said they were affected. Customers with TD Bank, one of the biggest banks in the United States, reported issues accessing their online accounts. Several state and municipal court systems closed for the day because of the outage.

At CrowdStrike, engineers described an atmosphere of confusion as the company struggled to contain the damage.

Executives urged employees not to speculate on why the mistake happened and directed them to focus on a fix for the computers that were affected, said two engineers who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Computers not connected to the cloud required a physical fix to the error introduced by CrowdStrike, they said, which could take weeks.

Within several hours of the faulty software going out, CrowdStrike sent out a software patch as a fix that would stop computers from endlessly rebooting.

Lukasz Olejnik, an independent cybersecurity researcher and consultant, said the outage would still take time to resolve because a suggested solution for some organizations involved rebooting each computer manually into safe mode, deleting a specific file and then restarting the computer.

While that is a relatively straightforward process, security experts said, it may not be easy to do at scale. Those with organized and well-staffed information technology teams could potentially fix the issues more quickly, Mr. Olejnik said.

Unlike the iPhone software updates that Apple sends to customers, the incident highlighted information technology systems that operate in the background. The CrowdStrike issues were compounded because the software being updated performed critical cybersecurity tasks, giving it access to scan a computer to look for viruses and other malicious attacks.

Cybersecurity tools operate quietly in the background to defend computers against attacks. The software is frequently updated with new defenses as hackers develop fresh methods of attack, but constant updates mean there are many opportunities for mistakes to happen.

“One of the tricky parts of security software is it needs to have absolute privileges over your entire computer in order to do its job,” said Thomas Parenty, a cybersecurity consultant and a former U.S. National Security Agency analyst. “So if there’s something wrong with it, the consequences are vastly greater than if your spreadsheet doesn’t work.”

On Friday, the stock price of CrowdStrike, which reported $3 billion in annual revenue last year, closed down 11 percent.

CrowdStrike’s stock price so far this year

The company faces questions about what liabilities it and other software makers face for major disruptions and cybersecurity incidents. The consequences for significant outages can be so minimal that companies are not motivated to make more fundamental changes, experts said. While a car manufacturer would face stiff penalties for faulty brakes, a software provider can often issue another update and move on.

“Until software companies have to pay a price for faulty products, we will be no safer tomorrow than we are today,” Mr. Parenty said.

Meaghan Tobin , Aaron Krolik and Jill Cowan contributed reporting.

Adam Satariano is a technology correspondent for The Times, based in London. More about Adam Satariano

Paul Mozur is the global technology correspondent for The Times, based in Taipei. Previously he wrote about technology and politics in Asia from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul. More about Paul Mozur

Kate Conger is a technology reporter based in San Francisco. She can be reached at [email protected]. More about Kate Conger

Sheera Frenkel is a reporter based in the San Francisco Bay Area, covering the ways technology impacts everyday lives with a focus on social media companies, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Telegram and WhatsApp. More about Sheera Frenkel

Is Russia Expensive for Tourists?

There are plenty of great reasons to visit Russia: stunning scenery, world-class architecture and museums, a busy cultural calendar, and buzzing nightlife in its main cities. But is Russia expensive for tourists? Many don’t know that Russia can be relatively cheap when compared to other tourist destinations.

Of course, there are many things to consider when budgeting for your trip, including:

• The cost of the air ticket and relevant Russian travel visa
• The type of accommodation you prefer as well as eating out
• Internal flights and other means of transport ( Russia is a big place! )
• Entry tickets for unmissable landmarks and tourist attractions

We will cover all this and more in this article, so keep reading.

Table of Contents

How Much Is the Cost of a Holiday in Russia?

According to the data gathered from other travellers, a trip to Russia costs, on average, $46 per day (around ₽3,489). That’s how inexpensive Russian can be.

However, as mentioned before, the actual price of your holiday can vary greatly depending on your itinerary and the type of activities you want to enjoy. 

The time you spend in the country also plays a big part in your holiday budget: since air tickets and fast transport are among the most expensive factors, a slow-paced holiday where you visit less touristy towns will surely have lower daily costs compared to 1 week spent between Moscow and St Petersburg. 

Let’s now break down the main costs.

How Much Is a Plane Ticket to Russia?

Of course, this depends on your location. On average, a return ticket from the US costs about $800 if booked in advance. Leaving from Europe will be considerably cheaper.

Before packing your bags, consider also bureaucratic costs that you may incur before leaving, such as obtaining or renewing your passport and applying for your visa. Traditional paper visas can take time and money to request but fortunately, Russia is in the process of launching a new electronic visa that will cover the entire Federation’s territory. Eligible travellers will be able to apply online in minutes.

Accommodation Prices in Russia

The main types of accommodation in Russia are hotels, youth hostels, and tourist apartments (although these can be found mostly in main cities.)

Hotels can vary enormously: you will easily find luxury establishments with a spa but also quite old buildings that could use a renovation. Depending on the location, a 3 or 4-star hotel can cost you between $50 and $100. Luxury hotels can easily cost you $400 a night.

Youth hostels are always the cheapest option, costing between $5 and $10 a night in shared rooms. A word of advice: stay close to the city centre to save money and time on public transport but also to avoid illegal establishments.

When it comes to sharing an Airbnb apartment with your friends, you can expect to spend the same as you would in a low-cost hotel.

Is Food Expensive in Russia?

When it comes to eating out, there are plenty of options available to tourists, from street food to elaborate cuisine.

Food can be very inexpensive in Russia, with the average holidaymaker spending under $15 per day on meals.

Fast-food chains and street vendors are the cheapest alternatives, with a whole meal costing between $5 and $10. Buffet restaurants are only slightly more expensive.

You can also sit down at a fancier restaurant and enjoy Russian or international cuisine starting from $25 per meal.

Train Ticket from Moscow to St Petersburg

Visitors in a rush can book plane tickets to move between Russia’s major cities. However, travelling by train is a much more unique and enjoyable experience.

The most classic route is the one between Moscow and St Petersburg . You can choose a fast train ( the “Sapsan” express ), which takes about 4 hours, or slower options like the overnight train.

Booking in advance will save you a pretty penny and potentially halve the cost of a fast train ticket, which can range between $60 – $130 in second class. A bed on the night train can cost USD 25-110 depending on the season, type of train and class, and the time of booking.

The Cost of Tourist Attractions in Russia

The average tourist can expect to spend around $10 per day on entry tickets in Russia to visit the country’s most famous museums, cathedrals, and buildings. The Hermitage ticket price for adults is about $8 and Catherine’s Palace is $13. Churches and cathedrals are cheaper or even free.

Keep an eye out for concession tickets and discounts for students. Consider purchasing tourist cards and passes to save on the total cost of your activities.

What say you? Is Russia Expensive for Tourists? ? Let’s hear it!

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10 Affordable Road Trip Destinations in the U.S.

Want to take a road trip this summer? Consider these 10 destinations.

CHUYN/Getty Images

This summer, skip the plane or train ride and hop in the car to embark on an epic road trip. Fortunately, the U.S. is home to dozens — if not hundreds — of incredible road trip destinations, some more budget-friendly than others. That’s why we tapped the pros at Turo , the world’s largest car-sharing marketplace, to determine the most affordable road trip destinations across the country.

“Turo has an incredible selection of vehicles for every budget, and there’s still time to rent an amazing vehicle this summer with plenty of vehicles under $50 (not including taxes or fees) all over the U.S., especially in Florida, Texas, and California,” says Albert Mangahas, Turo’s chief data officer. Along with some of the most beautiful beaches, these states are home to some of the nation’s most iconic national parks for travelers who prefer land over sea.

From the beaches of San Diego to the streets of Orlando, keep reading for the top cheap road trip destinations in the U.S. with rental car options under $50 per day based on data pulled by Turo.

Jacksonville, Florida

Michael Warren/Getty Images

This northern Florida city – which also happens to be the largest city in the continental U.S. — offers 22 miles of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventure, and America’s largest urban park system, making it a must-visit. After picking up your rental car, make a beeline straight for Jacksonville Beach, or tie up your laces and explore part of the 14.5-mile Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, which features stunning forest scenery best explored on foot or bike. Art enthusiasts need not miss the expansive Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens , with a collection that spans 5,000 pieces and counting across several centuries. Families, meanwhile, will especially love the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens , which is home to over 2,000 majestic animals, including elephants, flamingos, and tigers. Pro tip: Plan your trip over a weekend to experience the Riverside Arts Market (open every Saturday, rain or shine) that sells handmade jewelry, art, produce, and more from over 100 local vendors.

Palm Beach, Florida

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Ready for the next stop on your Florida road trip? About 70 miles north of Miami lies posh Palm Beach. Known as “ The Hamptons of the South ,” this ritzy seaside enclave is home to an abundance of swanky bars, restaurants, and designer shops. Fortunately, summer marks the destination’s off-season, which means you can enjoy many of the tony town’s top hotels — including the Brazilian Court Hotel , Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa , or The Colony Hotel — for a fraction of the cost compared to winter rates. The region itself is home to 47 miles of beaches, which are, by far, the top attraction here. However, travelers need not sleep on the scenic 5.5-mile Lake Trail or Worth Avenue, which is lined with chic boutiques. After breaking a sweat or shopping, hit up local hot spots like Green’s Pharmacy & Luncheonette and Sprinkles Ice Cream . Finally, for some reprieve, check out the idyllic Mounts Botanical Garden in nearby West Palm Beach , an easy drive from Palm Beach proper.

Houston, Texas

Vincent Mercer/Travel + Leisure

Houston makes for an ideal long weekend getaway, and renting a car makes it easy to explore the destination’s many distinct neighborhoods, especially when you consider the fact that Houston itself is so large (640.04 square miles, to be exact!). Stops at The Galleria and the Space Center are a requisite, but having a car allows you to explore some off-the-beaten-path spots, such as The Beer Can House (which, yes, is exactly what it sounds like) and the National Museum of Funeral History . Travelers may also retreat to nature at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park or the Buffalo Bayou Park ; alternatively, drive a half-hour to Lake Houston Wilderness Park in nearby New Caney.

San Antonio, Texas

Between its history (don’t miss The Alamo), 15-mile River Walk, and abundance of eclectic drinking and dining options (it’s one of very few U.S. cities to be named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy ), San Antonio is well worthy of a spot on your summer travel list , Upon arrival, hop in your car and head straight to the trendy-but-historic Pearl District, where you can admire public art along the 1.3-mile Museum Reach , which also happens to be a haven for foodies with an abundance of top-notch eateries like Best Quality Daughter , which dishes out delectable Asian-American fare. While there is so much to see and do within the city limits — including the aforementioned Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park — you can also hop in the car to visit Fredericksburg (approx. 90 minutes away by car), which is teeming with wineries and scenic hiking, including the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area .

Orlando, Florida

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

While there’s lots to love about Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando , this central Florida city and its surroundings offer so much more than the incredible theme parks that call Orlando home. Nature lovers can get out on the water via a guided kayak tour through Wekiwa Springs State Park, known for its emerald springs and incredible swimming and hiking, or paddle through the canals in the nearby city of Winter Park . Culinary connoisseurs will also be pleased to find that Orlando was recently voted America’s best food city , and it’s home to Michelin-ranked spots across a variety of price points and cuisines, including Otto’s High Dive for fantastic Cuban food and cocktails, The Strand for seasonal New American fare, and Camille for tasty Vietnamese. There are plenty of free things to do in Orlando too, be it a scenic stroll through Lake Eola Park, classic car shows in nostalgia-inducing Old Town, or self-guided mural tours through the Mills 50 District.

Tampa, Florida

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Want to add to your Florida itinerary? Dubbed Florida’s new “It” city, Tampa has become increasingly trendy in recent years thanks to the 2022 opening of The Tampa EDITION and a slew of haute restaurants like Ash , Casa Cami , and Predalina . You may be tempted to spend your entire trip posted up in the hip and highly walkable Water Street Tampa district — which is almost always buzzing thanks to its abundance of green space, restaurants, and hotels — but don’t be afraid to neighborhood-hop, which is incredibly easy to do with a car. While it spans just six blocks, Hyde Park Village is an upscale neighborhood renowned for its shopping and dining, and Seminole Heights boasts tree-lined streets and quaint homes. Ybor City, meanwhile, teems with historic charm, vintage shops, and Cuban and Latin American restaurants. For the best city views, venture off to Davis Islands , which also offer Instagram-worthy, pastel-hued buildings that look like they’ve been plucked straight from the Mediterranean.

Sacramento, California

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California’s capital city is often overlooked in favor of more popular spots like San Francisco or Los Angeles, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. The destination is chock-full of distinct charm and character. Located along the water, Old Sacramento — which has been deemed a National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park — pays homage to the 1849 Gold Rush era with dozens of recreated and restored buildings, wooden sidewalks, and horse-drawn carriages. History buffs will also appreciate a visit to the state capital . Additionally, it’s worth noting that the city offers 230-plus days of sunshine each year, making it a haven for outdoor lovers with activities like biking, hiking, and al fresco concerts. The city is also home to over 650 murals, making it a fun stop for art enthusiasts. Looking to escape Sacramento for a day or so? Consider a trip to Lake Tahoe or San Francisco, which are 90 minutes and two hours away, respectively.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth region spans over 9,000 square miles, so renting a car here is a no-brainer. In Dallas proper, visitors can enjoy a much-needed break from the scorching heat by cooling off inside one of the city’s many museums, including the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza , the Perot Museum of Nature and Science , and the Dallas Museum of Art . The 68-square-mile Dallas Arts District serves as the city’s arts and culture hub,  while the Uptown neighborhood boasts a buzzy drinking and dining scene. The Bishops Arts District, which is known for its top-notch shopping, entertainment, and street art, is also a must-visit. Meanwhile, in Fort Worth — approximately 45 minutes from Dallas by car — a visit to the Stockyards feels like a step back in time to the Wild West with cattle drives and rodeos. The city is also home to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame.

San Diego, California

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This sunny SoCal city is renowned for its warm weather, stunning stretches of sand, and lush parks, making it a great choice for a long weekend getaway. It goes without saying, but a trip to the beach here is one for the books. Options run the gamut from Cardiff State Beach , to the lively Moonlight State Beach in nearby Encinitas, which is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and volleyball, to bustling Coronado Beach . Be sure to also carve out enough time to explore the city’s other equally impressive sights, including Belmont Park, an oceanfront amusement park that practically oozes nostalgia; the expansive Balboa Park, which is home to the San Diego Zoo; and the historic Gaslamp Quarter that’s teeming with nightlife. La Jolla, a quick 20-minute drive from downtown, is famous for its rugged coastline, abundance of seals and sea lions, scenic trails (don’t miss Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve ), incredible golf, and charming downtown area.

Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area

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It’s no secret that our nation’s capital is beloved among history buffs for its many monuments, landmarks, and (free) museums, but there’s so much more to see, do, and explore both in the city and nearby. Georgetown and The Wharf are two of D.C.’s trendiest neighborhoods, and both are teeming with eclectic shopping, drinking, and dining venues. Additionally, travelers can — and should — venture outside the city limits to explore nearby destinations such as Old Town Alexandria (approximately eight miles away), which offers quaint cobblestone streets and 18th-century townhouses. A bit further away is Loudoun County , which is famous for its wineries, vineyards, and storybook-worthy towns like Middleburg and Leesburg.

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• Moscow - Moscow is so much more than just the picture-perfect Red Square, the Pushkin Museum, and the Tretyakov Gallery. The capital city has seen extreme transformations and revolutions since the past decade. Tourists often prefer to spend a day in Moscow just to explore its public spaces- parks and sightseeing attractions, and its famous eateries. Contemporary art galleries, street art, verdant parks, and something amazing happening in the city almost everyday, attract a lot of tourists. While May to September are the best months to grab Russia travel packages, Moscow attracts visitors all year round; white winters, green summers, and red autumn months are a sight to behold.
• Saint Petersburg - Saint Petersburg is Russia’s Imperial capital. A city with a revolutionary spirit, it was developed to let the world know about Russia’s growing dominion in the world. It is also known as Venice of the North; with elegant canals, more than 300 bridges, and architecture similar to that in Italy. Adding to the charm of your visit to St. Petersburg are pristine beaches to the north of the city. The city is a treasure trove for art fanatics, housing contemporary as well as traditional art are a number of museums and art galleries which you can visit. One thing that St. Petersburg is most famous for are the White Nights when the sun barely sets for an hour or so. The dazzling culture of this city keeps visitors involved throughout the year. 
• Nizhny Novgorod - Located on the confluence of rivers Oka and Volga, Nizhny Novgorod lies 400km from the capital city, Moscow. About 120 different religious communities and societies live in complete harmony in this Russian city. The main attraction here is the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Built in the early sixteenth century as a military fortress, it now serves as a unique open air museum. 18th and 19th century houses can still be seen on the Rozhdestvenskaya Street and other central streets. Rock music is loved by one and all in Nizhny, which is why there are a number of places where rock concerts are organized. You can also enjoy live jazz music in some of the local cafes on your Russia tour.
• Cheboksary - Cheboksary is another Russian city with exciting cultural opportunities. With an opera and ballet theatre, and a number of theatres presenting both Russian and Chuvash dramas, this city is like calm-amid-the-chaos for many visitors. You can just stroll around in parks or on the boardwalks along the Volga river and rejuvenate yourself. During summers, you can beat the heat by swimming in the Volga river. Cheboksary proudly houses a number of museums including Russia’s only beer museum. As souvenirs of your Russia trip, you can buy embroidered specialties like wooden mugs among others.
• Lake Baikal - Lake Baikal is the oldest and the deepest lake in the world. With its history dating back to almost 25 million years and waters as deep as 1700m, it attracts visitors from all over the globe. This 3.15-million-ha lake is also known to have 20% of the world’s total unfrozen freshwater. Frozen during the winter months, it hosts visitors during the summer months when soaring mountains compliment the deep blue waters of this Siberian wonder. If you wish to visit here in the winter season, you can enjoy sledging and ice skating on this lake that turns into an ice playground. Siberia does not get better than this.
• Kazan - Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan republic, where the Turkish community associated with Genghis Khan lives. A city 150 years older than Moscow, Tatar is not just Russia’s only bilingual city, but constant efforts are made to ensure it stays part of Russia. One reason being its vast oil reserves. More than half the population here is of the slavic-Russians, and this peaceful co-existence of Tatar and Slavic communities makes this an interesting place to visit on your Russia trip.
• Yekaterinburg - Yekaterinburg is a Russian town which lies on the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The most symbolic place in the city is the Beatles memorial which lies in the center. With over 60 museums and art galleries that house some of the rarest artefacts, this city is known for its thriving art scene. Yekaterinburg has greatly contributed to the Russian art; with iconic figure of Old Man Bukashkin and provocative street art to name a few. This city is highly regarded for business and investment, and is considered the unofficial capital of the region which has the highest concentration of metallurgical enterprises in Russia.
• Sochi - Sochi is one of Russia’s warmest destinations during the winter season. It has become famous over the last few years mainly because it hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. Nightclubs at the beaches in summers, magnolia and cypress lined gardens, and enchanting sunsets define the landscape of Sochi. Agura valley, on the outskirts of Sochi, is the ideal destination for hiking- amidst breathtaking views, and marvellous waterfalls. The beaches here are rocky and grey, however, private beaches offer whiter sands. The rates during the peak tourism season shoot up.
• Irkutsk - Irkutsk is the most popular stop on the Trans-Siberian railway. Mesmerizing 19th century architecture, beautiful churches, classic eateries, blissful hotels adorn the landscape of this Siberian city. The Lake Baikal lies just 70km away from here and you can plan a winter trek across the frozen lake. Also, you can take a walking tour of the city to explore the local traditions, art forms, the gastronomy, and museums across the city. Irkutsk is slowly gaining popularity and has seen tourism boom only in recent years.
• Vladivostok - Vladivostok is Russia’s most important commercial port and naval base. Literally translating to ‘Master the East’, Vladivostok houses an Indian Consulate, apart from the one in Moscow. This gorgeous city with a charming hilly setting, marvelous architecture and verdant islands, lies along the Pacific coastline. A massive suspension bridge which has recently been built above the Golden Horn Bay, adorns the Soviet-era architecture of the city. This coastal city buzzes with cocktail bars, sophisticated restaurants, and is often referred to as Russia’s fast-paced city of the East.
• Petergof - Named after Peter the Great, Petergof lies 29km west of St. Petersburg and overlooks the Gulf of Finland. It has a war torn history, suffering major casualty in the world war II and also in the Soviet bombing of 1941-42, this city is mostly reconstructed. Popularly known as Russian Versailles, it consists of a number of palaces and ornate gardens. All the palaces and buildings being surrounded by verdant gardens and spectacular fountains.

Things to do in Russia

• Relish delicious local food - You can give your mouth and yourself a treat by visiting any of the excellent restaurants and cafes on your Russia tour. Borscht, the traditional Russian dish, is beetroot soup cooked with potato, meat, and other vegetables. Olivier Salad, is a salad made from caviar, grouse, smoked duck and veal tongue, and is popularly called Russian salad. Beef Stroganoff is another delicacy in the Russian cuisine. It is made from beef fillet, onion and mushrooms sautéed in sour cream and white wine. Other examples of great Russian food include Solyanka Soup, Blini (Russian pancake), Okroshka Soup, Kotleti (meat patties) and Pelmeni.
• Take part in adventure activities - You can take part in a number of adventure activities as part of Russia travel packages. This vast country has a lot to offer to its visitors. Right from trekking to ice cycling, from Skiing to hitchhiking, and from rowing across beautiful lakes to spotting wildlife, you can do it all during your Russia trip. Trek in the Altai Republic, go cycling along the Lake Baikal, or you could just go hitchhiking across the length of the country from Vladivostok to Moscow. A trip to the North pole from Murmansk will be like cherry-on-top of your customized Russia tour packages.
• Explore the famous museums - There are several outstanding museums in Moscow worth a visit. The most significant one is The Moscow Kremlin, located in Central Moscow. It was the residence of the person in power of Russia and houses the Russian President today. State Tretyakov Gallery is another example. It has over 1,00,000 works of art and is one of the largest museums in Russia. The gallery was started by Pavel Tretyakov. Some examples include Pushkin State Museum, The State Historical Museum, The State Darwin Museum, Moscow Museum of Modern Art and Polytechnic Museum. 
• Visit the famous metro stations in Moscow - Apart from visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin, Moscow is blessed with a blissful metro system. Taking a ride in the ostentatiously expensive and luxurious metro of Moscow is one of the most exciting things to do in Russia. One can go on a guided tour of the underground metro system. The metro stations are built with world-class marbles and granites, and the windows are decorated with stained-glass. There are mosaics, mural paintings and sculptures that are some beautiful additions to its dramatic setting. The most remarkable stations are Kurskaya, Kievskaya and Komsomolskaya. 
• Taste the world famous Russian Vodka - Russia is famous all over the world for its vodka. On your Russia tour, you could visit the Museum of Russian Vodka which is situated in the heart of St. Petersburg near St. Isaac’s Square. The Museum’s exhibitions tell everything that there is to know about vodka and how it has been an integral part and an essential attribute of Russian society for years. You can sample this strong drink on your museum tour or any of the bars and pubs throughout the city.
• Admire the famous attractions of Moscow - The capital of Russia, Moscow is famous for its world class architecture. With a world class metro system, Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world- adorned with chandeliers and unique paintings, they are a sight to behold. The Red Square is most notably known for the St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin. The unique architecture of these structures is the main catch of this part of Moscow. Bolshoi Theatre is also a must visit as it is a historical theatre in Moscow where ballet and opera performance are held. The gigantic theatre enthralls visitors with its fine craftsmanship and beautiful construction.
• Experience tank driving and shooting a tank gun in St. Petersburg - Saint Petersburg is a beautiful place, but that is not what it is famous for. Those who want to add tank driving to their Russia travel packages can avail the adventure/military tour there. Tank driving is surely one of the most unique things to do in Russia. The tour price is 10,200 RUB per person. They provide legendary choices for vehicles in the form of T-62, T-80, BMP-1, etc. They also provide ‘tanks vs cars game’, where you can watch the extremely rare phenomena of a car crash by a 36-ton vehicle live! The total tour duration is 5-6 hours and the medium of instruction for the safety class is English.
• Buy Russian Dolls - Russian dolls, also known as Babushka Dolls or Matryoshka Dolls are the famous stacking dolls of Russia. You can buy a set of these dolls as souvenir of your Russia trip. You can also enroll in a Doll making course in Elena Leonova’s souvenir shop in St. Petersburg. This 2-hour course will let you handcraft your own Babushka Dolls and all materials will be provided to you.
• Stroll around the peaceful Kizhi Island - Kizhi is an island in the Lake Onega in Russia’s remote region of Karelia. Beautiful 19th century architecture has earned it the title of World Heritage site by UNESCO. Onion-shaped domes and octagonal bell towers- part of wooden churches attract a number of tourists who admire their beauty.
• Watch a ballet dance performance -Russia has been the ‘second home’ to the dance form, known as ballet, where classical ballet traditions are still followed. Ballet is the national honour of Russia. The first ballet school was opened in St. Petersburg, and after a few decades, one opened in Moscow. So, these two cities provide the best experience for a ballet performance, and one can choose ballet theatres in either of these. The tickets are available both online and offline. Now that you know all about planning a Russia holiday with the help of our Russia travel guide, go ahead and check out the Russia travel packages on the MakeMyTrip website or app and plan that dream trip!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Russia Travel

1. Which is the best city in Russia to visit?

A: The two main cities to visit in Russia are Moscow and St Petersburg.

2. What should be my budget for a Russia trip?

A: For a trip to Russia, consider a budget of around Rs 85,000 per person.

3. Is vegetarian food available in Russia?

A: Yes, Indian food is available easily in Russia and Indian restaurants offer vegetarian options too.

4. Which airport should I fly from for a trip to Russia from India?

A: From India, direct flights for Russia are available only from Delhi. If you want direct flights, then you should take a flight to Russia from Delhi.

5. How many days should I plan for my Russia trip?

A: To cover the two main cities in Russia, plan for a Russia trip of around 5 Nights and 6 Days.

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12 Inexpensive Countries to Travel to from the US

Posted: July 23, 2024 | Last updated: July 23, 2024

Most Americans want to travel, but astronomical resort fees, airfares, local food and sightseeing experience costs deter them. Hence, you must choose countries where you will get the most value for the US dollar. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you choose the right place to visit. 

Read on to know 12 cheap countries to visit from the United States.

Hungary is very affordable in terms of accommodation, food, and transportation. Opt for the efficient and affordable public transport in Budapest, eat at local markets, learn about history and culture with free city walking tours, and stay in hostels with a furnished kitchen. 

A one-week trip to Budapest for two people, on average, costs $1,329.

Cheapest time to visit – January-February

South Korea

It is high time Americans consider other Asian countries apart from Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. South Korea offers a lot of value with its buzzing nightlife, stunning countryside, and fantastic food scenes. You can find mouth-watering treats from street food stalls for as little as $2 to $5. 

South Korea boasts an efficient, extensive, and cheap public transport system, while you will find budget hotels and hostels starting at around $30 per night.

A one-week trip to South Korea for two mid-range travelers, on average, costs $700-$1200. The cheapest time to visit is December to March as the cold weather keeps most tourists away.

Uzbekistan is an offbeat and lesser-known destination that is now finding itself as one of the most exciting and affordable tourist destinations in Central Asia. Whether you are a history buff, foodie, or a shopping freak, Uzbekistan is the right place. Not to mention, it is very cheap as well. Uzbekistan offers an array of budget tours.

A one-week tour to Uzbekistan per person with a private driver on average costs $470-$700. A backpacking trip through the country will cost a lot less. 

The cheapest time to visit is late November or March

Beautiful, exotic, diverse, cheap, and relatively undiscovered places best describe Georgia. Tourists are in for a veritable treat with quirky buildings, sulfur baths, orthodox churches, beautiful countryside, wine regions, and lively cafes. Opt for public transport that is quite cheap or join the tours organized by small local agencies.

A one-week trip to Georgia for two mid-range travelers, on average, costs $455.

Cheapest time to visit – November-April; but keep in mind that temperatures dip below freezing between December to March.

After the political and financial debacle of 2022, the Sri Lankan rupee has become more favorable. This island country offers leafy tea plantations, Buddhist temples, palm-fringed stunning beaches, and hiking trails. Even if you don’t intend to backpack through Sri Lanka, you can still get by quickly on a relatively low budget. Consider flying in via India, as it is cheaper. Homestays are a more affordable and better way to know the culture.

On average, a one-week trip to Sri Lanka for two mid-range travelers costs $380.

The cheapest time to visit is May to October if you don’t mind the rain. 

With rustic old churches, lazy beachside towns, and imposing stone walls, Croatia is a comforting mix of Eastern European and Mediterranean cultures. Avoid the big cities and explore the lesser-known but equally charming cities of Rovinj, Opatija, Porec, and Pula in the Istrian region to get value for your money. 

Transportation between cities in the region by train or bus is cheap. You can get good espresso at affordable prices at $2-$3. 

A one-week trip to Croatia for two people, on average, costs $1,442.

Cheapest time to visit – September-October

Despite being one of the top Asian tourist destinations, Indonesia remains an affordable vacation spot. While Bali is the obvious choice for millions of tourists worldwide, you can enjoy a much cheaper and more relaxing holiday on the islands of Sumba, Sumatra, Lombok, or Java, or eat to your heart’s content in the many warungs (food stalls) in Jakarta for no more than a couple of dollars. Java boasts reliable public transportation and even flights are frequent and reasonably priced.

A one-week trip to Bali for two people on average costs $1,071. 

Cheapest time to visit – January-February; it is also the wet season.

Bolivia is the cheapest country to visit in South America. It is home to some of the top destinations in South America and boasts exciting and diverse cultures. It’s magical to see Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni salt flats) and Lake Titicaca, hike through Amazon rainforests, and cycle through the North Yungas Road cycling trail. Overall, food and local transport are cheap. 

A one-week trip to Bolivia for two people, on average, costs $732. 

The cheapest time to visit is April to May; from May onwards, the country sees a high season in tourism.

Whether it’s hiking the mountains, shopping in city souks, savoring street food, or wandering the desert, Morocco is an absolute delight for tourists. Consider staying in a guesthouse, homestay, or a reasonable Riad.

A one-week trip to Morocco for two people, on average, costs $948. 

The cheapest time to visit – July-August; summers can get uncomfortably hot. 

The past few years have seen a steady rise in exploring destinations closed for mass tourism, and Azerbaijan is considered one such hot tourist destination. Azerbaijan is an affordable place, though it is rolling in oil money. Although Baku can be a bit expensive, once you leave the capital, the prices drop substantially.

A two-week trip to Azerbaijan for an average tourist will cost between $600 to $900 including the cost of plane tickets and visas. 

Cheapest time to visit – February and November 

Colombia is an incredible and budget-friendly country. The country boasts breathtaking landscapes, tropical Caribbean beaches, charming colonial towns, mysterious monuments, and glorious mountains. While food is cheap, remember eating in sit-down restaurants costs much more than fast food or street food.

A one-week trip to Colombia for two people, on average, costs $638. 

Cheapest time to visit – October to November

The birthplace of Christianity, Armenia is a charming east-European country that is home to awe-inspiring landscapes, unique archaeological monuments, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

A one-week trip to Armenia for two people, on average, costs $395. 

The cheapest time to visit – is September-end through mid-November or January if you don’t mind a bit of snow.

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