Traveling to a different country for the first time, can indeed be a bad experience, or a memorable one. Researching the country a little, and having ample knowledge of the customs, currency, climate, traditions, language, visa regulations, and so forth, will have you breathing easy, rather than stressed out and nervous. Thus your stay will definitely be worth remembering.

Prior to embarking on your journey, ensure that you are fit to travel, have had all immunization that you need, and indeed have a clean bill of health. Visas, passports and travel permits need to be up to date and carried at all times. Ensure that you arrive at the airport or ship dock, at least two hours prior to departure. This will assist in having bags weighed; passports cleared and so forth, in ample time.

You will need accommodation documentation, as well as consent from the Ministry of foreign affairs to even get into this country. But oh how worth it all it shall be, once your eyes settle on the many picturesque scenes that will indeed delight the eyes. Rows and rows of glorious stately birch trees, with sunlight filtering through, shall herald spring, while the soft powder fine snow shall delicately decorate the hills and mountains within the winter, making for such a glorious view indeed.

Delight at the crystal covered ponds, iced up so well that you can play "Huckleberry Finn" by grabbing a fishing pole, cutting a small hole through the ice, and catching a good size fish for supper. Or cast the eyes to the many stately churches that stand so proud. So much to see and so much to do, yet do yourself a favor and have all your entry papers, visitor documentation, visas, travel permits and entry consent forms taken care of, well before you set of on your travels.

Make sure that you lodge your visa application at least three months prior to your travel. This can be done on the Internet. The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs has strict rules and regulations for visitors, and yes this may seem a little daunting. They will take into account why you are visiting, where you intend to stay, who you will be staying with, as well as the length of your trip. It will all seem a little overwhelming yet don't stress, it is not as bad as many think.

The easiest way to apply for visas etc is through the Visa headquarters. This can be found at www.visahg.com. Filling out the form is quite easy. Simply follow the instructions. Your documents will need to be lodged with the Russian Embassy. A good way to find out all that this entails, is to go to your nearest travel center. Brochures will explain the procedures in layman's terms.

No doubt you will choose to enter Russia via Moscow, the Domodedovo airport is now so modern, and indeed has had a major architectural overhaul. What a hustling bustling place this is. Delight at the Russian attire, as you listen to the fast and perhaps confusing flow of many different conversations. Notice how happy the people seem. They indeed are a very friendly and welcoming race.

On the bad side of the coin, is the fact that if you arrive via Sheremetovo, you had better resign yourself to the fact that you may be in for a frustratingly long wait. The customs clearing process is a long and rather tedious affair. You will need to fill in two forms for immigration clearance. One part you will need to keep, and show on your departure. These forms can be obtained on the plane, so request them and have them filled out long before you arrive at your destination. This will assist in cutting down the clearance process.

Don't stress, remember that this is all part and parcel of traveling. This airport was actually constructed specifically for the 1980 Moscow Olympics so grab your camera and take some photos of what is actually a part of history. Just grin and bare it all, being annoyed won't help any.

If you are hoping to get a taxi from the airport other than be picked up by an acquaintance, be cautious, as fares will vary depending on the taxi driver. The ride can often be a hair-raising experience, with cracked windows which seem to be the go in Russia! You can on the other hand, engage a taxi through a car company at the arrivals hall.

This is certainly much safer and is more advisable. Your fee will be paid prior to your short journey. You will also be able to use your credit card. But take note that there are some hotels, stores and restaurants that will not accept credit cards. Master card and Visa cards are the more acceptable cards. American Express is not too popular in Russia.

The currency in Russia is rubles. There are many banks or cash exchange booths which will have signs which display the words "Ob-men Vayuty." (Currency exchange) only undamaged banknotes will be accepted. If your notes are torn or old, they will only be exchanged at banks. Be forewarned!

The temperatures vary to the extreme, with freezing winters which can go as low as -13F, particularly in Moscow. Even lower in some other areas, so take plenty of thermal underwear and ensure that warm coats, mittens, scarves, hats, and so forth are packed. Thick waterproof boots are a must. Within the summer the temperatures can reach the mid nineties. Be warned that the mosquitoes can carry you off, they're gigantic!

Did you know that Russia is actually the largest country in the world? It also has enormous energy and mineral resources. More than ten years (a decade) after the Soviet Union collapse in 1991, Russia is still attempting to develop further their market economy in hope of achieving a much better economic growth. Russia's average salary has fortunately increased to $540 (approximately $920 PPP) per month, in comparison to $65 per month in August 1999.

Russia is actually home to a staggering 160 different ethnic groups, as well as indigenous people. The Russian census bureau saw 79.8% of the population as ethnic Russians, while 3.8% were Tatar,2% were Ukrainian, 1.2% Bashkir, 1.1% Chuvash,0.9% Chechen, 0.8% Armenian and finally 10.3% were unspecified.

With the Russian constitution they guarantee free universal health care to all of its citizens of Russian descent. The Russian language is the only "official" spoken language, yet the republics have incorporated their native language as a co-official means of speech, next to the Russian language. The Russian language is actually 3,000 to 4,000 years old! The traditional religions of Russia are Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam.

The Russian culture is indeed a varied one, filled with rich cuisine, and Russian art, which has made its mark within the world, and indeed literature. Their literature has been so influential to the world. Particularly involving their great sense of humor. The classic music world was also greatly influenced by the Russians, they certainly produced some great composers.

You certainly will enjoy your trip as Russia is such a magnificent country. Most of the teenagers and young folk speak English, yet most of the older residents won't. Although the Russians may speak as if extremely stern this is simply their speaking voice. One on one you will find them lovely people, with a generous persona as well as cheeky within their humor. Very proud people they are, and in saying that, attempt to dress in their manner, and not insult them with outrageous and inappropriate dress standards.

Last but not least I advise you to partake of their wonderful cuisine, as well as visit the ballet theaters. Be prepared to dance your feet off, as they certainly are energetic on the dance floor. Watch you don't drink too many vodkas or cognac. They love the stuff!

Finally, enjoy yourself, let your hair down and have a wonderful stay!

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