Originally Posted by
Pierre&Cédric
I worked in Russia for three years and I do not really understand why anyone would like to go there for vacation purpose. As a gay man may be my views are biased but even St Petersburg -which is by far the best city in Russia- cannot compare with Europe big cities. Service is a disaster, weather is not very good (only acceptable period is May to September), prices are crazily high, safety/security is a major issue. Eastern Europe and cities like Prague or Budapest offer a much better experience and you don't have to bother with stupid administrative never ending rules to get a visa.
I guess if you are there for work - its different than if one just likes to travel
We just spend 3 weeks riding the train from Irkutsk to Moscow in August, making 6 stops along the way. Now that tickets are easily bought online, that part is a breeze.
Had a great time, never had any issues with safety/security. My first trip to Russia was in 2002 - and I must say, since then, Russia seems to have lost that 'wild west' edge evident back then.
Visa was a pain to get, but it made the whole trip very rewarding.
Never found service to be a 'disaster'. Hotels were not overly-expensive.
Food and drink was very good, cheap and plentiful, especially in every place without an English menu.
Yes, the foreign tourist infrastructure is not really developed - but there is certainly progress.
I can see how language can be a major hurdle for people tough. If you are stuck staying at western chain hotels, eating at restaurants aimed at westerners, and dealing with never-ending beaurocracy for work - Russia can seem like an expensive nightmare.