Category Archives: Russia

Heading To The Airport, Next Stop Russia

American Express, Delta, Moscow, New York, Russia, Travel with kids
a map of the world
We’re putting the finishing touches on packing for our upcoming trip to Russia. I’m bringing a larger backpack than I’d like to for a trip of this length. But when you are packing for two and need cold weather items, that’s the best option.

We’ll be flying direct on Delta from New York’s JFK Airport to Moscow’s Sheremetyvo (SVO) Airport. The flight takes off around 5:30 p.m. and is approximately 9.5 hours long. 
We always like to arrive at the airport a bit early. We’ll check in, clear security and stop by the Delta Lounge (a nice perk of the Amex Platinum Card) to relax and have a snack before our flight.
a baby sitting on a chair
Lucas Miles W.
Hopefully Lucas will be his usual awesome self and cooperate on the flight. So far, he has been amazing when flying but this time around he is much more mobile and curious so it might be a bit of a different experience. Kim and I are prepared though (we think!). We have a couple of new books and toys ready for the flight as well as some of Lucas’ favorite snacks. Lucas usually goes to sleep in the 7:30-8:00 range so we are hoping he stays awake for a short while and then passes out for the bulk of our journey.

We’re really excited to be heading to Russia. We can’t wait to explore such an interesting place. I look forward to posting about the trip and our experiences very soon.

Happy holidays to all!

Win A Trip For Two to Russia from Fodors

Anna Karenina, Fodors, Intrepid Travel, Prize, Russia, Sweepstakes, Win
a movie poster of a woman in a red dress

Fodors is giving away an amazing trip (and prize package) to Russia in the Anna Karenina Experience Russia Sweepstakes. The trip is courtesy of Intrepid Travel.

The Prizes:

Grand Prize: An 8 day, 7 nights trip for two to Russia which includes-

  • Round trip coach airfare to Moscow from the U.S. or Canada
  • 7 nights accommodations- 5 nights in hotel, one night at a guesthouse & one on sleeper train
  • Six breakfasts and one dinner for two
  • Select services of a tour leader and local transportation
  • Two vintage paperback editions of Anna Karenina
  • Two limited edition Anna Karenina Votivo candles & bookmarks
  • Two limited edition tins of Anna Karenina Russian Rose Tea from the Republic of Tea


Runner- Up Prize: 10 people will each receive-

  • Two vintage paperback editions of Anna Karenina
  • Two limited edition Anna Karenina Votivo candles & bookmarks
  • Two limited edition tins of Anna Karenina Russian Rose Tea from the Republic of Tea

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, DC and Canada (excluding Quebec)

Must be 18 years of age or older at time of entry
Enter by November 30, 2012 11:59pm ET

Entering the Sweepstakes: You can earn multiple entries into the sweepstakes:

  1. You are allowed one entry per person/ e-mail address per 24 hour period Enter HERE
  2. Bonus entries- Follow the instructions at the end of your entry form for sharing a link to the sweepstakes to your Facebook wall. For every friend that submits an original entry, you will gain an additional entry! 

Win A Trip To Russia From Intrepid Travel

Europe, Intrepid Travel, Prize, Russia, Sweepstakes, Win
a screenshot of a website

Intrepid Travel is giving away an amazing trip to Russia!

Entering is simple:
All you have to do is write (in 50 words or less) why you should discover Europe with Intrepid!

Multiple entries are permitted as long as:

  • Each entry is unique
  • Must be submitted separately and in accordance with entry requirements
  • One entry per day, per person is permitted

The Prize:
Intrepid’s Russian Experience (WBSF 15 Days) 

“Roam the enigmatic streets of St Petersburg, Stand in the golden glow of the Amber Room at Catherine Palace, Learn about a nuclear physicists opposition to the Soviet regime at the Sakharov Museum, Admire the contrasting colours of Kul Sharif Mosque, Ride aboard the famous Trans-Siberian Railway, Hear the macabre story of Russia’s last royal family, See the iconic monuments of Moscow’s history-laden past”

Some Rules:
Open to “global” residents aged 18 and older
Prize must be booked & taken by December 1, 2013
Enter by October 12, 2012

Enter for your chance to win a trip to Russia HERE 

Largest Anti-Government Protest in Post-Soviet Russia

Moscow, Protests, Russia, St Petersburg
a group of people standing in a crowd

Police showed restraint in the largest anti-government protest post-Soviet Russia has ever seen. Thousands of people took part in the protest against election fraud and a demand for an end to the rule of Victor Putin. 

a man in black with police officers behind him
The protests took place all over Russia. It is estimated that the crowd was between 40,000-100,000 in Moscow, about 7,000 in St.Petersburg and a few hundred to a thousand in around 60 other cities. The police showed restraint and only about 100 arrests were reported.
a man holding up his fist
I wonder what changes will come from these people’s efforts and if it might have any effect on travel to Russia in the near future…
I read about this online. You can read the full story at Russia’s stunning protests ends with a hint of change