The Nordic Countries consists of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and the Åland Islands.

The Baltic region might stand for the countries that have shorelines along the Baltic Sea: Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden.

Scandinavia consists of only the three countries Denmark, Sweden & Norway.
The Baltic countries are Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

• Sweden: Sweden is known for its many lakes. It’s also the biggest of the Scandinavian countries by land mass and population. The most popular cities in Sweden include Stockholm and Malmö.
• Norway: As the northernmost European country, Norway is known for its frequent midnight sun. The country is also filled with gorgeous fjords and landscapes.
• Iceland: Iceland is popular for its otherworldly landscapes, access to the northern lights, and the Blue Lagoon (among other amazing hot springs in the country). Many impressive landscapes were used as filming locations.
• Finland: Finland is still under the radar for most tourists but its surprisingly mild climate and diverse regional landscape make it an ideal Nordic vacation destination. Finns are known to be very kind and you should make sure to enjoy the nation’s saunas before you leave.
• Denmark: If you like to bike Denmark will be your ideal Nordic country. Biking is integral to daily life so much of the country is very cyclist-friendly. Copenhagen is the most well-known city and is ideal for travelers who like to walk as much of the city is catered to pedestrians.
• Greenland: Greenland is a territory that is closer to America than to Europe but belongs politically to the kingdom of Denmark.

One of the best arguments for visiting the Nordic countries must be the amazing nature you can find here across the entire Nordic region. There is so much to see and do in this part of the world.

• Dramatic peaks reflecting off tranquil fjords, the northern lights dancing above snow-laden forests, vibrant cities, and exhilarating outdoor activities – Scandinavia is a breathtakingly beautiful area made up of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, with neighboring Finland with its lakes  & archipelagos.
• Iceland & Greenland — for the Best Outdoors Experience: Adventure Factor, Seeing Arctic Wildlife, Glaciers, Soaking in Hot Springs,  basking underneath the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), Landscape is Unlike Anywhere Else in the World
• Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, all of them are worth visiting for, there are great people, nice cities, beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes & an amazing summer nightlife.
• Russia is worth visiting despite many barriers: it’s far away, there’s a high language barrier, and you most likely need a visa to travel there. Russia is rich in history and culture, and the two main cities – Moscow & St. Petersburg, are historical, beautiful, and well worth several days each.

• Baltic Countries: The best time to visit Baltic countries is from the beginning of May till late October.
• Denmark: From April to September the weather is good and the days are long enough to enjoy all the beautiful attractions and activities. From Mid-November to February the weather can be both cold but also quite nice with 5-8 C.
• Finland: From May to August the weather in Finland is quite warm and it the time to watch the Midnight Sun. Winter is cold with snow, and in late January you can go for the many outdoor activities. From September to April it is time for watching the Northern Lights in the northern part of Finland.
• Norway: From January to April, you find the world`s best cross-country skiing possibilities in Norway. June to September is best for hiking, biking & sightseeing with you will here have days 18- 24 hours of daylight. In the winter it is darker and colder, but it is time for the winter activities as the Northern Lights and many of its outdoor activities.
• Sweden: In the Summer – June, July & August, the days are mild and long. In May and September, it can be colder, but still beautiful weather and if you lucky quite good weather. In late November and December, there are beautiful Christmas markets.  In the Winter month, the weather can be quite cold, and often it will snow or rain, but you can enjoy all the winter sports activities in Sweden, and watch the Northern Lights in the northern part of Sweden.
• Russia: Summer is one of the best times to visit Russia and the months of July and August are the highlight of the tourist season. In summer, the days are longer and the tourist attractions have broader schedules to admire its masterpieces like fountains of Peterhof, parks of Pushkin & the countryside of the Golden Ring.

Escorted Group Tours:  Most of the group tours have English speaking tour escort/guides. Some group tours do offer Bi-Lingual tour escorts/guides. Also, there is the option of group tours with Mono-lingual tour escorts/guides in other languages like Spanish, Italian, German, or Mandarin.

Private Tours:  you may request a tour guide speaking in your local language.

When should I make my booking?
As soon as you are sure which dates you wish to travel, we would advise you to make your reservation. Please book well in advance for travel during the traditional holiday season (Christmas, Carnival, Easter, Summer)

Do I have to pay in full upfront?
In general,  you are required to put down a deposit to make a reservation. The balance is payable due up to 90 to 60 days prior to departure.8 weeks before departure. Travel documents are sent after the booking is fully paid, 2 to 4 weeks before departure.

How can I pay?

• By Direct Bank Transfer
• By Check Payments (personal check/money order/cashier check)
• By Credit/Debit card (Visa and Mastercard)
• Paypal

Please note that individual travel insurance is not included in the tour prices. It is therefore important that travelers arrange for their own travel insurance before traveling. We highly recommend getting Travel Insurance for your trip & will be glad to provide you the insurance quotes upon request. You may also shop & procure it on our website Link: Travel Insurance

Also, It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance covers all your activities during your holiday, for example, water sports, riding tours, snow scooter tours, and winter sports, etc.

Absolutely. Major credit cards are widely accepted in all Nordic Region Countries. Credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants, and organizations. You may need to enter your PIN number when using a credit card. We advise you to carry some cash as not all shops or some of the museums may not accept foreign credit cards. You may use your debit card to withdraw local currency out of an ATM.

Accepted Credit / Debit Cards and ATMs: VISA, VISA PLUS-card, VISA Electron, Euro cheque card, Eurocard/Mastercard.

Custom tours are tailor-made trips created specifically for you, with a custom itinerary to suit your needs. These trips include luxury accommodations, chauffeured transportation, and personalized activities, dining, and more.

Escorted tours are a great way to join a small group with a tour guide to explore your destination. These trips are not customizable and depart on specific dates throughout the year.

Top Reasons to Visit Scandinavia

• Trendy cities — Stockholm, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Oslo and Bergen – Scandinavia’s cities are bursting with world-class restaurants, trendy boutiques, fascinating museums, creative public spaces, and vibrant art scenes.
• Impressive design — Emerging in the early 20th century, the Scandinavian design movement is informed by minimalism and functionality.
• Fjords and forests — The perfect way to explore Norway is by sailing along its beautiful fjords.
• Northern Lights — Having the chance to see the spectacular aurora borealis is on many visitors’ bucket list.
• All about well-being — a descriptive word “hygge” is a way of life in Denmark, it encapsulates a feeling of cosiness, happiness or contentment.
• Inspired Cuisine — Scandinavia is the birthplace of New Nordic Cuisine
• Outdoor Adventures — all-year-round activities in abundance.
• Safe and family-friendly
  

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What are the best places to see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can be seen around and above the Arctic Circle during the period between late September and late March.  The best viewing experiences are between November and April above the Arctic Circle on a cloudless, clear night. Some of the best places in Scandinavia to view the Northern Lights are Finnish Lapland; the Norwegian areas of Svalbard, Tromsø, The Lofoten Islands, and Harstad.

What is the Midnight Sun? How can I see the Midnight Sun?
During the summer season above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for several months. This phenomenon is caused by the tilt in the Earth’s axis. As the Earth orbits the Sun, the tilt makes the North Pole face towards the Sun in summer (keeping it in sunlight even as the Earth spins) and away from it in winter (keeping it dark). Hence the continuous sunlight during the summer.

From early June to mid-July, Northern Norway and Northern Finland bask in 24-hour sunlight. The higher you travel, the longer the opportunity to see the Midnight sun is. The easiest and most common way to enjoy the Midnight Sun is to board a Hurtigruten Ship along the Norwegian coast.

Travel Seasons in Scandinavia 
In late September to early October, you will have stable autumn weather and autumn colors. There will be little or no snow, so this is not a time to do winter snow activities. During late October to early December, the winter settles in with more unstable weather and the occasional autumn storms. Late December to early January is your darkest time of year, good to experience a white Christmas. The sun will not appear above the horizon, but there will be 3-5 hours of dawn and dusk each day with magnificent blue polar light. The best winter months are late January to late March with good snow across the region. Weather is stable and conditions for Northern Lights are generally the best of the season. This is also a great time of year to enjoy a great winter holiday with lots of snow activities.

What is the climate like in Scandinavia?
The climate varies across the regions of Scandinavia, with generally milder temperatures in coastal regions and harsher temperatures inland.

• May + September – 50’s to low 70’s
• June, July, and August – 60’s to high 70’s
• Winter – 20’s to low 30’s and sometimes much lower; the daylight hours are very short – the sun is out for only about 6 hours

Which currency can be should?
Most of the Scandinavian countries use different currencies and have not yet converted to Euros & the different currencies are not interchangeable. In the Nordic countries, all credit cards are widely accepted but make sure to bring your PIN number and picture identification.

What clothes should I pack for my trip?
In the summer, you can generally pack shorts and short sleeves for the day in addition to nice clothes for dinner and performances. We recommend one or two light jackets and a raincoat in case of weather changes.
In winter, make sure to pack warmly. Bring layers of thermal underwear, wool sweaters, wool socks, windproof winter jackets, waterproof shoes, hats, and mittens. Trips to the northern areas of countries will require constant heavy clothing. Avoid overdressing to reduce perspiration. Another polar maxim is “if you have cold feet, put a hat on!” For anyone out in the cold, it is far better to wear layers of relatively light, loose clothing than one thick, heavy item.

Accommodations
Scandinavia is a delight when it comes to finding boutique hotels, lodges and extraordinary accommodation. Turn your overnight stay into a unique experience by sleeping among the Swedish treetops or in a traditional Norwegian fisherman’s cottage on a remote island. Experience our handpicked boutique options combine with a great location, friendly and personal service, good food, unique design — They guarantee an unforgettable and unique stay with a modern Scandinavian feel.

For a romantic stay, stay at one of the Historic hotels- often an iconic landmark, lovingly renovated and respecting the tradition and original design with hospitality dating back centuries. Yet they provide all the modern comforts that today’s discerning traveller might expect.

Getting around on ice?
We suggest purchasing some slip-on crampon style ice cleats. Be safe & read this guide on walking on ice.

What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?
We advise that you use either a compact backpack with wheels or a regular backpack. Wheels are difficult on cobblestones but this small inconvenience is outweighed by the comfort of wheeling your bags through airports and such. Regular suitcases can be difficult to travel with as they are bulky and difficult to secure on transport unless you are travelling on group coach trips where the suitcase is stowed underneath for the tour.

Will my mobile work overseas?
Nowadays, most likely your cellphone will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go and make sure you turn off international roaming to avoid extra costs. You may use WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger video calls as Free Wifi is available in most hotels and transportation in the Nordic Region.

Scandinavian Food!
The food in Scandinavia and Finland could be bit different then what you are used to. Normally traditional meals are quite simple but tasty. During the winter months, the dishes could be quite heavy, such as meat stews, game meats, hearty soups and creamy dishes. You will also find nice and fresh seafood & rye bread served with everything, as well as fresh whole grain bread.
At the breakfast buffet in your hotels, you will have a really good variety of items. You will find a good cold selection with ham, cheeses, salamis, vegetables, pate, herring and sometimes smoked salmon as well. we suggest to fill up! before leaving for day excursions…

Local Delicacies: Korvapuusti – Finnish cinnamon bun| Karjalan piirakka – A savoury rice pasty |  Fika – A Swedish word for having a coffee with baked sweets, pastries or sandwiches | Traditional Danish hot dog with either fresh or fried onion on top | Seafood – Norway is well known for its seafood. In Bergen, do visit the Fish Market – one of Norway’s most visited outdoor markets.

Special Diets: It’s very common to have locals and guests requesting gluten-free meals in the Nordic region. Most restaurants will plan the menu around special dietary requirements so let the hotel know on arrival about special dietary requirement upon your arrival or for escorted tours inform while booking.

Essential information to know about traveling to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for on your next trip.

When is the best time to visit Baltic countries?
The best time to visit Baltic countries is from the beginning of May till late October.

For how long you recommend someone to visit the Baltic States?
It is recommended to stay 3- 4 days for each country for City Break staycation. However, 7 day/6 nights is enough time to see the most glorious sites of all three Baltic States.

Is the Baltic States safe and secure?
Generally, all Baltic States are safe and secure but as it can be in larger cities,  visitors should watch out for pickpockets working in public places, such as on crowded public transport or in markets and other touristy spots. Don’t leave your baggage unsupervised, have an eye on your handbag.

Is it easy to find accommodation in the Baltic States?
There is plenty of accommodation to choose, from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels in almost all cities and tourist destinations. It is advised to book hotels in advance in high season – from June till September.

Finding the Northern Lights in Iceland
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are spectacular natural phenomena. The Northern Lights occur in the Northern hemisphere from mid-September to mid-April. What makes them even more unique is that they are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is during the winter months (October-March). It is not possible to see the Northern Lights during the summer as there are usually 20-24 hours of daylight during this time. Mid-September to mid-November, and February to mid-April, offers a good balance between daylight and darkness.

The best conditions for viewing the Northern Lights include: Dark nights with no light pollution from cities and towns, Clear skies (no rain, no clouds, no snow, no fog) and
Solar explosions that create the Northern Lights

Chance: When all of these elements come together, there is a realistic chance of seeing the Northern Lights about twice a week.

Accommodation Types:
In Iceland, you find everything, from 4-star internationally known hotels, guesthouses, farms, cottages to camping sites. Iceland’s hotels and guesthouse suit all budgets, almost invariably clean and comfortable. When booking a trip with Iceland Travel you can choose between different categories. The main difference between each category is the standard of the hotels or rooms booked: Budget | Comfort | Quality | Superior

How long are the stops on your scheduled tours? Is there time to go hiking?
The lengths of the stops are not decided in beforehand. It all depends on the group, weather, route, and tour guide. You will probably be able to go on a short hike – please consult your guide.

What to wear, how to dress when in Iceland?
Light clothing is often all you need in the summer, but always be prepared for both cold and wet at ALL times of the year. The weather in Iceland is extremely changeable and Icelanders often say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes”. You should always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit Iceland. Icelander’s favorite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in countless geothermally heated pools and lagoons, with typical temperatures of 25-28°C.

What should I bring on the tour with me?
Depending on the nature of your tour, you may want to pack a bit more or less than usual. If you are going to be doing some hiking or a lot of walking, it is recommended that you bring a good pair of boots that are sturdy for walking on uneven paths. The weather can also be unpredictable, so it is better if your boots and jacket are weatherproof. Refreshments will also depend on the tour. If you would like, you are welcome to bring snacks of your own, but your guide may also stop at local gas stations that offer a selection of snacks, and sometimes hot food as well.

An itemized list of recommended wardrobe for Iceland:

• The inner layer could be lightweight woolens, a sweater or cardigan
• The outer layer should be wind and rainproof (weatherproof).
• Gloves and hats are recommended when sailing or going on hikes.
• It is a good idea to wear solid boots, waterproof shoes, or sturdy rubber boots with a solid sole both in the summer and winter.
• Clothing tends to be casual in Iceland and acceptable also in finer restaurants.
• Campers will need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots, and a warm sleeping bag.
• It might be best to bring sneakers and a pair of hiking friendly/weatherproof boots.

What is the Icelandic food like?
Iceland serves some of the world’s freshest fish and seafood. Meats are organic and locally produced, the lamb is especially popular. The food is just as varied as you can find in any capital city. Vegetarians will have no problem finding delicious, organic meals.
American fast food can also be found almost everywhere and also numerous restaurants with international cuisine from Thai, South American to Indian.

What is the tipping policy in Iceland?
In Iceland gratuity is always included in the bill therefore tipping is not required. This applies to everything: restaurants, taxis, cafés, room service, and more. However, if you do feel that you have received great service, Icelanders appreciate a tip and will gladly accept it.

Porterage Service (Baggage and Luggage).
There is limited luggage porterage service available at hotels in Iceland. It can be requested and pre-ordered at 4-star hotels in Reykjavík and Akureyri, not guaranteed. Compared to other countries, most Icelandic hotels are small, and this service is simply not available.  We always advise that you should pack light. A good rule of thumb is to bring no more than what you can comfortably carry between the bus and your hotel room.

How do your Road Trips/Self-Drive tours work?
Road Trips/Self-drive tours are self-guided tours of Iceland. Every road trip includes car rental, GPS, accommodation, and the Iceland Travel Companion app (preinstalled on a tablet) to help guide you on your trip. Additional activities may be purchased to enhance your trip. The driver must present a valid driver’s license held for a minimum of one year at the time of rental.

The distance in which you would drive each day would depend on your length of stay and how far you would like to travel to Iceland. We always try to find the most suitable itinerary so that our guests have the opportunity to relax and are not subject to driving the whole day. Our aim is to keep driving under 2-3 hours each day, though depending on the distance between hotels, it may be up to 4 hours a day.

If special circumstances require emergency assistance, we have a 24 hour/7 day a week emergency phone and if the emergency is connected to your vehicle then the car rental provides an emergency phone as well.

Tax-free shopping/tax refund.
A refund of the local Value Added Tax is available to visitors to Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price, provided departure (of the goods) from Iceland is within 90 days after the purchase.  The purchased amount must be no less than ISK 4.000- (VAT included) per sales receipt, and all goods (except woolens) must be packed in sealed bags or containers.

Practical information about Greenland
The remote location and island status of Greenland means that virtually all items must be imported; hence, items cost more than they do in Iceland or Denmark. Accommodations tend to be small in size, due to the high cost of importing building materials.

Please keep in mind that the Greenlandic travel infrastructure is not comparable with Western standards and service is often more relaxed then you will find elsewhere.  Most towns and villages have limited resources of planes, boats, helicopters, and guides, so even with the best preparation possible, unexpected events can change your travel plans, such as flights not being on time, sudden weather changes, or last-minute cancellations of other participants, leading to a specific tour not reaching the minimum.

You can therefore not completely exclude uncertainties or minor inconveniences, but as soon as you adapt to the lack of haste in Greenland, you will find the country a fascinating and breathtaking destination.

The Greenlandic people remain in many ways, unaffected by the influence of Western culture and true to their own customs. It is important to remember that the dogs are working animals and not pets. However, you will find the people of Greenland very friendly and that generous hospitality has deep roots in society.

Climate: Greenland is the world’s largest island and boasts the Northern Hemisphere’s largest ice sheet.  The Greenland climate is arctic to sub-arctic, but the distance between north and south means there are tremendous differences in temperature and climate. Thanks to very dry air, cool summers feel surprisingly comfortable.

In general, summer temperatures are the highest inland and coolest along the coasts. But you will be surprised to know that warm + 70° F days are not uncommon during the summer!

What to wear: It is best to be prepared by wearing ”layered” clothing. The outer layer should be wind and waterproof. Gloves and hats are recommended when sailing. It is a good idea to wear solid boots, waterproof shoes, or rubber boots with a solid sole in the summer and winter. Clothing tends to be casual in Greenland and acceptable also in finer restaurants.

Communication: Greenland has a modern telecommunications infrastructure, and it is possible to access the internet at most hotels and many net cafes.

Import restrictions: Greenland is not considered a European Union country. Information on what you can bring into the country is available in airports – although drugs, weapons, living animals – including pets and birds are not allowed.

Export restrictions: It is illegal to import any art or artifact created from a marine mammal, including whalebone, walrus tusks (ivory), and narwhal tusks (also ivory) into the USA.

Porterage Service (Baggage and Luggage): There is no luggage porterage service available at hotels and other accommodation in Greenland. Compared to other countries, Greenlandic hotels are small, and this service is simply not available. It is advised that you should pack light. A good rule of thumb is to bring no more than what you can comfortably carry between the bus and your hotel room.

It is time to Understand Russia to make it easy to plan your trip…

When to visit Russia?
The best time to visit Russia is May through September. Temperatures range from the 21C-32C in the day to the 10C-21C at night. Cold is not the biggest nuisance, but it is rather the nasty weather and lack of sunshine, which could negatively impact your trip here. You want nice and comfortable weather and you want great pictures with the blue sky in the background. To get all that – visit Russia during warmer months. It might get quite hot for a couple of weeks in July-Aug, but usually, it is just nice and warm.

Do I need a visa?
Most nationals need a visa to travel to Russia. If you hold a US or EU passport – you need a visa, if you are from South America – you do not need a visa. Check with us and we will be glad to assist you all visa formalities for Russia.

How safe is it in Russia for tourists?
It is safe and you do not need a security escort. You need to take the minimum precautions against the pickpockets especially in big cities, it is not wise to walk around deserted neighborhoods at 3 am. In general, Moscow is safer than Chicago, New York, London, or Paris – it is illegal to carry guns here and there are no “bad streets or neighborhoods”. Downtowns of all major Russian cities during the day are completely safe.

Are locals nice or hostile towards tourists?
Russians in general treat foreign tourists well and are curious about people, who come from different countries. Locals may seem hostile to you though because they will typically not smile to strangers. That does not mean they do not like you, that is just their custom.

Do I need to speak Russian to get around?
 English is not widely spoken or written in Russia. The official language is Russian which is an extremely difficult language to learn. However, if you can learn 10-15 words and common phrases – your life as a tourist will be so much better. Russians love when a foreigner speaks even a bit of Russian and will go out of our way to help you and make your stay here more comfortable. If you are stuck and need help – your best bet will be to ask younger people.

Which means of transport is better to use in Moscow, in St Petersburg?
The Moscow and St Petersburg Metro is a great alternative to using local taxi services. You’ll travel fast, cheap and easy, skip most of the traffic, and save lots of time. This means of transport may not be very comfortable, but nothing beats it as the traffic gets worse by the year. Taxis cost a lot these days. Navigation in the cities is not easy. Most signs are in Russian. Downloading an offline city map will be very useful. To get from and to Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports using the train is convenient and inexpensive.

How expensive is travel to Russia?
It used to be super expensive, especially travel to Moscow. The ruble collapse made travel to Russia quite cheap for tourists. If you compare Moscow to London, New York, or Paris now – everything will seem to be very affordable in Moscow.

Can I pay with the credit card or do I need to bring cash? In which currency? Where do I change the currency in Russia?
You can pay with a credit card almost everywhere in big cities. But even in Moscow, you will need to have cash on you. Better carry US dollars or Euro – you can exchange them anywhere where you see the sign for a currency exchange office. It should be pretty safe. Never try to exchange money on the streets even if a person seems reliable.

How Much Time Should I Plan for a Trip?
That depends on how much vacation time you have and what would you like to see. Russia is a huge country, indeed. For most tourists – Moscow and St. Petersburg are the main attractions – you need just one week to see both capitals.

Can I purchase train, theatre, museum tickets locally?
You can order train, theatre, and museum tickets and excursions online or with us. We will try our best to find you the best available offers.

What is the food like? Which dishes should I try? Is street food safe? Is it safe to drink tap water?
You can drink tap water in most places, but I suggest you drink bottled water because it tastes better. Tap water is still filtered with chlorine, which impacts the taste.

Food in Moscow and St. Petersburg restaurants is safe to eat and there will be a lot of variety – from traditional Russian food to any kind of ethnic food. If you travel outside of the cities though – you may need to be more careful. Also, Russians use too much mayo and sour cream (high in fats) so advise while ordering your dishes at restaurants for your
Special dietary needs – gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal. If you plan to visit just Moscow and St. Petersburg – with the prior research you will find enough restaurants and grocery stores to cater to your needs. In all other places that will be a major challenge.

Where can I buy souvenirs? Which souvenirs should I bring from Russia?
There are many good online stores, where you can buy all those souvenirs and many more! And you will not even have to carry them in your luggage – they will arrive at your place and prices seem reasonable. It is recommended to travel light and order souvenirs via this site. You can be sure to get authentic goods there, when buying souvenirs on the streets that is not always a case.

Are tourist places closed during public holidays in Russia?
There are a total of nine official holidays in Russia.  All markets and public places remain open, and people are seen thronging the streets. The entertainment centers and recreational activities can be enjoyed until late evening, making it a fun-filled holiday for locals & visitors.

Do I need to carry my original passport with me at any time during my stay in Russia?
Police have the authority to stop people and request their documents at any time without cause. Due to the possibility of random document checks by police, foreign citizens should carry their original passports, registered migration cards, and visas with them at all times. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in detention and/or heavy fines.

When is the best time of the year to visit Mt Elbrus?
The best time to visit the Caucasus to climb Elbrus is from mid-May through to September. May offers a challenging climb with cold weather, more difficult conditions, and very few visitors; June is a little warmer but still with few visitors; July and August is the peak season with the most settled and warmer months; September is also a nice time of year with fewer visitors and still warm but slightly more temperamental conditions.

Where is Kamchatka?
Kamchatka is a large peninsula in far eastern Russia, surrounded by the Sea of Okhotsk, the Bering Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. It is quite large (140,000 square miles) and very remote. It is above Japan as you follow the islands up from its Northern tip.

What vaccinations do I need for Russia?
No vaccinations are required.