Without knowing the age of your daughter, it is impossible to offer any advice.

One of my biggest concerns about going to Russia even with a companion is the state of its health care system.

http://goeasteurope.about.com/od/russia/tp/healthandsafetyrussia.htm

D is 23 years old and a college graduate.

Traveling in Russia is more complicated than in the bulk of europe. the infrastructure is still in development and customer service is practically unknown. We have been (2 of us) independently several years ago and had no problems - but then we re very experienced travelers and New Yorkers - so city wise and not easily intimidated.

We found you have to spend more and live at a more luxurious level to be comfortable (simple is often not acceptable - as it is in western and central europe). And you need to get at least the basics of the alphabet in order to be able to get around on your own. Also - she need a visa - which has to be applied for in advance and is something of a core (you need an "invitation" from the hotels you will be registered at - they report to the police supposedly - and in our case they required payments in advance before issuing the invitation necessary to get the visa.

We toured on our own - with some good guideboooks - taking train ot boat for day trips outside the city - and had no problems -- since the hotel's english speaking staff could advise us.

A lot of people go for private guides - or join guided tours - fine if you prefer that - but we prefer to do our own planning.

Certainly doable - but more work than the rest os europe. (And IMHO more than worth it - esp St Pet.)

Thanks. That is more complicated than she expects. She has been traveled a lot - twice for 2 weeks at a time on her own in Japan - but has always been able to plan "on the fly". It sounds as if the key to being comfortable that she is safe (and the key to obtaining the required visa), is having all the reservations in place in advance. Thanks.

I went to Russia (to work) by myself for two months at 23-24 and I had no problems, including travelling between Moscow and St P alone. However, I agree she should start working on the alphabet, if nothing else (I studied Russian for a couple of years at university, although I'd forgotten most of it by the time I got there) and obviously get the visa well in advance. If she's managed Japan though, I think you shouldn't worry too much.

I agree with those who said "learn the alphabet". I learned Cyrillic before we went and it helped us immensely - especially on the Moscow metro as there are no Latin letters.

I found the people in both Moscow and St. Pete happy to help out when we (hubby and I) asked for directions, even if they didn't speak English.

How is she getting to Moscow (or St. Pete if that is to be her first city)?

Thanks everyone ... it doesn't sound so bad. Appreciate the feedback.

Just in case, if your daughter decides to make the trip, I may be able to advise her, especially on St. Petersburg if she ever needs help. I may leave you my phone number if necessary, I'm 23 as well and live in St. Petersburg.

>>it doesn't sound so bad.<< It isn't "bad". Russia is a fantastic place to visit & not half as complicated to organise a trip as some make it appear. It's just some have only been once sometime B.C. and give out of date/misleading info eg "the infrastructure is still in development and customer service is practically unknown." I lived there for a year alone as have many expats and I visit throughout the year on business, even so I can see things changing from one visit to the next. Believe it or not, the visa process today is much easier than it was in the past, where you not travel independently at all.

The visa invitation can be purchased from visa agencies, you don't have to get them from the hotels where you have reservations. This might make it easier if you don't know the exact plans.

The whole point of going to Russia is because it is different. Of course care must be taken as in any country/city.

I may be the naysayer here. We have travelled in Russia but always with a group and usually staying with families and, although it is a number of years ago now, but when things were beginning to change.
DS was in Russia for a semester right after Yeltsin's putsch and saw up front the immense changes that "freedom" brought. There are definitely two tiers of charges--for natives and for tourists.
If there were any way she could have a good contact in the cities I think it would be better. I am not sure the above is "it". She really might consider a tour--maybe a college group?
There is little doubt that Russia is a WONDERful trip--and the people are also wonderful. I just do not trust the safety for a single woman--we even had incidents among our group when striking out by themselves.
SHE MUST be vigilant against pickpockets--I know that is petty crime. It can ruin your day(s).

I hope your daughter IS going to Russia! Have been traveling there since 1977 and MANY changes - especially now! Older daughter worked in M oscow 1996-98. Things have changed even more now!! Just be sure she has proper, legal visa - and has made some hotel/ hostel reservations in advance. Yes- pickpockets are problem - same as in France, Spain and other places we have lived. Am in the travel industry and constantly making arrangements for people to visit Russia. Knowing the alphabet is good start - for getting around - and for safety.