jaret1976

A friend and I are planning a trip in mid-June. We are trying to decide between a tropical, exciting trip that would include a couple of destinations in South America (perhaps Rio and Buenos Aires, or ??) or a trip to Russia that would include Moscow and St. Petersburg. The trip will only be 9 days and we are coming from the East Coast, US.

Has anyone been to both destinations and can give some pros and cons to either trip. We are slightly concerned with safety in Moscow, as we will not have a guide and don't speak Russian. Would this pose a problem for us.

We are both well travelled, 30yrs old, and looking for a good adventure. We don't mind a slight bit of 'the unknown', but don't want danger.

Any advice you could give us, and specifics on either location would be deeply appreciated.

Regards,
J

Heather49

I've never travelled in South America so I can't speak to that but I spent 2 weeks in Moscow and St Peterburg and absolutely loved it.

My sister lived there so I didn't have to deal with the lodging and transportation issues but my family explored on our own and felt very safe doing so. I felt at least as safe as I did in Costa Rica and Honduras (although pickpockets can be an issue).

I loved the museums and the sense of history in Russia. We also enjoyed the circus, the ballet, the food and hanging out in the park with Russian families. We were there in August when many of the cultural events are closed but there was still lots to do and see.

The only reason we went to Russia was to visit my sister and I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I loved it and would go back in a minute.

jcasale

Well, I'll give the other perspective, as I haven't been to Russia but have been to Brazil. I LOVED it and would return in a minute. We went to Rio and then to Manaus where we took a river cruise on the Rio Negro (part of the Amazon system). Rio was exciting and glamorous and had great beaches and fabulous food. The Rio Negro was amazing in its wildlife, little villages and scenary. it was a great combination. Our trip was about 9 days (Spring Break) and we were all coming from the east coast and midwest (the flights to Rio mostly go out of Miami or New York). if you decide to go there and want more info on how we put it all together - email me at [email protected]

jkgourmet

And I've been to both - though only a few days in Buenos Aires, and no time in Rio. 10 days in Russia - Moscow and St. Peterburg. I find them impossible to compare and can't really guide you. If you want history, my vote would be Russia. If you want a more modern, European like atmopshere, BA. If you want fun and partying - I'm guessing Rio is your ticket. I can tell you that the food in Russia was awful - but it's been nearly 10 years so I suspect it's improved. I don't think the language issues matter much as people speak a smattering of English in both. Crime is a concern regardless of where you travel, IMO. Consider the the weather in both places for the time you want to travel and make a deicsion from there, maybe.

Carson

Talk about two completely disparate, but equally fascinating destinations...

I have been to both within the last several years. First trip was 9 days to Moscow/St. Pete. I highly, highly recommend engaging a guide in both locations. It will save you a lot of time and confusion so you can maximize your experiences there. It will also allow you to sample aspects of daily Russian life you are unlikely to see on your own, particularly if you have a private guide as opposed to a large tour group. I used the guide services of Patriarshy-Dom in Moscow and Olga Stepanova in St. Pete, both of whom are familiar to a number of Fodors Europe forum posters. In any case, there are many qulaified guides but you should check them out and engage them in advance. Regardless, I recommend trying to learn the Cyrillic alphabet and some basic phrases before you go.

Muscovites are as different from St. Petersburgers as New Yorkers are to Los Angelinos.

I never felt unsafe in either place, but you do need to be aware of bad areas and avoid trouble. There is a lot of good advice in the Europe forum on travel to Russia with some regular, very knowledgeable posters, like Marc David Miller.

Russia was fascinating to me---an incredible adventure.

Last August, I went to Argentina for two weeks, traveling to B.As., Mendoza, Iguasu and Rosario. Argentina is a phenomenal country with a lot to do and see. I used the services of Cintia and her husband Matias of WOW Argentina. They did a very commendable job with a number of advance arrangements.

Argentina is a completely different feel altogether from Russia. I have also traveled to Chile---Santiago and to the south to Termas de Chillan to ski, and Venezuela. I liked Chile a lot but by far my favorite was Argentina, which I plan to revisit.

Quite a dilemma you have on your hands. My recommendation is to pick one now and do the other next year.

Happy trails---

Carson

lizF

Hi there, what a choice - I have been to many areas of South America and am going again at the end of May. However I have also been to St Petersburg and loved it very much. The main difference is that you would be going to South America in the winter and to Russia in the summer and in the peak season - the latter can be a big pain in that it is hard to get into anything, go anywhere without what seems like half of the world going with you.
On the other hand winter in South America would be the best time to go.
I would NOT go to Buenos Aires as I really don't think of the place as a great destination. I would be happier to go to places in Brazil or Peru, Bolivia or if you want it, some of the most fantastic scenery in the world and go to say Bariloche in Argentina, El Califate in Argentina to see the best glaciers in the world or perhaps the lake district of Chile which is on a par with Bariloche. Then again taking a flight to the most southern region would be fantastic as well. The best beef in the world is in Patagonia in the form of a bbq and that goes for chicken, lamb and anything else.
St Petersburg though will remain one of my favourite destinations and if you go you must go out to Pushkin where you will find Cathrine's Palace in which is the Amber room - the latter is the most beautiful thing ( place) I have ever seen and took my breath away. Many of the young folk speak very good English and will help you get the right trains etc to get around. I would not be worried about Moscow as I think it would not be a problem with language. I would give my eye teeth to go there.

travelfever

i think carson wrote a very good take on your question. russia more expensive than so. america , although i thought hiring the guides for the day trips were more reasonable than i expected. you need a guide for the hermitage just so you don't have to stand in that long line to get in, they will bypass all that and show you the highlights and you are not wandering around wasting time. as far as safety we walking all over and had no problems but opening backpacks and trying to snatch handbags is a problem in st. petes and that has put a damper on tourism as in the newspaper article i read in THERE newspaper 2 summers ago. it still would not deter me. it was so fabulous, nothing should keep you away. all the restauants were excellent! many ethnic restaurants now and great selection. spent 3 full days in moscow and 5 full days in st. petes [and you need it]. south america is also terrific as in peru and the amazon but it depends on what type adventure you are interested in. we are doing equador and galapagos in july since we always enjoy the nature trips above all else since they are more soothing for us. have fun!

jaret1976

Great advice from all of you...unfortunately, none of it made the decision any easier!! It is much appreciated that you all took the time to help us in the planning for our next big trip.

Cheers - Jaret

jaret1976

So our verdict is in. We are taking the trip to Buenos Aires and going to include Rio in the second half of it. Thank you all for the advice. I posted a new thread about a good 8 day itinerary. If any of you have good recommendations, it would be appreciated. Thanks again!!