I want to take my 18 year old daughter on a special trip, just the two of us together. I do not speak Russian and have never been to Russia, although I have traveled extensively through western Europe. I've read posts about how difficult it is to enjoy travel in Moscow, and that the local people are not very friendly to visitors. Any feedback on this travel idea? I also thought about hooking up with a tour of some type, but have never traveled in a tour before. Thanks for any help with this.

I've read those reviews too and I ignore them. Moscow's metro system makes it a very easy city to get around but you will need some understanding of Russian (or a map with the stations in English & Russian) in order to get on/off at the correct stations.

Tours are not necessary but if you feel like getting a tour guide say at the Kremlin, then you can do so on the day at the place where you buy tickets.

Arrange for a transfer from the airport on arrival and for the return, I would not advise taking a random taxi.

I wouldn't say the local people are not very friendly to visitors. They are indifferent may be. Nevertheless you can always ask the assistance of hotel staff in order to organize sightseeing tour and so on. Metro stations and main streets are double named both in English and Russian. I really don't see any difficulties could be through out your trip. Just follow the general rules of safety: don't leave your things unattended, walk in tourist city center, avoid uptown.Try to take only those taxi services, restaurants, guides which were adviced by your hotel.
Have a nice trip and welcome to Russia!

Muscovites don't go out of their way to be friendly, but I would not trade my experience in Moscow for anything. Red Square is magical. I took a side trip to St. Petersburg for 5 days and found those people as outgoing as the folks in my southeast USA town.

I stayed with friends in Moscow, but they had to work so I was on my own during the days. Went to St. Petersburg by myself. I had a map with English and Cyrillic (sp?) and had absolutely no problems navigating. I always found someone who spoke English if I needed help.

Please go and give yourself and your daughter an incredible memory!

I have been doing a lot of research planning for our own independent trip to Russia this summer. A few tips I have found. Look for hotels whose reviews indicate the staff is friendly and speaks reasonable English. They can usually help with arrangements such as visa, transportation, guide for the day, restaurant recommendations etc. It doesn't have to be a 5 star expensive place. I found what appear to be good choices with Northern Lights Hotel in St. Petersburg and Budapest Hotel in Moscow, both under $200 each night for a couple. I also have found some good websites with good introductory information about Russia that may help.

www.wayttorussia.net (and in particular their short language tutorial with sound at http://www.waytorussia.net/WhatIsRus...ian/Part2.html)

http://knol.google.com/k/learn-to-re...in-75-minutes#