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

Try the Ural mountains around Perm and Ufa. I heard this would be fascinating and safety isn't a problem. If you don't speak Russian, it's even better, they don't speak English either.

Hi jaret1976,

Sorry no real suggestions --

Just a reminder that in June, South America won't be that "tropical" as it'll be winter. Well, I guess a tropical winter!

s

You will have completely different experiences, so it's hard to compare. You may want to read some postings on this forum for both Russia and South America and see which appeals to you more.
I think that our summer (US) is more of a winter in Brazil, and the weather can get a bit "iffy"
In terms of safety in Moscow and St. Petersburg, it's no different than in any other big city (and I'd say even safer than Rio), besides, you will probably be going to the places where there are plenty of tourists anyway.

If you want a tropical exciting destination, the French Riviera probably fits that criteria more than most places in the South Hemisphere in June.... That's where I would go.

If you just want to visit cities and if it's a choice between Mos/St.Pete and Rio/BuAir, then Russia wins, just because of the rich history, but there are few other possibilities.

Rio - It's a great place for beach/party type of vacation. Sightseeing is somewhat limited and you do have to always be aware of certain neighborhoods. You just don't go there under any circumstance, unless it's an official tour. It's is winter there, but it's just like winter in Florida. It's still beach weather on most days.

Buenos Aires - a great place for outstanding food, great shopping especially anyhing leater, some wonderful neighborhoods, some bad ones as well, but nothing like Rio. Tango, great nightlife. The city has some wonderful architecture. It is called the Paris of South America. I was there once during the first week of August (our February) and a jacket was needed at night, but not much during the day, so it's not bad.

If you want a beach break, go to Rio for few days as it is fun, but if you are looking for something beyond, add couple of days and pick Buenos Aires and Lima/Cuzco instead.

About 3 nights in Buenos Aires. Then fly to Iguazu Falls. It's just magical. 2 nights there, then off to Mendoza, the wine capital of Argentina. Wonderful wineries, just remarkable restaurants and great fun. About 3 nights there.
Fly into Lima, but not necessarly stay there, just connect to a short flight to Cuzco where you should make your base. Cuzco, is worth at least couple of nights and then at least a 1 day trip to Machu Picchu. If you have more time then an overnight in Machu Picchu or if you have the big $, spend a night at the Sanctuary right next to the Inka ruins. Words can not describe the experience.

Either way you can't go wrong, but the experiences will be completely different so it's really hard to compare.
Good luck and have a great vacation wherever you end up going!

Can't comment on SA - but Moscow and St Pet (I would do both) would be great. But - you'll need visas and don;t have much time to get them (and make the arrangements you have to have before you can get the visas.)

I forgot to mention. US citizens do need a visa for Brazil. It's $100 and make sure you request the 5 year one. If you do it by mail, it's a $1 service charge plus mailing cos both ways. You can Google for Brazil Embassy/US or something like that and you will e able to print out the application. It took less than 2 weeks for me. I maile it to the Miami consulate from Sarasota.

No visa require fo Agentina or Peru.

I's a $10 service charge, not $1.

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

LOL, AAFF, you talked me into it
We are in the beginning stages of a Buenos Aires trip and it does sound so much more interesting all round.

You can see a lot of Moscow and Piter in nine days, and I think the weather in mid-June would be a great treat- you will catch the "White Nights" in Saint Petersburg!


Moscow and Saint Petersburg are much safer than many places in the US.

<b>Scarlett</b>,

this is not the forum for SA, so you should read as much as possible on the subjest on the South America forum.

I will tell you that the Puerto Madera area of BA is a great place to stay.

If you have some more questions, e-mail at andrzej0614 at aol dot com. I check that account about once a week only.

While Nice is lovely and we like it quite a lot, it's not really tropical: too far north.