joy

My 15 yr old son & I are travelling to Russia this summer. I'm not sure if hubby can come or not, so for now am planning on just mom & son. The last time I was in Russia (20 yrs ago), was an interesting experience. Because of our jobs, hubby &I were not allowed (by us govt) to travel together, so a friend & I went with a British tour group. I won't get into all the details, but my room was searched daily , drawers dumped, used rolls of film taken, guy sitting in a chair outside my room all nite,etc.... typical cold war. stuff. How much has it changed? Is it safe for my son & I to travel there alone and rent a car? this is how we typically do a vacation, but I literally nearly didn't get out of Russia, a whole long story, and don't want to experience that stuff with my son along. Also, we hear about the Moffia in Russia, does this make it unsafe for my and my son? I had told him I'd take him, but only with a tour, not travelling on our own, this makes it a totally different vacation than normal. What do you guys say?

Maira

Not sure exactly what type of advice you are seeking, but if it pertains security, nobody here can give you better advise than your own organization (maybe Dept of State?). If it pertains safety, there is safety in number as that is the route I would pursue, specially a woman traveling with a teen.

john

Traveled as a couple to St. Petersburg in 1997. Would advise you go with a group. Currency, language, alphabet, general breakdown make things more difficult than other European countries. Suspect things may have improved somewhat but would be leary about traveling without your husband.

Peggy

John, <BR>Would you advise my 73 yr old mother not to tour St. Petersburg with 3 other women on a ship's tour with Princess Cruises? What are the dangers? I want her to go & enjoy herself but is there something I should be worried about? <BR>Thank you.

Debbie

Joy-My husband and I work for a major airline that flys to the Soviet Union.(I was last there in 1979!)My recommendation to you from conversations <BR>with my husband is to take a tour! Our flight crews have to exercise alot of caution when over there as there are lots of security issues when you are even a block from the hotel!We have two teenagers the same age and our family loves history-but my husband has nixed travel there until things change.The tour gives you a sense of security plus will keep you out of areas that may not be acceptable for a unescorted woman to be in.I am dying to go back as it is such an interesting country but from what my friends who "layover" there say-BE CAREFUL as crime is high and things do change constantly. Debbie

Mary

I was also in Russia over 20 years ago but our luggage was searched with more finesse. I couldn't decide if they were just looking at my underwear or what! (Also we had a stern looking babuska in a fuzzy hat outside our room) <BR>Anyway, I have no first-hand knowledge of the situation now but I am with the other posters -- take a tour! (I don't say that about many places but this is one time I do)

Bob Brown

To play the role of the countrary advocate, I would like to pose a related question: why would anyone want to go to Russia right now with all of the dangers one must endure in a society that gives every outward appearance of turmoil? <BR>There are so many other places to go that are safer and more serene that I am curious why someone would voluntarily assume the risk.

Kathleen

Look into a cruise--between St. Petersburg and Moscow, or Moscow down the Volga. It's the best of both worlds, touring the big cities, plus seeing some of the smaller towns on the rivers, and the land is beautiful. I don't think there's much harrassment now, but I haven't been there since '93. Then the authorities didn't bother us, however our tour guides did herd us around like sheep, but I think it was more concern for our safety than 'keeping tabs.' I think a tour group is definitely the way to go, unless you are VERY independent.