Travel Destinations in Russia

The largest country in the world really has it all–mountains, valleys, frozen lands, and warm sands, and an incredible number of amazing natural destinations to impress any visitor.

Some of the oldest cities in Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, still retain their imperial splendor–obvious not only in their architecture but also in their majestic parks, shopping centers, and even metro stations.

Other cities and regions–including far-away destinations in Siberia and the Far East–offer a chance to explore things like the stunning beauty of the tundra and the Northern Lights, volcanoes, and more skiing than you could ever dream of.

From striking gilded palaces to vast natural spaces, take a look at our list of the best places to visit in Russia.

As a quick shout out, Russia was recommended to us by https://customroyalcountertopstile.com/ as a good place to visit!

1. Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is difficult to beat when it comes to breaking records. This massive high-altitude rift lake in Siberia is the world’s oldest and deepest lake, reaching a maximum depth of 1,642 metres and estimated to be 25 million years old. Baikal is also the world’s largest freshwater lake, holding more than 20% of the world’s freshwater.

Although Lake Baikal is one of the clearest lakes in the world, this is especially noticeable in winter, when it is possible to see up to 40 metres down into the water in some areas—despite the fact that much of the lake’s surface freezes over for up to five months of the year.

The lake’s water temperature can reach around 16 degrees Celsius for about a month around August, making it ideal for quick dips or short swims. During the rest of the year, however, temperatures typically remain below five degrees Celsius.

Lake Baikal is a popular summer destination for kayaking, boat cruises, and island hopping to explore shorelines and beaches. When the lake freezes over in the winter, visitors can cross-country ski across sections of it and explore the frozen Tazheran Steppes caves.

2. Moscow

Because most international flights arrive or at least stop in Moscow, it’s worthwhile to plan your trip so that you have at least a few hours to explore the city. Russia’s capital is a magnificent mix of greenery, stunning architecture, and numerous historical relics.

Visitors to Moscow usually begin their explorations in the city centre, which includes the Kremlin, Red Square, and the colourful St. Basil’s Cathedral. The glass and steel-roofed GUM shopping mall is also a popular destination—even for tourists who cannot afford the luxury brands sold here—and a great place to try authentic Russian food.

Even if museums aren’t your thing, Moscow has some amazing options worth seeing, such as the State Tretyakov Gallery (which only houses Russian art); the Pushkin Museum (which houses more international collections); and the Kremlin Armory Museum, which houses some unique items, such as Ivan the Terrible’s ivory throne and gold-covered imperial carriages.

If you can get tickets, the Bolshoi Theater, one of the world’s largest ballet and opera houses, is also worth seeing.

Some of Moscow’s best attractions, such as the pedestrian-only shopping street Stary Arbat and the boardwalk along the River Moskva, require some walking to fully appreciate.

The Metro stations in Moscow are works of art in and of themselves, with porcelain relief, crystal chandeliers, and unique mosaic artworks that make these places look like subterranean palaces. Mayakovskaya metro station, with its ceiling mosaics and pink rhodonite columns, and Kiyevskaya metro station, with white marble, frescoes, and elaborate artworks, are two of the most beautiful.

3. St. Peterburg

Although smaller than Moscow, St. Petersburg has so much to offer that seeing it all in one day is often impossible. St. Petersburg feels more European than Moscow, with fine art and exquisite design details mingling with history around every corner. You can explore it on foot to get a close look at the architecture, or you can take a cruise to see some of the 300 kilometres of canals that cut through the imperial city.

Visit Moika Palace (most famous for being the site of Rasputin’s assassination) and the Neoclassical, 19th-century St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which is actually a Russian Orthodox museum, for a stunning display of white and gold colours.

The Hermitage Museum, possibly St. Petersburg’s most famous tourist attraction and the world’s second largest art and culture museum, houses over three million items ranging from prehistoric art (including articles from nomadic tribes in Altai) to Catherine the Great’s art collection.

Peterhof Palace is located about 25 kilometres outside of St. Petersburg and is well worth the day trip. It was built in the early 1700s as Peter the Great’s summer residence and is very similar to the Palace of Versailles in France.

5. Sochi

Sochi, a summer beach resort town on the Black Sea, offers long stretches of pebble and sand beaches, imposing examples of Stalinist architecture, the Kinotavr summer film festival, and plenty of spas and outdoor markets to suit all budgets and tastes. Mzymta, Russia’s longest river, runs through Sochi before emptying into the Black Sea, and it’s a popular rafting destination.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve, just 50 kilometres from Sochi, is home to a number of unique species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Persian leopard.

The nearby Rosa Khutor ski resort is another popular winter destination and a world-class alpine skiing area; the 2014 Winter Olympics were held here.

6. The Russian Tundra

The tundra is a distinct biome that can only be found in or near the Arctic Circle. Temperatures here are so low that trees cannot grow, and only moss, shrubs, and certain types of grasses survive the winter. Most people associate the tundra with permafrost, which means that the ground is permanently frozen. In areas where the top layer of ground melts during the summer, marshes and streams form, resulting in beautiful patches of colourful icy water.

During nesting season, the Russian tundra is home to polar bears, seals, grey wolves, and a diverse birdlife. Over the last few decades, ecotourism has grown in popularity in tundra areas, particularly the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk Krai, where visitors can explore a variety of environmental routes, try bird-watching, or visit as part of an educational tour.

Why Would You Want to Visit Egypt? Aswan?

Aswan has to be one of the most beautiful places in Egypt. Rolling dunes of golden sand brush the edges of the cool Nile River. Bright green palm trees contrast starkly against the dusty buildings and golden tones of the desert. In winter the temperature can be quite mild often in the seventies, but it can get cold at night. As soon as you step from your boat you will be barraged by taxi drivers, of the horse drawn kind. It is a very small town so you will absolutely not need one.

You will discover there is a trip to Abu Simbel Temple while in Aswan. Before the Aswan dam could be built this magnificent temple had to be relocated; it is now a six hour round trip bus ride from Aswan. The road is rough and somewhat dangerous from natural and human threats. It is supposed to be a wonderful temple to visit, but the trip is not worth the effort. If you have been visiting the other temples on your way to Aswan then skip this one.

What is worth a visit is one of the many old hotels in town. Most of them have spectacular views and cool drinks. A sail in a felucca (sail boat) is a must do while in Aswan. In fact, it is best to take a felucca to Kitchener Island. This island and botanical garden is in the middle of the river and is one of the most beautiful spots on the Nile. Take a walk through the park and observe exotic birds while breathing the excellent Nile air.

No stopover in Aswan would be complete without a visit to a Nubian village. This excursion could be the most rewarding experience of your whole adventure. You can spend the evening with a Nubian family in their home and have tea and dinner with them. The Nubian’s live very modestly in a medieval style, but they are welcoming and seem very happy with their lives. Nubian guides are happy to talk about Nubian history, but it is difficult to know what they are saying as their English can often be limited. If you are carried away by the Arabian Nights atmosphere henna tattoos are available. They say it will wear off in several weeks. And finally, the villagers are more than happy to sell you their arts and crafts. A wonderful experience! Of course, watch out for the food and drink as it can leave you with a gift that keeps on giving.

On the other side of the Nile from the town of Aswan, you can ride a camel across the desert to the Saint Simeon monastery. This is one of the oldest known Christian monasteries and reflects a time when Christianity was an influential religion in Egypt. Riding camels is fun except they are smelly and dusty, and make the strangest gurgling sounds from time to time. Make sure that the price of your ride includes a saddle and camel boy.

The Philae Temple on the island of Aglika is also worth a visit. The temple was moved from its original island after the building of the Aswan dam, which was a mammoth task as the temple is enormous.…

Egyptian Civilization – 5 Reasons to Visit Egypt

Egypt, the ancient land of the Pharaohs, is one such country. It is a remarkable travel destination for many reasons. In short here are five of them:

* It is ancient. It was old when the Greeks discovered it, but its temples and tombs stayed hidden, long enough so that we can protect the fragile mummies and paintings today.

* It is cheap. Compared to most countries it is relatively cheap and you see things you can only see in Egypt. The food is different but cheap and good.

* It is never cold. That is for sure. Being on the northern tip of Africa and being a desert, you can leave your winter gear at home.

* It is mysterious. This is an understatement. It is filled with so much mystery that even respected Egyptologists can’t foresee what still lies buried below the sand of this land.

* It is romantic. A cruise along the Nile will evoke passion long forgotten and arise new ones. It will also bring you to temples built by rulers for the women in their lives.

In conclusion for a traveler, especially those who won’t stay in top hotels, Egypt can be a shock. Touts are everywhere and I think only in India will you find more of them. But they tap your energy and patience as they are very persistent. The heat, the traffic, and the noise just enhance the rude awakening. Still, if you have the right attitude you’ll discover a destination many only dream about visiting. And you’ll see things that you can’t describe when you return home. But you’ll always remember them.…

Great Reasons to Visit Egypt

Egypt has been a family hotspot for years; the country is ripe with history and culture. Tourism in the country has significantly dropped due to political upheaval and the country going through a turbulent depression; however, it’s begun its fight back and is beginning to establish itself as a tourist favorite once more. Here are a few reasons why it’s so popular.

The first reason behind its popularity is its rich history. With some areas dating back over 7000 years, the abundance of temples, treasures and museums continue to astound visitors year after year. The most famous of these are the pyramids of Giza, built for each pharaoh to enjoy the afterlife when they passed away. The deep tombs containing the pharaoh’s were relished in rich gold and treasure and sealed away from the world until recently excavated by archeologists. Activities around the area aren’t hard to come by, whether it’s a camel ride across Giza, or a breathtaking hot air balloon trip across the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, there’s something for everybody to enjoy.

Secondly, it’s the sunshine, the fundamental drive behind anyone’s summer getaway. Among the most luxurious of these is Sharm-el-Sheikh. This hugely popular tourist area is the home to sumptuous 5 star hotels, crisp sandy beaches accompanied with crystal clear ocean waters. All these combined with intense sunshine (which usually soars into 40 degrees in the summer) result in the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Sharm-el-Sheikh is also excellent for diving, regarded among the best areas in the world. Egyptian waters are among the most bio-diverse in the world, with millions of species residing among the 2,000 kilometers of reef. Dive down and see it for yourself, trips are available with your very own internationally certified instructor all year round. For those after a bit of a fright, there’s even the opportunity to get up, close and personal by swimming with sharks.

The Sahara desert may seem desolate and baron, but why not try quad biking or windsurfing in the great sandy plains. These are things guaranteed to get your heart racing.

And of course, who forgets the River Nile. Flowing through 11 countries it’s regarded as the longest river in the world. Why not take yourself on a day cruise of its calm waters, giving you your own little bit of paradise.…

Ten Things You Can Do in Korea

In Korea, the seat of the government is in Seoul. In this city you would notice a great mixture of culture and tradition. Of course, in this article, when we say visit Korea, it would automatically mean South Korea for North Korea is a little bit difficult to get into.

Below is a list of the favourites that people who already went to South Korea listed to help you in deciding which places to visit.

1. Top one in your to visit list is the Gyeongbok Palace

This is difficult to miss given that it is located at the northern end of the main boulevard in Seoul which is Sejongro. This is the most famous royal palace in Korea.

2. Next thing to do when in South Korea is to experience the yore living in Bukchon Village

This village is surrounded by the Gyeongbok Palace on the west and Changdeok Palace on the east. It houses the largest group of privately owned hanok (traditional Korean homes) in Seoul.

3. Then you should experience shopping in Shinsegae Department Store

Being one of the biggest department stores in the city, Shinsegae offers staples such as prepared food at the base, expensive shoes and bags at the next level and the rooftop offers a beautiful garden where the shopper can relax after a tiring day of walking and shopping.

4. You should also experience mountain climbing in Bugaksan

Seoul’s ancient fortress walls and its 15th century gates await hikers who would take any of the numerous trailheads here in Bugaksan.

5. Visit Itaewon neighborhood

This is located near the former U.S. army base. Here bars, clubs, restaurants and shops are what attract tourists.

6. Another market is the Namdaemun Market

This serves as a 24/7 market for those who are searching for less expensive clothing, accessories and almost everything a tourist could possibly want to buy.

7. Then you should experience walking along the Cheonggyecheon Stream

Quiet and beautiful, this place is located 15ft below street level. It is best for strolls and relaxation.

8. No trip to Korea is complete without learning about their history in the War Memorial of Korea

Here you would learn about the history of relationships in Korea.

9. The Seoul City Tour Bus

A less expensive way to tour the city.

10. Visit Baedongbaji

Lastly, you should experience full Korean cuisine for about 15usd. This is in Baedongbaji, Samcheong-dong.…

Hiking Chiaksan in Wonju, South Korea

Korea isn’t a big place. It’s roughly the size of the state of Minnesota for my fellow Yankees.

But you know what they say: great things often come in small packages. One benefit of living in such a geographically compact place is that you can visit just about anywhere in the country in a day or over the weekend.

If you’re eager for an outdoor adventure but only have a single day or weekend to spare, Chiaksan in Gangwon-do, Korea is a great choice. Read on for details and directions!

A Mountain of Myth and Beauty

If we’re talking mountain ranges in Korea, the best known are Jirisan and Seorraksan. These are beautiful places to visit and worthy of their reputations, but they’re often crowded with hikers.

Chiaksan isn’t quite as spectacular as its more famous brethren, but it still makes for a worthwhile destination and — bonus! — it’s far less crowded.

Chiaksan is located in Gangwon-do about 30km from the city of Wonju.

Like all but the most remote and abandoned trailheads in Korea, the base of Chiaksan is a busy place. You’ll find an array of stores and vendors selling everything from reliquary beads and Buddhist trinkets to kimchi pancakes and rice wine.

It might be a good idea to fuel up before your hike and the kimchi pancakes sizzling on griddles are sure to satisfy a hungry stomach.

Once you make your way through the distractions and delicious smells of this mountain bazaar you’ll arrive at the entrance to Chiaksan. The entry fee to Chiaksan is 2,500 won per person, cash only.

Not far from the entrance is Guryeongsa Temple.

Guryeongsa Temple is a medium-sized temple complex built during the Silla Dynasty. Built on the side of a steep hill, you enter the temple complex through a pavilion, towering wooden statues of the “Four Heavenly Guardians” looking down at you, and then climb a steep flight of stairs into Guryeongsa Temple.

As with most Korean temples, the air will likely be faint with incense and the rhythmic chanting of monks at their prayers will echo off of temple walls. It’s a pleasant and relaxing environment to spend a few minutes before setting off on your journey.

Hiking the Trails

From Guryeongsa Temple it’s a 5km hike to Birobong, the peak of Chiaksan. For roughly half of that hike the trail is easygoing — more of a leisurely walk than a hike, really.

You can follow trails through forests of towering pine, through quiet bamboo groves, down into valleys where the trail runs alongisde a bubbling mountain stream, or criss-cross between the two.

About 2km from the base of Chiak Mountain is Seryeong waterfall and from there the hike gets steep. I’m talking about a Jekyll and Hyde transformation from the earlier part of the hike, so if you plan on trekking to the peak of Chiaksan make sure you’re well prepared.

If you’re not up to the challenge there’s a lovely botanical garden located between the Seryeong waterfall and Guryeongsa Temple. It’s a wonderful place to relax and simply enjoy the beauty of nature.

When you need a break from Seoul, or if you’re just in the market for your next outdoor adventure, head for Chiaksan. It’s the beauty of a mountain and one of Korea’s better kept secrets.…

What Makes the Maldives so Special?

The Maldivian islands have become one of the most visited locations. What makes them so special?

  1. World-class Luxury and Hospitality Services

Spending time in the Maldives is so worth it if only for the relaxing luxurious services you have access to. Fun fact, the Maldives has the first five-star built-in-water hotel in the world. With its underwater restaurants, relaxing spas, and various relaxing destinations, it is the perfect place to blow some steam off and enjoy quality “me time”.

  1. Wonderful Beaches

The Maldives have gained something of a reputation for having some of the best beaches on the planet. Relaxing on maldivian beaches is a delight in itself. With the tens of beaches around the maldives, there is one for everyone. Popular fun beaches, or more secluded and romantic beaches where you could have some quiet time and watch the sun set. 

  1. Spectacular Dive Spots and Diverse Marine Life

The maldives has some diving and snorkelling sweet spots. If you are a fan of these underwater adventures, you can be sure you will have a great time. With the diversity of marine creatures, you could quite literally swim with sharks if you dive in certain locations. 

Summary

The welcoming culture of the people and delectable local dishes is also a major pro of visiting the Maldives. You should definitely visit this paradise-on-earth destination. It is totally worth it!…

Is Bora Bora Worth Visiting?

It is one of the most romantic locations you could visit today. While getting there really does cost more than a few bucks and can be quite time-consuming, it is totally worth it. 

The serene atmosphere in Bora Bora cannot be found in any other similarly beautiful location. Few tourists actually choose to visit Bora Bora annually. Meaning that you do not have to deal with the “crowd condition” prevalent in other tourist hotspots. So if you are looking for a destination to “de-stress” Bora Bora is perfect for you. You can enjoy the sights and local cultures at your own pace.

The island cuisines in Bora Bora are all really tasty. The locals have made the best of their natural heritage. From interesting seafood options to mouthwatering appetizers made using exotic fruits and recipes. 

The natives are really welcoming. They have so many stories to tell and their culture and traditions are really fun. Here is a fun fact, did you know that the original name of the island was too long to pronounce so it was eventually shortened? Bora Bora is actually the mispronounced version of the shortened name. Interesting stuff.

The pristine nature of the island, paired with the lack of crowds makes it a really romantic destination. Then their above-water bamboo houses are a really attractive feature of Bora Bora. you would absolutely love the whole scenery if you choose to visit.…

What is Special About Bora Bora?

Fun fact, the name Bora Bora initially came out as a result of explorers and settlers mishearing its initial name of Pora Pora (meaning firstborn). The island once menaced by the activities of a now dormant volcano is towered by two major peaks, Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia.

Bora Bora is one of the most exotic spots on earth. It is habited by people who are welcoming and yet love to keep to themselves. This is why it never seems to be full even in its peak tourism seasons. In fact, it is said to get as many visitors in a year, as Hawaii gets in a week. Granted its relatively pricy cost has a part to play. But getting to experience true luxury and relaxation makes it worth the price.

Additionally, the natural heritage is mostly left untouched. So the water is as clear as it gets, its lakes are not littered, and the beaches are also really clean. So Bora Bora is basically paradise on earth. If you are a fan of IG stories, you would have various choice locations there.

Last but not least, it is absolutely romantic. It might not be Paris, but all of its little advantages add together to make it a perfect romantic getaway.

What Makes Santorini Special?

Santorini is one of the most visited cities in Greece today. Its picturesque views, natural heritage, excellent weather, and wonderful people are some of its most attractive qualities.

The island city of Santorini is one that might have been somewhat exaggerated by pop culture to seem like paradise on earth. While it might not be as flashy as it seems online, Santorini is nevertheless absolutely beautiful. Santorini makes everyone who sees it from certain angles for the first time pause, and go “wow”. 

The city is also one with a lot of awesome beaches. Full, sandy beaches bordering pristine aquamarine waters presents a really cool image. From the most popular to the more secluded beaches in Santorini, they are all equally lovely. Besides, you have never seen a more beautiful and magnificent image than watching the sun as it slowly but surely sinks into the far edges of the ocean. 

The people of Santorini, like all greeks, are really wonderful people. In line with their culture, they try their best to make tourists feel at home. It is one of the most family-friendly locations among all tourist hotspots. The neighborhoods, markets, and other tourist attractions in the city are relatively safe.

These are just some of the main attractions. The many heritage sites and mountain tracks aim to make sure your time in Santorini is adventure filled.…

Amalfi Coast

Referred to as the divine coast, the Amalfi coast is one of the most prominent destinations for tourists these days, it was first enjoyed by the world’s “jet set”. But in recent times, it has increasingly become an online sensation. Why?

It is beautiful. The Amalfi coast is blessed to a lot of beautiful and magnificent landscapes that attract people from all over the world. In recent times, these beautiful sights have become even more of an online sensation. 

It is strategically located in a way that makes visiting other Italian cities, a lot easier. Visiting other Italian cities from the Amalfi coast is nothing more than a few hours of “sight-filled” driving. Of course you could fly, but then you’d miss out on the beautiful ocean view, driving or sailing would offer. 

Lastly, the beaches are world-class. Some of the beaches offer something of a unique adventure. Some beaches are so hidden that you’d have to climb up or down treacherous slopes to get to them. But once you’re there, you will not regret the journey. A few of these beaches hide some of the most fitting deep diving locations on the coast. 

If you want an adventure, fun-filled, and easy going luxurious vacation, the Amalfi Coast is perfect.…