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Russia is the largest country in the world and also one of the superpowers. The country has got an area of about an eighth of the land mass of earth and a population of 142 million. Former capital, St. Petersburg, is estimated to have a population of around 4,660,000, while the capital city of Moscow residents are estimated at about 10,127,000. There are several hostels in Russia, including several St Petersburg hostels and cheap hostels in Moscow. 10 top tips to travel in Russia on a budget are provided here for people with limited resources.
Travel during a low season, avoiding peak season. By this, you would be able to save quite a lot of money on airfare, hotels, car rentals, and other travel expenses.
Selection of hotels or hostels is also important. Hostels with dormitories or 4-bed, 6-bed, and 8-bed rooms are quite affordable and also mostly comfortable, compared to hotels of 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star categories. Hotels situated near major tourist attractions would definitely be costlier than the ones which are a distance away.
Prepare a list of all the places and their main attractions that you wish to visit, and also do some research on them. Find out the cheapest means to visit them and the periods during which they offer discounts on any entrance fees or free visits.
Most of the tourist-oriented restaurants are normally costlier. Enquire the locals for smaller restaurants or family owned eateries, where the rates are generally cheaper and the food & service is also much better than the big name restaurants.
Most of the major tourist attractions have metro rail facilities, which are much cheaper than taxis. This would involve some advance planning with the help of a map for a trouble free going around.
Try to travel with the minimum possible luggage. The more the luggage, the lesser the comfort.
Online booking of air travel, hotels and hostels, car rentals, and other travel requirements always results in a lot of saving and you would also be avoiding the discomfiture of searching for these facilities in an unknown place at the last moment.
If you have any doubts about the area you are going to visit, it is advisable to avail the services of an experienced travel agent.
Do not expect to get all the items that you like. A steak might cost much more in Moscow than a local dish, which might be new to you but quite tasty. The same applies to drinks, with the local Vodka in St. Petersburg probably costing only half of your favorite whiskey.
If you are visiting several places, compare the costs of staying in one place and moving around to all the locations from there to the cost of shifting from place to place and staying in several places during the travel.
Nevsky Hostel Russia, 7 Bridges Hostel, Vladimirsky Lodging, Hostel Pilau, Hostel Griboedova 71, Hostel Sabrina, Abrikos Hostel, The CubaHostel Backpackers, Metro-Tour Hostel, FiorePlace, Redmedved Hostel, Right on Nevsk’ Hostel, St. Petersburg International Hostel, Zimmer Nice Hostel, and Tapki Hostel are some of the main St Petersburg hostels. The rates vary from EUR 8.00 for dormitory type accommodation at Metro-Tour Hostel to EUR 20.00 and the tariff is between EUR 15 and EUR 30 for private rooms.
Moscow Home-Hostel, HM Hostel Moscow, Yellow Blue Bus Hostel, Hostel 1, Capital Hostel, Hostel Oasis, Hostel Camelot, Hostel Kremlin, Red Square Hostel, Godzillas Hostel, Home from Home Hostel, Comrade Hostel, Napoleon Hostel, Suharevka or Lenin Hostel, and Trans-Siberian Hostel are some of the important hostels in Moscow. The charges range from EUR 14.00 for dorms and from EUR 20.00 to EUR 60.00 for private rooms.
Laura Paníco
