How to get a Russian Tourist Visa

When planning a trip to Russia, keep in mind that getting a Russian visa can take weeks unless you want to pay a considerable amount of money. Express processing is $250 plus the visa service fees.

The Russian Consulate does not accept mailed in applications, so unless you live near one of the Russian Consulates, you will need to use a visa service.

A very good reliable visa service that I have personally used is A Briggs. They have a line dedicated to Russian visa applications. Call 1-800-417-4023 to talk with a Russia Visa Specialist. I highly recommend their service.

For you Russian Visa application you will need the following:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages the is valid for 6 months after your return date

• Visa application form carefully completed and signed with your signature in blue ink. As of July 1, 2011 only electronic visa applications will be accepted.

• A passport size photo (no teeth showing with a white background) affixed to the form

• A computer-generated flight itinerary from your travel agent, airline, or online booking agency or a copy of your ticket. The itinerary must show the applicant's name, date of arrival and departure from the country, and flight information.

• Consular Fee. A regular Tourist Visa is $140, and takes two weeks to process, providing all your information is correct.

• An invitation issued by an agency recognized by the Russian government. This can be issued by the Russian tour company or agency you are dealing with. Also most visa services provide this document for a fee. If you have a hotel reservation, you must provide a hotel confirmation and hotel voucher each with a Russian Government seal affixed thereto with the confirmation and reference number. This confirmation and voucher together serve as your invitation.

The Russian Consulate does not accept credit cards, but most visa services do making it possible to pay by credit card.

For more detailed instructions visit A Briggs Russian Visa Application instructions.

P.S. For shipping choose FED EX, not USPS if you need it expedited.
Get ready Russia here I come!

LIVE, LAUGH & TRAVEL!

Erja
Eurynome Journeys

SOLO TRAVELERS! Roomate(s) sought

One problem single travelers face is single supplements. Unfortunately most hotels charge almost the same, if not the same amount per night regardless of whether two people occupy a room or one. What is a single traveler to do?

One solution is to travel with groups that offer to arrange roommates.

On our Eurynome Journeys WanderWoman™ trips approximately 80% of our clients are single female travelers and only 20% of them request single (private) rooms. So we match our travelers with roommates, as do many other women's travel companies. We have found this to be very successful.

Right now (10 May 2011) we have two women-only trips with room shares available:
Maine Coast: Art & Nature Tour in July
New Years' Escape: Roman Holiday in late December

If you prefer not to travel with a group, another option is to join an online travel community and look for like minded travelers in the same predicament.

One great resource is: http://globetrooper.com/
Another site to find travel companions, geared exclusively to women, is Thelma & Louise.
And of course every female traveler should check out the resources on Journeywoman.

If you are planning to travel with someone from an online community exercise caution and read safety guidelines provided on these sites.

LIVE, LAUGH & TRAVEL!

MAINE GETAWAY: Save on single supplement

Come enjoy the beauty of the rugged Maine Coast this summer!

Room Share Available July 15-20.

Hike, kayak, visit art galleries, and the Camden Harbor Juried Art & Crafts Show with over 100 exhibitors. Tour the Farnsworth Museum and learn about the art inspired by the region's natural splendor.

Women-only, small group size, quaint inns, and LOBSTER!

For tour details visit: www.wanderwoman.com, or call 207.236.0110

GRACE O'MALLEY (GRANUAILE)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here is a little preview of our adventure to Ireland in Search of "Pirate Queen" Grace O'Malley.

This documentary was shot on location at the sites we will be visiting with author Anne Chambers (interviewed the documentary).




Join us in August to learn the rest of the story! Maybe even climb to the top of Croagh Patrick on the coast of Clew Bay where St Patrick fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.
Click here to view itinerary.

PART 2 Warrior Women Documentary Grace O'Malley (Granuaile)

PART 3 Warrior Women Documentary Grace O'Malley (Granuaile)

PART 4 Warrior Women Documentary Grace O'Malley (Granuaile)

Please share the story of this virtually forgotten Irish Queen with friends!  And joins us on our adventure In Search of Grace O'Malley with special Guest author Anne Chambers! Arrrgh!
Live, Laugh & Travel to Ireland this year!

www.wanderwoman.com

St Patrick's Day Savings on Ireland Adventure!

Join our WanderWoman™ travel adventure to Ireland in search of the "pirate queen" Grace O'Malley (Granuaile)!

As we trace the life of Granuaile we explore the beautiful western coast of Ireland from the megalithic tombs of the Burren to the quaint town of Westport on Clew Bay and through scenic Connemara.

Special guests best-selling author Anne Chambers and local archaeologist Michael Gibbons.

Reserve you space by St Paddy's and save $100 per person.

For tour itinerary click here.

Learn more about the extraordinary life of Granuaile and about author Anne Chambers at www.graceomalley.com/

GREECE: Room Share Available!

Greek Islands: June 1-13, 2011
Save cost of single supplement (filled)
Sorry this tour is FULL
See our fall Greek Islands Getaway

Visit Athens, and some of the most beautiful and fascinating islands of Greece: Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos!

Stay at small quaint local inns on the islands and a 5-star hotel in the heart of Athens.

Small group size (appox. 10), leisurely pace, fully escorted by WanderWoman™ tour director, privately guided tours by local specialists, delicious Mediterranean Cuisine...

For tour details see ITINERARY or call 207.236.0110

We hope you can join us!

EGYPT Urges Travelers to Support Freedom!

On Friday February 18, Egyptians will march on Tahrir Square, but this time to ask tourists to return to Egypt. Their slogan is "Support Freedom, Visit Egypt!" Tourism is Egypt's largest industry. The lack of tourists over the past weeks has had a detrimental effect on the economy of Egypt. The US State Department has not yet lifted travel warnings, but hopefully they will do so soon.

Hope to see you there!

Erja