May 20th is Volga Day in Russia. You might think it a little odd that a river has its own commemorative day, but that pales in comparison to some of the more bonkers holidays that the month throws up: No…
It’s Victory Day in Russia this May
Russia commemorates Victory Day on May 9th. It’s an important date on the calendar, marking the day when Russians got their country back after defeating Nazi Germany in World War Two. If you’re wondering why Russia doesn’t commemorate VE day…
The White Nights festival in St. Petersburg
Culture vultures with a penchant for staying up late: this one’s for you. In midsummer, on account of its latitude, St Petersburg becomes the city of the white nights. The sun sets late into the evening and dark, when it…
It’s International Women’s Day – how will you mark the occasion?
This year, the theme of International Women’s day is #BalanceforBetter. Organisers have the following message for those intending to formally mark the occasion, which this year falls on Friday 8th March: “A balanced world is a better world. How can…
Don’t be daunted – travelling through Russia is easier than you think!
I’m a keen solo traveller but the first time I visited Russia I’ll admit I was daunted. My plan was to cross the country on an epic Trans-Siberian adventure, but I was worried about the language barrier and about missing…