What you need to pack for Saint Petersburg
When you travel to a foreign country, the arrival or the journey itself might be slightly difficult. BUT when you don’t know what the weather is going to be like, that’s when the real challenge starts – at home! I’d like to think I’ve got this particular situation under control, because I’ve already been to Russia three times; once to Moscow in the summer and twice to St Petersburg in the winter. So make note of the following tips in order to make your journey hassle-free and your stay unforgetable.
Don’t forget a jacket!
Of course, it depends on the season you’re travelling in but trust me, even in summer you need a jacket. I visited the Kremlin in Moscow and the weather was sunny mixed with few little clouds. So, a jacket isn’t very necessary? Wrong! The weather changed very quick and it rained so heavy that even my socks were wet.
And I don’t really have to tell you much about the famous Russian winter. Especially in Saint Petersburg, which is high up in the north, it can get absolutely freezing. If you think our accommodation might save you from the low temperatures in autumn, I should tell that if you aren’t housed in a hotel your chances of not freezing are pretty bad, especially if you freeze easily. Most of the flats in Saint Petersburg are warmed by central heating which is controlled by the government. So, I the heaters don’t turn on until the end of September.
Sportswear!
No excuses! Just because you’re away from home It does not mean that you can’t do some exercise. Saint Petersburg is full of athletic and sporting opportunities like a crag or fly jets. Even if you just go for a run, there are plenty beautiful places to see. And just in case you have no sportswear with you do not worry. Saint Petersburg has a huge variety of shopping malls and sport outfitters you don’t even need to look much further than Невский проспект.
Footwear!
It doesn’t matter if it summer or winter. You should take comfortable shoes with you because the distances in Russia are different from they are in Europe. For example, back in the days when I visited Moscow sometimes I had to walk the whole day through the city in a pair of Converse. Trust me, you don’t want to get blisters on your feet. Don’t get disheartened by the weather at home! Saint Petersburg can be beautiful in the snow, so take a nice warm pair of shoes and make the most of it!
At the end of this blog let me give some quick basic advice for your journey: The most important being – DO NOT forget your passport and check your visa the same day you receive it. Also check that your cash card allows you to withdraw money in Russia. Maybe a credit card would be better – depends on you!
But the most important thing you must take with you is a smile on your face and a big love for adventures.
