If you are looking for a rich cultural vacation experience, then Russia would make a superb vacation destination. Russia is a massive country. It is actually twice the size of the USA. The culture in Russia is also very different to that of the United States, and as you may expect there is a lot to see and do, much more than you will ever be able to cover in a single holiday.

Russia has a rich history as a superpower, however they have gone through a lot of political changes and upheaval in the past few decades. All this makes Russia a fascinating country with a rich history and a unique culture, well worth visiting.

Travelers should be aware that there are a lot of problems with health and public infrastructure in certain parts of Russia, so it is best to assume, for example, that tap water is not safe to drink.

You don’t have to look very far to get satisfying answers about your travel questions for traveling to Russia. One excellent online resource is The U.S. State Department website. You will find great information and helpful tips for travel in Russia, such as the visa requirements for entering the country and more. Naturally, you cannot enter the country unless you have the proper documents such as a passport and visa. So be sure to comply with the visa requirements. It is an essential part of your Russia vacation planning. One important tip for travel in Russia is this. It could actually take at least two weeks to get your visa, so you need to plan properly. Failure to do so could mean that you may have to cancel your travel plans if your visa does not arrive on time. On the other hand, if you plan well and apply for your visa weeks in advance, you can get all the necessary travel documents in a timely fashion. Another important tip you need to know before going to Russia is that taxis in Russia very seldom use meters. You will need to negotiate with the taxi driver in advance. Failure to do this could result in a conflict or exorbitant fees, so bear this in mind.

Safety In Russia

While Russia is an interesting country with a lot of magnificent sights to see, there are some safety problems ‘ thieves are common, and there is a relatively high amount of violent crime. Some areas are safer than others, so it is a good idea to research the places you plan to visit before you leave, and take basic precautions such as keeping valuables out of sight and not carrying large amounts of cash.

Russia is a wonderful country with a rich heritage and some wonderful cultural institutions. The ballet companies are amazing, and there are some very good museums that everyone should try to visit while they are in the country.

There is a widely held misconception that during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Rome’s restaurants shut down and people who don’t have the luxury of eating at home are left to scavenge for food wherever they can get it. While one should expect some venues to be closed and many to embrace limited hours and prix fixe menus, visitors to Rome can eat very well during the holidays. It just requires a bit of planning.

To partake in the traditional Christmas Eve fish feast, head to Il Sanlorenzo, the best place in central Rome to find fresh, local and relatively sustainable fish. Il Sanlorenzo is open at lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

A short stroll away on via dei Giubbonari, Roscioli will be open for lunch only on Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Eve.

For fine dining options, try Metamorfosi, which will be open at dinner on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day, Pipero al Rex, which will be open at lunch and dinner on December 24, 25, 31, and at lunch only on January 1, or All’Oro, which will be open throughout the holidays.

For Roman fare, Cesare al Casaletto will be open for lunch only on December 25th, 26th and January 1st. Near the Vatican, Romeo will be open for lunch only on December 24 and for lunch and dinner on December 31. Flavio al Velavevodetto will be open for lunch on December 24, 25 and 31. Also in Testaccio, La Torricella is open for lunch on December 24. It is open December 24 for lunch, December 25 at lunch and dinner, and for lunch and dinner on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

For international cusine, try Mesob, which will be open throughout the holidays

A special event will take place at Vino Roma on December 25th at 6:00pm; Hande Leimer is offering a Christmas edition of her new tasting type Wine & Cheese Dinner, with an even more interesting wine selection. For booking and details, visit the Vino Roma site.

For craft beer check out Birra + in Pigneto, which will always be open, but will close at 8:30pm on Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Eve, and Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fa’ in Trastevere, which will be open from the late afternoon every day this holiday season. These two watering holes are the only places on the list where reservations are not accepted and no food is served.

It is also worth noting that most Kosher restaurants in the Ghetto will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

You can get the portable version of this list by purchasing my app “Katie Parla’s Rome”, details here and be sure to call all venues in advance before turing up. While the aforementioned openings have been confirmed multiple times, non si sa mai (you never know what can happen!). Buone feste!