Messages: 130,327 - Threads: 24,146
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Inside you'll find the answers to most of the common questions of the region
Edited by: Irene_Adler
START HERE for information about Russia, the TransSiberian train routes, Belarus and Ukraine -
New RU Sticky and New RU Train sticky
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This post links to specific informational threads or stickies. Please do not ask your questions on these threads. If you have questions, please find another thread and ask them there or start a new thread. However, please feel free to add information to these threads that you think will be useful to other travelers.
Thanks to Ruth (Everbrite), Gene (TravelsWise) and Louise (lo...
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10-Feb-2010 05:58
bristolsmoker
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10-Feb-2010 05:58
bristolsmoker
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hi guy's. just a question about visa's when applying, they want to know about countries visited, here is my problem in my passport I have gone to Afghanistan Iraq Uzbekistan etc, just wondering if they will grant me a visa, with these stamp's thank's for your time
Hello,
I see there was an administrative reform in Latvia in 2009 with districts eliminated.
I wonder why the new municipalities that were created are so different in size, with e.g. Ventspils municipality covering whole former district and many districts carved into very small municipalities. Were there any discussions on this issue? A link to an article about the reform would also be helpful (possibly in Latvian, I'd use Google Translation).
10-Feb-2010 04:01
GrahamL
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10-Feb-2010 04:03
GrahamL
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location: Russia
Hi
I have been having trouble purchasing tickets on the Russian Railways website www.ticket.rzd.ru
First of all make sure that you have registerd with your bank for " Verified Visa" or "Mastercard secure code"
My cards are through an Australian bank that is linked into this extra security system and it should work. I have used it to make a purchase on a UK site. However when I get to the point of entering my secure code on the Russian Railway site I just get the following message "In valid request received from your system It cannot be processed" Neither my bank or Master Card can offer any help. I have contacted the Russian railway and its looking like I can get tickets another way. I don't know if the problem is because it is an Australian bank. It appears that others haven't had this problem. I just thought I should let people know that buying tickets online might not be ...
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10-Feb-2010 03:27
KEIRHJOYCE1979
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10-Feb-2010 08:00
daveelmstrom
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Myself and my friend are travelling from ljubjana to istanbul by train from 22nd of july until the 6th of August. wondering if anyone has anyone has any tips and maybe some cool obscure places off the beaten track that we could go. we thought we might go to the following ljubjana-belgrade-brasov-bucherest-sofia-istanbul. if you have better ideas on were to go and you have done a similar trip then please please pass on you knowledge.
10-Feb-2010 01:30
vignovigno
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10-Feb-2010 03:52
Krakonos
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location: Czech Republic
Hi guys! I have been travelling to Slovakia for 3 years and actually fell in love with cabbage soup (kapustnica). Next weekend I will be in Prague and I would like to give a try to the "czech version". Do you know some good place (in the centre)?
Dakujem!
Christian
10-Feb-2010 00:59
UpNorth
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10-Feb-2010 00:59
UpNorth
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location: Azerbaijan
I'm planning a trip to Azerbaijan to visit a friend who is working in Baku. The plan so far is to do this trip in June and to travel on a low budget since I'm going on a month ski expedition to the Arctic this summer. When I'm in Baku I intend to stay at my friends house, but I'm a fan of climbing and mountaineering... So rather than spending a lot of time in Baku, I want to see the wilderness (caucasus)
I have tried to check out the possibility of using a travel agency in Baku to organize a mountain trip to Bazardüzü (or surrounding mountains), but the cost is high (appr 1500 USD for 5 days). Is it possible to do this trip on your own? Or to hire a private person to guide me on such a tour?
I've seen in this forum that people have problem getting good maps over Azerbaijan. How is the situation at present time?
Hope to hear from anyone :-)
UpNorth in Norway
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10-Feb-2010 00:05
kaytyharrison
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10-Feb-2010 01:47
everbrite
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Am getting my Chinese Visa in İstanbul and wanted to update the info here as it is a bit outdated.
Currently, the place to get said visa is through the travel agency Ligarba located on Cumhuriyet Caddesi.
The address:
Cumhuriyet Cad.
Işık Apt. No: 153, Kat (floor): 6
Harbiye, İstanbul (near Taksim Sq)
phone: +90 212 291 7373
fax: +90 212 291 6127
www.ligarbatravel.com
Visa Reqs:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and at least one whole blank page
- 2 color passport-sized photos
- a photocopied bank statement of the passport holder's account showing at least $5000
- a letter of approval from your respective foreign embassy
...
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09-Feb-2010 21:00
happypenny
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10-Feb-2010 07:58
Firehazard Jack
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location: Czech Republic
Hi everyone
Yes, I know this is a broad question! I'm looking for ideas for this summer's travels and would welcome anyone's input regarding Czech Republic.
Two of us backpacking, public transport, hostels/pensions (double room preferred not dorms) we want to meet people (locals and other travellers) and absorb a bit of the culture so lots of photo ops! Also needing some time out to kick back and just relax for a few days.
I have read through many, many threads on here, that's what has started my interest in Czech Republic and possibly Slovakia though that looks more expensive?
I'm just looking to get an idea of where to go, costs and ease of travel. This is just the start of my travel research as it were so anything at all is really, truly appreciated.
Thanks all :-)
09-Feb-2010 16:06
OdysseusSolo
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09-Feb-2010 18:33
Jeroen
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location: Albania
Peace to all travelers! My girlfriend and I will be coming through Albania via an Italian ferry next November and hope to spend two or three weeks in the country. We're wondering if there are authentic villages along the coast or if it's all hotels and trendy restaurants (which I also love, but not this time). We're interested in being a part of village life and experiencing it's community and local economy, if only as an outside observer. What type of lodging should we expect to find, keeping in mind that the cheaper the better, and being the winter should we expect low rates and half-staffs. Any advice is appreciated! Peace...
09-Feb-2010 13:02
chachurman
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10-Feb-2010 04:00
botsko
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location: Bulgaria
Hello!
is it easy to reach chiza maljovica from sofia airport by public transport? arrival time noon. thanks for any advises.
P.
09-Feb-2010 11:04
DECronk
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09-Feb-2010 11:04
DECronk
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location: Turkey
Hi Friends-
I am wondering if anyone has any experience (positive or negative) regarding the tour agency in Turkey, Alaturka
http://www.alaturkaturkey.com/
I am considering the Cappadocia to Nemrut Dagi tour but am wondering if anyone has any comments they can share before I make my decision.
If not, do you have any recommendations for a couple of day tour to Nemrut Dagi out of Göreme.
Happy Travels-
Daniël
09-Feb-2010 09:37
Maninho
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10-Feb-2010 07:53
Raki_Man
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location: Macedonia
In http://wikitravel.org/en/Ohrid I read:
Sleep
Main forms of accommodation are private houses, apartments and villas. For an average price of around 10 - €15 per night, you will find an excellent private facilities, located mostly in the Old Town. While arriving there, to get a host you can ask at the nearest Tourist Information Bureau (at the bus station, for example). . .
Is this realistic?
I might have 3 or 4 days over (Western) Easter in Ohrid, I hope.
TIA
Maninho
09-Feb-2010 09:05
devils_avocado
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10-Feb-2010 05:55
devils_avocado
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location: Bosnia-Hercegovina
Hi there,
Does anyone know where I could find information about buses from Jajce to Mostar?
Thank you :-)
Anybody know the best and most economical way for 2 persons to get to Gokchen airport from Sultanahmed to get the 6.40 am domestic flights please? What time would you start the trip?
Hello everyone,
We've just launched www.visiting-romania.com ; I've got 2 weeks in the summer to organise a "crazy" trip to promote the website, have fun and research some not-that-touristy places. We initially thought that cycling from Budapest to Bucharest would be a good idea, but I since discovered that it's been done before (not really original). If we're to organise a walking trip we won't get to see much (walking all day won't allow us).
We also drafted our first attempt to index festivals in Romania http://www.visiting-romania.com/arts-culture-tradition/festivals/romanian-festivals.html , so maybe a trip in July august - to see as many festivals as possible? If you have any ideas, of a trip that will be great fun, but also help promoting the website, please leave me a message. All suggestions much appreciated!
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Posted By: VenessaP -- 28-Jan-2010 15:01
Posted By: VenessaP -- 09-Dec-2009 17:01
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