German teacher Richard
Valaam Island
“The pearl of the Russian North” and the Republic of Karelia has long been called the island of Valaam.
With all the beatiness and banality of this metaphor, it nevertheless best expresses recognition of the peculiar beauty of the island. It is here that the wild and harsh nature of stone islands covered with centuries-old forest is most consonant with the vast expanses of Ladoga waters.
On the tourist routes of the north-west of our country, this island rightfully competes with the world famous Kizhi. Continue reading
Independent travelers choose a hostel
The latest opinion poll showed that a third of our fellow citizens chose independent travel last year. Many people have been traveling on their own for a long time abroad. Russians only have to learn this. Recently, such independent tourists from Russia are no longer rare on the streets of European capitals. Trips devoid of plan and preliminary organization bring much more pleasure and experience than ready-made tours.
A ticket, some money in your pocket – and go. However, stop, still a visa and accommodation! .. And here hostels can also be very useful, because the main expense item in every trip is exactly accommodation.
As you know, hotels have the right to send invitations and provide visa support. Reservation of hostel accommodation is the basis for obtaining a tourist visa to some European countries, namely to the UK, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy. This is the cheapest way to get a visa (except, perhaps, invitations from friends). The cost of an invitation from a hostel is about 20-30 dollars. Continue reading