subject: Vacationing In Russia: Just Who Said Size Isn't Every Thing? [print this page] If you are considering Russia as your next vacation site, you are in for the vacation of your life. Many fail to consider this country as their vacation destination because they are really unaware of what life is really like there. They may think it would not be conducive to a successful vacation but they could not be further from the truth. But before you can even consider traveling internationally, you have to have a passport so getting in touch with your local or online United States passport agency will get you going in the right direction.
Unlike other countries, Russia has two capital cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Probably because of the shear vastness of this country, two capital cities also provide twice the opportunity to experience Russian adventure and culture. Creating a breathtaking experience, colorful domed cathedrals can be found in many Russian cities providing a photo opportunity like nowhere else in the world. While there are buildings attesting to Russia's long history, you will also find many contemporary architectural styles as old and new blend beautifully. You don't want to miss a minute of find a fast U S passport renewal service online because sooner is certainly better.
If you are looking for a natural experience with a little bit of a twist, Russia is a great place to explore. Whether you're trekking through mountains of Taiga forests or exploring the Arctic tundra, you are bound to meet some of the most exotic wildlife around. Formed 25 million years ago, Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake in the world at 5,387 feet deep. It has also been declared a World Heritage Site, due to its huge variety of plant and animal life, which includes two birds that aren't found anywhere else in the world. This lake is also home to the Baikal seal, in addition to the other 1,550 species of animals.
The Kamchatka Peninsula is also a very famous natural site. On this peninsula are the volcanoes of Kamchatka, which form yet another World Heritage Site. Around 160 volcanoes line Kamchatka River. 29 of these volcanoes are still active. The largest volcano in the Northern Hemisphere, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, is located in this band of volcanoes. This is also a place to see unique wildlife. Brown bears are more abundant here than other places in the world, and wolves, foxes, reindeer, moose, and eagles and falcons.
The Trans-Siberian Railroad is a vacation in and of itself, and is the lifelong dream of many. The longest railroad in the world, it consists of over six thousand miles and takes the traveler across one third of the earth. Did I mention how large Russia is? This trip, of course, takes a week or more but will take you through a variety of Russian cities, towns, and terrain for a look at the most beautiful parts of this country.