Russia Travels

Russia: Memories I’ll Keep, a Journey That Must Wait

Last checked: October 18, 2026

I feel blessed to have visited Russia in 2019 with my mom and my son. Three generations exploring together, enjoying the streets of Saint Petersburg and Moscow. That time with them is something I will always treasure.

Russia is one of my favorite countries I have explored. When I think about that trip, I think about who was beside me as much as where we were. We got to share those moments, and those memories aren’t going away.

Writing about Russia today brings mixed feelings. I can look back fondly on our experience while recognizing that the travel situation has changed since 2019. I wouldn’t want someone to read about a trip I loved and assume the same conditions exist now.

So this article holds both: my gratitude for having experienced Russia with my family, and the current information travelers need before considering a visit.

Should You Travel to Russia Right Now?

My recommendation is to postpone leisure travel.

As of this update, the U.S. State Department lists Russia at Level 4: Do Not Travel, its highest advisory level. It cites the continuing war against Ukraine, wrongful detention, harassment by security officials, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and terrorism. It advises U.S. citizens in Russia to leave immediately and warns that consular assistance is severely limited. (travel.state.gov)

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also advises against all travel to Russia. Its warnings include detention, drone attacks, air-defense activity, and disruption to flights. (gov.uk)

These concerns extend beyond areas close to the fighting. A hotel accepting reservations or a museum selling tickets does not establish that a trip is safe.

My experience in 2019 belongs to that time. It is a memory I cherish, not a guide to the risks travelers face today.

Getting to Know Russia

Russia spans Europe and Asia, with Moscow as its capital. Its size alone makes it impossible to understand through one city or one visit.

Its cultural heritage includes architecture, literature, music, religious traditions, and the histories of many communities. Kazan, for example, offers a different historical perspective from the familiar images of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. (whc.unesco.org)

Exploring Moscow and Saint Petersburg with my mom and son gave those places a personal meaning for me. They became part of our family’s story.

At the same time, appreciating a country’s culture does not mean overlooking the war or the suffering it has caused. Both deserve to be acknowledged honestly.

Five Interesting Things to Know About Russia

1. Lake Baikal Is the World’s Oldest and Deepest Lake

UNESCO describes Lake Baikal, in southeastern Siberia, as the world’s oldest and deepest lake. Its age and isolation have helped create an exceptional freshwater ecosystem, with many species found nowhere else. (whc.unesco.org)

It is a reminder of how much there is to learn about the country beyond its cities.

2. There Is More Than One Kremlin

Many people hear “the Kremlin” and think only of Moscow. The word also refers to fortified citadels in other historic Russian cities.

Kazan has its own Kremlin, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its buildings reflect layers of Tatar and Russian history. (whc.unesco.org)

A familiar word can open the door to a much bigger story.

3. Saint Petersburg’s Heritage Extends Across the City

Saint Petersburg’s historic center and related monuments are recognized by UNESCO. Its significance includes the architecture and planning of an entire urban landscape, rather than a single palace or landmark. (whc.unesco.org)

Having explored its streets with my family, I appreciate that distinction. Sometimes what stays with you is the experience of being in a place, not just standing in front of one famous building.

4. You Can Explore the Hermitage From Home

The State Hermitage Museum provides online collection information and virtual visits through its official website. (hermitagemuseum.org, hermitagemuseum.org)

That gives anyone interested in art a way to explore now. You can take your time, return to something that catches your attention, and learn more without making travel plans.

5. Kazan Broadens the Picture

The Kazan Kremlin preserves connections to Volga Bulgaria, the Golden Horde, and the Kazan Khanate, alongside later architecture.

It is one example of why a country this large cannot be represented by one architectural style, one community, or one version of its history.

Places Worth Learning About

For this article, these are places of cultural interest rather than a recommended itinerary for travel now.

Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square

This UNESCO-listed complex has deep connections to Russia’s political, religious, and architectural history. UNESCO’s account provides useful context for understanding its significance.

Moscow is also part of my own travel memories. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to explore the city with my mom and son in 2019.

Saint Petersburg and the Hermitage

Saint Petersburg’s historic architecture and the Hermitage’s collections offer plenty to explore through books and online resources. The museum’s virtual visits are an option while travel is inadvisable.

For me, Saint Petersburg will always carry the added meaning of having been there with two generations of my family beside me.

Kazan

Kazan offers an introduction to Tatar history and the different cultural influences represented in its historic Kremlin.

It is worth learning about for a broader understanding of the country, even without an immediate plan to visit.

Lake Baikal

Baikal is significant for its ecology, geological history, and conservation needs. UNESCO maintains information about both its importance and its state of conservation.

Places can remain fascinating while a journey to them waits.

Food You Can Explore Closer to Home

Food offers another way to learn about a place without boarding a flight. Russian food traditions also overlap with those of neighboring countries, so not every familiar dish belongs exclusively to one nation.

Pelmeni

Meat-filled dumplings associated with Russian cooking, often served with simple accompaniments.

Blini

Pancakes served with sweet or savory toppings. They are an approachable starting point for anyone curious about the cuisine. (guide.michelin.com)

Pirozhk

Small filled buns or pastries with different savory or sweet fillings.

Buckwheat kasha

A grain dish found in everyday meals, offering an introduction beyond the elaborate foods associated with celebrations. (meridiela.com)

A local restaurant, a cookbook, or a home-cooked meal can lead to conversations about family traditions and regional differences. Curiosity doesn’t have to stop because travel needs to wait.

What Travelers Need to Understand Now

A Visa Does Not Remove the Risks

Entry permission and travel safety are separate matters. U.S. citizens need a visa arranged before travel, and Russian authorities strictly enforce immigration requirements. Rules depend on nationality and circumstances.

Correct paperwork does not remove the warnings about detention or limited consular help.

Foreign Bank Cards May Not Work

The UK government states that Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia do not work in Russian shops or ATMs. Sanctions also affect banking and money transfers. Payment arrangements that worked on an earlier trip may no longer be available. (gov.uk)

Flights Can Be Disrupted

The FCDO warns that drone attacks and air-defense activity can lead to short-notice restrictions on airspace and airport operations. A confirmed return ticket does not guarantee an uninterrupted departure.

Insurance Needs Careful Checking

Travel against government advice can invalidate insurance coverage. A policy being available to purchase does not necessarily mean it covers your destination, circumstances, or emergency assistance needs.

Dual Russian Nationals Face Additional Risks

Russian authorities may treat dual nationals solely as Russian citizens. U.S. guidance warns about restrictions on consular access, military service risks, and limitations on departure. A second passport does not necessarily provide protection.

Devices and Online Activity Can Be Scrutinized

U.S. guidance warns that phones may be searched or seized and that online activity considered illegal by Russian authorities can result in penalties. These concerns go beyond ordinary precautions about keeping belongings secure.

What About Hotels, Tours, and Getting Around?

For now, I would put leisure bookings on hold.

A tour company accepting payment does not resolve the risks described in government advisories. Neither does a reassuring hotel review or a social media video showing someone having a good time.

Before considering a future visit, check whether official travel advice has materially changed.

For someone facing an urgent family situation or another unavoidable reason to travel, start with your own country’s foreign ministry and consular guidance. Confirm entry and exit requirements, insurance exclusions, lawful payment arrangements, and transport conditions before making commitments.

Russia is not part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa or European travel authorization should not be treated as permission to enter Russia.

Reliable Websites to Follow

For current travel information:

• U.S. State Department: Russia — Travel warnings, entry information, and risks affecting U.S. citizens.
• UK FCDO: Russia — Security conditions, transport disruption, insurance, and consular limitations.
• UK FCDO: Entry Requirements — Guidance for British travelers, including immigration and payment issues. Other nationalities should check their own applicable requirements.

For culture and heritage:

• UNESCO: Russian Federation — World Heritage information and conservation records.
• State Hermitage Museum — Museum information, online collections, and virtual visits.

Conditions can change quickly. Check the advisory itself, not just the date on a travel article.

The Memories Stay, Even When the Advice Changes

I will always be thankful for our 2019 trip. Exploring Moscow and Saint Petersburg with my mom and my son gave me memories that belong to the three of us.

Russia remains one of my favorite countries I have explored. Saying that reflects my experience then. Recommending that travelers postpone a visit reflects the situation now.

I don’t need to erase a meaningful family memory to be honest about current risks. I do need to make sure that sharing those memories doesn’t give someone a misleading picture of what travel is like today.

For now, I will hold on to the photographs, the gratitude, and the experience of having been there together.

“The streets were in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The memories belong to my mom, my son, and me.”