Quote: (09-28-2012 02:42 PM)calihunter Wrote:
I am Russian and I think you're nuts. freezing cold. snow flying sideways. have to have wind proof temperature proof clothing. Women are covered head to toe. and when they are not covered they are at home spending time with their families as NYE is the most important of Russian holidays. stay where it's warm
Haha,funny how two people can have completely different opinions on the same thing! I have been in Moscow in early January three times and just worn my UK winter jacket ( not wind proof ) with a couple of layers underneath,I honestly think it's the nicest time to visit. Moscow takes on a special atmosphere at that time,walking around the garden ring in the evening with a light snow falling,it's very atmospheric. Yes like Calihunter says,the girls are wrapped up but you'd expect no different in winter.
$500 US return,that's about £350. I think you can do better. The most I pay from London is £250 and I've paid as little as £150 with Swiss Airlines. Have you looked on Skyscanner? Maybe there is not so much choice from Spain?
Accommodation: I've stayed at a few hotels and hostels and apartments in my time. I always liked the Hotel Izmailovsky best. It is about 50 Euros a night including a very good bufet breakfast. It is also only a couple of stops from Red Square ( no change required ) on the metro. Napoleon Hostel nearer the centre is good too,lots of little bars and eateries around there. If renting an apartment think about what metro line it is on,better to not need to change to get to the centre.