Travelling The Trans-Siberian Railway – 4 Things To Consider

Are you keen to travel on one of the most famous trains in the world? No doubt you have heard about the Trans-Siberian. It is the longest single-service railway line and spans nearly 9,300 kilometres, connecting Vladivostok and Moscow. The train passes through no less than seven time zones and takes a week to complete.

Image by Durandi2 via Flickr

Image by Durandi2 via Flickr

 

That’s the most popular route, but there are connecting services that will bring you from Asia, through Europe from Beijing to Moscow. There is also the Tran-Manchurian which bypasses Mongolia.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing an express tour package. Here are our top 4 tips.

Booking Your Tickets

If you’re going to take a Russian train, you can book your tickets directly online. This is a good option if you are comfortable with the DIY route, but if you’d prefer a more organised and definite trip, The Trans-Siberian Travel Company specialises in Trans-Siberian express tours and holidays and can help you plan a memorable trip.

A few things to note when booking your trip include:

  • The train times – Russian train times are listed in Moscow time
  • Departure/arrival station – There are several different stations in Moscow, but they aren’t very far apart. Be sure to note which one you are arriving at or departing from so you don’t miss your train
  • Check the box for linen and sheets. You will need to pay extra for this
  • Seating allocation – Not all seats are the same, choose carefully or let your travel agent advise you

Seating and Classes

There are three class choices on the Trans-Siberian railway: spalny vagon, kupe and platskartny. The first class is a private cabin for two with higher-quality facilities. Second class offers a cabin for four people and third class is an open carriage with dozens of beds, arranged into four-berth spaces.

You’ll find that first class is full of tourists. If you’d like to interact with the locals, and you may be on a budget, book a second or third class ticket. You may want to avoid the side berths in third class as these run along the corridor and offer less privacy with people walking past.

Besides the different berths and classes, different train numbers and names have different facilities and take different lengths of time to get you to a fantastic location.

Border Crossings

Chances are, you will complete international border crossings during your trip. This can be laborious as visas are checked, custom forms have to be filled in, and even the cabins are inspected. Often, you can get off the train, but sometimes you are not permitted to. Be sure to check the stopping schedules so that you know what’s permissible.

The Facilities and What to Pack

  • Food – You can buy food from the restaurant car. Some of the higher-end tickets include meals too. But, it’s a good idea to bring a few supplies along. Some of the stops are long enough to pop to a shop or the kiosk on the platform.
  • Hot water – This is provided so you can make things like pots of noodles, but cold water isn’t provided, so make sure you take drinking water with you. You may also want to take a mug to make your soups in. Tea and coffee is provided at a price.
  • Electrical outlets – There is no access to outlets unless you are in first class. There are a few communal ones in the corridors but are quite inconvenient.
  • A few other things to take along include a pocket knife for opening food packets and cut food up, wet wipes, toilet paper, and sandals.

We hope that these tips could help you with your Trans-Siberian tour. If you’ve travelled via the Trans-Siberian railway, feel free to share your experience in the Comments below.

Masterworks: Unpacking Fashion Exhibition

Hello Beautiful People,

Fall is in the air and as the leaves are changing colors, I am thinking about fashion.  Not only what I would like to wear, but also a new exhibition opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York entitled, “Masterworks: Unpacking Fashion.”

“The Costume Institute’s Fall exhibition, Masterworks: Unpacking Fashion Exhibition Dates: on view in the Anna Winter Costume Center from
November 18, 2016 to February 5, 2017, will feature significant acquisitions of the past 10 years. The show, curated by Assistant Curator, Jessica Regan with support from Curator in Charge Andrew Bolton, will explore how the mass department has honed its collecting strategy to amass masterworks of the highest aesthetic and technical quality, including of iconic works by designers who have changed the course of fashion historians advanced fashion as an art form.”

“Our mission is to present fashion as a living art that interprets history, becomes part of the historical process, and inspires subsequent art,” said Mr. Bolton. “Over the seven decades since The Costume Institute because part of The Met in 1946, our collecting strategy has shifted from creating  a collection of Western high fashion that is encyclopedic in breadth to one focused on acquiring a body of masterworks.”   

This is definitely a different direction in fashion exhibitions and quite refreshing to show masterworks from key designers of each period that represent various changes.

“The exhibit will showcases sixty different masterworks from the 18th century to the present which The Costume Institute has acquired since its last acquisitions show in 2007.”

  I wanted to share some exquisite highlights of objects that will be included in the exhibit.

This gown by Viktor rolf is part tutu, part ballroom gown. When you first look at the gown, I know you are saying, How did they do that? The gown looks like a sculpture but gives off a romantic appeal at the same time. A must see?

BallGownViktorRolf Spring2010

BallGownViktorRolf
Spring2010

The Robe Volant French 1700s brocade gown looks so regal. However, the gown looks very comfortable because it is unstructured in detail. The pleats on the back of the dress commands a standing ovation.

Robe Volante French

Robe Volant French

The Jean Philippe-Worh ball gown is structured and accentuates the neckline, shoulders, arms and waist. The dress is beautiful and looks like a fairy tale with the butterflies embroidered on the fabric as if they are flying effortlessly around the dress.

BallGown,Jean-PhilippeWorth,1898

BallGown,Jean-PhilippeWorth,1898

The Raf Simons for the House of Dior ensemble commands and second head turn for attention. The embroidery along the cuffs and front of the jacket is jaw-dropping gorgeous. How many hours did it take to do the embroidery? This ensemble fit is tailored to perfection and very slimming.

Ensemble,RafSimonsforHouseofDior,Autumn2014

Ensemble,RafSimonsforHouseofDior,Autumn2014 

My last highlight is from John Giliano, the detail of the lapel and the pleating of the lower part of the jacket is always in style.

Ensemble John Galliano

Ensemble John Galliano

 

I can’t wait to see this exhibit because the pieces are timeless and go beyond all boundaries.

I want you to be completely fresh when you go so I will only list some of the designers that will be featured in the exhibit.  Some of the designers include Gilbert Adrian, Geoffrey Beene, Christian Dior, Tom Ford, and you will have to go to the exhibit to see the surprise designer objects.

JTwisdom

*Exhibition information from Metropolitan Museum of Art Masterworks Unpacking Fashion press release.

Road Tripping with JT

Good Evening Traveling People

Who is ready for a road trip?

For my wife and I, our favorite way to travel is in our Jeep Wrangler. We have been blessed and fortunate to be able to travel to some amazing places over the last seventeen years. From the Biltmore Mansion to Monument Valley; from Chicago to Memphis, we have experienced wonderful museums, historic sites, national parks, restaurants and places to stay. We have walked through the urban mountains of the big cities. We have driven through and to the top of the real mountains. We have stood on the top of bridges, looking down at the people and the water. We hiked in the desert heat to see the Earth’s beauty.

we-made-it

And We Are Home! Returning from a road trip to Utah

In a new series on our blog, we will share with you our experiences from the road. It may be a memorable stay at a bed and breakfast or reliving a special moment together. It may be providing must-see sites in the cities that we have traveled to. It may providing tips and tricks that we have learned that will make your own road trip a better experience for you and your family. It may be destinations and sites that is on our wish list of places to go.

Just hop in the Jeep, sit back and enjoy the ride with us.

Jay

Weekender Giveaway

Hi Beautiful People,

It’s a hot summer in the city. Many families are making plans for the summer. Maybe a staycation, or a vacation before school starts or maybe looking for pokemons across the country to capture. I know when I travel with my hubby, the number one thing I need is a smart bag that fits everything I need to take with me. It needs to be comfortable at the same time and not feel like a heavy weight. People, myself included, do not like to carry a lot of luggage, especially if they are traveling on an airplane.

This weekender bag that is part of this Giveaway is essential for summer travels and all of your year-long needs.
Why you say?
1. Weekend Getaway bag – You can carry your clothes, shoes, makeup and toiletries .
2. Travel bag – The bag is big enough for what you need, but small of enough to fit into the overhead compartment on the airplane.
3. Exercise bag – Carry your workout gear, towel and water with you after the office and also include a change of clothes.
4. Diaper bag – Perfect bag for the mom, aunt or nanny to carry extra diapers and things they need with them for the baby.
5. And you can also include your iPad, iPadPro, Kindle or your favorite electronic device with you as well.
The ideas are endless and fun rolled into one beautiful bag.

One winner will receive this wonderful weekender bag and $60 cash ( or Amazon gift code, winners choice)

weekender giveaway marilyn

The cash prize is provided by Katherine , Roz and our wonderful co hostesses.

The weekender bag is provided by La Bella Vita Cucina and Katherines Corner.

Your co hostesses are

Weekender Giveaway hostesses

Weekender Giveaway hostesses

Karren from Oh My Heartsie Girl

Marilyn from Marilyns Treats

Tamaki from Bubbling with Grace and Elegance

Nina from Ruby For Women

Just a reminder to follow the instructions. The Country Kitchen giveaway had 4 disqualified entrants before a verified winner was verified.

Log into the entry form using your email address or Facebook

Please remember to follow your sponsors and all of the hostess and get all of your entries.

The Giveaway starts today July 22 ENDS Aug 20

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tips on How to Make Your Helicopter Ride Unforgettable

 To be honest, flying by helicopter anywhere is already an unforgettable experience. The sheer fact you are flying so high yet close enough to all the action to soak up the details is something amazing. All good helicopter rental companies will want you to have a five star experience with them. Therefore, they will go above and beyond to provide an unbeatable and tailored service which is great for you.There are certain things that you can do and think about before which makes your experience in the air even more memorable! This article will discuss how you can make the most of your time by giving some top recommendations. For an already memorable helicopter flight, Sydney offers sights that are simply breath-taking at any time of day. So here are some guidelines and basics to try and get you covering all bases before your trip:

Learn about the five ways that help make your helicopter experience exhilarating and exciting.

Learn about the five ways that help make your helicopter experience exhilarating and exciting.

 

  • Ensure you are comfortable and relaxed throughout. This is a personal one. You want to think whether you get motion sickness on flights in general. This will really prevent you from enjoying your experience as whilst your stomach churns all you can think about is the landing point. Wishing the precious moments in your flight away is not recommended! So if this is something you normally suffer with, stocking up on the motion sickness tablets beforehand is essential. Also, have a good coping mechanism in place such as a steady, deep breathing technique. This way you can remain as calm and well as possible during flight.
  • Make sure you book in early! To avoid all disappointment ensure you book your helicopter ride in Sydney well in advance. There are certainly days and time of days (such as sunrise or sunset) that will be really popular. These dates and times will most likely get booked up quickly so to guarantee you get the time you want, book in early!
  • Think about tipping beforehand. A happy pilot makes for a brilliant flight. Okay, that quote was off-the-cuff but it’s definitely true. Sometimes, you will find that pilots pay for the fuel or maintenance out of their own pockets. So this just shows an extra bit of appreciation on your part. Who knows, the pilot may throw in a few extra minutes or an additional sight!
  • Choose the best route possible. Do some research beforehand and make sure you get the best route which offers the most stunning vistas. This way you won’t be disappointed. Chatting to the company beforehand and pilots plus looking at routes on their websites will give you a better idea of what’s available.
  • Ensure you have a good camera, or opt for a photography package with your provider! Bringing a decent camera to capture the moments and do the sights justice is essential to making your trip truly unforgettable. Having those photos you can remember for years to come will bring the day back to life. Some companies such as Sydney HeliTours offer customisable aerial photography with cinema quality HD footage to capture crystal clear shots. You will be able to look back on the memory and re-live the good times with realistic photos.

Now you have some winning tips on how to make your tour much more memorable, you will not only enjoy your experience but have better chances of remembering it down the line.

This article is contributed by Katrina Fernandez.

Trip Tips For A China Vacation

It’s no surprise that travelling to the far-away, beautiful, exotic and historical country of China is at the top of many “bucket lists.” China is a people-filled, cultural mecca of divergent economics, a vast sweeping land with so much to see, it would be impossible to see everything in a single visit. That said, planning a trip there prove to be challenging to even the most seasoned traveller.

Image by The China Travel Company

Image by The China Travel Company

One way to curb some of those challenges is to book your china holidays with The China Travel Company. When you work with an experienced agent, they’ll be able to not only help you plan the trip, but will also work with you in terms of how to keep within your budget and still experience your desired locations.

Once you’ve made the big decision to take that trip to China, you have several options. Since we’ve agree to disavow “just winging it,” you can opt for a planned, self-guided tour, a family tour, one focused on Tibet, a “City Breaks” tour, a private tour, an “off-the-beaten track,” or, one in which you get to go exactly where you want to go, but it is entirely planned for you.

And, you’re in luck!

Fortunately, there are tailor made China tours available. But where should your bespoke tour take you? Here are some tips to make your China Travel, the trip of a lifetime:

  1. Make a decision of the kind of trip you want to take. Of course, one of the first considerations is: who is going on this trip? Will it be a couple of fit folks? Will there be seniors or children? The reason why this is extremely relevant is that there are journeys that may include a good deal of walking, or long bus or car rides. Always keep in mind who will be on the trip and how well (or not) they’ll be able to handle the location and what’s required to fully experience it.
  1. Since you’re putting together a bespoke trip, you’re not beholden to an all-city, all-famous or all adventure vacation. You will be able to “mix-and-match.”
  1. If more than one person is travelling, and, for example, you’ve been assigned to “plan” the trip, don’t make all the choices and then present the other person or the rest of the group with it. Before you even begin, ask everyone to do some research (if they’re old enough to do so; if not you’re probably going to have to choose a trip more geared to them). Ask: What are “must-sees,” “interested,” and “not-at-all” excursions?
  1. Armed with your – and other travellers’ –opinions you can begin your planning.
  1. While you can do some of this yourself, work with a travel agent. Logistics are critical and you want to be sure that you’re visiting locations in an “order” that makes sense.
  1. Yes, you’re the king or queen of your castle, but let’s face it — you’re not the Tsar or royalty, with minions carrying your luggage for you. Anyone who tells you to pack for any possibility hasn’t travelled much. If you know where you’re going, check the average weather for the season. Bring clothes that are packable, with easy-dry undergarments. It truly is easier to travel as lightly as you can, and focus your energies on the excursions and not how to get your luggage up, down or around and where to store it.

Travel smart, travel light. Be considerate to your companions and the people whose country you’re visiting.