trek & travel pocket body wash

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Trek and Travel Pocket Soaps

• Type Hand Wash Hand Wash Laundry Wash Laundry Wash Body Wash Body Wash Conditioning Shampoo Conditioning Shampoo

BEST USE: Camping, travel, hiking, backpacking

BIODEGRADABLE: Yes

TSA Compliant

Trek and Travel Liquid Soaps

Description

Trek and Travel Pocket Soaps contain 50 leaves of pure, dry soap so there's no risk of leakage in your luggage or pack, or having it confiscated by airport security. The easy-to-ration leaves mean you'll have plenty of soap to last your entire trip. Handy for travel or camping because they're lightweight and compact, they're also biodegradable so they won't harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.

• Biodegradable
• Won't harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles
• Light Green Tea fragrance
• 50 soap leaves in each pack
• TSA/ airport security approved carry-on compliant
• Comes in five types: Body Wash, Conditioning Shampoo, Hand Wash, Laundry Wash and Shaving Soap

Technical Features

This certification comes from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which protects the environment by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Properly used, Sea to Summit Leave No Trace products will not only improve your experience in the backcountry, they will help you tread lighter in the wilderness.

Applies to liquid care products under 3.3 fluid ounces (100ml), and to the ‘leaves’ of Pocket Soap and Pocket Care products. Pack the liquids in an appropriate (1 quart / 1 liter) see-through bag, and you’re good to go through airport security.

Frequently Asked questions

Can this soap be used in lakes and streams.

No. While this wash is biodegradable and able to break down through biological action and UV, it will harm aquatic life if used directly in streams, ponds, and lakes. Practice Leave No Trace and dispose of waste water 200ft / 70m from any water source.

Can I use this to wash in a stream or lake?

No. Even though biodegradable means that contact with water / UV helps ingredients break down over time, biodegradable soaps are actually harmful to aquatic life. Use Leave No Trace principles and wash at least 200 ft / 70m from a body of water.

How do I use the shampoo with conditioner?

Take a couple of leaves from the package before getting into the shower. Hold the leaves in the palm of your hand and add a little water, then rub your hands together until a lather has formed. Finally, wash and rinse your hair just like you would with a liquid hair shampoo.

How many leaves should be used in a washing machine?

While washing in a sink (2 gallons/ 7 Liters) requires only 1-2 leaves, you'd need 10–25 leaves for a load in a washing machine that uses 20–50 gallons of water. However, laundromat washing machines have plenty of soap residue, so 5–6 leaves may work for a small load.

Our warehouse is actively shipping orders from 8am to 1pm MST Monday through Friday. Most orders ship in one business day, but the transit time can take up to 7 days, depending on your distance from Boulder, Colorado. 2nd Day and Next Day Air orders will ship same day if placed by 1pm MST, Monday-Friday (except holidays). All orders are eligible for fast and easy returns within 60 days of purchase. For more details, please check out our Help Center

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Trek & travel pocket body wash.

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Description

Specifications, recommended accessories.

Trek & Travel Pocket Hand Wash

Trek & Travel Pocket Laundry Wash

Trek & Travel Pocket Conditioning Shampoo

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Trek & Travel Pocket Body Wash

The compact Sea To Summit Pocket collection slips easily into a toiletry bag or backpack pocket so you'll always be armed with soap when traveling or camping.

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Sea To Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Body Wash

Sorry, this product is out of stock. We can notify you when this product is available:

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The Trek & Travel Pocket Body Wash contains 50 leaves of pure, dry soap so there’s no risk of leakage in your luggage or pack, and no risk of having it confiscated by airport security. The easy-to-ration dry leaves mean you’ll have plenty of soap to last your entire trip. The handy palm-sized pack is perfect for travel, camping or everyday use. They’re also biodegradable so they won’t harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.

• Ideal for travelling, camping and everyday use.
• 50 dry soap leaves in each pack.
• Phosphate and paraben-free.
• Biodegradable.
• Won’t harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.
• Light green tea fragrance.
• Complies with airline carry-on regulations.

Specifications

• Weight :  14.15g
• Width: 4.5cm
• Height: 6.5cm
• Depth: 1.5cm

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Climate neutral shipping to AT, BE, CZ, GER, LUX and NL | Free shipping on orders 75€+

• Change Location
• Contact Us & FAQ
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Trek and Travel Pocket Soaps

• Type Hand Wash Hand Wash Laundry Wash Laundry Wash Body Wash Body Wash Conditioning Shampoo Conditioning Shampoo

BEST USE: Camping, travel, hiking, backpacking

BIODEGRADABLE: Yes

TSA Compliant

We use climate-neutral shipping: DHL GoGreen for orders to Germany, Austria and Czech Republic and GLS Klima Protect  for orders to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

For orders with a value below 75€ we charge a shipping fee of 4,95€. We do not charge shipping fees for orders with a value over 75€.

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All orders can be returned within 14 days of purchase. However, for the sake of the environment, please make sure to keep returns as low as possible.

Airlite Towel

Wilderness Wash

Trek and Travel Liquid Soaps

Description

Trek and Travel Pocket Soaps contain 50 leaves of pure, dry soap so there's no risk of leakage in your luggage or pack, or having it confiscated by airport security. The easy-to-ration leaves mean you'll have plenty of soap to last your entire trip. Handy for travel or camping because they're lightweight and compact, they're also biodegradable so they won't harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.

• Biodegradable
• Won't harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles
• Light Green Tea fragrance
• 50 soap leaves in each pack
• TSA/ airport security approved carry-on compliant
• Comes in five types: Body Wash, Conditioning Shampoo, Hand Wash, Laundry Wash and Shaving Soap

Technical Features

This certification comes from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which protects the environment by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Properly used, Sea to Summit Leave No Trace products will not only improve your experience in the backcountry, they will help you tread lighter in the wilderness.

Applies to liquid care products under 3.3 fluid ounces (100 ml), and to the ‘leaves’ of Pocket Soap and Pocket Care products. Pack the liquids in an appropriate (1 quart / 1 liter) see-through bag and you’re good to go through airport security!

Frequently Asked questions

Be used in lakes and streams.

No. Biodegradable means that the product will break down due to biological action and UV, but it will harm aquatic life if used directly in streams, ponds and lakes. Practice Leave No Trace and wash / dispose of waste water 200ft / 70m from any water source.

Can I wash in a stream or lake using Hand Wash / Body Wash?

No. Biodegradable means that contact with water / UV will cause the ingredients to break down over time. However, even biodegradable soaps are harmful to aquatic life. Use Leave No Trace principles and wash at least 200 ft / 70m from a body of water.

How do I use the Shampoo with Conditioner?

Take a couple of leaves from the package before getting into the shower. Hold the leaves in the palm of your hand and add a little water, then rub your hands together until a lather has formed – then wash and rinse your hair as you would with a liquid hair care product.

How many leaves of Laundry Wash would I need for machine washing?

Simple question, complex answer. Washing in a sink (2 gallons / 7 Liters) requires 1-2 leaves. Top loader machines use up to 25 times as much water - laundromat machines may have plenty of internal soap residue, so 6 or so leaves might be sufficient

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Trek & Travel Pocket Body Wash

Sea to Summit

The new use-specific Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Soapscontain 50 leaves of pure, dry soap so there's no risk of leakage in your luggage or pack and no risk of having it confiscated by airport security.

The easy-to-ration leaves mean you'll have plenty of soap to last your entire trip. Handy for travel or camping because they're lightweight and compact. They're also biodegradable so they won't harm the environment.

• Phosphate and Paraben free
• Biodegradable /Environment friendly phosphate free
• Light Green Tea fragrance
• 50 soap leaves in each pack
• TSA Carry-on compliant
• Comes in five types: Body Wash, Conditioning Shampoo, Hand Wash, Laundry Wash and Shaving Soap
• Variation: Conditioning Shampoo
• Weight:0.5 oz

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Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Body Wash 402, Fragrance: Light Green Tea, Weight: 0.5 oz,

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Product Info for Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Body Wash

Specifications for sea to summit trek & travel pocket body wash:, features of sea to summit trek & travel pocket body wash.

• Phosphate and Paraben free
• Biodegradable / Environmentally friendly phosphate free
• Won't harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles
• Light Green Tea fragrance
• 50 soap leaves in each pack
• TSA approved carry-on compliant
• Comes in five types: Body Wash, Conditioning Shampoo, Hand Wash, Laundry Wash and Shaving Soap

Package Contents:

• Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Body Wash

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TREK AND TRAVEL POCKET HAND WASH

Trek and Travel Pocket Hand Wash contains 50 leaves of pure, dry soap   so there's no risk of leakage in your luggage or pack, or having it confiscated by airport security. The easy-to-ration leaves mean you'll have plenty of soap   to last your entire trip. Handy for travel or camping because they're lightweight and compact, they're also biodegradable so they won't harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.

• Biodegradable
• Won't harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles
• Light Green Tea fragrance
• 50 soap leaves in each pack
• TSA/ airport security approved carry-on compliant
• Comes in five types: Body Wash, Conditioning Shampoo,  Hand Wash , Laundry Wash and Shaving Soap

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Sea To Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Body Wash

Travel Sentry ? approved carry-on compliant dry travel soap leaves-leak-free convenience.

Trek & Travel Pocket Soaps contain 50 leaves of pure, dry soap so there’s no risk of leakage in your luggage or pack, and no risk of having it confiscated by airport security. The easy-to-ration dry leaves mean you’ll have plenty of soap to last your entire trip. The handy palm-sized pack is perfect for travel, camping or everyday use. They’re also biodegradable so they won’t harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles.

• Ideal for travelling, camping and everyday use
• 50 dry soap leaves in each pack
• Biodegradable
• Won’t harm the environment when used in accordance with Leave No Trace principles
• Light green tea fragrance
• Complies with airline carry-on regulations including Travel Sentry ? approved in the USA
• Comes in five types: Body Wash, Conditioning Shampoo, Hand Wash, Laundry Wash and Shaving Soap

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight = 0.5KG, Length = 16cm , Width = 8cm , Height = 3cm

• Additional information

Sea To Summit

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Sea To Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Laundry Wash (50 Leaves/ .5 Ounce), Green Tea

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Trek and Travel Pocket Soaps designed with the you and the environment in mind. These lightweight and compact soaps will keep you clean and fresh throughout your journey and follow the Leave No Trace principles. With 50 leaves of pure, dry soap, there is no need to worry about it leaking in your bag nor will it be confiscated by airport security because of its compact size. This soap is a must-have for any adventure, and your friends will thank you for the fresh aroma throughout your trip.

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Customers like the washability, weight and size of the outdoor recreation product. For example, they mention it's great for hand washing items while traveling, it takes up little space and is TSA carry on friendly. Some appreciate the ease of use. That said, some complain about the odd smell and value. Opinions are mixed on performance.

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Moscow Muled

How to clean and care for copper mugs: the definitive guide.

Oct 15, 2019

In this post, we reveal the complete guide to cleaning and caring for your copper mugs. From how to maximize the lifespan of your mugs to how to ensure that they maintain that brilliant copper shine, we have you covered. Let's get started!

Introduction

Since the creation of the Moscow Mule in the 1940's, copper mugs have never been more popular than they are today. This refreshing cocktail made of lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer is traditionally served over ice in an iconic copper mule mug. No matter what beverage you choose to serve in it, the appeal of the copper mug is hard to deny. As bars, restaurants and at-home use of copper mugs continues to grow in popularity, it is important to know how to properly care for and clean copper. This article will tell you everything you need to know, including:

Why is Cleaning Copper Mugs Important?

Why does copper tarnish.

• How Do you Clean Copper Mugs?
• 5 Easy & Natural Ways to Remove Copper Tarnish
• Is it Safe to Drink from Copper Mugs?

Are Copper Mugs Dishwasher Safe?

• Lined Versus Unlined Copper Mugs
• The Benefits of Using Copper Mugs
• Essential Tips to Care for your Copper Mugs

Like any drinking vessel, copper cups, mugs, water bottles and tumblers need to be washed after every use. Copper does require specific care and maintenance, however it's quite simple and easy to learn and do.

First and foremost, copper mugs should be cleaned properly for health and safety reasons. Whether at a restaurant or at home, you don't want anyone getting sick from drinking from an unwashed cup.

There is something compelling about the warm glow of polished copper. A huge part of the appeal and popularity of cocktails like the Moscow Mule is the unique aesthetic of the copper mug. This metal will tarnish naturally with time and use, so cleaning it properly can be essential to keeping it shiny, and fully experiencing the many benefits of drinking from a copper mug.

Like iron developing rust, copper will naturally tarnish  over time with exposure to humidity and other elements found in the air. Copper's blue-green tarnish, known as patina, can be either useful or annoying, depending on its intended use.

The patina actually serves as a protective layer for the copper beneath, and can be useful in outdoor applications such as roofing or pipes.  However, when it comes to mugs or cups, we want the copper to shine as warmly as possible, so it is essential to know about preventative care and maintenance.

Don't worry, it's super easy to do, and incredibly satisfying to restore and polish your tarnished copper mugs.

How Do You Clean Copper Mugs?

Cleaning copper mugs is like cleaning most anything, except that it MUST be washed by hand. In other words, never put them in the dishwasher, ever. Take 30 seconds to gently wash them by hand with a soft sponge, soap and warm water.

For most people at home, this shouldn't be a problem. But some high-volume bars or restaurants might not be able to dedicate the time needed for proper care. This is one reason a business may prefer a tin-lined  or lacquered copper cup that may need less polishing, although they too should still be washed by hand.

The most important part of cleaning your copper mug is drying it!

Residual water in the slightest amount can lead to tarnishing, so experts highly recommend you dry your copper mug twice, with two different soft towels or cloths until all moisture is removed.  This extra step only takes a few moments, and will go a long way towards the durability and cleanliness of your copper mule mugs.

If you want your copper mug to look nice, dry it twice!

5 Easy and Natural Ways to Remove Copper Tarnish

Owning a copper mug comes with the added responsibility of some occasional, simple maintenance. When your favorite mug starts to turn green, here are some easy solutions to restore its natural shine!

Lemon or Limes and Salt

This simple method is quick and easy, and ideal for bars or restaurants that may have an abundance of lemons on hand. Simply pour some table or sea salt onto a dish, and cut a fresh lemon or lime into 1/4th slices. Dip the fruit slice into the salt, and scrub the copper mug with slow, methodical circles inside and out. The change should be almost instantaneous, and when the tarnish has been removed, wash under warm or cool water, and dry thoroughly.

Vinegar and Salt

Mix one cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and five cups of water. Pour the solution into a saucepan, place your mug into the saucepan, and bring it to a boil. After a few minutes, the tarnish will have disappeared, and you can remove the mug with tongs, rinse it in cold water, and dry thoroughly with two soft dish towels.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Create a paste with three parts baking soda, and one part vinegar. Use a sponge to apply it to the mug with small circular motions and let it sit for about 10 minutes in order for the magic to happen. After that, simply rinse and dry until all moisture has been removed.

Harness the power of tomatoes to clean your tarnished copper mug! Apply the ketchup using a soft sponge or toothbrush, always rubbing in small circles. Then let it stand for 30 minutes. Remove the ketchup in the same way you applied it (a specially designated tarnish-toothbrush can be a highly effective tool for getting into those hard to reach places). Finally, rinse with water, and dry thoroughly with two soft towels.

Tamarind Paste

Tamarind is a tropical fruit, popular in Caribbean, African and Indian cuisine. It contains tartaric acid, which helps remove tarnish from brass and copper. If this is something you have access to, simply add water to create a paste, and rub it onto the copper with a soft sponge or cloth.  After a few minutes, rinse off the paste, and dry completely.

Metal Polish

Although the natural methods listed above are all equally effective, inexpensive and safe, another option is to use a tarnish remover or metal polish. Popular brands like Brasso are great for polishing many different kinds of metals, but the main ingredients may be less than desirable (rubbing alcohol, ammonia, mineral spirits and silica powder). Chances are you can easily find most of the ingredients for cleaning copper mugs in your pantry, and can avoid buying a product full of harsh chemicals.

Is It Safe To Drink From Copper Mugs?

Yes, it is safe to drink from copper mugs , despite click-bait headlines, myths and legislation that may suggest otherwise. True, when using 100% pure copper mugs it is possible that trace amounts of copper could be ingested. However, this can be mitigated by using stainless-steel plated copper mugs.

Copper is an essential part of human biology, and is necessary for regulating metabolic systems and vital organs. Copper deficiency can lead to arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and colon cancer.

Not only do our bodies need copper, we also have systems in place to naturally deal with any excess copper. Verified scientific studies have shown copper can do impressive things.

• Copper and Iron work together to form red blood cells.
• Copper helps maintain collagen, and along with other antioxidants, can reduce signs of aging.
• Copper helps absorb excess iron in the liver.
• Copper improves brain and nerve cell synaptic responses.
• Copper aids in digestion and helps with ulcers and inflammation.

Copper toxicity is quite rare and, according to the World Health Organization , "There is a greater risk of health effects from a deficiency of copper intake than excessive copper intake."

The FDA guidelines do not recommend using copper for any food or beverage purposes, solely because of the extra care needed to maintain it, and applies exclusively to commercial operations, with varying local and state regulations.

This is meant to protect consumers from improperly cleaned or exposed copper mugs and cookware in bars and restaurants, and does not apply to home use. The FDA suggests the public learn about proper care and maintenance before using copper mugs, but scientists have debunked the claim that a Moscow Mule can give you copper poisoning.

When using 100% pure copper mugs and a liquid with a pH below 6.0 (like lime juice), and that liquid remains in the mug for an extended period of time, there is a chance you could consume amounts of copper. This is the reason why it is generally a good idea to use copper mugs lined with stainless-steel .

No, never! All copper cookware, utensils or mugs should be washed by hand, no exceptions. Dishwashers typically use harsh detergent, powerful water sprays and high heat that can seriously harm your copper mug both inside and out.

Dishwashers can lead to dents, tarnishing, and flaking or cracking. So take 30 seconds to do right by your copper mugs, and wash and dry them by hand!

Lines Versus Unlined Copper Mugs

When purchasing a copper mug, there are three basic options - 100% copper, tin-lined, and copper plated.

Copper is a great thermal conductor, and will keep your drink colder for longer (or hotter for longer, depending on the drinks). This is a big part of what makes the Moscow Mule an attractive summer beverage, and why copper mugs are great for cocktails in general.

Lined copper mugs  (usually with zinc, stainless-steel  or tin) can be a great choice. The double lining improves their durability, and can give them a great look. Unlike pure copper, lined copper mugs also offer additional health benefits by avoiding reactions between acids in your drink and pure copper.

Both lined and unlined copper mugs must be washed by hand and both will develop a patina over time. Lined mugs might take slightly less time to polish, because you only need worry about the outside. However, now that you know how to clean tarnished copper mugs, it's nothing you can't handle.

Essential Tips To Care For Your Copper Mugs

Copper mugs are stylish and good for your health. They keep your cold drinks chilled, and your hot drinks steaming. Copper mugs have been used for thousands of years for water purification and health benefits, and have made a triumphant rise in popularity since the invention of the Moscow Mule in the 1940's.

Whatever you choose to put in your copper mug, remember these three simple tips:

• When serving drinks, don't let them sit for more than 4 hours. Drink up!
• After each use, take the time to hand-wash your copper mugs with soap and water, and use TWO TOWELS to dry them thoroughly.
• When your copper mug begins to tarnish, use one of the five easy and natural ways listed above to polish it to perfection.

Thank you for taking the time to become an expert on using, cleaning and caring for copper mugs. Cheers!

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles:  Why You Should Only Use Moscow Mule Copper Mugs With Stainless Steel Lining and  Which Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Are Best?

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Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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