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One of the most exciting things about traveling to a new place is not only getting to experience the culture firsthand, but being able to taste the unique foods of the region as well. Travel to Russia to experience a wide range of delicious cuisine that is guaranteed to delight any palate. 

From the traditional Russian dishes like borsch and blini, to familiar fast food spots serving Big Macs and fountain soda, you're sure to find something to satisfy your stomach in this colorful paradise.

Have you been itching to visit Russia but the thought of applying for a visa is making your head spin? Have no fear! Traveling to Russia visa-free is possible. Enjoy a three day stay in beautiful Saint Petersburg and experience all the unforgettable sights this city has to offer without the need to apply for a visa.

With such close proximity to the Baltics, many travelers may find it intriguing to include Scandinavia during their visits to the region. Helsinki, the Finnish capital nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland (an arm of the Baltic Sea), is a vibrant metropolis that attracts many such travelers. The most popular time of year for visiting the area is summer, not only due to the relatively milder weather, but also for the many festivals and events held in the city during the warm months.

One such festival is the Helsinki Festival, a 17-day cultural festival scheduled to open in mid-August of 2013.

The Moscow International Film Festival is held annually during the summer, and is sure to be an interesting attraction while visiting Russia’s capital in the warm months. 

The MIFF is among the oldest and most popular of its kind. Incepted in 1935, the festival gained popularity in the late 50s and 60s when a new generation of Russian directors were inspired by their nation’s woes and victories in the previous decades. As a true platform for the cultivation and recognition of artistic talent, the Moscow International Film Festival paved the way for filmmakers who later became known throughout the world.

The elaborate history of a vibrant capital that has been conquered and reconquered throughout the decades makes visiting Riga a must-do for any travel enthusiast.

Founded in 1201, Riga is the capital of modern-day Latvia. As the largest city in the Baltic region, it is home to more than one third of Latvia’s population—roughly 700,000 people. Riga sits on the mouth of the river Daugava, making it home to the biggest seaport in the Baltics. With vibrant industrial, commercial, cultural, and financial centers, Riga continues to be an attractive destination for tourists from all around the world.

The Bolshoi Theater, the most elegant and grandiose of Moscow’s Ballet and Opera theaters, was opened on January 18, 1825. Designed to replace the Petrovka Theater, which burned down in 1805, Bolshoi was built by architect Osip Bove. The Theater was founded even earlier, however, by Empress Catherine the Great in 1776 (the same year the United States was born). Since their inception, the Bolshoi Ballet and Opera companies have emerged as one of the most renowned and prestigious of their kind.

When traveling to Moscow, the Bolshoi Theater ought to be on any tourist’s list of sights to visit. With its history of triumph and turmoil, the recent restoration brought fresh light to the highest emblem of Russian culture and artistic tradition.