TRAVEL TO UKRAINE

Has anyone traveled to Ukraine in the last year?

I would like to know what to expect as I will be traveling over there soon

How long does it take to get through customes

What is the best way to get from town to town

Whats the food like

What did you do and see while there

Are hotels or apartments better

What are prices like there now

What is it like over there

Are there things we should do to make a good impression on the lady or her family?

When we travel it would be nice to post a review of our trip here so we can have a ongoing update of what to expect when we travel there

I hate to tap in on your post but I think you hit on somthing here. It would be great if those who have traveled to the Ukraine and Russia to give us some tips and kind of a heads up what to expect.

Totally agree!

when i go to Russia i rent an apartment. it is more comfortable for me than a hotel.

I have traveled to Kiev a few times. I rented an apartment when I visited there because I was able to stay in the city center. The cost for apartments is not bad at all. Just make sure you are selective on what you get. For example, I selected an apartment through an agency. They told me it was not available for the time I would be there so they chose another one for me. Big Mistake! The apartment they selective was in a great location, but horrible otherwise. I do recommend staying in the city center because everything you will need will be nearby. Choice of transportation depends on where you want to go in the city and how much you are willing to pay. The first time I visited the family, in a town outside of Kiev, we took a taxi because we purchased flowers and gifts for everyone on the first meeting. Where as the Dniper river cruises and outdoor market were accessible from the metro. Gifts are definitely a great idea! Obviously you cannot carry everything in your baggage so bring a gift for your lady from where you live and all the other gifts once you arrive. Hope this helps a little.

mrhatman

Could you expand your information a little, I am from the US also and have decided the best location to meet a lady is probably in Ukraine because of the ease of access and travel for everyone involved and am currently in the information gathering stage of planning a trip.

In particular, I will be on a budget, so I am hoping to find the best time to arrive weather verses season, ect. Are there advantages of one air carrier over another? Will I need to bring anything special that I may not normally think about. What about computers and cameras, any limitations? I like to be a prepared traveler and have travelled much of Western Europe, but have zero experience in Eastern Countries.

Any additional information you could volunteer woud be appreciated.

I have found out sme additional information also

There is a express bus that travels dailey from Borispol airport to Kiev as follows

Borispol Kiev

14:10 14:50
19:15 20:00
23:00 23:35
04:45 05:25
05:45 06:25
06:10 06:45


cost is $12.00

You will also need a local cell phone as your American cell phone WILL NOT WORK in Ukraine

If you check there are a few companies that will rent or sell you one some with no monthly fees or access charges you just pay for the air time you use just like a local person and can purchase recharge cards on line or on the street or in the shops after you arrive just like the locals

Also have found a big difference in airline pricing (hundreds of dollars) from different booking agents for the exact same flight on the same airline

Also found if you are going to another city from Kiev its much less costly to book your flight from your home to Kiev and then from Kiev to the other city. You will be traveling on the same airlines and the same flights either way it just cheaper to do them separate

Candymanjoe, that was an excellent point with the flights. I have had pretty good luck with Orbitz and used the same method you described and found a $250 savings by travelling from JFK to Borispol and then from Borispol to Lugansk.
One thing you may want to be aware of with the buses is that they tend to be a little slow and you would have to still find the rental agency to get your apartment keys. If the agency sets up the ride for you, then you will not have to worry quite so much. After 15 hours of traveling, I would definitely like to take the easy way to the apartment. My girlfriend always met me at the airport and she had already arranged the transportation with one of her friends that had a vehicle. The friend was always happy to get a little extra cash.

I have just returned from a great trip to the Ukraine. The people are very friendly and helpful. And yes, the ladies are
as beautiful as they appear on the various web sites. It was my first trip and one I plan to make again next year.
The following suggestions may help in your travels:
1. Be aware of the time difference between U.S. and Ukraine, it may take a day or two to adjust your sleep habits.
2. Although Kiev is a great city, you pay for it. The smaller towns in Ukraine are exceptional in value and you will only
pay perhaps 20% of what it costs in Kiev for lodging.
3. Bring your flashlight. The halls and stairways in apartments are very dark with little or no lighting.
4. Bring your own toilet paper. I know this sounds crazy but even the finer Ukraine apartments seem to be stingy with
this item.
5. Learn some Russian. Even if only a few words and phrases, it will make your trip more enjoyable.
6. Most of the bottled water is carbonated and it takes some getting used to.
7. Get a Ukraine cell phone. It is a must and might be your most valuable item. Your U.S. phone even though
you can set it up for international calling, will cost you a fortune if you use it over there for local calls.
8. Take various types of transportation and tours so you can get a complete picture of Ukraine life.
9. Early May is a great time to visit. There are many holidays including Victory Day. I suggest foundation day in
L'viv. It was a fantastic party!
10. Just do it!

>How long does it take to get through customes
fairly quick

>What is the best way to get from town to town
it is very difficult to deal with the train stations if you don't speak Russian.
The Kiev train station is very large and difficult to find your way around.
I would recommend a plane, and not a Russian plane.

>Are hotels or apartments better
Definitely an apartment in Ukraine. The apartment service will provide a reasonable
price ride from the airport. I stayed in an apartment by Tolstoy metro in Kiev. I preferred that area
to the city center because it was quieter and better restaurants there. They close off the main
part of Khreshchatyk street on weekend evenings. It is then full of partyers, drinkers, and musicians.
It can be noisy at times. Restaurants there can be fast food or overpriced frequently.

Definitely do NOT open the apartment door for anyone after dark. A youth gang came to
my apartment door and banged on it Fri and Sat night at midnight. Evidently they knew it
was a fairly expensive tourist apartment. Avoid an apartment with an entrance in the alley back behind.
Make sure it has a hot water heater. Kiev turns off the hot water to most apartments in the summer.

Never use your credit card except to get cash from the major bank ATMs. Otherwise they will
make a copy of it and use it. You should also be aware of Aids in Ukraine, more so in the southern regions.

Even with the problems Ukraine is having now, Kiev is a city you will want to keep going back to.
But take care.

I went to Kiev in August 2008. One thing I can tell you all is if you are going to visit cities outside of Kiev, make sure you take some sinus medication with you. The air quality in these cities is very bad due to pollution. Very few homes have air conditioning. the customs issue is not very bad at all. I think I waited about 30 minutes to get through the customs. I did however have to wait 1.5 hours for my luggage at baggage claim. When I got the luggage it had been riffled through severely, so no valuables in your checked luggage is a good idea. Keep your Passport with you at all times. Try to avoid a hanging bag on your shoulder with your passport and other valuables inside. People over there are notorious for cutting the strap with a blade and running away with your shoulder bag> Unless absolutely neccesary do not leave any valuables in your apartment or hotel. In other words keep what is most important to you with you at all times. I found it peculiar that a breakfast meal to the people is same as a dinner meal with us. You got the same menu for breakfast that you do with lunch or dinner. The food however was delicious. I used my cell phone i use here in the usa just added an temporary international feature, it wasnt that expensive, just try not to call or text the usa as much. check with your carrier. Customary over there to bring gifts for all the folks you are visiting. when meeting the ladys mother a kiss on both cheeks is customary. when seated at the dinner table you must wait until the elder person of the family begins to eat before you may start, this is also customary. No shoes worn inside the ladys home, slip them off before entering unless she tells you otherwise. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER!!!! only bottled water, they draw their tap water from the river dnieper, if you visit this river you will understand. take comfortable walking shoes, you are going to be doing alot of walking. You must. while in Kiev visit the monastery(I cant remember the name) where the monks are entombed in the tunnells in glass coffins, this is a must see!!!!! If I can help with anyone else just ask1!!! Joel

Hi Candy,

I have been to Ukraine 3X in the past year. It is a very interesting place. I enjoy it each time and every city has its own flavor and character. I've visited Simferopol, Sevastopol, Odessa, Yalta, Kiev, and Nicolaev. You didn't mention why you are going but you will find the people friendly when approached, but at the same time aloof. Thy are a very busy and serious people. But, also warm and giving.

There is a major contrast between the sites visited by tourists and those of residents. Odessa, Kiev, Sevastopol are beautiful cities, but at the same time when you pull back the veneer you will see a dirty, working environment. I very much appreciate the Russian architecture and the effort to make their towns pretty. You will uncover a real contrast in working class and those with money. Even so, they seem to be a country in transition and they are doing the best they can to move from a subserviant/communist existense to one based on capitalism. Even so, it is a work in progress . . .

I would encourage to get out and walk. BTW-everyone does it there. Wear good shoes and get in shape before you go. You will walk everywhere.

Very few people speak English so carry a dictionary. But, even that will be a challenge. Be aware of your surroundings so you know how to get back to where you live. You won't be able to ask directions. Learn some basic Russian. ex. please, thank you, where is, I'd like, . . . etc,

I found it much preferable to get apartments. They can be had for $35-60 per night depending on what city you visit. There are sites on the web that can set up apartment for you. I found them reasonable and helpful.

I would check out Livadia in Yalta, the Greek Orthodox Complex in Kiev (La'Vra ?),
Sevastopol is a beautiful and interesting city. So far it has been my favorite.

. . . The women. They are the most beautiful in the world and dress the part. Just when you think you have seen the prettiest in the world the next one walking by will wrest away your heart.

The train is the only way to get around; both figuretively and literally. Sharing a cabin with three other men for 12 hours is an experience like no other. The alcohol flows, the sausage and cheese, the bread and fruit without the taste of chemicals, the broken English and Russian, the laughter, and the melding of two different cultures is truly memorable. Lastly, standing in the hallway of the train with a cup of tea, leering out of the window as it zips across the terrain at 2:00 AM, with the wind whipping by is an experience I will always remember.

Be generous and friendly and it will be returned in great measure. Enjoy it!

Fred

Hello Fred
Have read your post about the travel to Ukraine...laughted a lot - I can imagine you enjoyed to share the cabin in train with 3 ukraine men.
Any way thanks for your friendly words.
My friend told me that her husband (from Switzerland) the whole year long was telling his friends: " Can you imagin in Ukraine they eat strange soup maden from fresh cucumbers". It was his great impression.
I am glad that you managed to notice friendly people, intresting towns and beautiful women

mrhatman, what was interesting for you in Lugans?
what transport did you use in the town?