We need advice on travelling to Russia

MY HUSBAND AND I ARE PLANNING A TRIP TO RUSSIA AND SCANDINAVIA NEXT SEPTEMBER, STARTING IN MOSCOW. WE HAVE HEARD IT CAN BE HARD TO GET A RUSSIAN VISA AND MAY BE TURNED BACK AT THE AIRPORT. IF WE GAIN ENTRY TO RUSSIA, HOW CAN WE PRE-BOOK TRAVEL TO ST PETERSBURG AND ON TO HELSINKI? WE ARE SPENDING A WEEK IN RUSSIA AND DOING THIS INDEPENDENTLY.

L. ANTHONISZ, CASTLE HILL

Russia is a tricky proposition all round, and full of potential traps for the first-time visitor looking to organise their own itinerary. For that reason I strongly suggest you consult an expert. Sydney's Eastern Europe Travel Bureau eetbtravel.com has been operating guided tours and organising trips for independent travellers to Russia for more than 25 years and what they don't know about travel there isn't worth knowing. They can take care of all your visa arrangements and hotel bookings and get you on board the train to St Petersburg and onward to Helsinki. There are places where you can book your own trip and places when you really shouldn't and Russia is one where you need to call in the pros.