Way to Russia Talk Lounge

drukavstraliski · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 3:49 pm Post subject: Carry baggage while in Russia

Can anyone suggest the sort of bags I should be carrying my items in while in Russia? Are there any sort of travel bags that I should avoid, so that I do not stand out like a sore thumb (more so that I can't be spotted as a tourist straight off)?

5_Zvehzda · Moderator Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 347 Location: Arizona

I hauled around a dullish green travel pack strapped on my back during the days arriving and leaving. Never attracted a single bit of attention or slightest notice, and it probably wouldn't have if it was brightly colored either. Nobody could care less.

During the regular days while moving around, the messenger bag I had slung across my shoulder didn't catch any notice either. There's all kinds of bags being toted around.

The only type of bag with lack of security are these 'murses' (man purses), or 'man-bags' (See the blog section). It seems like these are small enough to be snatched away too easily. Of course, you might blend in fairly well, since they are supposedly all the rage with the locals.

krasatulya · VIP Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 571

These are definitely the rage with the locals. I just returned from Russia and I noticed many men with these effeminate bags, mainly in Moscow. I commented to my husband that it was a bizarre style, especially when coupled with the pointy shoe fashion trend. My husband said he thought it was more popular a few years ago, when he was in college, but that it still appears to be fashionable with some men. I personally think it is ridiculous looking!

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

Frankly, any bag will do. A lot of young people carry flashy messenger bags or bagpacks nowadays. Or you can carry a small briefcase or 'murse'.

Now the most appropriate bag would be the most hardest to snatch/pickpocket. I read a trick if you were carrying a bagpack, stuff an old t-shirt or towel at the bottom so it's harder for them to slash the bag and take off with the stuff.

Whatever you do, you needn't look outlandishly fashionably--just dress well and look smart (and it could mean you should consider matching bag and shoes--haha). One mistake a lot of first-time travellers here do is that they dress poorly in crumpled travelling clothes and carry tattered bags. You'll look like a traveller who could be easy to pick on.

krasatulya · VIP Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 571

My trip was really wonderful, Surfguy, but very busy. My husband and I were saying that it was a very active vacation and not much of a relaxing one. Moscow was a good time, but I think it was fun because he has a few friends there who showed us a really good time. When we arrived in Moscow on Sat. morning we had already been up for almost 24 hours, and his friend who picked us up from the airport had already planned out our first day together, so it was a very long day! We arrived in Moscow on their city day, so it was pretty fun being able to walk down the middle of Tverskaya street during the day. I was told by his friends that it was weird for them, since the street is usually jammed full of cars any other day.

Since we only had three days in Moscow, two of which were on the weekend, we hung with his friends most of the time and then did the tourist stuff all on Monday. Unfortunately we overslepted on Monday and missed seeing Lenin, but we did St. Basil's, the Kremlin and all that other good stuff. I was really happy that the weather cooperated for us, and was even warm when the sun was out!

My favorite memory of Moscow is seeing Red Square at night my first day in Russia. It was really a magical sight. I also thought it was neat how the GUM is completely covered with lights. Lots of nice memories.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

That's great!

krasatulya · VIP Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 571

And St. Petersburg was fabulous, but I guess I should write about that in that folder Smile

Zach10791 · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 816

Welcome back, Krasatulya! I'm glad you had a fabulous time! Very Happy

Please, do tell how it was. Laughing