Way to Russia Talk Lounge

courtneyandclaire · Just Starting Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

My best friend and I are planning to take the trans-mongolian railroad from Moscow to Beijing in September. We are two 19 year old girls and we are trying to convince my parents that this is actually a safe trip. We have it all planned out, know the visa reqiurements, where we would stay, etc. We are starting in Moscow where we will spend 3 days and then take the train to Ulan Ude, staying at a hostel there for three days, then going on to Ulaan Baatar, and spending four days there before taking the train to Beijing and flying home from there. From everything that we have read and everyone we have talked to, the places we are going and the way we are travelling are very safe, even for two girls. We just need more information to back us up so that we can actually take this trip. My friend's parents think it is a great idea and completely trust us because they know we can handle ourselves in foreign countries. My parents, on the other hand, seem to have no confidence in us and we just need any info. from people that will help us to prove that the trans-mongolian trip is going to be a great adventure. So please, if you have taken this trip, any information about your experiences would be great and much appreciated!

Thank you in advance!!

danbrew · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:01 pm Post subject:

The journey is quite safe and many foreigners complete the trip with absolutely no worries at all. Single women, couples, solo travelers - all with no problems. A few minutes searching on google will provide you with dozens of blog reports from folks just like yourselves who have made the trip with no worries.

Smile

tillwehavefaces616 · Frequent Guest Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 14

I'm a single 21 female that traveled from Moscow to Irkutsk and stayed at Baikal for 2 weeks...all done by myself. I felt very safe the whole time, but obviously you do need to be aware of your surroundings and don't put yourself into a situation that could get you into trouble. Be smart about it and you will be fine!

YellowMelon · Just Starting Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 4

You should tell your parents that you both are grown-up women and that whatever you choose to do it's none of their business. They have to accept the fact that their children one day want to live their own lives and do whatever floats their boat.

Randy · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject:

Sure it would be a great adventure and give you a lifetime of memories. Obviously, there is not anyone thinking as a parent though. As a parent with an adventurous daughter, I stay greatly concerned about her safety. I have traveled through Russia many years and know for a fact that in the safest conditions anything can happen, even to the most seasoned travler. Everyone on this board can give advice to support these two young ladies, but in reality, there is nobody who could quell the fears a parent has for the safety of their children.

danbrew · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject:

As a parent myself, I say very true. The two young ladies in question asked this question back in July about a trip they had planned in September - I hope they did make the trip and they come back to share their experiences.

Randy · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 4:53 am Post subject:

Danbrew, yes I looked back at the post and realized that I had replied way to late. But I hope that some who give well intentioned advice in the future to young people looking for an adventure are more thoughtful of the parents feelings. Myself, I am very cautious about giving advise to inexperienced travelers. Heck, I am over 50 and my parents still worry about me when I travel...lol If those two youngs ladies did do the trip, I hope they are ok and maybe come back and post their adventure here.