Last Minute Travel...

[eubanksae]

This is my first post, so let me introduce myself... My name is Andy, I live in Bradenton, FL and I have been browsing around this site for about 3 months now, but never posted anything.  I have just found that I have some vacation days that I must use or loose, and so I am thinking about very quickly throwing together a trip to the Ukraine.  I would actually be leaving on the 18th, so that doesn't leave me much time.  Airline tickets would have to be purchased immediately.  I am thinking about being there for about 7 or 8 days, and visiting 2 or 3 cities.  I don't speak Ukrainian or Russian, so I don't think I would be venturing out of the larger cities.  I would not mind meeting some women in person while I'm there (I have been trading some emails with a few that live in the Ukraine), but the main purpose of the trip would be to see the country.  I would definitely call myself a newbie at this.  I've done some traveling, but the only eastern European countries I have been to are Czech Republic and Hungary.  Any advice would be appreciated...

Thanks,
Andy E.

[Daveman]

Hi Andy, Welcome!

Without any language skills it'll be somewhat difficult for you to get around on your own, though not impossible.  If you run into trouble with language, find a teenager/college age person and ask politely for help.  The younger people are more likely to have a familiarity with English and may be able to communicate with you at least a little. "2 or 3 cities" is somewhat (cough) vague  .  What cities are your "girls" near?  You will need to write an address on your tourist card from an individual or a hotel.  If you enter/leave the country through Odessa, you will have more scrutiny from the customs guys (both coming and going) than if you enter through Kiev (Borispol).  Will you be staying with the girls? or planning to bounce from hotel to hotel? 

The train system is pretty cool.  I like it.  I sleep like a baby on an overnight trip city to city.  Very inexpensive travel.  You might want to go down to Crimea and check out the castles, even if it's just for a couple of days.  The catacombs under Odessa are interesting. I hear the Chernobyl museum is very cool though I haven't been.  Almost every city has an array of beautiful parks (no really.. beautiful parks.. not like these second rate excuses we have, I mean b e a u t i f u l), museums, theater, WWII memorials and monuments, etc.  Be a little more specific if you can and you'll get better answers! :-)))

Dave

[ScottinCrimea]

Welcome!  How are things in The Florida?  (get the hint?)  You're definitely in for a great experience but you're not really going to experience the country if you just stay in a couple of major cities, though with your time and language limits that's probably the best you can do right now. If you want to be more specific about where you want to go while you are here there are a lot of guys here who can give you some good advice about the specifics.

[eubanksae]

Please understand that this trip is now only about 4 hours old.  I really didn't have any plans, so they are being concieved as we speak.  The cities I was thinking of were Kiev, Odessa, and something in the Crimea area.  That's about as specific as I've gotten so far.  I'm guessing I'll be flying into Kiev, but I was just checking, and Odessa was about the same price.

[Mamma D]

Best wishes....Enjoy the adventure.

Mamma D

[Kuna]

Please understand that this trip is now only about 4 hours old.  I really didn't have any plans, so they are being concieved as we speak.  The cities I was thinking of were Kiev, Odessa, and something in the Crimea area.  That's about as specific as I've gotten so far.  I'm guessing I'll be flying into Kiev, but I was just checking, and Odessa was about the same price.

Andy,

If you've got 7 or 8 days to spend in Ukraine I'd suggest you limit your itinerary to 1 city or 2 at the most.  It might be a good idea to visit Kiev in the first instance because you could quite easily fill a week with interesting activities and a bit of dating through an agency.

If you're travelling purely for a holiday there are plenty of things to do and see but as you've been lurking in RWD you're probably interested in a relationship with a spectacular FSU woman. Some would say you won't see the "Real Ukraine" if you stay in the capital but considering your tight timeline it might be the easiest option for you.  You'll find lots of younger people that speak enough English for you not to fret too much and there is lots of advice available from former visitors.

If you do decide on one city I'd suggest doing some "power dating" via an agency for the first 3 days then choose one lady to spend some more time with for the remainder of your trip.  Please keep in mind you may only get their attention outside of business hours as they would be unlikely to be able to arrange time off at short notice.

If you've been writing to some ladies why not pick the "most interesting" and let her know you'll be in her town.  If it doesn't work out with her you could then use an agency for some "power dating".

Sometimes I think an impromptu trip is a great way to go because you won't have crazy expectations and you can treat the trip as an adventure.  If you do click with someone while away though you might find yourself back there with a more concrete itinerary next time though.  

If you need some help in town there are a number of guides but you should be careful.  I have no experience with the following company but they look like a nice option because all of their prices are published and it should be easier to get them to stick by their promises.  

the URL is: http://www.translations.kiev.ua

By the way they have this apartment ( Mihailovskaya 24A 54 $60) which looks like the one I was in but is $15 per night cheaper than I paid. It's close to O'Briens Irish pub which is a good place to meet expats and get some "on the ground advice".  The beer is cold but I wouldn't suggest you eat there.    It's also a short walk to Independence Square, Sophia Cathedral and Andrewevsky (sp?) Street.

Their prices for private car (with English speaking driver) is also about half the price I was quoted by some people in Kiev. I used a driver for about 2.5 hours or so and it cost me approx $50 - but on their website recently I saw a quote for 6 or 8 hours around Kiev for $60... That's good value!  You can take a private car to Dnepropetrovsk for $250 (I was quoted $400) but flying with Aerosvit is an even better option (<$100) or the train (if you're more adventurous) is about $20 I think.

Once you pick your city you'll find lots of advice here.

Best of luck,

Kuna

[Jazzyclassy]

hey Andy:)

yeah ask Kuna or Thor they are experts in Ukraine  they will help you

Kuna already did

read one more time his post above:))))

Welcome  enjoy this fresh bacon:)

[Kuna]

hey Andy:)

yeah ask Kuna or Thor they are experts in Ukraine  they will help you

Kuna already did

read one more time his post above:))))

Welcome  enjoy this fresh bacon:)

Jazzy,  I'm not quite an expert but am happy to share what I learned (including some great little bars and spts to watch the world go by).

Thor is a GREAT idea though...  Andy, you should consider PMing Thor to see if he's still in Kharkov.  If he is I'm sure he'd appreciate a visit from a RWD member and he'd be sure to show you the "hot spots".

Kuna

[El Rock]

If you can afford one , electronic   translator   would  come in real handy  .
You need to have a guide  or someone waiting for you at the airport .
You might as well be deaf .
You are entering the "Twilight Light Zone "


The amount of  beautiful women will  blow your mind .!

[eubanksae]

OK, I just got my flight for $29.95 !!  Well not really, but I've been saving Delta sky miles for 10 years now, and every time I try to use them it doesn't work, but this time it did.  I had to buy 1000 more miles to get to 50K, and that's what the 30 bucks is for. It's not the most direct route.  I have to fly out of Miami, to Atlanta, to DC, to Paris, to Kiev.  I just hope my luggage keeps up with all the hops.  And on the way back I have to spend the night in Paris, but who cares, I'm glad I got to use my miles on this trip.  The ticket was gonna cost around $1100 - $1200!  As far as lodging, I like the apartment idea.  I would not be staying with any girls, don't know any of them very well, only a few emails traded.  As it stands right now, I lost a day on the trip because of the overnight Paris layover, so I get there on the 19th at 2:30pm, and I depart at 12pm on the 25th.  That gives me 6 nights there, I wanted more like 8, but I'll take what I can get.  So, obviously Kiev is one of the cities, because I arrive and depart from there. Right now, I'm thinking the other would be Odessa. I know one girl there I was chatting with, and another I just started emailing with yesterday is also there.  I have never made a trip this last minute before, but I'm sure it'll be fun, even if I don't get to see everything I wanted to.  
Ok, electronic translator. Any particular model recommended?
And guide at the airport... I believe some of the apartments I was looking at offered this service, I'll have to check out the one that Kuna recommended and see if they have airport pickup.

And beautiful women, great!!  What agencies are best?
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone.

Andy E.

[El Rock]

Kuna  is attracted to that web site because it look  nice or what ever .
That's no reason to use it , in fact , it's a very  poor reason .

Wait and see what  experiences   others have had  directly with  a business .

I would find a better route  , that one sucks . Too many cities .
You write like you  have a hard time getting away  for this trip , what  about next time , will it be as difficult  ?
You'll need to make multiple trips   .    Can you do such a thing ?

My girl friend lives there in Kiev and speaks fluent  English  ,  she can help .
PM me if you are interested .
Rock

[Kuna]

Kuna  is attracted to that web site because it look  nice or what ever .
That's no reason to use it , in fact , it's a very  poor reason .

Wait and see what  experiences   others have had  directly with  a business .

I would find a better route  , that one sucks . Too many cities .
You write like you  have a hard time getting away  for this trip , what  about next time , will it be as difficult  ?
You'll need to make multiple trips   .    Can you do such a thing ?

My girl friend lives there in Kiev and speaks fluent  English  ,  she can help .
PM me if you are interested .
Rock

HAHAHAHA... Rock... You're a classic.  I didn't recommend that company because of the website... I suggested he look at them because the apartments and private cars were significantly cheaper than the guide I used last time.

Then when I got to the bottom of your post I realised you were looking for some business for your fiance.  Can't knock a guy for that!  Andy... I suggest you use Rocks Girlfriend and while you're there you ask her what on earth she sees in him!   

Seriously though.. look at options and try to choose the option that looks most reputable.  Some of the apartment services WILL provide a transfer in the cost of the apartment... some will charge a little.  To give you an indication my guide charged me $40 for the transfer from the airport to city centre.  On my return I got a taxi for <$30.  that'll give you a guide of costs.

Kuna

[Kuna]

OK, I just got my flight for $29.95 !!  Well not really, but I've been saving Delta sky miles for 10 years now, and every time I try to use them it doesn't work, but this time it did.  I had to buy 1000 more miles to get to 50K, and that's what the 30 bucks is for. It's not the most direct route.  I have to fly out of Miami, to Atlanta, to DC, to Paris, to Kiev.  I just hope my luggage keeps up with all the hops.  And on the way back I have to spend the night in Paris, but who cares, I'm glad I got to use my miles on this trip.  The ticket was gonna cost around $1100 - $1200!  As far as lodging, I like the apartment idea.  I would not be staying with any girls, don't know any of them very well, only a few emails traded.  As it stands right now, I lost a day on the trip because of the overnight Paris layover, so I get there on the 19th at 2:30pm, and I depart at 12pm on the 25th.  That gives me 6 nights there, I wanted more like 8, but I'll take what I can get.  So, obviously Kiev is one of the cities, because I arrive and depart from there. Right now, I'm thinking the other would be Odessa. I know one girl there I was chatting with, and another I just started emailing with yesterday is also there.  I have never made a trip this last minute before, but I'm sure it'll be fun, even if I don't get to see everything I wanted to.  
Ok, electronic translator. Any particular model recommended?
And guide at the airport... I believe some of the apartments I was looking at offered this service, I'll have to check out the one that Kuna recommended and see if they have airport pickup.

And beautiful women, great!!  What agencies are best?
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone.

Andy E.

Andy,  You'll have a ball... just promise us you'll post a trip report and we'll all do everything possible to help you out.

Now...  if you're on the ground for 6 days I'd really suggest you stay in Kiev.  If you've got a lady in Odessa you want to meet why not ask for to come up to Kiev for a few days?  that was you can be settled and explore the city without losing another day here and there flying and getting transfers etc.  She might even be happy with a 3 room apartment (that's 2 bedrooms + the lounge/kitchen).

If you travel so far away on such a tight trip you might get into some trouble.  My 1 hour flight to Dnepropetrovsk left 5 hours late because of fog and that ruined my day... well it didn't ruin it because I had a good day at the airport but unless you can make your own fun I'd suggest avoiding long delays in airports).

now.. agencies...  I think I've seen Gator recommend Kiev Connections before.  It's close to O'Briens pub as well and you'll probably find an apartment close to there anyway.  If you look at their web site you'll see you can get them to arrange dates with ladies you like and then after a few days of dating you might find a lady you want to spend more time with.

Elena's Models also have an agency in town and they can arrange dates too.

Andy...  I didn't use an electronic translator when in Ukraine and I think you can do without it unless you're going to dates girls with no English.  That's a decision up to you.  For your dates you can have a translator come along and help out if her English isn't "good" but an electronic translator might make you feel more comfortable.

Don't forget to take small gifts for the ladies you meet.  preferrably something from your home that they couldn't find elsewhere. You're from Florida yeah??? I hear there's a lot of plastic surgery going on down there but I don't think silicone is an idea gift for a first meeting.  Hmmm... no botox either! 

Fire off your questions as they come up...  Helping out makes me feel like my next trip is closer.  Before you go make sure you ask all the guys about restaurant and bar recommendations because you don't want to be sitting in your apartment alone at night!  (Kiev is safe but you still need to be cautious... just don't draw too much attention to yourself and you'll be fine!)

Kuna

[eubanksae]

Rock,
Yeh the route sucks, but we're talking $30 vs $1200  Really now, which would you choose??

Kuna,
What types of things (other than the silicone and botox) make good gifts?
Yeh, I don't think I'll be going out with girls that don't speak any english, so I might just stick with a dictionary.
There is one girl from Elena's Models that I've traded a few letters with, and she is from Zaporozhye.  I haven't yet looked to see where that is.

I promise to post a trip report.

Thanks,
Andy

[El Rock]

It will , or may be very difficult to find any one who speaks English.
You might as well be deaf , as stated before .

It's a very cold society  , unfriendly , somehtines

[El Rock]

http://www.elenasmodels.com/index.php?ap=3953824
Is this her?
You could post her profile  so  we all  can admire her  with you
 


http://www.elenasmodels.com/index.php?ap=314633

[Kuna]

Rock,
Yeh the route sucks, but we're talking $30 vs $1200  Really now, which would you choose??

Kuna,
What types of things (other than the silicone and botox) make good gifts?
Yeh, I don't think I'll be going out with girls that don't speak any english, so I might just stick with a dictionary.
There is one girl from Elena's Models that I've traded a few letters with, and she is from Zaporozhye.  I haven't yet looked to see where that is.

I promise to post a trip report.

Thanks,
Andy

Andy... i don't know what Florida is famous for other than the plastic surgery, sunushine and Columbian drug dealers but something showing your local identity is perfect.  I took some little stuffed koalas and kangaroos... some picture books of the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests, chocolates with macadamia nuts and Australian wine.. Oh, I took a bottle of Bundy Ruim too...  By the way.. If you take wine make it a VERY sweet red wine... they love the stuff!  Personally I think it tastes like liquid sugar but they love it!

Take photos of your family and friends and of your city.  I'd suggest you don't take photos of your house, car, ex-wives or anyting else materialistic.  If you meet girls on your first trip you should romance them not try to buy them.  You'll be amazed at how swicthed on many of them are...  and I think you'll find most aren't desperate to leave Ukraine and are very proud of their country.

Do some reading on the history and be sure to know what's important about their cities.  If you want to win a girls heart you MUST win her mind.

Zaporozhye is one hour drive from Dnepropetrovsk but you can get direct flight there too but I don't think they go every day...  If I were going there I'd probably fly to Dnepr and ask your girl to meet you at the airport and you get a cab (or private car back together).

Oh... one more tip... and I did this as a genuine gesture more than anythign else but after you introduce each other and feel your heart rate settle back to a normal pace be sure to compliment her on her city/country not her eyes or b00bs.  They know they are beautiful and if you treat them with respect and dignity you'll go much futher than drooling over them.

Just y opinion of course... Drooling might work for some men!

Kuna

[Kuna]

http://www.elenasmodels.com/index.php?ap=3953824
Is this her?
You could post her profile  so  we all  can admire her  with you
 


http://www.elenasmodels.com/index.php?ap=314633

HAHAHAHAHA.... Rock... you're really cracking me up... the first 7 words in her personal message rules you out!

 

[GregfromGa]

I think you are being very smart not to try and communicate with girls that doesnt speak English. Six days is enough time to get your feet wet and make you ready for your next trip. I'm also trying to use my skymiles with Delta and I'm finding it hard to do. If I could get my baby's passport back we might just be on that same plane with you. I know that was one of the dates on the same route that was open for using miles.

A couple of days in The Crimea with the right girl could be a great trip. The train from Kiev to Simferopel is just too long though. Fly and be there in an hour or so. It'll probably cost you $90 give or take a few. Summer flights can be very expensive if you are on a budget so if you can make some good contact with the right girl it will serve as a good buffer until you can get back in the fall although if you meet the right girl no amount of money will keep you away. If you do meet the right girl you'll have your next trip planned before you leave there. Good luck and hang around here because there is a wealth of info here that will save you time and money.

[ScottinCrimea]

First off, it would be MUCH better to arrange to have someone meet you at the airport.  You don't want to deal with the hord of taxi drivers waiting at every door and as soon as they hear an English word you can expect the cost of your fare to double or triple.  You also may want to arrange for a guide/interpretor for at least a few hours the first day to help you get settled, know your way around and help you with some basic shopping.  After that you can probably wander around on your own just fine.  Be sure to have them write down the address of where you are staying in Russian so if you get lost you can just show it to a taxi driver.  With only 6 days on the ground, you don't want to waste one of them traveling to and from another city, so I would recommend that you stay put in Kiev.  It will give you your bearings and a nice base for future trips.  Crimea is an option later, since the flight to Simferopol is only 1 1/2 hours, with maybe another hour drive to the coast, but there isn't much happening here until at least May 1st, and the area is so beautiful and there is so much to see that you really couldn't do it justice in only a couple of days.
     I guarantee that you are in for a great experience.  After 6 days you will have a sore jaw and soggy shirt from all the jaw dropping and drooling over the beautiful women.  I've been here over 2 years and I'm still not used to it.

[eubanksae]

Got some more questions for you guys...
Can I get a prepaid SIM when I get there?  I've got an unlocked phone that I've traveled with before, but I don't know if I have time to order a sim.  Any recommendations here?

Anyone familiar with this site:  http://www.kievapartment.com ?
Good / bad?  They have apartments in Odessa and Kiev, and offer airport pickup and transport for $36

I know that most of you have said that my trip is too short to do multiple cities.. but there is one girl who is on hotrussianbrides.com who said that she want to meet me, and she lives in Odessa.  however, I think you guys know this site is all about chatting guys up and making money.  they edit the emails, and remove any specifics  and personal info because they want you to spend over $1000 with them.  at that point they will go through some paperwork to let you get personal info on a girl.  I think the girl is sincere, and not just trying to make money for the site, I just don't know if I will realistically be able to coordinate a successful meeting with this site as the only means of communication.  Anyone been successful at this?  Maybe I should see if I can get her to come to kiev??

Thanks!
Andy

[Daveman]

Yes, you can pick up a sim card in Ukraine, drop it in your phone, buy some minutes with another card (make sure it matches your new sim card.. for example Kievstar, UMC, UMC Jeans... just buy minutes cards from the same service...)   You will enter in a long series of numbers, and voila! you got minutes in your phone.


I would try to get her to come to kiev.  Let HER pay for her trip and then you can reimburse her after you see that she is real...  Other's will have to answer about that agency. I have no experience, but if your gut is telling you that there is something funny, I'd listen to it and take precautions.  Don't ever fall for hype.

Dave

[El Rock]

     I guarantee that you are in for a great experience.  After 6 days you will have a sore jaw and soggy shirt from all the jaw dropping and drooling over the beautiful women.  I've been here over 2 years and I'm still not used to it.

He can't over start this enough ,   it's mind blowing .
It's paradise  !
Here's how I describe it to my friends .

It's like walking onto a   set where they are filming a rock &  roll video  and all the women are dressed  in hi heals , tight jeans  and tops that  are made for a models , which they are .

[Jazzyclassy]

He can't over start this enough ,   it's mind blowing .
It's paradise  !
Here's how I describe it to my friends .

It's like walking onto a   set where they are filming a rock &  roll video  and all the women are dressed  in hi heals , tight jeans  and tops that  are made for a models , which they are .

Oh here they go again

Dear Andy please make sure that those men did not spoil your mind with all those beautiful sugary pictures of Ukraine and its hot hot hot girls  :selfharm:

I beg your pardon Andy before throwing yourself into Ukraine paradise make sure that you took all the precautions

[El Rock]

 precautions

What are you babbling about  now ?
What precautions ??