In this section we hope to provide you with answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions.   If we don’t answer your question below, please feel free to submit your question by clicking HERE, we promise to try to respond to you as quickly as possible.  

Can anyone compete at the Martial Arts Olympics East-West Open?
Yes!  The ‘East-West Open’ is open to all styles, ages and ranks.  There are many divisions to choose from which can be found on the Competitors link.  Competitions will begin on Friday, April 18th and continue thru Sunday April 20th.  The Martial Arts Olympics will feature top international athletes that are competing by invitation only. 

When should I make my reservation? Can a spot be held for me?
We highly recommend that you make your reservation as early as possible to lock-in the current price.  No price is guaranteed until paid-in-full.  In addition, the best flights (shortest lay-over) and best seat assignments fill-up fast.  Booking early will also guarantee your spot.  Many of our travelers reserve their trips six to nine months in advance.  If you would like us to hold a spot for you, please call us at 1-717-757-2529 to make a 72-hour risk free deposit of $500 deposit per person.

How can I make my reservation?
You can make your reservation online by clicking here or by accessing the mail-in registration form on our Travel Info page.  Download the form and mail it to 3195 East Prospect Road, York, PA. 17402.

What kind of hotels do you use?
We carefully select our hotels to ensure the best possible experience for you.  The hotel is chosen based on location, comfort, cleanliness and overall amenities.  In all of our accommodations, you can count on a private bath or shower.  Your hotel accommodations, taxes and breakfast buffet each morning are included in the price of your tour.  However you will be required to submit a credit card at the time of arrival and registration for guarantee of any additional charges such as room service, phone calls, in-room beverage and snack services, etc.

What airlines do you use?
The round-trip air travel is via regularly scheduled flights with major airlines. It is always our goal to get you to and from Russia with a maximum of comfort and convenience.

 

Do you have luggage restrictions?
The airlines limit the size and weight of checked and carry-on luggage.  Click HERE for a sample list of airlines and their luggage requirements.  Exceptions are made for special baggage such as sporting equipment and wheelchairs, if noted at the time of reservation.  For up-to-date air travel restrictions visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration at www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm Additionally, we highly recommend that guests personally carry any boarding documentation (passports, visas, I.D.); valuables; medications; and, items which require special handling.

 

What should I pack?
Dress in Russia is generally casual. For traveling and sightseeing, comfortable shoes and clothes such as jeans and sweaters are perfectly acceptable. It is also a good idea to bring along a backpack or carrying case to stow away souvenirs and other purchases as you explore the city sights, attractions, and palaces.  Be sure to bring warm clothing; and, layered attire is the best way to go. Most Russian hotels and public facilities are well-heated and sometimes verge on being uncomfortably warm.  If you dress in layers, you can put on or remove layers according to the temperature of your location.  For outer wear, be sure to bring a warm coat that is both waterproof and rain resistant.  A raincoat or umbrella will come in handy for the rainy days of spring.

 

What is the time difference?
St. Petersburg is eight (8) hours ahead of the United States EST.

 

What can I expect the mid-April weather to be in Russia?
Generally, spring begins in late March and lasts until mid to late May.  St. Petersburg is a windy city and in some areas exposed to the Gulf of Finland, the wind chill is quite fierce.  Significant snowfall in late April is not uncommon and temperatures can suddenly drop when the melting ice blocks from Lake Ladoga come floating through the city’s main waterways.   So, plan accordingly.  You'll want to bring along a winter jacket, warm and waterproof footwear, hat and gloves.  Naturally, the weather can also warm up in later spring where you’d be comfortable in a traditional spring jacket and footwear.  As a result, you'll be wise to bring along an extra sweater and dress in layers that can be added or removed depending on the temperature.

 

Can I travel at a discount if I organize a group to travel together?
Yes! As a Group Coordinator, you can earn one free spot by recruiting 20 travelers to go with you.

 

Do you offer travel protection?
Yes.  We recommend that all travelers purchase a protection plan to cover them while traveling. Our plan includes Medical, Baggage and Property, and Cancellation & Interruption protection.

 

What are the new passport requirements?

Passports are required for travel to Russia; and, are necessary to obtain a Russian visa.  For more information or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov.  It is the responsibility of the guest to bring all required travel documents.  Guest names must be identical to those on the airline tickets, otherwise proof of name change (ie. marriage license) OR a valid driver’s license or other government issued photo ID must be presented.

 

How can I let people know hot to get in touch with me in case of an emergency?
You will of course want to leave copies of your travel abroad itinerary with family members and others who are close to you.  Upon receipt of your Russian tourist visa, IMAC will send to you a Welcome Packet that will include your airline tickets, U.S. Passport with Visa stamp, and all necessary travel information including hotel address and telephone numbers. 

 

Do I need special shots, medications, or to take other health precautions in order to travel to Russia?
Although there are no specific vaccinations required for travel to Russia, all travelers should be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations.  If you are unsure or are not up-to-date with your immunizations, it is recommended that you see your health care provider 4-6 weeks before departure to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.  In addition, please note that water quality varies widely in Russia therefore DO NOT drink the local water.  Travelers are also advised that brushing your teeth with tap water could also be considered a source of contamination.  Ice should not be used in beverages.   Bottled water is provided at the hotel and should be considered the safest.

 

I’m on medication, are there guidelines for taking medication into the country?
You can bring reasonable quantities for your personal consumption; however, you should only take what you will need for the trip.  Keep medicines in the original labeled drugstore containers.

 

Will my health insurance cover me while abroad?  If not, how do I get health insurance?
You’ll need to check with your health insurance provider to see if you have worldwide coverage.  If not, or if you have no health insurance there are special policies available.  The U.S. Department of State has informative Medical Information for American traveling abroad which can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html

 

How much money (foreign currency) can I bring into Russia?
You can legally bring any sum of cash into Russia, however any sum over $3,000 must be declared.  You can legally bring up to $3,000 in cash out of Russia, however anything exceeding $3,000 requires a certificate by a Russian bank allowing export of currency.  Credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted.

 

Can I use American money in Russia or do I need Rubles?
American money is accepted in some places but it is best to exchange your currency into Russian Rubles.  Currency can be freely converted at banks, hotels or tourist kiosks.  There are numerous money exchanges in downtown St. Petersburg and most will require you to have a passport to exchange money.  When you exchange dollars for Rubles, it is advised that you change only small amounts at one time.  Be sure to keep your exchange receipt so you can exchange unused rubles back into dollars before you leave Russia.  NEVER exchange money with people outside an exchange office offering you a better rate, exchanging money in this manner is still illegal in Russia.

 

Can I take a cell phone and will it work in Russia?
Check with your cellular provider to verify availability of service in the Russian Federation.  Most cell phones abroad use pre-paid SIM chips that can be inserted into any phone.  If your American cell phone contract will not work overseas; and, your cell phone also uses a SIM-chip with dual or tri-band settings, you may be able to purchase a SIM chip and pre-paid minutes for it.

 

Can I use my electronics/appliances in Russia?
Electric current in Russia is the same as it is in Europe, 220 volt/50 hz, two round-pin thin European standards.  This is different than the United States 110v standard.  American appliances (cell phone chargers, hair dryers, shavers, etc.) need a 220v to 110v/100v converter with the proper plug adaptor.  If your appliance has a 220v switch, you will need only the plug adaptor.

 

Will I have internet and/or email access?
Yes, the hotel offers internet access for a minimal fee.  Email is often the most affordable and convenient means of communication.

 

Rates are quoted based on a double occupancy, if traveling alone do you have roommate matching?
Yes, we room solo travelers (of the same gender) in a double room with two beds.   We will do our best to match you with a roommate based upon your age, gender and as fair and accommodating as possible.  We also offer single accommodations for an up-charge based on availability.  Two friends, or families, traveling together will be roomed together and/or adjoining if possible.

 

What is the cancellation policy?
Airline tickets are secured at the time of registration to lock-in seat and flight availability.  Once the airline ticket is issued, your registration is non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

When will I receive my travel documents for my trip?
IMAC will be submitting all passports to the Russian embassy for visa stamps on February 01, 2008.  Once the visas have been secured and checked for accuracy, IMAC will be sending all registrants a welcome packet with all pertinent travel documents.

 

What if I have other questions?
Please ask!  We want to make this a memorable trip and are ready to answer any of your questions.  So, please feel free to email us if we can be of help.