Russian culture is vastly different from other cultures around the world. With its rich history and impressive landmass, Russia has become a go to travel destination for many. As the world’s largest country, Russia is more than twice the size of the second largest country, Canada. The two countries have much geographic similarities and are both covered in large masses of ice and arctic conditions, making most of both countries uninhabitable.

Tourism in Russia has fluctuated over the past few decades. When Russia was part of the Soviet Union, tourism soared and was one of the largest industries. After the USSR collapsed the tourism industry took a major hit. However, in the years since, tourism has regained much of its momentum. Approximately 80% of tourists who travel to Russia visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. With so many cultural attractions, it is easy to understand why these cities are so popular.

Acquiring a visa to Russia isn’t as difficult as it is expensive. If you have time, a visa could cost you about $140 USD. However, if you need a last minute visa, it could run as much as $250 USD plus fees for a 10 day single entry tourist visa.  Fortunately, there is a lesser-known option that does not require a visa. Citizens from specific countries are allowed to visit Russia without a visa anywhere from 14-90 days. Unfortunately, many other countries do require a visa to enter with one exception. If you travel by ferry or cruise, you can spend up to 72 hours in St. Petersburg visa free.

Currently the only way to enter Russia without a visa is by boat. Cruise passengers on the St. Peters Line from Helsinki, Finland, Stockholm, Sweden or Tallinn, Estonia can enter St. Petersburg without hassle as long as they are sleeping on the ship. Passengers from other major cruise lines also do not need a visa, but be sure to check the required documents needed for each specific cruise. You can also take a ferry, however you will need to have already booked a return ticket, a city tour and accommodation.

Although the rules change often, this is a great way to see a part of Russia without the hassle of obtaining a tourist visa. Don’t forget to have all your documents on you at all times and to follow all the rules - and of course, to enjoy your stay. Hopefully, more visa-free travel options will open up soon - and proposals are currently underway to extend this option to the high-speed train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg.

Once you are in St. Petersburg, there is plenty to do. St. Petersburg is known the most western city in Russia and as recently as 1918 was the capital of Russia. As well as being one of Russia’s most important ports, it is also the most northern city in the world to have a population of over 5 million people. Some of the most popular sites to visit are St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Hermitage Museum, the Grand Cascade, and the Church on Spilled Blood.

Russia is a rich cultural country with lots to do and see. With this easy exception to a tourist visa, you can experience a little of what Russia has to offer. After all, who doesn’t want to visit the largest country in the world?

Let us introduce ourselves. Together we are Latitude 34. Apart, we are Marina Dominguez and Jeff Johns. In March of 2013 we decided to embark on an epic journey, leaving behind our family and friends to fulfill our life’s dream of travel and photography. Our destination: Phuket, Thailand. With only a few carryon bags and our cameras in hand, we began our life long journey filled with excitement. As photographers, we hold our cameras close and as a couple, each other closer as we navigate through this crazy life.

Images by Ana Paula Hirama, Nigel's Europe & beyond, and HBarrison used under creative commons license. All photos have been altered.