Trans-Siberian - frequently asked questions

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE TRAVEL ON the trans-sib?

All sorts of people from all walks of life book the Trans-sib. The important thing to remember is that the Trans-Siberian adventure is emphatically NOT a ‘tour’. It runs as an independent package combining the train journey(s), stopovers and accommodation (if any) and is booked specifically and exclusively for you. Please understand that you will not be travelling in a group and you will not have a group ‘Tour Leader’ with you on any part of the journey. If you are embarking on this adventure alone then the chances are you’ll be travelling solo right the way through. You will share a cabin with 'whoever' and that is all part of the experience!

what are the hotels and homestays like?

All our Trans-Siberian programs include a homestay element in some locations. Homestay accommodation has a number of advantages. The location is usually close to the centre or near public transport links, is less expensive than staying in a hotel and offers the chance to meet real Russian people in a real setting. You may even get the chance to sample homemade Russian foods at breakfast or other meals, such as piroshki and borscht. Please advise well in advance of your trip, if you are vegetarian.

Your host may speak some English, though pack a phrasebook! Homestay accommodation is simple in terms of amenities and not luxurious. Most homestay accommodation is located in large apartment blocks (where many Russians live), so there'll usually be entry into what looks like a less than salubrious building and a couple of flights of stairs. The apartment itself, though, will be clean, tidy, secure and warm. You'll have a bed, use of the homestay's bathroom facilities and somewhere to sit and have your breakfast (or other meals dependent upon meal inclusion for that stay). While you're welcome to come and go as you please, you'll be reliant on the host letting you in.

Homestays vary, in that you may be staying with a local family, couple or single person. In some cases the home owner may actually move out so that you have the home to yourself. Please note that if you are travelling in a larger group it may be necessary for you to stay in separate houses because most homes are small and only have room for one or two guests.

IS MY MONEY SAFE?

IS IT OKAY IF I TRAVEL ALONE?

Yes you can travel alone but you do have to bear in mind that you will not be travelling as part of a group and this is not a tour, therefore you are likely to be going solo the whole way and you'll be sharing a carriage with three random people, who may not be GOBUS travellers. However If you're an outgoing and independent character you're sure to meet people and make friends en route. On our Trans-Siberian adventures you will need to pay a single supplement if you travel alone, this is to cover the additional cost of hotel rooms.

DOES GOBUS CHARGE A LOCAL PAYMENT?

In a word - No!

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BUDGET FOR?

Accommodation - this is included in the cost of your GOBUS tour.

Food - all of your meals and entrance fees are included on your Morocco GOBUS tour so you only need to budget for drinks and personal items. We recommend a daily budget of approximately £10 - £15 per day but of course this depends on whether you like to splash your cash or hold tight to the purse strings! On several of our tours there are optional activities available to book and pay for locally, please see the itinerary for details and budget accordingly.