Traveling and experiencing other places is, no doubt, one of the greatest investments one could have. The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is one of the most sought-after experiences by some of the travelers. Who would not want to witness this breathtaking phenomenon? Countries such as Finland, Iceland, and Canada are among the famous places to catch the northern lights. However, they are quite expensive too. What most people don’t know is that some countries offer cheaper options such as Murmansk in Russia.
Getting The Russian Visa
The policy of the Russian Visa depends on each country. It might be expensive for some but cheaper for others. You could check the Visa Policy in Russia online for their requirements. While Russia allows some foreign citizens to visit their country in and out, nations that are not listed will have to pay the application fees around $100-200. It may seem complicated, but the hard work is all worth it.
You could always plan ahead, especially when it comes to trips like this. You have to have the proper documents for the embassy and apply days or even weeks before you could depart. But you have to keep in mind that you will be saving a lot if you go to Russia instead of Finland or Iceland. If you have great money management skills, then budgeting would be easy for you.
When To Visit Murmansk
Ideally, if you want to see the northern lights, there are two important details that you need to know: first, you have to be there during winter, and second, it must be pitch dark. The winter in Russia is from November to February. It may be a challenge if you opt to go in November, though, as the weather can be unpredictable. But it is still above 0°C.
Meanwhile, the weather can be freezing cold, but chances are it is a little bit drier, and the clouds are clearer if you go in February. Some went to Russia in November, bothered because it was raining. Thankfully, the rain stopped, and the clouds broke when they arrived in Murmansk. They were able to witness the northern lights, which was a worthy investment.
Travel Insurance
People nowadays tend to miss out on the importance of travel insurance, especially for those who are on a budget. But travel insurance plays an important role when traveling. You are covering yourself against the travel risks, such as stolen or lost luggage, cancellation cover, and unexpected medical costs abroad. You could check out a list of travel insurance coverages that best fits you online when you travel to Russia.
Things To Prepare Before Witnessing The Northern Lights In Murmansk
Warm Clothes: You cannot underestimate the winter in Russia, especially in the Arctic Circles. You have to prepare layers of clothing. When you are hunting for northern lights, you will be out in the cold for a long time, so you need anything wool such as scarf, gloves, socks, etc — all the things that could protect you from the freezing weather.
Tours: You will first need to book a Northern light tour that would transport you into the wilderness, as you will have to be away from the city lights. You could also find tour packages online. It’s cheaper if you book ahead rather than having to book when you are already in there. So, plan your trip ahead.
Camera Gears: Who would not want to take home their most incredible travel moment? Some have spent their investment money just to witness this phenomenon, so you might as well bring the essential camera equipment. There has to be a camera with manual mode capabilities and a tripod. You need to learn some bits and pieces about the ISO shutter speed before you go, too. You can get some tips through online classes.
Based on Materials from Bucketlistly
Photo Sources: The Expedia, Pixabay,Tripsavvy