|
13 Mar 2011
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Transiting Kaliningrad? Advice requested.
Hello All:
I'm planning on visiting the Baltic states this summer, riding in from Germany and Poland.
I'm unsure about whether or not I should visit Kaliningrad (the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania) or if it would be better (more trouble-free) to just ride a bit further east in Poland and then enter Lithuania directly from Poland.
I'm going to guess that I will need some additional insurance coverage (Kaliningrad, being Russia, isn't on the basic EU green card), but what other considerations are there?
Has anyone here in the HUBB passed through Kaliningrad? Was it worthwhile? Would you do it again?
Michael
|
13 Mar 2011
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alcester UK & Idilevo, Bulgaria
Posts: 329
|
|
I would imagine your biggest problem would be that you will need a visa to enter what is essentially part of the Russian Federation.
|
13 Mar 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
Most travellers go from Poland to Lithuania and v.v., as it´s easier. But sure you could probably do Kaliningrad if you really want.
Last summer I thought I´d leave Finland via St.Petersburg, then go to Latvia or Lithuania... turns out I´d need to pay in the region of 70 euros to get the visa (must use a travel agent, therefore upping the cost). So for me, wasnt worth the hassle, because I was only planning to stay in Russia for a very short time.
Russia, BTW, should be in the Green Card system these days. But there are often several restrictions, for example my insurance, I would not get the same cover, that I get in my home country, or other ETA countries. But what´s changed, I wouldn´t need to get insurance at the border.
|
13 Mar 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
|
|
I've been to Kalingrad, and I would definitely skip it, otherwise that's just two more PITA border crossings to deal with. Skip in and spend the time somewhere else.
|
19 Mar 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: cambs area
Posts: 49
|
|
while I,m sure it would be another border hassle,its a shorter route and i,ve only ever heard good things about the people there,even from from the russians themselves.
|
19 Mar 2011
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Thanks very much to everyone for the advice.
I think I'll skip Kalingrad on the motorcycle, and plan to make a more lengthy (and more leisurely) visit to Russia at some other time, perhaps not on the motorcycle.
Michael
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|