A few weeks ago I mentioned a cheap sightseeing activity in Moscow – exploring the metro stations which have been decorated like art galleries – and a couple of people were worried about the high costs of accommodation in Russia. And that’s fair enough because places like Moscow’s Ritz-Carlton do usually make the list of most expensive hotels in the world, and the average hotel price in Russia is higher than I think it should be.

That’s why I wanted to pass on one of my favourite Russian travelling tips, because I’ve actually never stayed in a hotel in Russia. Both along the Trans-Siberian route and in Moscow and St Petersburg, I’ve always used an agency to find me a local homestay host, and as well as paying a whole lot less than hotel prices, I’ve had breakfast and dinner included, plus got to know a local and received some handy insider tips on where to go and what to see.

Just googling “Russia homestay” will give you plenty of options to find a homestay. Look for a reputable site, or if you’re uncertain about arranging something like that, talk to your travel agent – I once used an Australian travel agent who specialised in Russia to arrange excellent homestays for me. It’s a booming industry in Russia so it’s usually easy to find a willing host for a reasonable price. Some of the hosts are so delightful they can become friends – like Valentina in the picture, standing in the kitchen with my mother after she’d served us up a great Russian breakfast.

Tips for Things to do in Russia

We’ve lots more travel tips for what to do in Russia.