🇷🇺 Regretting going to Russia? Only because I didn’t come sooner! 😭

Just 4,900 RMB per person — this trip was absolutely UNREAL! I finally understood what "best value for money" truly means. From Red Square to chasing the Northern Lights in Teriberka — I never wanted this journey to end! The whole trip cost about the same as a domestic holiday in China, but the experience was twice as amazing! 🌈 ✈️ Flights: Round trip 2,200 RMB (snagged a last-minute deal to Moscow on July 28, 2024) 🏨 Accommodation: 670 RMB 3 nights in a homestay near Red Square (310 RMB/person) 2 nights in Old Teriberka (240 RMB/person) 1 night at Camp 45 in New Teriberka (120 RMB/person) 💰 For a cozier stay, wooden cabins cost around 800 RMB/person — highly recommended! 🛬 Domestic flight (Moscow → Murmansk round trip): 735 RMB (no luggage included) 💡 Pro tip: Don’t rush to book Russian domestic flights — prices sometimes drop closer to the date! 🚗 Transport: 510 RMB (includes Moscow metro + carpool from Murmansk to Teriberka) 🍲 Food: 785 RMB Russian meals are huge and meaty! In Moscow, you can enjoy pork knuckle, steak, and coffee for just 200 RUB. Tea is free refill — I ate like a queen for three days straight! 🥰 🎫 Attractions: FREE! Red Square & St. Basil’ Cathedral exterior — no ticket needed! All the stunning views in Teriberka — also free! 📍 First Stop: Moscow Red Square | The Romantic Heart of Russia ❤️ Red Square is breathtaking! Standing in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral felt like stepping into a fairy tale 🏰. The colorful onion domes are iconic — every photo is Instagram gold 📸✨. The interior costs 2,000 RUB for foreigners (600 RUB for locals) — not really worth it without a guide. Instead, check out the Armed Forces Cathedral — it’s free! 💡 Tips: Red Square at night is a must! The lights make it even more magical ✨. Moscow’s metro stations are art museums underground 🚇. Don’t miss them! Get a transport card — unlimited travel for just a few dozen RMB. 📍 Second Stop: Teriberka | Northern Lights Above the Arctic Circle 🌌✨ You don’t need to book a tour to see the aurora! In Teriberka, just wait for a clear night. 🌌 How to maximize your chances: 1️⃣ Best time: November to March — avoid full moon nights. 2️⃣ Stay in Teriberka — just look outside your window! 3️⃣ Stay up late: Strongest lights often appear between 10 PM - 12 AM. 💡 Extra tips: Teriberka is a filming location for the movie “Leviathan” — the beach and shipwrecks give major post-apocalyptic vibes. Perfect for cool photos! Carpool + tips from your hostel host are enough — no guided tour needed! 🌟 In summary: You don’t need to break the bank to experience “Northern Lights + fairy-tale architecture” — this is next-level romance! 💫 I really regret not coming earlier 😭 Legend says the aurora brings hope and light. May these photos bring you good luck too! 🥰 #NorthernLightsRussia #MurmanskAurora #WinterTravelBucketList 🌠❄️