Is it possible to travel in Ukraine without speaking the language?i would like to travel to Odessa,where else?

Kiev and Odessa might be doable, however anywhere else would be difficult. Kiev has a local paper that advertises translators, check out www.kpnews.com

What’s the best way to travel on a budget in Ukraine and Poland?

A month from now, I have a week in which to see western Ukraine and eastern Poland. I want to especially see Odessa and then go to Bialowieza National Park in Poland. If I can, I also want to see Chisinau, Moldova. I’d rather use trains than flights, as I have about $500 to spend total. I have to start from and end up back in Budapest. Does anyone have good suggestions for how to see this less-visited part of Eastern Europe without spending a gigantic amount of money?
Specifically, it’s hard to find any information at all on the rail service around here.

If anyone really knows much about traveling in Ukraine or has been to Bialowieza, that would be so great. Thanks.

If you want to use the trains in this part of the world you better speak the languages. I live in Ukraine and would be VERY hard pressed to buy a ticket, read it, board, etc. without my girlfriend (who speaks Ukrainian). I can do well in Hungary because I speak Hungarian, but unlike airports, where all announcements are in the local language and English, all announcements in train stations are only in the local language. There is also a problem with crime on trains in Eastern Europe, especially since you’re wanting to go to the "less-visited" parts of the country alone. In Ukraine, for example, you should buy a compartment with a door that locks, but that means purchasing tickets for at least one other bed (for which you will need another passport). You are safer to go with a tour group in this part of the world. Crime is not everywhere, but you need to be careful and not get yourself in a situation where you cannot deal with the language barrier. You can travel quite nicely for $500 for a week, but you have planned a little much I think for that week. Pick either Poland or Odessa and focus on that area. Find a reputable travel agency to advise you on tickets and purchase them for you. And make sure you don’t get yourself in a place you can’t get out of, just in case the worst happens.

How safe is travel in the Ukraine?

I heard crime was very high
If you have lived there how did you like it? I am looking to go to the Nikoleav area.Is the best way to travel by train?

1. it’s "Ukraine", NOT "the Ukraine".

2. You need to specify where in Ukraine. Ukraine is a pretty big country – about the size of Texas. The crime situation – such that it is – isn’t consistent all across the country.

3. You also need to specify what kind of travel – automobile, train, marshrutka, airliner, metro, or walking.

4. What are you afraid of?

Ukraine is a large and diverse country, struggling to find its own way after several centuries of Russian subjugation. It has its problems, as does any country – especially in this economy. But the people are hard-working and well-educated, and for the most part honest.

If you follow the fundamental precautions anyone would follow in any unknown place, you will be quite safe. Although it would help if you got your hearing checked – it’s apparently faulty.

I need a cell phone as I travel to Ukraine? Help?

I live in the USA, have cingular, and want a cell phone for a week or so while I am in Ukraine. Cingular wants $3.49 per minute its crazy. Do you know of a company that rents a phone for a lot cheaper?

If you have a cell with a sim chip you can take it any where in the world and change the cingular chip with a local one, when you get there just go to a phone store and ask for the sim chip and they will probably be happy to help you from there. The cost varies from place to place, in Kuwait they are 75$ but the Philippines they are like 10$ so you will be looking at some where in between there, I would recommend buying a international phone card with a Ukraine number because long distant calls will still cost an arm and leg.

If I travel to the Ukraine, what are my chances of getting a young fiancee?

I plan on travelling next year to the Ukraine. Would younger women in the Ukraine pay attention to a mexican-born USA citizen who is light-skinned, brown-eyed, and dark-haired? I am in my mid-thirties.

Yes. But can go to Costa Rica, Haiti, the Philippines, Thailand etc. to find a bride. You need to research the dominate religion wherever you go so you can find out how they are socialized in regards to men. 8>}

What is required to travel to the Ukraine?

Also what is there to do in Kiev? Where should we stay and what should we eat? Thanks this is our first time there and would love to enjoy it…

If you are from U.K. all you need is a passport. The visa requirement has been suspended for the foreseeable future.

Kiev is a truly stunning city. I backpacked through it so stayed in a hostel. Don’t remember the name but it was on vulitsa Artyoma, although I did have to stay in a hotel on my first night (called Khreshatik right in the centre) and it was pretty standard, nothing special. My favourite restaurant was Puzata Khata. Dirt cheap, but I loved the food so much, It was proper Slavic stodge. There’s really nothing better in my opinion. You must try ’salo’. It’s traditional Ukrainian food. Basically, uncooked pig fat flavoured with garlic. It’s vile but an interesting experience. Try it with a few vodka shots.

There’s plenty to do in a kind of churchy-museumy way. My advice is to invest in a guidebook. Also, try to learn a little Cyrillic. Nothing is in English and the locals may not speak English very well so try to make an effort to learn a little of the language.

Have fun. It’s really cool.

Is it safe for an american to travel to the Ukraine?

Is it safe for an american to travel to the Ukraine? Wanted to know because it is close to Russia and the middle east and all. and i know that whole region is corrupt. and everybody knows people love kidnapping Americans.

It is safe for Americans. But like any country, it depends on you.

Use common sense. Don’t flash US dollars around. Don’t go into dark streets alone at night. Be careful when leaving clubs and discos late at night. And don’t dress like an American (dress a bit nicer, and try to fit in a bit).

And like any country, there are safer cities than others. But again, the risk factor depends on you using common sense.

Gee.. sounds like advice someone would give for going to London, or Los Angeles, or New York, or Amsterdam, or Paris, or… (you get the idea).

I find that the biggest thing Americans have to fear, is themselves.