Boy the summer is hot down under. I'm looking for a little cooling off during the summer vacation, is Russia worth visiting during the winter? I've had conflicting reports, some say it was fabulous and others thought they were cooped up.

Unless I have been misinformed, Russia does not allow foreign merchandise and sellers as of April 1st 2007 so if you are going from a warmer climate to visit Russia I would say take your warmest clothing with you, the stuff there is pretty expensive now.

If you are into sight seeing, there is a lot of history to that country, historical buildings and such. Take ice skating shoes along if you want entertainment otherwise buddy, there probably won't be too much to do apart from being on the ice.

I've got family there so I spend more time indoors when I do visit, I can't confirm WanderLust's report though. If you are planning to spend time outdoors it is going to be very cold so safer to take your warm gear along, its much cooler there than Australia anyhow :P