We have just returned from our third trip to Ukraine. We've been to Kiev in the winter and Odessa and the Crimean Peninsula in the summer, and we're really enjoying travelling in Ukraine! Sometimes we get questions about travelling in the country, so we thought we'd try to answer some of them.
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Language
English works to some extent (especially in hotels and fine restaurants in Kiev), but many Ukrainians know little or no English. Learning the Russian letters and some phrases in Russian or Ukrainian will help. Otherwise, communicating by pointing and gesturing is usually fine!
Security
The Swedish Embassy in Ukraine writes in 2012: "Ukraine is generally a safe country to travel in. Of course, you should be particularly vigilant in markets, railway stations, subways and bars/discos, where theft and robbery can occur." We have never, in any of our travels, felt unsafe in Ukraine.
Update 2023: Since this post was written, the situation in Ukraine has changed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently advises against all travel to Ukraine. Always check current travel recommendations before departure.
Prices
Many things are really cheap in Ukraine: food in basic restaurants, beer, spirits, cigarettes, sights and transport. But if you want to spend a lot of money quickly, that's fine too: check into a luxury hotel, order Russian caviar at an exclusive restaurant and buy some real furs... The difference between cheap and expensive is huge!
Standards and services
Ukraine is part of the old Soviet Unionand it shows: the buildings are magnificent on the surface, but if you look closer, many are crooked and leaky... Despite the fact that there are lots of staff everywhere, nothing goes fast. Everybody has their task, which is done with infinite slowness. Be patient: everything will work out in the end!
Food
Ukrainians are good at soups, pies, creamy little salads and pancakes. The standard of cooking is good and simple food tends to be tasty and affordable, and we also like the following Ukrainian fast food. You wouldn't go to Ukraine for the exclusive cuisine, but of course you can find fine restaurants that succeed as well.
Culture and living conditions
Ukraine has a colourful and sometimes dramatic history. Today, it has been hit hard by the economic crisis and life expectancy is very low for a European country. Most people are Orthodox Christians. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on 7 January, but New Year's Day is the big holiday!
Travelling in Ukraine - see and do
2012 will be a boost for Ukraine's tourism, as people will flock to the country to watch football. Ukraine has a lot to offer: fun shopping, interesting themed restaurants, great nightclubs, beautiful Orthodox churches and, in the summer on the Black Sea, sunbathing in an exotic setting.
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Impressions from the trip to Kiev
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Lavra cave monastery in Kiev
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Sun holidays on the Crimean peninsula in 2008 - before the Crimean crisis
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Emmy says:
What fun to read about a country you don't hear much about. Happy New Year to you! =)
03 January 2012 - 4:08
Deciree says:
You seem to have had a great time. Fun to go away. But you are welcome home again:-)
03 January 2012 - 7:53
Inga Magnusson says:
Interesting to read about a country that is not exactly known as a tourist destination. But what you describe sounds nice and we have a Ukrainian in our circle of acquaintances.
03 January 2012 - 10:23
Lena & Jan says:
Very good and interesting description!
03 January 2012 - 11:05
Annika says:
SO interesting to read what you have written about Ukraine. Would love to go there.
Fascinating!
I'm glad you like the country so much.
Enjoy the rest of 2012!
03 January 2012 - 13:51
Veiken says:
VERY interesting reading! The picture of Yalta is very reminiscent of Binz on the Rûgen.
I made a post about Kenya today and you made one about Ukraine. What contrasts. Cold and hot! 🙂
03 January 2012 - 17:48
Marina says:
Thanks for the information! Ukraine is not the first country that comes to mind when planning a holiday, but who knows, it certainly sounds like it could be worth a visit at some point.
03 January 2012 - 19:52
Matts Torebring says:
Wow, what exciting trips you make, it must be really fun to have been there.
03 January 2012 - 21:07
Kors och Tvärs says:
Welcome home and thanks for the great info. Interesting, although I think it will be a while before we take the motorhome there. Our GPS is probably stuck in the map of France/Spain 🙂.
03 January 2012 - 21:44
Elisabeth says:
Welcome back to everyday life! Thank you for a very good information, which also makes me want to discover the country.
Ha dé gott!
04 January 2012 - 15:50
Hallins Reseblogg på Resia says:
What a fun read! Seems very interesting! and it is certainly as you write that more people will open their eyes to the country after the European Football Championship!
04 January 2012 - 18:10
admin says:
Across the board, we have actually considered taking the motorhome to Ukraine, but in the summertime. But need a little more time ... France and Spain are certainly not wrong either!
😉
04 January 2012 - 19:40
Micke says:
Can only agree that Ukraine is a destination worth visiting. In my 5 trips there, I have never come home disappointed. But just want to go back. This summer it will be two weeks in Kiev and the surrounding area to feel the football atmosphere. 🙂
13 March 2012 - 13:50
Oscar says:
Very well written! I'm going down to football-em so it will be exciting to see the country 🙂 .
27 May 2012 - 18:56
admin says:
Oscar, great that you're going to Ukraine for the football Olympics! Hope you have a good experience of the country! Can imagine that there will be a special atmosphere there right then! (Maybe many take the opportunity to raise prices as well)
27 May 2012 - 19:28
Me says:
Thank you for the nice and specific information.
Travelling is one of the best things you can do in your life and good information is essential for a well-planned trip.
I am with my family in Croatia right now. Can warmly recommend Pula. Good for the family.
Have a nice summer
22 June 2013 - 13:55
Mickie says:
Hello and thank you for your information.
I have been to Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk and I just love the country.
If you want to experience a country with a lot of history and sights, you have to go.
Going to Kiev again in September for a week.
I have followed some of your suggestions and will develop it further now, there is no time to see everything in a week or two.
Thank you and good luck on your travels.
22 July 2013 - 12:18
admin says:
Me, travelling is fantastic! And being a little informed always helps... Hope you had a great trip to Croatia! We have also been there once, including in Pula, and can only agree!
Mickie, always fun to hear that there are more people who like Ukraine and have positive experiences from there! If some of our tips have been of use, it feels great! Hope the next trip will also be good!
22 July 2013 - 18:54
Mats says:
I am about to travel to Ukraine for the very first time and it would be nice if someone here could contact me and answer some questions I have. Thinking of travelling in March-April when the heat comes back, so there is no immediate panic. My address is matsbergner126@hotmail.com I hope that someone will respond to my request.
17 January 2014 - 0:51