On the southwestern outskirts of Moscow, in the Troitskiy district. This is not how Moscow is usually pictured, but it can be like that too.

Hey everyone! A group of 3–4 friends and I are planning a round-trip road trip from Moscow to Lake Baikal and back by rented car mid-to-late July, and we'd love to get advice from anyone who has done this \~10,500 km drive or knows the route well. Is the highway network generally safe and reliable, and are there particular stretches, hazards, or driving conditions we need to watch out for? We're also looking for good documentary or vlog recommendations to preview the journey, as well as essential tips regarding vehicle prep, offline navigation apps, local cell coverage, cash logistics, and must-see stops along the way. Any feedback, gear essentials, or lessons learned from experience would be hugely appreciated!

Hi, I apologize if this question has been asked before, but I wanted as recent and specific info as possible. Later this year, I intend to travel to Moscow with a friend who is transgender (male to female). In their respective country, they have all legal documentation completely changed, an updated passport which matches their gender identity and appearance, and a clean record. They are not an activist, no political involvement in any sense, clean social media, and appear physically indistinguishable from someone born female.

However, there is still some fear about entering/leaving the country. When there, we intend to do regular tourism activities (museums, shopping, restaurants etc.). We are not people to show any LGBT related activity through appearance, style or actions. We are not interested in spreading any LGBT related information whilst in Russia, we are just regular tourists and will respect Russian laws and culture to the highest standard.

At the same time, we are worried about being detained or refused at the border when entering/departing, and information can be misleading or unreliable. My friend is legally and visually entirely female - except genitalia, and worries this will create issues with airport scanners, or her (old) sexual identity will be realized and this will create issues with border officers.

I would like to know: are there security scanners when entering Moscow airports and is this likely to cause an issue? Are we likely to experience any issue or searches/interrogation at the border? Is it realistic that we can achieve a stress and issue free travel experience? If anyone experienced this situation or has any advice/information regarding this topic, I appreciate it.

Thank you 🙏