The beautiful city of Samara sits across the Volga River on the southwestern frontier of the Russian landmass. Although it used to be closed to visitors during Soviet times, today, it is a hub for cultural, economic, and social activities.
Samara has a fascinating history, lovely landscapes, and a wonderful cultural scene. Prepare to explore this city and get a true sense of Russia’s past and present by purchasing travel insurance.
Samara Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Samara?
No one ever thinks about the possibility of cancelling a trip when they’re booking it. However, you need to do more than just blindly hope that your trip will go off without a hitch, especially if you’ve spent a lot of money on prepaid, nonrefundable travel arrangements. You could stand to lose a lot of money if your trip needs to be cancelled.
Trip cancellation insurance can help by providing you with an avenue to be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip has to be cancelled for a covered reason. And if you need even more cancellation flexibility, consider looking into cancel for any reason coverage.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Samara?
You should buy trip cancellation insurance that covers a broad range of situations. Look for a plan that can offer coverage for:
- Trip cancellation
- Flight delay
- Trip interruption
- Loss of baggage
- Baggage delays
- Emergency medical care
The right travel insurance plan will ultimately depend on your individual needs, so take the time to read the policy documents before making a purchase.
Things to Do for Travelers in Samara
Marvel at the magnificent Volga
The Volga River is a mighty presence in Samara. It is best experienced from the Samara embankment that runs across the city center. One of Europe’s most impressive squares, the Kuibyshev Square, also sits adjacent to the beautiful Volga.
Fancy a visit to Stalin’s Bunker?
World War II is a crucial part of the city’s history. This bunker used to be a central location for the Soviet high command, including Stalin, to meet and strategize. You can visit Stalin’s bunker and take a guided tour to understand the historical significance of the region.
Jet off to the Space Museum
When the space race was in full swing during the Cold War, Samara was a hub of research and industry for space exploration. Visit the Soyuz Space Rocket and the Samara Cosmos Space Museum for a fascinating peek into man’s enterprise to visit space.
Make it a day at the Zoological Museum
If you are traveling to Samara with your family, then a visit to the enthralling collections of the Zoological Museum and the Children’s Gallery is a must. Another hit with tourists is the petting zoo where you can feed and pet turtles, squirrels, lambs, hedgehogs, and more.
Visit the famous Zhigulevsk Brewery
Dating back to 1881, the Zhigulevsk Brewery is one of Russia’s oldest surviving breweries. It serves the famous Zhigulevskoye beer, which used to be a popular choice in the 20th century. The brewery also has a small restaurant and bar where you can try authentic Russian cuisine.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Samara
Best time to visit
Being located in Russia’s southern regions, Samara does not have extreme cold conditions during the winter months (November-February). However, if you are not used to living in a cold, dry climate, you might want to pack a few extra layers. Summers (from May-July) are hot and dry.
Water-borne diseases
Although the tap water in Samara is safe for cooking and cleaning, it is best to stick to bottled water for drinking. Drinking contaminated water could cause diseases like cholera, jaundice, and dysentery, which could certainly put you out of commission on your trip.
Getting around the city
Being a relatively small city, most parts of Samara are fairly accessible via public transport. There are eight major metro stations, and the rest of the city is covered by a network of trams and buses. If you choose to stay in a central location, you can also walk from one tourist destination to another.
Shop hours
Most shops in the city remain open for shorter hours on the weekend. Therefore, you might not find many open supermarkets or cafes for a midnight snack run. However, you can find a few 24/7 kiosks distributed across the city in case of an emergency.
Tourist scams
Keep your wits about you while traveling. Remember, the bottom line is that you shouldn’t do anything abroad that you wouldn’t do in your home country.
Be careful while withdrawing money from ATMs, and watch out for petty scammers who might try to cheat you for a few bucks.
Before You Travel to Samara - Do This
- Prepare to face the dry winter. Although Samara is not quite as cold as Siberia and northern Russia, you should still ensure that you pack the right protective clothing and gear to stay healthy and safe.
- Get a health checkup before you fly. Consult your doctor about the risks of traveling to this part of the world with pre-existing conditions, if you have them. This will also help you to pick the right insurance plan for yourself.
- Research and purchase insurance. Takes some time picking the right travel insurance.