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Defense Travel System (DTS) Frequently Asked Questions

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 – Air Force Reserve Command continues preparations to fully implement Defense Travel System Oct. 1, 2023 and transition away from legacy programs for its travel management needs.

Once implemented, the initiative is intended to reduce delays in processing since members will no longer have to rely on financial management specialists who are hundreds of miles away to review and approve vouchers for payment.

The following questions and answers are intended to assist Citizen Airmen as the Air Force Reserve Command transitions to increased use of the Defense Travel System effective Oct. 1, 2023.

Q. What is DTS? A: The Defense Travel System (DTS) is a fully integrated, automated, end-to-end travel management system that enables DoD travelers to create authorizations (TDY travel orders), prepare reservations, receive approvals, generate travel vouchers, and receive a split reimbursement between their bank accounts and the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC).

Q: Why are we moving to DTS when My Travel will be mandatory in 2 years? A: Officials at AFRC are taking steps now to address longstanding Program, Policy and Training issues associated with official travel that are hindering the readiness for Citizen Airmen. Recent guidance was released that we will not be moving to MyTravel. Moving to DTS falls in line with the CAFR’s strategic priorities of “Ready Now” and “Transforming for the Future.” We are seeking to alleviate stressors on our Airmen now, which impacts readiness and retention.

Q: How will this change affect Citizen Airmen? A: AFRC is consolidating to a single platform for most all travel needs. Currently, we use AROWS-R to generate an AF Form 938 which populates with travel information and is our travel document for TDYs Annual Tour, MPA/RPA, etc. Once the change is implemented, the command will shift over entirely to DTS. The AF Form 938 will still be populated to “call Reservists to Active Duty via AROWS-R. However, it will not be used as a travel order as it been previously. The travel order will now be produced on a DD Form 1610 (generated in DTS).

Q. Who can I contact for assistance or questions concerning DTS? A: Every unit has an appointed Lead Defense Travel Administrator (LDTA). They are responsible to assist you in setting up your DTS account and ensuring you are receiving the proper DTS training and support. An Organization Defense Travel Administrator (ODTA) can also assist you to prepare an authorization and voucher.

Q: When can I expect more guidance on the transition to DTS? A: Officials at Air Force Reserve Command are providing guidance to Financial Management sections at units now so they can serve as local subject matter experts. They will also begin training LDTAs and ODTAs on the new functions that will be performed in DTS as part of the transition.

Q: What steps should I be taking today to prepare for the transition? A: Begin using DTS now. Log into DTS now and establish your profile. [Wing FMs} Prepare internal deadlines to and initiate measures to guide Airmen who are accustomed to using RTS on the new process.

Q: How is the command planning on implementing the change to DTS for all travel requirements? A: The goal is to fully transition to DTS by 1 Oct 23 with minor exceptions (i,e. attendance at BMT and PCS travel). Traditional Reservists and IMAs on MPA orders will follow guidance implemented Oct 22. The AF Form 938 will still be generated in AROWS-R and required for activation regardless of funding source (RPA, MPA, etc) after the 1 Oct transition.

Q: How are DTS documents processed? A: Documents are submitted, processed, and approved at the organization responsible for funding the travel. Once approved by the organizational approving official, the payment is electronically sent to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) for payment via electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the traveler’s bank account.

Q: Will Air Reserve Technicians maintain dual profiles? A: Due to multiple business rule requirements, ARTs will maintain dual profiles.

Commander Support Staff

Q: What does the transition to DTS mean for employees in a unit’s CSS who typically generate orders? Will CSS representatives still produce orders or will the member be responsible for all aspects of the process? A: CSS/Orders writers will continue to generate orders in AROWS-R (AF Form 938) to bring members into a duty status. All travel will be accomplished in DTS (by the member).

Q: Is this statement still required on the AF Form 938? Alternate means such as Secure Video Teleconference (SVTC) or other web-based communications are not sufficient to accomplish travel objectives Development Team meetings of this size because the force development process requires significant, dedicated time for discussion and hands-on record reviews, and placement of students to correct courses. A: Yes

Q: Is UTAPS still required to forecast AT and IDTs or is UTAPS also sunsetting on 1 Oct 23? A: The transition to DTS will not effect UTAPS current requirements or processes.

DTS Use and Functions

Q: We have aircrew members who fly missions as a group. Does DTS allow personnel to submit a group authorization & voucher? A: Group authorization and group voucher training is available on the DTMO site.

Q: Does the AF Form 938 have to be processed and approved prior to initiating a travel authorization in DTS? A: Yes, the AF Form 938 needs to be attached to the DTS authorization for approval/authorization.

Q: DD Form 1610s have historically been created in AROWS-R. Will the DTS authorization replace the 1610 orders request? A: Yes. Members will be able to print their own DD Form 1610 after initiating their authorization in DTS. DD Form 1610s will be generated in DTS with the ability to print from the authorization.

Q: Travel is being turned of in AROWS-R soon. When members build their authorizations, will they have to select a budget label to coincide with their type of duty? A: Yes, the traveler or person creating the DTS authorization will select the Accounting/Budget label for accepted travel expenses.

Q: Will the new DTS transition allow for filing local vouchers within DTS? A: Yes, local vouchers will be filed in DTS.

Q: Will there be another step or review put in place on the authorizations to ensure the proper funding is being used depending on the status of the member as listed on the AF 938. A: Yes, Resource Advisors (RAs) can be added to the routing list if the unit chooses.

Q: Will Traditional Reservists (TRs) be responsible for building their own travel authorizations? A: Yes, end users will be responsible for building their own authorizations in DTS.

Q: Will DTS be updated to include “other mileage” rate? A: Officials at AFRC/FM are working through this process. Contact your local FM representative if you have questions on this issue.

Q: Can you please elaborate on why AROWS-R was not kept “as is” and adjustments made to simply route all applicable RTS orders to DTS? A: The move to take travel out of AROWS-R into DTS was a corporate decision. Separating the process of placing a member in military status (AF Form 938) and the travel process (DD Form 1610) better aligns the Reserve with Active Duty.

Q: Since we are not to use travel days for our AROWS-R requests, do units need to resubmit AROWS requests for FY24 that have already been submitted? For example, I have a member who signed up for school from 27 Nov 23 to 7 Dec 23 with a travel day at the beginning and end of the TDY. Do I need to cancel this order? A: Yes, all orders that were routed and approved without the manual workaround should be cancelled and resubmitted in AROWS-R using the new “Corporate City Limits” process.

Q: Is it possible to MOD those orders that were created previously and labeled as RTS? A: Orders currently routing to RTS should not be curtailed, MOD’d or cancelled. The change is for orders starting on or after 1 Oct 23 unless transitioned earlier.

Q: If an order that includes travel crosses over into FY24, should the unit cancel the order 30 Sep 23 and start a new one in its place? A: Any orders that started in AROWS-R for processing in RTS in FY23 and cross over into the new fiscal year should finish and be filed in RTS.

Budget and Lines of Accounting

Q: What DTS label will MPA mileage only orders use to tale the place of FC30 in PBAS? A: Use the same LOA as the other travel items on the authorization.

Q: Will DTS offer two Lines Of Accounting for centrally funded schools when members are authorized rental cars with a unit funded school LOA? A: Yes, DTS will accommodate multiple LOAs.

Q: If orders are mileage only then the LOA will not import into DTS. I have many active fund cites in AROWS. Will I have to build all those in DTS now? A: There will not be an import. Local vouchers will be processed for mileage only. We are working with the Budgets to see what level the LOAs need to be built at to allow the least amount of lines to be manually created.

Q: If non-corporate limits orders are cut as corporate (mileage only) will the travel obligate when the authorization is approved in DTS or when the DTS voucher is filed? I’m concerned with following the money on my SOF. A: Corporate Limits does not create any travel expense entitlement. This is the workaround to remove travel from AROWS-R without extensive programming. Additionally, for mileage only, the obligation will occur when the member submits a local voucher in DTS.

Q: Will Special Partial Payments be an option (to alleviate the member from having to file every 30 days)? A: Yes. DTS has an option in the authorization (for 46+ day orders) to schedule partial payments. As long as a voucher is not initiated, members can go into DTS and adjust their partial payments, as needed. Training available in Defense Travel System (DTS) Guide 2: Authorizations (pg. 80)

Q: From what we understand currently, any order that is under 45 days will not have the option in DTS to make partial payments. So, if a member is on a long tour order over 31 days but less than 45 and goes TDY multiple times while on that order, he/she will not be able to get paid for any of those trips until after the order is over and voucher submitted. A: If each TDY is a separate trip and return to PDS or Home Of Record between trips, the members should create a DTS authorization for the intent of the trave required – voucher will be created after trip competition.

Q: Officials at AFRC are going to turn travel off in AROWS-R effective 1 Oct 2023. When members build their authorizations, will they have to select a budget label to coincide with their type of duty? A: Yes, the traveler or person creating the DTS Authorization will select the Accounting/Budget Label for associated travel expenses

Q: Since mileage will not be paid through MILPAY anymore, will the mileage cost be obligated through DEAMS and if the member doesn’t want to complete a voucher for the mileage only will that cost show up on the UOO report? A: Mileage only will be a local voucher. Local vouchers will straight pay from the LOA in DEAMS, no UOO will be established. Additionally, Mileage Only is on the “Processes under Review” list – more to follow.

Q; If non-corporate limits orders are cut as corporate (mileage only) will the travel obligate when the authorization is approved in DTS or when the DTS voucher is filed? I’m concerned with following the money on my Status of Funds (SOF). A: Corporate Limits does not create any travel expense entitlement. This is the workaround to remove travel from AROWS-R without extensive programming. Additionally, for mileage only, the obligation will occur when the member submits a local voucher in DTS.

Q: If orders previously created are labeled as RTS during this transition, as you stated orders won’t stop, but is there a way to mod the original order to state DTS instead? A: Orders currently routing to RTS now should not be curtailed, mod’d, or cancelled. This change is for orders starting on or after 1 Oct 2023 unless transitioned earlier

Q: Are MOB/ACT orders going to be done the same way or will the FGC be loading the Auth in DTS since they do the 938? A: There will be no change to this process

Q: Regarding long tour orders: if duty crosses over into FY24, should the orders end in AROWS on 9/30 then pick it up in DTS starting 10/1? A: If a tour starts in AROWS you will continue the order in AROWS. (Note: Depending on the tour length, it may be deemed a Permanent Change of Station and PCS orders will not be processed in DTS).

Q: Who is copying/loading the budget in September/October? Are units responsible for this? A: Yes, units are responsible. FM shops are responsible for loading and maintaining budgets in DTS.

Authorizations

Q: How do I check the status of my authorization? A: Check document status by logging in to DTS. Go to “Official Travel” vouchers or authorization, and then look in the “Sort by Status” column. Or, go to the digital signature page within the document. If you can’t access to DTS, contact your Defense Travel Administrator (DTA) to check the status of your document. Find out from your supervisor who the DTA is for your organization.

Q: Why isn’t the Authorization built automatically in DTS like before (from AROWS-R)? A: AROWS-R will no longer “flow” into DTS and create an authorization. AROWS-R will be creating the “Call to Duty” AF938. This will be used to put a TR/IR in “active” status, and establish Military Pay. The AF938 will no longer serve as a travel authorization, so the “flow” to DTS will no longer exist. The 1610 (Travel Authorization document) will be generated in DTS when the authorization is built by the member (or the ODTA).

Q: What if: Member travels on a Sunday and performs Annual Tour Duty on Monday thru Thursday. On Friday, the member does an RMP and Saturday and Sunday are UTA days. The next Monday and Tuesday are back on Annual Tour. Wednesday is a AFTP day and member then departs the base on Wednesday and returns home. A: The orders specialist needs to zero out per diem and lodging for the days not on AT. The travel and “in-place” can be placed on one authorization. As with any authorization and voucher, be sure to add comments before signing so the reviewer and approver have an understanding of your specific situation. Lodging will not be included in the authorization since UTA lodging is a direct bill (Sunday night lodging can be manually adjusted if needed). The rest of the travel per diem can be established as usual. The zeroed out days will be achieved by selecting “Duty Days (no per diem). See link for quick instructional video

Q: What’s the process or workaround if we have members who don’t have CAC enabled computers at home? Several members don’t necessarily have the funds to purchase personal computers to ensure they can stay connected with the Reserve’s administrative processes. A: This will be a local decision for Wing CCs and likely to vary but can be completed by an NDEA. Defense Travel System regulations state NDEAs are authorized to input and digitally sign DTS vouchers for travelers who do not reasonably have access to computers.

Q: Who is considered FM for FM review where IDT travel reimbursement is concerned? Does this refer to those physically in the FM office or those who are FM coded? A: For the FM review, the person must actually be in the FM office.

Q: How will we track IDT trips in DTS per member to ensure they do not exceed 12? A: The process of tracking the number of IDT-Rs paid out to each member can be tracked by local policy/procedure.

Q: Will the LOA name for the IDT-R be up to the organization? If so, is it safe to assume the name could be different from other organizations? A: IDT-R Lines Of Accounting and routing lists will be established locally (not by AFRC).

Q: Is there a permission group that can be added to DTS for Read-Only visibility of unit members and where the vouchers are currently to verify if the vouchers moved as opposed to permission 5 that allows edits to the vouchers? A: No, Wing DTS Points Of Contact have access to reports to monitor document status. Members have the ability to view where their voucher is at any time. To do so, members simply need to open the voucher in DTS , click “View” on the applicable voucher and select “Sign and Submit” to get to the screen that shows the routing list and where the voucher is currently.

Q: Will there be another step or review put in place on the authorizations to ensure the proper funding is being utilized depending on the status the member is on as reflected on the AF Form 938 or ART/AGR status? A: Resource Advisors can be added to the routing list is the unit so chooses.

Inactive Duty Travel Reimbursement

Q: When it comes to meal expenses on IDT-R travel days, do we select the “Create Your Own Expense” line item or is there something more specific to this circumstance coming later? A: Until further notice, IDT-R meal expenses will be entered as a “Create Your Own Expense” line item.

Q: For IDTs, are members going to be charged CTO fees to book flights? The $500 usually doesn’t cover my providers flight and parking fee, so that would be an additional expense they would have to pay out of pocket.

Q: Reservists assigned to the Development & Training Flight are authorized IDT travel when attending UTAs prior to departing for Basic Military Training. Their Common Access Card will not allow them to access to complete required tasks. The ODTA could build their authorization but will not be able to sign the voucher. How will these individuals be able to finalize their vouchers to receive payments? A: IDT travel reimbursement for D&TF trainees will remain as it is currently which is within RTS.

Q: It appears IDT travel outside of normal commute will transition to DTS. Does this mean the Form 1164 is going away or will members still use it to request lodging reimbursement when not on the critical AFSC listing? A: Yes, the Form 1164 is going away. Additional guidance is provided in the updated IDT-R Guide (located on the AFRC/FM SharePoint site). Members will use a local voucher in DTS in lieu of a paper Form 1164. If a member is not on the approved IDT-R list, they will follow the normal process for securing lodging based on local policies/procedures. This process will not change.

Local Defense Travel Administrator/Organizational Defense Travel Administrator Functions Q: Every Air Force Reserve organization is authorized a position for a LDTA. Does that include tenant units (such as a unit that is being hosted by another AFRC unit)? A: As of 10 Aug 23, GSU/tenant locations who work under separate OBANs will be given the FDTA role to manage their funding in DTS.

Q: Tenants don’t have FDTAs – who will be responsible for loading the travel lines and funding? A: Wing LDTA/FMA offices will be loading LOAs and funding in DTS.

Q: Will AFRC FM train participation specialists on how to cut orders, FM Final Certifiers to review/approve orders, RPA and O&M Budget Analysts on when/how funds will be committed/obligated/move through the various accounting stages in DEAMS? A: AFRC FM will train the LDTAs on loading budgets in DTS. FM will be responsible for training their Wing establishing local policy and training their Wing on the process.

Q: Will the FMA side become FDTAs and have the responsibility of managing that function, or will we have the LDTA manage the LOA and budget label maintenance? A: It has been identified that the best practice is to have LDTAs/FMAs build LOAs in DTS and load funding for their Wing.

Orders/AF Form 938s Q: If orders previously created are labeled as RTS during this transition and will still be in effect, is there a way to MOD the initial order to route to DTS instead? A: Orders currently routing to RTS now should not be curtailed, modified or cancelled. This change is for orders starting on or after Oct. 1, 2023 unless transitioned earlier.

Q: Are MOB/ACT orders going to be generated the same way or will the Force Generation Center load the authorization in DTS since they produce the AF 938 for deployers? A: There will be no change to this process.

Q: If duty crosses over into FY24 on long tour orders, should the orders end in AROWS-R on Sept. 30, 2023 and then pick up in DTS on Oct. 1, 2023? A: If a tour starts in AROWS-R, it should be continued in AROWS-R (Depending on the tour length, it may be a PCS and PCS orders are not processed in DTS).

Q: What is the approximate amount of time it will take for a voucher to be paid after a member submits in DTS (Note: question is specifically asking the amount of time it will take from when the voucher is submitted by the member and not when it is AO approved until payment is received)? A: After a voucher is approved, members can expect payment within 3-5 business days. The amount of time it takes routing to Reviewer and Approver will vary by unit.

Special Circumstances (Deployments, Basic Military Training, etc.)

Q: What is the reason that deployment orders will not be moving to DTS? Is there an identified reason that is not allowing for it? AD creates the CED authorization directly in DTS; shouldn’t we as well? A: Deployments are on the “Processes under Review” list – more to come.

Q: When “review” for IDT reimbursement was mentioned, does that require utilization of the “process name” routing the way the Travel Agency book/submit steps are constructed or will units have to make an IDT routing list that includes FM review? A: AFRC/FM is still working through this process (suggesting the possibility of each unit creating IDT routing lists).

Q: For any member whose AFSC qualifies for the IDT reimbursement (up to $500) for residing outside the commuting distance for UTAs, will their reimbursement request be processed through the DTS “Local Voucher?” A: Yes, this will be processed in DTS. Officials from AFRC/FM are still working this issue.

Story by Lt. Col. James Wilson 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

3 Days in Saint Petersburg Russia: My Perfect 3-Day Saint Petersburg Itinerary

Saint Petersburg is one of Russia’s largest and most exciting cities, offering visitors thousands of things to do, including museums, palaces, beautiful parks, historical sites, and world-class theatre. Discover all the sights and delights the cultural capital of Russia has to offer with my 3-day Saint Petersburg itinerary.

With all these options, planning a trip to Saint Petersburg can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. I’ve put together a recommended 3-day Saint Petersburg itinerary that will help you see the city’s highlights if you have at least 3 days in Saint Petersburg.

Saint Petersburg is a budget-friendly destination that promises historical immersion and exquisite architecture at half the price of that in Western Europe.

My suggested 3-day itinerary has you visiting all the city’s most famous attractions (e.g., the atmospheric Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum) as well as some of the city’s lesser-known attractions. In addition to the 3-day itinerary, I also provide tips on how to get around Saint Petersburg and tips on where to eat and stay during your 3 days in Saint Petersburg.

If you’re headed to Russia’s capital city, take a look at my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow .

3 Days in Saint Petersburg Itinerary | The Perfect 72 Hours in Saint Petersburg

Saint petersburg, russia in 3 days – day 1.

Start with an early morning walk along Nevsky Avenue from Vosstaniya Square to the Admiralty Building. The first point of interest is the Hero-City obelisk next to the Moskovsky railway station commemorating the victory of Soviet people over the Nazis. The lovely views will put you in a good mood for the rest of the day. Stop for a nice cappuccino at one of the bars near Gostiny Dvor, a Russian alternative to the French Passage. Enjoy the sight of the old Anichkov Bridge, the oldest bridge over the Fontanka River.

Then make your way to the neoclassical St. Isaac’s Cathedral. It’s a good idea to climb to its colonnade’s observation platform. It means that you get a panoramic view of the St.Petersburg and the refreshing breeze in the summertime.

In St. Isaac’s Cathedral you can admire the interior that boasts more than 300 paintings, mosaics, sculptures, various kinds of precious stones and gilding. The walls of the Cathedral are faced with fine Italian and Russian varieties of marble and other stones: malachite, lapis lazuli, porphyry. St. Isaac’s Cathedral, for example, is otherwise known as the “Museum of stones”.

What Motivates People to Travel

Just a stone’s throw away from St. Isaac’s Cathedral you’ll find the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum. These are the most famous attractions in St. Petersburg and you simply can’t miss them. Spend some time taking awesome pictures of the Palace Square, then continue your walking tour of St Petersburg toward the Spit of Vasilevsky Island.

Here you’ll find red Rostral Columns decorated with bronze anchors and four pairs of bronze ship prows. Ah, don’t miss out on visiting the KunstKamera, arguably the weirdest museum in the world.

End your first day in Saint Petersburg exploring the Peter and Paul Fortress. The mighty that never served its purpose to protect the city sits on a narrow strip of land at the mouth of the Neva river. Hare’s island is home to a plethora of various buildings, museums, and exhibitions both permanent and temporary. Although, these do not always reflect the specific history of the fortress itself.

Be sure to make your way down to the Neva River. Here you can have a take a leisurely stroll along the mighty granite walls and mingle with locals.

Saint Petersburg, Russia in 3 days – Day 2

First things first. You can’t visit Saint Petersburg without seeing the real Dutch and Flemish Painting in the Hermitage Museum. It’s worth the trip but book ahead, and allow yourself at least two hours. A good place for a coffee and a pastry is Hermitage Cafe in the General Staff building. Pop over to the Field of Mars to have a look at ordinary people spending their leisure time and the first eternal flame in the country.

If you are a history buff, visit the Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad. a former monastery filled with atmospheric early Renaissance frescoes painted by Fra’ Angelico. The permanent exhibition features the history of the city during the 900-day Blockade, which lasted from 8 September 1941 to 17 January 1944. It goes without saying that this is a very sobering, and unique place to visit for thought-provoking entertainment.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Russia

Then walk along Moika Embankment towards Chizhyk Pyzhik sculpture (pine siskin), and from there take a stroll through the Michael Garden (Mikhaylovskiy Sad) to reach the Church of the Savior on Blood. Admire the ornate cupolas of the Cathedral, otherwise known as ‘Spas Na Krovi‘. It was built on the very spot that Alexander II had been assassinated on March 1, 1881. You can also admire the Cathedral’s interior from inside – walls and ceilings are completely covered in intricate mosaics and paintings.

Nevsky Avenue and adjoining Griboyedov Canal are full of lovely little shops to browse in. At the intersection of Griboyedov Canal and Nevsky Avenue, you’ll find several cozy restaurants offering a wide array of dining options.

In the afternoon, head along to the Alexander Garden to see the Monuments and the Bronze Horseman; a monument to Peter the Great) next to the Admiralty building. From there take a subway ride (Admiralteyskaya station) and go see the impressive Narva Triumphal Arch. Definitely one of the most underrated attractions in St Petersburg.

This remarkable roman arch is made of bricks and covered with copper sheets for the facades. There are four columns on the front side, two on each side of the arch, chariot on the top and the two statues of ancient Russian warriors. The square around the arch is a lively spot in a summer evening too.

Saint Petersburg 3-day itinerary – Day 3

While St Petersburg is a perfectly walkable city, the main streets can get quite crowded in high-season. However, there is always an escape to one of the royal suburbs.

Spend the third day of your 3 days in St. Petersburg taking day trips to Peterhof and/or Pushkin.

Peterhof has many intricate fountains, the highlight being the Samson Fountain with the lion. The sculpture celebrates the Russian victories, especially the victory over Sweden, whose coat-of-arms contains the figure of a lion. Peterhof Park and gardens are a vast area behind the palace where you can spend a few hours to escape the crowds.

Should you choose, I recommend heading to Peterhof in summer. The former royal residence of Peterhof sits some 30 minutes by hydrofoil from the Hermitage Embankment. Peterhof consists of a series of palaces, gardens and the Grand Cascade that makes the city an extremely popular destination in summer. If you are here during the summer, check out the palace’s many fountains. Remember, the fountains are only operational from May to September and aren’t functioning during winter. Peterhof is most quickly accessible via minibus from a St. Petersburg suburb, but most easily accessible via direct train from Baltiysky railway station.

Alternatively, sightseers and culture seekers can visit Pushkin – home to a Catherine Palace and the famous Amber Room. I actually visited both Pushkin and Peterhof and it’s nearly impossible to choose between these two amazing places. Keep in mind, during the public holidays both cities can be quite packed with locals. So you may want to visit the Catherine Palace in autumn or winter when it’s much less crowded.

Where to Stay in Saint Petersburg

You’ll be spoiled for choice among Saint Petersburg accommodation options. The city offers everything from luxurious hotels with their own rooftop bars to more affordable budget hotels that put you within 25 minutes of Moskovskaya railway station. No matter what your budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect St Petersburg hostel within easy reach of downtown. Check Railway Capsules . If you’re looking for someplace a bit nicer, I can personally recommend the WYNWOOD Hotel .

The Bottom Line

You did it! You made it to the end of my itinerary for 3 days in Saint Petersburg, Russia! Hopefully, you’ve discovered some of the best attractions in Saint Petersburg and have maybe even learned about some unique things to do in Saint Petersburg too!

I also hope that you now feel comfortable enough to plan the perfect weekend itinerary in Saint Petersburg. So if you’re ready to begin planning your trip to Saint Petersburg, Russia, then pin this now and read it again later!

How many of these attractions would be on your Saint Petersburg itinerary? If you’ve visited Saint Petersburg, what were your favorite spots in Saint Petersburg? If you have any questions about the itinerary or visiting Saint Petersburg, just ask them in the comments below and as always I’m happy to help!

PIN IT FOR LATER!

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I’ve always wanted to travel to Russia. This looks amazing! Your photos are beautiful.

MindTheTravel

Thank you, Sarah! I agree this country should be visited at least once in a lifetime!

Thank you for sharing. I never dreamt about going to St. Petersburg. May change my mind after reading your blog post and seeing your pictures though 😀

Thank you for sharing.We would be in Sankt Petersburg in July 2020,for sure we would use the Guide.Thanks again.

Once this covid crisis is over, I can’t wait to get there — am looking forward to the suggested itinerary!

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A Local’s Guide to St. Petersburg, Russia

Kristina Avdeeva is not just a great travel photographer. She is also a person who, along with her partner, Niko Tsarev, shares her love for the sea and sailing in a project called Sea Soul Diary . Together they travel the world in search of pristine waters and unique sailboats and, above all, dive into the local culture, making every journey a learning experience.

This interview is part of The World Made Local , a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.

Tell us about your connection to Russia.

Russia is a country with a harsh climate, but with a warm heart. My ancestors were born here; my relatives live here. St. Petersburg has become my second hometown after Moscow; here I found my love. Its proximity to the Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga contributed to the formation of a huge number of rivers and canals. This is precisely why St. Petersburg was nicknamed “the Venice of the North.” For me, it is one of the most romantic cities on the planet.

If a friend was visiting for just 24 hours, what would you tell them to do?

Petersburg is beautiful from May to September. It is even better in June, when the nights are short and bright. During the day, you should definitely take a walk along the embankments along the canals toward the Neva, visit the Summer Garden, and in the evening you should jump into a boat, consolidate what you saw during the day now from the water, and see the main magic—the opening of bridges under the sunset sky.

Any hotels and restaurants you could recommend?

St. Petersburg is the gastronomic capital of Russia. Due to high competition, almost every restaurant is very sensitive to service and product quality. It is worth staying in the city center at the Wynwood Hotel . You can choose a room overlooking a quiet courtyard or the embankment of the Griboyedov Canal. From there, a panoramic view of the Kazan Cathedral of the Mother of God and the building of the Singer company opens. Delicious breakfasts are available for guests on the ground floor at Jungle Cafe . And, if after a long walk you do not want to go far, then the next door in the hotel building will lead you to the Greek-Georgian restaurant Nino Cuisine . The reception will help you book a table.

Kristina Avdeeva

What should this person see and visit?

To feel the whole atmosphere of the city, do not be lazy to walk. If you leave the Wynwood Hotel and walk along Nevsky Prospect, then turn onto the Moika embankment, you will find yourself on St. Isaac's Square, where you will be enchanted by the cathedral of the same name. Bypassing it, you will find yourself on the boulevard, which will lead to the island of New Holland—an oasis of local city life with good restaurants, music venues, an open-air cinema, an artificial beach, and shops. 

The key roles of the island's gastronomic life are two restaurants of Matilda Shnurova, who was included in the rating of the best restaurateurs in the world— Cococo Bistro and Cococouture St. Petersburg . Book a table in advance; it is tight here regardless of the season. By the way, Matilda has a third restaurant for healthy-food lovers, which serves sugar-, gluten-, and lactose-free dishes. Bio My Bio is located in the SO/ Saint Petersburg hotel, which is also suitable for city life. It offers views of the Almirantazgo de San Petersburgo and the city's rooftops.

Your favorite neighborhood?

The historic Kolomna District, where we live, is one of our favorite and quiet places. It has beautiful architecture of the 19th century, a lot of greenery, bridges, and is not the most popular place among tourists. The area is bordered by the Admiralty shipyards, which were founded by Peter the Great in 1709. Many seagulls live here, and the engine of shipbuilding machines can be heard. So the sea soul of St. Petersburg makes noise.

Best time to travel to St. Petersburg?

Do not be afraid of winter; come to Peter’s city at any time of the year. Even in winter! Seeing the snow-covered Hermitage and ice drifting in the spring against the backdrop of granite embankments is a little magic that will make you fall in love with this city forever.

Follow Kristina Avdeeva on Instagram @kris_the_captain

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