The Russian game- only for 6 figure guys?

[bogota vet]

A friend went on two trip to Russia, on tours.
He said the plane was filled with doctors and othe 6 figure types.
At 60k a year he was the poorest of the group.

But he did say the Russian women, were like models.

[BubbaGump]

... in response to The Russian game- only for 6 figure guys..., posted by bogota vet on Jun 18, 2002

For all the bad things people say about the quality of the guys that go on tours, I have to admit they are an affluent group.  Tours typically run about $5K total and there are a lot of doctors and businessmen on the trips.  Some of these guys take a long tour or head off to another tour right after the first one.  I figured that the 6 most affluent guys on my last tour must have made at least 3 million or more between them.  I've been on 2 tours and there were some rich doctors each time.  If you're rich, $5K is nothing.  If you're income is more normal like most of the guys here, figure out how to economize.

[MarkInTx]

... in response to The Russian game- only for 6 figure guys..., posted by bogota vet on Jun 18, 2002


BV,

I'm curious... what makes you ask? Are you seriously thinking about heading to the FSU?

[wilmc]

... in response to The Russian game- only for 6 figure guys..., posted by bogota vet on Jun 18, 2002

TIP:

I got an airline affiliated credit card and I use it for everything, gas, groceries, son's tuition ..... In addition my two sons have "family" cards and are kind enough to let me have their points.  I am amazed, and delighted, with how many things can be paid for with a credit card.  The points for free air fares pile up fast.  I've been to Moscow three times and never paid for the flight.  I have never been "blacked out."  I also get a detailed sorted statement at the end of the year that really helps me do my taxes.

I use British Airways VISA. The issuing bank in US is First USA.  In Canada the issuing Bank is the Royal Bank of Canada.

USAA has an "Eagle point"  card that gives flight rewards or cash back.  The USAA one is excellent for cash advances and foreign currency transactions.  They do not charge a transaction  fee for cash advances or foreign currency purchases.  I have also found that they give me the best currncy conversion rates. The USAA rewards are only available for domestic carriers. I have used their points to fly direct to Moscow on Delta.  

Personally I prefer BA because I like the break in London.  I can even stay a few days in the UK on the one ticket.

All the airlines have affiliated credit cards so pick your favorite.

WARNING, you must exercise self discipline and always pay the balance every month or the interest charges will kill you.

Most of these cards have an annual fee but it usually is reasonable, ex. $50.  That is a cheap fee for a business class trip to the FSU, in my opinion.

[keithandkatya]

... in response to The Russian game- only for 6 figure guys..., posted by bogota vet on Jun 18, 2002

I did it for 1500 dollars and ONE trip...your mileage may vary... I bet there are a bunch of guys that did it with one trip and also a bunch that needed two or more trips... there isn't a cookie cutter answer... to this one...

[snowwego]

... in response to The Russian game- only for 6 figure guys..., posted by bogota vet on Jun 18, 2002

I am not a 6 figure guy but I also know that you do not have to go that the tour route. I went on my own and she did everything for me the apartment and what not before I got there. This is not highly recommended though. There is a better chance of getting in trouble this way. Rick

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Re: The Russian game- only for 6 figure ..., posted by snowwego on Jun 18, 2002


Less trouble than taking a 6 figure tour...

[MarkInTx]

... in response to The Russian game- only for 6 figure guys..., posted by bogota vet on Jun 18, 2002


But you don't HAVE to pay $5K for a tour, you know...

If he went over with a bunch of 6 figure guys on a tour... hell, the women probably WERE models! Or...professionals, anyway...

[KenC]

... in response to The Russian game- only for 6 figure guys..., posted by bogota vet on Jun 18, 2002

vet,
It can be done on a budget.  Maybe $2,500 a trip.  Two trips minimum.
KenC

[Charles]

... in response to not necessarily, posted by KenC on Jun 18, 2002

This guy is full of it.  You can travel to the FSU for a lot less than the tour price, and probably even less than KenC's $2,500 estimate with a little planning.  There were extensive archives on this subject when mdante was frolicking about the board a few months ago. Read those and you will see that bogota is blowing something up his nose.

[Richard]

... in response to not necessarily, posted by KenC on Jun 18, 2002

And if you're not good at keeping expenses down, it's a real strain.  And that two trips really is *minimum*. The extra trips can be a bargain compared to the costs of failure after she's here.

[BrianN]

... in response to not necessarily, posted by KenC on Jun 18, 2002

Ummm.  Two trips minimum, so that'll put me at just over 3500 total for both when I go back in September.  But I went to cheap town and lived cheap.  When I met bruce in akademgorodok, he was living like a proper party dude, just complaining about caves and tents on the job.  Lol... now if I could get the usg to pay for my airfare.  I'll bring my own cave next time.