On EgyptAlways barter in the souks in Egypt - it is impolite not to!
On JordanAlthough more relaxed than other Muslim countries, it is still a good idea to dress conservatively, especially in the rural areas.
On EgyptWhen travelling during Ramadan, go out at night and see the cities transform and come alive, with lots of festivities and street parties taking place.
On ChinaExpect to be photographed a lot in China, where foreign faces are still a novelty. Particularly in rural areas - blondes and red heads will attract even more attention!
On UkraineWhilst staying in Kiev, a visit to the outdoor folk museum in Pyrohovo makes for a great day out. You'll experience a traditional Ukrainian village, sample local food and mingle with the locals.
On JordanIf you have some free time in Amman, try Rainbow Street for a great choice of bars and restaurants.
On RussiaRussia is a deeply religious country, so when visiting Orthodox churches be respectful and wear appropriate attire.
On RussiaOn an overnight train, try tea Russia-style: black, with sugar, served in a glass, while dodging a teaspoon left in it.
On JordanShopping in Jordan is a much less stressful undertaking than elsewhere in the Middle East, and there are some wonderful Berber and Bedouin crafts to take home.
On RussiaThe best time to visit St Petersburg is in the summer to experience the “white nights” and enjoy the spectacular fountain display at Peterhof.
On EgyptIf you can take the heat of Egyptian summers, it is a great time to visit - some of the major sights are virtually deserted and you can have them to yourself!
On UkraineThe underground system in Kiev - the Metro - is very efficient, and some of the stations are very impressive, but you need to learn Cyrillic characters to be able to navigate it.
On EgyptI would always recommend taking a sturdy pair of walking shoes with you to Egypt as there can be quite a bit of walking to do around the temples and pyramids.
Biography
ENLARGE
Having been born in Ukraine, Victoria has first hand knowledge of the culture and traditions of Ukraine, Russia and the surrounding region. Her first job was working for a tour operator in Kiev; since then she's moved to the UK and explored other careers. She joined Audley to come back to her original passion and career choice - travel - and has travelled extensively in Russia and China with us. She particularly enjoyed rediscovering Russia, which has refreshed her passion and knowledge of this great country, and has recently explored Egypt to add it to her travel portfolio. Victoria is tri-lingual, being fluent in English, German and Russian, and likes exploring new places and trying delicious local food. When not travelling, she loves snowboarding and learning to salsa.
My Most Memorable Experience
"Cruising down the Li River is a great way to enjoy the amazing postcard scenery of limestone pinnacles amongst lush subtropical greenery.
However, I was there during the low season, when the rivers can get a little empty - causing our boat to get stuck in shallow waters. That's when the real fun started though, as we hired a bamboo raft to take us back.
I felt like we had stepped back in time a few hundred years – there was not a thing in sight to remind us we were in the 21st century!"
My Favourite Destination
"Visiting Moscow always evokes one of my early childhood memories of seeing Red Square for the first time. It gave a new meaning to taking your breath away, and no other place in the world has ever had the same effect on me.
The grandeur and the beauty of Moscow never ceases to amaze me."
My Favourite Accommodation
"If there is ever a view worth waking up to in the morning, it has got to be the view from one of Lijiang Banyan Tree’s villas.
The first thing you see as you open your eyes are the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Jade Dragon Mountains, and on a clear day it is one of the most dramatic views ever.
After a day of trekking and exploring chill out in your own outdoor jacuzzi or enjoy a massage in the spa.
The Banyan Tree Lijiang is an ultimate luxury retreat for both mind and body."