i will be traveling to the ukraine and would en joy any travel tips?

I couldn't possibly give you all my tips here, but for starters...

Go to Barnes and Noble and purchase a small book from the travel section named "Ukraine customs and travel". It has many cultural things you should know.

Top tips I can give you:

1. Take a VISA credit card, or debit card, and limit the amount of cash you take. Notify your bank you are going there, so they do not lock your card the first time you use it there. Only use the card at the numerous ATM machines. Pay cash, otherwise.

2. If you travel by train from Kyiv, take a private sleeper car and lock yourself in at night. Don't talk to others on the train unless you know Russian, as it sets you up as a tourist, and you will be a target for having your luggage gone through (and cash and valuables stolen).

3. Exchange your money away from the airport and train stations. The exchange rate in town is usually 10-15% higher.

4. Purchases a sim card for your mobile telephone there. Calls and sms back to the US are cheaper than phone cards. If you don't have an unlocked GSM phone, go to www.220-electronics.com and purchase one.

5. Don't stay in 4 or 5 star hotels near the airport. You will find that they are small and not so great, for a very high price. Hotels in the city are cheaper, and just as nice if not nicer.

6. Learn some basic Russian. Ukrainian is good if you stay in Kiev or Western Ukraine, but Russian is universally known in all of Ukraine.

7. Never take a taxi at night from the airport (or in the city). It is always best to travel with a native.

8. If you need translation services, hire a professional translator in Kiev. They are fairly inexpensive (and yes, I can refer you to a good one, if you want).

If you have specific questions, email me.