About Andriy Hudymyak Expertise I can answer the following questions with 99 % accuracy:
What is the best time to go to Ukraine?
Best places to visit.
What airlines will take you there.
Your safety in Ukraine.
Special advices for non-ukrainians travel to Ukraine.
Business trips vs traveling for pleasure.
Currency exchange.
Experience I have graduated from Lviv State Univrsity (Ukraine), Geography Department in June 1994. Traveling was a requirement. I have traveled all over Ukraine. Also I have travel in Russia (2 months),Poland (3 months), Germany, Belgium, England.
Expert: Andriy Hudymyak Date: 2/1/2001 Subject: Travel to Odessa from Charlotte, NC
Question Andriy,
I want to depart Charlotte March 12 for Odessa returning March 24. Dates are somewhat flexible, but are based on what seems to be lower airfare ending in March. I need help with flight and accommodations. I strongly prefer US Air, but am willing to consider other airlines. Am willing to take train from Kiev to Odessa, or even from Frankfurt. However, I would like to keep air connections to a minimum. Any advice you could provide will be greatly appreciated! My father passed away last Thanksgiving Day, and his father's family was from Ukraine, so this is a "spiritual" odessy for me. My brother, and hopefully cousin will be joining me.
Thank you,
Craig
Answer Craig
Thank you for you question. Sorry to hear about your father. My condolences Mr.Kalsa.
Odessa is a beautiful city. I spent there 2 weeks myself a few years ago with my friends. I am not sure if AA fly to Ukraine. You better check with them first.
Train from Kyiv to Odessa would take you about 6-8 hours. Do you want to spend this 8 hours in stinky train? or with your family it's up to you.
If i was you i would check following option:
1. Take Polish Airlines (www.lot.com around $600-700 round trip) from NYC to Lviv (ukraine) and then take a train to Odessa.
2.Dont be afraid to take Ukrainian AirLines. They might take you straight to Odessa. Go to www.brama.com to find more on traveling to Ukraine.
3. Take a flight to England (sometimes they have very good deals like $200 NYC to London) then to Ukraine (Kyiv) and then your favorite train to Odessa
Good luck. Enjoy your stay in Odessa. Take a walk on a Black Sea beach it is something you will never forget.
