Visas

Russian Visa: I'm fairly sure I applied for my Russian visa earlier than 3 months. I suggest applying as soon as possible because of the drop in staff over the last several months. E.g., Pres. Trump ordered the closure of the San Francisco Russian Consulate which was rumored to be the fastest way to get a visa. I paid a visa processing service to help me complete the forms and they hand carried my passport to the consulate to get the visa inserted. Given the deteriorating US / Russia diplomatic status, I suggest you get more current advice from the folks at Road Scholar.
You will need an "invitation" from someone / some company in Russia before you can apply for a visa; the Road Scholar folks can no doubt help you with that.

Chinese Visa: It's been over ten years since I was in China. I don't remember any big challenge in getting that visa.

Applying early is probably best; it would be a disaster if your passport got lost in the mail and there was not time to get a replacement.

Steve

Russian Visa: I'm fairly sure I applied for my Russian visa earlier than 3 months. I suggest applying as soon as possible because of the drop in staff over the last several months. E.g., Pres. Trump ordered the closure of the San Francisco Russian Consulate which was rumored to be the fastest way to get a visa. I paid a visa processing service to help me complete the forms and they hand carried my passport to the consulate to get the visa inserted. Given the deteriorating US / Russia diplomatic status, I suggest you get more current advice from the folks at Road Scholar.
You will need an "invitation" from someone / some company in Russia before you can apply for a visa; the Road Scholar folks can no doubt help you with that.

Chinese Visa: It's been over ten years since I was in China. I don't remember any big challenge in getting that visa.

Applying early is probably best; it would be a disaster if your passport got lost in the mail and there was not time to get a replacement.

Steve