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20 Questions With Lesley Keyter, Founder, The Travel Lady

Lesley Keyter describes herself as the face of travel in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She founded her agency South Travel/The Travel Lady in 1995. Every week since 1997 she has been featured live on the Morning News of Global TV, Calgary’s primary morning TV show, and is frequently interviewed as a travel expert across many local and national media channels as well as being an invited lecturer at the University of Calgary. Widely known as “The Travel Lady”, she is recognized as the leading vacation expert in Southern Alberta. Born in England, Lesley grew up in South Africa. She travels often and has extensive knowledge of East and Southern Africa, Australia, and much more. She is an avid cruiser with deep knowledge of the most popular ocean and river cruise lines. Lesley is frequently invited to review new vacation destinations, resorts and cruise ships. Within this busy schedule she still finds time to be the president of an award-winning leisure travel company in Calgary. She is also a  member  of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality! In this spotlight, we asked her a series of questions about her work, travel, goals, leadership philosophies and more so you can get to know her better.

• What’s the best book you’ve read recently?    The final book of the “Seven Sisters” by Lucinda Riley. I have done a lot of plane travel the last couple of months and these books were a godsend.
• What do you love most about the industry?  Travel – talking about it, selling it, doing it. There is no doubt it is a sexy industry.
• What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you? I am actually quite shy and when I got the chance to appear live on television I really had to conquer that fear. People still don’t believe me.
• What’s the toughest part of being in charge?  When someone messes up I take it very personally as I always want my team to be the best. I know they want to be the best but we all make mistakes and when we have to talk about those mistakes I hate to see how this might deflate someone’s confidence.
• What’s the best way you motivate team members? Acknowledge their successes, share my failures (we are all just human), be there for them and be seen to be there for them.
• What woman inspires you right now and why?  Arlene Dickenson of Dragons Den. She comes from South Africa where I grew up.  She came to Canada with nothing and on her own without any network or influence rose to be a fantastic businesswoman.
• Where do you believe the future of the industry is headed?  More high touch. We have had our glory days of online booking. Even for simple packages people want to deal with a travel agent.
• What is one thing you look for when interviewing a potential candidate?  The ability to communicate, the ability to laugh, and a deep curiosity about the world.
• What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year? I never want to retire. I don’t bake, I don’t sew. I love my job.
• What’s your favorite podcast?  “Crime Beat” by Nancy Hixt. Hixt was a reporter with Global News and gave me great hints for creating my own audio studio by using my closet. Since Covid I have done weekly “Closet Talks” which have continued long after covid.
• What values are most important to you as a leader?  Humility, honesty, and leading by example.
• What’s the most important thing people should know about you?  I very rarely lose my temper but when I do … stand back!!
• Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid?  Definitely the office. We truly work together as a team.
• Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? It’s very hard to pick a place. My most recent trip was Edinburgh. I loved it. My favorite exotic location was India.
• What is a top item on your bucket list?  Antarctica.
• What do you do to recharge?  Work out at the gym.
• What is your biggest accomplishment?  Getting my bachelor’s degree with honors while I was pregnant with my youngest child.
• What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? Don’t take any crap. We have struggled to get here and we are here to stay.
• What gets you up in the morning?  A cup of hot expresso served to me in bed by my lovely husband 😊
• What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?  Sharing and caring.

If you would like to become a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member or need additional information about our organization, click  here .

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Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

• Best Overall: Booking.com
• Best Budget: Skyscanner
• Best Price Predictor: Hopper
• Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
• Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
• Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
• Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
• Our Top Picks
• Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

• See More (4)

Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

 Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels. 

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive. 

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

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We have used Terry and Eric as our travel agents and resource guides over the years. They have provided us the best service we could ask for and have never failed to make our vacations our dream destinations. Whether it is a land or sea destination, there has been nothing they haven't provided. Their attention to detail, their prompt service and great attitudes make us want to come back again and again. Do not hesitate to use their services; you will be glad you did.

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When I decided to take my son and daughter to Hawaii as a graduation gift, I knew I needed a professional to help me navigate the area and see the highlights. Terry listened to what I wanted and offered me several different options -- including a multi-island trip with several hotels, or a 7-day island cruise. After talking it over with my children and looking at the different itineraries that these top two options offered, we chose the cruise. Terry was super helpful putting all the details together, including all of the flights, hotels and transfers. And when we ran into a minor issue near the end of the trip, Terry was available and got it all cleaned up for us with no sweat for us. Terry and Erik are a great team, and I couldn't recommend better travel agents!

I have used Terry's services for many years and she is wonderful. She listens to what I want or think I want and I have never been disappointed. Whether it is a cruise or on land she finds the best packages. She has wonderful suggestions for side trips as well. I look forward to working with her again in the future.

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‘twisters’: glen powell & daisy edgar-jones’ opposites attract in latest footage – cinemacon, breaking news.

‘Joker: Folie A Deux’ Trailer: Joaquin Phoenix’s Villain & Lady Gaga’s Harley Are Madly, Deeply In Love

By Anthony D'Alessandro , Nancy Tartaglione

Warner Bros on Tuesday released the first trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux , the sequel to the 2019 smash that returns Joaquin Phoenix to his Oscar-winning role and co-stars Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. The film hits theaters on October 4.

The studio revealed the trailer during its studio presentation to exhibitors at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

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Todd Phillips returns to direct and co-write the script for the sequel, which is billed as a drama with musical elements set in and around Arkham. The cast also includes Catherine Keener, Brendan Gleeson, Jacob Lofland and Harry Lawtey, with Zazie Beetz returning from the first film.

Philipps took the stage this evening and told exhibitors, “It’s been five years since I was here last. Did I miss anything? Just a global pandemic, dual strikes, an economic downturn. … I’m sure it didn’t affect any of you.”

RELATED: ‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’: Michael Keaton Makes Surprise Appearance At CinemaCon & Calls Pic “Really F*cking Good!”

He said he had wanted to come earlier to thank exhibitors for their support of Joker , but the pandemic hit right in the aftermath. Deadline hears that Phillips was literally scheduled to come and open CinemaCon 2020 before Covid hit and that edition was canceled.

Today he said: “About a month before the film came out in 2019, the narrative turned and there started to be bizarre warnings; it was amazing that exhibitors didn’t flinch. That attitude was a huge reason for our success. It’s a little late now but I wanted to thank you.”

RELATED: Robert Pattinson Dies Many Times In ‘Mickey 17’ First Look: Bong Joon Ho Pic Previews At CinemaCon

“When we were making the first movie Joaquin and I always talked about making a sequel really because we were having a great time but we were never really serious,” he added.

He continued about the sequel: “We cast Gaga because she’s magic. I was a producer on A Star is Born and that was where I was like she has magic in her.”

“I’ve never talked about it as a musical, but it’s a movie where music is an essential element.”

“The first ways I described Arthur were as weird and aloof and distant, but he has music in him, he has a grace to him. That informed him a lot in the first film. It didn’t seem like that big of a step what we did here.”

But as you can see in the trailer, it’s a seismic notch up. Who knew that was even possible given how much Joker played like a commentary on society, ala Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, more than a DC movie.

The first Joker was a massive hit for Warner Bros/DC, surpassing  Deadpool  to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, clocking $1.08 billion at the global box office. It scored 11 Oscar noms including Best Picture, winning for Phoenix’s performance and for Original Score.

The new film also carries a R rating for “strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality, and brief full nudity,” per the MPA.

RELATED: ‘Joker: Folie A Deux’ Lands R Rating For “Strong Violence” And “Brief Full Nudity”

In Warner Bros’ DC universe, Joker: Folie à Deux  is part of DC Elseworlds and is not part of the universe that Peter Safran and James Gunn are building since taking the helm of DC Studios.

Check out the trailer above.

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Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga Star in 'Joker 2' Trailer

The first preview for Joker: Folie à Deux is here.

Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated Lady Gaga-co-starring sequel to 2019's psychological thriller Joker, just got its first trailer. 

Once again directed by Todd Phillips and featuring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, aka the Joker, the follow-up film is scheduled to hit theaters later this year on Oct. 4. The more than two-minute-long preview follows Phoenix and Gaga, who plays Harley Quinn, from their seeming first glances at each other to dancing in the rain and becoming close. 

Catch the trailer, which includes the song What the World Needs Now Is Love, below.

Much is unknown about the plot of Joker 2, but it could be predominately a jukebox musical, incorporating "reinterpretations" of several well-known songs, based on a report from Variety . The cast includes returning star Zazie Beetz, plus Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener. 

The original Joker, a standalone story for Batman's arch-nemesis, received 11 Oscar nominations, including best picture and director. It won best original score and best actor for Phoenix. 

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Human waste could soon be used to fuel air travel

"We're turning sewage into jet fuel," said biofuel company Firefly's chief executive, James Hygate. The company expects to begin supplying the lower carbon fuel from around 2028.

Thursday 11 April 2024 19:31, UK

Human waste could soon be used to fuel air travel, following the announcement of a world-first factory.

Biofuel company Firefly said it would develop a plant in Harwich, Essex , to convert sewage into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

It said it expects to begin supplying the lower carbon fuel from around 2028 and has reached an agreement with Wizz Air to provide up to 525,000 tonnes of SAF over 15 years.

Utility company Anglian Water has committed to providing biosolids, a product of its wastewater treatment process, to Firefly for an initial pilot SAF facility.

SAF is made from sustainable sources, meaning its production involves using around 70% less carbon than conventional jet fuel.

It can be used in a maximum blend of 50% with kerosene without the need for any modifications to jet engines.

However, SAF is currently several times more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuel.

Firefly chief executive James Hygate said biosolids are "kind of disgusting stuff" but "an amazing resource".

"We're turning sewage into jet fuel. I can't really think of many things that are cooler than that," he said.

Read more from Sky News: Scientists find no clear green alternative to jet fuel UK's first air capture plant removes CO2 from atmosphere and turns it into jet fuel

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Paul Hilditch, the company's chief operating officer, said: "There's enough biosolids in the UK for more than 200,000 tonnes of SAF.

"That's enough to satisfy about half of the mandated SAF demand in 2030.

"We're not the only answer - we need the other routes to SAF - but this new route to SAF has the potential to move the needle, it has the potential to be a significant contribution to UK Saf supply.

"And not just the UK of course. Anywhere in the world where there are people, there's poo."

Click to subscribe to ClimateCast with Tom Heap wherever you get your podcasts

Firefly said it is in the process of obtaining regulatory approval for its system to be used to fuel aircraft.

Wizz Air announced a new aspiration to power 10% of its flights with SAF by 2030.

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Under the government's SAF mandate, at least 10% of the fuel used by airlines in the UK must be made from sustainable feedstocks by 2030.

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News & features, winter center, news / weather news, a bolt of lightning strikes the statue of liberty's torch.

A photo taken during storms in the Tri-state area appears to show the Statue of Liberty's torch getting zinged by a bolt of lightning.

By Monica Danielle , AccuWeather senior producer

Published Apr 5, 2024 9:39 AM PDT | Updated Apr 5, 2024 12:36 PM PDT

A bolt of lightning struck the Statue of Liberty’s torch in a stunning photo captured on April 3.

A photo taken during storms in the Tri-state area on April 3 appears to show the Statue of Liberty's torch getting zinged by a bolt of lightning.

Lady Liberty is used to being zapped, reportedly being struck by lightning several times a year. An exact number is not known, but her height and copper coating, which conducts electricity, make her an easy target.

(Photo credit: Dan Martland)

Since 1886, Lady Liberty has stood on Liberty Island as a sentinel for liberty and justice for all, but she hasn't always been green. When the statue was completed in 1886, the copper panels shined like a new penny. However, over the years, the copper color shifted to green as the metal oxidized.

The sculptor had no idea that the copper statue would change into its iconic greenish-blue color some 20 years later, according to Edward Berenson , a New York University history professor and author of the book The Statue of Liberty: A Transatlantic Story .

EarthCam shared a series of videos from New York City the moment the 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled the city on April 5. One of these videos was from the top of the famous Statue of Liberty.

"When the air and moisture interact with the copper plating on the Statue of Liberty, a copper carbonate known as patina forms on the surface of the copper plating," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rossio said. This mask of patina then protects the deeper copper layer underneath from weathering, he explained. Pennies undergo the same process.

While the designers of the statue had taken into consideration how the weather could impact the structural integrity, not all of the materials used were capable of withstanding the weather conditions in the harbor.

(Credit: Associated Press)

"You've got a choppy sea, the salt water sloshing into the Statue of Liberty, the rain is coming down, and the skeleton of the Statue of Liberty was originally made out of raw iron," Berenson told AccuWeather. "Guess what? It rusted."

When the statue was renovated from 1982 to 1986, the rusted iron was replaced with steel to withstand the environment better. The torch, too damaged to repair, was also replaced.

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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