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FAA Ready for Spring Break Peak Travel and ‘The Great North American Eclipse’

WASHINGTON — As families across the U.S. continue their spring break travel, the Federal Aviation Administration predicts next week will be the busiest of the season, with most fliers taking off on Thursday, April 4.

While most travelers are heading to their favorite vacation destinations, a significant number of travelers are heading to various states to witness ‘The Great North American Eclipse’ on Monday, April 8. Travelers flying along the eclipse path may encounter limited parking and potential delays at airports due to the high volume of aircraft and drones attempting to witness the total solar eclipse. 

Whether you are headed to the sun or headed to the solar eclipse, the FAA is working to make sure you get to your destinations safely. The FAA wants pilots to be aware of possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path and is offering guidance to commercial planes and private aircraft ahead of their flights to witness the phenomenon.   

The FAA reminds spring break travelers to be patient, give themselves extra time at the airport, and pack safely.   

• Be Patient: Federal law prohibits interfering with aircraft crew or physically assaulting or threatening to physically assault aircraft crew or anyone else on an aircraft. Follow all crewmember instructions. Failing to do so can result in civil penalties, criminal fines and imprisonment. The FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior.  
• Pay close attention to what’s in your bag. Some common toiletries that passengers pack could be hazardous. Check your bags for aerosol cans that may contain hair spray, deodorant, tanning spray or animal repellant, nail polish, artist paints and glues.  
• E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and spare lithium batteries are not authorized to be packed in checked luggage. Spare lithium batteries – the kind that are found in personal electronic devices and back-up charging devices – can only travel in carry-on baggage.  
• Electronic devices powered by lithium batteries can catch fire if they are damaged or have exposed electrical terminals. The FAA recommends that passengers keep cell phones and other devices nearby in the cabin to quickly access them if necessary.   

For more information about unruly passengers, please visit our Unruly Passenger  page on the FAA website. 

For detailed information about materials that should not fly, check out our Pack Safe: When in Doubt, Leave it Out video , the FAA's PackSafe website , and the FAA’s Hazardous Materials Safety website .  

Despite a major increase in flights last year,  delays  and cancellations  remain lower than even pre-pandemic levels.  

While delays and cancellations are low, they do happen. Check the status of your flight and get important travel tips before heading to the airport on the FAA travel web page . 

The FAA Air Traffic Report , which outlines potential weather impacts, is updated daily. You can also follow the FAA weather squad on X .

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TSA is prepared for record passenger volumes over the Independence Day holiday period

WASHINGTON — As the Independence Day holiday approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for sustained higher summertime passenger volumes at airport security checkpoints nationwide.

TSA anticipates the busiest travel days will occur from June 29 through July 5. The peak travel day of the holiday weekend is expected to be Friday, with TSA screening an estimated 2.82 million individuals and approximately 17.7 million during the seven-day travel period. Friday’s travel figure would surpass our current single day travel record since Friday, June 16, where TSA screened nearly 2.8 million passengers. The peak Independence Day holiday travel day in 2019 was Sunday, July 7, where TSA screened 2.79 million passengers.

“TSA is staffed and ready for the increasing travel volumes during this holiday travel period with the technologies and resources for improved security effectiveness, efficiency and passenger experience at security checkpoints,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “This is largely due to the funding we received in FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which places all TSA employees on the same pay scale as most other federal employees. With the new pay implementation plan for all TSA employees starting in July, attrition levels at TSA have dropped to historic lows, which means our increased employee retention has resulted in sufficient staffing levels to meet the increased passenger demand throughout the country. We expect that passenger volumes will continue to grow, and we will continue to work with our industry partners in the transportation network to meet our passenger throughput standards of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck® lanes. We met these standards over 98% of the time so far this year.”

Based on some of the most recent trends at the nation’s airports, TSA recommends the following Top 10 travel tips to get through the TSA security checkpoint faster:

Tip 1: TSA PreCheck members: Make sure the TSA PreCheck mark is on your boarding pass. Passengers must ensure that their Known Traveler Number (KTN) along with correct date of birth is in their airline reservation. Teenagers age 17 and under may now accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian when traveling through the TSA PreCheck lanes anytime without restriction.

Those enrolled in TSA PreCheck enjoy the benefits of faster checkpoint screening. The five-year membership costs $78. After submitting an online application, which takes just five minutes, applicants must schedule an appointment at any of the 500+ enrollment centers. After a successful enrollment center visit, most new enrollees will receive their KTN within three to five days. Members may renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term for $70. Most TSA PreCheck members wait less than five minutes at the checkpoint.

Tip 2: Firearms and ammunition are not permitted in carry–on bags, but are permitted in checked bags when properly packed and declared. If passengers choose to travel with a firearm, they are permitted only when properly packed and declared at the airline ticket counter for checked baggage. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition, so travelers must also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies prior to arriving at the airport.

Passengers with firearms found in a carry-on bag at a TSA security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck eligibility for five years, which includes current TSA PreCheck members. Additionally, TSA may conduct additional screening for those passengers to ensure no other threats are present. Late last year, TSA increased the maximum civil penalty for a firearms violation to $14,950. Passengers with firearms found in a carry-on bag at a TSA checkpoint are also subject to applicable city or state laws at that airport that may include citation or arrest.

Tip 3: Pack an empty bag and know before you go. When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. The most common prohibited items at the TSA checkpoint are drinks and foods that are prohibited according to the liquids, gels and aerosols rule.

Tip 4: Give yourself plenty of time. Summer travel is busy, so plan ahead! Passengers should give themselves plenty of time to park, return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check-in with the airline, check bags with the airline and prepare for the security checkpoint. Passengers may save time by removing items from pockets and placing them in their carry-on bag, instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt.

Tip 5: Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology. TSA uses a variety of security methods and technologies to secure our transportation systems. Screening protocols can be unpredictable and may vary from airport to airport depending on available technology and the current threat environment.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners: Some airports have installed new state-of-the-art CT scanners which significantly improves threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags and reduces physical searches of bag contents for prohibited items. CT units give Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce physical searches of bag contents for prohibited items. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. Light items should be placed at the bottom of the bin to avoid anything falling out into the tunnel and causing an unnecessary bag jam. TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel but to ask a TSO for assistance, as the opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit. Passengers are also reminded to bring a maximum of one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening. If a passenger uses more than one bin, their bins may not come out of the tunnel together, so TSA encourages passengers to make sure they are not leaving anything behind at the checkpoint. As with any new technology, it will take some time for passengers to get used to this new screening technology. Some airports have construction underway to install these new CT scanners, and TSA asks passengers to be patient during the screening process.
• Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT): Before passengers go through the AIT, all items such as wallets, cell phones and all light outerwear must be removed. Light outerwear is defined as an outer layer of clothing with a full front zipper or buttons used to fasten the outer garment, excluding button up shirts. Examples include, but are not limited to, windbreakers and vests, suit/sport coats, blazers and light jackets. This includes all standard and TSA PreCheck passengers.

Tip 6: Make sure you have an acceptable ID. Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Below are some technologies TSA may use to validate your identity.

• Credential Authentication Technology (CAT): To strengthen identity verification, TSA is deploying CAT units to confirm the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credential, flight details and screening status – without having to scan a boarding pass. With CAT, passengers only need to provide their acceptable photo identification to the TSO.

The second generation of CAT, called CAT-2, is currently deployed to 25 airports and adds a camera and smart phone reader to the other CAT features. The camera captures a real-time photo of the traveler at the Travel Document Checker podium and compares the traveler’s photo on the identification credential against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, the TSO verifies and directs the traveler for appropriate security screening without ever exchanging a boarding pass. TSOs may perform additional passenger verification if needed. Photos captured by CAT units are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process may opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process without losing their place in line. TSA is committed to protecting passenger privacy, civil rights, civil liberties and ensuring the public’s trust as it seeks to improve the passenger experience through its exploration of identity verification technologies.

• Mobile IDs: Checkpoints at 25 airports currently accept mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and digital IDs in the participating TSA PreCheck lanes from:
• Arizona, Colorado and Georgia mDLs stored in the Apple Wallet app
• Maryland mDLs stored in the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app
• Utah mDLs stored in the GET Mobile ID app
• American Airlines digital ID stored in the Airside Digital Identity app

All passengers presenting mDLs or digital IDs must continue to carry and have readily available their physical driver’s license or identification card, or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website. This physical ID may be required by the TSO to complete ID verification.

Tip 7: Follow TSO guidance. Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided by our TSOs at the security checkpoint. There may be information on new technologies that helps reduce touchpoints or a TSO may redirect passengers to ensure we keep people moving through the screening process. If flying internationally, upon return to the United States, passengers will encounter a Customs and Border Protection officer to clear customs. Listen for their directions as well. Passengers may also need to have their baggage re-screened by a TSO to continue on to their final domestic destination. Airport and airline employees may also give guidance to help throughout the travel process. Keep in mind that we all work together to ensure a streamlined and convenient passenger experience, so please follow their directions.

Tip 8: Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. Violence and unruly behavior in the nation’s transportation systems are not acceptable and cause delays at traveler checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement are all working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSO is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest. Always follow the directions of flight attendants aboard aircraft. They are there for your safety and security.

Tip 9: Contact TSA with questions, compliments, complaints or assistance. Travelers with questions have many options for contacting TSA. AskTSA is available for live assistance from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET via Twitter or Facebook by messaging @AskTSA or by sending a text to “272872” (“AskTSA”). For customer service issues, travelers may reach the TSA Contact Center (TCC) at (866) 289-9673. Individuals with disabilities, medical needs or other special circumstances may request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Tip 10: School is out. Kids are welcome! We know traveling can be stressful. TSA offers a series of videos made specifically for kids to help them understand what they can and cannot bring through the checkpoint. Passengers should double-check the bag their child packed before arriving at the security checkpoint. Formula, breast milk, juice, baby food and even liquid medications in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. That’s right, when it comes to baby bottles and sippy cups, you are in the clear. Passengers must remove these items from their carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of their belongings. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, but contact the airline regarding specific ID requirements as guidelines may differ.

Checkpoint-ready passengers are instrumental in helping with efficiency at the checkpoint. When passengers arrive with their identification credentials in hand and avoid the delays associated with bringing firearms, oversized liquids and other prohibited items into the checkpoint, it facilitates faster screening for everyone.

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something®. Those traveling abroad should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation for your destination.

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We visit Mexico City, whose housing market has been shaken up by an influx of remote workers. How is this changing the city, and how can we as travelers lessen our impact?

Listen to the Pilot, and submit your feedback below .

Pilot Episode | Transcript

Travel can broaden horizons, create new relationships, and restore the soul. But this $1.9 trillion industry comes with a real human cost.

Hosted by travel writer Tariro Mzezewa, formerly of NYT Travel, we examine the impact that tourism has on locals, our planet, and the people who work in the industry. Is it even possible to travel ethically? How do technology, pandemics, religion, global warming, war, family, and tradition drive our behaviors? And can our planet – and those who call it home- sustain the growth of the industry?

Each episode is centered on a destination and an issue through the eyes of a local expert, from naturalists, academics and politicians to chefs, journalists and bootleggers. Supported by rich, on-location sound from around the world, Peak Travel examines the tourism industry and its impact on our planet and its inhabitants.

Listen to the pilot and submit your feedback.

Potential Episodes

Hawaii - Please Don’t Come Here

Once an independent nation, the relationship between native Hawaiians and US mainlanders has been fraught for decades. During Covid, tourists came in droves, enjoying a domestic vacation when other far flung destinations were off limits. The recent wildfires have left Maui reeling and some locals are begging tourists to stay home. But when tourism makes up a full quarter of Hawaii’s economy, is that feasible? Should one even visit Hawaii, and if so, how?

Bali, Under the Influence

Westerners seeking Eastern spiritual enlightenment have long been drawn here, and a cottage industry of spiritual tourism still drives the economy in Ubud. We examine the role that media has played in drawing people to Bali - from Australian surfers to Eat Pray Love to a crush of Instagram influencers. How has the island physically changed due to tourism, and how are the people that call it home adapting? What does it mean when the center for your religion becomes the backdrop for a photo? And how can one visit Bali in a way that is sustainable and supportive?

Venice, Cruise Ships and Asthma in the Mediterranean

Venice is the poster child for over-tourism. Venice is sinking. The population swells to unbelievable numbers and the cruise industry pollutes the shallow waters. Italy has taken the unusual step of allowing cruise ships to idle while in port, burning bunker fuel (a form of heavy crude) to generate power. With asthma rates well over the standard for other Mediterranean cities, we examine the impact that the cruise industry and fossil fuels have on Venice. We explore some potential futures Venice might have and give actionable tips on how to visit without contributing to the problem.

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Christmas travel is here: What you can expect this holiday season

Nearly every peak travel period in 2023 brought air travel records, and airports are again bracing for large crowds as the end-of-year holidays approach.

U.S. airlines expect to serve some 39 million passengers between Dec. 20, 2023, and Jan. 2, 2024, according to the airline trade group Airlines for America. That's up 16% from the same period last year.

The Christmas and New Year's rush follows a summer that proved to be the busiest in the Transportation Security Administration's history — a trend that continued over Thanksgiving , when the agency set a single-day record with 2.9 million passengers screened Nov. 26.

"We saw more travelers during this Thanksgiving break than we've seen in our history — not just for Thanksgiving — for any week of holiday peak travel," Ed Bastian, Delta Air Lines' CEO, noted during an appearance this week on CNBC while predicting an "equally strong" December holiday period.

Large crowds expected

Airlines expect the busiest days to fly will be Dec. 21-22 and Dec. 26-29. That's the Thursday and Friday before Christmas (which will be on a Monday this year) and the four days immediately following the holiday.

Though the TSA likely won't see any one day as busy as the Sunday after Thanksgiving, checkpoints are gearing up for sustained demand over the better part of two weeks, as is typically the case for the year-end holidays.

"We don't usually see the [single-day] volumes that we see around Thanksgiving," Dan Velez, TSA New England spokesperson, said in a recent interview. "But, a week before Christmas, it's going to pick up quite dramatically."

Crowded skies 

The holiday travel rush won't just play out in the form of crowded airport terminals.

In the skies, airlines will offer 5.6% more scheduled seats on U.S. domestic flights this month versus December 2022, according to data from Cirium. Also, domestic seats are up 2% this month compared with December 2019 — though with airlines offering 12% fewer flights . Airlines are flying larger planes with more capacity, so they can cut the number of flights and still fly more passengers.

Travelers — not to mention the U.S. Department of Transportation — will surely keep a close eye on how airlines perform over the holidays, particularly Southwest Airlines. Last year, a scheduling meltdown in the wake of a winter storm led to Southwest canceling 16,700 flights.

That operational failure drew scrutiny from lawmakers and prompted the carrier to bolster its winter weather equipment on the ground, make investments to improve its technology and overhaul internal decision-making processes — an effort that, Southwest insists, is already making a difference.

"We are now so much better prepared for these extreme weather events," Andrew Watterson, Southwest's chief operating officer, emphasized on the company's third-quarter earnings call.

Airlines confident about holiday operations

Southwest isn't the only airline voicing confidence heading into the holidays. Airlines for America has repeatedly touted carriers' hiring efforts in recent months, which have airline staffing levels at the highest point in two decades, according to the organization.

In the year to date, U.S. carriers have canceled a collective 1.3% of flights, according to data from FlightAware. That's down sharply from 2.4% last year. (It is worth noting, though, that delays have remained roughly steady from last year, at around a fifth of flights).

Also, with the exception of United Airlines' operational troubles over a few days in late June — which primarily stemmed from challenges at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — this year has largely been without meltdowns of the sort we saw regularly last year.

"I do not expect another Southwest or similar meltdown. The airlines have cut the number of flights and are very focused on not overloading their systems," Michael McCormick, a longtime air traffic control veteran, said. (McCormick previously managed New York's critical center and currently serves on the faculty at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.)

Still, a continued shortage of air traffic controllers does bring at least some risk of disruptions, particularly when the weather is bad (more on that in a moment). However, the Federal Aviation Administration has routinely opened up new corridors in the skies during peak travel periods this year while extending a temporary policy allowing airlines to reduce flight schedules in New York through October 2024.

"The FAA is deeply focused on holiday travel and will [have the] staffing to meet it," McCormick told TPG. "The remaining unknown is the weather."

Early weather models look promising

Indeed, how Mother Nature cooperates may be the top factor this year in how smoothly air travel runs over the end-of-year holidays, as U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg acknowledged last month.

Fortunately, the early weather models look promising — in contrast to the winter storm that precipitated Southwest's problems a year ago.

"Overall, this December is going to be quite different from last year," Paul Pastelok, Accuweather senior meteorologist and long-range forecaster, told TPG. "This year, leading up to Christmas, it's going to be mild for a good portion of the country. In fact, it could be fairly quiet for a while."

Pastelok is watching two weather systems — one on the East Coast this coming weekend and another around Christmas Eve that could affect the northern Great Plains.

However, he says, milder temperatures mean those systems will likely bring wind and rain instead of snow and ice.

Indeed, Accuweather is predicting it won't be a white Christmas for much of the country.

Tips for traveling this holiday season

If you intend to fly this holiday season, it's a good idea to plan now. If you're a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck member, make sure you've added your Known Traveler Number to your reservation so you'll be able to access the TSA PreCheck lanes.

Driving to the airport? Book your parking online now to save money and guarantee yourself a spot.

Also, download your airline's app and familiarize yourself with its features. After all, that app can be your key to checking in, tracking a bag or rebooking if something goes wrong.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations

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The era of peak travel is over

Covid-19 changed the world’s jet-setting ways in the blink of an eye. It could take years to return to normal.

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Part of the Pandemic Issue of The Highlight , our home for ambitious stories that explain our world.

For years, I’ve perfected my personal travel routine: scrubbing my tray table, seatbelt, armrests, and screen before I triumphantly sink into a sterilized seat. I typically fly more than 100,000 miles a year, and I’ve come to attribute a lot of my general good health on the road to this fastidious in-flight choreography — so what if it’s placebo effect at play? When Naomi Campbell went viral last year for her far more meticulous approach to airplane sanitation, the internet responded with mirth and mockery. I responded with admiration — and envy for the breadth of her arsenal. Why hadn’t I thought of masks and gloves?

Of course, now lots of us are thinking about masks and gloves.

Hardly any industry is untouched by the Covid-19 crisis , but travel was among the first to be affected and has been dealt a particularly brutal blow. Barely a month after worldwide lockdowns and border closures effectively sealed off entire countries from reach, many are already looking back fondly on the halcyon days of travel. Until February, the pressing existential crisis was too much of it, in fact: Booming economies and growing flight routes made the world more accessible than ever before, flooding destinations like Iceland , Barcelona, and Tulum with more tourists than they could handle. Now, the existential crisis is, well, the industry’s very existence.

“It’s going to take so long for the demand to even come close to what it was,” says Rafat Ali, chief executive and founder of travel industry news publication Skift . As recently as two months ago, he says, Skift was reporting heavily on overtourism; now, its coverage has shifted dramatically, to tracking the rapidly changing milieu for airlines, hotels, and all facets of the travel industry.

We’re still deep in the trenches of the coronavirus pandemic, so it’s impossible to predict when or how travel might resume, let alone whether we’ll feel comfortable traipsing around the world again with the kind of carefree insouciance to which many of us have become accustomed. The UN World Tourism Organization counted 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals in 2018 , and, well before this crisis, had predicted 1.8 billion arrivals by 2030. With virtually all travel halted, recovery will take time. Ali is taking what he calls the long view, expecting air travel to return to early 2020 levels in five years, taking into account that the airline industry took three years to recover post-9/11, and two years to return to pre-2008 revenues after the recession.

Travel will be back — it has to be back, for too many livelihoods and economies depend on it. More than 10 percent of the global workforce is employed by the tourism industry , and from farmers who supply hotels with produce to drivers who ferry tourists around between excursions and beyond, millions of people rely on business generated by travelers. But the way we travel will undergo a dramatic transformation.

Sure, travelers are likely to adopt a disinfecting regimen that falls somewhere in between my own and Naomi Campbell’s on the sanitation spectrum (in light of recent events, she has since upgraded to a hazmat suit ). But before the masses feel comfortable taking to the skies again, the classic road trip will be resurrected.

“Personal space becomes important,” Ali says. “Never, ever will we look at people who we thought were crazy, who were cleaning seats — we had a few of those people in the company we used to make fun of. Never again!”

Industry experts say technology will be a key tool in the revival of travel, with electronic passports and IDs, boarding passes, medical screening , and robot cleaners being deployed widely to limit physical contact between people and surfaces. Hotels, airlines, and especially cruises will have to determine how to give travelers personal spaces they feel they can control. And in the short term, driveable local trips to vacation rentals can ease shell-shocked travelers back into adventure.

“Airbnb-type places that you can disinfect yourself, especially in a more remote setting: I think those would definitely be the first step for us traveling outside,” Ali says. “Fear of humans and crowded places will be etched in our hearts for the rest of our lives.”

Jessica Nabongo , founder of travel firm Jet Black, became the first black woman to travel to every UN-recognized country in the world in October; these days, she’s spending more time in her Detroit home than she has in years. She says she will likely start taking domestic trips before international travel is safe to resume. “I think road trips are going to become a huge thing, especially in the summer,” she says. Like Ali, she fears that “there’s going to be a bit of corona hangover, with people afraid of going to festivals, being in loud crowds, going to airports.”

The coronavirus-induced worldwide financial crisis will also be a key factor in keeping travelers close to home, at least in the short term. “The economic impact of coronavirus will leave many people with less money to do non-essential travel,” says influencer and travel host Oneika Raymond . “I do think that more people will travel domestically, because it’s a less scary prospect and also often cheaper than a trip to a faraway land.”

Instagram feeds that have lately been filled with nostalgic throwbacks to global adventures will slowly start to be peppered with new images from those regional trips. “I think international travel is going to open very slowly,” says Nabongo. She believes that before entry to some countries, travelers may have to show negative Covid-19 testing, probably within the past 24 hours. “And I think that Europeans and Americans, for the first time, are going to feel what it’s like to have an undesirable passport — for a while, some countries, even if they do open up, may not allow the entry of American citizens or European citizens.”

Whether some travelers will be outright banned from entry remains to be seen, but it’s certainly expected that the footloose jet-setting many have come to take for granted is over “pretty much until a vaccine comes in,” says Ali — a vaccine that is probably more than a year away . And after that hurdle, travelers may need to show some sort of Covid-19 pass, much like the yellow fever certificate I keep with me for certain parts of Africa or South America.

Government-mandated quarantines on arrival or reentry could become the norm — making international travel out of reach for people with limited vacation time. And in general, travelers are much more likely to spring for health insurance, read the fine print of their travel policies, and pay close attention to World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as they plot their travels.

Influencers in the travel space, whose identities and businesses have come to be defined by their jet-setting adventures, are taking these unexpected hiatuses as a chance to take stock, though many are still unsure what the future holds. “I’m essentially unemployed at the moment, as there’s no travel happening,” says Lee Abbamonte , a travel influencer who has visited every country. “Plus, we don’t yet know the public’s appetite for travel moving forward, as so many are losing so much money and jobs.”

Raymond is also waiting before making any plans for the future. “I’m no stranger to the art of the pivot and know the importance of not putting all of your eggs into one basket,” she says. “With that said, it’s still early days with regards to how greatly the travel industry will be affected, so I’m reserving any big pivots until the dust settles.”

In the meantime, she’s looking back on her past travels with a sense of gratitude. “I will definitely be more appreciative of the ability to travel freely and safely,” she muses. “As someone who travels for a living, it’s been very easy to take this lifestyle for granted. I’ve never been so grateful and aware of what a privilege it has been to globetrot until now.”

As we wait and watch, travel destinations will recover at their own pace. While Italy has been one of the hardest-hit nations, its legion of die-hard fans might help it rebound as soon as they’re able to return. “Italy is a country that our travelers really have an emotional connection with,” says Andrea Grisdale, who is chief executive of the destination management company IC Bellagio , and based in the hard-hit Italian region of Lombardy.

“We’re seeing a lot of people saying, ‘The minute the planes are flying, I want to be the first person on.’” But even if tourists return in droves, Grisdale predicts that the rural countryside will be more of a draw than Milan or Rome — in keeping with what might be a universal tendency for travelers to gravitate toward remote, isolated destinations worldwide.

Countries such as India have yet to reach a coronavirus case peak, and the long term implications are unclear, but its population density might turn off some travelers. “India is populated; that’s always been there,” says Shoba Mohan, founder of RARE India , a consortium of boutique hotels and heritage villas across India. “They might go back to a place like Italy sooner, and they’ll probably take a couple more months before they open up to the idea of India.” Metropolises such as Delhi had been popular for three-night stays, but now inquiries to more isolated regions like Ladakh, a scenic mountainous region in the north, may increase.

“I think what we’re going to see is more tourism to Africa, because it wasn’t hit that hard,” predicts Nabongo, referring to early coronavirus numbers emerging from the continent, though cases are still on the rise. But while the idea of heading deep into the isolated bush for a safari might be appealing, it’s too soon to tell what sort of effect the current lack of tourism might have had on the endangered wildlife. Tourism is a critical aspect of conservation efforts on the continent, and a long shutdown means empty parks and the loss of park fees.

“Animals-wise, I believe they will have the best time of their lives: no disturbance from vehicles and people, which will change their behavior in a way that nothing is bothering them,” says Hamza Raza Visram, northern Tanzania head guide for safari company Asilia Africa . “Conservation-wise, people will lose their jobs and will have to find other means of survival, and this might increase the poaching for bushmeat.” South Africa and Botswana have already confirmed an increase in rhino poaching since their coronavirus-induced shutdowns began.

For the airlines, tour operators, and mom-and-pop businesses that survive this shutdown, operations will adapt and evolve. Take a popular activity like ziplining, for example. Would you want to share gloves and helmets with others again, and are you prepared to wait while the equipment is sanitized thoroughly before your turn? Aspiring zipliners will likely be asked to spring for their own gloves and helmets, and sanitation costs might be factored into the price tag.

“Flights are going to be cheap because they’re going to have to convince people to go on planes, but costs of some things are going to have to go up because of the necessity of more sanitation,” Nabongo says.

It’s not an overstatement to say things will look very different for years to come — virtual meeting technology is already making corporations question the need for business travel; borders are being more starkly defined; retirees looking forward to traveling the world will likely tread more cautiously; and even young, intrepid backpackers raring to set out as soon as possible might keep hitting walls in the form of travel restrictions until vaccines are widely available.

But the universal grounding of global travelers has already had a positive impact on a planet wracked by the effects of climate change, and when borders do reopen, a more mindful approach to travel will likely be top of mind: fewer trips, longer trips, more meaningful trips. As we emerge from months of social distancing, we might be craving human connections — cooking with nonnas in the Italian countryside, or meeting craftsmen in rural Rajasthan, or a family road trip to Niagara Falls. “People call it the great reset,” Mohan says. “It’s creating awareness for a better kind of travel.”

Sarah Khan is a travel writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler, Saveur, and Food & Wine.

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• How the Covid-19 pandemic will leave its mark on US health care
• The essential worker revolution of 2020 will not wait
• Friendships are crucial to survive the isolation of the coronavirus pandemic. Why do they feel so hard?

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A flight expert's hot take on holiday travel: 'Don't do it'

Marielle Segarra

It's stressful to fly around the holidays. Airports are packed, tickets are expensive and bad weather can cause significant flight delays and cancellations.

So, if you have to travel, is there an optimal time to do so? Scott Keyes, founder of the travel site Going.com (formerly known as Scott's Cheap Flights), shares his recommendations, including days to avoid and the best time of day to fly.

Don't travel around Thanksgiving and Christmas

"It's one of the worst times to travel," he says, due to flight disruptions, crowds at the airport and ticket prices. "My secret, best advice for travel over the holidays is: if at all possible, just don't do it."

If you have to fly for the holidays, do it on the day itself

"You just see far fewer people traveling then," says Keyes. "And with fewer people, you can see lower fares and fewer disruptions," including delays and cancellations. So think about booking tickets to depart or arrive on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.

Traveling for the holidays? 7 tips to help you keep your cool

Avoid peak travel days.

For a lot of folks, the whole point of traveling during this time of year is to be with family on the actual holiday, says Keyes. "So the busiest and most crowded times [to travel] are going to be in the few days leading up to the holiday. Think Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and December 21st, 22nd and 23rd around Christmas."

A travel delay that stretches out over a few days, like a snowstorm, can quickly ruin a trip, he adds. "That's when you're going to have the most competition with other travelers" for a limited amount of seats if you're trying to rebook a flight.

To avoid this situation, Keyes recommends flying a few days before or after these peak travel times. So instead of flying on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, you might consider traveling a few days earlier.

Travel in January — the 8th, to be precise

If you can wait, travel in January, says Keyes. You will probably have a much better flight experience.

Keyes even has a preferred date for that month: Jan. 8, he adds. "It's my favorite date of the entire year. I circle that date on the calendar because whereas flight prices really get inflated over the Christmas-New Year period, around Jan. 8, they just fall off a cliff from the most expensive time of the entire year to the absolute cheapest."

Ticket prices, while "extremely volatile," can drop 75-80%, he says. For example, a nonstop, roundtrip ticket from Los Angeles to Tokyo from Dec. 22-29 costs $1,996, according to Google Flights. But if you took that trip from Jan. 10-17, the fare dips to $427 — a nearly 80% discount. And while a nonstop, roundtrip ticket from New York City to Miami from Dec. 24-Jan. 1 costs $608, it's only $138 from Jan. 9-16 — a 77% discount.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Take an early and direct flight.

"There are two types of flights that have the highest odds of getting you to where you're going on time or at least without a major delay: early morning flights and nonstop flights," says Keyes.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Travel Consumer Report for October, flights between 6-7 a.m. had a nearly 90% on-time departure rate, versus 64% for flights between 5-11 p.m.

With morning flights, "your plane [has been] at the airport overnight. It's sitting there and ready to go when you get there in the morning," he says. Afternoon flights, on the other hand, depend on planes that are flying in from somewhere else and may be subject to delays.

Direct flights have the advantage of not having layovers. "If you take a connecting flight that gets delayed an hour and a half but you only had a one-hour layover, all of a sudden you've missed your connecting flight and you have to get rebooked" — not an easy feat during the holiday season.

Prepare yourself for potential flight disruptions that may keep you at the airport. Keyes likes to pack "noise-canceling headphones and a little snack box, because frankly, airport food is not very memorable," he says. And he likes to download a few books and movies to his iPad — "just in case I'm having to hang out at the airport longer than expected."

The audio was produced by Clare Marie Schneider. The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual producer is Kaz Fantone.

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How to Travel During Peak Travel Season

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

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Traveling during peak season comes with challenges. The most obvious is the crowds- popular destinations and attractions will be packed, making it difficult to move around freely, enjoy the sights, or get that perfect photo without a stranger photobombing it. With peak season also comes higher prices- from flights, accommodations, and even the price of admission at some attractions. Availability can also be challenging, with hotels and rentals getting booked months in advance and tickets to attractions and events. If you’re lucky enough to get a hotel room and entrance into popular attractions, you’ll have long lines and wait times everywhere: restaurants, attractions, and the airport. 

While traveling to top destinations in the off-season is always smart, that isn’t an option for everyone, thanks to school/work schedules and attractions having seasonal hours. When planning a trip during peak season, there are several things you can do to make the experience less of a hassle. A well-planned peak season trip can create fantastic memories, and it is possible, if you follow these tips, from planning, booking, saving money, and what to do once you are there. 

Planning & Booking

Book Early  

This is the most important thing when planning a trip during peak season. Booking well in advance will save you money and give you the most options. You can book a hotel before they fill up; flights are always cheaper if you book early for peak travel. Booking tickets to attractions will ensure you can get the entrance times you want and that they will not sell out. Research where you are going and see when tickets go on sale. 

Be Flexible

When booking a flight, be flexible. Don’t restrict yourself to a specific day for arrivals/departures. Weekends will likely be the most expensive time to fly, so try to book for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. The time of day for your flight is also important. Everyone wants to go out late morning and return with an afternoon flight, so instead, look at super early flights, night flights, and even red eyes. 

Consider Alternatives

Flying into a smaller airport or one slightly further away from your destination could help you save money and give you more options. You may also want to consider booking a hostel or vacation rental. Vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular, so booking them early is key, but finding one off the beaten path or not as close to main attractions will help keep costs down and have more availability. 

Also, consider alternative destinations . You may have your heart set on a certain destination, but chances are there is a similar, less crowded alternative. Likewise, if you can snag accommodations at one of the top spots, look for different attractions that may not be as crowded. If you’re in London, maybe skip Buckingham Palace and head to Hampton Court Palace; try Musée d’Orsay versus the Louvre in Paris- anywhere that is a hot tourist spot is sure to have a variety of attractions to choose from that aren’t on the top of everyone’s list, but just as good. 

The 7 Best Trip Planner Apps for Travelers

Saving Money

Track Deals

The best way to avoid breaking the bank is to stay on top of pricing trends. Several travel apps and websites provide deals and price tracking for hotels and flights . Sign up for as many deals and price-tracking alerts as you can. That way, you can familiarize yourself with typical prices so that you can quickly snag it when a great deal comes through. Start researching early to be familiar with the trends and know when a real deal comes through. Some attractions may offer deals and sales, so stay on top of those as well; many may have early bird deals for people who book well in advance. 

Embrace Public Transportation (or Walk)

Research the public transportation options of your destination. Trains and buses are almost always cheaper than a ride-share service, taxi, or car rental . Trains will eliminate any traffic headaches, and both options mean you won’t have the stress of navigating unfamiliar streets, which can be a hassle when renting a car. Walking is one of the best options for getting around, even if you are heading somewhere far from your hotel; you can take a train or bus to other parts of the city and walk around from there. 

Seek Free Activities

Almost everywhere has free activities available, especially in the summer, when some attractions, walking tours, and events will be free. Check the schedule of events for the area, and you may find free music, fairs, markets, performances, and art shows taking place. 

Beating the Crowds

If you do snag a great flight deal and hotel, once you are at your destination, crowds will likely be your biggest nuisance. There are ways to navigate the masses who flock to popular destinations. 

Research & Plan

I may be starting to sound like a broken record here, but researching will be your best friend when trying to navigate summer travel.  Figure out when the off-peak hours are for the more popular attractions. Check to see if events are happening (free or paid), and (assuming you aren’t heading to the event) don’t go when the event occurs. Double check nothing is debuting the day you plan on heading there either – you don’t want to find yourself at an amusement park the day a new ride is unveiled or at a museum the first day of a new exhibit. 

The 8 Best Travel Package Sites for Booking a Cheap Vacation

Embrace Early Mornings/Evenings

Even though you are on vacation, early mornings are your best friend, so you may have to ditch a lay in if you want to beat the crowds. Getting to attractions right when they open means you can hit the top spots before it gets too busy, be finished by lunch, and head to a less popular attraction for the afternoon. Getting to the beach early means securing a prime spot to set up camp for the day, making late goers envious of your real estate. 

Alternatively, getting to attractions shortly before they are set to close also means less people to navigate through. Some museums even offer free admission after a certain time, so do your research and you may be able to not only score a free or discounted ticket, but fewer people.  Similarly, the beach in the evening is less crowded, and in peak summer months, still warm enough out for a swim. 

Make Reservations

Always book ahead of time whenever possible-whether it be for entrance to an attraction or for meals at a restaurant. Booking sites like Viator will allow you to book tours and tickets well in advance, and even have “skip the line” options like this one in Rome . Sites like OpenTable and Resy let you book tables months in advance at some restaurants. Bonus: it saves you time from trying to find somewhere to eat when you’re hungry. Disney World opens restaurant reservations sixty days in advance, so if you want to eat at some of the more popular restaurants, log in the morning they open, two months before your trip. Most national parks also allow you to make entry reservations ahead of time, which will save time at the entrance. Again, simply doing your research before your trip to find out if reservations are available can save you a lot of time when you are on vacation. 

Explore Lesser-Known Areas

We all want to see the most popular spots in the world, however, many lesser-known areas can be just as breathtaking and/or educational. Take the time to research spots that locals love and tourists may not. Find local facebook groups and ask what are must-see, non-busy spots. A simple google search can also unleash a variety of surprising ideas of where to go off the beaten path. Be open to exploring, too. You may find some of the best hidden gems when you have no agenda or itinerary, and just set off to explore for the day. If a beach is popular, look at beaches within a half mile that might be smaller and less crowded. 

Making the Most of It

It’s hard not to want to go to some of the worlds most popular destinations- after all, they are popular for a reason. The cultural, historical and entertainment value of some places are too hard to pass up. So, when you inevitably find yourself booking that bucket list trip to Rome, London, Paris or any other sought after destination, try to make the most of it. 

Embrace the Culture

While most tourists head to the “tourist traps” and want to do everything they see on TV/movies/social media, often some of the best experiences can be had by experiencing local customs and traditions. Again, reach out to local social media accounts and follow them to get an idea of what is out there to try. It may be that a hole in the wall restaurant is a local, traditional one that you don’t want to miss. Perhaps a church service is the best way to get a feel for the local traditions, or a local holiday celebration- check out what is going on locally and you may find yourself learning a whole new tradition you never knew existed- for free! 

Pack Light & Smart 

If you pack light for a day out, you’ll have an easier time navigating through the mobs of people on the streets and in lines. If you are laden down with multiple bags, it will make weaving in and out of the sea of people that much more difficult. A backpack will be easiest to handle, along with a simple crossbody bag . 

Maintain a Positive Attitude 

Swarms of people are almost inevitable at the top destinations in the summer. Once you are there, try to remain patient, stay adaptable, and simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of the new area. Even if you follow all of these tips, waiting in long lines at popular attractions is nearly unavoidable, as well as running into crowds on your way to a less popular attraction within a top location. Just be prepared that it will happen, expect the worst, and hopefully you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

The Ultimate Packing List

What are the Top Summer Travel Destinations? 

According to Google Flights, the top summer destinations in 2024 are: 

The top National Parks are:  

• Great Smoky Mountains, Tennesee/North Carolina 
• Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Yellowstone, Wyoming/Montana
• Rocky Mountain, Colorado
• Yosemite, California
• Acadia, Maine
• Grand Teton, Wyoming
• Joshua Tree, California
• Olympic NP, Washington

Top Beach Destinations in the U.S :

• South Beach, Florida
• Miami Beach, Florida
• Venice Beach, California
• Huntington Beach, California
• Newport Beach, California
• Clearwater Beach, Florida
• Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
• Laguna Beach, California
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Please note: these are based on the most hashtags on Instagram, and it is worth noting that these beaches are popular all year round, places like Rockaway Beach in New York, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod Massachusetts and Coney Island in New York are extremely popular for summer vacations. 

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Direct Travel, Inc. announces acquisition of Peak Travel Group

With sales volume totaling $185 million, Peak Travel is one of the top Travel Management Companies in North America, and has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service and longstanding client retention.

DENVER – Direct Travel, Inc. announced that it has acquired Peak Travel Group (Peak Travel) of San Jose, California. This move marks the company’s sixth acquisition this year, and comes just a week following their announcement of the acquisition of Best Travel & Tours, Inc. of Chicago.

Founded in 1962, Peak Travel is a prospering West Coast agency specializing in corporate, leisure and group travel. With sales volume totaling $185 million, Peak Travel is one of the top Travel Management Companies in North America, and has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service and longstanding client retention.

Tyler Peak , President of Peak Travel comments, “We are excited about this partnership, and truly believe it is a win-win for both agencies. Our organizations share a mutual respect and trust based on similar core values, and I firmly believe this is a key compatibility.” Peak adds, “For our clients, becoming part of Direct Travel reinforces our unrelenting commitment to quality, service and value that has characterized our agency and people for over 50 years.”

Ed Adams , CEO of Direct Travel comments, “This acquisition continues our momentum, and demonstrates our steadfast determination to drive our expansion efforts through strong, strategic acquisitions.”

“Our cultures are well aligned around strong business results and a client-centric focus that emphasizes traveler satisfaction as one of the most important indicators of our success,” said John Coffman , CFO of Direct Travel. “This strategic gain is yet another exciting step forward for Direct Travel,” Coffman affirms.

Tatiana Rokou

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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Radisson Blu Sobieski upgrades Vingcard Door Locks to feature latest in RFID security and mobile key

Hostelworld’s AGM 2024: Strategic growth, leadership transitions, and financial milestones

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports and The New Terminal One launch the competitive evaluation process for food hall, travel essentials partners 

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Arabian Travel Market returns next week, with over 41,000 attendees expected

World of Hyatt and Peloton team up with plans to reward members for wellbeing

AHLA Foundation hosts Annual ForWard Conference to advance women in hospitality 

SWISS reports CHF 30.7 million operating result for the first-quarter period

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Milan Bergamo Airport expands reach with new flights to Asia and the Middle East

Carnival Corporation completes fleetwide implementation of LR OneOcean’s EnviroManager+

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A year out from peak inflation, travel and leisure (mostly) cost less

It took a while, but people are just about done catching up on experiences lost during the pandemic.

While a minority of high-dollar travelers are still confronting — and paying — four-figure airfares to Paris and Tokyo, prices are finally falling across the leisure economy, the last several months of federal data show.

That’s good news for consumers, as well as economists and policymakers seeking reasons for optimism that the economy can regain its footing without sliding into a recession.

Consumer Price Index figures released Wednesday morning showed airfares down 19% in June from last year and car rental rates down 12%, for their fifth consecutive month of declines. Food away from home, which includes restaurant meals, continued to rise, but the category’s annual growth rate of 7.7% in June slowed from 8.8% in March. Ticket prices for sporting events ticked up last month, but the rise came after three straight months of declines.

“It’s the consumer getting to the end of their ‘revenge spending,’” said Skanda Amarnath, the executive director of the macroeconomic policy group Employ America.

The downtrend comes one year after inflation peaked at a four-decade high of 9.1% in June 2022, as consumers poured money into the services sector.

Early in the coronavirus pandemic, homebound consumers raced to scoop up physical goods like exercise bikes, household appliances and pajamas to work from home in, even as supply-chain bottlenecks pushed up prices and delayed deliveries. But as the economy reopened and more people ventured back out, pent-up demand shifted toward travel and leisure , driving up prices at bars, hotels and airlines that were often paying more for hard-to-find workers.

Now, with inflation slipping to 3% in June and consumer confidence hitting its highest level since January 2022, economists increasingly see signs of a return to normal.

Deutsche Bank Chief U.S. Economist Matthew Luzzetti said he still foresees a mild recession this year, expecting further pullbacks in consumer spending and bank lending. But “at the moment,” he said, “consumer spending does not look recessionary.”

Not everybody is tightening their belts in the same ways. While many have been taking shorter, cheaper trips closer to home this summer, overall travel demand remains high. A recent Bankrate survey found 63% of U.S. adults have traveled or plan to travel for leisure this year, up from 58% last year.

At the same time, the share of those citing higher prices as a top problem ticked down to 53% this year from 57% last year, possibly reflecting lower costs for gas, airline tickets and rental cars.

Some travel costs remain steep, though, and high-income vacationers are spending anyway.

Bankrate found about 85% of households making more than $100,000 a year reported leisure travel plans this year. And many of them are increasingly shifting their sights from domestic hot spots to international destinations.

Americans who are traveling abroad this year boast an average household income of nearly $110,000 , compared to less than $83,000 among U.S. travelers overall, according to the consultancy Destination Analysts. Overseas jet-setters also have more vacation time to burn and stronger financial security than the average U.S. traveler, the group found.

Strong demand for high-dollar foreign getaways is driving up prices for trips abroad. AAA said in the spring that international flight bookings were up more than 200% since last year. The flight-booking platform Hopper said in May that average airfares to Europe and Asia each jumped by more than $300 since last summer, to over $1,100 and over $1,800 per ticket, respectively.

By contrast, domestic airfare averaged just $306 a ticket, down 19% from the year before.

To accommodate the strong demand, United Airlines has said it will grow its international network at twice the rate of its domestic network this year. Delta Air Lines executives told investors in April that they expected record revenue and profitability on their international routes this summer.

The federal government’s inflation gauges mainly reflect domestic consumption, which means vacationers’ splurging overseas won’t buoy inflation readings at home.

“We don’t see it as much in the domestic data because more of that money is being used on the international side of things,” said Omair Sharif, the founder and president of Inflation Insights. In fact, Sharif said he expects domestic airfare to continue falling through the summer, even as international travel picks up.

In the meantime, consumers who are staying within the U.S. continue to have more affordable options for spending during their downtime.

Last month, Darden Restaurants, which owns the Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, reported a decline in visits from lower-income households compared to last year, along with slower alcohol sales. But both measures remain above pre-pandemic levels, hinting at a return to more normal patterns.

At the Cracker Barrel, executives recently flagged a “noticeable drop in traffic,” with Chief Financial Officer Craig Pommells telling investors on June 6, “We believe some of our more price-conscious guests may be reducing their retail purchases as a way to manage their overall spend when dining with us.”

Amusement parks have also taken a hit. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that traffic to Disney’s U.S. parks has slowed this summer, shrinking line-waiting times during Independence Day weekend to near-decade lows.

Softer but not collapsing demand is right in line with what Federal Reserve officials hope to achieve with their campaign of interest rate increases, which they paused last month .

With inflation still running hotter than the Fed’s target of 2%, the central bank is expected to again lift interest rates at the end of the month, keeping borrowing costs high for mortgages, credit cards and car loans. Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of total U.S. economic activity, will have to cool further to help nudge inflation to that target.

But economists and Fed officials also don’t want it to crater and lead to a “hard landing,” in which a pullback in economic activity pushes employers to lay off workers en masse. If, for example, fewer travelers buy plane tickets or dine out, employers like airlines and restaurants might drop workers to cut costs.

Jobs data released Friday showed no signs that is happening at the moment, with both industries continuing to add workers. The national unemployment rate, at 3.6%, is still hovering near 50-year lows.

Brian Cheung is a business and data correspondent for NBC News.

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Bodies of missing hikers recovered, identified after disappearing on hike up California's highest peak: report

T he bodies of two missing hikers, who were last seen going on a hike up California's highest peak, have been recovered and identified, authorities announced.

Tulare County Sheriff's Office officials told the Fresno Bee that the couple, identified as Andrew Niziol, 28, a resident of South Lake Tahoe, and Patty Bolan, 29, were on a long-term hiking trip across the state of California.

Around 8:30 p.m., on Monday, May 7, Inyo County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call regarding two overdue hikers on Mt. Whitney.

Officials said it was reported that the hikers intended to descend to the "Notch" with the intention of skiing/snowboarding from the "Notch" back to Upper Boy Scout Lake where they had set up camp. However, when Bolan and Niziol failed to report back to camp after several hours, other hikers who were in their group notified authorities.

UTAH HUNTER FINDS SKELETAL REMAINS OF MAN MISSING SINCE 2019 IN REMOTE MOUNTAINS

Search and rescue teams were then deployed using helicopter and foot teams to search for the missing hikers. 

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The couple’s bodies were reportedly found five days later on the north face of Mount Whitney after a search crew found two "fall victims" at an elevation of 13,200 feet, the Fresno Bee reported. 

According to social media posts made by Niziol and Bolan, six days prior to their Mount Whitney trip, the couple hiked and snowboarded around Mount Shasta but were unable to summit the Northern California peak due to high winds.

"We may not have made it to the peak due to weather (this time), but it still was a great time on Shasta! It's so incredible to have someone to do all these amazing things with on a whim. You make me so happy! Now onto Mt. Whitney in a few days!" Niziol wrote in a post on Facebook on May 2. 

Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched on Thursday morning to Lone Pine in Inyo to retrieve the bodies, a spokesperson for the Tulare County Coroner’s Office told the Fresno Bee. 

2 BODIES RECOVERED FROM POPULAR WATERFALL IN WASHINGTON STATE AFTER HIKERS WENT MISSING

Officials told Fox News Digital they did not have any further details about the circumstances surrounding the hiker’s death but stated that Tulare County examiners would be taking over the investigation. 

"If I could go back in time and show 12-year-old me what my life is now, I'd make myself so proud. This is the kind of living I've dreamed about for 15 years. I've finally surrounded myself with people to share these types of experiences with and I couldn't be more thankful," Niziol wrote in post on Facebook five days earlier. "So thank you @type2kyle for picking out the routes and making the plans, and @p.bolan for being the most fun person I've ever met." 

Mount Whitney, whose highest peak reaches 14,494, is located inside the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks. It is considered the tallest mountain in the "lower 48" states, according to the National Parks Service website.

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Because it is the most frequently climbed mountain peak in the Sierra Nevada, the National Parks Service states that a permit system is in place to minimize the impact of day-hikers on Mt. Whitney's backcountry. All hikers entering the Mt. Whitney zone, including day-hikers, are also required to obtain a permit.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, but did not hear back.

Original article source: Bodies of missing hikers recovered, identified after disappearing on hike up California's highest peak: report

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E-gates back online after chaos at Heathrow and other UK airports

Home Office rules out cyber-attack as a cause of technical outage that delayed thousands of passengers at passport control

The e-gates failure that left thousands of passengers queueing at UK airports has been resolved, the Home Office has said while ruling out a cyber-attack as a cause.

Airports said passengers could expect to travel smoothly again on Wednesday after widespread delays on Tuesday evening owing to a nationwide technical outage affecting UK Border Force e-gates.

Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol airports all confirmed problems with passengers being processed through the border on Tuesday.

Border officials were left to manually process all travellers instead. Pictures shared on social media showed long queues forming at passport control at several airports.

A Home Office spokesperson said on Wednesday: “E-gates at UK airports came back online shortly after midnight.

“As soon as engineers detected a wider system network issue at 7.44pm last night, a large-scale contingency response was activated within six minutes.

“At no point was border security compromised, and there is no indication of malicious cyber-activity.” Heathrow airport’s X account also confirmed soon after midnight that systems were running as usual.

Manchester airport said a dedicated team and customer services staff were supporting passengers while UK Border Force fixed the problem.

Among delayed passengers were Sam Morter, 32, who arrived at Heathrow from Sri Lanka, said it was “pandemonium” when he got to passport control in Terminal 3, where all of the E-gates had blank screens.

He told the PA news agency: “There was a lot of Border Force officials running and scrambling around. Four or five went to man the posts and start processing the UK passports manually.

“But at the same time, hundreds of passengers started to flood into passport control, so it all of a sudden became chaotic and they couldn’t cope with the number of the people coming in.

“We weren’t given any information. There was no information on the Tannoys or from staff.”

Another affected traveller wrote on X: “Long queues at Heathrow airport where passengers are being held at arrivals for a system failure. Been here already 1 hour and the queue is only getting bigger. No communication given to anyone on what is the timeframe to sort this out.”

Another person posted video footage of the chaos and wrote: “No e-gates working. This is the current queue in Gatwick airport with lots of children and no water.”

One X user at Heathrow wrote: “Been stood here over an hour! My taxi has cancelled and at this rate I’ll be too late for a train.” Another wrote: “My daughter has been waiting in a queue for over 2 hours now after a 12-hour flight.”

There are 270 automated gates in total at 15 air and rail ports in the UK, using facial recognition to allow people to enter the country.

Passengers were already facing disrupted journeys to and from airports owing to industrial action affecting train services across the UK throughout this week until Saturday.

Border Force workers also staged a four-day strike at Heathrow in a dispute over working conditions last week.

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Washington ferry fares increase May 1 for peak season

The state ferry system’s annual peak-season surcharge goes into effect Wednesday.

The surcharge will increase fares for vehicles on all routes by 25%, except for vehicles traveling from Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw and Orcas islands, as well as Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Those fares will increase by 35%.

For example, a one-way trip on the Seattle/Bainbridge Island route will see an increase of about $4 to $22.25 for a standard-sized car and driver, according to Washington State Ferries.

The surcharge applies to single vehicles crossing Puget Sound but does not apply to passenger or multi-ride fares. Senior passengers ride for half price, and youth ages 18 and under ride free on all routes.

The peak-season pricing will continue through September, covering the busiest months of the year for ferry travel.

Vehicle fares are available online at  wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/fares .

Fares vary by route, depending on location, sailing time and other factors.

For Port Townsend/Coupeville and Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes, travelers can reserve their spot on the ferry for the summer season through Washington State Ferries’ website.

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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

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If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

Alya and Campbell

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Verve signs tracie laymon, director of multiple sxsw prize winner ‘bob trevino likes it’, breaking news.

Disney Stock Dips As Theme Park Comments Rattle Market; CFO Cites “Global Moderation From Peak Post-Covid Travel”

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A big surprise — he said Parks growth in the current fiscal third quarter will be flat for a few reasons including “some normalization of post-Covid demand as it relates to demand. While consumers continue to travel in record numbers and we are still seeing healthy demand, we are seeing some evidence of a global moderation from peak post-Covid travel.” Wall Street didn’t quite know what to do with that.

He expects Parks to rebound in the fiscal fourth quarter.

Asked during a Q&A to expand, he said: “In terms of attendance, what we’re basically communicating is, relative to the post-Covid highs, things are tending to normalize. The parks business did 10% growth in the quarter. And obviously, that’s an extremely high revenue number. We still see the bookings as we look ahead indicate healthy growth in the business. So we still certainly feel good about the opportunities for continued strong growth.” He said the Q3 number would be up in the high single-digits backing out one-time expenses.

“I certainly feel like the business is still doing very, very well. Obviously, we’ve got the best in the business in terms of product, and people still have a strong desire to basically go on vacation and come to see us.”

Johnston talked up the cruise business, “given the margin profile of the business, and the fact that it’s got the highest guest satisfaction scores in the company. This leads us to conclude this is a business with a lot of runway left in it, and that’ll deliver great returns to our shareholders.”

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Should you offer kids cash rewards for good grades? The psychologist's view

As exam season gets under way, some parents are putting hundreds of pounds aside to reward their children if they achieve certain grades. 

While some parents lambasted the idea as "absolute potatoes", others told Sky News they saw their children's focus increase after offering up to £250 for the top results.

We also spoke to teachers and a psychologist...

What can I do if flexible working request declined?

Every Monday we put your financial dilemmas or consumer disputes to industry experts. A few weeks ago Sky News reader AJ2024 asked...

"While on maternity leave my employer rejected my flexible work request and told me to pick from four new shift patterns or take redundancy if they didn't suit me. All new shifts were full working hours. No support as a new mother and ruined my last few precious weeks. What are my rights?"

We got an employment lawyer to answer...

'£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches

Money blogger Jess Sharp spoke to people who swear they've made money from manifestation - before finding herself meditating under a tree to see if she could get in on the action...

The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical, and where can you go?

Interest in a phenomenon known as "dark tourism" has been steadily rising in recent years - but what is it?

To find out, we spoke with tourism academic  Dr Hayley Stainton  and renowned dark tourist and author Dr Peter Hohenhaus, who runs a  dark tourism website ...

Fraud is "rife" on second hand marketplaces including Depop, Shpock and Preloved, according to a new survey by Which?.

The consumer magazine/website found that, of 1,300 buyers, 32% had been scammed on a second hand marketplace in the two years to January.

The most common ruse involved consumers receiving incorrect goods or nothing at all, while others were delivered an empty package or fake goods.

57% of those surveyed said they had experienced a scam on Depop.

This compares with 53% for Shpock and 51% for Preloved and Nextdoor. 

Amazon Marketplace came in at 35%, while for Gumtree and eBay the figures were both 29%. 

The number for Facebook and Vinted was 24% and 22%, respectively.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said the survey’s findings were "worrying". 

"It's important that people properly check the seller's reviews and profile," she said, adding that marketplaces need to have proper checks in place and ensure that scam profiles are removed quickly.

Depop told the Guardian it offered protection for buyers and sellers and was investing in new technology. 

"We strongly encourage consumers who are buying and selling anywhere online never to share personal information with other users, to be very wary about following links to other sites, and to report any suspicious behaviour via in-app reporting systems."

Sky News has reached out to the other companies mentioned.

You may remember our coverage here a few weeks back on the proliferation of scams targeting Taylor Swift fans hoping to buy tickets to see one of her current run of shows across Europe...

The Shake It Off star will hold a series of concerts in the UK as she continues her Eras tour, with the first taking place in Edinburgh on 7 June.

But the artist's megastardom has seen a huge demand for tickets, which were not cheap even before they sold out within minutes - with prices ranging from £58.65 - £194.75.

Resale prices from legitimate websites have been in the region of £700 each - with some fans reported to have spent well in excess of that to see their hero.

However, such is her popularity among an army of mostly young female devotees that the market has become a target for people seeking to exploit the widespread desperation for tickets.

As reported here, a spate of attempts had seen Facebook users' accounts hacked by scammers, who would then create seemingly genuine posts in groups on the site that the users were members of.

Initially, the posts would suggest the user was seeking to sell tickets - generally four - that were invariably just a few rows from the front of a specific venue for one of Swift's UK shows.

The price suggested in the posts was generally around £180, more expensive than the face value of most tickets, but a fraction of the cost of those being advertised on legitimate resale sites - especially for such desirable seating.

More recent instances indicate the methods being employed by scammers have since evolved and, it appears, become significantly more sophisticated.

In these more recent attempts to defraud so-called Swifties (and in many cases, the parents purchasing the tickets), the posts detail the specific rows and seat numbers.

A further departure from the previous efforts is the scammers no longer including the asking price for the (non-existent) tickets.

Both these changes were evident in one attempt Sky News has become aware of - as was another and decidedly sinister tactic.

In this case, given the number of previous scams that have flooded Facebook, the admin for the group in question first removed the post - correctly assuming it was fraudulent.

But, he told Sky News, he was subsequently sent a photo of what appeared to be the user's passport as a means of verifying her post was genuine.

This development indicates the scammer in question had used some form of photo-editing software to create an image that appeared to be of the user's passport.

"I contacted her to explain that I had deleted her post and removed her account from the group as there are so many scams around, and I could not verify their identity or the validity of the ticket offer," said Trevor Williams, who runs the local community Facebook group in Birmingham.

"Within a few minutes, I received a photo of a passport in this name and an assurance that she was genuine.

"This was enough to change my decision and the post was put it back on the group.

"Most people have no idea of the problems of being an admin on these groups, as you simply cannot win."

How can you protect yourself against these scams?

For those looking to buy resale tickets, the main advice is to simply avoid being tempted into seemingly genuine offers posted on Facebook, unless it is from someone you know and have spoken to directly (and not just over Facebook).

Those looking to sell on their tickets will invariably use the established and legitimate resale sites such as Viagogo or StubHub.

Perhaps the most useful piece of advice is an old one - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

In terms of protecting yourself against your account on Facebook (or any social media site) being hacked by scammers, the best measure is to ensure you have enabled two-step or two-factor authentication.

This can be found through the security and privacy settings on your Facebook account, and involves the use of your telephone number or a separate authentication app on your phone whenever someone attempts to log in.

TV chef Gordon Ramsay has announced he will open new restaurants and a cooking academy in one of London's tallest skyscrapers. 

The 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate will have a 14-seat chef's table experience - run by the team from the chef's three-Michelin-starred Chelsea restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.

In addition, Lucky Cat restaurant, a Lucky Cat terrace bar and a Bread Street Kitchen will open on the 59th floor.

Finally, he'll be opening a cooking academy in the building, The Gordon Ramsay Academy. 

Mr Ramsay said: "This is more than just a new opening - it's a significant milestone for our business. 

"We're not only launching the highest culinary experiences in London, but also creating a vibrant culinary hub at the incredible 22 Bishopsgate."

City editor Mark Kleinman   has revealed that high street billionaire Mike Ashley is closing in on a deal to become the new British partner of struggling fashion chain Ted Baker.

He learnt that Frasers Group had emerged as the preferred partner for the chain following the collapse of No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), Ted Baker's existing UK licensing partner.

It is hoped a deal could be agreed over the coming days - read more on this story here ...

Eating ultra-processed meat is linked to an increased risk of early death.

A Harvard study over 30 years tracked more than 114,000 adults.

The highest risks were linked with the most processed meats such as sausages and ham. 

Regular eaters had a 13% higher chance of dying over the 34 years tracked.

Diets high in sugary and artificially sweetened drinks had a 9% increased risk, the study found.

The used car market increased by 6.5% in the first quarter of the year , with sales of over 1.9 million vehicles, new figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says the total reveals the strongest start to a year since pre-pandemic 2019.

Sales of used hybrids also increased.

That's all from an enlightening news conference in which we heard an interest rate cut in June hadn't been ruled out - and that rates could fall more than markets expect. 

Scroll through to read and watch some of the key moments - meantime, we'll return to general money and consumer news.

We're now hearing the final questions of this news conference. 

The governor of the Bank of England is asked if August is more likely than June to see the Monetary Policy Committee cut interest rates. 

"Nice try to introduce the 'is it June' question again," Andrew Bailey says with a smile.

"We're going meeting by meeting," he adds, stressing that more data [which will be at the MPC's disposal over the coming months] will allow them more visibility and more scope to make a decision."

Our  economics editor Ed Conway  is next to ask the governor a question.

He asks whether increasing government interest in the Bank's workings has any influence on an interest rate cut.

"We [the Monetary Policy Committee] never discuss politics," Andrew Bailey replies. 

"We are an independent central bank, we have a remit and it is our duty to exercise that remit at all times."

"Our remit applies at all times, so it [politics] isn't a consideration."

Asked if inflation dynamics in the UK are different to the US, Andrew Bailey says there is no law that says the US moves first on interest rate cuts and everyone else afterwards.

"There is no law," he says.

"Moreover, we have a remit and target which is related to domestic inflation in the UK.

"We're an open economy so we take the rest of the world into consideration 

"But there is no law to say we can only move once the Federal Reserve (central bank of the US) moves."

There is a feeling among economists that, although the US often leads, the European Central Bank may be the first to move with an early June cut.

This could, it has been suggested, push the UK to cut on 20 June.

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