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Travel Management

Today, STM is ranked one of the top 30 travel management companies in the industry. We are experts in athletic travel.

Global Travel Network

STM's Partner Network spans to over 120 countries around the world and covers all key global markets, offering customizable global solutions with ticketing capabilities in Europe and Asia.

Air Charters

STM Charters provides the largest exclusively contracted fleet of aircraft in the US specifically for the collegiate athletic team travel market.  STM is responsible for marketing and contracting over one billion in aviation assets every year.

Bus Charters

STM Driven specializes in collegiate charter bus transportation and works with approximately 150 different athletic programs each year.

Group Hotel 

STM Stay conducts searches, handles contract negotiations, and supports all hotel needs, including negotiating concessions. Last year, STM Stay achieved 25% savings among its 1,200 group hotel contracts.

Short’s Travel Management

Short's Travel Management is a full-service sports travel logistics company for the collegiate athletics space. The STM contract offers comprehensive athletics travel management services and solutions. E&I members can choose the travel agency model that fits their needs, and benefit from discounts on airlines and vehicle rentals, plus access existing travel partnerships loaded seamlessly through STM's proprietary travel portal.

Short's Travel Management , Inc. is a large travel management company with over 75 years of experience. Short's offers solutions for group hotel, group commercial air, ground transportation, charter air, and individual / recruiting travel with access to NCAA commercial flight discounts. STM currently partners with over 75 universities for full-service travel solutions.

• Athletics Department travel only- higher ed and K-12
• Effectively manage travel programs through STM's proprietary travel portal
• Ability to load existing travel partnerships into travel portal
• Three options for Travel Management solutions: dedicated onsite agent, dedicated offsite agent, designated offsite agent
• Special services for travelers (preferred seating, frequent flyer upgrades, special needs assistance, etc.)
• Travel risk management / duty of care
• Available nationwide
• 30–90-day implementation timeline

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Contract Documents & Updates

Next Planned Action: Contract Renewal

E&I contract documentation available on this site is being provided for use by E&I members only and shall not be distributed and/or shared outside a member’s institution. Sharing of contract documentation outside the membership of the Cooperative is detrimental to its members and the Cooperative, as it impacts E&I’s ability to negotiate and maintain competitive agreements.

Sign Up & Ordering Information

Complete the two-step enrollment process below to sign up for this contract. Contact your E&I Member Representative for help at any time.  Complete and submit the Short’s Travel Management Statement of Intent  form. You will be contacted by Short’s Travel within 2-3 business days to discuss your specific needs and develop a proposal/quotation.

Members will sign a Master Athletic Travel Services Agreement when ready to move forward and initiate services.

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As your trusted air charter partner, we do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Since 1946, our parent company, Short’s Travel Management, has been at the forefront of changes in the travel industry, providing meaningful travel related solutions for sports teams, corporations, executives, entertainment tours, and group and leisure travelers. In 2007, STM Charters was developed to ensure privacy, safety, and industry innovation—in the air and on the ground.

STM Charters fulfills over 1,000 charters annually, moving in excess of 38,000 passengers on aircraft ranging from single engine turboprops to wide body jet airliners that seat over 400 passengers.

Our business model integrates years of industry expertise and unparalleled customer service with relationships built on transparency and trust. We strive every day to exceed expectations and offer services and products that elevate your air charter experience.

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STM Charters… Because The Experience Matters.

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STM Charters, Inc. is not a direct or indirect “Air Carrier”. STM Charters, Inc. does not own or operate any aircraft. All flights are operated by FAR Part 135 or 121 air carriers or foreign equivalent (“Operators”), who shall maintain full operational control of charter flights at all times.

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Shorts Travel Management

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1203 W Ridgeway Ave

Waterloo, IA 50701

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Totally lousy service. I was on Alaska Air site and was invited to try corporate travel. Quote on Alaska from SNA to STS was for 2 seats at $550; shorts sent a message: We have found your requested flight at a lower fare! Fares are subject to change, and are not guaranteed until purchased, so book now! Original airfare: $555 - Airfare we found: $290 = Savings of $265! That was a lie. They quoted me the price for one ticket, not two, and it was more expensive. I mistakenly believed them and bought two tickets, even up-grading to 1st class, since I am traveling with my Mother, who is blind and has a service dog. Price now is $700--$150 more than Alaska. Now I can't cancel, and they don't answer the phone. Crooks! Liars! Cheats!

Cancelled the online reservations I made, ordered me to call them, and then charged me $72 for the phone call. Update: It is now 2/15 and the final refunds have not been posted.

They charged you a lot of different fees, like after hour fees, manual transaction fees. Not worth it!

Terrible customer service. Does not seem to want to help at all. They probably hired people sitting at home taking phone calls. They have no motivation to help you.

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Travel Experts Say These Are The Things They'd Never, Ever Do On A Short Flight

Choose your plane seat wisely, even on a short flight.

HuffPost Writer

Travelers understandably spend more time preparing for long-haul air travel than they do for one- or two-hour flights. But that doesn’t mean they’ve got it all figured out when it comes to those shorter plane voyages.  

With that in mind, HuffPost asked travel experts to share the common mistakes travelers make on short flights, as well as their advice for avoiding these errors. From forgetting crucial supplies to being unprepared for an often-smaller aircraft, here are some issues to keep in mind. 

Showing Up With A Low Battery

“Certain smaller aircraft that operate shorter flights also might not have all the charging options ― USB ports, power plugs ― that you might expect on larger, longer-haul planes, so be sure your devices are charged ahead of boarding to make sure you don’t run out of juice mid-flight,” said Eric Rosen , director of travel content at The Points Guy.

In addition to charging your devices before the flight, consider traveling with a portable power bank as backup. 

Getting Too Comfortable

“One common mistake I see travelers make on short flights is getting too comfortable ― taking off shoes, sleeping too deeply,” said  Gabby Beckford , founder of the travel site Packs Light.

She emphasized that what’s expected on a long overnight flight might be a disservice on a short-haul journey.

“It’s a short flight!” Beckford said. “You’ll just end up scrambling when it’s time to deplane.”

Forgetting To Bring Sustenance

“These days, it’s not uncommon to be stuck on the tarmac longer than expected or to experience a cancellation or delay,” noted Jessica van Dop DeJesus , founder and editor at The Dining Traveler. “Make sure to pack snacks and water.”

Short flights don’t always offer full beverage or snack service, especially if there’s a lot of turbulence, so don’t depend on that cart for sustenance. 

“I cannot count the number of times I’ve said, ‘It’s a short trip, I’ll eat later,’” said travel blogger  Sean Lau . “Unfortunately, in-flight food often tastes bad and costs an arm and a leg, and there’s no guarantee of service on shorter routes. My advice is to take the time to eat before your flight or bring your own snacks. Better yet, sign up for services like Priority Pass and take advantage of the food and drinks in airport lounges before departure!” 

Picking The Wrong Seat 

“Always consider your seat,” said Adam Duckworth , president and founder of Travelmation. “Even though it’s a short flight, you will still face many of the same things you do on a long flight. For example, people will still need to get up. If that bothers you, book the window seat. If you prefer to have extra room, then book those higher-class tickets. Two hours in main cabin is very different from two hours in business.”

Short flights are often just the first step of a multileg air travel journey, so plan accordingly when you have to make a connection. 

“Like any flight, I always recommend sitting near the front of the plane, especially if you have a layover,” Duckworth said.

Ignoring Entertainment Time Constraints

A short flight might not be the best time to dive into that new superhero epic you’ve been wanting to watch. 

“Consider your in-flight entertainment,” Duckworth said. “If it’s a short flight, you may not finish the movie or TV show you’re watching, so keep that in mind.”

Going To The Airport Unprepared

“One common mistake is not preparing properly for the airport experience ― not giving yourself enough time, not having your documents and IDs ready, not organizing your liquids properly,” said travel blogger  Esther Susag . “This adds unnecessary stress.”

Even though short flights feel like less of a big deal, they’re still part of the typical airport and airplane experience.

“My tips are to get to the airport early, have everything ready to go through security smoothly, bring an empty water bottle to fill after clearing security, download entertainment like movies/shows/podcasts, and dress in layers for varying cabin temperatures,” Susag added. “Also, I always double-check my carry-on and personal items for loose liquids that could get me flagged.”

Overpacking

Be mindful of how much you pack for the trip, especially if you don’t want to gate-check your bag or cram extra stuff under the seat in front of you. 

“Short flights often mean smaller planes,” Beckford said. “Packing too much is often inconvenient and can make your experience more uncomfortable with the limited leg room and cabin size.”

Assuming You Don’t Need Buffer Time

Don’t forget to build some buffer time into your day if you have a connection or other time-sensitive factors.

“Given the amount of air traffic we’re seeing these days, folks with short flights might assume they’ll be on and off the plane in a matter of hours,” Rosen said. “But travelers should anticipate unexpected delays, including slow aircraft turnarounds and tarmac waits due to traffic congestion. Any of those could add on hours to an otherwise short itinerary, so pad your schedule.” This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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Spanx Launched a Storefront Filled With Comfy Travel Outfits — These Are Our 11 Top Picks

Don’t miss out on this rare occasion to score plenty of Spanx’s best-selling travel pants, tops, and more before they’re sold out again.

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

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

At Travel + Leisure , time and time again, we’ve looked to Spanx for its next-level comfortable travel clothes . Recently, I finally got my hands on a pair of the Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants and was left nearly speechless after I tried them on (and felt their Oprah-loved buttery soft material ). Spanx is well aware of just how popular its clothes are with travelers, so it curated the ultimate one-stop shop: The Travel Edit , complete with top-rated loungewear for travel days and comfy yet stylish garments to wear throughout your vacation.  

After one scroll through the secret storefront, I’m ready to fill my entire wardrobe with Spanx apparel. Between shaping bathing suits for a cruise, breezy shorts that offer unparalleled comfort, and flattering dresses for a tropical getaway, this shop has everything that you need for your next vacation. For those who are just as interested in revamping your closet like I am, keep reading for my top picks and more from this travel-friendly storefront.

Spanx AirEssentials Crewneck

Offering some of the comfiest travel clothes on the market, Spanx has proven itself as a retailer with some of the most luxurious and top-quality products. One of its standout collections is the AirEssentials line that, according to the brand, offers “super-soft, throw-on-and-go styles that keep your comfort in mind — no matter the destination.​” This is because it is made with four-way stretch and an incredibly lightweight fabric for optimal airflow, allowing for all-day coziness. Everyone needs a great throw-on crewneck in their wardrobe, and if you want one that's equal parts sleek and comfy, you can’t go wrong with this one.  

Spanx AirEssentials Wide-leg Pants

This was my first Spanx garment that began my enduring devotion to the brand, and if there’s one item that I believe that every traveler should have, it's these incredibly flattering pants that offer a type of comfort that I didn’t know was possible. Fortunately, they’re available in sizes XS to 3XL and in petite, regular, and tall inseams, so there’s a fit for everyone. Thanks to the “lighter than air” material and four-way stretch, these pants almost feel like a second skin and that you’ll never want to go on a trip without.

Spanx AirEssentials 4-inch Shorts

And to transition my wardrobe to accommodate the warmer weather, I’m eyeing these shorts that feature the same lightweight and plush material as my favorite pair of Spanx pants, and you should too. With a smoothing waistband and four-way stretch, these are the shorts that you'll want in your wardrobe before you embark on any outdoor activities this year. Available in light gray, navy blue, and coral orange, these shorts will get your suitcase in that spring spirit. 

Spanx AirEssentials Cap-sleeve Tee

I’ll admit it, I have a problem: I only prioritize comfort when it comes to my loungewear, but this storefront is proving that you don’t have to give up garments that feel good for ones that look good, because this trendy tee has both. With its cap-sleeve crewneck design, it can be worn with jeans, shorts, trousers, and more — all while ensuring that you look and feel your best. While I am a huge fan of the stripes, if you want something to seamlessly fit right into a capsule wardrobe, I recommend checking out the all-black version. 

Spanx AirEssentials Boatneck Top

Boatneck tops have been on my trend radar since January , and I'm happy to report that Spanx is recognizing the back-in-style shirts as must-haves for travel as well. The slightly wider neckline boasts an effortlessly flattering look, and reviewers also dubbed Spanx's take on the trendy garment as the “ most comfortable and stylish tops ever. ” If you want to get your hands on one of these tops, you’ll have to act fast because sizes and colors are already selling out. 

Spanx AirEssentials Tie-waist Tank Dress

Spanx is well known for designing clothes that offer unparalleled comfort and a flattering fit, and this tie-waist dress is no exception. According to one shopper , they “will be living in this dress for spring,” and this is their “new favorite dress to grab for everyday wear.” They even went on to gush over how “luxurious and soft” the fabric feels, and how it's the ideal versatile dress for any occasion (it can be dressed down with a pair of stylish kicks just as easily as it can be elevated with a pair of heels). Sounds like the perfect vacation dress, right?

Spanx Pique Shaping Plunge One-piece Swimsuit

As a girl on the curvier side, I feel comfortable complaining about how hard it can be to find a swimsuit that not only feels good, but looks good, too. Some brands just don’t understand how to design a suit for those of us with hips, but if there’s one that I’m confident is up for the job, it's Spanx. In fact, one especially happy buyer wrote that this swimsuit “feels heavenly on and makes me feel so wonderful; the fabric is amazing, [and] feels nice and secure.” I’m considering adding this suit to my cart to wear to the beach and as a quick-drying bodysuit option for hot summer days. 

Spanx Pique Shaping Plunge Swim Dress

If you’re looking for a swimsuit with a bit more coverage, then you need this swim dress that features a flounce skirt for extra protection and a textured fabric that sits beautifully on the skin. As if that wasn’t enough, Spanx’s intentional design philosophy really shines through this dress, as it's equipped with a hidden tie feature to secure the skirt while you’re in the water so it doesn’t ride up. It’s also just as cute of a dress beyond the beach or pool; I’d personally wear it to the pickleball courts, out to lunch, and beyond. 

Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings

Spanx has a ton of iconic, best-selling products in its catalog, but few are as adored as these Booty Boost leggings. Made with the brand’s signature contouring and high-compressive fabric, these celeb-loved workout leggings feature a supportive, high-rise, smoothing waistband that’ll flatter your figure while offering unbeatable coverage. Due to their high demand, they’re often sold out, so as a word of advice, I’d score a pair now while they’re in stock. 

Spanx AirEssentials Half-zip Sweatshirt

Shoppers praise this sweatshirt for its “ soft as a cloud ” comfort that’ll lend itself well to extra chilly flights and breezy early morning walks. This half-zip top is so popular that it’s routinely out of stock, and the brand has even expanded the line to include 10 stunning hues from bright reds to neutral tans. Although it's a bit on the pricier side, it's a high-quality top that’ll last you for seasons to come. And, it pairs well with the Spanx AirEssentials Wide- Leg Pants and Spanx AirEssentials 4-inch Shorts mentioned above, which means that you can build the perfect matching travel outfit. 

Spanx AirEssentials Jumpsuit

We’re huge fans of jumpsuits at T+L — and well, really any ensemble that makes getting out of the door easier. They’re fabulous one-and-done options that take up hardly any room in your suitcase and keep you looking incredibly put together, so it's no surprise that buyers are saying that this wrinkle-free jumpsuit is “ great for travel .”

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Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.

Whether you want a weekend getaway or to max out your vacation days, there’s a cruise for that.

Cruise lines offer itineraries ranging from a few days to monthslong . But there are more differences between short and long sailings than just the amount of time guests spend on board. The length of a cruise can help dictate the types of ports passengers visit, the kind of ship they’re sailing on and even the general vibe on board.

“It's important to walk our guests through and for cruisers to think about, what's the experience that they're trying to have,” said Jamie Margolis, owner of Moms at Sea Travel, a Dream Vacations franchise. “So, we try to tease out that information, like, ‘What's your vacation style?’ ”

What can guests expect from short cruises?

Cruises can be divided into those shorter or longer than a week, according to Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel. “So, anything less than that is really considered a short cruise,” he said.

Those around three nights long are often aimed at new-to-cruise guests “who aren’t really ready to commit to seven days but really want to quote-unquote test the waters, let's say – to see if cruising is right for them,” he added.

Those sailings typically feature just one port and a sea day and often visit tried-and-true cruise destinations. Travelers sailing from South Florida ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale will likely visit Nassau in the Bahamas or one of many cruise line private islands , for example. While those sailing from Galveston, Texas, can expect to stop in Cozumel.

Margolis called three-and-four-night voyages a “great intro to cruising,” albeit with more limited itinerary choices. “Is their dream to go to Saint Kitts? They're probably not going to find that on a short sailing,” she said.

Shorter cruises may also lend themselves more to a party atmosphere and be less kid-friendly. But Margolis noted that’s not unique to cruising. “I mean, it's the nature of travel that short weekends can be celebratory,” she said.

And with diverse onboard offerings – from ship-within-a-ship concepts to kids clubs – passengers can often carve out their own experience.

Cruise lines have new offerings in that shorter category. Celebrity Cruises is launching its first regular weekend itineraries in the Caribbean this month, and Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas will offer three-and-four-night sailings when it debuts in July.

What can guests expect from long cruises?

Feldman said any sailing over seven days could be considered a “longer cruise.” Those can range from around 10 days to more than six months. Royal Caribbean is operating a nine-month world cruise to more than 60 countries.

While short cruises “can feel like a bit of a whirlwind,” according to Margolis, longer itineraries offer more time to explore a greater variety of ports. They may feature less-visited destinations such as Aruba and Curaçao and often take place on smaller, older vessels (though ships are refurbished regularly).

That’s partly due to the limitations in places they stop. “Some of the ports … cannot really accommodate this large ship hardware,” Feldman said. “So, you need a smaller-size ship to navigate in and out of these ports.”

The onboard demographic also tends to skew older on those cruises since retired passengers typically have more free time, and travelers with kids are often beholden to school schedules.

If you want a middle ground, though, Margolis said a seven-night cruise “really takes you through what I think is, like, the whole cruise cycle.”

"You get on, you get acclimated, you find all the different amenities, and then you're able to … truly relax, disconnect, unwind,” she said. ‘And then you know, midweek, you start getting your luggage tags, and you go through that mental process of accepting that you're going to have to get off in a couple of days and go back to work.”

At that length, it's also easier to tack on a bit of extra time on the front or back end of the sailing to explore on their own, Feldman added.

Are short or long sailings cheaper?

Because short sailings frequently take place on larger ships, they are “very attractively priced” to help fill the cabins. But that doesn’t mean they’ll always be cheaper than a longer cruise.

A cruise with more stops will have higher port fees, but passengers may book longer itineraries further out and get better fares.

Looking for cheap cruises?: Here's what to know know about finding deals.

“Most times, you're not going to book a three-to-four-night sailing 12 to 18 months in advance,” said Feldman. “You're going to book that much closer in.”

The ship’s age also plays a role in how it’s priced, with shiny new vessels commanding higher rates . “So, there's a lot of different variables in play that kind of dictate where you're going to come out ahead or how much your cruise is ultimately going to cost based on those factors,” said Feldman.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

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A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

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Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Train strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, also mean some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

Monday 8 April 2024 06:40, UK

Drivers at 16 rail companies have started a fresh wave of strikes, plus overtime bans, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay and will take place across April and May.

Tube strikes planned for April and May have been called off.

In an "entirely separate dispute", ASLEF members will also strike and refuse to do overtime at LNER on specific dates in April "because of the company's failure to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery", the union said.

LNER's alleged failure to adhere to bargaining machinery refers to it using managers to drive trains on strike days.

People are advised to check before they travel.

Here's what's happening when:

Rail strike dates

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Monday 8 April

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Overtime ban dates

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

LNER action dates

Members will strike on Saturday 20 April and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

ASLEF says the LNER strikes are because of "the company's persistent failure to comply with existing agreements".

Nigel Roebuck, an ASLEF organiser in the northeast, said the operator had been trying to get "every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days".

A spokesperson said: "LNER has used managers - paid £500 a shift - to drive trains on strike days and, after the expiry of the last non-contractual overtime agreement, on most days of the week now.

"There is no agreement in place for management to drive services on mainline infrastructure.

"It results in branch line services - such as Lincoln, Skipton, and Harrogate - being cancelled because of a lack of route knowledge and means virtually no driver training is being done."

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Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, said of the rail strikes : "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

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A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

When the strikes on the London Underground were announced, Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the network, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

Sadiq Khan said they had been called off after "talking and engaging with transport staff and trade unions rather than working against them".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes

Google will now let you use AI to build travel itineraries for your vacations

As we inch toward the summer holidays, Google is announcing a slate of travel updates that place it squarely in the travel planning process and give it a lot more insight into purchasing intent in the travel sector.

First up, Google is rolling out an update to its  Search Generative Experience (SGE) that will allow users to build travel itineraries and trip ideas using AI, the company announced on Wednesday.

The new capability — currently only available in English in the U.S. to users enrolled in Search Labs , its program that lets users experiment with early-stage Google Search experiences and share feedback — draws on ideas from sites across the web, along with reviews, photos and other details that people have submitted to Google for places around the world.

When users ask for something like “plan me a three day trip to Philadelphia that’s all about history,” they will get a sample itinerary that includes attractions and restaurants, as well as an overview of options for flights and hotels, divided up by times of day.

For now, the itineraries are just that: There are no options to buy services or experiences on the spot. When you’re happy with your itinerary, you can export it to Gmail, Docs or Maps.

Google has not commented on when or if it might roll this out more widely. But it points to how the company is experimenting with how and where it can apply its AI engine. A lot of players in the travel industry may be eyeing up the role that generative AI will play in travel services in the coming years — some excitedly, some warily. But even now, startups like Mindtrip and Layla , which provide users with access to AI assistants that are designed to help you plan your trips, are already actively pursuing this.

But with this new update, Google is taking on startups like these while also gathering data about travel purchasing intent (useful for its wider ad business) and learning what kind of appetite its users might have for such services.

Image Credits: Google

Google also announced that it’s making it easier to discover lists of recommendations in Google Maps in select cities in the U.S. and Canada. If you search for a city in Maps, you will now see lists of recommendations for places to go from publishers like The Infatuation, as well as from other users. You will also see curated lists of top, trending, and hidden gem restaurants in 40+ U.S. cities.

Finally, the company is adding new tools to help you customize lists you create, so you can better organize your travel plans or share your favorite spots with your friends and family. You can choose the order the places appear in a list so you can organize them by top favorites or chronologically like an itinerary. Plus, you can link to content from your social channels.

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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

International Traveler: Meats, Poultry, and Seafood

The United States restricts or prohibits the entry of many agricultural products, which can carry foreign pests and diseases that harm American agriculture and our environment. Help us keep American agriculture healthy by following the guidance on this page about products you may want to bring into the United States.

Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural or wildlife products.

Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural or wildlife products to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. You must also tell them if you visited a farm or were in contact with animals before traveling to the United States.

U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases. U.S. inspectors have the authority to make a final determination about whether your products can enter the country. We recommend that you keep receipts and original packaging of agricultural products as proof of their country of origin.

As long as you declare all of the agricultural products you are bringing with you, you will not face any penalties—even if an inspector determines that they cannot enter the country.

Meats, Poultry, and Seafood You CAN and CANNOT Bring Back to the United States

USDA does not allow travelers to bring back most cattle, swine, sheep or goat meat or meat products from countries affected with certain serious livestock diseases:

• Foot-and-mouth disease
• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
• Swine vesicular disease
• Classical swine fever
• African swine fever

To find out a country’s status for these diseases, visit our animal disease status page.

Travelers may bring back fresh (chilled or frozen), cooked, cured or dried meat from countries without these diseases if they have official documentation to prove the product’s country of origin. The following items are considered official documentation: package label; written documentation; proof of travel (passport or travel itinerary); origin of flight; receipt of sale; CBP document (based on the officer’s interview of the traveler); a meat inspection certificate; or certificate of origin.

Travelers may bring back boneless meat in commercially packaged, labeled, and contained in unopened hermetically sealed containers or packages that are cooked by a commercial method after such packing to produce articles that are shelf-stable without refrigeration.

Travelers may not bring back more than 50 pounds of an item. Shipments larger than 50 pounds are considered commercial shipments and must meet additional requirements through USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. Contact them at (202) 720-9904 or www.fsis.usda.gov .

Cured hams (prosciutto, Serrano ham, Iberian ham) and salami from areas within France, Germany, Italy and Spain may  not be brought into the United States by travelers. These items may only enter in commercial shipments because there are special restrictions that require additional certification and documentation.

USDA does not allow  travelers to bring back most poultry meat or poultry meat products from countries affected with certain serious poultry diseases:

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza
• Newcastle disease

To find out a country’s status for these diseases, visit our animal disease status  page.

Commercially-packaged and labelled, cooked, shelf-stable poultry items from affected countries that are in unopened packages are allowed.  However, travelers may not bring back more than 50 pounds of an item.  Shipments larger than 50 pounds are considered commercial shipments and must meet additional requirements through USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.  Contact them at (202) 720-9904 or www.fsis.usda.gov .

Cooked poultry meat or poultry meat products from affected countries will be inspected by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.  Items appearing to be “thoroughly cooked throughout” will be allowed entry.  Items that do not appear “thoroughly cooked throughout” will not be allowed without special certification and an import permit.

Travelers may bring back fresh (chilled or frozen), cooked, cured or dried poultry meat from countries without these diseases if they have official documentation to prove the product’s country of origin.  The following items are considered official documentation:  package label; written documentation; proof of travel (passport or travel itinerary); origin of flight; receipt of sale; CBP document (based on the officer’s interview of the traveler); a meat inspection certificate; or certificate of origin.

APHIS does not regulate the importation of most seafood items.  We only regulate breaded seafood products, and only if the breading contains animal-origin ingredients (milk, eggs).  Please contact us directly about breaded seafood items.

For all other seafood import questions, contact:

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  at 800-358-2104 or www.fws.gov
• The Food and Drug Administration at 301-796-0356 or www.fda.gov

Use the Veterinary Services (VS) Permitting Assistant to understand import requirements for animal products. This self-guided tool has the most updated and comprehensive information, based on the type of materials you want to bring in and the intended use. Please note that commodities intended for "personal use" mean those in passenger baggage or passenger vehicles. Commodities sent by mail are regulated as "commercial" use.