blimp travel to europe

Look inside this luxury blimp promising to revolutionize air travel

There's no word on how much a trip will cost on this flying cruise ship, but, in the meantime, you can take a tour of the swanky interior

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Do you dream about riding in a blimp? Soon you’ll be able to ride in a luxurious modern-day version of the airship.

The Airlander 10 is a hybrid air vehicle — part lighter-than-air blimp, part plane — that can take off and land from virtually any flat surface, eliminating the need for airports. It’s also designed to use less fuel than a plane, but carry heavier loads than conventional airships. The aircraft — dubbed “the flying bum” because of its curvaceous design — had first test flight two years ago, and was originally developed for the U.S. military as a surveillance machine, but now it’s been rebranded as a luxury aircraft.

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“Air travel has become very much about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. What we’re offering is a way of making the journey a joy,” said Stephen McGlennan, CEO of HAV.

This month Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited revealed the 46-metre-long cabin, created in partnership with Design Q. The aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers (plus the crew). It can only travel up to 148 km/h, but can stay aloft for up to two weeks. There’s no word on how much one of its “three-day expeditions” will cost, but in the meantime, you can take a tour of the interior of this flying cruise ship.

Even in the sky, a fully stocked “altitude bar” is a must-have.

And you can take your drink over to these sofas and stare out the huge windows.

Or take a seat and stare at the stunning ground.

Actually, forget the view, check out these luxury bean bags.

This sky bed is nicer than most land beds.

And this is what you’ll be seeing when you lie down.

With files from The Associated Press

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Current Blimps

• Airship Bases
• Art of Flight
• Blimp Science
• Blimp S.T.E.M.
• Blimp History
• The Goodyear Store
• Find the Blimp
• Awards & Recognition
• Passenger Info

Wingfoot One

Wingfoot Two

Wingfoot Three

Europe Blimp

How it's Made

Assembly of Wingfoot One began in March 2013 at Goodyear's Wingfoot Lake hangar. An international team of engineers and technicians from Goodyear and Germany's ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik worked side by side to complete the build project. Parts such as the tail fins and gondola were built in Germany and shipped to the U.S. for assembly. The balloon-like body of the airship – the “envelope” – is made of polyester with an innovative film from DuPont™ called Tedlar®, surrounding a semi-rigid internal structure, which differentiates this airship from previous Goodyear blimps.

The timelapse video shows the process from beginning to completion. Enjoy!

Blimp Life vs. Everyday Life

Date of First Flight

1903 (Kitty Hawk, NC)

Overall Length

Over 82% of a football field

Maximum Width

Length of 2.5 London double-decker busses

Maximum Envelope Width

Length of 7 king-size beds

Overall Height

Taller than 8 pro basketball players

Internal Framework

Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Trusses

Same as many top-of-the-line sportscars

Envelope Material

Polyurethane, Polyester and Tedlar film

Imagine a weather-resistant, super-strong spandex

Envelope Volume

297,527 cubic feet

14 million large coffees

Envelope Life

About as long as the average car on the road

Maximum Weight (without Helium)

19,780 pounds

As heavy as 25,700 cans of soup

Maximum Speed

73 miles per hour

As fast as a Category 1 hurricane

Gondola Seating 1

An entire professional basketball team

Gondola Weight Empty

2,626 pounds

As heavy as 410 bricks

227% more than previous

Pixel Density

13.6 per sq. ft

377% higher than previous

Static Lift

2,940 pounds

Almost 10,000 D batteries

Maximum Dynamic Lift

1,102 pounds

Weight of a Thoroughbred race horse

Total Usable Lift

4,042 pounds

1.25 NASCAR race cars

Number and Type of Engines

Simply put: no comparison

Engine Horsepower

Almost as much total horsepower as a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

24-40 hours 2

Up to 2.5 times longer than the first transatlantic flight

Noise Level Inside and Outside of Gondola

64/69.4 3 decibels

As quiet inside as most passenger cars at highway speeds

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These New Luxury Blimps Hope to Become the Superyachts of the Skies

Zeppelins are usually equated with the hindenburg disaster, but today's airships use modern materials and some aspire to be as luxurious as superyachts., jemima sissons, jemima sissons's most recent stories.

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Less than a century ago, the airship was the symbol of elegant travel, gliding silently across the skies. The explosion of the Hindenburg changed the fate of airships in an instant, giving them the reputation of floating bombs.

A number of companies in the U.S. and Europe are trying to stage a comeback for these floating giants, marketing them not only as an antidote to loud, emissions-spewing jets, but also as a much more civilized way to travel.

The Airship 2.0 is certainly a different beast from the zeppelin of 100 years ago. The latest generation relies on non-combustible helium, and bulletproof materials that like vectran, mylar and kevlar to make the balloon both lightweight and durable.

The Airlander 10, which is ready for production, promises a much more civilized way to travel by air than jets.  Hybrid Air Vehicles

Companies like Flying Whale in France and U.S.-based Skunk Works, the research arm of Lockheed Martin, are designing airships to carry cargo and medical supplies to remote locations around the world. Skunk Works says its airships could be used as passenger carriers if buyers want to modify them after purchasing the design.

California-based Aeroscraft has a 220-ft. airship in production that uses solar power for propulsion. The company says it can be used for jaunts, such as trips between Hawaiian islands. Aeroscraft forecasts that it will be another three to five years before its airship receives FAA certification for passenger travel.

The company has also been working on concepts like the Neona, a futuristic, donut-shaped flying saucer. More UFO than floating superyacht , the company did not give a timeline for when Neona might go into production.

California-based Aeroscraft makes a traditional-looking airship, but is also working on the flying-saucer-shaped Neona as a personal sky yacht.  Aeroscraft

A U.K. company is leading the charge for creating airships that will undertake passenger journeys, much like a cruise ship or yacht. Hybrid Air Vehicles said its floating goliaths will offer private passenger travel beginning in 2024. These full-featured airships will have lounges, master suites, offices and spas. The company says it will also offer sushi counters or in-room refrigerators for long-distance cruises.

HAV has launched a full-scale prototype of its Airlander 10 and has a much larger airship, the Airlander 60, for transporting cargo. The Airlander 10 has a base price of $50 million, while models with full specs cost an additional $10 to $20 million. The company says it has 15 letters of intent for the airships, though it has yet to sign any private individuals. Luxury travel groups plan to use them for safaris, hopping from one camp to the next, or another operator wants to fly the airships from Svalbard, Norway, and land near the North Pole.

Since  airships   don’t need runways, they are perfect for out-of-the-way destinations or hopping between private islands. These levitating leviathans can reach 300 feet in length, with cabin space of about 150 feet. They’re much slower than airplanes, though they still cruise at about 80 mph.

Flying Whale plans to use its airships to ferry cargo and medical supplies into remote regions.  Flying Whale

“Our ability to operate without runways means that we can fly point-to-point,” company spokesperson Rebecca Zeitlin told Robb Report . “That means that someone with an estate outside London and a chateau in the French countryside can make a much more direct journey than London to Paris.”

The  airships   are delivered with helium and are topped up every year as part of the regular maintenance schedule. “They’re rather like a superyacht, with the same level of luxury inside,” says Zeitlin .  “We like to think of it as a fast yacht rather than a slow aircraft .”

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The new age of the airship: Could blimps be the future of air travel?

Sleek, green and coming to the skies above you.

What if you could fly with a fraction of the carbon emissions of a conventional aeroplane? What if you could cruise through the clouds with almost zero noise? And, what if you could board your aircraft without first having to navigate a sprawling airport and all its associated infrastructure?

That’s the elevator pitch for a new generation of airships, the retro-futuristic, blimp-style vehicles that might just revolutionise air travel in the coming decade. Dotted around the world, companies from small start-ups to aerospace giant Lockheed Martin are building lighter-than-air, modern-day Zeppelins with a broad range of applications in mind.

One British company, Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), recently laid out plans for a series of short-haul flights that would enable city-hopping trips aboard its Airlander 10 craft. Proposed routes include Liverpool to Belfast, Oslo to Stockholm and Barcelona to Palma. And per passenger, HAV claims the carbon footprint of such a flight would be less than a tenth of the same journey in a conventional jet plane, because helium is used as a lifting gas to get the craft airborne.

"Three quarters of the carbon reduction almost comes for free," says Mike Durham, HAV’s chief technical officer. "It’s helium keeping us up so we only need fuel [from four combustion engines] to push us along. Conventional aeroplanes need to burn fuel to stay up as well."

Of course, without a jet engine, airships are considerably slower than modern planes. HAV says its proposed Liverpool-to-Belfast route would take 5 hours and 20 minutes (although a similar journey by ferry would take more than nine hours).

As the world slows down in response to COVID-19 and as we grapple with how to reduce carbon emissions from air travel and freight, airships may offer viable alternatives – and not just in passenger flights.Hybrid airships are touted for aid drops, search and rescue, eye-in-the-sky command centres and tourism. Imagine a bird's eye tour of the North Pole or Great Barrier Reef. Some believe luxury airships could even become playthings of the super-rich, decadent floating mansions that offer the same status as a luxury yacht.

The most practical application, however, lies in freight.

"I’ve long believed that hybrid airships would be best placed to disrupt global shipping given their volumetric capacity, the increasing desire for rapid delivery of goods from overseas, and the fact that their speed and operating cost would enable faster delivery than by ship with a proportionally lower increase in transportation cost," says John-Paul Clarke , professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.

International shipping doesn't have to be fast, so transporting food or chemicals by airship could save significant carbon emissions compared to large freight vessels at sea. Yet for all their green credentials, some argue that helium-powered airships are not the future of green transport .

"The main source of helium production is oil and gas extraction," says Julian Hunt , a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria. "If the main driver for a future airship industry is to reduce aviation CO 2 emissions, a helium-based airship industry will have to rely on a functioning oil and gas industry. It does not make sense."

Hunt has proposed using the jet stream to propel airships at far greater altitudes than something like the Airlander plans to fly.

But if helium – which is also a non-renewable resource – isn’t the answer, then it raises two alternative H-words, both with rather negative connotations: hydrogen and Hindenburg. In 1937, the most infamous airship that ever flew exploded midair and crashed in front of photographers and filmmakers, killing 36 people. Powered by (flammable) hydrogen, the crash was a PR disaster that contributed to the demise of airships as a popular mode of transport.

That was over 80 years ago, however. Most in the industry believe hydrogen's comeback is inevitable.

"Hydrogen is the obvious alternative to helium," says Clarke. "It can be produced greenly and more and more cheaply with each passing day. It has an unfortunate reputation due to past accidents [but] we have learned a lot over the years about how to handle hydrogen, especially in transportation settings, and it is now being used to propel cars, trucks, and aircraft."

So what's it like to fly in an airship? According to Durham, a trip on HAV's Airlander would be a lot smoother than modern flight.

"It’s a low-noise, low-vibration, low-turbulence cabin space where in many operations you may even be able to open a window. It’s also got floor to ceiling windows, so the ambient light is different as well. The cabin has a lot more volume per passenger."

Clarke and Hunt both doubt that airships offer a viable alternative to short-haul flights, citing issues like wind variability and logistical issues, but Durham remains optimistic.

"There will be sweet spots that work for our product and there will be spaces that won’t work. It’s probably not going to work for long-haul flights," he says.

"I think they have a place to play in society moving forward. The human race is going to have to come to terms with the fact that we cannot spend our time rushing and tearing about the place, ignoring the planet. Lighter-than-air travel has a part to play to support that drive to become greener."

Airship designs ready for takeoff

Lockheed martin.

Skunk Works is an arm of the aerospace giant whose purpose is to develop new kinds of aircraft. The department has developed a demonstrator airship that it believes is ready for commercial deployment delivering aid in disaster zones or minerals from remote mining sites. It has also developed a robot that crawls across the exterior of the blimp seeking and repairing tiny holes.

Flying Whales

This French manufacturer is developing an airship designed for freight that picks up and drops off its payload without actually landing. Using helium to hover above the ground, it will have winches that lift or lower its payload, saving energy. The vehicle is designed to carry up to 66 tons.

This Israeli start-up is hoping to join a growing airship market with three different designs. Primarily built for transporting freight, the ships have cargo bays built into the airship and, unlike a lot of current designs, would be powered by hydrogen fuel cells, supplemented by diesel.

Read more about the future of flight:

• Airbus reveals zero-carbon hydrogen plane concepts
• Concept planes that could one day take to the sky
• The world's first airport for flying taxis

Share this article

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100-year-old dreams of airship travel through europe are revived with this modern zero-emissions dirigible.

“Royalty and dignitaries, brandy and cigars. Grey Lady-giant of the skies you hold them in your arms… ” — Bruce Dickinson.

It’s not every day GNN starts a story with a quote from an Iron Maiden song, but this line perfectly describes a development that could revolutionize short-distance flight by heralding the return of helium-filled dirigible airships to Europe’s skies.

Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) are within 4 years of their first-planned commercial flight of the Airlander10—a hybrid-electric airship that produces 75% fewer emissions per mile traveled than a passenger jet.

Designed for short hops on oft-taken business trips—like Oslo to Stockholm or Liverpool to Belfast—it offers the Greta Thunbergs of the world a chance to return to the convenience of the air travel.

Rigid airships never became the dream that so many scientists, inventors, and fiction writers imagined they would be at the turn of the 20th century. The parallel development of fixed-wing aircraft, and eventually jet-powered flight, paired with the immolation of the Hindenburg, meant that beyond the Goodyear Blimp over football stadiums, the dream of the dirigible never became a reality.

But the Airlander10 offers so much of what a passenger jet flight cannot, meaning those dreams have a real chance of becoming reality. With unpressurized cabins made possible by lower flying altitudes, the trip is silent, and with floor-to-ceiling windows all passengers, whether window or aisle, have unimpeded views of the world below and beyond.

A gentle giant

According to HAV, a jet from Seattle to Vancouver amounts to 55kgs of CO2 per passenger, while an Airlander10 drops that number to about 4.12kgs, less even than rail travel.

MORE: This Guy Missed Traveling and Has Recreated Airplane Meals to Get Through Lockdown

Furthermore, thanks to the airship’s abilities of vertical takeoff and landing, there’s a significant long-term reduction in CO2 cost from plane/train infrastructure requirements (paving runways or laying rail track isn’t green by any measure).

But it’s the concept art of the cabin arrangements that really brings the old European idea of dirigible travel alive again—with luxurious couches, tables, bars, workstations, and food service.

HAV told GNN they expect ticket prices to fit within the range of numbers from other modes of transport like planes, trains, and ferries.

The company’s short-term goals are to finish legal requirements on the Airlander10, and get their UK factory operational to produce 12 aircraft per year while working towards the all-electric motor outfits which would take the dirigible to zero-emissions, as well as on their Airlander50—designed for air freight transportation.

The combination of vertical take off/landing, floor-to-ceiling windows, and silent journey means that HAV is looking to introduce their airships for adventure travel in places like the Arctic, across Africa, where hot-air balloon tours are already common, and among archipelagos.

Doing something useful

Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer for Iron Maiden and captain of the band’s personal Boeing 757, has invested $380,000 in the company. Perhaps this isn’t a surprise. The band is famous both for long songs, and songs about flying, and their longest-ever song— Empire of the Clouds —is about airships.

RELATED: Researchers Pull Carbon Out of the Sky And Convert it to Instant Jet Fuel, Reshaping Aviation For Good

GNN reported on the news back in 2016 that the Maiden frontman, whose knowledge about aviation history is exceptional for a man who, along with fronting one of the world’s biggest rock bands, competes at Olympic levels in fencing and writes children’s books, had put such faith in what was then only a project.

“I’m not expecting to get my money back anytime soon, I just want to be part of it,” Bruce told the New Yorker . ”Being a rock person, I could put it up my nose, or buy a million Rolls Royces and drive them into swimming pools, or I could do something useful. There are very few times in your life when you’re going to be part of something big.”

( SEE inside an Airlander Cabin in the video below.)

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Airships.net

The graf zeppelin, hindenburg, u.s. navy airships, and other dirigibles, airship voyages made easy.

This brochure was published by the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei to familiarize airship passengers with what they could expect during their voyage on the Hindenburg or Graf Zeppelin .

The modern Zeppelin Airship is awakening in us a new conception of those great trans-ocean distances which we still associate with long sea voyages.

Now, we are realising that, just as the modern aeroplane can bridge the distances between the capitals of States in a few hours, so does the Zeppelin Airship reduce the time in transit over trans-ocean voyages from weeks to days.

The prophetic vision of Jules Verne has been realised. The new experience of a voyage across the ocean above the clouds can be added to others in this age of wonders.

To all our passengers, the safety, comfort, freedom from sickness, and tranquility in motion are a revelation, and these features no doubt are the reason for the increasing popularity of travel by Airship.  The one regret expressed by our passengers “” with which we are familiar “” is that the voyage is over so soon. The purpose of this little booklet is to give hints and information which will enable you to obtain the maximum enjoyment from a voyage by Airship.

WHERE AIRSHIP INFORMATION  CAN BE OBTAINED

There need be no difficulty in obtaining information with regard to sailing dates, times of departure and arrival, airports, ports of call en route, together with aeroplane and railway connections, particulars of fares, and all other details. All first-class travel agencies will be pleased to give you this information together with descriptive handbills and booklets issued by the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei. No obstacle need exist in the booking of a passage by airship. All established travel agents can book your passage for you. The important thing is to secure a cabin in advance. The number of your cabin will be allotted to you on the day of departure, and this is of no importance as all cabins are identical. Owing to the great demand for passages, we advise you to book your passage well in advance of the date in which you intend to travel. A berth can be reserved for you by the payment in advance of half the fare. The booking agent will give you a receipt, together with the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei’s Rules and Regulations. It is important to safeguard this receipt, as on completing payment it will be exchanged for the final passage contract. All passengers are required to fill in carefully the official questionnaire handed to them by the travel agent at the time of reserving their berths. We suggest that this is done before the day of departure, as a great deal of time will be saved in embarking. In the case of family parties it is sufficient if all members are included on the one questionnaire.

PREPARATIONS FOR TRAVEL

WITH REGARD TO BAGGAGE

Let us think of packing trunks!  Of course, we have to distinguish between small baggage, such as suit-cases, handbags, etc., and our heavy baggage, such as trunks. In our hand-baggage we carry certain necessaries and personal belongings, in our heavy baggage we pack away belongings which will not be required until we reach our new destination. Passengers will appreciate that certain restrictions with regard to the volume and weight of all baggage are in force for journeys by airship. The contract fare entitles the passenger to free transport of 286 lba of baggage, of which 66 lbs may be carried in the airship as personal baggage. Care should be taken that all usual articles required by the passenger for his daily use should be included in the personal baggage to be taken on board the airship.  Usually, an ordinary light suit-case is found sufficient for this.

Should the passenger wish to  take more than 66 lbs of personal baggage, the Company are obliged to charge for the extra weight.  Prices will be found in the printed tariff of baggage rates. The other heavy baggage will be  collected and forwarded to the passenger’s place of destination by fast mail steamer. This year, 1937, the rates for extra baggage carried on the airship have been reduced to RM 2.”” per  lb between Europe and North America, and RM 3.”” per lb between Europe and South America. The booking agent can make all arrangements for the passenger for the collection and forwarding of his baggage through any of the well-known agents.

WHAT IS WANTED ON BOARD?

Naturally, you yourself will decide on the things which you will consider as necessary for your everyday requirements. Nevertheless, perhaps you will allow us to give you some little advice from our past experience. You will find that you do not need any special dress, because life on board an airship is similar to staying in a large hotel or on board a passenger liner. Lady passengers are well aware that a dozen frocks or gowns will weigh scarcely more than one suit of clothes for a man. But the difference in climate at the port of departure and that of the port of arrival should not be forgotten, and, therefore, it is advisable at all times to take with you a light overcoat.

The modern central heating and ventilation system installed on board the airship renders the change of climate almost imperceptible. One hint to the men; a lot of time is spent in looking out of the window at passing ships and other scenes of interest below. Many will find a comfortable cap an advantage. The wearing of a dress-suit or dinner-jacket is, of course, quite optional. Nevertheless, we advise that one dark suit should be carried in the personal baggage for convenient and suitable evening wear. Passengers need not worry about writing materials. In the comfortable writing and reading room they will find a plentiful supply of note-paper, picture post-cards, and attractive souvenirs can be obtained from the saloon stewards.

THE MONEY PROBLEM MADE EASY

How to avoid difficulties with the German foreign currency regulations.

The fare charged for the passage covers ,,full board” and tips. But naturally, passengers will want to purchase little odds and ends, such as souvenirs of the ship, an occasional bottle of wine from the excellent “žcellar” on board, Eau de Cologne, chocolates, cigarettes or even a good Havana cigar.

Sometimes, a party of friends may wish to celebrate some special event with a bottle of champagne from the ship’s expertly chosen wine list. Often, a passenger may wish to send a telegram from mid-air, half-way across the ocean. All these facilities are at the passengers’ disposal. Passengers, of course, have their own individual tastes, and incur their various expenses accordingly. To facilitate the passenger’s convenience and to eliminate minor troubles, the Company have created a ,,Board Credit”, which permits of each passenger opening a personal “žCredit Account” for use on board ship, and in cases where the passenger intends to return by Airship after a short stay, may include a fixed sum in the currency of the country which you are visiting, sufficient to cover their daily expenses during their stay. The German currency regulations permit you to open a “žCredit Account” for any sum of money up to 30 Reich Marks per day, which experience has shown is ample to meet the needs of the average passenger. In fact, you will find when calculating your expenses, that you will need to be really extravagant to exceed this daily expenditure, bearing in mind that your full board and tips, while in the Airship, are already covered by the passage money.   Of course, your “žCredit Account”  must be estimated and purchased before going on board, preferably, at the time of booking your passage. Your booking agent or banker can do this for you without putting you to any inconvenience, but do not leave it too late.

HOW DOES ONE GET TO THE AIRSHIP?

The Frankfurter Hof Hotel is the Headquarters for Airship passengers arriving at the historic old town on the banks of the Main. A fleet of fast buses connects the Hotel with the Airport. Passengers who make the journey to Frankfurt from England may travel in the Continental Expresses leaving Victoria and Liverpool Street Stations where through connections will bring them to Frankfurt within twenty four hours. Hotel porters in uniform and representatives of the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei meet the principal trains on arrival prior to the Airship’s departure, so that no trouble will be experienced in reaching the Hotel or in the transportation of the Passengers’ luggage. To avoid any possibility of mistake, the passenger may write or wire to the Frankfurter Hof Hotel, advising the time of arrival in Frankfurt, when the train will be met without fail. For motorists, who prefer to make the journey by car, excellent garage accommodation is provided by the Frankfurter Hof Hotel. The quickest means of transit from England, however, is by the fast Cabin planes of the Deutsche Lufthansa Company which, from the month of May, leave Croydon Aerodrome direct for Frankfurt and land at the airport where the Airship will be found waiting to receive them. Likewise, at Rio de Janeiro, a special train conveys passengers to the Airport at Santa Cruz, from which the fast, best and quickest air-service to and from all the capitals of the South American Republics is in operation. In New York, the special planes of the American Air Lines convey passengers to the Lakehurst Airport within the half-hour.

THE VOYAGE BEGINS

Your ticket for the Zeppelin is handed to you, the passport and Customs formalities are quickly over, and from now on you can relax and become completely at your ease, for the staff of the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reedcrei think and act for you. Everything that can be done, is being and will be done, to make your stay on board the Airship as enjoyable as possible. You are conducted inside the hangar, there is the majestic Airship, you are dazzled by its immense size and the beauty of its silver grey form. A steward receives you and you are conducted on board up a comfortable gangway into the ship, completely protected from the weather. There is no discomfort or confusion such as one often meets with in boarding an ocean liner on a wet day. On entering the ship, you are requested to hand over your matches and automatic lighter, as smoking on board is confined to the smoking saloon, where all accessories for the smoker are at hand and where there are no restrictions. Here you will find a well-equipped bar for cocktails and other drinks, and plenty of good companionship. The existing air-navigation laws of most countries compel another request. This is not a very serious one. You arc asked to hand over your camera until the Airship has passed outside the three-mile limit. As soon as this is passed your camera will be returned to you and, of course, you are now free to start your collection of holiday snaps on board the airship, or to take pictures of passing ships and other sights in mid-ocean. Any jewelery and valuables may be handed to the chief steward for safe custody during the trip. At the beginning, it is hard to realise you are on board a Zeppelin; the comfort and protection from the weather, the spaciousness, the elegance and neat equipment, the well-appointed cabins, the courtesy and deference of the ship’s company who arc only too ready to help, awake in you a new conception of pleasurable travel. A new anticipation of excitement mingles with the atmosphere of farewell. You are conscious that in a few days, thousands of miles will be traversed and you will arrive in a new country. Instinctively you approach the large windows and become interested in the preparations for departure. There is no delay, you have felt no shock, no tremble or vibration, and yet you notice the ship is moving. The towering walls of the hangar glide by and at last you are out in the open. Slowly and carefully,  the  airship  swings into the wind, you hear words of command and occasionally a shrill whistle. You notice the groups of men at the tow ropes are moving back and then, while a farewell song is broadcast from the loud speakers, you see the earth getting more distant. It seems to drop quietly from beneath you. The ease and certainty of everything are incredible, for you have felt nothing. While you are still wondering, the earth beneath you commences to slip by and you realise that the voyage has commenced. You turn to a passing steward with an apprehensive enquiry,”Suppoaing one is sick? Is it dangerous to lean?”  “Please do not worry” is the reassuring answer. “People are never sick on board an Airship”.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

If you have any particular wish regarding seating arrangement at meals, the First Steward will do his best to accommodate you. Your survey of the Airship commences with a short inspection of the spacious Dining Saloon, Drawing room, and Reading and Writing Room; then down the wide companionway to the comfortably furnished Smoking Saloon. You murmur to yourself, “žHere one has the luxury of an ocean liner and yet within two and a half days we shall arrive in the United States”.

For the last eight years, the famous “žGraf Zeppelin” has carried passengers and has become a favourite ship on the South American route. There are passengers who still prefer the old “žGraf Zeppelin” to the more modern “žHindenburg”, but there is no doubt that passengers soon feel completely at home in both of these Airship, and a trip across the ocean in either of them is an experience the enjoyment of which one will never forget.

A FEW HINTS REGARDING LIFE ON BOARD

Those who are accustomed to steamship travel will soon find themselves at home in an Airship. There is something familiar in the printed passenger-list you receive, the passage contract is similar; and then, the life on board is subject to those rules and regulations such as are usual on a well-run steamship, and which make for order and safety. Everyone finds the ship’s officers ready to explain and to help in every way. The First Steward is always at hand with advice and general information. He knows ‘and understands the passengers’ wishes and difficulties through his long’ experience during years of service aboard ocean steamers and airships. The sounding of a gong is the signal that meals are ready, and that in the Dining Saloon the tastefully laid-out tables are waiting. Breakfast is served from 8 a. m. to 10 a. m., Mid-day dinner at noon; afternoon tea or coffee from 4 p. m. to 5 p. m., and then, as the healthy sea air will be sure to increase your appetite, sandwiches and fruit are served until late in the evening.

The large and varied assortment of foods which form the Menus, the variety of wines and other beverages, as well as the excellent cuisine and attentive service, vie with the best one is accustomed to find in first-class Hotels and Restaurants.

Outward, and homeward bound, passengers should alter their watches to agree with the ship’s clock which is put back or advanced each day in accordance with the time difference between the ship’s position and Greenwich. If this is realised, there will be no misunderstanding with regard to a seeming alteration in the hours of the meals.

Time on board passes quickly. There are many things to hold the passenger’s interest. The news bulletins are displayed on a board in the  reading room.   Each day, a small newspaper is printed in English and German giving the latest and most important news from all parts of the world. Games, such as cards, chess and draughts can be placed at your disposal by the steward. For those of a quiet or studious disposition, die reading and writing saloon will be popular. Letters can be posted on board the Airship, and at any time you may despatch wireless telegrams to friends or business relations in all parts of the world. Each day there is the excitement of the well-known “žsweepstake” on the ship’s run, and another popular feature is a conducted tour over the whole of the Airship.

All passengers must abide by three important regulations. These are: “” 1.    To throw nothing overboard, as by doing so you may cause damage to the Airship’s propellers or hull. 2.    Not to carry matches, automatic lighters, or to smoke in any part of the Airship, except the Smoking Saloon. 3.    Not to leave the passengers’ quarters except by permission and accompanied by a member of the ship’s company.

Throughout the night and day, the officers and crew of the Airship keep unceasing watch over the safety and welfare of both ship and passengers. The most modern fire extinguishing installations and other safety devices are a guarantee of absolute security. These well-thought out precautions are one of the main reasons why Airship travel has proved most reliable in the last few years, and are a justification of ha increasing popularity.

A DAY ON BOARD

What a wonderful night’s rest you have enjoyed after your first day on board! The soft murmur from the distant engines seems to have lulled you to sleep. Now the sunshine is streaming in through the windows and you take your place in the dining saloon for a breakfast of crisp appetizing rolls and aromatic coffee. Already, die free and easy companionship of ship-board travel is in evidence. The enjoyment of airship travel makes people sociable, friendships are being formed. You finish breakfast and walk to the windows. Down below, you see the long shadow of the airship passing swiftly over the sparkling foam-crested waves of the blue Atlantic, and the joy of experiencing this wonderful achievement in modern travel surges through you. No people are confined to their cabins, for as yet no passenger has ever been sea-sick on board a Zeppelin Airship. Even in storms and squally weather, the ship’s movements are quiet and steady except for die slight shock of the first onslaught. There is no noise beyond die distant murmur of die engines and the sigh of the wind on die outer hull. No dust, no soot to trouble you, the whole atmosphere is one of tranquility and peace. The air is delicious and fresh, in fact you seem to have been transported into another and more beautiful world. For a long time you are content to watch the marvelous cloud formations or the effect of the wind on the sea and waves beneath, and then perhaps you recline in a comfortable chair to read, join a parry in a game of bridge, or chat with some new and interesting friends. Occasionally someone will call from the windows, and you will join your fellow passenger in witnessing the passing of a great liner far beneath, her rails lined with waving passengers, or the inspiring spectacle of a man-of-war or destroyer flotilla.

Mid-day arrives as if by magic, and with it the welcome sound of the dinner gong. After dinner, smokers repair to the smoking saloon. Gradually and amidst many distractions and pleasant activities the evening advances, and the stars appear. If inclined, you take a shower bath before supper, and then a round of cocktails with some friends in the bar, followed by  supper, and  to  end  the day, a game of bridge. As you retire to your  cabin it seems a miracle that already you are nearer your destination  by over 1,000 miles.

A TOUR THROUGH THE AIRSHIP: Some of the secrets disclosed.

Your request to be conducted through the Airship never meets with refusal.  A time has been arranged and you meet your guide. Leaving the passengers’ quarters you are conducted along a small gangway which runs throughout the length of the ship. This is the keel gangway. On either Bide are numerous metal tanks and fabric receptacles containing the water, ballast and fuel. In addition, you are permitted to peep into the tent-like quarters of the crew. Above you are the immense gas-bags enclosed in the dainty network of duralumin frames, supports, counter-supports and tension wires forming the skeleton of the Airship. You wonder at the science and ingenuity which have contrived this marvel of lightness and  strength.

The cargo is stowed in a network of suspended platforms, and a great variety of cargo is carried.

Lateral gangways lead up to the motor gondolas outside the ship, which are attached to the hull by tension wires and compression arms. You pass the Wireless cabin, where the weather forecasts are received, and from which messages are dispatched to all parts of the world. Now you reach the Control and Navigation car in the front of the ship, which is equivalent to the Captain’s bridge on a steamer. From this car an uninterrupted view can be had on all sides. A mass of gauges, telegraphs and other apparatuses are cleverly grouped and situated so as not to impede the view. You watch the men on duty  and foel confident that you are in good hands.   You can scarcely hear the noise of the engines which are driving forward this “žFlying Town”. Many of the ship’s company have served under Graf Zeppelin, the creator of the modern airship.

The officers explain the controls which appear very complicated, and also introduce the passengers to some of the secrets of aerial navigation. They learn particulars about the steering of the ship, the different gauges and altimeters, and garner some ideas on the study of meteorology.

Perhaps you will be surprised at the quantities of fuel, water and stores consumed on a voyage across the ocean, but do not forget, the “žHindenburg” is carrying 70 passengers as well as a crew of 52 men.

Your admiration for this masterpiece of German patience, thoroughness and technique, will leave an impression which you will carry through life.

What is more, you will feel proud of having realised yourself the prophecy of Jules Verne, by crossing the ocean by the most modern means of rapid transport.

34 Leave a Reply

Thank you for giving us a site like this to pique our interests.

I was doing my research on airships, as I dream to fly/sail a traditional victorian airship across few seas and continents. Thanks a lot for your website and I am very happy that I have stumbled upon this site. I wonder if this would still be possible these days. I …  Read more »

If i am not horribly mistaken, it was not so much the hydrogen that contributed to the Hindenburg disaster as the paint on the skin of the airship. That paint formula was meant to be very durable and reflect sunlight off the airship: unfortunately, it turns out to be the …  Read more »

Sadly you ARE horribly mistaken; almost everything in your comment is inaccurate.

thank you dan for pointing out wagners horrific errors; like his whole statement!

I have been in love with the idea of airship travel since the late 1940’s when my mother told me about her trip to Germany on board the Hindenburg. No, she was not on board for the explosion … there were 10 round-trips between the U.S. and Germany before the …  Read more »

Gene; The dream of large passenger airships carrying revenue-producing patrons to destinations near and far is quite possible. The challenges are reinstating existing aged hangers to build the first prototype and operate it from while it made it’s debut to the world. Once the prototype has proven her capabilities, the …  Read more »

I rember when I was a little lad looking up from the garden and seeing a great silver zepelin silently passing over.we were living in south wales u.k.was it a dream?

What a treat to read this travel brochure! And what a great website! I’ve made a study of Zeppelins, which began in the mid-70’s, and I’ve accumulated several books on the subject over the years, and read every article I could lay my hands on. For whatever reasons, these great …  Read more »

Hi Ray. The reason why the American naval airships were lost had to do with the technology of the day concerning weather. If Adm. Moffett, Capt. Lansdowne and Comdr. Wiley had a modern I-phone on their person with all the information we can access today, they could see wind sheer, …  Read more »

You do realize that zeppelins were very inconvenient in those times and ONLY held 120 or so passengers with almost HALF of them CREW. As it itself says, they consumed an enormous amount of fuel and water and that kind of other stuff. I mean, all of that stuff had …  Read more »

it was no crash, as the zeppelin did not bump into anything it was merely an accident.

Huh, well, I do suppose it should be considered a “disaster” but it was practically the same thing. We could go on and on about the morals and yada yada but point of fact, people died in that fire, or were injured.

Zeppelins inconvienient??? At the time Pan Am was still in its infancy, fixed wing aircraft weren’t commercially viable and still couldn’t safely cross the Atlantic, even in favourable weather! Ships were slower and could take a week! Zeppelins (Graf & Hindenburg) made over 1000 commercial flights and regular routes from …  Read more »

Zeppelins were amazingly efficient in terms of fuel use. They could remain aloft for very long periods of time and set records for long distance travel. They could only carry the fuel that they could lift, nothing more. Even with that, the Graf crossed the Pacific ocean non-stop from Tokyo …  Read more »

This has been an amazing read. It is a tragedy this form of travel was so dangerous. That aside the luxury these ships offered seems to have been second to none.

Only the lifting gas used was dangerous and (at the time) the ship operators felt they could handle it safely. They were wrong.

Yes, who on Earth thought that they could control Hydrogen gas??? I mean, did you see how quickly the Hindenburg went down???

Hydrogen gas is used a lot in industrial applications and is not as dangerous as you think but it does need to be handled safely and with respect! If you speak with any gas manufacturer oxygen is considerably more dangerous. Rockets use oxygen as a fuel source and you dont …  Read more »

Hydrogen gas is not flammable when in a pure state. The gas cells in those days were the cutting edge for the Hindenburg and made with a latex-impregnated linen. It still leaked gas and in doing so, let air in at the bottom of the cell. Once mixed with air, …  Read more »

T HIS IS A VERY INTERESTING MODE OF TRAVEL, IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL TO HAVE AIRSHIPS AS A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO GREEDY AIRLINERS. I FOR ONE WOULD BE AS HAPPY AS A KID IN A CANDY STORE TO FLY TO THE CARIBBEAN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER..

I know right? I would love to travel in a Zeppelin although it is quite dangerous.

Zeppelin NT is very safe it uses Helium gas. This is inert, not flammable or explosive!

Flying in a seat perched over wings filled with kerosene at 500 knots in air that’s 40 degrees below zero in a thin skin of aluminum that a pin prick will rupture the pressure integrity any safer? No thanks, I’ll take the slower, lower airship any day. How can you …  Read more »

Hey Dan, you have put together a really great and interesting site! Thanks! Question… How much was the cost of a transatlantic passenger on a Zeppelin? (My apologies if you have it on the site already – I haven’t found it.)

One way passage between Europe and America via Hindenburg cost $400 in 1936 and $450 in 1937. (You can find more information about transatlantic fares at https://www.airships.net/hindenburg .)

Thanks for the kind comments!

That means now (from Dan’s comment) that the one way would now be about $8000 one way! Or maybe $15000 round trip, when the aircraft flights to Germany are between $1000-1400 depending one the season. So it’s an order of magnitude more expensive. Would you pay $15000 to fly by …  Read more »

It’s hard to convert past amounts to present value (it’s a much more complicated calculation than people often imagine) but the figures you quote are generally in line with first class airfares today.

Simple Flying

Before aircraft - how zeppelins crossed the atlantic.

Lighter than air with sleek curves and a shimmering silver appearance, the German-built Zeppelin was the fastest way to travel between the United States and Europe between 1936 and 1937.

A hundred years earlier, a Brunel designed steamship had made the Atlantic crossing in 15 days. As advances in motor-powered ships improved, that time reduced, to the point that the Queen Mary could make the crossing in five days. However, it was still much slower than traveling by Zeppelin.

The Hindenburg crossed the Atlantic in less than two days

The LZ-129 Hindenburg Zeppelin dazzled the world of transoceanic travel when it made the crossing to Europe in just 43 hours, leading its owners to print brochures and posters boasting “Two Days to Europe.” In contrast to traveling by ocean liners, no passenger aboard the Hindenburg ever complained of being seasick. Renowned American writer and humourist Mark Twain once said when talking about seasickness:

“At first you are so sick you are afraid you will die, and then you are so sick you are afraid you won’t.”

Despite its massive size and incredible luxury, the Queen Mary was no match for ocean storms that passengers said could “roll the milk out of tea.”

When describing the glory of traveling across the ocean by Zeppelin, Mary Day Winn of the New York Herald Tribune wrote :

“The real glory of Zeppelin travel … is its freedom from seasickness. It is the smoothest form of motion I have ever known, just a continuous floating, with no rolling, no dipping, and almost no change of levels. The sound of the engines can be heard only faintly – a low, steady murmur barely entering consciousness except when it slows up. There is no vibration.”

The Hindenburg was like a floating Post Office

The Zeppelin’s pivotal role was not in transporting passengers, but rather for carrying mail. So much, in fact, that they were almost floating Post Offices. Besides being much fast than boats when it came to freight, the Zeppelins came into their own when transporting perishable cargo like flowers and short-life foods.

Sadly the days of Zeppelins crossing to Europe ended on the morning of May 6, 1937, as the Hindenburg tried to dock at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey. As the Hindenburg crossed the American coast and passengers were given a sensational view of Boston, the airship continued south to New York for its traditional loop around Manhattan.

As usual, steam whistles and sirens went off all around the city as traffic came to a stop so that New Yorkers could marvel at the big silver balloon in the sky. Now already late, following headwinds over the Atlantic, the Hindenburg hastily tried to tie up to its mooring mast before bursting into flames.

The Hindenburg disaster was the end of the Zeppelin

When the scorched framework of the Zeppelin finally came to rest on the ground, bystanders eagerly rushed to the aid of passengers desperate to escape from the flames.

To this day, nobody knows what caused the Hindenburg to catch fire, with many hypotheses claiming everything from static electricity to a bomb. Some even suggest that it could have been caused by a gunshot from the ground. What we do know, though, is that despite a perfect 27-year safety record, 13 passengers, 22 crew, and one person on the ground died as a result of the fire.

With World War II looming, the Zeppelin days were already numbered. Following the Hindenburg disaster, public confidence was so shattered in the airship that the era of the transatlantic Zeppelin came to an abrupt end.

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. philanthropist. legal weed champion. the real rick steves is so much more complex than who you see on tv..

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: this would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues like car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has likely missed this side of him. On TV they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he’s built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he only sits in economy, claiming he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should only have one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Rick Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She’s appreciated his regular presence in the community, like hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She’s used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Rick Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steve points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems like finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If they don’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints ... they’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Rick Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduation, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved — his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries (people forget Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door”).

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties … it’s the racism … everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

Covid-19 was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Rick Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then lockdown happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember if he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

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Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

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Moscow Travel Guide

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Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

Top Sights in Moscow

St. Basil’s

Novodevichy Convent

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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

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.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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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!

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.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

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.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

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

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

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!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

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!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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Autism makes travel a challenge. Here’s how I learned to cope

Busy places and unexpected events used to send me into meltdown on holiday. An autism diagnosis helped me to adapt my plans and rediscover the joy of travelling

W andering hand-in-hand through the medieval streets of Bologna, my boyfriend and I were in awe of the sweeping porticoes and distinctive rust-red brickwork of the city. It was our first holiday together. We’d wanted to find somewhere beyond the obvious that would marry our respective interests in architecture and history. Bologna was the perfect fit.

We admired the Church of Santa Maria della Vita , with its imposing baroque interior, lavishly decorated in colourful frescoes and marble carvings. We caught a little red and blue express train up into the hills to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca , and climbed the bell tower of the Basilica di San Petronio for panoramic views across the city.

But after one particularly long, hot day on our feet, with our stomachs clamouring to be fed, my mood began to shift. With the setting of the sun came the rising of my rage, as we struggled to agree on where we wanted to eat. In a city nicknamed La Grassa (“the fat one”), we weren’t lacking in options; in fact, it was the sheer number of well-reviewed eateries that was overwhelming.

Eventually we decided on pizza, and my boyfriend anxiously led us through sun-dappled alleyways, seeking out a little hole-in-the-wall spot with stellar reviews on Google. Looking back now, I’m ashamed of my reaction once we arrived. Instead of excitedly tucking into the steaming, cheese-drenched deliciousness before me, I burst into tears, refusing to order. And why?

Because they were slices .

In my mind, getting pizza meant that we’d be presented with a whole pizza. The idea of just grabbing a slice or two felt abhorrently wrong. It truly felt to me, in that moment, like I was being asked to do the impossible. Instead, we had to find a standard bistro and get me the right kind of pizza. Scrolling through photographs from that trip for this article, I find a snapshot of my boyfriend opposite me at the table, looking as if he’d just (barely) survived the fury of the Visigoths during the sacking of Rome.

It wasn’t until three years later – in spring 2020, when I was diagnosed as autistic – that this fragment of my life story, and many others like it, finally began to make sense.

B eing autistic means that life is a challenge, every day, in myriad tiny ways most others cannot see. Autistic people often grapple with sensory, social and communication challenges that manifest differently in each of us. As a toddler, for instance, I couldn’t stand the touch of grass on my skin. My parents could pop me down on a blanket by our tent during camping trips, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn’t stray. The same went for sand – putting me down to build a sandcastle on the beach only led to banshee-esque wailing until someone picked me up. When I got older, I preferred to stay by the tent and read my books than risk the chaotic din of the campsite playground. I’ve also always found it difficult when confronted with the unexpected. That could be anything, from a last-minute change of plans to something simply not turning out the way I’d pictured it in my head.

Relentlessly busy places are a terrifying prospect for those of us predisposed to sensory overwhelm. The best way I can describe how I experience this sensation is to ask you to imagine that the whole world has climbed into your chest. It then sits there, heavy and loud and bright, thrumming with energy, too much energy, more than any one person could hold within themselves. And yet, that’s what’s expected of us, day in, day out.

Fortunately, societal awareness of how autistic people interact with public spaces has grown over the past few years, thanks to the rise of lived experiences shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The thriving autistic creator communities online were a lifebelt for me when I was first diagnosed, providing both insights into my own behaviour and suggesting coping mechanisms.

Initiatives such as the sunflower lanyard scheme are also having a real impact on how employees in train stations, airports, bus terminals and so on are trained in making these places more accessible to those with hidden disabilities. What I have learned is that many challenges can be overcome with sufficient planning and support from those around me. Through much trial and error over the last four years, I’m making real progress towards learning how to adapt my holiday plans to accommodate my needs. I now have a self-made kit for mitigating sensory overwhelm that I take with me whenever I travel: sunglasses, noise-isolating earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy or two and a safe food to snack on (a favourite cereal bar, for example). Having avoided meltdowns by using these items in the past, I now can’t imagine travelling without them.

The process of writing my book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure , has provided many useful insights too. Designed to introduce younger readers from the autistic community to a variety of different outdoor activities, the book suggests how to best approach them from sensory, social and communication perspectives.

Take kayaking, for instance, a popular holiday activity in the UK thanks to our miles upon miles of public waterways and easily accessible coastline. I’ve kayaked on family holidays since a young age. Before I knew I was autistic, however, I’d never have thought to give myself extra time to get used to sitting in a new boat in a new location, testing the feel of a buoyancy aid or holding the paddle properly. Yet something as simple as taking the opportunity to do that – on dry land, before the kayak even gets near the water – can make a real difference to how comfortable and confident an autistic person might feel about trying this new activity. Most activity providers are understanding and would be happy to facilitate this, if you let them know in advance.

Other simple adaptations to recreational activities include using walking poles for all levels of hiking – not only on mountains – and bringing an inflatable for wild swimming. These help to maintain balance, something that many autistic people find hard because of difficulties regulating their vestibular system.

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There will never be one single trip or destination that’s perfect for every autistic person, because our individual strengths, struggles and support needs are so different. But if we each plan ahead and choose what to do or where to go based on our known sensory sensitivities, communication preferences and social battery life, every trip has the potential to be perfect just for us .

M ost recently, my boyfriend and I took a much-anticipated trip to the Arctic Circle, visiting Tromsø. There’s a key difference between this holiday and our stay in Bologna five years earlier: the weather. It’s common for autistic people to have strong preferences when it comes to temperature – in my case, I’ll always choose cold over hot.

That’s why Tromsø in December was a sensory dream for me. Plunged into polar night, the light was never brighter than a muted lilac haze for a few short hours around midday. The temperature was consistently below freezing; the snow lay piled in marshmallow-soft heaps along pavements and roadsides. It was as far a cry from the lively streets and humid air of summer in Bologna as you could get, and it was perfect.

Learning from previous experience, we planned exactly where we wanted to eat during the trip. We spent several cheerful mealtimes huddled by the fire pit at Raketten Bar and enjoyed Pølse , a hotdog stand in a sunshine-yellow kiosk dating back to 1911.

Autistic people often prefer the company of animals to other humans, but it’s not something I’d ever thought to factor into my travel plans before. In Tromsø, we ended up spending three out of our five days on activities involving animals: huskies, whales and reindeer. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions we could have made.

The joy of losing myself in a frenzied pack of newfound canine friends radiates from my face in photos from the day we went husky sledding.

Given that travel is something I treasure, it’s a relief to realise that my ability to do it is not limited by being neurodivergent. On the contrary, I truly believe some of my many travel experiences have been – and will continue to be – enhanced by the fact that my brain works on a different wavelength. When I close my eyes, I can still see the play of lavender light on the snow-capped mountains surrounding Tromsø. I’m immediately transported back to a place that felt like home to my soul, soothed without having to take even a step outside.

The Autistic Guide to Adventure by Allie Mason is published by Jessica Kingsley (£14.99 ). To support the Guardian and Observer, buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

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Despite the Soviet past, today’s Moscow is a dynamic, cutting-edge city – and the most populous in Europe. Well-heeled Muscovites flaunt their wealth by sipping Champagne with sushi at elite restaurants and shopping for designer labels at frighteningly expensive boutiques. Meanwhile, a growing middle-class has seen a proliferation of hip bars and trendy cultural centres.

While the Russian capital has striven to move on, recent tensions with the West have stirred up memories of the past. Moscow has previously led the way with protests against Vladimir Putin, but even with the tumbling ruble and economic sanctions, his popularity remains strong.

This doesn’t make Russia a no-go area, and Moscow – with its cosmopolitan, globe-trotting denizens – is not the formidable crucible often depicted. In summer, temperatures soar and the city’s vast parklands flourish. The historic Gorky Park received a complete makeover in 2012, installing free Wi-Fi and even a beach, while the Soviet behemoth that was the Rossiya Hotel has been demolished to make way for an ambitious central park.

Before that project comes to fruition, there is Red Square to marvel at, not least the mind-boggling St Basil’s Cathedral. Built by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century, its multi-coloured domes and acid-trip patterns seem to defy logic. Nearby is the 14th-century Kremlin and seat of the tsars.

Indeed architecture is one of the city’s main attractions, especially for aficionados of Soviet buildings. All too many have been destroyed to make way for gleaming 21st-century skyscrapers, but Stalin’s unmistakable Seven Sisters still stand tall against the modern towers.

The city is naturally keen to celebrate its great writers, composers and artists too. This sophisticated city boasts world-class institutions like the Bolshoi Theatre, the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.

As for nightlife, the city is becoming increasingly hedonistic – whether jazz, rock or vodka is your thing, there are plenty of options. Even the culinary circuit has come on leaps and bounds, though an evening at one of the city’s growing stable of world-class restaurants requires considerable investment. This is, after all, a capital of oligarchs.

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Book Accommodation

Featured hotels, izmailovo (gamma-delta).

Constructed to accommodate visitors to the 1980 Olympics, the concrete towers of the Izmailovo boast a staggering 8,000 rooms. Institutional in atmosphere, and located far out in the northern suburbs, the hotel is handy for the enormous Izmaylovo Market and has decent city centre links. There are several onsite restaurants and in-room Wi-Fi is available too.

Peking Hotel

Built in 1956 as a little sister to Stalin's Seven Sister skyscrapers, and intended as post-war headquarters for the secret police, Moscow's Peking Hotel is a heritage hotel with a small 'h', in a good location just northwest of the centre. Although slightly old-fashioned, its 130 rooms are comfortable enough, with satellite TV and en-suite bathrooms.

Warsaw Hotel

Although its location may not be one of Moscow's most picturesque, the Warsaw Hotel is convenient for Gorky Park. Considering the quality of the competition, this is one of the best cheap options in the city, with clean and comfortable rooms, albeit in a rather dated style. Wi-Fi is complimentary and the Oktyabrskaya Metro station is right next door.

Golden Apple

A boutique hotel on a refreshingly human scale, the Golden Apple offers imaginative styling and a personal touch that many 5-star hotels lack. Behind the baroque facade, its minimalist rooms are cosy, and there's an onsite restaurant and an open-plan bar too. Staff speak excellent English and there's Wi-Fi access, a gym and a sauna.

Historical Hotel Sovietsky

In the 1950s, Joseph Stalin decreed that the famous Yar restaurant should be upgraded to a hotel and the Historical Hotel Sovietsky was born. It quickly became a showcase for the image of sophistication that the Soviet government wished to present to the world, and its 107 rooms still conjures up the nostalgia of this period in history.

Hotel Danilovsky

It's hard to imagine a more atmospheric place to stay than the 12-century precincts of the historic Danilovsky Monastery. Set amidst chapels and gardens, the hotel is a modern construction, but the rooms are comfortable and all have a view of the stately monastery buildings. There's a sauna and bar onsite too.

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that gives you a chance to see the breathtaking scenery of Europe. 

However, train travel can also be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on traveling through Europe by train like a pro.

Make an Itinerary

The first step to traveling through Europe by train like a pro is to plan ahead. Research your destinations and create a rough itinerary of the places you want to visit, as well as the duration of your stay. You can use websites such as Rail Europe or Eurail to plan your train journeys and book tickets in advance. This can save you money, time, and heartache on your adventure!

Buy a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple train journeys during your trip, buying a rail pass is worth considering. A rail pass allows you to travel on most trains in Europe without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Different types of rail passes are available, depending on the length of your trip and the countries you want to visit.

Utilize Nearby Luggage Storage

When traveling through Europe by train, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to store your luggage temporarily. This can happen if you arrive at your destination before your hotel check-in time or want to explore a city without carrying heavy bags.

Fortunately, many train stations in Europe offer luggage storage facilities. For example, if you’re spending the day in St. Pancras, simply look for luggage storage in St. Pancras . Now, you can explore the city with peace of mind — and no heavy bags weighing you down.

Choose Your Train

When traveling through Europe by train , you can take high-speed trains, regional trains, or overnight trains. High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, are faster and more expensive than regional trains. However, they are a smart option for longer journeys or days you want to travel between two distant cities in a short amount of time.

Regional trains, on the other hand, are slower but cheaper. They are an option if you want to explore smaller towns and villages along your route. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet, allow you to save time and money by combining transportation and accommodation.

One of the advantages of traveling through Europe by train is the ability to easily move from one place to another. However, this can be difficult if you are carrying a heavy suitcase. Therefore, it is important to pack light and only bring the essentials. A backpack or a small suitcase is ideal for train travel.

Arrive Early

You should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time. This allows you to find your platform, check the train timetable, and board the train stress-free. After all, when a train says it leaves at 10:00, you best believe it’ll be on the move promptly at 10:00.

Additionally, arriving early can give you time to grab a coffee or a snack from one of the many cafes at the train station.

Validate Your Ticket

If you have purchased individual train tickets, don’t forget to validate them before boarding the train. You can do this at the yellow validation machines located at the train station. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine if you are caught by a ticket inspector on the train.

Keep Your Ticket Handy

Once you have boarded the train, it is important to keep your ticket handy. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your ticket any time during the journey, so it is best to have it easily accessible. Additionally, some trains have a designated area for luggage storage, so be sure to keep your bags in the appropriate area.

Bring Your Own Food

While some trains have dining cars or food carts, it is always a good idea to bring your own food and snacks for the journey. This can save you money and ensure that you have something to eat if the train has no food options or limited options.

Enjoy the Scenery

Last but not least, one of the most important things to remember when traveling through Europe by train is to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, and traveling by train allows you to see it all from a unique perspective.

Happy Travels!

Traveling through Europe by train is a fantastic experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. With these tips, you can travel like a pro and make the most of your journey. Remember to plan ahead, pack light, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Related posts:

• Why you should travel by train in Europe (and how to book tickets)
• Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France
• How to Travel around Europe on the Cheap
• Things to Know Before You Board a Train from Vienna to Prague

Texas Kids Adventures

Texas Road Trip Through Europe Towns A= Paris, TX; B= Athens, TX; C= Moscow, TX; D= Berlin, TX; E= Vienna, TX; F= London, TX; G= Florence, TX; H= Holland, TX; I= Dublin, TX, J= Italy, TX

Texas has some uniquely-named towns, such as Cut-and-Shoot, Loco, Trout, Oatmeal, Ding Dong, Bacon, Noodle, Tarzan, Salty, Telephone, Energy, Coffee City, Quicksand, Gun Barrell City, and has its own Utopia as well as Uncertain.  

As settlers emigrated to Texas, they brought some European names to pay homage to their mother countries, including Paris, Athens, Moscow, Berlin, Vienna, London, Florence, Holland, Dublin and Italy.   Fortunately for Texans, this makes a fun road trip to explore Texas towns with European names.  Even better, you won’t need a passport.  If you haven’t heard of these town before, it’s probably because most are very small and lost population and industries as larger cities grew. 

The Eiffel Tower of Texas.  Photo credit.

Let’s begin our tour in Paris, Texas , complete with its own 65 foot Eiffel Tower with a red cowboy hat perched on top.  It’s the second largest Eiffel Tower in the world, and is around one-tenth the height of the original at 1,063 feet.  Stop by the Paris Bakery for French pastries as you explore downtown Paris and the Lamar County courthouse.  The Lamar County Historical Museum  has artifacts from the local area, including a blacksmith shop, pioneer kitchen and pioneer cabin.  Kids can stretch their legs at the Paris Downtown Community Park splash park and outdoor musical instruments.  Check out the Paris events including Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally and the Paris Balloon & Music Festival .  

Zipliner above the trees at New York, Texas Zipline Adventures.

Enjoy the rolling hills and piney woods on your road trip journey to Athens, Texas.  It was named by the stepdaughter of a founding father who had a vision that Athens would become the cultural center in Henderson county like the one in Greece.   Athens holds the title of the official “Original Home of the Hamburger”, created in the late 1880s at a downtown Athens café and introduced at the 1904 World’s State Fair in St Louis.  Athens is also known as the Black-eyed Pea Capital of the World. 

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is a production hatchery for stocking fish into Texas waterways and an educational center to learn about native species and ecosystems.  Visit over 300,000 gallons of indoor and outdoor aquariums to see many native fish, waterfowl, amphibians and alligators.  Learn about ecosystems and fishing at the museum and wetlands trail. 

The East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society is 100 acres of trees, flowers and wildlife.  The two mile rugged nature trail along spring-fed streams reveal untouched animal habitats and ecosystems.  The handicap-accessible trail is 1/3 of a mile.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars.  

Just 15 minutes away, New York, Texas Zipline Adventures offers zipline tours for ages 5 and up.  Zip through the treetops at over 100 feet above the ground.  

Lake Livingston State Park kayaking   Photo credit

Moscow, Texas There’s not much in this small town of less than 200 residents.  Stop by Johnson’s Rock Shop to find gemstones, minerals, petrified wood, and jewelry.  Polk County Memorial Museum is a small museum with history of Polk County with old maps.  Lake Livingston State Park located just 15 minutes away, on Hwy 59 on the way to Berlin.

Berlin, Texas A German settlement from the late 1840s with a cotton gin and gristmill, this town only 3 miles from Brenham and is included in their population numbers.  Berlin was founded in 1860 by German settlers.  There is also a Texas town called New Berlin in Guadalupe county.

Vienna, Texas With a population under 50, this is a tiny town once had a gin and sawmill as immigrants settled along the Navidad River.  When the Navidad flooded in 1940, structures were washed away.

Florence, Texas main street.  Photo credit.

London, Texas London is also known as London Town in the 1880s, and is home to the historic London Dance Hall with live music and dances.    Enjoy the beauty of rolling hills, oak trees and wildflowers as you enjoy the best of the Texas Hill Country in Boerne, Comfort, Fredericksburg and Kerrville area.   Nearby attractions include the Ft. McKavett State Historical Site and South Llano River State Park. 

Florence, Texas This small town established in the early 1850s had a railroad with wheat, cotton and cattle industries which led to a corn mill, blacksmith leather goods production, and eventually a hotel, saloon, flour mill.  Area attractions include lakes and rivers for water recreation and fishing.

Hill country, Fredericksburg, Texas.  Photo credit.

Holland, Texas

Holland is home to the one and only Corn Fest , an annual festival of music, 5K run, parade, and themed contests such as corn eating, corn shucking, corn bobbing, corn seed spitting, corn cob relay, corn hole and the world championship corn cob throw.  While it was cancelled in 2020, this sounds like a shucking good time you won’t want to miss for 2021.   You could leave there as a world champion!  

Dublin, Texas The Official Irish Capital of Texas, Dublin bottled Dr. Pepper for over 100 years.   This small town has plenty to explore including museums, shopping, market days, and homemade cheese and wines.  The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Celebration includes pageants, parades, craft and food vendors, dog contests and shopping.   Dublin has a monthly Farmers Markets for fresh produce.

Italy Known as the “Biggest Little Town in Texas,” this town was named by the postmaster who thought the climate was similar to Italy.   This settlement from the 1860s had a railroad, five cotton gins, and a cottonseed oil mill.  This old cotton town now has some vintage and antique shopping and dining.

Downtown Italy, Texas

On your Texas Road Trip Through Europe Towns, you can brag to your friends about seeing towns that they probably never knew were in Texas.  You can imagine the hustle and bustle of these towns during the cotton and farming boom, and see the grand buildings that remain.  You will see backroads, woodlands, lakes and rivers, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery along the way.    When given the choice between the interstate and the backroads, always choose the backroads.  

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