orise travel central

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ORISE Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does the acronym ORISE mean?

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

2) What is the ORISE program's purpose?

The program's purpose is to provide practical scientific training experiences for domestic and foreign scientists through temporary contractual fellowship appointments, administered by the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU).

3) What types of appointments are offered?

Post-doctoral Pre-doctoral University faculty Summer students Foreign Nationals

Other applicants, including established research scientists interested in new training activities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

4) What non-immigrant visa statuses are accepted?

Exchange Visitor J-1 Student F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

5) What is the eligibility requirement for an ORISE fellow?

Postgraduate applicants should have received a college degree within five years of the appointment start date or expect to complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the appointment start date. Student applicants must provide proof of current enrollment in an accredited school or university.

6) How long is the ORISE appointment period?

ORISE appointments are limited to a total of five years, inclusive of all ORISE appointments. Qualified exceptions to this limit will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but may not exceed a maximum of seven years. All ORISE appointments are temporary.

7) What types of training can an ORISE fellow attend?

Regulations in the Government Training Handbook states that "contractors may be trained in rules, practices, procedures and/or systems that are unique to the employing agency and essential to the performance of the contractor's assigned duties, such as agency computer security procedures." Therefore training must be appropriate to the ORISE fellow's assigned duties. Eligibility of ORISE to participate in CBER supported training is left to the discretion of the Office/Division.

If appropriate to the ORISE fellows assigned duties, the fellow may attend local training (within 50 miles of the fellow's duty station), i.e., Washington, DC or Baltimore, MD (e.g., Fundamental English, offered through Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES)).

If appropriate to the ORISE fellows assigned duties, the fellow may attend centrally funded training (paid by CBER), e.g., CBER Office (OVRR, OCTGT, OBRR, etc.) Seminar Series. Note: To participate in the CBER New Reviewer Training Course or the Medical Device Reviewer Training (non-public/confidential information not discussed) an ORISE fellow must bring an unsigned copy of the "Commitment to Protect Non-Public Information Agreement (FDA form 3398)" to the training, and the OCOD representative overseeing the training must witness the ORISE fellow signing the form prior to the start of the course. Failure to do so may prevent the ORISE fellow from participating in future training opportunities of this nature. Preference is given to CBER full time employees for centrally funded CBER training; however in the case that slots are available ORISE fellows are encouraged to register.

ORISE fellows may not attend any training activities where non-public/confidential information is discussed (e.g., CBER Clinical Oversight meeting).

Please note: It is the ORISE fellow's responsibility to ensure that supervisory approval has been granted PRIOR to registering or attending any training. See Office/Division administrative staff to obtain the FDA form 3398.

8) Can an ORISE fellow travel to scientific meetings for training purposes?

Yes. ORISE fellows may attend up to 1 domestic and 1 foreign scientific meeting per year as part of the training experience, pending supervisory and administrative approval, in addition to the completion of the appropriate paperwork. Domestic travel requests must be submitted to the sponsoring Office at least 45 days prior to the anticipated start date of the meeting. Foreign travel requests must be submitted to the sponsoring Office at least 60 days prior to the anticipated start date of the meeting. Decisions to send fellows to scientific meetings beyond this limit should be balanced with time, available resources, and adequate data to present, as well as pre-approval by the appropriate supervisory and administrative staff. See Office/Division administrative staff for appropriate forms (Travel Authorization Request — TAR) and approval process.

9) If an ORISE fellow is approved to travel to a meeting, can the registration and airfare be pre-paid before the actual meeting?

Yes. ORISE fellows can request on the TAR that ORISE purchase airfare and pay for the registration fee, in advance of the actual meeting. (See Office/Division administrative staff for TAR form)

Yes. When a Travel Authorization Request (TAR) for an ORISE fellow is submitted prior to the travel, the fellow can request that ORISE pays for the airfare and registration fee in advance. To prompt airfare payment in advance, indicate "YES" on the "Airfare to be Reserved by ORAU/ORISE" line of the TAR. To prompt registration fee payment in advance, indicate "YES" on the "Registration Fee Prepaid by ORAU/ORISE" line on the TAR. A Travel/cash advance may also be requested on the TAR for the entire Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE). An example of "IE" would be a tip for the waiter or the taxi driver. ORISE does not pay the hotel cost upfront.

The following is a brief description of how to request and calculate the Travel/cash advance:

Depending on your Office/Division's procedure for completing the TAR, you or your administrative staff can request advance for the entire M&IE by indicating "YES" on the "Travel Advance (per diem only)" line on the TAR. This will prompt the cash advance. You can determine the amount for the cash advance based on your total M&IE. Please be reminded that the ORISE Program follows the M&IE structure set by the General Services Administration (GSA). You can find the M&IE for your destination on this site: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287 The first and last calendar day of travel is calculated at 75% of the M&IE.

For example, if your travel is from May 2-4, 2012 and the Per Diem for your destination is $71, your M&IE will be as follows:

May 2-75% of M&IE of $71 = $53.25 May 3-100% of M&IE = $71 May 4-75% of M&IE of $71 = $53.25

Total M&IE Travel/cash advance for this trip is $177.50.

Note: The Travel/cash advance will be directly deposited into your account approximately 10 business days prior to your departure. If you receive a cash advance and your trip is cancelled or the cost is less than estimated you will be required to return the advance to ORISE.

(See Office/Division administrative staff for TAR form)

10) Can other expenses incurred while on travel be reimbursed (e.g., ground transportation), once the ORISE fellow returns from the meeting?

Yes. When the fellow returns from his/her trip, the fellow submits a Travel Expense Statement (TES) to be reimbursed for actual costs incurred, such as lodging (hotel expense), as well as other costs (e.g., ground transportation). (See Office/Division administrative staff for TES form)

11) What are the regulations for printing or copying services, including printing a scientific poster?

When an ORISE fellow is in need of printing or copying services that are related to the appointment (e.g., scientific poster for a meeting), an ORISE Printing and Copying Request form must be completed and approved by the appropriate Office/Division staff, and then submitted by Office/Division Administrative staff to the Center ADR Office for approval. Once approved by the Center ADR Office, the form is sent to the Office of Management/Division of Acquisition and Budget Resources (OM/DABR) for budget approval. The OM/DABR contact [Daytona Philpotts 301-796-6488] will send the approved form back to the Office/Administrative staff notifying them that the fellow may contact ORAU to obtain next steps to complete the printing or copying request (contact information found on Printing and Copying Request form)

12) Can an ORISE fellow apply for and/or receive outside funding (i.e., grants, fellowships)?

ORISE fellows may apply for fellowships (e.g. American Heart Association Fellowship) to support their salary and training. However, due to CBER policy and administrative restrictions ORISE fellows may not apply for or receive outside grant funding in their own name.

13) Do ORISE fellows need health/medical insurance coverage during their appointment?

Yes. All ORISE fellows must have, and demonstrate proof of health/medical insurance coverage as one of the conditions of the appointment.  

Resources For You

• Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Participation Training Program for CBER
• Jobs at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)

ORISE Q&As: Resources for Research Fellows

What are the guidelines for travel, are there funds for obtaining books and articles, is standard research software available on our computers, is there access to phone/printer/photocopy/office supplies, will i be able to have business cards, will my office space be near my mentor or with other fellows, where can i find out about developmental opportunities such as cdc seminars, conferences, and work-groups, where can i learn about courses at cdc and emory, how are fellows reimbursed for training fees, conference registration fees, or tuition, what travel services does orise provide.

Branch Chiefs grant approval for travel. Expect 1 or 2 professional trips per year for your advancement (presentations at conferences, training workshops). Your mentor will assist you in determining which trips would be most advantageous. In addition, the trips that directly relate to your specific project will be covered by CDC subject to availability of funds.

Limited funds are available for the purchase of books. Books that are purchased become the property of CDC. CDC has a literature search service that will provide fellows with copies of requested articles free of charge.

Available software includes Adobe Acrobat, Word 2013, Outlook, CDC Intranet, CDC computer support, Internet Explorer, Excel 2013, Cisco IPTV Viewer, Windows Media Player, PowerPoint 2010, and PKZIP for Windows. Statistical and other software can be made available upon request.

Fellows may purchase their own business cards.

Branch chiefs will do their best to provide office space that is close to your mentor.

The CDC website contains much of this information. In addition, you will receive regular email updates about upcoming seminars and other educational activities.

The Emory University Internet site lists Emory University courses. The CDC intranet lists CDC courses. See the CDC website for Fellowship, Internships, and Learning Opportunities.

ORISE has travel agents who handle reservations for airline, hotel, rental cars, etc. Travel forms are available from ORISE. Approval by your mentor and fellowship director is required before submission of these forms. The forms are available on the ORISE Web site . From the home page, select “Current Research Participant,” then select “Forms.”

ORISE has travel agents who handle reservations for airline, hotel, rental cars, etc. Travel forms are available from ORISE. Approval by your mentor and fellowship director is required before submission of these forms. The forms are available on the ORISE Web site . From the home page, select “Current Research Participant,” then select “Forms.

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Answer: Use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login. You will receive an email containing your username.

Question: What do I need to submit an application?

Answer: Typically, applicants are required to submit a resume or CV, an official copy of their transcripts or academic record, and a minimum of two references at the time they apply. Additional requirements such as a writing sample, thesis or dissertation, etc. may be required. Review the opportunity details for additional information about the requirements for applying for an opportunity.

Question: Where do I upload my transcripts?

Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload your transcript as a part of the application process.

Question: Where do I submit a writing sample?

Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload a writing sample as part of the application process.

Question: Can a family member serve as a reference?

Answer: No; family members may not serve as references. References must be able to speak to your educational and/or professional experience. At least one academic reference is preferred.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about corporate participant travel

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How do I request to go on travel?

To complete a travel request, log into Zintellect and click View Travel on your participant dashboard. Next, click on Go to Concur in the top right corner of the page. The Concur travel system will open, where you can complete and submit your travel request.

Can I take personal travel in combination with business travel?

Yes, however the primary purpose of the travel must be business related and personal travel must be incidental to the business requirement. Expenses for lodging, M&IE and other associated travel costs will not be reimbursed for locations other than the city of business. More information about personal travel can be found here .

Can I purchase my own airfare for domestic travel?

Yes, you can purchase your own airfare for domestic travel, but you must be sure to follow all Federal government regulations. If appropriate regulations are not followed when purchasing your own airline ticket, you may risk not being reimbursed for the cost of your ticket. We recommend that you book domestic travel reservations using the Online Booking Tool in Concur’s Travel Module. However, ORAU’s contracted travel agency, Travel Leaders Corporate (TLC), can also make your airline reservations for you. Regardless of which option your choose to purchase your domestic airline ticket, you will still need to enter the estimated cost of the airline ticket on your travel request to account for the cost of airfare in your total travel estimate.

Can I purchase my own airfare for foreign travel?

No, ORAU’s contracted Travel Agency, TLC, MUST purchase all airfare for foreign trips in order to ensure compliance with the Fly America Act. If you purchase your own ticket, you are taking the risk that the cost many not be reimbursed.

Where do I find per diem rates?

Domestic travel per diem rates and meal breakdowns to deduct any meals that are provided while on travel can be found on the GSA websites linked below.

• Domestic M&IE Rates
• Domestic M&IE Breakdown

Can I make my own rental car reservation?

Yes. However, we encourage you to book your rental vehicle reservation in the Concur Travel System. Reserving a rental car through ORAU allows you to obtain discounted rates plus Driver Protection and Liability Insurance that is provided to ORAU (this is only available at no additional cost for vehicles rented in the US and Puerto Rico).

Can I be reimbursed for insurance added to a rental car?

No. Insurance costs are not reimbursable. For more information about rental cars and their associated fees/add-ons please visit this link .

Can I be reimbursed for baggage fees?

Yes, baggage fees are reimbursable if the airline carrier charges for checking the first bag or for a carry-on bag. Some carriers will not charge for the first bag, but will charge for each additional checked bag. If an adequate business reason is provided in the comment field on the travel expense report, ORAU will reimburse you for additional baggage charges (for example, the second bag contained meeting materials or an additional bag was needed due to length of trip).

Most airline carriers have a weight and size limit per bag, and there is an additional charge for each bag over the limit. You are is responsible for checking with the airline(s) prior to departure to determine the baggage charges, weight limits on baggage, and other charges that may be imposed at check-in. These additional charges will only be reimbursed if there is a sufficient business need to support the cost.

How do I request reimbursement for my travel expenses?

To request reimbursement for your travel expenses, log in to Zintellect and click View Travel on your participant dashboard. Next, click Go to Concu r in the top right corner of the page. The Concur travel system will open. To start a new Expense report, click on Requests in the header and select/click the trip you wish to create an Expense for. Click the Create Expense Report button and from there you can complete the Expense Report.

What is the deadline for submitting my travel expense report?

Within ten (10) business days after the return date of your trip.

How long will it take to get my travel reimbursement?

Once your Expense Report is approved, you should receive reimbursement for your travel expenses in approximately 10 business days.

How do I request a cash advance?

A cash advance can be requested on the travel request in Concur.

If I pay for my own conference registration fee, can I be reimbursed prior to the start of my trip?

You can request an advance reimbursement on the travel request form, and once you trip is approved we can issue the payment to you to cover the cost of the registration fee. Please keep in mind, that the receipt for the registration payment will be required as part of your travel expense report after your trip ends.

Why are there discrepancies in the expense report that I submitted and the total amount of my reimbursement?

All expense reports are audited and reimbursement amounts are adjusted as needed according to the ORAU Travel Policy. The most common errors on expense reports are miscalculations of per diem, missing receipts, and unallowable costs. You will receive a copy of the final expense report, and if you have questions you can contact ORAU Travel Center .

Can I drive my personal vehicle instead of flying or renting a car?

Yes, however restrictions apply. A cost comparison must be  by your program point of contact in advance of travel if you elect to drive your personal vehicle more than 350 miles one-way. A cost comparison is not needed if a justification exists for the use of a POV in lieu of air travel. For example, you are hosting a seminar that requires transporting boxes of training materials. More information can be found in the Personally Owned Vehicle section of the site here .

Can I use Airbnb or VRBO?

No, Airbnb and VRBO are not approved lodging options. Any cost associated with reserving or lodging at an Airbnb or VRBO facility is unallowable and will not be reimbursed.

Contact ORISE Travel Central

Mailing address.

Travel Central P.O. Box 117, MS-36 Oak Ridge, TN 37831

(865) 576-6500

Travel Central

Hours of Operation

Travel Central is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST .

If your travel reservations were made by TLC, they can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 403-1983 or   [email protected] .

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.