highway travel and tourism

Highway Travel & Tourism

Highway travel & tourism llc.

Highway Travel and Tourism is an IATA accredited full-service travel agency based in Dubai that provides both leisure and corporate travel management services. The company was founded in 2010, an experienced expert in the travel and tourism management field, to provide the best quality services to our customers. We have spread our distribution network through the opening of the Highway Travel and Tourism Shenzhen, China. For 12 years, Highway Travel and Tourism has been providing an unrivalled full spectrum of business and leisure travel services that our satisfied customers will certainly attest to. We pride ourselves in providing world class service in the regions we operate. Highway Travel and Tourism was incorporated in 2010 and has received numerous awards and recognitions since date. Our concept is to provide sincere services to our customers. To welcome guests all around the world and by doing so, to treat the whole world.

We have been growing up from only 4 members to a fully-fledged destination management service. The High Way Group owns 13 departments with a total of 550 staff and 18 subsidiaries. The departments are High way holiday, Operations department, Tour guide department, Transportation department, Desert safari camp, Liwa boat, Quality Control department, Reservations department, Purchasing department, Media department, HR department, Accounts department, IT department. Subsidiaries are UGODUBAI, Desert Safari, Index Group, Heritage Home, Big star, Yushanfang, Tour Guide Service, Yu Mingyuan, General Trading. Currently we provide services to around hundred thousand guests per year.

Our Services

We committed to providing more perfect services and excellent quality to tourists

Air Tickets

Branch information

DESERT EXPRESS

HERITAGE HOME

INDEX GROUP

Tourguide service company.

• BASTAKI TOUR GUIDE SERVICES LLC
• TRIP ADVISER TOUR GUIDE SERVICES LLC
• TOUR ADVISER TOUR GUIDE SERVICES LLC

• Index Asset Investment LLC
• Index Transport LLC
• Index Auto Maintenance & Repairing LLC

INDEX offers reliable and cost-effective transportation services to its customers, enabling them to focus on their core business rather than worrying about their transportation needs.We strive to achieve our mission of becoming the best Transport services  in Dubai. The Index Auto Maintenance to keep our customers, team members, partners, communities and manufacturers happy and satisfied. Being the best auto service provider in Dubai is our dream that will go a long way towards serving our customers satisfactorily. We never compromise on quality as we value our integrity and credibility.

TRADING COMPANY

• BASTAKI INTERNATIONAL GENERAL TRADING L.L.C
• BASTAKIA HERITAGE GENERAL TRADING L.L.C
• ZIMILA GENERAL TRADING L.L.C
• ROYAL CAMEL GENERAL TRADING L.L.C

Trading company operates four stores

• Dragon Mart AB crafts shop. 
• AL BOOM shopping store.
• Golden Street ZIMILA specialty store.
• Royal Camel Milk Culture Industrial Park.

BASTAKI INTERNATIONAL TOURISM LLC

www.ugodubai.com this is the first B2B website which pays a specialized focus on UAE excursion products, the company is belong to BASTAKI group; As a first UAE professional website about local resources, we catered to provide the most comprehensive , the best quality, the most welcome services to all our customers. Here you can check and make reservation all the travel related products. From the October of 2014 this platform settled, February of 2015 the IT design completed, April of 2015 sign the contact with C.trip, then from May this website start to open for the public.

• DESERT EXPRESS TOURISM LLC

• YU SHAN FANG RESTAURANT
• WAHAT ALMARAA RESTAURANT

Officially opened on September 19, 2015, business license number: WLG03, located at the entrance of YAS shopping mall in Abu Dhabi, downstairs of Ferrari Park, the signature dish is the court Royal Beijing Peking Duck. The main reception of group meals, and it can reach an average daily reception of 1,000 people.

The Wahat almaraa Restaurant opened in February 2018 and is located in the tourist village of AL BOOM. The main reception of tour group meals, the average monthly visitor traffic to reach 15,000 people. 20,000 people in the peak season.

Sep. 14th become the membership of IATA.

Set up desert safari team.

Set up media department on May; TOUR PLUS was founded on September; Start to use our own interior system from December.

BASTAKI INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT L.L.C was founded on March

Yu Ming Yuan (BASTAKI INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT&COFFEE SHOP LLC)start to open on March; BIG STAR AUTOS MAINTENANCE start to open on April; UGODUBAI(BASTAKI INTERNATIONAL TOURISM LLC) was launched on May Yu Shan Fang restaurant start welcome guests on Sep 19th .

Build MICE Team on March 1st; Hold MEET CHINA conference with NPI on Sep. 3rd

DTCM start to have lessons in Chinese from March, the teacher is High way travel & tourism safari camp start to open on March 9th; Liwa Boat starts to work on March 12th;Hold China UAE Tourism Conference with TCA on May 1st in Emirates Palace. Our ticketing department named as: High Way Holiday from May TRIP ADVISER TOUR GUIDE SERVICE L.L.C was launched on Aug. TOUR ADVISER TOUR GUIDE SERVICE L.L.C was launched on Sep.

WAHAT ALMARAA RESTAURANT was opened on Feb. Set up UBANG VIP team DESERT EXPRESS TOURISM was established and the scale of the sand camp was expanded.

Our Rewards

• DUSIT THANI Best Partner
• ATLANTIS THE PALM BEST PARTNER
• ATLANTIS THE PALM Contribution
• CHINA AIR SILVER AWARD
• RADISSON BLU BEST PARTNER
• Ferrari Best Partner
• Ferrari Sales Gold
• TRAVEL PORT Best Partner
• Yutong Best Contribution
• Best Sales Award of Sichuan Airlines
• Millennium Hotel Best Partner
• ALOFT Best Partner
• Yas Island Best Partner Award for China & East Asia
• Yas Governor Hotel Sales 1st Prize
• Special Tourism Best Partner
• Sichuan Airlines Annual Best Sales
• THAI Celebrates 40th Anniversary in Dubai, Special Support
• Abu Dhabi Yas Water World Best Sales Award in China Market
• Phoenix Holiday 15th Anniversary Excellent Partner
• China Southern Airlines Best Partner
• Crazy WADI Water Park Appreciation Letter

Our Partner

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• Free Newsletter
• Brain Health
• Cancer Research
• Diet Studies
• Environment News
• Historical Research
• Longer Life News
• Parenting Research
• Weight Loss Studies

© 2024 41 Pushups, LLC

What Are The 7 Best Road Trip Activities To Bust Boredom?

Taking a road trip with your kids, family, or friends is great – once you arrive at your destination. All that boring time spent driving in the car can make you regret the decision to load up the family van and drive halfway across the country. To help take some of the stress out of your next spring break or holiday getaway, we put together some of the best things to do on a road trip. Have no fear, these boredom-busting activities are sure to help put some happiness and fun back into your family road trips, or at least make them bearable for everyone to enjoy until you reach the destination and the real fun begins.

Speaking of taking road trips, a recent survey found that 67 percent of Americans prefer spontaneous road trips over planned road trips. Why not liven up the driving portion of the trip and make it one of the highlights of your next summer vacation? Which activities do travelers recommend to help liven up your road trips? StudyFinds did some digging, consulting 10 tourism and travel websites to bring you some of the best things to do on a road trip. Our list comprises the seven most frequently listed activities from across these sites. Do you know of some creative and fun activities to help pass the time on a road trip? Feel free to share them with everyone in the comments section below!

The List: Best Things to do on a Road Trip, According to Travelers

1. listen to podcasts.

The list of the best things to do on a road trip starts with enjoying your favorite podcasts or discovering new podcasts . There are millions of podcasts out there, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Of course, you’ll want these to be age-appropriate for your younger travel companions, but there are lots of fun podcasts that you and your family can enjoy together. There’s no better time to catch up on your favorite podcasts than during a long road trip, notes SIXT .

If you need some suggestions for podcasts, a quick search will reveal hundreds of podcasts in your desired niche . As PureWow says, podcasts are a great way to keep your group entertained as you blast down the road toward your destination. From the hilarious to the educational, there’s a podcast out there that will keep you laughing, learning, or engaged.

Downloading a few episodes of your favorite podcasts ahead of time will save you from the headache associated with blind spots or dead spots along your journey, adds Camplify . You’re sure to find funny, entertaining, or educational podcasts that you and your passengers will love. A good podcast can also help stimulate conversation, keeping you and your passengers engaged and alert during the driving portion of your trip.

2. Audiobooks

The next activity to keep you entertained on a road trip is listening to an audiobook. Listening to an audiobook is one of the best ways to keep yourself entertained on those long, solo road trips, writes Live a Wilder Life . If you’re planning to travel alone, listening to an an audiobook will help those hours pass seamlessly.

Depending on the length of your drive, an audiobook will burn many hours of driving time , explains Here Here . A great way to choose the perfect audiobook is to match the book with your destination . For example, if you’re heading to a National Park , listen to an adventure book set in the area. If you’re traveling to the beach or the coastal regions of America, listen to an audiobook about pirates or sailing, and so on. If you have a favorite book you’d like to introduce your kids to, then a road trip is the perfect time to break out the classics and engage your children.

Matching the audiobook with your destination is a great way to get your group excited about your vacation and stimulate your brains in the process. Since a lot of people feel nauseous when reading books in the car, an audiobook is a great way to keep your trip educational and entertaining without risking an accident, explains Love Panky . Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, chances are you can find a great audiobook that everyone will enjoy. Be sure to download the book ahead of time so your story time isn’t impacted by dead zones along the way.

3. Play a Travel Game (i.e. 20 Questions, License Plate Game, ABC Game)

Gaming into the third spot on the list of the best things to do on road trips is travel games. Playing a travel game is a great way to stimulate your passengers and help pass the time as you cruise down the interstate on your way to a fun destination . There are all sorts of fun travel games you can play with your kids and family such as 20 Questions, the License Plate Game, and the ABC Game.

First, the ABC game . This fun game is great for kids of all ages and helps stimulate their brains during the summer months away from school and learning. As iMom explains, start with a topic such as animals, begin with the letter “A” and move through the alphabet. Each family member will name an animal that begins with the letter “A” and if you want to spice things up a bit, you can have each participant list the previously mentioned animals.

Twenty Questions is another fun, stimulating travel game that helps pass the time. Start with a topic such as objects, sports, people, or celebrities, explains Live a Wilder Life . The first player will think of something in the topic’s range and the other participants get 20 questions to try and figure out what they’re thinking of. If after 20 questions no one has guessed correctly, the player wins. If someone does guess correctly, that person wins. It’s a great way to have some laughs and stimulate your kids’ social skills on a long drive.

Last, you can have a lot of fun and teach your kids about U.S. geography by playing the License Plate Game . As SIXT notes, start by creating a list of different states and have each participant cross off a state when they see that license plate on the highway. To make things a little easier, you can start by creating a list of the states around the region in which you’re traveling. For example, if you’re traveling around the southeast, create a list of states in that region. This will make it a little easier to check off all the states on your list and you can even use this opportunity to teach your kids more about U.S. geography.

4. Try Local Foods and Snacks

Munching into the fourth spot on the list of best things to do on a road trip is trying local foods and snacks. Eating is one of the quintessential road trip activities, but don’t just load up on greasy fast food, enjoy some local fare and explore various regional cuisines on your way to the vacation destination . As Freedom Not Fate suggests, try and buy a few snacks you’ve never heard of before. If you stop at a rest area or an interstate gas station, you can typically find local snacks and food at these places.

Many areas around America are known for their regional cuisine and food is a great way to explore other cultures and learn more about various regions of the country, notes SIXT . But, don’t just swing through and pick something up to take with you. Stop, go inside, and sit down to eat at a local restaurant . This not only helps break up your trip, but it’s a great way to meet some locals, learn about an area, and discover fun activities you might not otherwise know about .

As Camplify suggests, you should try snacks and foods you’ve never heard of before, or at least have never tried. Trying new things on your vacation will contribute to an overall refreshing experience and help reinvigorate your zest for life – as vacations should. You never know what types of new foods you might enjoy and you can even take the experience one step further by journaling your food experiences. Create memories, try new things, and have fun, that’s what vacationing, traveling, and exploring are all about.

5. Create a Travel Journal

Speaking of logging your travel experiences, the next activity on the list of the best things to do on road trips is creating a travel journal. Travel journals are a great way to chronicle your travels and create lasting memories you can look back on later in life. While flying and air travel is stressful and costly, road trips are the perfect way to enjoy the journey. As Here Here notes, saving memories along the way is a must. Whether you take photos, videos, write blog posts, or all of the above , chronicle your trip so you and your kids can look back on the great memories you made on the road.

However, if reading and writing in the car make you sick (like it does a lot of people), then you can journal in between stops, explains Varied Lands . Not only will your future self thank you for preserving the memories, but it’s a fun and thrilling way to pass the time as you travel. You can start by taking pictures or videos of various roadside attractions , city signs, and rest stops and put words to them later when you’re not driving and at risk of getting car sick.

Fortunately, modern technology is geared toward documenting the “human experience,” so there are plenty of apps and software you can use to create a stellar travel journal. As Escape Camper Vans explains, creating a travel journal is a great road trip activity for the drive home from vacation when everyone’s excitement for the road has faded. Relive key moments from your vacation by sifting through pictures and videos and creating journal entries from those. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can begin putting together photo books (Google Photos is great for this) or family blog posts as you make your way home, getting those experiences documented while it’s all still fresh in your mind.

6. Learn a Language

Parsing into the sixth spot on the list of the top road trip activities is learning a new language. Of course, you probably won’t be able to learn to speak fluent French during an eight-hour road trip, but you can at least get started. If your road trip is long enough, you might be able to make decent progress and stimulate your brain in the process, notes SIXT . All you need to do is find a language learning program that fits your needs and you’re all set to hit the road and start learning.

As PureWow explains, road trips are a great opportunity to enhance your kids’ knowledge as well as your own. If your kids are learning a language at school, take this opportunity to review what they’ve learned and maybe teach them a few new words so they can stay ahead of the curve. Again, there are tons of language apps and learning software available to help you get started. Download a couple of apps beforehand to see which ones might be best for you and your family.

Long road trips provide a great opportunity to learn those new things you’ve been putting off and stimulate your kids along the way. Learning a new language checks both boxes and goes a long way in bonding with your kids. If you’re planning a future trip to a different country, then it’s a great chance to learn more about that culture and how to speak the language, notes Live a Wilder Life . Plus, you’ll also start creating excitement for your next family vacation – it’s a win-win.

Check out our list of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers here ! The easier the language, the more you will be able to master during your road trip.

7. Be Spontaneous

Rounding out the list of the best things to do on a road trip is being spontaneous. We get it, spontaneity is not for everyone, but many times, the best road trips are those when you just let the road take you somewhere, anywhere . Regardless of your plans or where you’re going, you can always find unique ways to be spontaneous and have fun in the process. Ditch the itinerary and make some lasting memories as you drive across the highways of America. Not sure how to be spontaneous on a road trip? Just get on the road and see what catches your eye, explains Love Panky . See an interesting attraction ? Take the exit. Come across a sign for a city or town you’ve always wanted to visit? Get off the highway and cruise through. The choices are endless, and creating fun memories is inevitable.

One of the best ways to enjoy a spontaneous road trip is by ditching the directions and cruising without worry. If you aren’t on a tight schedule, or a strapped budget , abandon the GPS and see if you can travel on your directional acumen, Varied Lands suggests. Spontaneous exploring is also a great way to find new and exciting places and activities that you didn’t know existed . It’s also an excellent way to expose your kids to new places, explore different areas, and let them see and learn about the “real” America – the one that lives behind those signs on the interstate. You might have to convince them to put down the devices first, but they’ll eventually be glad they picked their heads up and came off their screens.

If you really want to get adventurous without your GPS, steer clear of the major interstates and take the backroads or old U.S. highways , recommends Camplify . Whether you need to take a detour because of a traffic jam or you and your passengers are sick of the congested, boring, and sometimes dangerous interstates, straying off your phone’s recommended path is a fun way to keep your road trips fresh and exciting plus make lasting memories with your family. Just ensure the road you’re taking is safe and you’re heading in the right direction – then hit the gas and cruise.

Here’s a tip: odd-numbered interstates and U.S. highways travel north and south while even-numbered highways travel east and west, mostly. The number of the highway predominantly dictates the direction it runs. Don’t let yourself become a GPS drone or an interstate robot. Take a deep breath, relax, get off at the next exit, and start exploring America the way it was meant.

• Escape Camper Vans
• Freedom Not Fate
• Live a Wilder Life
• Varied Lands

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

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10 reasons road transport is so important

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Road transport is an integral part of the tourism system . Transporting goods and people, the importance of road transport cannot be underestimated! Whether for the purpose of tourism, or otherwise, there is no doubt about it, that road transport is super important. But why so?

In this article I will tell give you an overview of the road transportation industry and its place within the wider transportation sector. I will also tell you all about the importance of road transport.

What is road transportation?

The history of roads, private transportation , public transport, the importance of road transport, the use of roads in transporting goods, the use of roads in transporting people, the negatives of road transport, the importance of road transport: to conclude.

Put simply, road transport is the movement of people or goods via road.

Many countries require licenses and safety regulations for road transportation, and road networks are a great way of linking different areas.

The importance of road transport is huge. It is a vital way of connecting people, and moving goods.

Roads have existed as long as humanity has.

In the early days, humans carrying goods from A to B created earth tracks. Where there was heavy traffic (more people walking between certain points) these tracks became more defined.

These were, in essence, the first roads.

Trade increased and animals such as donkeys, horses and oxen were domesticated to carry goods, so these tracks were widened to allow for animal traffic.

In the 4th or 5th millennium BC, wheeled vehicles drawn by animals were introduced.

Historians have found that they were most likely developed in the Ancient Near East at this time, spreading to Europe and India shortly after and to China a while later.

Wheeled transport meant that wider (and better) roads were needed. Natural materials weren’t great for this, and evidence suggests that the first paved streets were built in 4000 BC in Ur, a Sumerian city-state in ancient Mesopotamia.

‘Corduroy roads’ – essentially just logs laid over a swampy area – were built in Glastonbury, UK a few hundred years later.

Around the same time, brick-paved roads were built in the Indus Valley Civilisation.

With the creation of the Roman Empire, even better roads were required .

The Romans needed roads that weren’t constantly muddy for their armies to trade quickly and safely.

They replaced the existing roads with new and improved ones, introducing the use of deep roadbeds. These were made of crushed stone and this bottom layer meant that water could flow through when it rained rather than turning to mud and slowing the armies down.

Some of these original Roman roads are still used today!

Roman road designs were used elsewhere too. They were also adapted; additional layers were used to stop the dust and drag from wheels and, in the 8th century, the first tar-paved roads were created in Baghdad, Iraq .

In England in 1656, toll roads were introduced.

Generally, roads were (and are) better in cities than they are in suburban or countryside areas.

Types of road transport

There rare varying types of road transport. Just like there are different types of tourism organisations , there are different types of transport.

From private transportation such as cars, bicycles and motorbikes to public transport such as buses and coaches, there are many different ways to travel via road.

Over 77% of households in the UK own a car.

Because most car-owning households have multiple people living there, 81% of the population actually have access to a car.

This allows for freedom and independence when it comes to accessing schools, shops, leisure facilities, medical centres and more.

The same goes for bicycles, scooters and motorbikes. The freedom they allow cannot be underestimated – this highlights the importance of road transport.

Taxis fall in the middle of private and public transport – essentially they are cars, so they are technically a form of private transport. They allow for private booking, so you can get from A to B if you do not own a car, or if you do not want to drive to/from a particular place.

Buses are the most popular form of public road transport.

Since 1985, bus services in the UK have been owned and overseen by private bodies. In America, however, buses are publicly funded.

Running on a timetable, buses allow for citizens to travel within towns and nearby cities. This means that people who do not have access to a car can easily connect with areas outside of their immediate vicinity, and it is often more affordable to do so.

Public transport reduces congestion, and bus lanes means that you won’t get stuck in traffic on your way to an important meeting!

Coaches are another form of public transportation.

Coaches are similar to buses but tend to be reserved for either hired local travel (such as school trips) or for long-distance travel between major cities. Coach travel is often much more affordable than train travel.

Road transport is important for so many reasons.

Roads are a primary method of transportation, used daily all around the world to transport people and cargo.

There are different types of roads for different needs, and each play an important part in general transportation.

The importance of road transportation comes from the ease with which they allow people to get from one place to another for a variety of purposes.

Roads make a huge contribution to economic development, and bring important social benefits too.

Roads allow people to travel for employment and leisure purposes – commuting to their job, visiting friends or accessing a town or city for shopping, eating out, and other entertainment. This has positive economic and social impacts.

Without roads, movement of people would be much more difficult. It is difficult for a nation to grow and develop without roads. They take children to school, they transport produce, they allow for easy movement between different areas which is important in terms of widening culture and more.

The importance of road transport is significant when it comes to transporting goods.

Whether it’s moving produce from farms to supermarkets, or delivering your latest Amazon order, roads are incredibly important.

Fast food can be delivered via roads, and haulage companies use trucks to transport goods between warehouses and shops.

If there were no roads, and therefore nowhere for trucks and vans to travel, it would take much longer for products to get from A to B.

In the era of instant (or near-instant) gratification, it is absolutely vital that were able to quickly and easily transport goods.

When it comes to people, the importance of road transport cannot be underestimated.

Thanks to roads, we have been able to create a network that allows people to move freely between different areas. Those who live in could-be secluded areas, such as farms or in the countryside, are able to access towns and cities.

This is important as it allows them to trade, work and enjoy entertainment.

The economic and social impact of roads on society is huge.

Roads allow children to access schools and therefore become well-educated, and they allow sick people to access medical care.

The list is endless, and roads truly do provide an important infrastructure in terms of local and world economy.

Roads allow for inter-city travel. For example, you can travel by coach to and from different cities, for cultural gain and also for leisure.

If you wanted to take a staycation in your home country, it is likely that you would use road transport for this.

And not forgetting road trips , which make for fantastic adventures!

But even to travel further afield, roads are vitally important. To access train stations, ferry terminals and airports, you must first travel by road.

Roads ensure that people are not isolated and, to an extent, have freedom of movement.

As is common with any great system, there are also negatives. The importance of road transport is huge, but roads do come with problems.

Roads are bad for the environment. This is largely because they cut through animal habitat. Once a road is built, it often kills off some (if not all) animal life in the area around the road. It acts as a physical boundary, so animal life that needs large territory to roam dies off.

There are over 30,000 miles of road in the Amazon Rainforest , for example, which is a huge factor in the deforestation levels. This can be devastating for wildlife and the ecosystem.

Roads also indirectly cause pollution.

The more roads there are, the more cars and other types of road transportation that are in use at any one time.

This is harmful to public health and the environment itself. Research shows that areas with fewer roads, and roads that see less traffic, have better air quality levels.

Road transport can cause accidents. For example, cars are the largest cause of injury-related deaths worldwide. And of course, these accidents occur on the roads for the most part.

So while the importance of road transport cannot be ignored, it is necessary to consider the negative impacts of road transportation too.

As you can see, there are a plethora of reasons as to why road transport is so important. Both within the tourism industry and for life in general, we need roads to give us the freedoms required to enjoy life as we know it. Good road infrastructure enables us to maximise our social and economic opportunities; providing access to vital products and services that we need as human beings.

If you enjoyed this article about the importance of road transport, I am sure you will enjoy these too:

• Which countries are using the Euro? + 8 Interesting facts about the Euro!
• The Fascinating History of Water Transport
• What does a travel agency do?
• 23 Types of Water Transport To Keep You Afloat
• 20 Types of Aircraft- The Past, Present + Future Of Air Travel

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The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: Where to Stop, What to Do, and More

Discover Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Sioux Falls, and more on a road trip through South Dakota.

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

South Dakota was made for road trips : There are scenic, paved roads that lead to national treasures, natural anomalies , perfectly preserved Wild West towns, and plenty of quirky attractions. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, this Midwest state delivers. Read on for the ultimate South Dakota road trip itinerary, including where to stop, what to do, and more.

Sioux Falls

The state's largest city and likely the place where you'd fly into, Sioux Falls is the logical starting point for a South Dakota road trip. If you're driving west, follow this route, but if you're heading east or flying into Rapid City on the western side of the state, flip it. Sioux Falls is an ever-growing and extremely walkable city with lots of incredible food options. Stay at the Hotel on Phillips for an example of the posh direction the city is headed. After checking in and exploring the nearby falls the city is famously named after, grab a happy hour drink on the PAve rooftop. Phillips Avenue Diner or Crave are the best spots for dinner, and make sure to enjoy a cocktail at The Treasury , an upscale bar conveniently located back at the Hotel on Phillips.

Must-see Stop: About an hour outside Sioux Falls, stop by the world's only Corn Palace in Mitchell, established in 1892 as a premier roadside attraction, for a look at the famous murals and a photo-op with a giant smiling ear of corn.

Wall Drug Store

Located just outside Badlands National Park and about four hours from Sioux Falls, this massive, 76,000-square-foot roadside attraction started from humble beginnings, with just the promise of free ice water to entice passersby. Now, there are signs lining hundreds of miles of highway and displaying the many offerings of the beloved shop. Wall Drug Store now sports giant dinosaur and jackalope statues, ample souvenirs, a shopping mall, an art gallery, a restaurant serving delicious homemade doughnuts, and, of course, free ice water for the roughly 20,000 people who stop in every day.

Badlands National Park

The surreal landscapes of Badlands National Park alone are worth the drive to South Dakota. From the rolling hills of the prairie lands protrude jagged spires that quickly expand to the horizon. The formations look like they could crumble with the slightest touch, but fear not, as they are solid and very fun to climb for all ages. Check into a cabin at the Cedar Pass Lodge for a night or two, and watch the sunset. The next morning, continue driving along the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway to glimpse wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.

Deadwood and Rapid City

Make Rapid City your base for exploring Deadwood and the surrounding area, as the city provides hub-and-spoke-like accessibility to many of the places on this list. About a 45-minute drive from Rapid City, take a step back in time in historic Deadwood, with its Old West-style main street full of boutiques, restaurants, and charm — and yes, this is where the HBO series Deadwood was based and where you can visit the graves of Wild West heroes like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane at Mount Moriah Cemetery. After role-playing as Billy the Kid, head to the Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City for the night. The city is set among the Black Hills, and the downtown area is a treat to wander through. The hotel's rooftop restaurant and bar, Vertex Sky Bar , is a nice spot for dinner. Another delicious spot is Murphy's Pub & Grill .

Must-see Stop: If you'll be spending a day or two in Rapid City, swing by Main Street Square , a public space that's home to family-friendly festivals, live music, a splash park in summer, and a rocking ice skating rink in winter. The Journey Museum & Learning Center is also worth a look, with exhibits highlighting the area's Native American culture and history as well as the Black Hills' dinosaur days.

Custer State Park

Leave early in the morning to enjoy the fresh pine air of Custer State Park , where herds of roaming bison regularly cause traffic jams (if this happens to you, just keep your distance, stay in your car, and get those cameras ready). Head to Blue Bell Lodge for a perfect few hours of horseback riding through fields of flowers and trickling streams in the surrounding forests. Then, grab a bite at the lodge's restaurant before heading to picturesque Sylvan Lake. After an afternoon of water activities, drive to Custer for a pint and dinner at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company and Pounding Fathers Restaurant (open seasonally). Finally, cap off the day with some much-deserved shut-eye at Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins .

Must-see Stop: If time allows and you're heading from Custer up toward Mount Rushmore, make time to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial , an impressive monument carved into the side of a mountain that's dedicated to the life and story of the famous Oglala Lakota chief. Stop by the on-site museum to learn more about the area's rich Indigenous American history and culture, then snap some photos of the massive (and still-under-construction) mountain sculpture.

Mount Rushmore

On day four, it's finally time to see the Founding Fathers' faces carved into the mountain — the enormity of the sculpture is truly a sight to see. Under Canvas has set up camp near Mount Rushmore National Memorial (seasonally from early May to late September), so you can enjoy luxury tented accommodations that evening, along with on-site dining and camping activities.

Needles Highway

The last day brings a scenic, 14-mile drive along giant granite spires. On this drive, there will be breakneck turns, hand-carved tunnels, and vistas that will instill the wonder of South Dakota and solidify the past five days of incredible adventure in your memory forever. Continue your road trip through Wyoming, Utah, and Montana, or stop here — the choice is up to you.

The Geography of Transport Systems

The spatial organization of transportation and mobility

B.7 – Tourism and Transport

Author: dr. jean-paul rodrigue.

Tourism, as an economic activity, relies on transportation to bring tourists to destinations, and transportation can be part of the touristic experience.

1. The Emergence of the Tourism Industry

Since the 1970s where tourism became increasingly affordable, the number of international tourists has more than doubled . The expansion of international tourism has a large impact on the discipline of transport geography since it links traffic generation, interactions at different scales (from the local to the global), and the related transportation modes and terminals. As of 2016, 1.2 billion international tourist receipts were accounted for, representing more than 10% of the global population. The industry is also a large employer accounting for 10% of all the global employment; 30 tourist visits are usually associated with one job. 30% of the global trade of services is accounted for by tourism. Tourism dominantly takes place in Europe and North America , but geographical diversification is taking place.

Traveling has always been an important feature, but its function has substantially evolved. Historically, travelers were explorers and merchants looking to learn about regions, potential markets and to find goods and resources. The risks and exoticism associated also attracted the elite that could afford the large expenses and the time required to travel to other remote destinations. Many wrote realistic and even imaginary travel accounts. As time moved on and as transportation became more reliable, traveling became a more mundane activity taking place in an organized environment; tourism. In the modern world, traveling is more centered around annual holidays and can be reasonably well predicted.

As an economic activity, tourism is characterized by a high demand level of elasticity. As transport costs are significant for international transportation, cost fluctuations strongly influence demand. Therefore, transport is a key element in the tourism industry. The demand in international and even national transport infrastructures implies a large number of people to be transported in an efficient, fast, and inexpensive manner. It requires heavy investments and complex organization. Well-organized terminals and planned schedules are essential in promoting adequate transportation facilities for tourists, notably since the industry is growing at a fast rate.

Transport is the cause and the effect of the growth of tourism. First, the improved facilities have incited tourism , and the expansion of tourism has prompted the development of transport infrastructure. Accessibility is the main function behind the basics of tourism transport. In order to access sought-after destinations, tourists have a range of transportation modes that are often used in a sequence. Air transport is the primary mode for international tourism, which usually entails travel over long distances. Growth rates of international air traffic are pegged to growth rates of international tourism.

Transport policies and national regulations can influence destinations available to tourists. One dimension concerns the openness to tourism through travel visa restrictions , which vary substantially depending on the countries of origin of tourists. Unsurprisingly, travelers from developed countries, particularly Europe, face the least restrictions, while travelers from developing countries face a much more stringent array of restrictions. Another dimension concerns the provision of infrastructure. If the public sector does not cope with the demand in terms of transport infrastructures, the tourist industry might be impaired in its development. However, land transport networks in various countries are designed to meet the needs of commercial movements that tourism requires.

Tourism usually contributes enough to the local economy that governments are more than willing to improve road networks or airport facilities, especially in locations with limited economic opportunities other than tourism. There are, however, significant differences in the amount of spending per type of mode, namely between cruise and air transport tourism. Cruise shipping tourism provides much less revenue than a tourist brought by air travel. A significant reason is that cruise lines are capturing as much tourism expenses within their ships as possible (food, beverages, entertainment, shopping) and have short port calls, often less than a day. Tourists arriving by air transport usually stay several days at the same location and use local amenities.

2. Means and Modes

Tourism uses all the standard transportation modes since travelers rely on existing passenger transport systems, from local transit systems to global air transportation.

• Car traveling is usually an independent transport conveyance where the traveler decides the route and the length of the trip. It is usually cheaper since road fees are not directly paid and provided as a public. It is the only transportation mode that does not require transfers, in the sense that the whole journey, from door to door can be achieved. Along major highway corridors, service activities such as restaurants, gas stations, and hotels have agglomerated to service the traffic, many of which touristic. Car transport is the dominant mode in world tourism (77% of all journeys), notably because of advantages such as flexibility, price, and independence. Tourists will often rent cars to journey within their destinations, which has triggered an active clustering of car rental companies adjacent to main transport terminals (airports, train stations) and touristic venues.
• Coach traveling uses the same road network as cars. Coaches are well suited for local mass tourism but can be perceived as a nuisance if in too large numbers since they require a large amount of parking space. They can be used for short duration local tours (hours) but also can be set for multi-days journeys where the coach is the conveyance moving tourists from one resort to another.
• Rail travel was the dominant form of passenger transport before the age of the automobile. The railway network usually reflects more the commercial needs of the national economy then holiday tourist flows which can make it a less preferred choice as a traveling mode. The railway systems of several countries, notably in Europe, have seen massive investments for long-distance routes and high-speed services. Due to the scenery or the amenities provided, rail transportation can also be a tourist destination in itself. Several short rail lines that no longer had commercial potential have been converted for tourism.
• Air transport is by far the most effective transport mode. Notably because of prices, only 12.5% of the tourists travel by plane, but for international travel, this share is around 40%. Air transport has revolutionized the geographical aspect of distances; the most remote areas can now be reached any journey around the world can be measured in terms of hours of traveling. Business travelers are among the biggest users of airline facilities, but low-cost air carriers have attracted a significant market segment mainly used for tourism.
• Cruises are mainly providing short sea journeys of about a week. Cruising has become a significant tourist industry. Cruise ships act as floating resorts where guests can enjoy amenities and entertainment while being transported along a chain of port calls. The international market for cruising was about 22.2 million tourists in 2015, which involves an annual growth rate above 7% since 1990. The main cruise markets are the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, with Alaska and Northern Europe fjords also popular during the summer season. This industry is characterized by a high level of market concentration with a few companies, such as Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises who account for about 70% of the market. The impacts of cruising on the local economy are mitigated as the strategy of cruising companies is to retain as much income as possible. This implies that tourists spend most of their money on the cruise ship itself (gift shops, entertainment, casinos, bars, etc.) or on-island facilities owned by cruise shipping companies.

3. Mass Tourism and Mass Transportation

Tourism transport can be divided into two categories:

• Independent means of travel ; controlled by individual tourists who book them on their own. This mainly involves the private automobile, but also mass conveyances that are booked to travel on an individual basis such as regularly scheduled flights, rail connections, ferries, and even cruises.
• Mass travel ; where tourists travel in organized groups. The most common form involves chartered buses and flights used for this single purpose.

When tourism was mainly for the elite, independent means of travel prevailed. However, the emergence of mass tourism and the significant revenue it provides for local economies required the setting of mass transportation systems and specialized firms such as travel agencies organizing travel on behalf of their customers. These firms were able to take advantage of their pricing power being able to negotiate large volumes of passengers for carriers and hotels. Some were even able to become air carriers, such as Thomas Cook Airlines and Air Transat, which are major charterers in their respective markets. Paradoxically, the growth of online travel booking services has favored the re-emergence of independent means of travel since an individual is able to book complex travel services, including transport and hotel accommodations. Thus, the segmentation of the travel industry is linked with the segmentation of the supporting transport systems.

The seasonality of tourism has an important impact on the use and allocation of transportation assets.

• Air transport has a notable seasonality where tourism results in variations in demand, summer being the peak season. Because of this seasonality and the high cost of acquiring additional assets to accommodate peak demand, the airline industry has pricing power during peak touristic demand. This also leads the seasonal charter services to pick up the potential unmet demand. During the winter, charterers focus on subtropical destinations (e.g. Caribbean, Mexico), while during the summer there is more a focus on the European market.
• Cruises also have a seasonality where many cruise lines are repositionning their assets according to variations in the destination preferences. During winter months, the Caribbean is an important destination market, while during the summer, destinations like the Mediterranean, Alaska, and Norway are more prevalent.

4. Covid-19 and its Impacts

Related topics.

• Air Transport
• Airport Terminals
• Transportation and Economic Development
• The Cruise Industry

Bibliography

• Graham, A. and F. Dobruszkes (eds) (2019) Air Transport – A Tourism Perspective, Amsterdam: Elsevier.
• World Economic Forum (2017) The travel & tourism competitiveness report 2017, World Economic Forum.

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Travel | Highway 1 road fix could save Big Sur summer…

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Travel | Highway 1 road fix could save Big Sur summer travel season

Caltrans to spend nearly $27 million to fix latest road failure.

BIG SUR — Just in time for summer travel, Caltrans will spend nearly $27 million to fix a section of Highway 1 in Big Sur after part of the road crumbled and fell into the ocean last month, agency officials said.

Caltrans anticipates completing the initial repair work to stabilize the edge of the scenic and precarious ribbon of highway south of the Rocky Creek Bridge by Memorial Day, May 27.

“We know how important Highway 1 is to the regional economy, especially during the summer, so we are working to reopen the roadway as quickly and safely as possible while at the same time making it more resilient to future extreme weather events,’’ said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares in a statement.

Traffic has been reduced to one lane since the the collapse Easter weekend. Entry into Big Sur is now limited to residents with valid identification and emergency workers only, and twice daily convoys on one lane of the highway allow locals to leave and return to Big Sur. One-way traffic will continue until road work is completed and the work has cleared safety inspections.hinders access to some of the most popular places in Big Sur.”]

But it seems people are already clamoring to get to Big Sur as an estimated 50 to 60 cars carrying tourists are turned around each day, officials said.

Once the roadway edge is stabilized, crews will install a temporary signal and open Highway 1 to unrestricted traffic using alternating one-way traffic control.

“It will be a big milestone when the temporary signals are placed,’’ said Caltrans District 5 spokesperson Kevin Drabinski.

In an aerial view, a car drives by a section of southbound Highway 1 that broke off and fell in the ocean at Rocky Creek Bridge on April 02, 2024 near Big Sur, California. A section of California's famed Highway 1 collapsed into the ocean following heavy rains over the weekend. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

In an aerial view, cars are escorted by a section of southbound Highway 1 that broke off and fell in the ocean at Rocky Creek Bridge on April 02, 2024 near Big Sur, California. A section of California's famed Highway 1 collapsed into the ocean following heavy rains over the weekend. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A hole is visible where a section of southbound Highway 1 broke off and fell in the ocean at Rocky Creek Bridge on April 02, 2024 near Big Sur, California. A section of California's famed Highway 1 collapsed into the ocean following heavy rains over the weekend. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

In an aerial view, workers make repairs to the roadway after a section of southbound Highway 1 broke off and fell in the ocean at Rocky Creek Bridge on April 02, 2024 near Big Sur, California. A section of California's famed Highway 1 collapsed into the ocean following heavy rains over the weekend. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Cones mark a break in the southbound lane of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Bridge in Big Sur, Calif., Monday, April 1, 2024, following an Easter weekend storm. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

This year the Big Sur International Marathon will be an out-and-back course. (kaoriphoto.com courtesy of Big Sur Marathon)

Alejandro Garcia, left, a traffic control technician with Stateside, talks to a tourist at a road closure on Highway 1 near Big Sur, Calif., Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Cars drive north out of Big Sur during a morning caravan past a break in the southbound lane of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Bridge in Big Sur, Calif., Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

This photo provided by Caltrans shows a damaged section of Highway 1, Sunday, March 31, 2024, south of Rocky Creek Bridge in Big Sur, Calif. Authorities urged motorists to avoid the scenic highway after a section of the coastal route collapsed during an Easter weekend storm, forcing closures and stranding motorists near Big Sur, authorities said. (Caltrans District 5 via AP)

A break in the southbound lane of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek Bridge in Big Sur, Calif., Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Big Sur — a 90-mile stretch of coastline between Carmel to the north and San Simeon to the south — is a tourist hot spot all year round but especially between April and October. With at least 300 days of sunshine a year, dramatic cliffs, towering redwoods and breathtaking ocean views, tourism officials say an estimated 4.5 to 7 million people visit the coastal communities annually, pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.

But when rain-soaked Highway 1 fails, the economy takes a hit.

Kirk Gafill, the president of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce estimates that the hotels, art galleries, restaurants, parks and shops are losing several hundred thousand dollars a day collectively because of the latest road closure.

Gafill and other community leaders are hopeful that the repair work goes as planned and that the community rebounds quickly.

“The Big Sur community looks forward to a return to normal access from the north during the summer months, which are a critical period for our guest serving businesses, while work carries on to repair road damage due to rock slides on the southern end of Big Sur,’’ said Ryne Leuzinger, president of the board for the Community Association of Big Sur, an organization that focuses on the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors.

While Big Sur, with just 2,000 year-round residents, relies on the tourist dollar to stay afloat, five years ago, all the tourism became, well, pretty overwhelming.

When pictures and reports of tourists behaving badly began increasing in the coastal hamlet, an anonymous resident began an Instagram account called BigSurHatesYou. It was intended to get the droves of tourists to stop trampling wildflowers, stealing sea shells off the beaches, camping illegally and snarling traffic on Highway 1 while taking selfies.

To drive home the point, the Community Association of Big Sur created the “Big Sur Pledge” asking visitors to follow the rules of the road, respect natural resources, camp only where allowed, be fire safe and leave no trace behind.

It seemed to have worked.

“The Big Sur Pledge has been successful in that it has been signed by thousands of people, thus drawing more attention to thoughtful, low-impact ways of enjoying Big Sur as recommended by residents here,’’ Leuzinger said.

Caltrans Repairs Underway

Since the roadway failed on March 30, Caltrans has widened and improved drainage on the northbound shoulder, placed concrete barriers along the centerline to keep workers and convoys safe and installed rock dowels next to the western edge of the road. More work to stabilize the roadway along the cliff side is scheduled, Caltrans said.

Better drainage at the site is expected to help the road better withstand extreme weather, which is what Caltrans said caused the recent slide in the first place. While Caltrans expects to have the work completed by Memorial Day, it’s Mother Nature who is really in charge. Because some of the work requires crews to work from a crane basket over the edge of the road, winds can’t be stronger than 25 miles an hour. Heavy rain could also delay work, Caltrans said.

Meanwhile, Caltrans says crews are making progress with repairs at three other major slides on Highway 1 in Big Sur.

Work at the Dolan Point Slide, located six miles south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is underway and that stretch of road is expected to reopen in mid-May. Repairs at Regent’s Slide are expected to start within the next three weeks and be completed 100 working days after crews begin work, Caltrans said. That portion of the highway is expected to reopen in the early fall. At Paul’s Slide, crews are preparing for the final alignment of the road, which will also begin in the coming weeks.

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Tourism Transportation

The transport industry has gained a vital place in the global network system and is one of the most important components of the tourism infrastructure. It now becomes easier for people to travel from one place to another because of the various modes of transportation available.

The earliest forms of transportation in the ancient times were animals on land and sails on the sea. Travel development from the need to survive, to expand and develop trade to far off countries, and the hunger to capture new lands and territories. This was followed by the use of steams and electricity in the nineteenth century followed by internal combustion engines.

Aircraft with the jet engines were introduced in the 1950s . With the development of technology, travel became faster and more and people could travel around the globe.

Since tourism involves the movement of people from their places of residence to the places of tourist attractions, every tourist has to travel to reach the places of interest. Transport is, thus, one of the major components of the tourism industry. To develop any place of tourist attraction there have to be proper, efficient, and safe modes of transportation.

Transportation is vital to tourism. Studies have shown that tourists spend almost 30 to 40 percent of their total holiday expenditure on transportation and the remaining on food, accommodation, and other activities. This aspect once again highlights the importance of transportation.

A tourist can travel by a variety of means. The tourism professional, as well as tourist, should be aware of the various modes of transport available to reach the destination and at the destination.

The various mode of transport can be broadly divided into the following three categories :

• Air transport
• Land transport
• Water transport

Air Transport

Due to the growth of air transport in recent years, long-distance travel has become much simpler and affordable. Distance is now measured in hours and not in kilometers. The world has indeed shrunk and becomes a small village.

The development of air transport mostly occurred after World War I and II. Commercial airlines were created for travelers. Because of increasing air traffic, the commercial sector grows rapidly. Before the World War II, Swissair already was carrying around 14-16 passenger between Zurich to London.

The first commercial service was introduced by KLM, the Dutch Airlines, in 1920 between Amsterdam and London. Commercial air travel grew mostly after World War II. More facilities were introduced and there was more comfort in travel.

Jet flights were inaugurated by Great Britain in the year 1952. In the year 1958 Pan American introduced the Boeing 707 services between Paris and New York. Due to the introduction of jet flights, the year 1959 onward saw a tremendous increase in air traffic. The concept of chartered flights was also introduced during this year.

Jumbo jets have revolutionized travel. A large number of people travel by air because of the speed, comfort, and economy in terms of time saved.

The modern era, thus, is the era of mass air travel. After road transport, air travel is the most popular mode of travel, particularly for international travel. For the business travelers, air transport is more convenient as it saves their precious time and offers a luxurious and hassle-free travel. Many airlines nowadays offer special facilities to the business tourist such as Internet on board.

There two types of airlines . These are following as:

Scheduled airlines operate as regular schedules. Chartered airlines or the non-scheduled airlines operate only when there is a demand, mainly during the tourist seasons. The chartered flights work out cheaper than the scheduled carriers as they are operated only when there is a high load factor. Chartered flights provide cheaper packages to the destination such as Portugal and Spain.

India receives more than 400 chartered flights, especially to Goa. Goa has a maximum number of chartered flights coming in during the months of December to January.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulates international air travel. IATA has more than 105 major airlines of the world as its members. IATA regulates the price of tickets on different sectors of travel in the world. The concerned government decides the domestic fares.

The airfares are normally determined on the volume and the air travel demand in an area.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is an intergovernmental organization established in the year 1945. Only the government of the country can become a member. The government has to enter into a bilateral agreement for the frequency of flights for operating commercial airlines between them.

Airlines are classified into two broad categories namely small carrier and large carrier . The small carrier also known as commuter airlines have less than 30 seats . The larger carriers, also known as major airlines fly direct routes between the major cities and seat and seat 100 to 800 passengers .

The recent boom in the aviation technology has certainly bought some new development to airlines industry. There has been a major change in the size of the aircraft.

Every year there are a growing number of new airlines being introduced. Because of the growing number of new private airlines, there is stiff competition among them. This has resulted in a considerable reduction in air fairs and has boosted the growth of air traffic. To woo and attract customers, many airlines offer cheaper promotional fares such as excursion fares, group fares, and apex fares.

Million of tonnes of cargo and mail are also handled by the air transport industry.

Road Transport

Humans travel place to place in search of food in the primitive era. They tamed animals such as the dog, ox, horse, camel, reindeer, elephants, etc. for carrying the load and traveling. After the discovery of the wheel, humans developed the cart, the chariot, and the carriage.

Until the seventeenth century, horses were used for traveling. Later on better roads were constructed and some of these roads developed into trade routes, which linked many countries. One of them is the Silk Route which was used for transporting silk from China to Persia and the Blue Gem road from Iran to Afghanistan and India.

Today, the most popular and widely used mode of road travel is the automobile or the car. Road transport is dominated by the automobile, which provides views of the landscape and the freedom to travel. Tourist often travels with their entire family for holidays.

To promote tourism , the vehicle required are coaches and tourist cars. Tourist coaches or buses are preferred for large tourist groups traveling together on a specified tour itinerary. Many tourists prefer to travel in comfort and privacy and hire cars. Cars of various makes and standards are available on a rental basis.

Tourist also uses their own motorcar when holidaying. Cars and coaches carried long distance by train facility is also available in some countries.

The car rental segment of the tourism industry is in a very advanced stage in foreign countries. The client can book a car, himself or through agents, and make it wait at the desired place at the destination. The client can then drive the car himself /herself on reaching the destination.

Rail Transport

The railway is the most economical, convenient, and popular mode of travel especially for long distance travel all over the world. The railroad was invented in the seventeenth century in Germany with wooden tracks. The first steel rail was developed in the USA during the early 1800s . The railways revolutionized transportation and mass movement of people seen in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The broad gauge lines account for more than 55 percent of the total network and carry 85 percent of total traffic. The steam engines have been replaced by diesel and electric engines which have helped in increasing the speed. Railways have promoted tourism by introducing a special tourist train.

In Europe, the railway systems of six European countries have been clubbed to make rail travel easier for the people of Europe. A rail passenger can buy a ticket in any one country of Europe and travel through six countries. For the foreign tourists, Eurail Passes offer unlimited discounts travel in express trains for periods ranging from a week to three months. In the USA, AMTRAK operates trains.

Water Transport

Humans have been traveling through water since time immemorial and carried good and people from one place to another. The boats progressed from the simple raft with some modifications and improvement and were first used around 6000 BC.

Travel by ship was the only means for traveling overseas until the middle of the twentieth century. The Cunard Steamship Company was formed in 1838 with regular steamship services operating on the North Atlantic. During the World War I, in 1914 the operations of the steamship company had to be suspended. After the World War I, the steamship luxury liners were back to business till World War II.

After the World War II, the large luxury liners again started their operations all over the world and carried passengers and holidaymakers. Some of the linear were very large accommodating up to 1000 passengers and had facilities like swimming pools, cinema halls, shops, casino, etc.

The cruise lines are the new attraction among the tourist. The cruises are booked several months in advance for trips into the tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Hawaii, Caribbean, Mediterranean, etc. Water transport today plays two main roles in travel and tourism namely ferrying and cruising .

Modern vessels such as the wave -piercing, the hydrofoil and the hovercraft are the over the water transport and used for short distance routes.

Water transportation is also used in riverboat travel. The Mississippi River has been a popular tourist river since the first settlers came to the USA. Today, tourists enjoy two or three-day luxury trips along the river. In Europe, the Rhine, winding through the grapes growing areas of Germany, offers similar leisure tourist trips.

Motorized ferries and launches are used over rivers to transport tourists and locals, to transport vehicles, and offer facilities such as car parking, restaurants, viewing decks, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Modes of Transport

Tourist has a wide variety of transport options available today. There are several advantages and disadvantages of all the model of transport. These are following as:

Direct root, high speed, quick service, social and political significance, luxurious travel are the advantages of air transportation.

High cost, jet lag, unsuitable for heavy bulk cargo, accidents always fatal, international rule to be observed are the disadvantages of air transportation.

Flexibility, reliable, door to door service, economical, supplements other modes of transport, quick transit for short distances are the advantages of road transport.

Slow speed, carrying capacity limited, accidents, none- AC coaches not so comfortable, comfort depends upon the conditions of roads are the disadvantages of road transport.

Long distance travel cheaper, carrying capacity large, dependable service, quicker than road transportation, ability to view scenery en route is the advantage of railways.

Inflexible, unfit to hilly regions, difficulties in rural areas, dining car facilities not always available are the disadvantage of railways.

Economical, carrying capacity enormously, develops international and coastal trades are the advantages of water transport.

Transportation As An Attraction

To attract customers as well as take them around an attraction, destination developers have used many forms of transport to move people around. These novel modes of transport ensure that major exhibits are viewed in a certain sequence and ensure that the crowd moves through at a reliable pace.

Overcrowding should be avoided at all costs to prevent untoward incidents and to maintain the beauty of the place. Tourist can cover the entire park in a shorter duration with the help of these modes of transport.

Transportation is the most crucial component of the tourism infrastructure. It is required not only for reaching the destination but also visiting the site and moving about at the destination. Variety in modes of transportation adds color to the overall tourism experience.

Unusual forms of transportation are also an attraction such as the cable cars in hilly terrain, the funicular railway, or jet boating. The choice of mode of transport is vast and tourists can choose a mode to suit their budget. They can opt for scheduled or non-scheduled transport such as the hiring of vehicles, boats, coaches or trains so that they can travel with their group.

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Fact sheet: 2022 national travel and tourism strategy, office of public affairs.

The 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy was released on June 6, 2022, by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo on behalf of the Tourism Policy Council (TPC). The new strategy focuses the full efforts of the federal government to promote the United States as a premier destination grounded in the breadth and diversity of our communities, and to foster a sector that drives economic growth, creates good jobs, and bolsters conservation and sustainability. Drawing on engagement and capabilities from across the federal government, the strategy aims to support broad-based economic growth in travel and tourism across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia.

The federal government will work to implement the strategy under the leadership of the TPC and in partnership with the private sector, aiming toward an ambitious five-year goal of increasing American jobs by attracting and welcoming 90 million international visitors, who we estimate will spend $279 billion, annually by 2027.

The new National Travel and Tourism Strategy supports growth and competitiveness for an industry that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, generated $1.9 trillion in economic output and supported 9.5 million American jobs. Also, in 2019, nearly 80 million international travelers visited the United States and contributed nearly $240 billion to the U.S. economy, making the United States the global leader in revenue from international travel and tourism. As the top services export for the United States that year, travel and tourism generated a $53.4 billion trade surplus and supported 1 million jobs in the United States.

The strategy follows a four-point approach:

• Promoting the United States as a Travel Destination Goal : Leverage existing programs and assets to promote the United States to international visitors and broaden marketing efforts to encourage visitation to underserved communities.
• Facilitating Travel to and Within the United States Goal : Reduce barriers to trade in travel services and make it safer and more efficient for visitors to enter and travel within the United States.
• Ensuring Diverse, Inclusive, and Accessible Tourism Experiences Goal : Extend the benefits of travel and tourism by supporting the development of diverse tourism products, focusing on under-served communities and populations. Address the financial and workplace needs of travel and tourism businesses, supporting destination communities as they grow their tourism economies. Deliver world-class experiences and customer service at federal lands and waters that showcase the nation’s assets while protecting them for future generations.
• Fostering Resilient and Sustainable Travel and Tourism Goal : Reduce travel and tourism’s contributions to climate change and build a travel and tourism sector that is resilient to natural disasters, public health threats, and the impacts of climate change. Build a sustainable sector that integrates protecting natural resources, supporting the tourism economy, and ensuring equitable development.

Travel and Tourism Fast Facts

• The travel and tourism industry supported 9.5 million American jobs through $1.9 trillion of economic activity in 2019. In fact, 1 in every 20 jobs in the United States was either directly or indirectly supported by travel and tourism. These jobs can be found in industries like lodging, food services, arts, entertainment, recreation, transportation, and education.
• Travel and tourism was the top services export for the United States in 2019, generating a $53.4 billion trade surplus.
• The travel and tourism industry was one of the U.S. business sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and travel restrictions, with travel exports decreasing nearly 65% from 2019 to 2020. 
• The decline in travel and tourism contributed heavily to unemployment; leisure and hospitality lost 8.2 million jobs between February and April 2020 alone, accounting for 37% of the decline in overall nonfarm employment during that time. 
• By 2021, the rollout of vaccines and lifting of international and domestic restrictions allowed travel and tourism to begin its recovery. International arrivals to the United States grew to 22.1 million in 2021, up from 19.2 million in 2020. Spending by international visitors also grew, reaching $81.0 billion, or 34 percent of 2019’s total.

More about the Tourism Policy Council and the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy

Created by Congress and chaired by Secretary Raimondo, the Tourism Policy Council (TPC) is the interagency council charged with coordinating national policies and programs relating to travel and tourism. At the direction of Secretary Raimondo, the TPC created a new five-year strategy to focus U.S. government efforts in support of the travel and tourism sector which has been deeply and disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full strategy here

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Rock slide closes highway to popular NC mountain tourist town. What drivers should know

A rock slide during severe storms closed a main highway this weekend to Blowing Rock , the popular tourist town in the N.C. mountains.

The slide closed both directions of U.S. 321 just after 7:30 p.m. Thursday, state highway officials said.

The highway remains closed from Blackberry Road to the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock due to “ dangers of more falling rock ” near the inn, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook.

Fierce storms pummeled the mountains and other parts of the state during the week, spawning an EF-1 tornado in the Wilkes County town of Wilkesboro and another one in the Rowan County community of Mount Ulla. No injuries were reported.

U.S. 321 is scheduled to remain closed until 9 p.m. Sunday according to Drive NC.gov , the state’s real-time map of road closures.

Police released photos of the rock slide, including one that shows a house above it.

A woman who answered the phone at the nearby Green Park Inn on Saturday said the slide has not affected business. The hotel has seen more bookings this month than last April, she said.

On Facebook, the police department in nearby Boone infused a little humor into the closing.

“Hey, at least it’s not leaf season,” Boone Police said in reference to long lines of motorists who drive mountain roads during fall. “Can you imagine??”

Drivers who typically take U.S. 321 to Blowing Rock from Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba and other counties to the south should consider the following alternate route, highway officials said:

Take N.C. 18 east to N.C. 16 North. Turn left onto U.S. 421 North into Boone and return to U.S. 321 toward Blocking Rock.

©2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.

Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.

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Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....

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Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.

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Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.

Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.

Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.

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West Virginia’s Blue Ridge peaks, dramatic gorges, and rushing rivers put it on the map for hikers, rafters, and rock climbers.

Perhaps one of the country’s most unsung – but most beautiful – destinations, West Virginia is a foliage fan’s dream.

West Virginia’s New River Gorge, encompassing more than 70,000 acres, became the country’s newest national park and preserve in December.

Whitewater rafting, a treetop obstacle course and the precarious Bridge Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge are particular highlights for families with big kids and tweens.

Although barely a five-hour drive from the Washington D.C. suburbs, this area is enveloped in enough national forest land to allow extra-clear skies.

West Virginia is a beauty queen of a state, with ragged mountains to hike or ski and white-water rapids to paddle. It’s also stuffed with Civil War history and charming small towns. To explore it all, you’ll need a home base.

Our collective obsession with the outdoors this past year turned out to be fortuitous timing for West Virginia.

Located on more than 70,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains of the state’s southern region, the park’s titular waterway snakes through densely wooded hills and imposing sandstone cliffs.

America’s newest national park is one of the world’s finest river-rafting destinations. The site protects a slice of the New River, one of the oldest in the world, as well as the 876ft-tall New River Gorge Bridge.

West Virginia has been getting the word out about all its spectacular nature of late—notably the churning whitewater, forested trails and sandstone cliffs of America’s 63rd national park.

The Ascend West Virginia initiative pays remote workers to move to one of five participating communities, with some extra perks aimed at attracting outdoor enthusiasts in particular

With five participating communities, Ascend West Virginia is a public-private initiative with an impressive pedigree: Its founders are West Virginia native Brad D. Smith, former CEO of software company Intuit, and his wife Alys.

One of West Virginia’s best treasures is New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a 70,000-acre park where the world’s second-oldest river cuts through a vast valley of geological formations and ecological wonders.

Of the free, primitive campgrounds offered at New River Gorge National Park, we like Grandview Sandbar best for its easy river access, shady picnic tables, and designated fire rings.

New River Gorge, in West Virginia, became America’s newest national park in December 2020.

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One of the best ways to stay in the loop on all things West Virginia is by following along with us on social media. From road trip ideas to must-visit trails, you are sure to be inspired by our feeds. Use the buttons below to join the conversation. Be sure to share your very own captures using #AlmostHeaven to be featured.

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Let the warmth of spring air and cool mountain shade lead you to the getaway of your dreams. With everything from scenic trains and cozy cabins to world-class whitewater rafting, you are sure to find the adventure you are looking for here.

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Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024

Let’s have fun with the festive activities: fantastic parades, concerts, and EDM in a Thai style. Enjoy Thailand’s tallest dancing fountain show and the stunning performances of more than 1,200 drones in choreographed patterns.  ​See you from 11-15 April, 2024, at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and Sanam Luang, Bangkok.  ​On the occasion of “Thai Songkran” being enlisted as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, this year, TAT invites everyone to enjoy the magnificent Thai New Year celebration, preserve our priceless tradition, and splash happiness across all the places.  ​Witness the spectacular Maha Songkran parades moving along Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, led by Miss Thailand Universe 2023, Anntonia Porsild as the Songkran Goddess, followed by the parades representing 16 provinces, Thailand’s soft power showcases, including an LGBTQ parade.  Special for you, we provide you the 2,000 seats exclusively on 11-12 April, 2024.  ​Enjoy the concerts at Sanam Luang for 5 consecutive days. The headliners include 4Eve, Milli, FHero, Bodayslam, and many more. Have fun tasting a variety of food from the line of food trucks. Watch the beautiful light decorations and installation art around Sanam Luang. Enjoy open-air retro movies on a vertical screen, rare cultural performances, drone light shows, and so many more!  ​Do not miss the highlights: The over-20-metre-high dancing fountain show, as well as the EDM zone for dancing amidst unlimited water splashing.

Date: 11-15 April, 2024  Time: 13.00 – 22.00 Hrs.  Venues: Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, and Sanam Luang Field.

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