life travel advantage

• MWRLife.com

MWR Life Is Growing Fast In The Direct Selling Travel Industry

• MWR Life Is Growing Fast…

MWR Life ‘s proprietary booking engine is redefining the travel sector in the direct sales industry.MWR Life, an exclusive members-only travel and lifestyle company, was designed from the ground up to provide solutions for what everyone desires. More money, more time, and more freedom to travel and experience the world. Founded in 2013, by CEO Yoni Ashurov, MWR Life is a global direct selling company that is changing the way the world travels with its proprietary Travel Advantage™️ booking platform.

“Instead of following the crowd and offering members a one size fits all vendor-based solution, we decided to create the booking engine from scratch.

This option provides us with the ability to improve the user’s experience, the flexibility to innovate and remain at the forefront of the industry. It also reduced our overhead, which allows for a more robust compensation plan.”

Said Founder and CEO, Yoni Ashurov.

The Travel Advantage™️ booking engine provides members with exclusive access to wholesale rates on hotels, resorts, flights, cars, cruises, trains, activities, and there are many more offerings in development.

“Owning our platform ensures complete autonomy to provide our members with an unbeatable value proposition and a viral customer growth model. The members earn Travel Credits, the Lifestyle Consultants earn commissions, and the company acquires market share.

Best of all, we accomplish this through a process of helping others save money rather than spending it. Everybody wins, and this unique model allows our Independent Lifestyle Consultants to build organizations that generate life-changing residual incomes quickly.”

Said Senior Vice President, Kevin Albright.

There are four levels of membership. They even have a free Guest Membership so that everyone, regardless of their economic situation, can benefit from saving money on travel.

MWR Life has also created a way for customers to benefit from their social media audience and sphere of influence. Every membership, even the free Guest Members, receive Guest Passes that allow the member to enroll another free Guest Member.

The booking engine only passes 50% of the available savings to Guest Members. The remaining 50% is split equally between the member who referred them and the upline Lifestyle Consultant.

The member receives their half in Travel Credits, and the Lifestyle Consultant receives their half in the form of commissions. If the Lifestyle Consultant directly enrolled the Guest Member, they will receive the entire amount in commissions.

What is even better about their model is that members earn Loyalty Dollars every month equal to the cost of their membership. After 12 months of loyal membership, these dollars unlock and can be applied towards their exclusive Life Experiences®️.

These fully curated trips are designed to provide a once in a lifetime experience at exotic destinations around the world. Life Experiences®️ include airport transfers, hotel or resort stay, excursions, and a personal host to make sure you have the time of your life. Imagine a luxurious trip to one of your dream destinations for an unbeatable price or even for FREE just for being a loyal member.

Author:  yoni

Related posts.

7 Personal Benefits of Travel

Forget milling around in your finest evening wear, Singapore Sling in hand: You'll be lucky to get peanuts. Flying isn't quite the party it was in Sinatra's days, and lots of time, energy, and money are expended to leave home, so why travel? How long do the  personal benefits of travel last?

Getting away from home and stepping outside of your usual routine is beneficial for both mind and body. The long-lasting personal benefits of visiting a foreign country far outweigh the costs and time to get there.

The great travel writer Pico Lyer said: "Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits." Here are seven ways that travel, especially  international travel, will enhance your life.

Travel Sharpens the Mind

You've done your old routine for so many years that you could run through it on autopilot. Being dropped into a new environment engages a dormant part of your mind and gets those synapses firing again.

Suddenly, you'll be required to navigate unfamiliar places, read foreign languages , try new things, make quick decisions, and choose your new eating and sleeping schedule.

Unlike at home, all the new sights, sounds, and places will require mental processing and filing. Your brain will welcome the workout! Once you return home, you'll be sharper than ever for better organizing and sprucing up your daily routine.

A Shift in Perspective

"Nobody comes back from a journey the way they started it." — Unknown

Being exposed to new cultures and people will greatly shift your paradigm and create a healthier perspective once you return back home. Seeing different social classes creates compassion and really makes you feel more blessed and content. Large portions of the world's population have to deal with daily threats such as hunger, disease , and landmines .

A hard day at work suddenly doesn't seem so bad when you see people in developing countries toiling in sun-scorched fields from morning to dark, or begging for a drink of water.

A Chance to Try New Things

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

While you may branch out at home from time to time by trying new restaurants or splurging on expenditures, traveling kicks you out of the comfort zone and forces you, for better or worse, to try new things!

Even if you don't enjoy your first attempt at scuba diving , at least you'll be able to relate in a new way the next time you see it in a movie or hear someone talking about it.

Becoming a well-rounded individual enhances self-confidence and will help you find new material for conversation in social settings with a wider variety of people.

Who knows, you may accidentally discover your new favorite food or find out that you want to pursue a new career in karaoke!

Meet New People

"A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles." — Tim Cahill

You'll meet far more friendly people on the road than you will under ordinary circumstances at home.

Other travelers are always looking to share experiences, give tips on places to go, and meet people from all over. Striking up a conversation with other travelers is extraordinarily easy.

A polite "so where are you from?" breaks the ice quite easily and may lead to lasting friendships with people from all over the world.

See the Real Deal

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries." — Aldous Huxley

Until you visit a place and form your own opinions, your understanding only comes from what you were taught in school, read in books, or saw on media, which may or may not be a complete truth.

Don't over-research your upcoming destination in guidebooks. Do your best to avoid building a bias toward a place or installing mental filters before you visit. Wait to form your own opinion, remaining objective until you can make up your own mind.

Exercise and Sunshine

Sure, you could just go sweat in the gym under fluorescent lighting, but chances are that you'll be much more active from day to day while on the road, regardless of whether your trip is an adventurous one or simply a relaxing beach trip .

You could be exploring new cities on foot, hiking , swimming, walking between places, and hopefully soaking up some needed sunshine while doing so. And it's guaranteed to smell better than the gym.

Come Home Renewed

After stepping away from home for a while, you'll return with renewed energy, a new set of mental filters, and ready to take on the next big project or challenge. Call it a life reboot.

Getting away for some time, even though it requires effort, will greatly enhance your attitude and productivity once you return home. Sure, you may have some mail piled up and matters to attend, but those are simple challenges easily knocked out.

Breaking up the monotony for a while is a great way to reduce stress and give your life an injection of excitement. Don't be surprised if shortly after your return, you're already counting down days until the next trip!

11 Ways to Beat Your Post-Travel Depression

9 Tips for Traveling With Kids During the Pandemic

The 10 Best Places to Buy Luggage of 2024

Travel Editors and Writers Share Their Favorite Food Crawls for 7 US Cities—From New Orleans to Austin

The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel

The Good and Bad of Pokemon Go for Travelers

Bike Travel Is Surging Around the World. Will It Last?

Tips and Advice for Dealing With Homesickness

10 Hotel Add-On Charges to Avoid

The Unexpected Perks of Solo Travel

What Documents Do I Need for Mexico Travel?

I Went on a 60-Day Duolingo Streak Before My Trip to France—Here's How It Went

Zicasso Travel Agents Offer Custom Vacations for Adventurous Travelers

Tips for Traveling Solo With a Tour Group

What Is the Future of Couchsurfing?

9 Best Travel Apps for a Great American Road Trip

What is Travel Advantage? ?

Introduction to Travel Advantage

Travel Advantage is a well-known and economical platform, with over 400,000 members spread across many countries. Its aim is to transform the travel and shopping industries.

Travel Advantage was created by MWR Life. MWR Life is known for :

• Created in 2013,
• A presence on 5 continents,
• Offices in Hong Kong, the USA, France, and the United Kingdom,
• Over 400,000 members worldwide,
• Revolutionizing the travel industry.

MWR Life and Travel Advantage are members of the ETOA (European Tourism Association), an organization dedicated to promoting an environment conducive to the long-term development of tourism in Europe.

Missions de MWR Life

The company is based on three main pillars :

The goal is to make travel affordable for more people, offering a multitude of options for traveling while saving money.

Travel Advantage offers an opportunity for interested individuals to become ambassadors of the platform, thereby allowing them to generate additional income.

Comment ça marche ?

To understand how Travel Advantage allows savings on travel, let's examine the traditional model and the Travel Advantage model.

In the traditional model, merchants use advertising (television, internet, etc.) to reach their customers. These marketing costs are reflected in higher prices for consumers, as companies seek to recoup these expenses.

The Travel Advantage model marks a new era. It aims to reduce intermediaries and does not rely on traditional advertising. Instead, ambassadors and members recommend the platform, allowing for competitive pricing without high margins.

Additionally, Travel Advantage opts for a monthly subscription model, avoiding markups on bookings. This model proves to be more beneficial for customers.

Just like Netflix offers unlimited movies or Spotify offers music, this subscription provides access to the Travel Advantage booking platform.

What is Travel Advantage concretely ?

Travel Advantage offers a unique booking experience, combining:

Private travel club

Which brings together members/clients with access to several services depending on their membership

Booking platform and exclusive services

Offering various travel-related services such as hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises, etc.

24/7 Multilingual Support

Exceptional customer service, constantly available via email, phone, chat, or WhatsApp

Solo, Family, or Group Travel

Whether traveling solo, with family, or in a group, the Travel Advantage platform has options for everyone

Exclusive Offers to Travel More

Enjoy exclusive offers to make your travels even more memorable and affordable

This platform is characterized by its versatility, offering a wide range of travel options, all accessible in one place

Here is an overview of the services offered by the platform:

A varied selection of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury establishments.

Flexible flight bookings, national and international, with a variety of airlines.

Convenient car rental service, suited for various travel needs.

Lifestyle Mall

Shopping center offering a premium and diverse shopping experience, like a duty free.

Luxurious cruise trips offering relaxation, entertainment, and exotic stopovers.

All-inclusive resort stays for relaxation, leisure, and outdoor activities.

Show Tickets

Access to a wide range of cultural or entertaining shows and events.

Reliable and comfortable transfers to airports, hotels, and key destinations.

Life Experiences®

Unique experiences organized by the platform.

Ground Transportation

Various ground transportation solutions (Train, Bus..), combining comfort and efficiency.

A wide range of recreational and adventure activities for all tastes.

Vacation Rentals

Selection of unique vacation properties for unforgettable stays.

Flash Deals

Exclusive promotions and limited offers for advantageous travel opportunities.

Avantages exclusifs

In addition to the varied services already presented, Travel Advantage offers its members a range of exclusive benefits, greatly enriching their travel experience

Travel Credits

With every booking made on our platform, you will accumulate travel credits, similar to miles, which can be used to reduce the cost of your future services

Loyalty Points

For Plus and Elite memberships, the amount paid is converted into loyalty points, which can be used to reduce the cost of services, within the limit set for each booking

Up to 5 Travelers

You also have the option to share your membership with other people of your choice, allowing them to independently enjoy the benefits of the platform

Member Reviews

Members of Travel Advantage express their satisfaction and contentment, as evidenced by our high ratings on Trustpilot, thus distinguishing ourselves from other travel platforms

The Different Memberships

The platform offers three types of membership (all without commitment), each with its own cost, providing access to a variety of exclusive services

Join the Travel Advantage Platform

To join the platform, follow these instructions:

Access the link

Click on this link to sign up for Travel Advantage .

Choose the right membership

Browse through the different membership options and select the one that suits your needs.

Fill in your information

Complete the registration form with your personal information, ensuring its accuracy.

Validate and confirm

Finalize your registration by validating your information.

Finding travel too Expensive?

Introducing the vip membership.

Check What Members Are Saying

We just returned from Florence, Italy this past April with Angelique Thibaux. We stayed at the Residenza Conte Di Cavour & Rooftop for 4 nights. We saved 466 euros in total!

Thank you Travel Advantage for allowing us to travel more often.

Me Dubai By Melia in the center of Business Bay in Dubai, a very good location, with an excellent quality/price ratio: 600 € instead of 1600 € for 8 days in this 5-star hotel!

We spent a night in Granada, a lovely city. We stayed in a 3-star hotel in the old town square paying only €49 for 2 people, saving a lot of €40 compared to the public platforms!!! Kind and helpful staff and a clean and distinctive hotel!

Thank you Travel Advantage and MWR Life, for allowing us to visit this city, spending very little.

Our annual mother and daughter spa trip. Thank you Travel Advantage. We took advantage of a great price of 205€ for 2 nights / 3 days in a 4-star hotel with a pool and spa for the 2 of us instead of 310 euros.

I recommend this Radisson Blu Balmoral Hotel in Spa for our Belgian friends who are looking for a moment of relaxation. Memories for Life.

Rome trip, thank you Travel Advantage. My 4th trip as a member and it's just the beginning.

Gorgeous hotel to book in the middle of the city with a balcony, a gorgeous view, and over $300 savings.

What Awaits You

Travel advantage™ stories.

your Membership Benefits

Get started now.

Thank you for your interest.

Terrence Ragland will be in touch with you soon.

Try again later

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41125

California Seller of Travel #: 2135175-50

Registo National de Tourismo de Portugal

NIF: 516386034

Registo: 9927

Allianz Responsabilidade Civil N°206314972

ATOUT FRANCE - Libre Prestations de Service - IM099230001

IATA TIDS Numeric Code: 96135303

Struggling with the high cost of travel?

Claim your guest pass.

What Are GUEST PASS Users Saying

New booking with Travel Advantage in Apulia!! Around 65 euros worth of savings compared to booking with my friends örttörë Giada Aurora Carmela for 3 nights in Hotel 19 Resort di Santa Cesarea Terme!!!

Beautiful, isn't it ??

PUGLIA is coming!!!!

Let's start with small results !

First booking with Guest Pass...

Amazing My first experience with MWRLife and it was really amazing after the discount I got an additional 30% by sharing our savings....

Wonderful But what are you waiting for.... 180 euro booking I only paid 90 euro... Isn’t it a wonderful thing to be able to travel and make our Dreams come true??

What Awaits You

Travel advantage™ stories.

Book With Travel Advantage™

Get Started Now

verify your email address

We sent an email to the address you provided. Open the "Complete Your Guest Pass Registration" email and click the link to verify your email address to claim your GUEST PASS .

Click below if the wrong email address was entered:

Thank you for your interest.

Ada Cangemi will be in touch with you soon.

Try again later

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41125

California Seller of Travel #: 2135175-50

Registo National de Tourismo de Portugal

NIF: 516386034

Registo: 9927

Allianz Responsabilidade Civil N°206314972

ATOUT FRANCE - Libre Prestations de Service - IM099230001

IATA TIDS Numeric Code: 96135303

Suggested companies

Booking.com, travorium.com.

Travel Advantage   Reviews

In the Travel Agency category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

1,045 total

Most relevant

Un support service client au top et…

Un support service client au top et disponible de suite Merci Travel advantage

Date of experience : May 22, 2023

Support team member Kaoutar B

Kaoutar B is a support team member. She helped me to solve a problem about +30% travel credit for sharings on FaceBook. I'm waiting for second level support.

Date of experience : August 03, 2023

Always very helpful and responsive

Always very helpful and responsive. The woman replied in 2 minutes and was ready to help me. Great customer service!

Date of experience : April 15, 2023

First Time with MWR and honestly I've…

First Time with MWR and honestly I've enjoyed the entire session, wow the CEO Is surely a great leader. God bless Canada hahaha.

Date of experience : February 04, 2023

Very satisfied with the customer…

Very satisfied with the customer service agent named Prescilla, such helfull and kind person, i got feedback quickly and solved my issue, thanks a lot team travel advantage. Aniss

Date of experience : June 29, 2023

support super efficiente

support super efficiente, prescilla mi ha dato le informazioni che mi necessitavano per un hotel in tempi brevissimi

Date of experience : August 28, 2023

very great experience

very great experience, Roxana very great assistance she help me in all passages thanks !

Date of experience : June 06, 2023

Best travel Experience

Best travel Experience! I saved a lot of Money on my bookings and had best travel Experience ever!

Date of experience : February 03, 2023

travel is a great reality

travel is a great reality, I advise everyone to try its discounts and the quality of its services

Date of experience : April 14, 2023

It was WONDERFUL

It was WONDERFUL Yolande makes à GOOD job Thanks a lot Yolande

Date of experience : December 26, 2023

ELBERETH assisted me very quickly and…

ELBERETH assisted me very quickly and efficiently. excellent customer service.

Date of experience : March 25, 2024

Very quick response from Ansh who…

Very quick response from Ansh who understood the question I have about the baggage allowance

Date of experience : September 24, 2023

Great platform to book everything!!

Great platform to book everything!!! And the best support (h24 7/7) that I haven’t see !! Travel with travel advantage is the best choice I can made 2 years ago!! ♥️

Great price, very nice reactivity of the support, friendly staff !

Date of experience : May 14, 2023

Really like this app and i believe it…

Really like this app and i believe it is revolutionary

Date of experience : November 07, 2023

Paiement of my adhesion

It was with Rolando a very clear and Quick answer for my préoccupation

Date of experience : July 08, 2023

Support team are very nice. I’m so appreciate.

Date of experience : November 01, 2023

Responsive service

Responsive service. Bukky replied to my question in 15 minutes. Thanks a lot.

Date of experience : May 23, 2023

Great travel website

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

I had an issue with a wrong email…

I had an issue with a wrong email address which has been quickly resolved with Ana.V

Date of experience : September 16, 2023

Please contact your LIFESTYLE AMBASSADOR to get started.

Select your country or region.

• 24 août 2023
• 33 min de lecture

MWR Life-Travel Advantage : mon avis sur le n°1 des MLM voyage

Dernière mise à jour : 9 févr.

Est-ce que MWR Life va vraiment faire de tes rêves une réalité comme l'annonce leur slogan ? Je te donne mon avis complet sur ce MLM voyage pour que tu puisses le savoir !

Pendant plusieurs mois, le blog MLM nicobene.com a été le meilleur ami des ambassadeurs lifestyle (le nom principal donné aux distributeurs de MWR Life).

En effet, depuis la fin d'année 2022, celui-ci affiche le « top 50 [anciennement top 100] des sociétés MLM » , fondé sur le trafic SEO dudit site.

Et, pendant plusieurs mois, la société MWR Life s'était retrouvé première de ce classement.

Forcément, ses représentants ont utilisé cette première place comme argument de vente auprès de leurs prospects. Pourquoi pas ?

Aujourd'hui, Making Wishes Real Life (le nom de l'entreprise sans les abréviations) se trouve en permanence en top 3.

À la fin de cet article, tu sauras si le représentant majeur des sociétés de marketing de réseau de service est un bon plan voyage ou pas, si ce dernier mérite d'être tendance comme vu plus haut.

C'est avec MWR Life, en 2019, que j'ai découvert le monde du marketing relationnel. Je n'y suis resté que quelques mois, je n'ai pas réussi à gagner d'argent avec. Mais ça a été une étape décisive pour moi en ce que cette compagnie m'a fait sauter le pas de l'entrepreneuriat, m'a transmis le mindset du businessman . De plus, c'est indirectement grâce à cette entreprise que j'ai été admis, à l'époque, en dans la filière de mon choix (Licence 3) à Paris. Sans cet épisode, qui a certes eu ses hauts et ses bas, le blog que tu lis actuellement n'existerait sans doute pas.

Sache que mon court passé chez MWR Life n'aura aucun impact négatif sur l'avis que je vais te fournir. Au mieux, un impact positif, au pire un impact nul. Donc non, cher hater , tu n'auras pas à écrire « olol, tu te plains car tu n'a pas gagner d'argent, tu n'a surement pas bosser comme il faut, tu critique la société pour cracher ta frustration ! »

Les destinations de mon train sont les suivantes (le trajet est long) :

deux sociétés séparées et liées à la fois ;

est-ce que Travel Advantage est légale ?

qui occupe la direction de MWR Life ?

l'évolution de la compagnie ;

l'engagement RSE de Making Wishes Real Life ;

quels sont les prestations de voyage proposées et les avantages clients ?

combien ça coûte ?

le secret de Travel Advantage ;

les avis des membres voyage sur la plateforme ;

faut-il se fier à ce que dit la télé ?

comment devenir mandataire du club privé ? Les avantages à en devenir un ;

le plan de compensation en détail ;

l'income disclosure de la société ;

MWR Life est-elle une arnaque pyramidale ? (non) ;

tour de table des avantages et des inconvénients de Travel Advantage et du club ;

l'astuce de Nicobene pour réussir à obtenir des résultats grâce aux deux compagnies ;

mon avis final.

Je ne suis (au moment de la rédaction de ce post) ni distributeur, ni client de MWR Life. Mon avis sera neutre et objectif , n'ayant aucun intérêt à dire que c'est la meilleure société de tout l'univers ni, au contraire, à la dénigrer.

Sache également que j'ai inséré à la fin de l'article un lien affilié. Il ne s'agit pas d'un lien de parrainage pour intégrer le MLM voyage. Ce lien ne change rien pour toi en réalité. Je gagnerai tout simplement une commission d'affiliation si tu achètes le produit d'information qui se trouve derrière celui-ci.

Enfin, n'hésite pas à gentiment me corriger en commentaire si tu repères des informations factuellement fausses ou obsolètes.

Juste avant de commencer,

Est-ce que tu galères à produire un bon chiffre d'affaires avec ton MLM ? Est-ce que tu en as marre de multiplier en vain des posts et des MP sur les réseaux sociaux, auprès de personnes non intéressées ?

Tu as bien raison d'en avoir assez.

Car : Pas de prospects = pas de vente = pas de parrainage = 0 + 0, la tête à Toto !

Alors, apprends via ce superbe cadeau comment attirer à toi les prospects que tu rencontres lors de tes voyages en France et dans le monde entier .

Je t'ai perdu dès l'intro ? Alors lis cet article fondamental qui t'explique les notions de « MLM » , de marketing de réseau.

MWR Life, de quoi s'agit-il à ton avis ?

Distinguer mwr life de travel advantage.

Deux sociétés d'origine américaine, juridiquement séparées mais liées en pratique sont à considérer.

MWR Life est un club privé de voyageurs et d'entrepreneurs. Son développement s'effectue via le marketing de réseau, et l'adhésion à ce club est requise pour pouvoir accéder à la plateforme...

… Travel Advantage ! Il s'agit d'une OTA ( Online Travel Agency , agence de voyage en ligne) offrant des prestations de voyage (réservations d'hôtels, resorts, locations de voiture, bundles...) à des prix de gros (très) faiblement margés. Cette plateforme est exclusive aux membres de MWR Life et appartient entièrement au club privé. Du fait des prix de gros faiblement margés, les économies sur les réservations peuvent être considérables sinon satisfaisantes.

MWR Life a été créée en 2013 par le CEO Yoni Ashurov , puis étendue à l'Europe – premièrement la France – dès fin 2016 par son fondateur et par Eric Aubin, Vice-Président Europe. Ses centres de domiciliation se trouvent respectivement aux États-Unis (Floride), à Hong-Kong, au Royaume-Uni et en France.

Travel Advantage LLC, quant à elle, est née en tant que personne morale à part au Winconsin et le 28 avril 2017.

Les deux entreprises sont actives dans plus de 150 pays , bien que plébiscitées surtout dans trois pays d'Europe (France, Italie, Ukraine). Elles comptent en 2023 plus de 450 000 membres et plus de 10 000 nouveaux clients par mois.

Et quels sont leurs objectifs me demanderas-tu ? Aider leurs clients et leurs apporteurs d'affaires à vivre leurs rêves grâce à des voyages paradisiaques d'une part, grâce à la recommandation rémunérée d'une OTA d'autre part.

Si tu es un professionnel du voyage, tu dois te dire : « la profession d'opérateur de voyages est une activité lourdement réglementée en France (et en Europe). Est-ce que MWR Life et Travel Advantage sont autorisés à ''vendre'' du voyage ou est-ce qu'ils agissent illégalement ? ». Voyons ça.

Est-ce que Travel Advantage est autorisée à délivrer des prestations de voyage en France ?

Sache tout d'abord que MWR Life n'a pas besoin d'autorisations pour fournir des prestations de service liées au voyage. Tout simplement car elle n'est pas opératrice de voyage. Par contre, Travel Advantage, elle, est obligée d'en avoir.

Ça tombe bien car l'agence de voyage en ligne possède la garantie financière et la Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle (RCP) , soit deux éléments indispensables à l'exercice légal de la « vente » de voyages en Europe (dont la France).

Elle est aussi enregistrée et immatriculée en tant que « LPS » (Libre Prestation de Services) chez Atout France , l'opérateur national du tourisme qui recense les opérateurs de voyage exerçant leur activité en France.

D'autre part MWR Life et Travel Advantage sont tous les deux membres de l' ETOA , l'association européenne du tourisme. Cette adhésion est une reconnaissance de la participation des deux entreprises dans la croissance du tourisme au niveau européen.

Enfin, ça va de soi mais les deux entreprises sont évidemment immatriculées au RCS et/ou à l'INSEE. MWR Life, LLC, l'est depuis le 1er décembre 2016. Travel Advantage SAS (filiale française) l'est depuis le 05 mars 2019. De plus, ces sociétés ont chacun des dirigeants qui les représente, et qui représente l'ensemble des distributeurs indépendants français, auprès des autorités françaises comme des acteurs du voyage (DGCCRF, ETOA notamment).

Mais qui sont ces dirigeants ?

Additionnellement à l'ETOA et Atout France, Travel Advantage serait membre de l' IATA (The International Air Transport Association). Mais je n'ai pas trouvé de sources permettant de confirmer cela, même si je ne remets absolument pas en doute l'adhésion de la société à l'association. Est-ce que tu pourrais nous les partager en commentaire s'il-te-plaît ?

Qui dirige MWR Life et Travel Advantage à ton avis ?

Selon le site web officiel de MWR Life, l'équipe permanente du club de voyageurs (et par extension de la plateforme) est composée de sept personnes. Ajoute à ça les plus de 60 agents au service des membres de Travel Advantage sept jours sur sept, 24 h/24, en plusieurs langues et dans le monde entier.

(un « membre » est un client selon le vocabulaire du n°1 du MLM voyage.)

Mais deux principaux noms sont à retenir : celui de Yoni Ashurov et Éric Aubin , auxquels nous avions fait allusion plus haut.

Yoni Ashurov consacre sa carrière professionnelle et entrepreneuriale aux investissements bancaires, à la musique et au courtage immobilier avant de fonder une société consacré à l'énergie en 2007. C'est l'un des clients de sa dernière entreprise qui lui fait découvrir le marketing de réseau, ce dernier vidant la totalité de ses stocks pour son business MLM. Yoni Ashurov s'est intéressé à l'activité de ce client et il s'en inspirera six ans plus tard pour révolutionner le secteur du voyage. Aujourd'hui, répétons-le, il s'agit du PDG de MWR Life et de Travel Advantage, LLC.

Éric Aubin, non seulement VP Europe mais aussi Directeur Général de Travel Advantage SAS (filiale France), est un vétéran de la vente directe et du marketing relationnel. Doté de plus de 30 ans d'expérience dans la vente à domicile et le MLM, il a occupé des postes de management et de direction chez Avon, Nutrimetics (filiale de Tupperware Group), Stanhome , Mylene NV (un VDI belge), et ViSalus (une société de vente directe américaine) entre 1991 et 2017. Il a également travaillé et entrepris dans des entreprises B2B offrant des services aux indépendants ou aux sociétés MLM. Enfin, Éric Aubin est un ancien membre du conseil d'administration de la FVD , rien que ça !

L'évolution de MWR Life en bref

Retraçons ensemble les grandes lignes du leader du voyage en marketing de réseau. Je ne suis évidemment pas exhaustif et je ne vais pas nécessairement répéter ce que j'ai déjà écrit plus haut :

2013 : création de MWR Life ;

fin 2016-début 2017 : enregistrement légal en France ET début d'expansion du réseau dans le pays de Molière grâce à l'ancien basketteur professionnel Ilian EVTIMOV ;

mars 2017 : convention de lancement de l'entreprise à Paris ;

15-19 décembre 2017 : organisation de la toute première « life experience » (nous définirons plus bas ce que c'est). Elle s'est déroulée à Tenerife (Îles Canaries) ;

2018 : fin de la « location » d'une plateforme de voyage externe et lancement de Travel Advantage, exclusif à MWR Life et totalement sous son contrôle. ;

2020 : lancement du « Lifestyle Mall » (= boutique en ligne de produits de luxe) + lancement de l'application mobile de l'OTA.

Il est aussi bon de noter que le club de voyages a acquis 100 000 membres entre 2013 et 2020, puis 300 000 membres entre 2021 et 2022.

Au niveau du chiffre d'affaires, selon Business For Home , le leader du marketing de réseau voyage est passé de six millions de dollars en 2017 à 75 millions de dollars en 2020. Je ne tiens pas compte des résultats de 2021 et 2022 car découlant sûrement d'un manque de données. Il est impossible que le chiffre d'affaires de MWR Life ait stagné en 2021 et 2022 alors que son nombre de membres a triplé durant la même période.

Si tu veux plus d'informations, cette vidéo fera ton plus grand bonheur .

Au-delà de l'avenir de ses deux sociétés, Yoni Ashurov pense à celui des enfants du monde.

Travel Advantage et son engagement RSE en partenariat avec PARTAGE

L'engagement sociétal et environnemental de Travel Advantage ne se limite sûrement pas à ce partenariat, mais c'est ce dernier qu'il met le plus en avant.

PARTAGE est une ONG qui secoure les enfants de la Terre en situation de pauvreté. Cette ONG a pour principale action d'offrir aux enfants dans le besoin un minimum d'un repas par jour à l'école. Cette action est mise en œuvre au Bénin, à Madagascar ou au Burkina Faso, par exemple.

Travel Advantage finance justement PARTAGE grâce aux dons que ses membres effectuent lors de leurs réservations. Tout don effectué est doublé par l'agence de voyage. Si tu donnes 10 € à l'association, la société MLM voyage s'engage à multiplier par deux ton don, celui-ci passant dès lors de 10 € à 20 €

Le contexte global étant posé, examinons les services proposés par la plateforme.

Comment fonctionne Travel Advantage à ton avis ?

Présentation des services de travel advantage.

La plateforme de voyage te donne accès aux services suivants :

accès à plus de deux millions d' hôtels à prix de gros faiblement margés ;

mêmes types de prix pour les bundles (hôtels + vols), les resorts , les activités/loisirs et les croisières ;

vols avec comparateur de prix ;

location de voitures ;

trains avec comparateur de prix ;

lifestyle mall : une boutique en ligne de luxe, façon duty-free des aéroports, où tu peux acheter à prix (fortement) réduit plus de 100 000 produits de marques tels que des bijoux , des sacs à main ou des ordinateurs ;

offres flash : des réductions exceptionnelles par rapport aux prix de détail standards des hôtels. Ça peut (très) largement dépasser les 50 % de réduction !

life experience : des séjours de luxe de plusieurs jours organisés en partenariat avec Travel Advantage et un hôtel donné, toujours avec une petite marge sur le prix grossiste. Ces life experiences peuvent avoir lieu n'importe où dans le monde, entre autres en Martinique, à New-York ou à Dubaï. Attention, le prix du vol n'est pas inclus.

Mais ce n'est pas tout ! Des avantages d'envergure sont offerts aux membres de Travel Advantage afin de les fidéliser et de rendre la plateforme encore plus attractive ;

Les gros avantages donnés aux membres Travel Advantage

Il me semble que les réductions des prix des réservations (par rapport aux prix que tu trouves sur les OTA habituelles) ne s'appliquent pas aux vols ni aux trains car pouvant fluctuer très vite. Mais d'autres avantages les rendent intéressants, non seulement ces deux services, mais l'ensemble des prestations de voyage de Travel Advantage.

Les crédits voyage

À chaque fois que tu effectues une réservation, que tu paies un service, tu gagnes des crédits voyage. Ceux-ci sont des bonus te permettant de diminuer les prix de tes prochaines escapades.

100 crédits voyages sont équivalents à un euro. 10 000 crédits voyages sont équivalents à cent euros.

Ces crédits sont cumulables entre eux et n'expirent jamais à moins que tu ne les utilises. Si tu en possèdes suffisamment et que tu les exploites tous d'un seul coup, tu peux potentiellement rendre ta prochaine réservation « gratuite ».

Les points fidélité

Réservés aux deux abonnements les plus chers que nous détaillerons plus bas, les points fidélité correspondent à la « cagnotte » de l'argent que tu paies mensuellement (abonnement voyage).

Si tu paies $60/mois, tu remportes 60 points fidélité par mois. C'est ça le principe.

1 point fidélité équivaut à 1 dollar.

Selon l'abonnement choisi, tu peux utiliser une partie (et seulement une partie) de tes points fidélité pour financer ta prochaine life experience. Ou tu peux les dépenser dans toute autre prestation de services (hors location de voitures et offres flash), là encore une partie par service demandé.

La garantie 150 %

Si, après avoir réservé un hébergement dans un hôtel via Travel Advantage, tu trouves moins cher ailleurs dans une plateforme de voyage publique, dans un délai de 24 h et dans les mêmes conditions de chambre (même nombre de chambres, mêmes dates, même nombre de personnes...), tu seras remboursé à hauteur de 150 % de la différence en crédits voyage.

Cette garantie s'applique uniquement aux hôtels.

Support client

Le support client de Travel Advantage est disponible 24 h/24 et 7 j/7 pour régler les difficultés que tu pourrais rencontrer avec la plateforme ou sur place, devant ton hôtel.

Ce dernier est disponible en plusieurs langues, dont évidemment le français et l'anglais.

Maintenant que j'ai parlé d'abonnement pour les points fidélité, tu as sans doute envie de connaître les types d'abonnement auxquels il est possible de souscrire en tant que membre Travel Advantage (et MWR Life). Je ne te fais pas atteindre plus longtemps.

Les tarifs d'adhésion à Travel Advantage

Il existe quatre cartes d'adhésion à la plateforme de voyage, dont une gratuite : le guest pass, la carte VIP, la carte PLUS et la carte ELITE.

Le guest pass

Le guest pass, te permet de tester Travel Advantage sans risques. Il s'agit de la version « démo » de l'OTA.

Avec ce pass spécial, tu peux effectuer une seule réservation. Cette réservation n'est possible que pour les hôtels, et tu ne peux réserver plus de deux nuits. Rien de plus normal pour t'encourager à payer un abonnement et accéder à la version complète de la plateforme.

En contrepartie, les faibles marges sur le prix de gros négocié entre l'entreprise et les grossistes sont les mêmes que pour les membres « premium ». Et ton guest pass est valable à vie tant que tu n'effectues pas ta réservation.

La carte VIP

Pour $19/mois (sans engagement) ou $190/an, la carte VIP t'offre accès aux réservations d'hôtels, de resorts, vols, voitures, packages, transferts et activités.

De surcroît, tu peux greffer une personne supplémentaire à ta carte, façon compte Netflix. Chaque utilisateur (le voyageur supplémentaire et toi) peut réserver jusqu'à cinq chambres pour cinq personnes (maximum) par chambre.

Par ailleurs, tu as droit à 15 guest pass à ton inscription puis à trois nouveaux guest pass par moi. Tu les distribues à tes proches, en leur précisant bien, qu'ils sont gratuits. Puis tu remportes des crédits voyage s'ils s'en servent pour réserver une ou deux nuits à l'hôtel.

La carte PLUS

Pour $59.97/mois (sans engagement) plus $60 d'activation (un seul paiement), tu peux réserver les mêmes choses que les membres VIP plus les produits de luxe du lifestyle mall et les life experience.

Tu peux greffer un voyageur de plus à ton compte.

Le PLUS de cette carte, ce sont les points fidélité. Après chaque nouvelle mensualité de $60 (j'arrondis), tu remportes... 60 points fidélité. Rappelons qu'un point fidélité équivaut à un dollar.

Tu peux utiliser ces points fidélité pour tes life experience. Mais seulement une partie de ces points par réservation. Admettons qu'une life experience coûte $700 (c'est un exemple). Le nombre maximum de points fidélité que tu peux dépenser pour la réservation de cette expérience de vie est délimité en avance. Ce nombre maximum peut être de 100 points, 200 points, 300 points voire 350 points. Il ne sera pas de 700.

La carte PLUS c'est enfin 25 guest pass + 10 supplémentaires par mois.

La carte ELITE

Si tu « aimes trop le luxe », comme disait l'un de mes amis avec humour, la carte ELITE est certainement faite pour toi.

Pour $119.97/mois (soit au total $1,439.64 l'année) et $120 (un seul paiement), tu as accès non seulement aux mêmes services que les membres VIP et PLUS mais surtout aux croisières, trains, séjours et offres flash. L'abonnement est toujours sans engagement.

En tant que membre ELITE, tu peux greffer jusqu'à quatre voyageurs sur ton compte. De quoi gâter quatre familles, sachant que chaque voyageur peut réserver (concernant les hôtels) jusqu'à cinq chambres dont (maximum) cinq personnes par chambre. Il s'agit selon moi de l'atout n°1 de la carte ELITE. D'autant plus que les réservations des personnes inscrites sur ta carte te font gagner des crédits voyages, d'où un bel effet de levier.

Une fois titulaire de la carte ELITE, tu obtiens 50 guest pass + 20 guest pass supplémentaires par mois à distribuer à un maximum de personnes.

Concernant les points fidélité, tu en gagnes 120 par mois. Contrairement aux membres PLUS, tu peux les exploiter non seulement pour les life experience mais aussi pour toutes les prestations de services (vols, resorts, hôtels, lifestyle mall...) à l'exception des locations de voiture et des offres flash. Là non plus, tu ne peux pas dépenser tous tes points d'un seul coup.

Comment Travel Advantage parvient-elle à proposer des prix (a priori) plus attractifs que les OTA connues de tous ?

Je vais te résumer grossièrement le « secret » de Travel Advantage.

Les plus grands opérateurs de voyage, Booking Holdings , Expedia Group et leurs marques investissent des milliards et des milliards de dollars pour la publicité et le marketing de leurs services. Il faut ajouter à cela les charges liées à la rémunération des employés et des autres intermédiaires entre les prestations de voyage des différentes marques et le client. D'où un prix de détail important pour que les sociétés soient rentables.

Pour Travel Advantage, et d'autres MLM voyage, c'est différent. L'agence de voyage en ligne a pour unique intermédiaire l'ensemble des ambassadeurs du club de voyageurs et d'entrepreneurs MWR Life. Par conséquent, l'argent qui aurait pu être investi pour la publicité reste à l'entreprise et est distribué aux ambassadeurs réussissant à amener de nouveaux membres (= clients) à la plateforme. C'est le principe du bouche-à-oreille, plus communément appelé marketing de réseau.

De plus, Travel Advantage est libre de beaucoup de charges fixes en étant un service dématérialisé à 100 %, ce qui engendre là encore des économies significatives.

En dernier lieu, les abonnements et les réservations réguliers de ses membres permet à l'OTA de demeurer en bonne santé financière.

Grâce à tous ces avantages, Travel Advantage peut largement se permettre de (très) faiblement marger ses prix de gros. C'est ça qui explique les prix inférieurs à celles des plateformes publiques.

Si tu es chef d'entreprise (hors vente directe) ou que tu possèdes de bonnes connaissances en économie des entreprises, ma justification te semblera sûrement insuffisante ou imprécise. Dans ce cas, le networker et coach Olivier Parent t'expliquera beaucoup mieux que moi le business model de MWR Life/Travel Advantage en décortiquant celui du MLM dans son ensemble.

Les avis clients sur Travel Advantage et MWR Life

J'ai failli devenir membre vip pendant l'été 2023.

Avant de commenter les avis clients (et distributeurs) disponibles sur TrustPilot, j'aimerais te raconter une anecdote qui m'est arrivée pendant la rédaction de cet article.

Ma famille et moi envisagions au mois d'août 2023 de voyager un week-end au Var et de louer deux nuits pour cinq personnes chez un particulier (appartement ou gîte). J'ai alors proposé que nous comparions les prix des OTA (Booking, Tripadvisor, Trivago, Agoda, etc.) pour les trois hébergements que nous avions pré-sélectionnés avec les prix de Travel Advantage. Une comparaison équitable évidemment : même nombre de nuits, même nombre de personnes, même nombre de chambres, même logement, dans un délai de 24 heures maximum, etc.

L'idée était que si les économies à faire grâce à la plateforme de voyage MLM étaient ne seraient-ce que de 15-20 % par rapport aux plateformes classiques, je paierais l'abonnement VIP pour la famille et nous passerions systématiquement par l'entreprise de Yoni Ashurov [je ne savais pas à ce moment-là que les « séjours » étaient réservés aux membres ELITE, ndlr].

Je me suis donc empressé de contacter une ambassadrice MWR Life et membre ELITE Travel Advantage de confiance. Je lui ai demandé de me donner le prix affiché par sa plateforme et les réductions possibles par rapport aux agences de voyage publiques pour mes trois hébergements potentiels (merci encore à elle).

Elle m'a malheureusement répondu, après recherche de sa part, que deux des trois hébergements que j'avais pré-choisis ne sont pas disponibles sur sa plateforme, et que le troisième coûte aussi cher sur Travel Advantage qu'ailleurs.

Bon, c'est pas essentiel, mais j'ai finalement bien voyagé dans le Var en réservant l'un des trois séjours sur Booking. C'était fort sympa.

Contrairement à ce que tu peux imaginer, je garde du positif de cette histoire. J'en retiens que Travel Advantage n'est pas ''too good to be true'' mais s'inscrit normalement dans la compétition du marché du voyage (5,8 trillions de dollars dans le monde et en 2021 selon le World Travel & Tourism Council, soit en pleine période de Covid).

L'OTA se distingue du lot grâce au modèle économique du MLM. Mais ses prix proposés ne sont pas irréalistes. Elle répondent à l'offre et la demande. Il est donc naturel qu'elle négocie plutôt les prix là où la demande est forte plutôt que dans des communes de niche.

Que disent les avis TrustPilot ?

Après t'avoir raconté mon « expérience client » (si on peut appeler ça comme ça), commentons rapidement les centaines d'avis sur MWR Life et Travel Advantage.

Sur TrustPilot, en date du 20/08/2023, MWR Life et Travel Advantage ont reçu les excellentes notes de 4,9/5 pour 562 avis et de 4,8/6 pour 811 avis.

Les membres de la plateforme et les ambassadeurs sont alors, dans l'ensemble, extrêmement satisfaits du leader du MLM voyage. C'est un excellent point à prendre en compte dans ton jugement.

Des mauvaises langues pourraient dire que les notes sont « truquées », qu'il y a une masse de faux avis. Mais il n'en est rien a priori.

Quant il y existe une controverse autour d'une société (MLM ou non), et que les représentants de cette société veulent remonter la moyenne TrustPilot, l'on remarque un schisme, une « guerre » entre les avis 5 étoiles et les avis 1 étoile. Ce n'est pas le cas ici.

D'autre part, les avis négatifs se répandent beaucoup plus vite que les positifs. Si l'on est satisfait d'un service, l'on a tendance à se taire. Par contre, quand nous trouvons un service désastreux, nous sommes tentés de le crier sur tous les toits. Il n'y a qu'à lire les avis TrustPilot de Booking pour s'en rendre compte .

Bon, les avis clients sont ceux qui priment. Mais est-ce qu'il faut prendre aussi ceux des médias ?

Les médias renforcent-ils l'autorité de MWR Life ?

Ce sous-chapitre concerne en particulier les mandataires.

Je serais d'avis de ne pas prendre en compte les avis des médias traditionnels pour évaluer MWR Life et Travel Advantage.

Car nous ne retenons que ce qui nous arrange. Nous sommes complètement victimes du biais de confirmation.

Tu ne me crois pas ?

D'un côté nous avons : « Regarde ! BFM Business a interviewé Éric Aubin et a parlé de Travel Advantage à la télé ! Où sont ceux qui disaient que nous sommes une arnaque ? Viens en MP pour plus d'infos . »

De l'autre côté, si un prospect objecte qu'il a vu l'émission de Capital (M6) sur MWR Life (« Partir pour moins cher? Attention aux abus ») et qu'à cause de ça il se méfie, la réponse sera probablement : « N'écoute pas les médias ! Ils ne comprennent rien au marketing de réseau. Ils ne cherchent qu'à crier au système pyramidal pour faire du sensationnalisme et attirer de l'audience . »

Je caricature à peine. Deux poids deux mesures ?

Paradoxalement, je ne te déconseille pas d'utiliser l'argument de l'interview de BFM TV ni de « dénigrer » le documentaire de Capital. En effet, les positions clivantes font beaucoup plus vendre que celles nuancées, faisant preuve d'esprit critique. Mais, selon moi, il existe de meilleurs moyens de « vendre » une opportunité.

Avant de passer à la suite, découvre 17 façons d'attirer des prospects fous d'envie d'en savoir plus sur une plateforme qui leur permettrait de voyager moins cher .

MWR Life et le marketing de réseau : gagner de l'argent en recommandant une plateforme de voyage, c'est possible à ton avis ?

Telles les présentations d'affaires des mandataires du club de voyageurs, passons à la partie « business » de ma revue d'entreprise.

Comment devenir ambassadeur du club et de la plateforme de voyage ?

Afin de devenir ambassadeur du club MWR Life, il te faut t'acquitter d'une licence distributeur de $50 ($99 de renouvellement annuel).

Tu n'es PAS obligé de souscrire un abonnement VIP, PLUS ou ELITE pour conclure un mandat de mise en relation de clients avec l'entreprise américaine de voyage.

Donc tu peux être uniquement membre de Travel Advantage, uniquement ambassadeur de MWR Life, ou les deux en même temps. Nous parlerons de « mandataires membres » pour désigner les distributeurs indépendants qui sont aussi clients de l'OTA.

Excellent point : MWR Life est en partenariat avec l'organisme d'État Parcours-Entrepreneur . Ensemble, ces derniers ont créé une page web permettant à quiconque souhaite devenir ambassadeur Lifestyle de déclarer facilement sa nouvelle activité .

Les avantages divers à devenir mandataire MWR Life

En tant que mandataire de la société MWR Life, tu as accès à :

un site web personnalisé où faire la promotion du club de voyageurs et de Travel Advantage. J'en ai aperçu quelques-uns lors de mes recherches ;

la formation MWR Academy , qui t'enseigne comment faire de ton business un succès. Cette formation contient des leçons de développement personnel. Et aussi des méthodes liées à la liste de contacts et au marché chaud peut-être ? ;

un back-office ;

des outils marketing pour soutenir ton activité, dont la célèbre banderole bleue du club ;

une carte bancaire MWR Life Visa , contenant le logo de la marque ;

les groupes privés du club (sur Facebook notamment) ;

l'accompagnement de ton parrain/ta marraine et celui de ta upline ;

Mais bien sûr l'avantage n°1 à recommander la plateforme de voyage c'est... d'être commissionné pour chaque nouveau client apporté ET fidélisé.

Le (vaste) plan de rémunération MWR Life

Je ne t'expliquerai pas le plan de compensation de la société MWR Life dans les moindres détails. Mais je vais prendre soin d'approfondir le sujet. Relis ce chapitre plusieurs fois pour parvenir à tout comprendre.

Sache avant tout que le club de voyageurs prévoit 19 rangs pour ses mandataires : (dans l'ordre) Ambassadeur Lifestyle ; Bronze ; Silver ; Gold ; Platinum ; Jade ; Pearl ; Emerald ; Ruby ; Sapphire ; Diamond ; Double Diamond ; Triple Diamond ; Blue Diamond ; Royal ; Double Royal ; Triple Royal ; Blue Royal ; Black Royal.

Le rang d'Ambassadeur Lifestyle correspond à la position de départ, celle qui t'est attribuée à ton enregistrement en tant que mandataire. Celui de Black Royal, qu'encore personne n'a encore réussi à atteindre (cf déclarations de revenus), fait théoriquement de toi un millionnaire.

Quant aux sources de revenus du club auxquelles tu peux bénéficier, il y en a huit. Nous en parlerons de six en particulier.

Source n°1 : le bonus membre/Member Bonus

Le « bonus membre » correspond à la vente directe d'abonnements.

Tu gagnes $20 pour l'adhésion d'un nouveau membre VIP, $30 pour l'adhésion d'un nouveau membre PLUS et $40 pour celui d'un membre ELITE.

La rémunération se fait en « one-shot ».

Source n°2 : Le Builder Bonus

Ce bonus Builder correspond à un intéressement sur les ventes directes de tes équipes.

Tu peux gagner jusqu'à $75 de commissions sur les adhésions des clients PRO de tes équipes et de tes propres clients PRO. Jusqu'à $150 de commissions sur les adhésions des clients ELITE.

Source : MWR Life

Ce bonus est DIFFERENTIEL . Par exemple, si tu es de rang GOLD et que ton filleul de rang BRONZE a vendu un pass ELITE, tu gagnes alors un Builder Bonus de $40-$10 = 30 dollars. Tu ne gagnes pas de bonus sur les filleuls qui t'ont égalé ou dépassé en rang. Car oui, tes filleuls (directs comme indirects) peuvent gagner plus d'argent que toi s'ils leurs résultats dépassent les tiens. Heureusement d'ailleurs !

Le Builder Bonus est payé en « one-shot » et est cumulable avec le Member Bonus.

Source n°3 : le résiduel de parrainage

Observe ce tableau (source : MWR Life) :

Le résiduel de parrainage est une commission récurrente calculée sur ton nombre de membres / clients qui ont maintenu leurs abonnements. Par exemple 25 membres VIP inscrits = 25 x $20/mois de tes 25 clients (on arrondit à $20 et on imagine que tout le monde a choisi la formule mensuelle) = $500. Et $500 x 0,1 (les 10 %) = $50 de résiduels gagnés tous les mois (tant que tes clients paient leurs abonnements, sinon les gains diminuent).

Cette commission est mensuelle.

Source n°4 : Le bonus de rang

Ce bonus est une prime que tu obtiens lorsque tu atteins un nouveau palier pour la première fois.

Par exemple, tu gagnes $20 de prime si tu accèdes au rang Bronze. Tu remportes $500 de prime si tu atteins le rang Jade. Tu bénéficies de $3,000 de prime si tu deviens un mandataire de niveau Jade. Et ainsi de suite.

Le bonus de rang est payé une seule fois par rang atteint.

Source n°5 : Le Dual Team Residuals

Le Dual Team Residuals est sans nul doute la commission (résiduelle) la plus connue de MWR Life.

Celui-ci est calculé chaque semaine sur ton rang actuel. Or, ce rang est déterminé par ton nombre de points d'équipe (« dual team points »), c'est-à-dire sur la somme des efforts de ton réseau et toi-même.

Un membre VIP parrainé rapporte 1 point, un membre PLUS rapporte 3 points, un membre ELITE rapporte 6 points , un mandataire « pur » rapporte 0 point (tu n'es pas rémunéré sur le recrutement de distributeurs).

Tu noteras en consultant le tableau ci-dessus que tu as la possibilité d'autofinancer l'abonnement de ta carte ELITE ou PLUS.

Pour autofinancer la carte PLUS ($59.97/mois), tu dois atteindre le statut Bronze, qui requiert 9 points minimum. Pour autofinancer la carte ELITE ($119.97), tu dois accéder au statut Silver, qui requiert 18 points minimum.

Mais attention ! Pour que ton nombre total de dual team points soit validé, tes deux « branches » doivent être équilibrées. Par exemple, pour le statut Gold, qui requiert 72 points, tu dois obtenir 36 points d'équipe d'un côté, 36 points d'équipe dans une autre.

Si tu ignores ce que signifie le mot « branche » ou la notion de « branches équilibrées », tu auras tout le temps de découvrir cela en tant qu'ambassadeur, ne t'en fais pas.

Source n°6 : Le Dual Team Match

Le Dual Team Match est au Dual Team Residuals ce que le Builder Bonus est au Bonus Membre. Il est aussi lié au développement d'équipe.

Avec ce bonus, tu peux gagner jusqu'à 50 % des Residual Dual Team gagnés par tes filleuls directs et indirects sur un maximum de 10 niveaux de profondeur.

Pour être éligible à cette source de revenu, tu dois obligatoirement être au minimum de rang Jade (le 5e rang). Alors tu gagnes jusqu'à 12 % des Residual Dual Team remportés par tes filleuls de niveau 1 à 3 (pour les 3 niveaux cumulés, pas 12 % par niveau de profondeur, nuance).

Autre cas : si tu es de rang Ruby, tu peux obtenir jusqu'à 22 % des Residual Dual Team remportés par tes filleuls de niveau 1 à 6 (en cumulé).

Ça veut dire quoi au niveau des commissions remportées concrètement ? Admettons que tu sois de niveau Jade et que ton filleul de niveau 1 soit de rang Silver. Son rang lui permet de gagner $120 de residual dual team (sans compter la déduction liée à son abonnement). Par conséquent, en tant que Jade, tu as droit à 5 % de residual team calculé sur les revenus résiduels de ton filleul direct. Soit 120 x 0,05 = $6 de dual team match. Et ça c'est pour un seul filleul. Le calcul est fait poru tous tes filleuls, et ce jusqu'aux limites délimitées par le tableau.

La rémunération de ce Dual Team Match est hebdomadaire.

Combien d'argent peux-tu espérer gagner en rejoignant MWR Life ?

Le leader du MLM voyage révèle en toute transparence son income disclosure 2022 en pied de page de son site web. Je te l'ai recopié (source : MWR Life) :

Cette déclaration de revenus ne prend pas en compte les dépenses, par exemple le paiement mensuel des abonnements (VIP, PLUS ou ELITE) pour les mandataires-membres. Tu remarqueras aussi qu'il manque les rangs entre Royal et Black Royal. C'est dû au fait que PERSONNE ne les a atteints.

L'on voit dans ce tableau que les ¾ des mandataires ne gagnent pratiquement PAS d'argent , n'arrivent à profiter d'aucune des huit sources de commissions de MWR Life. Mais l'on s'aperçoit aussi qu'e nviron 13 % des ambassadeurs parviennent à générer entre un petit complément de revenu (même $100 mensuels supplémentaires ne sont pas négligeable quand on manque de moyens financiers) et un revenu à six chiffres.

Au vu de cet income disclosure, il serait malhonnête de ta part de promettre la liberté financière à tes prospects, même sous la condition qu'ils « travaillent à fond pour réaliser leurs rêves ». Ne crois pas que les 74,3 % sont (tous) des fainéants hein ! Et pourtant leur business ne décolle pas.

D'un autre côté, il est réellement possible de générer des revenus significatifs en recommandant Travel Advantage et en représentant MWR Life. Les statistiques le montrent. Certains en ont même fait leur activité principale. Ma upline vivait de cette société. Je connais aussi personnellement un « 100K earner » de la compagnie. Et ce sont des êtres faits de chair et de sang comme toi et moi. Ce ne sont pas des extra-terrestres. S'ils y sont arrivés, tu peux aussi y arriver. Encore que tu pourrais me reprocher ici de tomber dans un biais du survivant .

Voici la solution que j'ai trouvée pour que tu fasses (peut-être) partie du bon côté du tableau.

MWR Life pratique-t-elle la vente pyramidale ? (non)

Lorsque j'ai confié à un proche ma volonté de rédiger un post sur MWR Life, ce proche m'a répondu aussitôt : « attention, c'est une arnaque ! Capital de M6 en a parlé ».

De manière générale, beaucoup de « profanes » (i.e., les personnes qui ne connaissent pas le concept de marketing de réseau), perçoivent le club de voyageurs comme étant un vulgaire système pyramidal.

Après (re)lecture de l'article L121-15 du Code de la Consommation et analyse générale de la société, je peux t'assurer que ça n'en est PAS un. Bien au contraire, je pourrais argumenter que MWR Life est le plus sérieux des MLM services.

Toutefois, j'ai moi-même un ou deux doutes que je vais te détailler. Si tu es distributeur de la marque de voyages, je veux bien que tu me donnes tes contre-arguments en commentaire. Mais sois professionnel : corrige ton orthographe, fais preuve d'esprit critique et sois respectueux (pas de véhémence).

Est-ce que l'autofinancement et les revenus résiduels sont illégaux ?

L'autofinancement d'un abonnement suite à l'apport de nouveaux clients (par extension les gains résiduels) est tout à fait légal si le service est réel et solide.

Par exemple, le premier abonnement (mensuel) de systeme io coûte 27 €/mois. Or, systeme io propose une commission d'affiliation récurrente de 60 % pour tout client amené (sauf si résiliation d'abonnement). Ça signifie que si je fais connaître systeme io à deux personnes et qu'ils prennent l'abonnement payant de 27 €/mois, les gains que je vais recevoir vont dépasser ma dépense mensuelle de 27 € (si j'ai opté pour le premier abonnement payant). Mon abonnement est ici autofinancé. Est-ce que pour autant systeme io est pyramidal ? Jamais de la vie ! C'est le même principe pour MWR Life.

Ce qui est borderline plutôt c'est de promettre à un mandataire-membre qu'il n'aura plus à payer son abonnement s'il parraine 2 ou 3 personnes. Ça sous-entendrait que les abonnements ne valent pas leurs prix et qu'il faut absolument jouer à tic-tac-boum (avec forcément des victimes de la bombe) pour que ce soit intéressant d'y souscrire. Une telle communication salit l'image du club.

Doute n°1 : les mandataires-membres sont-ils avant tout ambassadeurs ou clients ?

MWR Life ne rémunère en aucun cas sur le recrutement de mandataires mais uniquement sur le parrainage de clients/membres. Un mandataire peut très bien être membre en même temps... tout comme il peut décider de ne pas devenir membre de Travel Advantage et uniquement s'occuper de la partie MLM. Sans oublier les membres qui sont uniquement membres et non pas apporteurs d'affaires. En conclusion, la rémunération ne se fait pas sur les mandataires tout court mais sur les membres « finaux » et les mandataires-membres.

Pourrait-on justement reprocher à MWR Life d'inclure comme membres/clients les membres de Travel Advantage qui développent aussi la partie « marketing de réseau » ?

Après tout, dans un MLM produit, un vendeur à domicile indépendant est toujours considéré comme étant VDI de son fournisseur – et non pas comme client – même s'il achète les produits de la société dont il fait la promotion pour sa consommation personnelle. Et un VDI ne peut évidemment pas être commissionné sur le parrainage d'un autre VDI.

De plus, tout mandataire MWR Life doit (à raison) créer une entreprise individuelle s'il n'en possède pas déjà au moment de son inscription, sans oublier la déclaration de revenus. Peut-on considérer comme client/membre quelqu'un qui déclare une activité non-salariée exprès pour vendre les abonnements de Travel Advantage, et ce même s'il en consomme personnellement les service ?

MAIS, sauf mention contraire de la DGCCRF, MWR Life A LE DROIT de procéder de cette manière. Oui, un mandataire peut AUSSI être client de la société qu'il promeut.

Doute n°2 : Est-ce que beaucoup de membres externes au réseau de mandataires prennent l'abonnement PLUS et ELITE ?

Au vu des nombreux témoignages clients que j'ai lus, des nombreux retours de voyages effectués après une réservation via Travel Advantage, je n'ai rien à dire sur la carte VIP sinon que c'est rempli de clients « purs ». C'est une très bonne chose.

Ma réserve concerne les cartes PLUS et ELITE. Les auteurs des présentations d'affaires (il y en a plein sur YouTube) encouragent les personnes voulant juste économiser sur leurs voyages à prendre une carte VIP. Et ils encouragent ceux qui veulent générer un revenu supplémentaire à prendre une carte PLUS ou ELITE. Je n'ai entendu nulle part quelqu'un qui recommanderait un pass ELITE (ou PLUS) à un voyageur ne voulant pas développer la partie MLM, ni un pass VIP à un marketeur de réseau. Alors que ces options sont tout aussi disponibles que les autres.

De surcroît, la plupart des présentations d'affaires ne mentionnent pas le fait qu'on puisse être mandataire de MWR Life SANS être membre de Travel Advantage.

En mettant en avant les options vues ci-dessus plutôt que d'autres, il y a un risque élevé d'avoir beaucoup plus de mandataires-membres PLUS ou ELITE que de membres PLUS ou ELITE tout court.

Est-ce que c'est un problème ? Dans l'absolu non puisque l'on revient à la question du « statut » des clients-distributeurs, auquel nous avons déjà répondu. Mais il est toujours bon de réfléchir à ce sujet.

Mon avis global sur MWR Life et Travel Advantage

Faisons le récapitulatif des avantages et des inconvénients des deux sociétés de Yoni Ashurov.

MWR Life avis négatif

Je te résume les points faibles et mes interrogations mentionnés plus haut :

tu ne peux utiliser qu'une partie de tes points fidélité par réservation ;

prix du vol non inclus dans les life experience ;

le club de voyageurs et sa plateforme doivent se débarrasser de leur mauvaise réputation de « système pyramidal » (ce qu'ils ne sont pas) s'ils veulent devenir un jour le « Netflix du voyage » ;

un positionnement confus des « mandataires-membres » ;

une association presque systématique en pratique des cartes PLUS et ELITE avec le mandat de distributeur, même si sur le papier l'un et l'autre peuvent tout à fait être distincts. D'où le risque d'un nombre limité de membres PLUS et ELITE extérieurs au réseau de mandataires ;

Mon avis positif sur MWR Life

Je ne m'attendais pas à trouver autant de points positifs :

une société MLM tendance et dont la popularité dans l'industrie de la vente directe ne faiblit pas selon le site Nicobene ;

10 ans d'existence, et une progression permanente. Une très bonne performance pour un MLM service ;

un VP Europe professionnel et déterminé à faire « monter de gamme » le marketing de réseau ;

un volet légal (Atout France, RCP, garantie financière...) et un volet partenariat (ETOA, PARTAGE...) tous deux aboutis ;

un vaste choix de prestations de voyages ;

une garantie 150 % pour les réservations d'hôtels ;

des notes TrustPulot excellentes et une légion de témoignages confirmant les économies qu'il est possible de faire grâce à Travel Advantage ;

des dirigeants très expérimentés en marketing relationnel et/ou en entrepreneuriat ;

une formule d'abonnement, un bouche-à-oreille et des prix de gros (faiblement margés) qui disruptent le business model classique d'une plateforme de voyage ;

des abonnements pour tous les budgets ;

la possibilité de tester la plateforme sans payer d'abonnement « à l'aveugle » grâce aux Guest Pass ;

Les 7 questions à te poser avant de rejoindre MWR Life et Travel Advantage

J'ai réfléchi pour toi aux questions importantes que tu dois te poser pour pouvoir être certain de t'épanouir au sein des deux compagnies.

Question n°1 : la rentabilité de l'abonnement

Est-ce que tu voyages beaucoup ? Vaut-il mieux pour toi payer des nuits d'hôtels plus chères en « one-shot » ou payer une réservation d'hôtel (beaucoup) moins chère mais avec un abonnement mensuel en plus ?

Est-ce que les crédits voyage, les points fidélité et les life experience sont assez intéressants pour que tu payes un « abonnement voyage » ?

Pour rappel, un abonnement ELITE coûte $1,439.64 au bout de 12 mois !

Question n°2 : la passion du voyage

Est-ce que tu es passionné de voyage au point de changer radicalement tes habitudes et payer un abonnement pour voyager ?

Question n°3 : patient ou « agressif » ?

Est-ce que ton potentiel parrain/marraine et ta potentielle upline prônent un développement de réseau « organique » ou cherchent à « recruter, recruter, recruter... recruter » ?

Question n°4 : « C'est trop cher ! »

Comment répond ta marraine/parrain, ta upline, à ton objection-prix ? Est-ce que tes éventuels mentors savent justifier les formules d'abonnement de Travel Advantage, et leurs prix, quand tu leur annonces que tu trouves ça cher et que tu ne te vois pas payer X/mois alors que tu pars en vacances deux fois dans l'année ? Ou est-ce qu'ils te répondent par « oui c'est cher ! Mais t'inquiète ! Deviens ambassadeur, trouve trois personnes et tu n'auras plus à payer d'abonnement » ?

Question n°5 : la vente de rêve

Est-ce que la personne qui te présente l'opportunité d'affaires te montre la réalité du métier de distributeur indépendant, avec les avantages que ça apporte ET les difficultés fréquemment rencontrées ? Ou est-ce qu'elle te fait croire que le MLM voyage chez MWR Life c'est le monde des bisounours et de l'argent facile ?

Question n°6 : quelle valeur attribues-tu à Travel Advantage HORS MLM ?

Si l'autofinancement de l'abonnement n'existait pas (en admettant que tu veuilles devenir mandataire-membre), si le côté MLM tout entier disparaissait, est-ce que tu considérerais quand même que Travel Advantage vaut $19.90/mois (VIP), $59.97/mois (PLUS), $119.97/mois (ELITE) ?

Il n'y a pas de mauvaise réponse. Si tu estimes faire une bonne affaire, c'est ok. Si tu estimes que les prix des cartes sont overpriced si l'on n'est pas au moins de rang Bronze ou Silver (les premiers rangs qui donnent accès à l'autofinancement des cartes), c'est ok aussi.

Question n°7 : entrée de gamme contre haut de gamme

Est-ce que tu préfères accéder à des hôtels de luxe ou à des hôtels bon marché (la question est valable pour les autres services de réservation) ? La meilleure différence entre le prix de détail moyen et le prix de Travel Advantage se trouve dans les hôtels étoiles (4, 5 étoiles, 3 étoiles dans une moindre mesure).

Est-ce que tu veux voyager loin ou près de chez toi ? Tu as plus de chances de faire des économies en réservation un hôtel à l'international plutôt qu'en réservant un gîte de ta région (hors Île-de-France).

Concernant le Lifestyle Mall, est-ce que comptes te procurer des produits de luxe ? Ou est-ce qu'il est hors de question pour toi d'acheter (par exemple) une montre à 200 €, même s'il s'agit d'un prix renégocié avec le grossiste et que cette montre coûtait à l'origine 350 € ?

Astuce pour réussir avec MWR Life : deviens spécialiste de la région où tu habites !

Cette astuce ne vient pas de moi : elle vient de Nicolas Benezeth .

Pour information, ce blogueur MLM notoire est un ancien développeur du réseau MWR Life. Il avait constitué une équipe de 150 personnes en un an et demi seulement. Et pourtant il s'agissait de sa première société de marketing de réseau !

Le conseil est le suivant : filme-toi dans ta région, ton département, et explique pourquoi le territoire où tu habites est un bon endroit où réserver des chambres d'hôtels.

À cause de l'inflation et de la baisse du pouvoir d'achat, les Français ont de moins en moins de moyens de partir à l'étranger. La plupart voyageraient... en France.

Pourquoi ne pas tirer avantage de ce paramètre ?

Qui mieux que toi peut renseigner les gens sur la région où tu résides ?

Or, être expert de quelque chose est la clé pour se distinguer de la masse. Tu dois devenir LA référence du voyage au Var, en Corse, en Martinique, en Bretagne, que sais-je.

Ainsi, les voyageurs sauront que c'est toi qu'il faut consulter s'ils veulent des renseignements ou des conseils pour leur prochaine destination locale.

Ensuite, tu auras tout le loisir de leur recommander ton bon plan à savoir Travel Advantage.

Super Adrien. Mais je ne sais pas par où commencer !

Pas de soucis.

Je t'invite à bloquer une semaine par mois où tu vas te déplacer dans plusieurs lieux emblématiques de ta région , ainsi qu'à l'entrée de plusieurs hôtels à proximité de ta ville. Tu prendras naturellement en compte uniquement les hôtels inscrits sur Travel Advantage. Puis tu réaliseras une vidéo courte sur les lieux touristiques eux-mêmes, ou sur les lieux symboliques à visiter qui sont proches de (l'entrée de) l'hôtel où tu te trouves.

Une trentaine de vidéos courtes à réaliser dans les destinations locales que tu auras choisies suffisent. Pas besoin de matériel sophistiqué si tu débutes la création de vidéos : un portable et ta voix suffisent.

Enfin, tu programmeras en avance les vidéos que tu auras prises sur tes réseaux sociaux respectifs, et ce après un montage basique (on ne te demande pas d'être une agence de com') : Facebook et Instagram Reels, YouTube shorts, vidéos TikTok.

Si tu es déterminé à appliquer cette astuce mais que tu n'as pas l'habitude de te filmer ni de créer du contenu format « vidéo courte », la formation TikTok Booster de Nicolas Benezeth sera parfait pour te professionnaliser.

Grâce à cette formation, tu seras certain d'avoir une grosse communauté à qui proposer le bon plan voyage Travel Advantage ou l'opportunité d'affaires MWR Life.

Clique ici pour accéder à la formation TikTok Booster ! (lien affilié : oui)

Mon mot de la fin

Suite à un événement personnel qui m'est arrivé en début d'été 2023, et qui m'a particulièrement marqué, j'ai très envie de faire le « tour » de France.

Visiter Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rennes, Nantes, Strasbourg, Lille... c'est l'un de mes objectifs majeurs à présent.

Mais c'est qu'il devra être grand mon budget...

Travel Advantage tombe à pic : je vais chercher à faire des économies sur mes réservations d'hôtels, et cette plateforme m'y aidera. Elle devrait augmenter sensiblement mon pouvoir d'achat.

En conclusion, mon avis sur MWR Life est positif . Tu peux devenir membre du club privé de voyageurs sans crainte.

(Réponds quand même aux sept questions vues plus haut au cas où.)

Pour ma part, je compte souscrire un abonnement VIP [MAJ janvier 2024 : c'est fait] . Sûrement d'ici la fin de l'année 2023 et uniquement en tant que client (la partie MLM ne m'intéresse pas).

Cette future adhésion sera l'occasion pour moi de confronter en autonomie les prix de Travel Advantage à ceux des autres OTA. J'utiliserai des comparateurs de prix donc si jamais je trouve moins cher ailleurs, je n'hésiterai pas une seconde à faire valoir la garantie des 150 %... ou à passer par la concurrence. Mais j'ai confiance en la capacité de l'agence de voyage à me surprendre.

À ton tour de t'exprimer ! Que penses-tu du leader européen et mondial du MLM voyage ?

Avant que tu ne partes, j'ai quelque chose pour toi : un cadeau qui peut changer à vie tes voyages et ta façon de prospecter les gens que tu rencontres lors de tes séjours. Ne loupe pas ta chance de monétiser tes vacances !

• MLM revue d'entreprise

Posts récents

La WFDSA : tout ce qu'il faut savoir sur la fédération mondiale de la vente directe

Xelliss (ex Natura4ever avis) : la spiruline à la conquête des États-unis !

Lyriange avis découverte : voyage en Belgique !

Merci pour l'article.

Je suis ambassadrice de MWRLIFE depuis Février 2021 et je ne le regrette pas, que ce soit au niveau de la vision de l'entreprise, l'engagement, le sérieux, la communauté, les formations, l'évolution...

D'ailleurs je suis ouverte à partager le détail de mon expérience en privé, et c'est ce que je fais aussi à travers mes réseaux sociaux.

ℹ️Infos et contact: @Ohana_Alegria (Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Tiktok...)

Bonjour Ohana,

Merci de votre retour. Je suis ravi que vous soyez satisfaite de MWR Life. Je consulterai vos réseaux au besoin.

Cordialement,

Merci pour votre envoi !

Come with me on my travels, as you plan yours

11 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Moscow, Russia

This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you buy through my site. I appreciate your support of my site.

Despite all the places I have visited during and after my time living in Moscow, everyone wants to know what is it like to live in Russia. When I accepted a teaching job at an international school in Moscow I knew very little about the country. Of course I did some research, but the United States presents a very skewed view of life in Russia today. Moving abroad is always an emotional experience, but anyone from the USA planning on living and working in Moscow might be surprised about what is and isn’t a challenge in Russia.

After a year living in the country I can say that I didn’t love living in Russia, but I did love the new cultural experience. I already wrote about what it is like to live in Russia in general. In this post I go into the logistics and details of moving to and living in Moscow, Russia.  If you are debating whether or not you should move to Moscow, Russia here are 11 things to know before you pack your bags.

1. The Visa Process is a Hassle

When I was living in Moscow I came across an article about the hardest visas for US citizens to obtain. Russia was one of the top five. Go figure, I decided to move to Russia!

The US embassy website says it best, “The Russian government maintains a restrictive and complicated visa regime for foreigners who visit, transit, or reside in the Russian Federation.” I may not agree with the US government on a lot of things, but they are correct on that!

A Russian-based sponsor is always required in order to obtain a visa. I’m not going to go into details on the process, that could be a whole different post. It’s unlikely that you could move to Russia without a work/school sponsorship, so your new employer/school should help you through the steps. Before accepting a position that is something to check into!

After receiving sponsorship and your invitation letter you will need to apply for the visa and get an HIV test done. Be aware it needs to be the formal blood drawn test that gets sent to a lab and not just a finger prick instant test. I found that out the hard way!

2. Registration is Required Every-time you Return to Russia

Within a specific period of time when returning back to Russia from another country you or your company needs to register you using the migration card you are given at customs. For most of my time in Moscow this was within 3 days, during the World Cup this needed to be done within 24 hours. One guy from my school did not give his migration card to HR within the required amount of time and had to leave the country and then immediately return in order to avoid issues. 

You will need your migration card in order to leave the country. Needless to say keep it in a safe spot!

3. Documentation Needs to Be Carried at All Times

When walking the streets of Russia you need to carry your papers at all times. This includes your passport, visa, and migration card. A police officer can ask you for these for no reason and you can be detained if you do not have them on you. According to the HR department at my school you can also have an officially stamped copy of your passport and visa instead of your originals.

4. The Cost of Living is Low

If you are coming from the USA or Western Europe you will most likely find the cost of living low. My phone bill was about $15 a month and my internet was about $20 a month. I had a monthly membership at one of the nicest two story gyms with various classes and a pool for $58 a month. Taxis cost only a few dollars for 10 – 20 minute rides. Overall if you compare costs to what you paid back ‘home’ you will be pleasantly surprised.

Retail shopping was the one thing I found more expensive than in other parts of Europe or the US. The prices of both familiar worldwide brands and unfamiliar Russian brands seemed pricier. Coming from NYC I didn’t think the restaurants were too expensive, but many of my colleagues thought they also had higher prices.

5. Bill Paying is an Odd Process

It took me awhile to figure out how to pay my phone and internet bills. In the US I always had a set monthly fee due on a specific date. I could easily set up bill pay. In Moscow the way I found out that my phone and internet bill was due was when they stopped working. For my internet I wouldn’t be able to use it on a random day and had to enter my credit card information to pay for the next month. Without having access to the internet to translate this page I had no chance of figuring out the form correctly. Not to mention, it was a guessing game of figuring out how much I owed. Initially I was confused about the conversion rates so I didn’t even know in the ballpark what monthly internet cost.

Oh my goodness did I struggle with my phone in Moscow! The data wouldn’t work. Sometimes it was because I had to ‘top up’ my payment. Similar to the internet, I didn’t know how much I owed or when. There was some other issue with my phone that took three visits to the phone store with Russian colleagues to resolve. I still don’t know what the issue was because according to my co-worker who translated I would have to pay for them to tell me what they had to fix on my phone. I didn’t have to pay for them to fix it, but I would have to pay if I wanted to know what they fixed??? Welcome to life in Moscow! 

I loved how cheap internet and phone service was, but sometimes I wished I could pay a little more just to simplify using them.

6. Many Online Sites are Blocked

Internet and WiFi in Moscow usually work really well. That is unless the site is blocked. Some sites you would never guess would be blocked like Target.com. I found many American online store websites blocked. Also many important financial sites are blocked. M y US bank’s entire website was blocked online, as well as my credit card company. TV shows direct from the networks are often blocked. No watching American Ninja Warrior on NBC or Amazing race on CBS. Hulu is also blocked. Your best bet is through youtube.com or VPN blockers. 

7. Transferring Money is Not Fun

My school set me up with Raiffeisen Bank. It worked well except for when I needed to transfer money. As I mentioned above my bank (Capital One) couldn’t be accessed online and wouldn’t except transfers from Russia. Before moving to Russia make sure you have a bank back home that you can transfer money to if you plan on doing that. It was very difficult to set up once out of the country. Luckily my parents set up a Chase account that was able to except money from Russia. They then transferred the money to my US bank account.

8. Hardly Anyone Speaks English

The hardest part of all the challenges I have listed above is that most people don’t speak English. It’s one thing being a tourist and trying to communicate at an attraction while traveling. It’s another thing to attempt banking, bill paying, grocery shopping and everything else that living and working in Moscow entails. 

Some Russians speak a little English in the city center, but don’t count on it. In other outlying neighborhoods, like mine, it was rare that someone spoke English. I had so many experiences when people would just speak more Russian to me when I didn’t understand. Unlike a lot of countries that attempt to put more things in English for tourists, Russia seemed to have the attitude of, it is your problem, figure it out. 

Have Yandex Translate or Google Translate at the ready if you don’t speak Russian. Also set your web browser to translate web pages into English.

9. Learning Russian is Hard

I knew that learning Russian would improve my life in Moscow a great deal. If you know me personally, you know I am a pretty persistent person. If I set my mind to something, I will do it…..except for learning Russian . My Russian teacher would say a word and I couldn’t remember it two seconds later to repeat it. To be fair I did learn the alphabet, how to count to ten and a few greetings and other nouns.

10. Getting Around Moscow is Easy

The Moscow Metro is very nice, cheap and easy to use. It follows the same basic system of metros around the world. If you are considering learning Russian start with the alphabet, it will help you use the metro. Not all the stops and stations are in English. Have a metro map downloaded on your phone in English. You can use it to help you figure out the stop names in Russian. The metro runs from about 5:30am to 1am.

I took the metro whenever I could, but on off hours, going to the airport or when traveling somewhere not on a metro line I used Yandex taxis . They are the Uber of Moscow and very cheap. Most drivers don’t speak English, so this is a good time to have a translator app handy.

11. Hot Water is Shut Off for 10 Days Every Year.

Between May and August almost all of the apartment buildings have an assigned 10 days when the hot water is shut off for maintenance. You can check online at Oaomoek to see when it will be shut off for your apartment building. If you have a new building you may not have to deal with this (most buildings are old though). 

As an American moving to Moscow, Russia I definitely had an adventure! If you have moved to Moscow let me know in the comments below what your experience has been like. Feel free to leave any questions about moving to Russia below as well. 

More About Russia

• Moscow Things to Do: The Must See Sights , Unique Things to Do ,  Spartak Stadium
• Moscow Markets:  Izmailovsky Market , Danilovsky Market
• Moscow Museums: Moscow City Museum , Victory Museum , Museum of the Patriotic War in 1812 , State Historical Museum ,
• Moscow Life: Malls , Christmas in Moscow , Metro , Learning Spanish , My Russian Apartment , What is Life Really Like in Russia , FiFa World Cup , Russian Winters , and more posts about life abroad in Russia .
• St Petersburg: City Guide , The Hermitage Museum , Kayaking the Rivers & Canals , Peterhof Palace

Share this:

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

You May Also Like

The Challenges of Expat Life

A great experience.

Here We Go Again – Moscow Life Update #6

33 comments.

The hot water thing happened to me while living (and teaching english too) in Prague! I had no idea that was a thing! Luckily it was for 3 days.

Interesting, I didn’t know it happened in other countries too!

Thank you for such a great article! Moving to a new country is always a stressful process no matter how prepared you are and knowing these little ins and outs of the process really helps. Having to get an HIV test before moving kind of surprised me and registering every time you return to Russia seems like a hassle! I have heard that Russian is a very difficult language to learn. I tried learning the basics when I was travelling through Eastern Europe and the Balkans and almost immediately gave up because I found it incredibly difficult to teach myself from free online resources. I’ve heard that Moscow has some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world and would love to see them one day!

You’re welcome, thanks for reading! I’m terrified of needles, so I really hated having to do an HIV test. Also we had to do them a couple times of year at the school I worked at. I found Russian really hard to learn when I had a private teacher. I can imagine it would be even more difficult to try to teach yourself. Yes, the metro stations are beautiful!

Tell me about it (the visa progress, internet, hot water shut off!), I lived for a while in Moscow many years ago and the paperwork was a nightmare and by the sounds of it, nothing has changed. I learnt Russian pretty fast (had no choice) but I did enjoy my time there. Would I go back? Maybe….

It’s great to hear from someone else who lived in Moscow! That’s awesome that you learned Russian really quick, I’m impressed!

I had heard about a lot of things about Russia and turns out most of them are true! They have this strictest Visa process and paperwork. One of my acquaintances arrived in Russia after visiting some other Central Asian countries. He was apparently deported with no proper reason. He was told if you want to visit Russia, come directly from your country and not through any other country! It was good to know a lot about Russia and Moscow in general from your blog. I hope you had a good and exciting time there.

Oh wow that’s quite the scary story! I traveled to other countries quite a bit when I lived there and luckily didn’t have any problems going back to Russia.

First off – kudos for having managed in this city. It does seem like a challenge to get here and more importantly stay here. The amount of documentation and forms. And to not be able to pay your bills in a jiffy. Oof! Russian only and no English can be hassle if you are staying there for long term. The last point totally put me in a bind – no hot water for 10 days in a cold country! Brrrr….

Hahaha the visa the visa the visa!!!! I was had planned for my trip in December 2019… The hardest part was figuring out how to get an invitation letter when staying at an Airbnb. That took me quite a while to figure out and was a bit costly about $65 but the Airbnb was affordable so the costs balanced out. On arrival don’t be in a hurry, it took about 3 hrs to be cleared at immigration as a first time tourist to Russia. But once that was done i really enjoyed my stay. I love how beautifully decorated it is in December and the fireworks on 31st. Being an African I was a tad cautious but boy are those people kind and friendly… I got so many hugs and numerous people eager to find out more about what I think of Russia and where I’m from. I’d definitely go back. Oh and I visited Voronzeh by bus… Small nice and really affordable town but not as much to do as Moscow though..

The Fearless Foreigner

The visa process and the invitation letter are quite the hassle. Glad you had a good experience in Russia overall though!

This really opened my eyes to some of the things we take for granted in the US, like consistent WiFi, phone service and hot water. And paying bills sounds as though it would be very frustrating. As someone who has a tendency to misplace things, I was relieved to hear an officially stamped passport and visa copy would be accepted. Imagine losing the originals? Ugh. All worth it, I’m sure, to have this incredible opportunity to experience Russia as a resident. These tips are very helpful and I do hope to visit in the near future. Thank you!

That’s so true, we do take a lot for granted in the US. Moving to Moscow was a challenging experience, but still rewarding!

Sheriannekay

I am hoping to visit Moscow in the fall. I know it won’t be my easiest trip and have put off research. This is a great starting point. The tips for apps are greatly appreciated. I didn’t realize language would be as huge a barrier as it sounds so I will do extra prep. Thanks for the heads up on carrying papers with me at all times, I don’t usually do that

As a tourist you will hopefully have an easier time with the language barrier and your hotel will send you the invitation letter to start the visa process. It still is a hassle and takes more planning than other countries though. I have several other Moscow posts, I hope you check them out and let me know if you have any questions!

Most of the “rough” things mentioned are truly in the eye of the beholder – and a matter of simple adjustment. WI-FI is a lot more consistent and readily available in Russia’s big cities than in cities of comparable size in the US. As to cell phones – the vast majority of plans is “prepaid” vs “pay-as-you-go”, which essentially means you can hypothetically run out of money. That said, internet banking is a lot more developed in Russia – so “topping up” your phone is a matter of a couple of clicks on your phone (or, alternatively, and “auto-payment” from your bank account as soon as you hit a certain limit). Back in 2018, I went for 7 days in Moscow and Spb without any cash or credit cards at all – paying for everything with my phone (Samsung Pay, Google pay, etc).

Hot water – yes, that’s something I had a hard time getting used to. Luckily, most rental apartments have a back up water boiler (or in-line water heater) to help you through those 10 days 🙂 If not – you can always get one (costs about $70, no electrical license or skills needed to install – it’s a simple plug and play. Plug and shower, rather 🙂

As to visa – well, yes, it’s a bit of a pain. To give you some perspective, though – the wait times for a (mandatory) visa interview at the US embassy in Moscow back in 2018 started at 1 year (yes, that’s 365 days), and Russians have to travel to the US embassy, regardless of where in the country they reside. If they happen to live, say, in Petropavlovsk, they need to fly into Moscow (a 9-hr flight across 9 time zones)

Linda (LD Holland)

Wow! A move to Moscow is certainly adventurous. I know that visiting requires a whole big process. So I am sure residency is a degree of magnitude harder. I am not surprised that internet is blocked. But the process for paying bills is just bizarre. And I am not sure how to deal with no hot water for 10 days. Some great tips for people wanting to do a longer stay in Russia.

Moving to Moscow was an adventure! Some people tough it out and take cold showers for 10 days. I heated up some water and took showers at my gym some days.

Bhushavali N

Oh wow! That’s quite an experience. Language barrier when you move to a country is indeed difficult, unlike being a tourist for a few days. I know that feeling, coz I’ve been through that! Interesting to know that the cost of living is cheaper than USA or EU! I wonder if the situation of money transfer is difficult only with banks of USA or with any other country! Just like China, I’m not surprised that many sites are blocked in Russia as well!

Most of my co-workers were from the UK or other countries around the world. I talked with them about the money transferring and none of them seemed to have any problem. So I guess it is more of an issue with US banks!

Victoria immigration expert

Thank you for sharing your experience. This is very valuable. I think it is the language barrier that causes many inconveniences. Good luck to you!

Yes, the language barrier was one of my biggest challenges! Thank you.

I loved reading this! I am SO curious about Russia right now. It’s somewhere I really really want to go but as you mentioned, the visa process is a bit tricky. It’s just such an unknown place to me, I don’t really know anyone who has been there. I think it’s very cool that you taught English there! I appreciated your honestly about how you didn’t technically love it nor hate it, it seems like there were many challenges but a great experience overall!

Russia is an interesting place! It is a hassle to get a visa, but if you are intrigued you should visit! It’s unique because it is Europe, but doesn’t feel like the other European countries, yet doesn’t feel like Asia either. Let me know if you have any questions about visiting!

Anton Vasilyev

Just read your article and having traveled to Russia multiple times I think you made it sound a bit too complicated. First, the visa issue – Google an online Russian visa support site and they will do it for you for a modest fee. You all seem to mention that 7- 10 day hot water maintenance. It does take place in the middle of the summer so it’s not that dramatic. When searching for an Airbnb make sure it comes with a water heater. That way you don’t depend on centrally supplied hot water. Most local apartments come with a tankless water heater installed to avoid this exact situation – just ask. And I’ll just ignore your other complaint that English is not widely spoken in Moscow. I actually enjoy that there are not that many English speaking tourists in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Living in a country and traveling in a country is very different.This post is geared to expats moving to Russia and people who like to know all the pros and cons of moving somewhere, even if they are minor inconveniences. For the most part our companies choose where we live and we have no control over the apartment (no AirBnBs). That’s great that you enjoy that many people do not speak English. As I said that is the point of this post, for people to determine if they would like to live in the country or not. Anything that does not pertain to your situation or needs you are free to ignore!

Hey Elizabeth! I came across your blog after participating in the collab about teaching abroad, with Monica from This Rare Earth! I resonated with what you said here — many of the same things happen in China where I work. It is definitely an adventure 🙂

Thanks for stopping by! That’s very cool that you are teaching in China! I’m sure there are a lot of similarities….teaching abroad is an adventure for sure 🙂

It was interesting to read, so let me give you Russian point of view. As for visa, I really can not understand what’s the purpose of such hassle – if I was responsible for Russian visa policy, I would make visa-free regime for the majority of countries. We had quite nice experience during the World Cup 3 years back, so I hope things will be changing. Even now, they introduced new e-visa policy, at least for various European countries. However, they always state that all visa policies should be reciprocal, though it doesn’t make sence for me at all. As for passports I strongly disagree with you – you don’t need to carry it all the time, at least in Moscow. It is not required by law and normally no one will ask it as well, at least if you’re not looking like people from Caucasian & Central Asian republics. Attitude towards foreigners from “rich countries” from police is mostly much better, than towards any Russian. As for internet, it amazes me that you found it problematic. Wi-Fi is all over Moscow, Apple Pay can be used almost everywhere, and the unlimited internet package I have on my tablet is less than 10$ per month – i never found anything like that in other countries, though I am travelling a lot. As for blocked sites – there are some, but target.com is blocked not by Russians, but by target.com itself, because it does not accept our cards and doesn’t provide any services to us. Absolutely same situation applies to Ukraine – you will not open it there either. However, absolutely nobody in Russia uses and even knows about that site, we use other websites for shopping, both local and international. In general, we use local sources – we have our analogues of Facebook, Netflix, Spotify etc, and in some cases they are really much more convenient. In general I am happy to read you report – visit us again!

Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!

Thank you for sharing so many details living in Moscow ,and i am gald that i have read this article before i go to Moscow ,yes i will study in Moscow for few years and i don’t know what is the life will be there ,i am nervious and at mean time don’t know if it is right for me to live in Moscow ,because i know they have low salary too ,so maybe it’s hard for a student to find a good part time job,anyway ,i will start to my life in Moscow soon,hope everything will go smoothly,thank you for sharing this again!

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy your time in Moscow.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Moscow

This guide was written prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Russia is currently not advisable due to the area's volatile political situation.

Rich in history and culture, Moscow is an exciting destination for expats. Nevertheless, they may experience frustrations arising from bureaucracy, a difficult language adjustment and extreme weather conditions. Nonetheless, the city offers an attractive lifestyle with its active social life and vibrant arts and culture scene. 

Accommodation in Moscow

Densely populated Moscow offers a variety of options for accommodation, though lots of competition and high prices make finding the perfect home a bit tricky.

+ PRO: Range of options

There are many different types of accommodation available in Moscow. Expats are just as likely to find themselves in a pre-revolutionary apartment with high ceilings, thick walls and interesting architecture as in a modern apartment block with good facilities and high-tech features. There are also several international compounds with other expats. These gated communities usually offer their own sports facilities and social activities. 

- CON: High demand and expensive 

With so many people living in Moscow, housing is in great demand and can therefore be expensive. Apartments are also often small, and expats may be disappointed with what their money can buy. Realistically, size, quality and location are the most important factors influencing the cost of accommodation in Moscow. Expats with a limited budget may need to compromise on one or more of these factors to find a home that best suits them.

Lifestyle in Moscow

Moscow is a huge city, offering a wide range of activities and events . The expat community is close-knit, giving new arrivals the opportunity to make friends.

+ PRO: Great social scene 

There is so much to do in Moscow, with activities catering for every interest. Most groups and organisations are well-organised and welcoming to newcomers. The expat community is busy throughout the year with balls and charity events.

Nightlife within the city is excellent, with a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from. The quality of museums, art galleries, theatres and concerts is also outstanding.

- CON: Eating out can be expensive

Restaurants in Moscow can be extremely expensive. Expats may find their social life is limited if living on a budget. Luckily, knowing the right places will help make going out more affordable.

Education and schools in Moscow

+ pro: international schools are available .

There are several international schools in Moscow offering excellent quality education and facilities. There are also good private Russian schools, although only a small percentage of expat children attend these.

- CON: Demand is high and space is limited

The demand for schools outweighs the supply. Therefore, schools in Moscow can be expensive with long waiting lists. Schools are usually located outside of central Moscow. So, unless expats live close to the school, children will have to travel some distance by school bus or car each day.

Climate in Moscow

+ pro: many winter and summer outdoor activities.

The climate in Moscow is quite extreme. Winter weather can be beautiful in Moscow, with blue skies and sunshine on the white snow. Cross-country skiing is popular with expats and ice-skating is possible all over the city as many playgrounds are made into ice-rinks. Summer is a great time to explore Moscow, as the city is generally quieter. There are lakeside and river beaches in Moscow, where expats and locals alike can take advantage of the good weather.

- CON: Long winters 

The extreme winter weather can make living in Moscow challenging for most of the year. Expats should make sure to have enough thick and warm winter clothing to get them through. 

Safety in Moscow

- con: bribery and corruption.

Bribery and corruption are still issues in Moscow, and expats are sometimes affected by this. It's also not uncommon to find incidents of racism.

Healthcare in Moscow

+ pro: medical facilities are of a high standard .

There are many private medical centres in Moscow with well-trained doctors who can, in most cases, speak English. Dental treatment is also of a high standard in the city.

- CON: Healthcare is expensive

Getting medical treatment can sometimes be expensive, although most expats have insurance to cover these costs. Dental treatment is also pricey, although competitive with other European prices. 

Public transport in Moscow

+ pro: comprehensive public transport system.

Moscow has an impressive public transport system . The metro is not only clean, safe, efficient and fast; it is also a tourist attraction. Daily tours explore the metro system, with guides showing tourists through some of the city's most beautiful stations. These stations often resemble palaces, with sculptures, mosaics and even chandeliers. There is also an extensive bus, trolleybus and tram route throughout Moscow. Many of Moscow’s buses now even have Wi-Fi access.

- CON: Crowded public transport during rush hour 

Rush hour on the metro can be unpleasantly crowded. Many of the metro stations and trains also haven’t changed all their signs to show both the Cyrillic alphabet and the Latin alphabet. Being able to read place names in Russian is therefore helpful to avoid getting lost in the rush hour chaos.

- CON: Heavy traffic

Bad traffic can put people off travelling in and around Moscow. Luckily, the metro system is good and expats living near transport stops shouldn't have any issues getting around. The traffic could be a problem for those who choose to drive in Moscow, however. 

Further reading

►For a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for basic goods and services in Moscow, see  Cost of Living in Russia .

Expat Interviews " What I like the most about Moscow is the city itself. It is always clean, vibrant, and full of entertainment and friendly pedestrians. It means that you can walk as far as you want to and feel safe about doing so." Read about Eva's experience living in Moscow as an expat .  "What I like about Moscow is that it’s very dynamic and animated; there is always something to do at any time of the day and of the night!"  Read about Laurent's experience and his likes and dislikes of living in Moscow.

Are you an expat living in Moscow?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Moscow. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

Expat Health Insurance

Cigna Global Health Insurance. Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider. Get a quote from Cigna Global - 20% off

Aetna Aetna International, offering comprehensive global medical coverage, has a network of 1.3 million medical providers worldwide. You will have the flexibility to choose from six areas of coverage, including worldwide, multiple levels of benefits to choose from, plus various optional benefits to meet your needs. Get your free no-obligation quotes now!

Moving Internationally?

International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices. Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!

Free Moving Quotes ReloAdvisor is an independent online quote service for international moves. They work with hundreds of qualified international moving and relocation companies to match your individual requirements. Get up to 5 free quotes from moving companies that match your needs. Get your free no-obligation quotes now!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

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

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

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

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days you need in Moscow?

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

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

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

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

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

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.