new adventure travel timetables

• All the ways you can listen to GTFM
• Listen Again
• All team members
• Ponty Rugby Show – 2023/24 Season
• Who we support
• Advertiser & Sponsor Contact Details
• Audience Research
• Valleys Newsroom
• GTFM Playlist
• Recording at GTFM
• Book the GTFM Roadshow
• Privacy Policy
• Be Part of the Team
• Supporting GTFM

NEW ADVENTURE TRAVEL: UPDATED TIMETABLES

Written by gavin on 18th january 2021.

At the request to the Welsh Government to reduce bus services during lockdown, New Adventure Travel have announced changes to the timetables its services across South Wales starting from Sunday 24th January 2021.

Pontypridd & Surround Area

1 – Merthyr Tydfil – Bargoed  – Reduced night service

101  – Pontypridd – Sainsburys – Timetable change but will remain hourly

102 – Glyncoch – Nantgarw  – Service to operate every 30 minutes, late-night journeys suspended. 

103 – Pontypridd – Oaklands  – Slight timetable change but will remain hourly

104 – Pontypridd – Tesco Upper Boat  – Slight timetable change but will remain hourly

105 – Pontypridd – Maes-y-Coed  – Service to operate every 1hr 30minutes

106 – Pontypridd – Ynysybwl (Circular)  – Service to operate every 30 minutes (Coed y Cym hourly)

107 – Pontypridd – Trefforest  – Service to operate every 1hr 30minutes

109 – Pontypridd – Hopkinstown  – Service to operate every 1hr 30minutes

111 – Pontypridd – Ty Rhiw  – As normal however 0815 and 1609 College trips will be suspended. 

600  – Aberdare – Cardiff – Late evening journeys suspended

A  – Caerphilly – Graig-y-Rhacca – Late evening journeys suspended

B  – Caerphilly – Senghenydd – Service suspended

C  – Caerphilly – Penyrheol – Late evening journeys suspended

C16  – Caerphilly – Nelson – Monday to Saturday timetable unchanged. Sunday late journeys suspended. 

C18  – Bargoed – Gilfach Est – Monday to Saturday timetable unchanged. Sunday late journeys suspended. 

C8  – Taff’s Well – Cardiff Bay – Service to operate Hourly Monday to Sunday.

E79 / S79  – Bedlinog – Merthyr Tydfil – Late evening journeys suspended. 

*Click on the Bus Number links to download the timetables from the New Adventure Travel website.

X1 – Culverhouse Cross – Pontprennau  – Service Monday to Saturday to operate every 20 minutes with the last journey at 2200. Sunday service is unchanged. 

304  – Cardiff Bay – Llantwit Major – Normal service during the day, with the last bus from Cardiff at 2105 Monday to Saturday. Sunday will also operate as normal however the last journey will be 2036 from Cardiff.  

C2  – Tesco Pengam to Capital Retail Park – Service to operate Hourly to Asda Leckwith but will operate every 20 minutes between Tesco Pengam and City Centre

You may also like

Play airlines wales-iceland flights great for tourism and onward connections to us and canada.

19th April 2024

Penrhiwfer AFC thank Pennant Walters for support through the winter

17th April 2024

Pontypridd Bowls Club

12th April 2024

Continue reading

Man who failed to self-isolate among 90 people fined for covid breaches over the weekend.

Previous post

Green flag employee of the year.

Copyright 2024 | GTFM (South Wales) Ltd | Charity Number 1111030 | Company Registration Number 4874619

Current track

Current show.

16:00 18:59

Privacy Overview

• City of Swansea
• Mawr North Swansea
• Neath and Port Talbot
• Coming Here
• Explore Further
• LLANMADOC – LLANRHIDIAN
• LLANMADOC – RHOSSILI
• PORT EYNON – RHOSSILI
• OXWICH BAY – PORT EYNON
• PENNARD CLIFFS – OXWICH BAY
• CASWELL BAY – PENNARD CLIFFS
• CASWELL BAY – OYSTERMOUTH
• CWM DYFFRYN TRAIL
• GLYNCORRWG TO CYMMER TRAIL
• PONTRHYDYFEN TO CYMMER TRAIL
• RICHARD BURTON TRAIL
• ABERDULAIS HISTORIC TRAIL
• VALE OF NEATH CANAL TRAIL
• BANWEN ROMAN AND WATERFALL TRAIL
• CILYBEBYLL TO PONTARDAWE
• CLYDACH TO PONTARDAWE
• PONTARDAWE TO YSTALYFERA

Downloads - Timetables

center center

Download a pdf to plan your journey, first cymru buses - app, guides & booklets - download.

First Cymru cover Neath Port Talbot, Swansea City, Mumbles, some parts of Gower

New Adventure Travel Time tables

New Adventure Travel buses serve the Gower Peninsula

Burry Green - Gower Circular 115

Swansea bus station -llangennith 116, kilay - gower via parkmill, oxwich 117, swansea - rhossili via killay 118, swansea - rhossili via killay 119, swansea - pennard cliffs via blackpill, bishopston 14, swansea - pontarddulais 16, swansea city centre - llangyfelach 35, swansea - morriston hospital via singleton hospital 43, swansea - morriston 45, morriston - gorseinon 46, swansea - parc llewellyn 54, aberystwyth - cardiff via carmarthen t1c, swansea - brecon t6, craig felen - craig cefn parc x6c, neath victoria gardens - pontneddfechan (min yr awel) 55, y creunant - banwen (pantyddrainen hotel) 58.

© 2024 Swansea Bay Sustainable Travel © John Davies 2021 Website by Accent Creative, Swansea .

© 2024 Swansea Bay Sustainable Travel © John Davies 2021 Website by Accent Creative .

Privacy Overview

10 New Adventure Tours We’re Excited About for 2023

From hiking in norway to learning about indigenous culture in the dakotas, these are the new trips we’ve got our eye on for this year..

• Copy Link copied

Cape Town in South Africa is one of the destinations on Contiki’s Garden Route tour.

Courtesy of Contiki

Thanks in part to more borders being open versus last year (when many countries, especially in Asia, were still largely still closed off due to the pandemic), 2023 is poised to be a big year for travel. Consequently, myriad companies are offering many new and exciting itineraries throughout the world.

While many travelers may prefer the idea of going it alone when exploring the world, there are countless benefits to traveling with an organized tour group, not least of which is being able to travel with a group of like-minded individuals without having to worry about all the nitty-gritty details. Tour operators typically book and plan all accommodations and excursions and often even include a portion of your meals while traveling. They also offer unique access to places and experiences you might not otherwise be able to easily obtain on your own.

We’ve chosen 10 land-based journeys, all of which will run for the first time in 2023, to consider for your travels this year. Whether you love the idea of experiencing some of the world’s most scenic outdoor landscapes, getting your heart rate up, or taking a deeper dive into local cultures and customs, here are a range of global tours worth flagging. And not only are these tours great for participants, but all those we’ve chosen also are either working to lessen their environmental impact or are developing deeper connections with local and Indigenous communities.

Adventure Life’s itineraries include treks deep into the wilds of Patagonia.

Photo by Shutterstock

Adventure Life’s Explore Aysen and Patagonia National Park

• Duration : 7 days

The Aysen region of Chile is one of the most remote areas of South America; on this seven-day expedition, travelers can get a deep dive into Patagonia National Park’s stunning natural scenery. Itinerary highlights include kayaking to the Marble Caves of Lake General Carrera, trekking on the ice of the imposing Exploradores Glacier, rafting the rapids of the Baker River, and hiking deep into protected land to spot wildlife and take in expansive views. Throughout the trip, travelers will stay at the Mallin Colorado Ecolodge , which features superlative views of Lake General Carrera and rustic cabin accommodations. Prices for the trip start at $4,140 per person and include everything except gratuities and flights. There are multiple departures still available through April and again in October through December.

Country Walkers’ Norway: Bergen & the Fjords

• Duration: 7 days

On this weeklong trip, travelers will hike along Norway’s sublime fjords, over mountaintops, and through idyllic valleys (trekking no more than six miles daily), while visiting castles, gardens, and historic villages. This tour was designed by a founding member of the company’s Sustainable Travel Committee, so it makes sense that sustainability is a priority. When not hiking, the itinerary takes advantage of public transportation (local trains and ferries) to avoid having nonstop van support and uses some excellent locally owned hotels (like Hotel Ullensvang and Fretheim Hotel ) that emphasize ecofriendly practices. Most meals are at local restaurants and farms with an emphasis on hyper-local cuisine. Itineraries start at $5,848 per person, and there are options to add on pre- and post-tour trips to Oslo and Bergen. There are departures available in June, July, August, and September.

Contiki’s Garden Route and Addo Tour

• Duration: 8 days

This year, Contiki (which specializes in trips for younger travelers ages 18 to 35) has launched an eight-day Garden Route and Addo Tour in South Africa, allowing travelers to participate in one of Africa’s most renowned road trips while spotting diverse wildlife, exploring beaches, and learning what city life in South Africa offers. The itinerary includes a trip to the natural limestone landmark of Cango Caves, a private dinner in the world’s ostrich capital in Oudtshoorn, a safari game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, a township tour in Knysna, and a hike through Tsitsikamma National Park. Travelers will also get the chance to learn about the dynamic Xhosa culture (the second largest ethnic group in South Africa, after the Zulus) and attend the South African Shark Conservancy, followed by a night on the town in the agriculturally rich Stellenbosch with winetasting and food markets. The tour (which starts at $1,356 per person) includes all accommodations, in-country transportation, plus many activities and some meals. There are May, June, July, September, October, November, and December departures.

All of Contiki’s trips are carbon neutral (meaning they offset the carbon emissions for transfers during trips, for accommodations, and for meals), and the brand aims to achieve net zero status by 2050.

During Trafalgar’s new Dakota’s itinerary, travelers spend time in Badlands National Park.

Courtesy of Trafalgar

Trafalgar’s National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas

• Duration: 9 days

Trafalgar just launched a North Dakota and South Dakota tour for 2023 that intends to provide travelers with a better understanding of Native American history and culture. The itinerary kicks off in Rapid City with a presentation from a Lakota tribe member who will provide insight into Native American culture through a traditional dance and song performance; next is an excursion through the Badlands National Park with a traditional lunch while learning about the history of the Oglala Lakota Village. Travelers will also spend a day at Mount Rushmore and have lunch at the Rosebud Indian Reservation, home to the Sicangu Lakota Oyate Nation. During a hands-on Be My Guest experience (a program embedded into every Trafalgar tour where guests have the opportunity to connect with locals), visitors will travel to see the Lakota Youth Development center to learn about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality during a guided Indigenous plant walk. Tours start at $2,594 per person, with dates between May and September.

REI’s New River Gorge National Park Hiking and Camping

• Duration: 4 days

For those who want to experience hiking in West Virginia in the 63rd and newest national park but would prefer someone else do the planning and campfire cooking (and guide their outdoor activities), REI Adventures is offering a four-day tour of New River Gorge National Park. It includes trekking to jaw-dropping vistas like Grandview Overlook and the Endless Wall , kayaking and rafting trips in the serpentine New River, and roasting marshmallows for s’mores back at the campsite. (Guests sleep in tents on elevated platforms and have access to hot indoor and outdoor showers.) Trips start at $2,299 per person, with departures between May and September.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Kenya Safari in Style

Abercrombie & Kent’s newest luxury safari adventure begins at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a private reserve in Kenya encompassing 90,000 acres of African grasslands where the Big Five (lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants) can be spotted. Guests can take guided bush walks, interact with the dogs of an anti-poacher unit, and go on nighttime game drives. In this wildly biodiverse region, travelers can also see the world’s last northern white rhinos in their heavily protected enclosure. From here, guests will fly to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, where they may see hippos submerged in shallow waterways near crocodiles sunning themselves on the shore. There are also opportunities to visit a local Maasai village for lunch and take a bead-making workshop from tribal members. Departures occur throughout the year, with prices starting at $7,495 per person.

Wilderness Scotland’s trip features hikes within the highlands.

Courtesy of Wilderness Scotland

Wilderness Scotland’s Low Carbon Adventure—Scottish Highlands

• Duration: 5 days

On this unique five-day private tour designed by Wilderness founder Paul Easto, guests enjoy a combination of a traditional walking trip with low-carbon travel. The itinerary incorporates everything from sustainable culinary experiences to rewilding efforts and wildlife conservation experiences. Guests on this adventure travel by foot, e-bike, train, and electric vehicles, sleeping in accommodations that include a rustic mountain bunkhouse inaccessible by any roads and sustainable high-end hotels. Trips happen throughout the year, with prices starting at $2,400 per person.

Exodus Travels’ Vietnam Adventure

• Duration: 14 days

Exodus Travels recently launched a special collection of Citizen Science departures as part of its work with NatureMetrics, a company that measures biodiversity to help with climate advocacy. One of those is a 14-day trip that explores much of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and natural wonders like the Mekong Delta. Highlights of the trip include sailing through the limestone rock formations of Ha Long Bay, walking through the historic city of Hoi An (a UNESCO World Heritage site), experiencing the Cu Chi war tunnels, and touring the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The two citizen science departure dates, where guests will help with water sampling tests for biodiversity, are May 7 and September 24, 2023. The itineraries start at $1,999 per person.

Black Tomato’s Sea of Cortez

• Duration: 11 days

For 2023, upscale tour operator Black Tomato has created an 11-day itinerary geared toward families to the Sea of Cortez, in Mexico, with a focus on educating kids on conservation efforts. (It’s part of the brand’s Field Trip programming, aimed at creating educational experiences for children 12 and up.)

A new trip includes a hands-on experience with the nonprofit Coral Reef Restoration Project, building and cleaning the racks for corals and snorkeling to observe the coral gardens and witness the impact of this work firsthand.

Other highlights: taking a private boat ride to meet up with a local whale shark researcher and a private naturalist guide for a La Paz Private Whale Shark Snorkeling and Espiritu Santo Island (a UNESCO site) experience. There participants will also learn about the sharks’ role in the ecosystem and mating and migratory habits while swimming with the animals in the turquoise waters. After a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, guests will then head to the local sea lion colony, where they can jump in the water to snorkel with the playful creatures. This adventure will also include three nights exploring the Sea of Cortez aboard your own private Turkish-style sailboat, called a gulet (a two-masted wooden sailing vessel). Itineraries are available year-round, with prices starting at $7,320 per person.

Roughly half of Explore Worldwide’s Lebanon itinerary is in Beirut.

Explore Worldwide’s Highlights of Lebanon

With its well-preserved Roman ruins and castles, historic churches and mosques, nonstop nightlife, and mountain ranges ripe for hiking and skiing, Lebanon is an endlessly fascinating place to visit. Some of the highlights of Explore Worldwide’s trip to this Middle East country include visiting the Cedars of God (a 1,000-year-old forest overlooking the Qadisha Valley), visiting coastal cities like Byblos and Batroun, exploring Roman ruins in Beirut, and learning about Lebanon’s wine industry at local vineyards. Departures run from April to December, with prices starting at $1,870 per person.

Download our mobile app for free!

Take your Adventure today

Book your bus tickets! 

Your Adventure Career Awaits!

Apply Here!

Plan a journey

NHS Tickets Guide Tuesday, 10 January 2023 02:55 PM

NHS discounts are available on our buses for anyone with an eligible NHS staff email address. 

Please click here for more details!

The Rescue Hotel Charity Bus Unveiling Thursday, 04 April 2024 08:26 AM

Last week, we unveiled our charity bus fitted with brand new dog-themed vinyls to our Charity of the Year, The Rescue Hotel. Read more here...

Schools Fare Increase Monday, 18 March 2024 05:05 PM

There will be an increase in fare prices from April 1st 2024. These changes are necessary to ensure the sustainability of our bus services following the end of the ‘Bus Transition Fund’ Welsh Government funding scheme.

Travel resources

Road diversions & roadwork updates.

• 1 800 970 7299
• Live Chat (Online) Live Chat (Offline)
• My Wishlist
• Find a Trip

Your browser 'Internet Explorer' is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site.

Take your thirst for adventure into unchartered territory on our brand-new 15-day expedition through Pakistan. Ensuring you see the real and unfiltered parts of this captivating country, this tour will take you from Islamabad to the Hunza Valley and back down to Lahore where you’ll discover breathtaking natural landscapes, meet local families, wander around ancient monuments, and dine on traditional food your tastebuds are sure to love. 

Our range of Expedition tours

Pakistan expedition, 15 days from 4163.

A 15-day expedition through Pakistan with Intrepid Travel. Visit Islamabad and Lahore...

Vanuatu Expedition

8 days from 2669.

Embark on an expedition to the beautiful islands of Vanuatu where you can trek to the...

Papua New Guinea Expedition: Firedance Festival

9 days from 4070.

Travel deep into Papua New Guinea on a 9-day adventure to experience local culture and...

Bhutan Expedition: Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail

11 days from 5180.

Discover a land of mysticism, proud traditions and pure happiness on an 11-day hiking...

Peru Expedition: Trek the Great Inca Road

12 days from 4155.

Join an active 12-day expedition in Peru to hike the spectacular routes of the Great...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Vanuatu Expedition: Land Diving Festival

5 days from 2259.

Take a five-day expedition to the islands of Vanuatu, explore the origins of land...

Trek the Great Inca Road and Inca Trail

19 days from 6215.

Hike routes of the Great Inca Road, see the hub of Huaraz, then tackle the Inca Trail...

Trek Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains

10 days from 2916.

Trek into Northern Pakistan’s Nangma Valley on a 10-day guided hiking trip from...

Nepal Expedition: Manaslu Circuit Trek

16 days from 2060.

Reach altitudes of over 5000 m on a trek along the Manaslu Circuit, walking through...

Vanuatu & New Caledonia Adventure

14 days from 5409.

Explore two gems of the South Pacific on an adventure to Vanuatu and New Caledonia,...

Tunisia Expedition

12 days from 3565.

Uncover Tunisia on an expedition travelling from the turquoise coast to the vast desert...

Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

9 days from 3596.

A 9-day wildlife tour around Comoros from Moroni on Grand Comore. Visit Nioumachoua and...

Indonesia Expedition: Orangutans of Kalimantan

12 days from 3165.

Head into the depths of Borneo’s forests in search of orangutans and other wildlife....

India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam & Nagaland

16 days from 3245.

Discover the beauty of India’s most remote area on an expedition that visits Sikkim,...

Vanuatu Expedition & Land Diving Festival

11 days from 3983.

Immerse yourself in Vanuatu’s raw beauty and breathtaking local traditions on this...

Vanuatu & Fiji Adventure

17 days from 7105.

Experience the best of Vanuatu and Fiji on an adventure through rainforest-rich islands...

Albania Expedition

9 days from 1755.

Discover the beauty and culture of Albania on an 9-day expedition, travelling between...

Timor-Leste Expedition

9 days from 2670.

Leave the beaten track in your dust on this 9-day expedition to Timor-Leste, where you...

Borneo Expedition: Maliau Basin - Sabah's Lost World Trek

8 days from 1720.

Embark on a unique 8-day Expedition into the heart of Borneo’s Sabah – the Maliau Basin...

Create your own Expedition

There aren't many places Intrepid hasn't been, so even if you've got a destination in mind that isn't on our list of Expeditions, our Tailor-Made team is here to help. We'll use our 30 years of experience and regional specialists to help you create your perfect adventure.

inquire with our Tailor-Made team

Discover the captivating local culture in Vanuatu

Submerge yourself into the culture of the Pentecost Island’s Indigenous people on a five-day expedition to Vanuatu. Trek through rich rainforests towards remote villages and witness traditional practices few people get to see, marvel at the fascinating naghol festival (land diving ceremony), and snorkel through waters you won’t ever want to get out of.  

Find out more

Explore the stunning scenery of Pakistan

Its nearest neighbor might be on the regular tourist trail, but Pakistan isn't such an easy adventure. Find nature unleashed in the rarely visited Hunza Valley region. Travel on the famous Karakoram Highway, visit the point where the Himalaya, Karakoram and the Hindu Kush all meet, and wander the ancient museums and cultural icons of Lahore. 

Explore Bosnia and Herzegovina

An often-overlooked destination, Bosnia & Herzegovina is full of breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering food, enchanting history, and riveting experiences waiting to be discovered. Starting from Sarajevo, embark on an 8-day expedition where you’ll be welcomed into the home of locals for a traditional dinner, go white-water rafting down the Neretva River, traverse the foothills of Mount Cincar, explore the ancient town of Jajce, and visit a historic underground bunker hidden for decades. 

Journey to India’s edge

Everyone knows about the colorful chaos of Mumbai and New Delhi, but few visit the outer reaches of India’s wetlands and mountains. Climb aboard a steam-powered train for a captivating ride through the Himalayas, stopping to track one-horned rhinos through Kaziranga National Park, meet warrior tribes in Nagaland, get lost in the eclectic cultures of Assam and Sikkim, and pay homage to Tibetan Buddhists in cliff-side villages. Beginning and ending in Kolkata, this is a unique opportunity to explore West Bengal on one of our India tours .

Expedition FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an expedition trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

What is an Expedition style trip?

An Expedition style trip is one that visits distant and often overlooked destinations with the idea of taking 'adventure travel' to a whole 'nother level. These trips will likely include active activities like hiking as well as community-based activities, local village visits and traditional festivals.

Think trips in remote countries, meals cooked by local families and cultural practices you'll never have heard of but won't easily forget.  

What kind of accommodation can I expect on an Expedition trip?

Expedition trips may feature a variety of authentic accommodation experiences, including camping, multi-share and homestays. Due to the nature of the destinations these trips go to, the choice of accommodation can be limited, but just remember... it's all part of the adventure. 

How fit do I need to be to go on an Expedition trip?

You can enjoy Expedition trips with a reasonable level of fitness, however, some trips may have included or optional activities that fall under a higher physical rating. Read your trip itinerary carefully and communicate any concerns you may have to your leader as soon as possible - you can always opt out of any activities that you're not comfortable with during your trip. 

Expedition trip itineraries can also be faster-paced (multiple 1 night stops) and include long-haul overland travel so keep that in mind when choosing the right trip for you. 

What should I pack for an Expedition trip?

What you should pack and how much you should pack will differ depending on which country/s your Expedition trip visits but keep in mind that on some Expedition trips you'll be expected to carry your own bag/luggage so it's best to keep the weight under 10kg / 22lb.

You should always pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes, plenty of layers (such as long-sleeve tops, cardigans, sweaters and coats), waterproof clothing and a day bag/backpack for day trips and activities. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling on an Expedition trip?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Expedition trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

Learn more about Accessible Travel

Read more about our Expeditions

Mar 03, 2022

Intrepid women’s expeditions are back....

After two years in COVID hibernation, we’re back with 5 new Intrepid Women’s...

Jun 05, 2015

“we’re going deep into the jungle....

How to get off the beaten track, off the beaten track. (That's not a typo).

Jan 16, 2019

9 lessons i’ve learned from....

When you're travelling to every country on earth, you're bound to learn a few...

Feb 24, 2020

Above the arctic circle: staying with....

The Nenets have set up camp for us high above the Arctic Circle. They’ve raised...

Aug 14, 2022

Travel to antarctica alongside whale....

Ever wondered what it would be like to explore Antarctica with a team of whale...

Dec 07, 2022

Mountains and minarets: a sustainable....

This year, we’re encouraging travellers to find fresh experiences in lesser-known...

May 12, 2019

Choosing the perfect island for your....

A visit to the Solomon Islands, Fiji or Papua New Guinea isn't your typical beach...

Jan 27, 2019

7 reasons why fiji is the ultimate....

You might think there's not much to do in Fiji, besides relaxing on the beach with...

Dec 26, 2018

What to expect on an arctic expedition.

While we often associate polar adventures with rugged explorers, frostbite and...

Jul 21, 2017

4 reasons why northern iran should be....

You'll find volcanic plains, snowy peaks, and dense forests. You'll find...

Dec 17, 2018

What to pack for an arctic adventure.

As one of the last untouched stretches of wilderness, the Arctic is an exciting ...

Oct 15, 2019

Meet the travellers who booked an....

What sort of person books a trip they know nothing about? Meet some of the...

Oct 13, 2019

Discovering the true meaning of....

With only a GPS (Ger Positioning System) to guide Intrepid's first-ever Uncharted...

Oct 17, 2019

High altai-tude: hiking to the blue....

The 12-kilometre trek from Aktru Base Camp should take about six hours to complete...

Mar 02, 2020

What it’s like to travel as a woman....

Your friends and family might think you’re crazy for wanting to travel to Pakistan...

Sep 23, 2019

Why canada’s johnstone strait is a....

Whale watching, kayaking, and bunking down under the stars in a remote glamp site?...

Feb 10, 2019

What to wear in iran: a packing guide....

It can be hard to know what to wear in Iran. Hijab or no hijab? How much do I need...

Mar 06, 2018

Women’s expeditions: how intrepid is....

To coincide with International Women's Day, we're proud to launch three new women...

Aug 13, 2019

8 awesome places in sri lanka you....

With rainforests, beaches, ancient temples and wildlife, the hardest part of...

Nov 30, 2017

Why taiwan should be at the top of....

Epic scenery, incredible food, amazing outdoor activities. Here’s why your next...

Nov 29, 2017

Photo essay: life on the edge of the....

Ever wondered what an expedition to the ends of the earth looks like? Join one...

Mar 21, 2018

What it’s really like to visit....

Kyrgyzstan – as difficult to pronounce as it is to place on a map – is somewhere...

Nov 05, 2018

Why every wildlife lover should go....

When Jacques Costeau referred to Mexico's Baja Peninsula as "the world's aquarium"...

Mar 11, 2019

Beat the crowds: 5 reasons why the....

Not sure where to spend your next beach break? The Solomon Islands might win you...

Apr 17, 2018

Returning to morocco after 42 years....

In 1975, as a 25-year-old newlywed, I travelled to Morocco for a road trip in a...

Aug 12, 2019

Getting hands-on at a cooking class....

Nuray has been hosting cooking students with Intrepid Travel for eight years and...

May 02, 2016

We’re launching a brand new....

For the first time, we're stepping back into the soviet era on a special trip...

Nov 23, 2017

Want to hike through morocco with a....

Hypnotic, exotic, and a slice of pure magic. If you thought the cities of Morocco...

Feb 23, 2018

The art of disconnecting: learnings....

This type of expedition will change your perspective. It will, quite fundamentally...

16 photos that prove you should visit...

This part of the world brims with mountain villages, waterfalls and wetlands,...

Jun 01, 2016

Expedition el mirador: our latest off....

Up until the early 20th Century, El Mirador was a secret known only to nature. ...

Feb 03, 2019

What i discovered hiking to a wild....

Skip the resorts and take an adventure into Fiji's less-visited interior.

Jun 16, 2015

“papua new guinea is truly the last....

When we sat down this year to plan our brand new expedition trips, we knew we...

A step-by-step guide for planning adventure travel

New to adventure travel? Welcome! You won't ever look back. 😉 But you probs need some help to get started, as budgeting and planning for an adventure trip isn't second nature. So let us guide you through it, step by step.

So you want to have an adventure in a fresh, exciting and far-off place ... but how do you make it happen? Follow our step-by-step guide below to help you plan for an amazing adventure trip!

1. Choose a location

The location should spark serious excitement in you whenever you think about it

This is usually the easiest part of planning an adventure trip, because you've seen images of a place you like the look of, or a friend has told you of somewhere that whets your appetite. You probably already know where you want to go, and have maybe been wanting to go there for years already!

The most important part when deciding on a destination is, in our opinion, ensuring that it's somewhere you really want to visit. Don't go somewhere because 'everyone else' has gone there, or you feel it's a rite of passage.

It takes a decent bit of time, effort and money to put together an adventure trip. So ensure the location you choose is somewhere that really excites you and will propel you through the necessary admin you must undertake beforehand.

Choose somewhere that is really thrilling to you, no matter what anyone else is doing or thinks about it.

So speaking of admin, once you've chosen your adventure travel destination, it's time to do some research and start organising everything. The first thing we suggest you do is look is find out if travellers are actually welcomed there.

2. Research if travellers are welcomed and safe

It's important to ensure you'll be safe on your adventure trip. It's goes without saying that some countries are safer for travellers than others. But there are also certain groups of people that need to take special care in choosing a location.

Attitude and behaviour towards women

Women in particular should look into their rights and treatment in the destination

Female travellers need to consider the fact that they're not equal in the eyes of the law in some countries, especially in the Middle East. This makes them vulnerable, as they have fewer rights. Solo women travellers in particular should take care.

Further, adventure travel also often takes place in remote regions where certain gender roles are firmly in place. Will you be okay if attitudes towards you as a woman (and expectations of you) aren't what you're used to?

Also consider if you're willing to adapt your dress if norms dictate that it's needed. While most of us are fine with the idea of taking off our shoes and covering our shoulders in religious and sacred spaces, are you okay should you be required to cover up more than that? You want to be a respectful traveller but without making yourself uncomfortable.

Attitude and behaviour towards LGBTQIA+ folks

Anyone who's part of the LGBTQIA+ community also needs to consider if they'll be welcomed and safe in the desired destination.

Certain countries (particularly in Asia and Africa) aren't accepting of people of all orientations. And we mean this in the legal sense too. Consider if you'd be happier travelling somewhere with more liberal views and policies?

Stability of the region

Choose a conflict-free country or region

Further, ask yourself how stable the destination country is right now? If you're not a news junkie, then you might not know about various issues. Please do some research to find about any conflicts or other relevant issues that could negatively affect your travels.

You might also want to consider if your visit bolsters a tourism-promoting government that doesn't hold values or treat its people in a way that sits right with you.

Also check that no natural disasters have made the area you wish to visit temporarily (or permanently) a no-go. That said, once it's safe to go again, your visit could well be a vital contributor towards a hurt tourism industry rebuilding itself. Trips to Nepal , for instance, are wildly appreciated by its tourism stakeholders as they suffered terribly in the wake of the 2015 earthquake.

What diplomatic ties are in place?

It's also worth finding out if your two countries have diplomatic relations? Do you have an embassy you can turn to in emergencies?

Obviously we're not trying to say who should or shouldn't travel where. But if you're an adventure travel newbie, please consider the points mentioned above.

Finally, as we discuss during step #9, you're often safer with an adventure tour operator if you feel you're part of a demographic that might in any way be vulnerable while travelling in a certain country, or in general.

3. Decide on your trip's duration and activities

Your trip can be centred on an adventure activity, or simply include some along the way

We think it's a good idea to write down all the places and things you want to do on an adventure trip before thinking about the budget. Similar to creative writing, have fun making a dream itinerary, and only afterwards do some editing. In this way you'll see what it is you really want to do and see.

Once you've made your list of desired activities and tallied up the number of days needed, it's time to consider the budget (and perhaps how many days of leave you can get). At this point, you actually need to engage with step #5 as well, which is about costing everything. Because you'll need to back and forth between your itinerary and your costings. As you find out prices and fees, you'll likely need to remove (or perhaps add!) some items from your itinerary.

Try to balance saving pennies with ensuring you're still planning the adventure trip you really want to have. Often you're only going to get to that special destination once in your life, so you want to ensure you see and do the things that really matter to you.

4. Make a budget

Each type of adventure trip has many costs to consider

A budget that really works for you requires a handful of steps, as discussed below ...

A. Find out what everything costs

This task can be a little bit time-consuming, but it's worth doing it right the first time to prevent any nasty shocks further down the line.

Here's a list of 'big ticket' items to research in terms of cost and then use to create your budget:

• Airfares (be sure you get prices that include airport taxes)
• A new or renewed passport (as discussed in step #7)
• Local transport (from airport transfers to trains, buses, etc.)
• Accommodation (check to see if airport transfers are included, as well as perhaps other local travel)
• Food and drinks (you may need to buy drinking water depending on your location)
• Travel insurance (see step #14)
• Any national park and similar permits and fees, which cam sometimes be hefty (see step #13)
• Any necessary gear and clothing (see steps #15 and #16)
• A tour operator fee (it's mandatory to use a tour operator on some adventure trips, like climbing Kilimanjaro)
• A tour guide, driver, porter, etc. (again, these might be mandatory)

Here now is a list of more inexpensive items to consider, some of which may or may not apply to you and your trip:

• A visa or visas (if visiting Bhutan this would actually be a major expense)
• Service tips (check if this is expected for your type of adventure trip)
• An international adapter and power bank (see step #17)
• Any vaccinations or other meds like anti-malaria tablets (see step #6)
• Souvenirs and gifts (more on this below)

Top tip: if you don't already have one, look into obtaining a credit card that offers traveller rewards and travel insurance when you buy flights with it.

B. Refine your itinerary if necessary

As we discussed under step #4, once you know how much everything costs, you can refine your itinerary. Then, once you've decided on a final itinerary, you may or may not need to give yourself some months to save ...

C. Make a savings plan if necessary

An adventure trip is something exciting to save for

A lot of adventure travellers aren't wealthy folks who just point at a map and then flash about a credit card. Often they're folks who prioritise travel over other possible expenditures.

If you really want to make adventure travel happen for you and need to save, put together a savings plan that you start working towards straight away. Consider if there are nice-to-have's that you can give up, even if just for this year, to make your dream happen.

At the same time, if you realise your savings plan is too strenuous and will just make you stressed, consider revisiting your itinerary, or perhaps push out the planned date of the trip.

D. Consider what initial costs and deposits are needed

In one sense, you need two budgets for an adventure trip. This is because you usually need to pay certain deposits early on. Also, you might want to buy your flights in advance (although this is happening less and less given the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic). The rest of the adventure trip's expenses are often only payable at the time of the trip itself.

So we suggest that you work out what amount you need upfront (or at an earlier date) and what amount is only needed by the trip date.

Try to ensure your money goes into the local economy

It's best to buy souvenirs and gifts from local vendors to ensure your money stays in the country

Ever heard of economic leakage? This is when the money you spend in a destination ends up in the pockets of overseas folks – often with large multinationals. This is a sad reality in many of the world's most beautiful and popular adventure travel destinations.

We encourage you to look for accommodation and other services that are run by or employ locals (and we're talking in positions of management too, not just at the 'bottom' of the organisation). If you want to really make a difference , try to look for companies that use local suppliers too (for instance, buying produce from local farmers).

5. Research health risks and requirements

You now need to find out if there are any health-related requirements for entry into the destination. Many East African nations, for instance, won't allow you in without proof of a yellow fever vaccine.

Pro tip: don't leave things to the last minute. A yellow fever vaccine, for instance, can make you feel icky for a few days, and moreover needs to be done 10 days before your trip.

You also need to learn if there are any precautions you should take, like anti-malaria medication. When high-altitude trekking, some travellers like to take a medication like Diamox to reduce the possible side effects.

In terms of malaria, you'll want to choose accommodation (which we discuss in point #12) that provides bed netting. And you'll also want to pack anti-mozzie spray or lotion. Long pants and long sleeves also help to protect you from being bitten.

Finally, linked to our discussion in point #13, you would do well to buy travel insurance that covers you for the particular activity you're doing. For instance, high-altitude trekkers should purchase insurance that covers them for trekking up to a certain altitude. Some countries won't even allow you to trek without such insurance.

Plan a small first aid kit

We also recommend that you pack yourself a small first aid kit. If you travel with a tour operator they should have a kit, but it's still a good idea to have your own one. You can't be sure a tour operator will have everything you might like or need.

Some items we recommend you put into your personal first aid kit are:

• A sterilised cotton wool pad
• Plasters (band aids)
• A small bandage
• Anti-diarrhoea medications
• Anti-constipation medication
• Anti-nausea medication
• Hay fever medication

6. Check your passport date

You need an up-to-date passport to travel internationally

It's easy to overlook checking your passport's expiry date until it's too late. Don't be one of those people!

Generally you need a passport that's valid for at least three months after you return date. This is an important bit of info, so please don't overlook it (or do bad math!).

If you're new to adventure travel, perhaps you're also new to international travel and so you'll need to actually apply for a passport. Depending where you live, you'll have a different wait time, and it may or may not be a reliable timeframe. Check your government's website for details and try to action this step as soon as possible.

7. Look into visa requirements

A Schengen visa is required for many visiting Europe

Depending on where you're coming from and travelling to, you may need to organise a visa. As with most things involving a government, don't leave this to the last second!

Sometimes you can obtain a visa upon arrival in a country, but you can't count on this. Be sure to do your research beforehand to know what's expected and so get your ducks in a row.

8. Decide if you want to travel alone or with others

Solo travel has been gaining in popularity this century

Now's the time to lock in any friends or family that you want to go with you. Remember that not everyone you get along with is going to be your cup of tea as a travel companion. It's worthwhile checking that any fellow travellers really buy into the itinerary you have in mind.

Another option is flying off on your own. Solo travel is no longer a last resort. Many choose to travel on their own, for various reasons. We encourage you not to put off adventure travel if you have nobody you know to go with you. Go by yourself and enjoy your independence and own wonderful company!

Alternatively, use your social networks to put out feelers to see if anyone you know would like to go with you. Many folks don't like to initiate things themselves, but are happy to jump on a train that's already in motion!

Another option is to join a group of unknowns. Adventure travel groups are often compromised of strangers who become friends during the course of the trip!

9. Sign up with a tour operator or book things yourself

Our awesome Follow Alice Nepal team!

Whether travelling alone or with others, you need to decide if you want to plan and do everything on your own, or use the services of a tour operator. If you opt to use a tour operator, now is the time to do this in your sequence of steps, as you need to confirm dates before you can book any flights.

So what are the pros and cons to organising your own trip? As well as the pros and cons of using a tour operator? This could be a whole discussion in itself, but here are a few of the most notable points for you to consider ...

Organising a trip yourself is preferable when you like to have complete control. And can also be helpful if you have an unusual itinerary in mind (although bare in mind that many – often smaller – travel companies like Follow Alice are happy to tailor trips to your wishes).

Some like to keep things super solo and don't want to have to the company of a local tour guide or the like.

On the other hand, one of the big perks of using a travel operator is that they do most of the legwork for you. Admin like booking accommodation, obtaining permits and booking transport are taken off your hands.

Another perk is that they know the area, the highlights and lowlights, pitfalls and dangers, and it's their job to ensure you have a great time. But please do your research well (which includes looking at reviews) and only select a tour operator that's reputable and good at their job!

On adventure trips, a tour operator is usually the safest option as they have local guides who know the dangers of the activity intimately and their primary job is to look after you and ensure your safety. They also should be trained in first aid. (Again, be sure to choose a reputable company with a good safety record, otherwise this advantage falls away.)

As mentioned in step #9, a tour operator is a very attractive option if you don't have anyone you know to travel with and would like to be put in a group with others. Many amazing friendships have been formed this way!

Tour operators often receive special rates, so sometimes they can book your accommodation and activities at a better cost than you'd be able to do on your own.

10. Book flights

Once your itinerary is decided, it's time to book flights

In the past you'd book trips and flights far in advance to avoid hefty last-minute prices (and the possibility of not getting a spot). These days last-minute deals are often the best deals of all! In an industry with everything in constant flux, there's no golden rule right now when it comes to booking flights.

The best advice we can give you is to simply keep your eyes open for deals.

Also, if you have any stopovers, be sure to give yourself a large enough window to cover any flight delays. The safest way to do multi-flight journeys is to use one airline if possible, as that way any missed connections are on them – they need to find you another flight, at no extra cost.

11. Book accommodation

Look for accommodation that benefits the local economy rather than large multinationals

While you shouldn't book any accommodation without first having your flights secured, we recommend looking into accommodation availability before booking your flights. You want to ensure you'll be able to stay in the desired location. And if you have your heart set on a particular establishment, you want to ensure they have a spot open for you.

The best thing to do here is to have an idea of your planned flights and then pay refundable deposits where possible for your accommodation. Once your accommodation is secured, you can book your flights. In this way, you can cancel your accommodation should anything go awry with your flights, and you won't lose any money.

Naturally the above suggestion isn't always possible. When this is the case, we feel it's better to secure your flights first and then amend your accommodation choices if necessary, rather than the other way around.

12. Purchase any necessary permits

Protected areas often require you to purchase an entrance permit

Much adventure travel happens in national parks, reserves and the like, and for these you often need to purchase entrance permits. This is an important part of your budget, as permits can by pricey, often charging a daily fee.

Some countries and regions also insist on other charges and fees. As we discuss in Nepal trekking permits and fees (2023) , for instance, you need to pay park fees but you also need a permit from the Government if you want to trek in Nepal, and you sometimes must also pay local municipal fees when entering an area. These costs add up and form an important part of your budget.

If you travel with a tour operator, check that these fees are part of the package fee (they usually are), and that the operator will acquire them for you. A good tour operator takes this admin off of your hands!

If you're organising permits yourself, be sure to find out which need to be acquired beforehand and which you can simply purchase as you go along.

13. Buy travel insurance

It's especially important to have travel insurance if you plan to do physical activities

Travel insurance is a critical part of adventure travel. Often on adventure trips you're engaging in physical activities that come, quite naturally, with more danger than a regular sort of holiday (such as a city tour or beach holiday).

Be sure to check with the authorities if any special type of insurance is required to be allowed to do your particular adventure trip. When doing a high-altitude trek, for instance, you need to buy insurance that covers you for climbing up to a certain elevation. The authorities often won't allow you to start certain treks without proof of such insurance.

14. Look into what equipment you need

Camping equipment is usually provided by your tour operator

Adventure travel often requires an assortment of special equipment, like tents, outdoor cooking equipment, kayaks, snorkels and flippers, emergency oxygen, and the list goes on.

If you're travelling on your own (versus with a tour operator), then it's especially important that you research and acquire the necessary equipment. If you choose to travel with a tour operator, they usually provide most of the necessary equipment, which is a big help. If they don't provide you with a list of the equipment that's included and not included as part of your package, be sure to ask for this.

Decide if you want to rent or buy

You can often rent equipment at destinations known for a particular type of adventure activity. We're talking sleeping bags, trekking poles, and so on.

Renting is a useful option to consider, for three reasons ...

• Firstly, local rental shops know the sort of equipment that's required to safely and comfortably do the activity for which the region is known. Provided you don't go to a dodgy shop basement shop that's trying to offer a ridiculous bargain, you should find informed sales staff who are able to explain and direct you towards what's needed for your particular adventure.
• Secondly, renting is a great option for expensive items that you're unsure you'll use again. If you're camping in a cold climate for the first time, for instance, you don't necessarily want to buy your own four-season sleeping bag. You want to first see how much you enjoy the experience before considering making such a big purchase!
• Thirdly, renting means you don't need to transport certain items (which are often heavy and bulky) across the globe. Even if you have a piece of equipment at home, you might opt to rent it at the location.

Do, of course, do thorough research into the rental situation in your destination before planning on this option! And be sure to factor in enough time for any rental arrangements – you don't want to rush important equipment decisions.

At Follow Alice we provide our clients with all the necessary equipment for their adventures, from tents and camp chairs to sleeping bags and sleeping mats.

15. Research if you need any special clothing

Follow Alice clients often rent our specially designed winter jackets from us

Depending on your destination and activities, you may well need special clothing that you don't already have. Snow boots, hiking shoes, a winter jacket and thermal inner wear spring to mind here.

Be sure to thoroughly research what clothing and shoes are required for your type of adventure trip. And try to purchase certain items in advance so that you have time to test them out (and wear them in) if necessary. What seems great in theory might be a nightmare of discomfort or inadequacy in reality.

Top tip: plan to pack your most important clothing and shoes in your carry-on luggage. This way any lost luggage doesn't completely derail your adventure trip.

You can also often rent certain clothing items. We're talking winter jackets, balaclavas and the like. You can sometimes even rent hiking boots, but we advise against this as comfortable, worn-in shoes are often critical to the success of an adventure trip.

At Follow Alice we rent our specially designed winter jackets to any clients who wish to use them. That's one less bulky item to fit into your luggage!

16. Check your gadgets' plugs are compatible

A tech gadget you can't charge is just extra weight!

Here are some things to check and research in terms of your tech gadgets:

• Check that there'll be plug points along your adventure route before taking along heavy equipment that you won't be able to charge. Or ensure you take along a power bank.
• Research the plug points available in the destination country to ensure your items will be able to be plugged in there. If not, you'll need to purchase a suitable adapter.
• If your equipment relies on batteries, check the ones in it still have some juice. And then pack spares. Always packs spares.
• Check if drones are allowed in your adventure destination before taking yours along.

Top tip: in some places you have to pay to charge devices. Find out if this is the case so you can budget for it and ensure you cash for such payments.

17. Notify the bank of your travel plans

It's always best to have some local currency on you and not only rely on bank cards

Be sure that your bank knows of your travel plans and dates so that your cards work in the destination country. If this goes wrong, you could end up in a serious pickle.

Ideally, acquire some local currency before leaving your home country just to ensure you have a backup. And of course having more than one card to draw from helps too.

Purchase foreign currency

Please do yourself the favour of finding out if your destination is a mostly cash economy, and then ensuring you get your mitts on some local currency before heading off into wild and remote places where there are no ATMs. You could otherwise come unstuck when wanting to buy a soft drink, purchase a souvenir, or tip someone.

Often you can get cash at the airport upon landing, but always have a backup plan in case the machine there isn't working.

Pro tip: ensure your bank notes (local or foreign) are kept neat and unbent, and aren't torn. In some places damaged or bent notes aren't of value.

Note that in some places, US dollars and euros might be desirable, but certainly don't assume this. Also please find out if dollars printed before a certain date are accepted in the host country – sometimes only dollars dated from a certain year have value.

18. Share copies of your itinerary and insurance

Let someone know exactly where you're going

Before leaving on your adventure, ensure someone close to you at home has the following:

• a copy of your itinerary
• a copy of your insurance policy, with a contact number highlighted
• the contact details of your tour operator and/or accommodation

Naturally the expectation and hope is that nothing will go wrong, and the only contact you'll have with loved ones back home is fun travel updates. But it's better to be safe and ensure you've shared these important docs with someone back home.

19. Switch your phone to roaming

There's connection now in many of the world's remote adventure destinations

The very last thing you need to remember before heading off on your dream adventure trip is to switch your cellphone to roaming! Folks at home will want a text when you land letting them know that all is good.

Note that it's worth looking into buying a SIM card in certain countries, as these can be really cheap and a much more economical choice than using your own SIM card. Or even better in many cases is an eSIM .

Once your phone is on roaming and you're boarding your plane, it's time to relax and just be in the moment. You've done all the work, and now it's adventure time!

• [ August 11, 2019 ] Wildlife & Nature: The 5th Exposure Mode Nature And Wildlife
• [ July 11, 2019 ] What Is Photography?: A Winogrand Vision Beginners
• [ July 8, 2019 ] What is Slow Photography? A Tool Kit Tips & Tutorials
• [ July 8, 2019 ] Best Point and Shoot Camera Equipment
• [ July 3, 2019 ] Shoot for Spirit, But Don’t Let Gear Interfere Beginners

Travel Adventures – Part 4: Moscow

July 7, 2016 Travel

This beautiful woman lingered for a moment on the steps at one of the several churches in the Sergeiv Posad Monastery. I thought she was absolutely beautiful.

So far in this journey we have visited some wonderful cities … Helsinki, Finland, Tallinn, Estonia and St. Petersburg, Russia. We have traveled together along the waterways of Russia to such exotic sounding places as Mandrogy, Kitzy Island, Goritzy, Uglich, and Yaroslavl and seen the beauty of the countryside in between these towns. But our ship finally came to dock in Moscow, the capital of Russia and I really had no idea what to expect!

One advantage of travel tour is that you get a good general overview of an area. That’s the good news, of course. The bad news on most tours — and this tour certainly was no exception –was that you never did have a lot of time to explore on your own. The guides and the schedule kept you pretty busy all of the time. It was great for getting information and seeing a lot, but difficult for photographers who like to explore in more depth.

When we got to Moscow, we hopped on buses and were off to tour the city. Moscow is a huge city with so much traffic that I vowed never to complain about the traffic on Los Angeles freeways ever again. I couldn’t believe how tough you had to be to drive in this city. It played havoc with all schedules and timetables because what should have taken just 20 minutes to drive ended up taking an hour. One of the reasons is how they handle their traffic accidents. From what we understood and saw, cars involved in accidents were not allowed to move until both the police and the insurance adjuster came. So, a simple traffic accident could snarl things for hours. There is definitely a different viewpoint here than back home.

The traffic on every street no matter the hour seemed to be hectic.

The city of Moscow is upbeat with many shops, theaters, and restaurants and such. We saw shops with all of the latest and most expensive designers. All of the big brand names in clothing had shops. During this introductory tour, we were dropped off on a rather large street and told to walk through an arch into a huge open area. A large red brick/stone wall ran down one side and the most magnificent Russian Church we had seen so far was at the far end. The area was enormous and, of course, it was the famous Red Square. Behind the brick/stone wall was the Kremlin. I had to pause to take it all in, because never in my life would I have ever imagined myself standing there! The look on my sister and friend’s faces, told the same story that I was feeling … ABSOLUTE AWE!

We had some time to wander and walk by Lenin’s tomb before we had to return to the bus to continue the general tour of the city. 

From an overlook within the St. Basil Cathedral, you can get a fabulous overview of Red Square. The Kremlin wall is on the left side of the image; at the end of that wall is the Spasskaya Tower. The red building with two towers is the National Historical Museum, barely seen and tucked into the corner to the right of the Museum is Kazan Cathedral and along the right side is the turn of the century arcades of Gum’s department store.

Copyright © Stan Westfall

Along the wall that separates the Kremlin from Red Square is Lenin’s tomb. His body has been on public display there since the year he died in 1924.

A night tour took us past some of the brightly lit gambling casinos in Moscow. The bouncing bus, combined with the bright neon lighting, brought a few interesting photo opportunities. We attended a wonderful concert that featured many of the traditional musical instruments of Russia — another photo opportunity not normally available in a theater, but because the audience was from the various tours and ships that were in Moscow that particular evening, we could take photos — but of course, not with flash, which is always a disturbance to the performers. As we left the concert, the moon was just rising over one of the beautiful cathedral spires. My friend Anne caught the shot (3rd below/right). She is quick and steady and got a round of applause when she “nailed it!”

Driving through Moscow’s downtown area at night was fascinating. It was bright with colored lights. Many casinos and restaurants were lit up and looked very busy. It was a supercharged city that came alive at night.

Copyright © Anne Westfall

St. Basil’s in Red Square was beautiful during the day but at night it was a fairy tale. This is one of Russia’s most beautiful cathedrals.

Fabulously lit fountains switched colors to make an exciting night shot.

Square at night is spectacular with the Gums building in sparkling lights.

Leaving the theater one night we were just in time to see the moonrise near one of Moscow’s cathedrals. 

The next day we toured the park adjacent to the grounds of the beautiful Novodevichy Conventwhere many exiled or self-exiled royal wives, daughters and lovers “took the veil” (which means they chose to become a nun), to get out of their marriage, family or mistress arrangement, since divorce was not allowed. It is in this park where you will find the lovely bronze ducks, given as a gift by President George Walker Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush. We visited the Kremlin and I was surprised to find out that there were 5 or 6 churches within its walls. In the Armory, the stunningly beautiful royal clothes, jewels and carriages were housed. It was amazing to see that even the carriages were embedded with jewels.

The Novodevichy Convent where many exiled or self-exiled royal family members “took the Veil”. The park like setting was one of the most beautiful we had seen.

We had the opportunity to go into their frightfully expensive, but stunningly wonderful GUM (pronounced we discovered like “goom” not “gum” as in chewing gum). Just wandering up and down this multilevel shopping extravaganza was a treat.

Gums is a large collection of shops on one side of Red Square. The three level, indoor mall features eating establishments, large walkways and bridges from one side to another. It is frequently used as a setting for newly wed brides.

The next morning, my friend Stan Westfall and I decided to take the tour to the Sergiev Posad Monastery. My sister, Sunny, and our friend Anne Westfall opted to visit the Pushkin Museum in the morning and the Tretyakov Gallery in the afternoon. Since we were going to have separate adventures to share that evening, I reminded them to take lots and lots of photographs so we could enjoy their day as well.

In the center of the Sergeiv Posad Monastery there is a beautiful Holy Water fountain where people come to drink, to bless and to carry home a small jar of Holy Water. 

CONTINUE WITH THE STORY AND SEE MORE PHOTOS…………

Be sure to join us next month as we visit Moscow.

Read Travel Adventures – Part 1: Finland and Estonia

Read Travel Adventures – Part 2: St. Petersburg, Russia

Read Travel Adventures – Part 3: Cruising the Russian Waterways

by Noella Ballenger

Be the first to comment

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published.

© 1995-2020 Apogee Photo Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Learn From Hundreds of photography articles

• No menu assigned!

24 Hours in Moscow

• No Comments

Book with Expedia!

Discover your next trip.

Recent Posts

• Vaud: Switzerland’s Best-Kept Secret
• 24 Hours in Venice
• 72 Hours in a Palm Springs Desert Oasis
• The Best of Austin – Where to Stay, Dine & Go!
• Road Trip: To the End of the Florida Keys

Need Travel Insurance?

Russian Recipe: Borscht Soup

Find out more, search for a destination.

• February 2022
• January 2022
• November 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021
• November 2020
• August 2020
• February 2020
• January 2020
• December 2019
• November 2019
• October 2019
• September 2019
• August 2019
• February 2019
• December 2018
• November 2018
• October 2018
• September 2018
• August 2018
• February 2018
• January 2018
• December 2017
• November 2017
• September 2017
• August 2017
• February 2017
• December 2016
• November 2016
• October 2016
• September 2016
• August 2016
• February 2016
• January 2016
• December 2015
• October 2015
• September 2015
• August 2015
• February 2015
• January 2015
• December 2014
• October 2014
• September 2014
• August 2014
• February 2014
• January 2014
• December 2013
• November 2013
• October 2013
• September 2013
• August 2013
• February 2013
• January 2013
• November 2012
• October 2012
• September 2012
• August 2012
• January 2012
• December 2011
• November 2011
• October 2011
• September 2011
• August 2011

© 2024 Global Adventuress.

• South Africa
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Leeward Islands
• Lesser Antilles
• Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
• St. Barthelemy
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Windward Islands
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Easter Island
• New Zealand
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Republic of Belarus
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Love Exploring

16 STUNNING Train Routes To Spice Up Your 2024 Travels

Posted: April 18, 2024 | Last updated: April 19, 2024

On track for a great adventure

Long-distance rail travel is intoxicatingly romantic and much more sustainable than flying. But when our lives are so busy, and our time and money so precious, it can sometimes be hard to justify taking the slower, more scenic route. However, these exciting new train journeys for 2024 and beyond might just convince you to give it a try.

From swanky sleepers to dynamic first-of-their-kind engineering feats, click through for the best new and upcoming rail routes to get excited about...

Whoosh from Jakarta to Bandung, Indonesia

Inaugurated in late-2023, Whoosh is Indonesia’s (and Southeast Asia’s) first high-speed train. Finished four years later than originally planned, the new multi-billion-dollar line links the capital of Jakarta to the west Javan city of Bandung in less than an hour. With speeds of around 217 miles per hour (349km/h), Whoosh – a convenient acronym for 'time saving, optimal operation, reliable system' in Indonesian – is powered by electricity and therefore has no direct carbon emissions. Before this, the only way to reach Bandung from Jakarta was a three-hour car journey.

The 86-mile (138km) route is mostly raised and offers seats in three different classes – VIP, first and second. The state-of-the-art trains have been modified to suit the country’s tropical climate, and are also equipped with safety features that can respond to disasters like earthquakes and floods. There are future plans to extend the line further east to Surabaya (around 10 hours by car from Jakarta), as well as introducing a stop at Yogyakarta, where passengers would alight for the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur.

Nightjet from Paris to Berlin

Before December 2023, there had been no direct trains between Paris and Berlin since the 1990s. But now passengers can travel between the two enticing capitals on OBB’s new signature sleeper service, the Nightjet, which currently runs three times a week and calls at Strasbourg and Frankfurt along the way. Clad in striking blue and red, Nightjet’s fleet will be replenished over the course of the next year, bringing the total number of custom-built new trains to 33, offering solo sleeping pods, en-suite compartments, better accessibility and extra storage.

The Paris-Berlin Nightjet will increase its offering later in 2024, when nightly departures begin. But soon this won’t be your only new rail option linking the two cities. SNCF (France’s state railway company) is liaising with Deutsche Bahn over a direct, high-speed TGV connection sometime this year, which will run during day and night, with a total journey time of around seven hours.

New Trenitalia routes, Italy and beyond

The year's rail renaissance continues with Italian national rail operator Trenitalia opening up a plethora of new opportunities. First, its Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) bullet trains now whizz passengers from Rome to the ruined city of Pompeii (pictured), which was buried under volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The service runs every Sunday and on selected public holidays, with the journey from A to B taking less than two hours.

Elsewhere, Trenitalia is in cahoots with Slovenia’s transport services to start a high-speed rail route from Milan (pictured) to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s gorgeously green capital. The two-and-a-half-hour trip between the two cities could open to passengers as soon as April 2024. Later this year, the zippy Frecciarossa trains will also tread through Paris, Madrid and Barcelona, as Trenitalia looks to increase its presence in France and Spain. This will be a boon to travellers crossing the Pyrenees, which has historically been low on rail services.

Tren Maya, Mexico

After partially opening in December 2023, Yucatan’s Tren Maya is set to become fully operational any day now. The rail megaproject, which entered construction in 2020, connects popular Caribbean coast resorts like Tulum and Cancun to culture-crammed cities and ancient archaeological sites like Merida and Palenque (pictured), in the hope of connecting tourists with areas they might not otherwise see. The route in its entirety serves 34 stations in five Mexican states and is divided into seven sections, offering both short and long-distance journeys.

The railway has already caused plenty of controversy. Indigenous leaders and environmental activists have spoken out against deforestation and the perceived briefness of research carried out ahead of construction, but others believe Tren Maya will ultimately help to alleviate poverty in the areas it serves. Whatever your stance, the 904-mile (1,455km) route marks a significant turning point for public transport and rail tourism in Mexico.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Singapore and Malaysia

After pausing operations for a few years due to the pandemic, Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express is triumphantly returning to the tracks of Southeast Asia from February 2024, with a fully refurbished and restyled look. This sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express first entered service in 1993, making its inaugural journey between Bangkok and Singapore. Now, Belmond is launching two new seasonal round-trip itineraries that will depart from Singapore’s Woodlands station and wind through the landscapes of Malaysia.

Liking this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

The first route, 'Essence of Malaysia: A Gateway into Malay Culture', passes through Kuala Lumpur before passengers switch transport to private boats to visit the islands of Langkawi and Penang. The second, 'Wild Malaysia: Exploring Sights Unseen', takes in the eastern side of the Malaysian peninsula, with stop-offs also at Penang and the Taman Negara National Park, where Sumatran rhinos and tigers roam one of the planet’s oldest tropical rainforests. Belmond hopes to reinstate the E&O's signature Thai presence in due course.

Hokuriku Shinkansen expansion, Japan

From 16 March 2024, travellers will be able to explore more of Japan’s Hokuriku region via one of the country's world-renowned Shinkansen trains. The Hokuriku branch currently runs between Tokyo and Kanazawa, capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, but is being extended this year from Kanazawa to Tsuruga station in Fukui Prefecture. Located along the northwest coast of Honshu, Japan's main island, the Hokuriku region offers delicious seafood, dramatic mountains, castle towns and culture-rich cities for those intrepid enough to veer off the typical tourist trail.

The new Shinkansen route will see the current journey time between Tokyo and Tsuruga slashed by 36 minutes, with its fastest trains taking just two hours and 51 minutes to zoom between the two stations. The extension was due for completion last spring, but higher-than-expected construction costs led to a delay. Ultimately, there are plans to further expand the Hokuriku Shinkansen’s reach beyond Tsuruga to Shin-Osaka station, though construction is yet to commence.

European Sleeper from Brussels to Dresden and Prague

It was one of the most anticipated new arrivals on the rail scene in 2023, and now the European Sleeper – which already links the Belgian and Dutch cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Berlin – is preparing for an exciting route extension. From 25 March 2024, the night train will no longer terminate in the German capital, but carry on to Dresden in eastern Germany and then across the Czech border into Prague (pictured).

The new Dresden-Prague leg includes further stops in Germany and Czechia, such as the Saxony spa town of Bad Schandau. At the end of 2023, the European Sleeper also introduced a new stop at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, increasing connections for travellers even further afield. From the train’s Brussels hub, international rail connections via the Channel-hopping Eurostar are a smooth ride. There are three different ticket options for European Sleeper passengers, ranging from budget-friendly reclining seats to convertible couchettes and cosy sleeping compartments (pictured).

Around the World by Luxury Train from Railbookers

This sprawling new itinerary from tour operator Railbookers promises the most unforgettable adventure for train lovers. Calling at more than 20 cities across 13 countries and four continents, the 11-week itinerary sees passengers experience seven of the world’s most lavish trains in one trip: the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada (pictured); the Belmond Royal Scotsman; the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express; the Maharajas' Express in India; the Golden Eagle Danube Express; Rovos Rail in South Africa; and the freshly revived Eastern & Oriental Express.

Departing on 28 August 2024 from Vancouver, the epic overland expedition also includes stays in some of the world’s finest hotels, from the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest (pictured). With accommodation, luggage transfers, flights, excursions and most meals included, it should come as no surprise that all this comes at a cost – with prices starting from around £92,000 ($115,599) per person. Railbookers serves customers in the UK, US, Australia and Canada.

Orient Express La Dolce Vita, Italy

While the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (pictured) is nothing new, it's about to get a very trendy younger sister: the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, created by the Accor hotel group. Slated to hit the rails later in 2024 (a year behind schedule), this new iteration of the historic locomotive is targeted at more design-conscious travellers, swapping out Belle Epoque maximalism for mid-century curves and retro prints. La Dolce Vita's sleek fleet will also sport luxe wood-lined cabins, live music and menus dedicated to sustainable Italian produce. Pre-registration is open now.

As you might expect of the Orient Express dynasty, a trip on La Dolce Vita won't be your average train journey. Offering exquisite service on eight different itineraries that last from one to two nights, the stylish sojourns will sweep through Rome, Venice, Siena (pictured) and the Italian Alps, as well as Portofino, Matera and Sicily (via one of Europe’s last passenger train ferries). Future plans involve increasing the train's reach internationally to Paris, Istanbul and Split in Croatia.

Amtrak from Mobile to New Orleans and wider network upgrade, USA

Expected to start welcoming passengers later this year, a new Amtrak route between Mobile in Alabama and New Orleans in Louisiana will soon cruise along southern America’s gorgeous Gulf Coast (pictured). The train will also stop at four stations in Mississippi: Bay St Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula. It will mark the return of passenger train services to the Gulf Coast for the first time since 2005. While an exact date for the launch is yet to be confirmed, familiarisation trips on the tracks began in 2023.

There’s other exciting Amtrak news while we wait for a date: a shiny new fleet of Acela high-speed trains (pictured) are due to enter service this year. They’ll take over the existing Northeast Corridor route connecting Boston, Providence, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC, offering smoother, speedier and more spacious rides. In November 2023, President Joe Biden announced $16 billion (£12.7bn) of funding for more than two dozen projects along this much-travelled line.

Midnight Trains, various

From 2025, there’ll be a new kid on the overnight train block, looking to further upgrade nocturnal rail travel in Europe. Midnight Trains is a French company putting the wheels in motion for several new routes out of Paris. The first service to launch will whisk passengers to Milan and Venice under cover of darkness. Self-described as hotels on rails, Midnight Trains will feature private, en-suite rooms throughout their fleet, with plush bed linen, a library of on-demand films to keep you entertained and top-range food-and-drink amenities.

Everything, from the point of booking to when you step off the train, will be managed through a bespoke app that allows you to personalise your journey. As well as the inaugural Paris-Milan-Venice route, Midnight Trains is also planning to seamlessly connect cities such as Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Porto and Madrid to the French capital (pictured). When complete, this new network will comprise more than 10 destinations across the continent.

European Sleeper from Amsterdam to Barcelona

Fans of the European Sleeper will be delighted to know that it will soon be adding another route to its roster – connecting Amsterdam to the buzzing Catalonian city of Barcelona. You’ll have to wait a little longer for this one, with the service not set to begin until spring 2025. Expect modern trappings such as wifi and charging points, as well as complimentary breakfast included with sleeper and couchette bookings (as with the existing run out of Brussels).

The proposed route between Amsterdam and Barcelona (pictured) includes stops in Avignon, Montpellier, Perpignan, Figueres and Girona, though it is not yet known how long the complete end-to-end journey will be. One thing we can say for certain, though, is that the views from your window will span the evolving scenery of at least four countries, and it'll be a wonder if you manage to steal any sleep at all.

Rail Baltica, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

They've been the missing piece in the European railway puzzle for a long time, but now – gradually – the Baltic states are at last getting connected with speedy train services. Rail Baltica is one of the region's largest ever infrastructure projects, and will link cities like Warsaw, Vilnius, Kaunas, Riga and Tallinn (as well as Helsinki indirectly and Berlin by night train) when the 541-mile (870km) route is completed in 2030. The idea has been more than 30 years in the making, since the former Soviet Union countries gained independence in the 1990s.

Eventually replacing the long-distance buses and unsustainable flights that travellers currently rely on to hop between Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, Rail Baltica will be a quiet, fully electric fleet with a colour scheme designed to reflect the sun, sea and sand of the Baltic Coast. While there’s still a long way to go before we can enjoy this particular route in its entirety, there are hopes that some sections will be ready to transport passengers by 2028.

New high-speed service from Porto and Lisbon to Vigo

In November 2022, the vision for an advanced high-speed rail link between the Portuguese cities of Porto (pictured) and Lisbon and Vigo in Galicia, northwest Spain, was laid out by the Portuguese government. While the existing fast service between the country's capital and second cities takes just under three hours, this new proposal could see the journey time more than halved to one hour and 15 minutes. Extending the route to Vigo will allow passengers to travel the length of Iberia's Atlantic coast at speeds of around 186 miles per hour (300km/h).

Construction on the Porto-Lisbon-Vigo route is set to start this year, but won't be completed until the early 2030s. This is all part of a wider infrastructure overhaul to Portugal's rail network, which will also include new local district connections and a crossing over the Tagus river (pictured), ultimately creating high-speed links from 10 of the country's main cities. In its entirety, the project is estimated to be completed by 2050.

African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network, various

Taking inspiration from the Al Boraq (pictured) – Africa's first express train, which runs along the coast of Morocco from Tangier to Casablanca – the African Union is in the process of laying the groundwork for a speedy, continent-wide rail system of epic proportions. Known as the African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network, the megaproject is supposed to open in its first phase by 2033, with more connections to be added by 2063.

Three pilot schemes have now been selected: the first routes to open will be Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kigali in Rwanda; Kampala in Uganda (pictured) to Bujumbura in Burundi; and Pretoria in South Africa to Walvis Bay in Namibia, via Botswana's capital Gaborone. The ultimate aim is to provide Africa’s 16 landlocked countries with better access to major ports and neighbouring nations, increasing connectivity and economic development across the continent.

Underwater train from the UAE to India

It was first mentioned in theory back in 2018, but now it looks like the United Arab Emirates’ plans to build an undersea railway to India might be gathering steam. The bold project could connect the shimmering metropolis of Dubai with bustling Mumbai (pictured) in a matter of minutes, with proposed speeds of up to 621 miles per hour (1,000km/h). Provisionally named the Dubai-India Hyperloop, it’s set to push the boundaries of innovation beyond anything the UAE has accomplished so far.

It may sound like an audacious concept, but at its heart it's just a variation of what the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France has been doing since 1994. No timeline has yet been given for the Dubai-India Hyperloop, but we certainly shouldn’t expect it any time soon. Conceiving and creating the world’s fastest land-based public transport – and then putting it in a large tunnel – will be no mean feat.

Liked this? Click on the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now read on for the world's most beautiful and affordable train journeys

More for You

Grammy-winning American Idol star Mandisa dies aged 47

Donald Trump Trial 'Much More Serious' Than Expected: Legal Analyst

We Ordered 7 Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches to Find the Best One

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Happy? 12 Signs of a Happy Dog

Black undercover police officer beaten up by his own colleagues awarded $23.5m

13 Things You Should Never Pressure Wash

Biden revises Title IX protections for pregnancy, trans people and assault victims

Samantha Davis Dies: Actor Wife Of Warwick Davis, Co-Founder Of Little People UK Charity Was 53

9 Insider Secrets You Should Know From a Goodwill Employee

WWE releases multiple wrestlers

A Definitive Ranking of the 25 Cutest Dog Breeds

8 Places You Should Never Charge Your Phone

Our Gardening Expert Warns To Avoid This Major Mistake When Growing Hostas

The Only Way You Should Store Butter, According to Land O'Lakes

Taco Bell rival files Chapter 11 bankruptcy; sells company

Golf Channel ‘Big Break’ co-host Stephanie Sparks dies at age 50

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates reportedly sells home in Washington in fast deal

Defend and Protect: The Best Guard Dog Breeds

The Food City Anthony Bourdain Considered One Of His All-Time Favorites

How to Clean a Faucet Head to Get Rid of Buildup, According to the Pros

Traveling is my Religion

Where will you go?

The Adventures of Shawn & Yagmur – Moscow, Russia

Another 4 day visa.

Yes, you read right. The Schengen visa wasn’t the only 4 day visa Yagmur received. Russia decided to jump on the bandwagon and only gave her a visa for the days requested.

For those who need a Russian visa, you’ll most likely need an invitation letter. Normally, the hotel you can stay at can provide you with an invitation letter for a small fee. However, since Yagmur isn’t an American citizen but is applying for a Russian visa in the U.S., our hotel said they couldn’t do it.

If that happens, you can request an invitation from an online tourist company. I was skeptical at first, but it worked using this company: Ivisa for Russian Invitation Letter (~31 USD)

An excellent blog post on applying for a Russian Visa from the U.S. or Canada can be found here: Russiable

Aeroexpress

We arrived in Moscow’s northwestern airport, Sheremetyevo (SVO). Upon arrival, we headed over to the the Aeroexpress train that takes you from SVO to metro stop Belorusskaya. If I’m not mistaken, all 3 of Moscow’s international airports have an Aeroexpress train to Moscow’s city center.

It’s very easy to buy an Aeroexpress train ticket. On your way to the Aeroexpress train, there are red ticket machines where you can buy your ticket in English or Russian. The prices vary depending if you purchase single, round trip, or for multiple people: Aeroexpress prices A one way ticket will be ~7 USD pp depending on which option you choose when purchasing.

The Aeroexpress train is comfortable with lots of space, and a very smooth ride.

Also, don’t worry about the Moscow metro. It’s very easy. You can buy metro cards at the red machines in English. One ride will cost you about 60 cents USD.

The Moscow metro stations are the most beautiful stations I have ever seen. They are also really deep!

Before & After

Moscow has definitely changed since the last time I was there 4 years ago. Tourism has grown enormously and the city feels much more modern. Not to mention the large amount of hipster burger joints that opened up all over the place.

After we checked into our hotel, we met up with an old friend, Kostya, rented electric scooters (similar to CitiBike in NYC), and rode all around.

We also stopped by my favorite park in Moscow: Gorky Park

After taking Yagmur around the city, we had some burgers, and headed back to Kostya’s place. We hung out with Masha (his wife and an even older friend), and the kids, catching up all night.

Masha, the artist of the family, put some before and after photos together.

No further evidence was needed to conclude that I clearly got rounder over the past couple years. You better believe I’m already working out to get back into my 2015 shape 😉

The first time I went to Moscow was 14 years ago, when I was just 15 years old. I’ve made many friends there since then. I wasn’t able to hang out with everyone I wanted to but we did the best we could with the time we had. So of course, the next day we met with some more #russianfam 🙂

Before heading home, we made sure to take some night pics 😉

The next day, I took Yagmur up Federation Tower for the 360 view at their observation deck on the 89th floor. The price to go up can vary depending on time and adult/children combo. Standard adult tickets cost around 32 USD pp. Full list of prices can be found here: Panorama 360 Prices

Even though they offer free chocolate and ice cream at the top, all I could think about was what Russian food Ira would feed me during her lunch break.

I found Ira, she fed me well.

After Ira got off of work, we met back up with her and her husband, Ilya. We walked down Arbat street (highly recommend cheching it out) and stopped by a Turkish restaurant for dinner.

It was a beautiful walk that evening.

Farewell Drinks

As tradition goes, I make sure to get some drinks with Andrei and Ilya. We found an awesome bar (now my favorite bar in Moscow) called Reddy.Bar

They have a large assortment of craft beers. The best part? The bartenders and Igor (the local) who says he always somehow ends up at that bar.

After plenty of beer, bar food, and Russian dry fish, we said our goodbyes and headed out.

Total Costs: $2,061 (SRB: $991 | YA: $1,070)

As always, the main difference between are costs were her need to apply for a visa (237 USD), and my need to buy drinks for the crew (80 USD). The reason her visa was so expensive was because I had it expedited. The reason my drinks were so cheap was probably because they’re a combination of grocery store drinks + Monday night outing drinks (I think they had a 2 for 1 deal + the dollar is strong).

We were also able to save around 220 USD pp in airfare because of my credit card points. Normally I would have stayed with friends but because Yagmur needed a visa, we had to book a hotel. 🙁

Her Budget: 75.91% LTD

Well folks, she’s reached 3/4th of the way there. There was no way of escaping the large airfare cost. Not to mention my impatience for the visa, added a large chunk too.

Our Progress: 92.86%

Looks like we’re getting close to the end!

A kiss at kilometer 0, the center of Moscow.

© 2019, Traveling is my Religion, All Rights Reserved

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

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.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

• Trans-Siberian Railway Tickets
• Trans-Siberian Railway Ticket Booking
• Trans-Siberian Railway Car Classes
• Travel Procedure
• Trans-Siberian Railway Route
• Guides & Gadgets

Home » Prices and Trans-Siberian Tickets » Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

Ticket prices for the Trans-Siberian Railway also depend on the current ruble exchange rate.

Is the Trans-Siberian Railway expensive?

Before starting on your Trans-Siberian Railway adventure you naturally want to know what the entire trip will cost. Although this sounds like a simple question, it is pretty difficult to answer. The Trans-Siberian Railway price of travel depends on the following factors:

• Which travel class do I want to use? The price for a first class ticket is about three times the price of a 3rd class ticket
• Am I willing to buy the tickets myself and assume responsibility for the organisation of the trip?
• How many stopovers do I want to make? The more breaks, the higher the total price.
• What sort of accommodation do I want? Will it be a luxury hotel or will a hostel dormitory be sufficient?
• What tours and excursions would I like to go on?
• What is the current exchange rate for rubles?

Basically, everything from a luxury to a budget holiday is available. If you buy yourself a 3rd Class nonstop ticket at the counter, a few hundred Euros will cover the price. All you will experience is a week on the Trans-Siberian train and will see nothing of the cities on the way. There is, however, any amount of room for upward expansion. Everyone makes different choices about which aspects they are willing to spend money on. I personally prefer to save money on accommodation and railcar class, visit as many cities and do as many trips as possible. To enable better classification of your travel expenses I have contrasted two typical traveler types. In the third column you can calculate the total cost of your own journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that these are only rough estimations and not exact prices.

The all-in costs seem fairly high at first. However, they cover everything and it is quite a long journey taking four weeks. Many people forget to consider that when looking at the list. We should also deduct the running costs for food and leisure at home. I think most visitors to this page will classify themselves somewhere between the two categories, that is around the € 2,000 – € 2,500 range. When comparing these prices with other travel packages, you get the impression that it is hardly worthwhile travelling individually on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that most packages last no more than 14 days and you are herded like cattle through the most beautiful locations.

If you spend less time on the Trans-Siberian Railway you will, of course, pay less. I chose this particular travel length because I prefer not to do things by halves. If you fulfill your dream of travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, enjoy it and don’t rush things. But it’s up to you, of course. Try playing around with the form a bit to find the appropriate price for your trip.

• Trans-Siberian Railway Tickets »

Adventure Travel

C1 - culverhouse cross - pontprennau.

A bus service operated by Adventure Travel

Culverhouse Cross - Pontprennau

Pontprennau - culverhouse cross.

Timetable data from the Traveline National Dataset (TNDS) , 19 April 2024

More information

• Timetable on the Traveline Cymru website

Contactless payment or cash accepted