happy times travel

Happily Travel…travel with HAPPINESS

Happy Times Travel is founded by Glynnis Chan in 1984 in Vancouver , B.C.. Glynnis has a full range of travel experiences over 30 years in Hong Kong and Canada . Happy Times Travel has been a well known and reputated travel agency in the communities.

Custom Travel Experiences

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit.

Happy Times Travel & Tour Ltd.

• 1306-8368 Capstan Way,
•  V6X 4B4
• T. (604) 279-9833
• http://happytimestravel.com/

Happy Times Travel & Tour Ltd is a Canadian-owned and operated full service travel agency and tour company in Vancouver, B.C. It was founded in 1984 in Vancouver, B.C. and has since grown to include a full range of travel experiences in over 25 years in Canada and Hong Kong. There are currently three branches, in Richmond, Downtown Vancouver, and East Vancouver, which have all developed into very reputable travel companies within the communities.

The company offers a wide range of travel products for their customers, such as:

• Custom tour itineraries for destinations in North America, China, Southeast Asia, Japan, Vietnam, Cuba, and Europe
• Canada and USA bus tours
• Cruise Packages
• Domestic and International Air Tickets
• Hotel and Car Rental Reservations
• Worldwide Travel Insurances
• Airport/Pier/Train/Hotel Bus Transfers and Charters
• Field Trip and Education Tours

Current Job Postings

• United Arab Emirates
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• New Zealand
• ➨ Choose from World Map
• Budget Travel
• Family Travel
• Getting Around
• Visas & Passports
• Work with Us

Browsing Category

• Czech Republic
• Saint Martin
• Uncategorized

Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Leave a comment

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

Meet The Author - Greg

Recent Post

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown

March 10, 2024

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024

The Best & Worst Times to Visit Moscow in 2024

Written by: Author Andrew Helling  |  Reviewed by: Sandy Mitchell

Andrew Helling is a licensed pilot, travel enthusiast, and the founder of Travellers Worldwide whose travel expertise has been quoted in countless publications across the web. Armed with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, he loves exploring the world with his wife and son and is always on the hunt for cheap flights and new adventures... Learn More

Sandy Mitchell is a travel expert and the content reviewer/fact checker at Travellers Worldwide. Using the experience she gained working in the travel industry for more than 20 years, as a travel agent, travel marketing executive, and cruise school administrator, Sandy fact-checks and reviews each of our guides to ensure they're as accurate and helpful as possible... Learn More

Posted on Last updated: February 26, 2024 - Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Learn more

What's the best time to visit Moscow?

The best months to visit Moscow are from May to September, when the weather is warm and the city hosts numerous festivals. May and September are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience, while the summer months are ideal for enjoying long days and a lively atmosphere. To make the most of Moscow’s festive events and beautiful outdoor settings, it’s advisable to book your trip early.

Is a trip to Moscow on your bucket list, but don’t know the best time to travel? As you would do when visiting a new destination, it’s best to research before going to Russia’s capital. Moscow is a large and beautiful city, so you want to get the most out of your trip.

The first thing to consider is the city’s weather. The weather in Moscow can sometimes be brutal, but there are months with comfortable temperatures.

Besides the climate, you’ll also want to research the period that offers the lowest prices, fewer crowds, and exciting festivals. Below we’ll cover the best time to visit Moscow; let us be your guide!

The Overall Best Time to Visit Moscow

Baturina Yuliya/Shutterstock

The best time to visit Moscow is May through September. These months suit travelers looking for warmer weather, the best attractions, and plenty of festivals.

May in Moscow comes in late spring when the snow has melted and the weather is mild. The natural greenery is coming back, and students have returned to school. The city’s liveliness begins to kick off, with several tourists starting to trickle in again.

The good thing about visiting Moscow in May is that you’ll enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. The average temperature in May is in the low of 45.9°F and high of 65.5°F.

It’s Moscow’s least humid month, with a relative humidity of around 64%. Days are now longer than March and April. This is the best time to spend long days exploring parks, museums, cathedral churches, and unique architecture.

Summer in Moscow starts from June to August, and most tourists flock to the city. The weather is quite pleasant, with moderate temperatures. These months experience average highs of 75°F, but temperatures in July can go up to 86°F.

June has the longest days , with some experiencing up to 17 hours of daylight. June and July are the hottest, but you have a lot to enjoy in the city. You can walk in the parks or neighborhoods to discover the city.

Boat trips are in full swing, so your afternoons are well-occupied. Additionally, you can explore Moscow off the beaten tracks, go shopping and try the local food.

Temperatures during August start to drop, but tourist areas are still crowded. You can spend time in Moscow during the first month of fall to enjoy mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The temperature in September ranges between 46°F to 61°F.

If you’re visiting Moscow from May to September, book your flight and accommodations earlier to avoid higher prices in the peak season. You can also choose your favorite festivals and events to attend.

Some of the best festivals to add to your itinerary include the following:

• Labor Day: May 1st
• Victory Day: May 9th
• Day of Memory and Grief: June 22nd
• Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity: July 8th
• Day of Russian Cinema: August 27th
• Day of Unity: November 4th

Cheapest Time to Visit Moscow

Marco Rubino/Shutterstock

The cheapest time to visit Moscow is October. This month allows for a budget-friendly vacation with the best chances to explore less crowded attractions.

In October, the climate has transitioned from hot or mild summer to a colder fall. Most tourists have left the city, and it’s quieter. Temperatures are slightly lower than in the summer months, ranging from 40°F to 54°F.

This is the time to enjoy fall colors as the plants recover from the hot summer. If you’re traveling during October, you’ll enjoy lower accommodation prices.

However, the cost of plane tickets in October can be higher because of the school holidays. So, you’ll want to book the flights earlier. While most attractions have closed down, you can still enjoy long walks in the city and festivals.

The best festivals you can enjoy include the following:

• Day of Older Persons: October 1st
• Remembrance Day of Victims of Political Repression:  October 30th

To get the best from your travel, ask your guide or locals for the attractions that are still open. Pack your basic fall outfits for October.

Least Busy Time to Visit Moscow

denira/Shutterstock

The least busy time to visit Moscow is March to April. These months are in spring when the city is recovering from the long winter.

Flights and accommodation rates are low since only a few tourists visit the city. March is not one of the best months for visiting Moscow because of the falling snow. The city has a lot to offer if you can cope with the snow that starts melting in mid-March.

It’s a quiet month, and temperatures range from 37°F during the day and 25°F at night. The weather begins to feel warmer in April, and the tourist season starts in a month.

Temperatures range from 40°F to 59°F. It’s still cold and breezy, but a better time to explore the city more quietly. The lush green parks offer the best opportunities to walk and relax with your family.

Unfortunately, most attractions have yet to open and are preparing for the peak season. You can, however, explore the picturesque architecture and enjoy the stunning views from the city’s highest points.

Pack warmer outfits  to beat the cold weather in March and April. You can also ask your hotel or locals where to find the remaining attractions that offer indoor activities.

Worst Time to Visit Moscow

Oluuuka/Shutterstock

The worst time to visit Moscow is in winter, from December to February. The cold weather and snow make it tricky for locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors.

Most attractions are closed, so you’ll have few options if you still want to visit. Temperatures in winter can drop to around 14°F, with warmer days experiencing temperatures above 32°F. Despite the low temperatures, Moscow receives visitors in December and January.

Hotels rates are higher since more visitors have arrived to celebrate the festive season. Expect larger crowds in the city during December 31st and the first week of the New Year.

However, the city’s silence resumes after mid-January as the third month of winter approaches. January is the coldest month in the city. As February approaches, the city is quiet, with a few activities for tourists.

Hotel and flight rates are at their lowest because tourism has decreased to a trickle. You can visit Moscow in late January and February if you don’t fear the cold weather and snowy landscapes. Activities like ice skating and snowmobiling are available in The Red Square and Shunut Mountain.

You can also consider the following tips for traveling to Moscow in winter:

• Pack winter clothing such as knit scarves, wooly hats, gloves, a coat, and weatherproof boots.
• Try indoor and outdoor activities to avoid boredom.
• Spend time in the snow-capped parks.
• Stroll the decorated streets such as Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
• Join locals to celebrate Christmas.
• Visit Moscow Zoo
• Explore The Garage Museum
• Visit The Ural Buddhist Temple

Moscow by Month: Climate & Activities

Moscow, Russia – 05.29.2023. Fountain of Friendship of Peoples and Ferris wheel Sun of Moscow, VDNKh, Moscow/Baturina Yuliya/Shutterstock

Still unsure about the best time to visit Moscow? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:

January in Moscow, with temperatures often ranging from 10 to 23°F (-12 to -5°C), is a winter wonderland. It’s the perfect time to explore the beautiful Red Square adorned with snow, enjoy ice skating at the iconic Gorky Park, and experience the grandeur of the Moscow Kremlin.

February continues with the charm of Russian winter, ideal for visiting the Tretyakov Gallery to view classic Russian art, exploring the historic Izmaylovo Market for unique souvenirs, and attending the Maslenitsa Festival with traditional pancakes and folk celebrations.

As winter slowly gives way to spring, March temperatures range from 19 to 36°F (-7 to 2°C). Visit the Bolshoi Theatre for a world-renowned ballet or opera performance, explore the State Historical Museum, and stroll through the Arbat, one of Moscow’s oldest streets.

April’s milder weather, with temperatures between 32 to 50°F (0 to 10°C), beckons for a visit to the beautiful Kolomenskoye Estate, exploring the vibrant streets of Moscow, and enjoying the city as it begins to bloom with spring flowers.

May brings warmer days, from 50 to 68°F (10 to 20°C), perfect for exploring the stunning gardens of the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, visiting the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoying the Victory Day celebrations on May 9th.

June, welcoming summer with temperatures between 57 to 73°F (14 to 23°C), offers ideal conditions for a river cruise on the Moskva River, exploring the Sparrow Hills for panoramic city views, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Moscow streets.

July’s warmth, ranging from 60 to 77°F (16 to 25°C), is all about outdoor dining in Moscow’s many cafes, visiting the Moscow Zoo, and exploring the vibrant Tverskaya Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares.

In August, with temperatures of 59 to 75°F (15 to 24°C), enjoy the famous Moscow International Film Festival , explore the Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery, and take evening strolls in the Alexander Garden.

Welcoming fall, September, with temperatures from 50 to 66°F (10 to 19°C), is perfect for attending the Moscow Autumn Cultural Festival, exploring the Bunker-42 Cold War Museum, and enjoying the changing leaves in the city’s many parks.

October’s cooler days, from 39 to 53°F (4 to 12°C), are ideal for visiting the Cosmonautics Museum, exploring the grandeur of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and experiencing the contemporary art scene at the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art.

November, as the air turns crisp, temperatures from 28 to 39°F (-2 to 4°C), is a time for exploring the indoor attractions like the Moscow Planetarium, enjoying the comfort of traditional Russian cuisine, and visiting the iconic Lenin’s Mausoleum.

December brings a festive atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°F (-7 to -1°C). Enjoy the magical Christmas lights and markets, celebrate the New Year with spectacular fireworks, and experience the charm of Russian winter in this historic city.

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is from May to November, when the country experiences mild weather and offers the best opportunity to explore most attractions in the city.

However, there’s plenty to see and do year-round, so any time you go will make for a trip to remember. Happy travels!

When to Go: Is Moscow Safe to Visit in 2024? | Safety Advice & Expert Tips

Happy Times Tours & Experiences

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Happy Times Tours & Experiences - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Engineer Your Finances

The 10 Happiest Travel Destinations That’ll Leave You Beaming

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

If you love to travel, you probably want to visit some happy places. While there is a time and place for some more serious and informative trips, there are times when you want a vacation or travel trip to lift your spirits and make you happy.

We’ve looked around the world to uncover destinations that promise unforgettable experiences and abundant joy and happiness.

These top 10 travel spots have something special to offer, whether it’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, or a vibrant atmosphere that can’t help but make you smile and put you in a good mood.

The Happiest Travel Destinations

SuperCasinoSites decided to look at travel destinations from this perspective to determine whether the most well-known locations deliver the most rewarding experience and which cities, if all else being equal, are the cheapest to visit.

Let’s dive into the list of the happiest travel destinations to brighten your year.

1. Chiang Mai

Country: Thailand

Safety Index: 88

Total points: 324

Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai takes the spot as the happiest travel destination for 2023. With an exceptional total score of 324 points, this city seamlessly blends ancient traditions and modern living. The Safety Index of 88 ensures peace of mind while exploring its rich history, vibrant street markets, and lush landscapes. Chiang Mai offers an array of experiences, from exploring historic temples to indulging in local cuisine, all without breaking the bank!

Country: Turkey

Safety Index: 82

Total points: 300

Antalya, a coastal gem on Turkey’s Mediterranean shores, takes second place with a solid total of 300 points. This charming city boasts an enviable Safety Index of 82, welcoming travelers with open arms to its turquoise beaches, ancient ruins, and captivating culture. With the warm embrace of the Turkish sun and a friendly atmosphere, Antalya promises a delightful and budget-friendly escape.

Country: Spain

Safety Index: 55

Total points: 295

Granada, a jewel of Andalusia in Spain, secures the third spot with 295 points. The city’s magnetic charm is deeply rooted in its historical significance and artistic legacy. While the Safety Index of 55 may not be the highest, the city’s rich culture, breathtaking Alhambra Palace, and delicious tapas offer a unique blend of happiness that’s well worth exploring.

Country: Portugal

Safety Index: 69

Total points: 289

Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital, takes the fourth position with 289 points and a solid Safety Index of 69. This city harmoniously blends old-world charm with a contemporary twist. Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and the Fado music scene create a tapestry of experiences that enhance happiness while staying budget-friendly.

Safety Index: 68

Total points: 288

Malaga, another enchanting Spanish destination, claims fifth place with 288 points and a Safety Index of 68. Nestled along the Costa del Sol, this coastal city boasts a Mediterranean lifestyle filled with art, culture, and the famous Andalusian cuisine. Exploring the birthplace of Picasso or lounging on pristine beaches can easily brighten your days.

Safety Index: 60

Total points: 281

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, secures the sixth spot with 281 points and a Safety Index of 60. The city’s rustic charm and historical treasures make it a unique destination. The Douro River, famous for its port wine, flows through the city, inviting travelers to explore its colorful neighborhoods and stunning vistas.

7. Playa del Carmen

Country: Mexico

Safety Index: 39

Playa del Carmen, a vibrant Mexican destination, also accumulated 281 points. Although it has a Safety Index of 39, its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and proximity to Mayan ruins make it a blissful place for budget-conscious travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

8. Dubrovnik

Country: Croatia

Safety Index: 96

Total points: 279

Dubrovnik, Croatia’s coastal treasure, ranks eighth with 279 points. With a remarkable Safety Index of 96, the city’s well-preserved medieval walls and captivating Adriatic Sea views offer an idyllic setting for happiness and exploration. Dubrovnik invites you to step into a world of history and natural beauty.

Safety Index: 62

Total points: 278

Seville, another Spanish delight, takes the ninth place with 278 points and a Safety Index of 62. The city’s lively flamenco rhythms, historic landmarks like the Alcázar, and welcoming locals promise an unforgettable journey into Spanish culture.

Country: Saudi Arabia

Safety Index: 79

Total points: 269

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, completes the top 10 list with 269 points and a commendable Safety Index of 79. While it may not be a first choice for all travelers, Riyadh offers a unique blend of modernity and heritage. Exploring its museums, souks, and cultural attractions can broaden your horizons and provide a different perspective on happiness.

15 Countries That You Will Probably Regret Traveling To

There are some countries where the majority of visitors love their experience. However, there are other countries that people come back from and never recommend to anyone. These countries often have circumstances that make the trip miserable so that visitors can’t wait to leave and go home.

15 Safest Countries for Women Traveling Alone

There are a lot of countries that women should avoid if they’re traveling solo. No matter where they go, solo women travelers should stay aware of their surroundings and make sure to take safety precautions. However, some countries are far safer than others, and these can make ideal places to visit alone.

The 15 Poorest Cities in America

When it comes to cities in America, huge disparities exist. Some are doing much better financially than others. There are a lot of cities today that are struggling economically and coming up short in a few areas.

More for You

McCormick Is Adding a New Spice for the First Time in 5 Years

Archaeologists Discover 'Unique' Artificial Body Part in 18th Century Skull

Zendaya's Baby Pink Tennis Polo Dress Includes Cutouts That Hit Her Hip Bone

The unexpected, under-the-radar Senate race in Michigan that could determine control of the chamber

I’m a Bank Teller: 3 Times You Should Never Ask For $100 Bills at the Bank

You can buy a home in France or Italy for 'the price of a new truck'—but take these 3 steps before retiring abroad

Arby’s Just Launched 3 New Menu Items and Brought Back a Fan Fave

The Longest Range Electric Motorcycle In The World

Russian ballistic missile strike on Odesa, Ukraine destroys Western-supplied ammunition

How to watch Caitlin Clark's first WNBA preseason game: Live stream, TV channel, tip time for Fever vs. Wings

America's New 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Will Most Likely Be Equipped With This Cutting-Edge Engine

IRS says audits for rich people and corporations are about to hit a whole new level. Buckle up.

McDonald's menu adds some wild new 'secret' sandwiches

The BOTE LowRider Is An Extremely Stable Hybrid iSUP

Military documents contradict GOP congressman's military record claims

The 24 Best Met Gala Dresses of All Time, According to Bazaar Editors

The Mercedes E60 AMG Is Peak Benz

Keep these 10 financial documents forever. Scan and shred the rest.

McDonald's making plans to release 'biggest burger ever'

Tiger accepts special exemption into US Open at Pinehurst

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

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

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

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

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

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

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

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

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

Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

Eternal Flame

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

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

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

2. Bolshoi Theatre

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

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

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

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

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

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

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

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

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

5. Gorky Park

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

6. Sparrow Hills Park

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

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

7. River Cruising

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

8. Metro Hopping

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

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

9. Moscow State University View

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

10. Izmailovsky Market

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

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

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

11. Moscow City

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

12. Tretyakov Gallery

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

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

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

14. Kolomenskoye

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

15. Ostankino TV Tower

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

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

16. Zaryadye Park

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

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

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

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

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

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

19. Sanduny Banya

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

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

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

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

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

ESCAPE TO PARADISE

Unwind and relax in breathtaking destinations!

About Happy Time Travel

At Happy Time Travel, we're passionate about travel. Shannon has years of experience and has traveled extensively to give you the best recommendations and advice. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, she's here to help you plan your next adventure.

Happy Time Travel (651) 998-0605

Experience the world with happy time travel.

Turks & Caicos

Get in Touch!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

We'd love to hear from you!

Have a question?  Want to see if your particular vacation is one we can help with? We'd love to hear from you!

Happy Time Travel

1360 Quinlan Avenue Circle South, Lake Saint Croix Beach, Minnesota 55043, United States

Shannon McCloskey (651) 998-0605 [email protected]

Join Our Mailing List

Be the first to hear about upcoming trips, exciting destinations, and fun activities!

Copyright © 2024 Happy Time Travel - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Session Has Expired

Search results.

View all Tours Single-Day Tours Multi-day Tours Cruises & Cruise Tours Group & Custom Tours Gifts

Terms and conditions, cancellations/transfers & travel protection.

We realize that illness and other reasons arise that may make it impossible for you to travel. For this reason, a travel protection policy (which includes cancellation insurance) through a third party is available and it’s highly recommended that you purchase this at the same time you make your initial tour payment. Those who have purchased travel protection and must cancel for a covered reason, will be reimbursed by the travel protection company the balance of any non-refunded funds (minus the travel protection premium). Regardless of the reason, cancellations, credits, and transfers of confirmed bookings result in a costly process of e-mails, letters, phone calls, adjustments, refunds, and penalties/fees assessed by our travel suppliers. Therefore, the below cancellation policies and fees are in place. Note that the below fees are per person and apply if you choose NOT to purchase travel protection or if you cancel for a non-covered reason.

Single-Day Tour Cancellations

• If you cancel 30 or more days prior to the departure date, you may receive a credit minus a $10 p.p. administrative fee* or a refund minus a $25 p.p. administrative fee*.
• If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you may receive a credit (minus $10 p.p.*) or a refund (minus $25 p.p.*) ONLY if your space can be resold from a waitlist.
• In addition to the administrative fee, all non-recoverable or non-transferable fees made to our suppliers on your behalf (for tickets, etc.) will be retained.
• Refund provisions vary from tour to tour and there are exceptions to the above policy and some tours (including those tours involving theatre tickets or high-security access) may have different or additional restrictions.

Multi-Day Tour Cancellations

• If you cancel prior to our established balance payment deadline (generally 60-90 days depending on the tour) you may receive a credit minus a $50 p.p. administrative fee* or a refund minus a $75 p.p. administrative fee*.
• If you cancel after our established balance payment deadline (generally 60-90 days depending on the tour) you may receive a credit (minus $75 p.p.*) or a refund (minus $125 p.p.*).
• If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you may receive a credit (minus $150 p.p.*) or a refund (minus $250 p.p.*) ONLY if your space can be resold from a waitlist.
• If you cancel within 15 days of departure, you may receive a credit (minus $250 p.p.*) or a refund (minus $500 p.p.*) ONLY if your space can be resold from a waitlist.
• In addition to the administrative fee, all non-recoverable or non-transferable fees made to our suppliers on your behalf (for airfare, tickets, lodging, services, etc.) will be retained.
• Refund provisions vary from tour to tour and there are exceptions to the above policy and some tours (including international tours and national park tours) may have different or additional restrictions.

Additional Notes About Cancellations

Credit does not expire and may be left on your account for future use or immediately transferred to another tour. No credits or refunds are available for failure to board the motorcoach on the day of departure.

New York City

May 26-30, 2024.

Rugged Peaks to Painted Prairies – A Dakotas Adventure

June 1-7, 2024.

Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton

August 4-11, 2024.

Vancouver, Victoria & Seattle

September 3-9, 2024.

New England Fall Foliage

September 30-october 6, 2024.

New Mexico Enchantment

October 2-7, 2024, search tours and cruises, search our tours and cruises multiple ways, don't wait these tours and cruises are coming up soon or have limited space available. book now.

Tour/Cruise

Departure Date

Departing From

FV/LHS/LBCC-O

ARP/HTL/OTH/LAX/SBL/FV/LHS/LBCC-O

Receive Updates and Special Offers via E-Mail

Take a look at these new tours or departure dates that we've recently added.

• Search/View All Tours/Cruises
• Single-Day Tours
• Multi-Day Tours
• Cruises & Cruise-Tours
• Group Leaders
• Gift Certificates
• Request Brochures
• View Brochures
• Our Departure Points
• Travel Policies
• Common Questions
• Activity/Pace Levels
• Travel Resources
• Travel Protection
• Meet Our Team
• The Good Times Travel Experience
• Testimonials
• Latest Travel Updates
• Book a Tour
• Make a Payment
• 17132 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
• Phone: 714-848-1255
• [email protected]

Booking Confirmation

Login notice, account notice.

Thank you for your patience while we process this...

Happy Time Tours and Travel - Your Local Travel Source

Great Group Rates!

Welcome To The World Of Travel and Entertainment!!

Our goal of providing memories of a lifetime is the heart of our business and it’s what drives us to truly be the Best of Times!

Since our company’s founding in 1974, we have been providing our customers with memories of a lifetime, through our travel and entertainment based programs.

Let our professional staff and program coordinators assist you in picking one of our pre-planned trips or custom designing a program that fits the exact needs of your group.

And for those travelers that are not part of a group we have plenty of opportunities to get connected into one of our great trips.

Providing Travel & Entertainment Programs For:

• Senior based groups, clubs, and organizations
• Leisure Groups
• Corporate Groups
• School Systems

Our programs include:

• Multi-Day Overnight Programs
• Specialty Touring Programs

We’ll be happy to discuss your particular needs and interests and assist you in any way we can. Best of Times works with groups of all sizes, large or small. We offer group discounts and have extensive student and youth tours and trips. Happy Traveling!

Forgot your password? Don't have an account yet? Sign up.

Be Happy. Travel. ®

The world's premier wholesale travel platform!

With HappiTravel ® you'll never pay retail again! Enroll for free and join the happy movement disrupting the travel industry!

Watch The Video!

Never pay retail for travel again! No catches, no gotcha's, no smoke and mirrors... with a free HappiPass ® you just can't lose!

• 1 Watch the short video.
• 2 Join HappiTravel ® for free!
• 3 Book travel at wholesale rates, for real.

As Seen On:

Click for press coverage....

It's more than a slogan. It's our culture, our crusade, our way of life!

• 1 Get Your Free HappiPass ®

Enroll for free and get instant access to our HappiHotels ™ booking engine where you can use your $100 travel savings card to pay down the rate from retail to wholesale on any reservation.

No catches, no gotcha's and no strings attached... We believe consumers are smart and deserve respect! So we give you access without having to touch your wallet. Don't take our word for it, go see for yourself!

• 2 Upgrade to VIP for just $99/year!

With wholesale savings up to 80% or more, most customers save far more than the upgrade cost on their very first reservation. We've created the biggest no-brainer since the the invention of the... well, ah... the brain!

No savings caps or limits. No blackout dates. VIP accounts have access to book hotels, resorts, cruises, vacation rentals, flights, cars/transfers, and activities & events. You'll never pay retail again for travel.

Wholesale Hotel Booking Engine

Why pay retail for the very same room?

Our happy movement is motivating the masses to switch to a better way! We cut out the middlemen and pass along the rock bottom wholesale rates directly to our customers. Become a member today... it's free!

Wholesale Vacation Rentals

Incredible resorts at insanely low rates!

Become a member today and experience the wholesale alternative to mainstream vacation rental platforms! Priced for the entire week, the value speaks for itself (3-day and 4-day options available as well).

Wholesale Cruise Engine

Get your cruise on, at wholesale!

Most travelers have never even experienced a cruise. Enroll today as a member and get instant access to start cruising at wholesale rates you won't find anywhere else!

HappiCash ™

Your Vacation Savings Account!

Put your next trip on layaway! HappiCash ™ credits can be redeemed to pay for any reservation on the platform without restriction . It's designed as a convenience to help you set money aside to build up funds for your next great trip! You can adjust the purchase amount at any time, or disable monthly purchases altogether.

Once you've made just 6 monthly payments you'll earn a complementary vacation... all for just setting money aside to book your travel at insane wholesale rates!

Easy-To-See Savings

View our wholesale rate for each reservation right along side the real-time rate of mainstream booking engines.

Transparent Comparisons

Quickly see pricing with "taxes included" and other fees for accurate apples-to-apples savings comparisons.

Powerful Tools

Uncompromising search tools, dynamic maps, search history, preference based auto-suggested properties and more!

Intuitive Features

Easily access different room types, property photos, filters, sorting, and ratings... just click and go!

Ready to stop paying retail?

Enroll your free HappiTravel ® account today!

It's as easy as 1, 2... 3!

Getting started is easy! Enroll for free and get your $100 travel savings card to pay down the rate from retail to wholesale on any hotel reservation. See the value for yourself, then upgrade your account anytime to save even more.

No catches!

Retail's For Suckers!

Get The HappiPrice ®

Life's Too Short!

HappiScience ™

Become a member today... it's more than just fun!

Scientists say travel is proven to have a profoundly positive impact on your well being.

We live in a world filled with stress & anxiety where most people can't even afford to take a great vacation. Whether it's a limitation of time or money, most of us simply put our heads down and power on without realize the negative impact this can cause.

We recognize that the cost of travel is the biggest factor preventing most people from taking an amazing trip... and we're out to solve that. By offering deeply cut wholesale rates your HappiTravel ® membership provides you access to premium vacations that can literally impact your life.

Whether it's elevating your happiness, relieving stress & anxiety, or strengthening your social connections and relationships... travel is a very real solution. But don't take our word for it, review some of the independent third party studies listed below.

Go ahead... dig deeper and see for yourself!

Check out the incredible things the independent third party studies have found about the benefits of travel.

Our Proven Unique Powerful Tested Technology is Your Unfair Advantage

Since 1996 the revolutionary technology behind the HappiTravel ® platform was ONLY available through specialized corporate licenses. It's processed more than 20 million system users in 163 countries! Our innovations have led the industry since the birth of the Internet.

Creative Solutions

Our creativity and vision has driven competitors crazy for years! Our solutions stick.

Insane Innovations

For decades we've racked up a string of industry firsts that eventually become the market standard.

Often Imitated

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and 100's of companies have flattered us to death!

Never Equaled

Nothing can even come close because they can't compete with all the unique components we provide!

At HappiTravel ® we're passionate about helping people afford amazing vacations because you deserve it! We just think you shouldn't have to pay retail and give all that money away to Big Travel.

Intellectual Property

Powerful & Proven

Global Capacity

Waiting For You

Don't Take Our Word For It...

People are raving about HappiTravel ® because it's the real deal!

Check out some of our latest user reviews and the steady stream of 5-star ratings and incredible heartfelt feedback!

Save Money... Travel More... Be Happi !

Enroll for free and join the revolution... welcome home!

Cross Platform Compatibility

Fully functional for desktop and all types of mobile devices.

HappiScience ™ Approved

Come on now... isn't it past time to start having fun again?!?

Enroll for free, no catches!

Join HappiTravel ® and get your $100 travel savings card and immediate access to book travel at wholesale rates!

By enrolling in HappiTravel ® you are agreeing to our Terms of Use , Privacy Policy , and Customer Agreement .

By using this site, you expressly consent to customer service and support calls from HappiTravel, or it's affiliated entities, using direct or automated telephone dialing systems, prerecorded messages, electronic mail or SMS text message services. Your consent to these customer service and support calls is implied as part of our effort to provide you with the best and most efficient user experience. You acknowledge and agree that you are not required to sign this agreement as a condition of purchasing any property, goods or services.

Already have an account? Login Now!

Don't have an account? Sign Up!

We are unable to deliver a verification email to .

Click to change it to a valid email address so you can complete the verification process.

Change Email

You are missing important information and we are unable to send it to you until you verify! Please click below to verify your email: .

Verify Email Now

If you no longer have access to this email address you can also click the button below to change it.

A verification email has been sent to .

Click the link in the email to access your account ( check your spam folder if you don't receive it within the next few minutes ).

Enter a new email for your account.

We will send you a new verification link to click on to complete the process ( check your spam folder if you don't receive it within the next few minutes ).

Enter your account email below.

We'll send you an email with a link allowing you to reset your password.

Remember your password? Login Now!

Are you sure you don't want to receive HappiTravel ® email?

You are currently opted out from receiving email from us. We'd hate for you to miss out on incredible offers... we promise not to spam you! We typically only send out 1 weekly email in additional to periodic announcements. So what do you say?

Ready to start searching for all those juicy wholesale rates? Click below to access the HappiTravel ® booking engines.

Want to book at 10X lower rates than wholesale? Upgrade to VIP and book at the HappiPrice rate. You'll typically save MORE on your very first reservation than the upgrade cost!

Update your profile in order to access the HappiTravel ® booking engines.

Page not translated

The exact page you are looking for has not been translated.

Confirm Selection

This site uses cookies. Some are essential while others improve your browsing experience and allow us to advertise. For more info visit the privacy policy page.

Allow inessential cookies for:

Your preferences have been updated.

When is the best time to visit Aruba?

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Aruba beckons travelers with its enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture.

But when is the perfect time to explore this paradise? The answer lies within the nuances of its climate and ambiance, each season holding its own allure and surprises. Whether you seek the warmth of endless summer or the tranquility of a quieter retreat, Aruba's diverse calendar of experiences has something for everyone. Read further as we unveil the island's hidden gems throughout the year and tell you what the best time is to visit Aruba.

The best time to travel to Aruba

The best time to visit Aruba depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. Aruba enjoys a year-round warm and sunny climate, making it a popular destination for vacations at any time. However, the most popular time to visit is during the dry season, which spans from December to April. This period offers consistently pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beachgoers, watersports-enthusiasts, and those seeking a vibrant nightlife scene. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, consider visiting during the off-season of May to November, when you can still enjoy the island's beauty while encountering fewer tourists and the possibility of occasional rain showers.

What are usually cheaper months to visit Aruba?

For budget-conscious travelers, the best time to visit Aruba often falls during the off-peak months, which are typically from late spring to early autumn. These more budget-friendly periods, running from May to November, coincide with the island's ‘off- season’. While Aruba remains warm and inviting year-round, this timeframe does see a higher chance of sporadic rainfall and a higher heat index. However, these minor weather fluctuations are often outweighed by substantial savings on accommodations, flights, and activities. Keep in mind that you can still enjoy the island's natural beauty, watersports, and cultural experiences while benefiting from reduced crowds and wallet-friendly prices. So, if stretching your dollars is a top priority, consider venturing to Aruba during its more economically advantageous months for an affordable Caribbean vacation .

What is Aruba like in the off season?

Aruba during the off-season presents a unique and wallet-friendly opportunity for travelers seeking a different side of this Caribbean gem. While temperatures may rise, and occasional rain showers may grace the island, there's still an abundance of activities to enjoy. The reduced crowds mean you can relish the serene beaches, from Eagle Beach's powdery sands to the rugged shores of Arikok National Park, without the usual hustle and bustle. Watersports-enthusiasts can take advantage of excellent wind conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and diving enthusiasts can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Additionally, you'll find that during this season, Aruba often hosts local festivals and cultural events that showcase the island's traditions. Keep in mind that some businesses and restaurants may close for renovations or vacations, so it's wise to check in advance. Overall, the off-season in Aruba provides a more intimate and cost-effective experience, making it an enticing option for travelers willing to embrace the island's quieter, yet equally captivating, side.

And what about Aruba during peak season?

Aruba during the peak season, which runs from December to April, is a bustling and sunny destination. So, when you like to visit Aruba after the new year in January, the weather is incredibly pleasant. It's the perfect time for beach lovers and watersports-enthusiasts, with spots like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach offering fun activities like snorkeling, jet skiing, and parasailing. The nightlife comes alive with lively bars and restaurants. Keep in mind that during this popular season, the island can get quite crowded, and prices for accommodations and activities tend to be higher. It's a good idea to make reservations in advance for restaurants and tours to ensure you get the experience you want. Despite the larger crowds and increased costs, Aruba in peak season is a vibrant and lively place where you can enjoy the island's beauty, hospitality, and atmosphere to the fullest.

This is best time to go to Aruba for its weather

Aruba is blessed with consistently pleasant weather throughout the year, making it a destination where the concept of a ‘best time’ or ‘best month’ is subjective. The island enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and minimal rainfall year-round. However, the most popular time to visit Aruba for near-perfect weather is during the dry season, which spans from December to April. During this period, the island experiences abundant sunshine and very little rain, creating ideal conditions for beachgoers, watersports-enthusiasts, and outdoor explorers. Nevertheless, if you prefer quieter surroundings and are willing to embrace occasional rain showers, visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to November can offer more budget-friendly options while still providing a delightful experience in terms of weather in Aruba . Ultimately, Aruba's inviting climate ensures an enjoyable visit regardless of when you choose to visit the island.

Start Booking Your Trip To Aruba

• Deals & Offers

Check-in Check-out Search

Depart Return Select 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults 5 Adults 6 Adults 7 Adults 8 Adults 9 Adults Passengers Origin City or Airport Search

Arrival Departure Search

From To Search

We’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer. Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a happy afterglow that never fades.

Plan Your Effect

myAruba planner

Save your favorite places and experiences to a custom itinerary you can manage while you're visiting the island: Start Planning

Middle East Crisis Israel Appears to Soften Stance in Cease-Fire Talks

• Share full article
• Destroyed buildings in Rafah on Monday. Associated Press
• Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages protest in Tel Aviv on Monday. Ohad Zwigenberg/Associated Press
• Palestinians flee after a strike in Nuseirat in central Gaza. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Mourning relatives killed overnight in Rafah. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Looking at a damaged building in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday. Hatem Khaled/Reuters
• Posters of kidnapped Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
• A Palm Sunday service at a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Children at a makeshift movie theater set up among the tents in Rafah on Sunday. Haitham Imad/EPA, via Shutterstock
• Israeli soldiers resting outside the border with southern Gaza. Amir Cohen/Reuters

Israel is open to a truce involving an initial release of 33 hostages, officials say.

Israel’s latest offer would accept fewer hostages to be freed during the first phase of a new truce in Gaza, according to three Israeli officials, offering a hint of hope for cease-fire negotiations that could restart as soon as Tuesday.

For months, Israel had demanded that Hamas release at least 40 hostages — women, older people and those who are seriously ill — in order to secure a new truce. Now the Israeli government is prepared to settle for only 33, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss the sensitive matter.

The change was prompted partly by the fact that Israel now believes that some of the 40 have died in captivity , according to one of the officials.

Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, said at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday that Israel had made an “extraordinarily generous” offer and that Hamas alone stood in the way of a deal. David Cameron, the British foreign minister, said at the same conference that the offer included a sustained 40-day cease-fire and the release of potentially thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages.

Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s foreign minister, said at the conference that he was “hopeful” about the latest cease-fire proposal, but did not say what it involved or who had proposed it.

“The proposal has taken into account the positions of both sides,” Mr. Shoukry said, adding that “we are waiting to have a final decision.”

The shift has raised expectations that Hamas and Israel might be edging closer to sealing their first truce since a weeklong cease-fire in November, when Hamas released 105 captives in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, said on social media on Monday that Hamas was studying a new Israeli proposal, but did not say what the proposal was.

Hamas and its allies captured roughly 240 Israelis and foreigners in their attack on Oct. 7, which prompted Israel to go to war in Gaza. More than 130 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, but some are thought to have died.

Negotiations over a new pause, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, have stalled for months over disagreements about the number of hostages and prisoners who should be exchanged in a future deal. Another obstacle has been whether Israel would allow civilians from northern Gaza who fled the Israeli invasion to return to their homes, and how many would be permitted to do so.

The length of a cease-fire has also been a key stumbling block. Hamas wants it to be permanent, while Israel wants another temporary pause so that it could still send troops into Rafah, the last major Gazan city under Hamas control, though one where more than a million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter. Far-right members of Israel’s governing coalition have threatened to bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if the war ends without Hamas’s total defeat.

A mid-ranking Israeli delegation is planning to fly to Cairo on Tuesday to restart talks mediated by Egypt, but only if Hamas also agrees to attend, according to two of the Israeli officials. A senior Hamas official said that a delegation was already in Cairo on Monday.

At the economic forum in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Cameron, the British foreign secretary, said something else must happen for the conflict to end: “The people responsible for Oct. 7, the Hamas leadership, would have to leave Gaza.”

Vivian Nereim and Edward Wong contributed reporting from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

— Patrick Kingsley and Adam Rasgon reporting from Jerusalem

Biden speaks to the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to press for Hamas’s agreement on a new cease-fire.

President Biden spoke on Monday with the leaders of Egypt and Qatar as he sought to increase pressure on Hamas to accept a deal that would result in a temporary cease-fire in the war in Gaza and the release of some of the hostages held there.

According to a statement from the office of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, he and Mr. Biden discussed the negotiations and Egypt’s efforts to broker a cease-fire. They also reiterated their support for a two-state solution, discussed the importance of containing the conflict to the region and emphasized their opposition to a military escalation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, which Israel seems poised to invade.

Mr. Biden also spoke on Monday with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the emir of Qatar. According to the White House, Mr. Biden urged the Qatari leader “to exert all efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas,” saying that “this is now the only obstacle” to an immediate cease-fire.

Mr. al-Sisi and Mr. al-Thani have been prime intermediaries with Hamas through months of fitful negotiations to reach a deal to halt the hostilities, and Mr. Biden hopes they will prod the group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar, to accept the U.S.-brokered proposal on the table. On Sunday, Mr. Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, expressed a hopeful view of the prospects for an agreement. “In recent days, there has been progress in talks,” she told reporters at the White House.

Like other American officials, Ms. Jean-Pierre said that Hamas, not Israel, was the obstacle to an agreement.

“The onus is indeed on Hamas,” she said. “There is a deal on the table, and they need to take it.”

— Peter Baker reporting from Washington

Blinken meets with Arab officials to discuss Gaza and postwar plans.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Arab officials on Monday in Saudi Arabia about the war between Israel and Hamas and the difficult issues it has created, from humanitarian aid to hostages. Mr. Blinken plans to travel to Jordan and Israel on Tuesday.

After landing in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, shortly after dawn, Mr. Blinken met with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, and then with foreign ministers and a top foreign policy adviser from five other Arab nations in the Persian Gulf that, along with Saudi Arabia, form the Gulf Cooperation Council. Prince Faisal was also part of that second meeting. On Monday night Mr. Blinken met with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

The State Department listed the cease-fire and hostage issues first in the summary it released of Mr. Blinken’s one-on-one meeting with the prince. The two “discussed ongoing efforts to reach an immediate cease-fire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages held by Hamas,” the department said.

The two diplomats also talked about greater regional integration and “a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel,” the summary said. That was a reference to negotiations over a broad deal that would involve the United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestinian representatives agreeing to terms that would result in the creation of a Palestinian state and greater diplomatic recognition for Israel in the region.

Mr. Blinken planned to meet with Arab and European officials in a group later on Monday to talk about plans for rebuilding Gaza, even though Israel is still carrying out its war there and has not stepped back from its difficult — and perhaps impossible — goal of fully eradicating Hamas.

Saudi Arabia is hosting a three-day meeting of the World Economic Forum, and top Arab officials, including Mr. Blinken’s diplomatic counterparts, are attending the event in Riyadh. The gathering includes senior ministers from Qatar and Egypt, the two Arab mediators in multiple rounds of talks over a potential cease-fire between Israel and Hamas .

“The quickest way to bring this to an end is to get to a cease-fire and the release of hostages,” Mr. Blinken said in an onstage talk with Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum. “Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel. And at the moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a cease-fire is Hamas.”

“I’m hopeful they will make the right decision and we can have a fundamental change in the dynamic,” he added.

Mr. Blinken and other top aides of President Biden have also been trying to push for a long-term political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is where the broader deal comes in. In a call meant to pave the way for Mr. Blinken’s trip, his seventh to the region since the war began, Mr. Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel spoke by phone on Sunday afternoon for nearly an hour.

The two leaders discussed “increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza,” according to a White House statement released after the call, and Mr. Biden repeated his warning against an Israeli ground assault on Rafah in southern Gaza. He also reviewed with Mr. Netanyahu the negotiations over a hostage release.

In their best-case scenario, the Biden administration envisions Saudi Arabia and perhaps a few other Arab nations agreeing to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. In exchange, Saudi Arabia would receive advanced weapons and security guarantees, including a mutual defense treaty , from the United States and a commitment for U.S. cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom .

For its part, Israel would have to commit to a concrete pathway to the founding of a Palestinian nation, with specific deadlines, U.S. and Saudi officials say.

“I think it’s clear that in the absence of a real political horizon for the Palestinians, it’s going to be much harder, if not impossible, to really have a coherent plan for Gaza itself,” Mr. Blinken said at the public talk on Monday.

Prince Faisal said Sunday that Saudi officials hoped to discuss concrete steps toward creating a Palestinian state during Mr. Blinken’s visit to Riyadh. Calling the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza “a complete failing of the existing political system,” he told a news conference that the kingdom’s government believes that the only solution is “a credible, irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state.”

Before the war started last October, U.S. and Saudi officials were in intense discussions to reach an agreement on the terms of such a proposal. For those negotiators, a big question at the time was what Israel would agree to. Since the war began, the Americans and the Saudis have publicly insisted that Israel must agree to the existence of a Palestinian state.

But Israeli leaders and ordinary citizens have become even more resistant to that idea since the Oct. 7 attacks, in which the Israeli authorities say that Hamas and allied gunmen killed about 1,200 people and took about 240 people as hostages. Israel’s retaliatory military offensive has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, including thousands of children, say officials from the Gaza health ministry.

Vivian Nereim and Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting.

— Edward Wong traveling with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken

Deadly Israeli strikes hit residential buildings in Rafah, Palestinian news media say.

Deadly Israeli airstrikes flattened concrete buildings overnight in the crowded southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to news agencies, which published video on Monday of rows of body bags containing what Palestinian officials said were victims of the strikes.

The Reuters news agency said the strikes in Rafah, which Israel seems poised to invade , killed 20 people. The Palestinian news media said the death toll was at least 24. The Gaza Ministry of Health said 34 people were killed in the Gaza Strip during the previous 24 hours, but it did not specify how many of them were killed by the strikes in Rafah.

Asked for comment on the strikes, the Israeli military issued a statement on Monday saying that its “fighter jets struck terror targets where terrorists were operating within a civilian area in southern Gaza.”

More than one million Gazans have been crowding into shelters and tents in Rafah to seek safety from almost seven months of Israel’s military offensive. Israeli officials have said they will soon send ground troops into Rafah, the last Gazan city Israel has not invaded, in order to eliminate Hamas battalions there, an operation that the Biden administration has warned against because of the risk to civilians.

Palestine TV — a channel backed by the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank — said the strikes had hit residential buildings in Rafah. One survivor, carrying a baby she said had been pulled from the rubble, spoke to a Reuters video journalist.

“The entire world is seeing what’s happening to us,” the woman, Umm Fayez Abu Taha, said. She said the child appeared to be uninjured, but that her parents had been killed.

“Look at us with some compassion, with some humanity,” Ms. Abu Taha continued. “This is all we ask for, we’re not asking for much just end the war, nothing more.”

— Liam Stack reporting from Jerusalem

Hamas fires a barrage of rockets into Israel from Lebanon.

Hamas’s military wing said on Monday that it had launched a salvo of rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel, an apparent attempt by the group to signal that it is still capable of striking within Israel’s borders even as it studies the latest proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza.

The Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, said in a statement that it had targeted an Israeli military position in Kiryat Shmona, the largest city in Israel’s far north, with a “concentrated rocket barrage” from southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said in a statement that most of the roughly 20 launches that crossed the border had been intercepted, and that it had responded by striking the source of fire. There were no injuries or damage, the military said.

Though Hamas is based in Gaza, many of its leaders are exiled in Lebanon , where the group has a sizable presence and operates largely out of Palestinian refugee camps. Since the Hamas-led terror attack on Oct. 7 prompted Israel to go to war in Gaza, Hamas has occasionally launched rocket attacks into northern Israel from within Lebanon’s borders, though its ally Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has launched far more. Both groups are backed by Iran. Israel has also targeted Hamas figures in Lebanon in deadly strikes.

Walid al Kilani, Hamas’s spokesman in Lebanon, said the attack was “the minimum duty” given Israel’s continued attacks in Gaza. “We know that Hezbollah is doing its duty and more, but the battlefield requires everyone to participate,” Mr. Kilani said.

The launches on Monday, although muted in their impact, highlighted Hamas’s continuing ability to threaten Israel with rocket fire despite more than 200 days of a devastating Israeli air and ground offensive that has decimated the group’s military capabilities in Gaza.

Mohanad Hage Ali, a Beirut-based fellow with the Carnegie Middle East Center, said the attack was likely an attempt by Hamas to signal that it was “still part of the fight.” While it was largely symbolic, it could also be a means to apply pressure amid the Gaza cease-fire negotiations, he said.

Data compiled by the online website Rocket Alert — which tracks warnings of rocket launches using Israeli military figures — shows that there were just 37 alerts in April in response to detected rocket fire from Gaza, compared to around 7,300 in October at the onset of the war. More than six months into the conflict, the data shows a significant drop-off in the number of warnings of rockets from Gaza.

Alerts indicating rocket fire from Lebanon, however, have remained largely steady, the data shows. Most of those are launched by Hezbollah, but Hamas continues to launch attacks from Lebanon with Hezbollah’s blessing.

Amin Hoteit, a military analyst and former brigadier general in the Lebanese army, said the latest attack was a sign of the “integrated front of operations” among Hamas, Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups in the region .

Hwaida Saad and Jonathan Rosen contributed reporting.

— Euan Ward reporting from Beirut, Lebanon

Israeli officials believe the International Criminal Court is preparing arrest warrants over the war.

Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on charges related to the conflict with Hamas, according to five Israeli and foreign officials.

The Israeli and foreign officials also believe the court is weighing arrest warrants for leaders from Hamas.

If the court proceeds, the Israeli officials could potentially be accused of preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and pursuing an excessively harsh response to the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, according to two of the five officials, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.

The Israeli officials, who are worried about the potential fallout from such a case, said they believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is among those who might be named in a warrant. It is not clear who might be charged from Hamas or what crimes would be cited.

The Israeli officials did not disclose the nature of the information that led them to be concerned about potential I.C.C. action, and the court did not comment on the matter.

Arrest warrants from the court would probably be seen in much of the world as a humbling moral rebuke, particularly to Israel, which for months has faced international backlash over its conduct in Gaza, including from President Biden , who called it “over the top.”

It could also affect Israel’s policies as the country presses its military campaign against Hamas. One of the Israeli officials said that the possibility of the court issuing arrest warrants had informed Israeli decision-making in recent weeks.

The Israeli and foreign officials said they didn’t know what stage the process was in. Any warrants would require approval from a panel of judges and would not necessarily result in a trial or even the targets’ immediate arrest.

Karim Khan, the court’s chief prosecutor, has previously confirmed that his team is investigating incidents during the war, but his office declined to comment for this article, saying that it does not “respond to speculation in media reports.”

Mr. Netanyahu’s office also would not comment, but on Friday the prime minister said on social media that any intervention by the I.C.C. “would set a dangerous precedent that threatens the soldiers and officials of all democracies fighting savage terrorism and wanton aggression.”

Mr. Netanyahu did not explain what prompted his statement, though he may have been responding to speculation about the arrest warrants in the Israeli press.

He also said: “Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense. The threat to seize the soldiers and officials of the Middle East’s only democracy and the world’s only Jewish state is outrageous. We will not bow to it.”

Based in The Hague, the I.C.C. is the world’s only permanent international court with the power to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. The court has no police force of its own. Instead, it relies on its 124 members , which include most European countries but not Israel or the United States, to arrest those named in warrants. It cannot try defendants in absentia .

But warrants from the court can pose obstacles to travel for officials named in them.

The Hamas-led raid last October led to the killing of roughly 1,200 people in Israel and the abductions of some 250 others, according to Israeli officials. The subsequent war in Gaza, including heavy Israeli bombardment, has killed more than 34,000 people, according to Gazan officials, caused widespread damage to housing and infrastructure, and brought the territory to the brink of famine.

The Israeli assault in Gaza has led the International Court of Justice, a separate court in The Hague, to hear accusations of genocide against the Israeli state and has spurred a wave of protests on college campuses in the United States.

If the I.C.C. does issue arrest warrants, they would come with deep stigmatization, placing those named in them in the same category as foreign leaders like Omar al-Bashir, the deposed president of Sudan, and Vladimir V. Putin, the Russian president, who was the subject of a warrant last year tied to his war against Ukraine.

The I.C.C.’s focus on individuals rather than states differentiates it from the International Court of Justice, which settles disputes between states.

The I.C.C. judges have ruled that the court has jurisdiction over Gaza and the West Bank because the Palestinians have joined the court as the State of Palestine.

Mr. Khan has said that his team will be investigating incidents that have occurred since Oct. 7 and that he will be “impartially looking at the evidence and vindicating the rights of victims whether they are in Israel or Palestine.”

Mr. Khan’s office has also been investigating allegations of war crimes committed during the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas; one of the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity believes the new arrest warrants would be an extension of that investigation.

Hamas and the Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment. The office of Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defense minister, declined to comment.

In general, Israeli officials say that they fight according to the laws of war and that they take significant steps to protect civilians, accusing Hamas of hiding inside civilian areas and forcing Israel to pursue them there. Hamas has denied committing atrocities on Oct. 7, saying — despite video evidence to the contrary — that its fighters tried to avoid harming civilians.

Marlise Simons , Gabby Sobelman and Myra Noveck contributed reporting.

— Ronen Bergman and Patrick Kingsley The reporters spoke to Israeli and foreign officials.

World Central Kitchen plans to resume working in Gaza.

World Central Kitchen said on Sunday that it would resume operations in Gaza with a local team of Palestinian aid workers, nearly a month after the Israeli military killed seven of the organization’s workers in targeted drone strikes on their convoy.

Israeli military officials have said the attack was a “grave mistake” and cited a series of failures , including a breakdown in communication and violations of the military’s operating procedures.

The Washington-based aid group said that it was still calling for an independent, international investigation into the April 1 attack and that it had received “no concrete assurances” that the Israeli military’s operational procedures had changed. But the “humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire,” the aid group’s chief operating officer, Erin Gore, said in a statement .

“We are restarting our operation with the same energy, dignity, and focus on feeding as many people as possible,” she said.

The aid group said it had distributed more than 43 million meals in Gaza so far and that it had trucks carrying the equivalent of nearly eight million meals waiting to enter the enclave through the Rafah crossing in the south. World Central Kitchen said it was also planning to send trucks to Gaza through Jordan and that it would open a kitchen in Al-Mawasi, a small seaside village that the Israeli military has designated as a “humanitarian zone” safe for civilians, though attacks there have continued.

Six of the seven workers killed on April 1 were from Western nations — three from Britain, one from Australia, one from Poland and one with dual citizenship of the United States and Canada. The seventh was Palestinian. They were killed in back-to-back Israeli drone strikes on their vehicles as they traveled toward Rafah after unloading food aid that had arrived by sea.

The attack prompted World Central Kitchen to immediately suspend its operations in Gaza and elicited outrage from some of Israel’s closest allies.

The World Central Kitchen convoy’s movements had been coordinated in advance with the Israeli military, but some officers had not reviewed the coordination documentation detailing which cars were part of the convoy, the military said.

Some 200 aid workers, most of them Palestinians, were killed in Gaza between Oct. 7 and the attack on the World Central Kitchen convoy, according to the United Nations. A visual investigation by The New York Times showed that, well before the World Central Kitchen attack, six aid groups in Gaza had come under Israeli fire despite sharing their locations with the Israeli military.

The episode forced World Central Kitchen to decide between ending its efforts in Gaza or continuing, “knowing that aid, aid workers and civilians are being intimidated and killed,” Ms. Gore said in the statement.

“Ultimately, we decided that we must keep feeding, continuing our mission of showing up to provide food to people during the toughest of times,” she said.

At a memorial in Washington for the World Central Kitchen workers on Thursday, the group’s founder, the celebrity chef José Andrés, said that there were “many unanswered questions about what happened and why,” and that the aid group was still demanding an independent investigation into the Israeli military’s actions.

The seven aid workers had “risked everything to feed people they did not know and will never meet,” Mr. Andrés said. “They were the best of humanity.”

— Anushka Patil

Arab ministers suggest ways to ‘force peace’ amid Israel’s refusal to recognize a Palestinian state.

At a conference in Saudi Arabia’s capital on Monday, senior diplomats from around the world appeared to agree on one thing: The pathway to a durable peace between Israel and the Palestinians is the creation of a Palestinian state.

But with Israel’s refusal to recognize a Palestinian state, three Arab foreign ministers posited how best to proceed, with Ayman Safadi of Jordan presenting the bluntest proposal among them. The international community, he said, should find a way to “force peace” against the will of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

“If we come up with the best plan ever, and all of us in the international community agree that this is the plan to go forward, and then Netanyahu and his government say no, what happens then?” Mr. Safadi said during a World Economic Forum panel discussion in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. “Will he face consequences?”

He added, “The party that is responsible for denying Palestinians, Israelis and the whole region peace must be held accountable.”

Israel’s foreign ministry declined to comment, and the prime minister’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Both before and during this war in Gaza, which began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, Mr. Netanyahu has rebuffed calls for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Analysts say that the attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and about 240 people taken captive, according to the Israeli authorities, has made it even more unlikely that the Israeli government would agree to such a path. Israeli officials have said that they are trying to eradicate Hamas.

“There is a contrary move, an attempt to force, ram down our throats, a Palestinian state, which will be another terror haven,” Mr. Netanyahu said this month.

Polling shows that a majority of Israelis oppose creating a Palestinian state.

In the Biden administration’s plan for resolving the underlying conflict — and end a war in which Israel’s military has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to officials from the Gazan Health Ministry — it envisions Saudi Arabia agreeing to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel.

In exchange, Saudi Arabia would receive advanced weapons and security guarantees, including a mutual defense treaty from the United States and U.S. commitment for cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom .

For its part, Israel would have to commit to the founding of a Palestinian nation, with specific deadlines, U.S. and Saudi officials say.

“In the absence of a real political horizon for the Palestinians, it’s going to be much harder, if not impossible, to really have a coherent plan for Gaza itself,” Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, said on Monday during the conference in Riyadh.

On Sunday at the same event, the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, said that the only solution was “a credible, irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state.”

He added, “We need to move from talk to action, to concrete steps, and it can’t be left up to the warring parties.”

Prince Faisal implied that diplomats could maneuver around an Israeli refusal, referring to “mechanisms within the toolbox of the international community that can overcome the resistance of any party.”

“If we make that decision, the pathway will unfold before us, even if there are those that will try to stop it,” he said. “There are levers clear, there are levers hidden, that can push us in that direction.”

Mr. Safadi, the Jordanian foreign minister, said that the challenge Arab states had faced while trying to resolve the conflict was that “we don’t have a partner in Israel now.”

“Do we allow Netanyahu to doom the future of the region to more conflict, war and destruction — or do we do what it takes to force peace?” he said.

Speaking on the same panel, Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s foreign minister, said that if the international community made a “categorical” commitment to creating a Palestinian state, there were “points of leverage that can fulfill that requirement.”

“We have the mechanisms, but is there the political will to utilize it?” he asked.

— Vivian Nereim reporting from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Advertisement

Money latest: Billie Eilish fans furious at 'outrageous' ticket prices

Billie Eilish fans are complaining about "outrageous" ticket prices for her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment in the box.

Thursday 2 May 2024 20:01, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• OECD warns UK shouldn't cut interest rates yet
• UK ranks bottom in G7 economic growth forecast
• 'Outrageous': Billie Eilish fans complain about ticket prices
• Aldi's market share falls as people head back to traditional supermarkets (except one)
• New ISA rules were supposed to help savers - right now they've just made everything more complicated

Essential reads

• How to nab yourself a free upgrade on a flight
• You're probably washing and storing your clothes wrong. Here's what you should do instead
• Money Problem : 'Builders won't repair dodgy work - what are my rights?'
• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches

Ask a question or make a comment

If you earn significantly more or less than your partner, how do you split payments for things like housing, food, household essentials, entertainment and holidays? 

Do you both pay equally, do you split costs according to income, or do you have another method? 

Get in touch with an outline of your situation in the  box above or:

• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

Pint-sized bottles of wine will be allowed on UK shelves from autumn under new post-Brexit trade rules - although doubts have been raised over their demand.

Seven changes to pre-packaged wine sizes are due to come into force on 19 September.

The move to introduce the 568ml size of wine, to sit alongside 200ml and 500ml measures already available, was announced in December and hailed by ministers as a Brexit "freedom".

Pint bottles of Champagne were sold in the UK before Britain joined the European Common Market and were on shelves until 1973.

Read more here ...

JD Sports has told head office staff they must return to the office at least four days a week .

The new amendment to the hybrid working policy will be effective from 1 July and will impact employees at the retail chain's head office in Bury, Retail Gazette reports.

However, the chain will still allow flexibly depending on individual roles.

Pubs could stay open late during the Euros this summer, according to The Sun .

Home Secretary James Cleverly hinted he was looking into extending pub opening hours for the tournament on The Sun show Never Mind The Ballots.

He said: "I will certainly look into it."

We've been bringing you news of plenty of bank switch deals offering free cash these past few months, but Virgin Money has a different kind of incentive for switchers - a 12% interest rate. 

People who switch to its M Account, M Plus Account or Club M Account will be able to get bonus interest rates of 10% gross/10.47% AER (fixed). 

This is on top of the 2% gross/2.02% AER (variable) interest rate already offered on current account balances up to £1,000 - meaning customers can get an interest rate of 12%. 

No other savings accounts offer interest rates this high, and the bonus applies for a year.

TikTok will restore millions of songs to its app after settling a royalty dispute with Universal Music Group. 

Users had been unable to make videos featuring songs from the likes of Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande due to a row over how much TikTok was paying. 

The fight had led to Universal withdrawing music from some of the world's most famous singers. 

The dispute appears to have been settled as the companies announced "improved remuneration" for artists.

More than 10,500 black cab drivers in London have launched a £250m legal case against Uber. 

They accuse the app of breaking the capital's taxi booking rules and deliberately misleading authorities to secure a licence. 

Transport for London (TfL) rules state drivers cannot take bookings directly from customers and must instead use a centralised system. 

The drivers, who are being advised by law firm Mishcon de Reya, argue they have faced unfair competition from Uber and that it knowingly broke these rules. 

Uber has denied these allegations and said the claims are unfounded.

The company has faced numerous challenges in London, including refusals from TfL to renew its licence which were later successfully appealed. 

Billie Eilish fans are complaining about "outrageous" ticket prices for her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour.

The 22-year-old singer unveiled an 81-date tour programme this week, sending fans rushing to secure tickets.

But some expressed disbelief on social media at the prices.

"I know I moan about this all the time, but look at the price of Billie Eilish tickets," one fan called Marianne wrote on X, sharing a screenshot of seated tickets priced at £398.50. 

"Something seriously needs to be done about ticket prices, it's f*****g outrageous!" 

Another complained they had paid less for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, which was also criticised for high ticket prices.

A fan called Liv tagged Eilish, Live Nation and Ticketmaster, writing: "Are you ok? £145 for standing tickets is atrocious."

Thousands of people who receive government benefits, including Universal Credit, will be paid as early as tomorrow.

This is because there's a bank holiday coming up on 6 May which will affect benefits paid by both the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC (they don't pay benefits on bank holidays).

A statement on the government website reads: "If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you'll usually be paid on the working day before. This may be different for tax credits and child benefit."

Here are the 11 different government benefits that are expected to be paid early:

• Universal credit;
• State Pension;
• Pension Credit;
• Disability Living Allowance;
• Attendance Allowance;
• Carer's Allowance;
• Child Benefit;
• Income Support;
• Jobseekers Allowance;
• Personal Independence Payment;
• Tax credits (such as Working Tax Credit)

Will your benefit payment change?

No, you'll be paid the same amount you usually receive.

Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit account.

Goldman Sachs is removing a cap on bonuses for London-based staff, paving the way for it to resume making multimillion pound payouts to its best-performing traders and dealmakers.

Sky News can exclusively reveal the Wall Street banking giant notified its UK employees today that it had decided to abolish the existing pay ratio imposed under European Union rules and which the government recently decided to scrap.

In a video message to staff, Richard Gnodde, chief executive of Goldman Sachs International, which comprises its operations outside the US, said it had decided to bring its remuneration policy in Britain in line with its operations elsewhere in the world.

"We are a global firm and to the extent possible we adopt a consistent global approach across everything we do," Mr Gnodde said in the message, which has been relayed to Sky News.

"The bonus cap rules were an important factor preventing us from being consistent in the area of compensation."

Aldi's market share has fallen - as people seemingly head back to traditional supermarkets for their shopping.

Aldi's share of the grocery market slipped from 10.8% to 10.4% in the 12 weeks to 20 April.

NIQ data shows sales rose just 1.3% in the period - for Morrisons it was 4.4%, Tesco 5.8% and Sainsbury's 6.6%.

Asda was the laggard with sales falling 0.9%.

Ocado is the fastest growing retailer with sales up 12%.

Aldi's rival discounter, Lidl, saw sales surge 9.5%, bumping its market share up to 8.2%. Media campaigns highlighting new ranges helped, NIQ said.

A Santander online outage is affecting thousands of UK customers.

Over 2,000 reports have been made on Downdetector - indicting the issue is widespread.

Customers have been met with messages like this...

Santander wrote on X: "We are aware some customers are experiencing issues accessing online services, we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

"We're working hard to resolve this as soon as possible."

Following on from our previous post, and the OECD also says the UK will grow more slowly next year than any other major advanced economy.

It puts this down to stealth taxes and high interest rates squeezing the economy.

The organisation, which is based in Paris, downgraded its forecasts for GDP to 0.4% this year and 1% in 2025.

In February, the UK had been in the middle of the rankings with forecast growth of 0.7% this year and 1.2% next.

The OECD pointed to the fact "tax receipts keep rising towards historic highs" - with National Insurance cuts not offsetting the additional burden Britons are feeling due to tax thresholds not rising along with inflation due to a government freeze.

Some good news is expected for UK workers as the OECD said there will be "stronger" wage growth when inflation is factored in against pay.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

More Daycations are in the works!

Cabin Fever Mystery is a Guaranteed Departure!

Copyright All rights reserved by Happy Times Tours & Experiences.