travel pods for cars

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VW's latest concept is a self-driving travel pod that can replace short flights

The gen.travel's technology could also reach production cars..

Many automakers dream of self-driving cars that are effectively lounges on wheels , but VW is taking things one step further. The brand has unveiled a Gen.Travel "design study" EV that it hopes could replace short flights. The four-person travel pod would be completely autonomous (that is, SAE Level 5) and revolve around a modular interior that can be customized for each trip. Businesspeople could work at a conference table during a ride, while red-eye travellers could use two seats that convert into beds.

The Gen.Travel could also be more comfortable than even some nicer airline seats. Dynamic lighting would not only help maintain natural sleep cycles, but reduce motion sickness. A configuration with front seats could keep children (and let's be honest, adults) entertained with augmented reality. While the bubble-like cabin is built to maximize your view of the outdoors, it promises both safety and isolation for sleeping passengers.

VW didn't outline performance. However, it said that a combination of AI and platooning (automated driving in convoys) could extend the range.

This is a research project meant to test driverless pods as "mobility-as-a-service" options. You probably won't ever sit in the Gen.Travel. It's a real prototype, though, and VW says features might find their way into production cars. We wouldn't count on all of them reaching the self-driving machines VW expects to make from 2025 onward , but don't be surprised if future robotaxis seem very familiar.

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autonomous overnight travel pod can swiftly drive passengers to places while they’re asleep

Sleep and travel inside autonomous overnight ‘swift’ pod.

Designer Peter Stulz and his 3D illustration studio Xoio conceived the autonomous overnight travel concept vehicle named Swift Pod, which can drive passengers on its own while they’re sleeping inside the hotel-like cabin. For the design team, Swift Pod can be booked like a normal taxi using an app – along with the desired time and place, or even pre-reserved for a specific date. Once the autonomous overnight travel pod arrives, passengers board inside, and the vehicle autonomously calculates the optimal route and required speed to reach the destination in time.

Triangular concept vehicle with giant wheels

No one is driving Xoio’s Swift Pod, and everyone can just sleep or engage in any activity they might want inside the autonomous overnight travel concept vehicle. Before stepping in, the exterior alone may reveal how spacious the cabin is. The side profile presents two gigantic wheels, which may make the concept vehicle resemble a larger version of a motorcycle, looking like some steel-forged eyes of an emoji.

But once passengers look on the other side, they will realize that Swift Pod has three wheels, as the concept vehicle slopes and forms a triangle. ‘We chose to stick with the iconic triangular shape to emphasize the narrative in a multimodal future of transportation,’ says Peter Stulz on the Xoio design team’s decision to opt for a triangular pod.

travel sitting upright or while sleeping

Up to two travelers can be accommodated inside the Swift Pod. They can either travel sitting upright and use the small foldable desks in front of them or lying down using the single beds in the corners. Throughout the ride, the autonomous overnight travel concept vehicle can entertain them with the in-house media system as they wait to arrive at their destinations and even snack on the on-board food and beverages as part of the vehicle’s service. If they are bringing luggage with them, they can stow them in the storage underneath their bed or seats. Long rides can also be divided with short stopovers, and passengers just need to inform Swift Pod about the break schedules.

Swift Pod can be smart too, as the autonomous overnight travel concept vehicle offers suggestions to passengers on where they can take a break to eat or have their stopovers to enjoy the scenery, all the while on the way to their destination. ‘On a final note, our design team is fully aware that the chosen design is very minimalistic,’ adds Peter Stulz , but such a design approach can allow for a relaxing and ambient cabin free from noise and distractions outside.

The Xoio founder shares that the name Swift Pod is drawn from how quickly passengers can sleep while on a flight. In fact, the entire concept of the vehicle stems from the idea of traveling long distances while being asleep. ‘Our design team has always been fascinated by night trains and waking up at one’s destination after a decent sleep. We were looking for sustainable ways to travel, and since night trains were struggling to run cost-efficiently, we conceived an idea to fill that gap in the field of individual and autonomous transport,’ says Peter Stulz.

the autonomous overnight travel concept vehicle ‘Swift Pod’ is conceived by Peter Stulz and Xoio

project info:

name: Swift Pod

design: xoio

illustration: Miguel Potier

founder:  Peter Stulz

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers  here.

edited by: matthew burgos | designboom

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Overnight travel pod drives passengers while they sleep

Designer Peter Stulz of illustration studio Xoio has unveiled an innovative concept called the Swift Pod, a self-driving vehicle that allows passengers to rest up during their travels.

The Swift Pod is named after a well-known bird and its ability to fly while asleep.

It offers space for two passengers in a hotel-like pod. It allows them to sit upright or take a nap on a comfortable bed during long journeys.

The concept also has a comprehensive media system, a foldout table and wifi so passengers can work or browse online.

One special feature allows customers to book stop-overs for breaks via a system that provides a range of "constantly updated, attractive locations to choose from."

The studio proposed that the overnight travel pod would be available to be booked via an app during the day or as a moving hotel room at night. Customers opting for the night option will enter their location, allowing the Swift Pod to automatically calculate the most optimal route.

"We have always been fascinated by night trains and the nostalgic magic of the idea of waking up on your destination after a (fairly) refreshing sleep," the Xoio website says about the concept. "Last but not least overnight travel offers the ability to avoid taking a plane. Therefore it was with disappointment that the German railway company discontinued servicing night trains.

"With the emergence of autonomous driving, we picked up the idea and brought it into the field of individual and autonomous transport.

"On a final note, our design team is fully aware that the chosen design is surely very minimalistic for many travellers," the website continues. "Yet we chose to stick with the iconic triangular shape to emphasize how little would be necessary to accomplish a sustainable means of transportation for long distances."

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Autonomous Overnight Travel Pod Can Drive Passengers To Places While They’re Asleep

T he Swift Pod features a hotel-room-like interior in which passengers can relax while the car drives them to a long-distance destination.

Copyright 2024 Cover Media. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Culture and Coexistence into the Great Unknown

Pod Cars: Autonomous Vehicles vs. Personal Rapid Transit

The age of the pod car might be upon us, but not necessarily as the long-envisioned Personal Rapid Transit. Good for amusement parks and Google’s main campus, as well as small newly-built cities or airport shuttles, PRT systems have too many limitations in dense urban areas. The real future for the pod car, like it or not: Autonomous (Self-Driving) Vehicles.

These Pedal-Powered Pod Cars Travel Above City Streets, So You Can Avoid Traffic

By Adele Peters, Published in Fast Co.Exist

Why drive to work when you can arrive in your own pedal-powered pod car , far above traffic? That’s the vision of a Canadian company called Shweeb, which hopes to soon begin installing what it calls the “most sustainable form of public transit” in cities around the world.

Hanging from rails up to 80 feet above the street, the Skysmart system uses a series of personal pods that run on either solar power or pedaling from the passengers inside. Unlike a train or bus, users can hop on immediately without waiting on a platform.

“It can move 10,000 people per hour with tremendous efficiency,” says Stephen Bierda from Shweeb. “What happens with conventional transit is it’s not on demand, so you have to plan your arrival at the station, and there are a lot of stops. That means your average speed is slower.”

STORY: Place Mobility: Streetcars, Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail

Pod cars [also know as Personal Rapid Transit or PRT] are autonomous vehicles that provide on-demand nonstop travel on overhead tracks. Think horizontal elevators, or of the monorail at Disneyland . They carry two to 10 people, providing a level of privacy and security not found with traditional mass transit. Such a system, advocates say, also provide the convenience of automobiles without the hassle.  — Dave Demerjian, Wired

Skysmart is also designed to provide a little exercise on the way to work. “You don’t have to pedal,” Bieda says. “But we want to gamify this and incentivize people to stay fit. We’ll let people pay less if they pedal, and allow people to travel six miles an hour faster. It’s a pretty good bonus to get people to interact on the pod.”

The pods come in different sizes that can hold two, five, or 12 people, and can also be connected to carry packages or other cargo. The guideways that hold the cars can also double as carriers for power lines and cables. “We’ve envisioned the guideway that the pod runs on to become a conduit for all things electrified,” Bierda says. “It’s a multi-purpose piece of infrastructure.”

As more people use the PRT system, it becomes less able to accommodate individual demand for destinations, which renders it more of a traditional rail transit system—but without enough capacity to handle rush-hour crowds. Meanwhile, the direct-to-destination element still can’t beat the door-to-door service offered by taxi networks. In other words, personal rapid transit reproduces modes that already exist in the city, only less effectively.  — Eric Jaffee, CityLab

Cyclists can throw a bike in the back of a pod, and ultimately, the company believes that the system will make it easier to bike on the ground by getting cars off the road. “It’s 3-D transport,” Bierda says. “That leaves the surface level—streets and sidewalks—for people to walk and cycle on.”

A five-station PRT system in Morgantown, West Virginia (population 29,361) has ferried people between downtown and the West Virginia University campus since 1979. It carries as many as 16,000 people a day and has never experienced a major accident.  — Wired

The system is at least 30% cheaper to build than other mass transit infrastructure , and fully renewably powered. It can also be tied to the grid to feed excess electricity back to the city. “We envision this as a public utility,” Bierda explains. “If it’s run like a utility, that also helps secure the air rights to build over streets, and parks, and parking lots.”

STORY: Electric Streetcars: Back to the Urban Future

Once autonomous vehicles learn to navigate cities , they will offer every advantage of personal rapid transit without any of the limitations. In fact, cities that might once have deployed personal rapid transit have already turned to driverless cars, from Ann Arbor , Michigan, to Milton Keynes in the United Kingdom. An era of shared autonomous taxis is not far off.  — Eric Jaffee

First built for an amusement park in New Zealand, the pod car system won $1 million in Google’s 10^100 competition in 2010 for further development as a form of alternative transportation . The system will use tech from Google’s robocars to track the pods, and Google’s Mountain View campus will be one of the first to build a track. Some 22 other customers are also waiting in line.

httpvh://youtu.be/7PyUQuWmt2M ULTra is a battery-driven, 200-mpg-equivalent, elevated personal rapid transit system with many four-person vehicles. First deployed at London Heathrow Airport in Spring 2010. The big question is whether something like this can really take off; planners started talking about personal rapid transit systems in the 1950s, but the idea hasn’t had much success. Shweeb plans begin building a demonstration site at Niagara Falls next year, to show cities exactly how the system can work, and then push for broader adoption.

“Transit authorities tend to be very slow to adopt, and they’re running up against a lot of political pressure to find ways to fund infrastructure,” Bierda says. “Our solution, because it’s lower cost, because it’s carbon neutral, because it’s providing human health benefits, this is the game-changer that will resonate. And we’re starting to see transit authorities looking at us as a viable way of changing the discourse on public transportation .”

The company is currently raising funds on Indiegogo to help build their first North American system.

httpvh://youtu.be/CqSDWoAhvLU Self-Driving Car From Google

More Info on a New Jersey Version of the Pod Car: http://www.fastcolabs.com/3034687/new-jersey-is-testing-solar-power-commuter-pods

Related posts:

I am thinking that this kind of system has not propagated is that the USER is necessarily the captive of a limited common-purpose spatial arrangement — such as connecting student/faculty populations at geographically dispersed university campus or Google egg-heads bouncing around incubator hives nestled in a woodsy campus landscape, or highly homogeneous isolated communities, like in New Zealand, or entertainment-oriented “move on to the next showcase” tourist crowds, such as amusement parks. Or maybe prisoners in a vast labor camp…. This doesn’t seem to lend itself to semi-autonomous lifestyles in the typically more alienated metropolitan landscape. Walking seems to work, though….

PRT is among the lowest cost per seat mile, ton mile or delivery unit stop. There are thousands of PRT sysyems basic design possibilities compared to much smaller possibilities accepted for road, rail, air and water born systems.

Why not design to the meeting of all transportation requirements in one globally connected grid?

Have you ever tried to solve all mobility requirements with one systems design? List the requirements and design to meet them. If you can npt figire yhis out just call and I will help you through the detsils and optional solutions. You might be able to add to the list of things to do.

Jim Burden, 402-416-6235

Pingback: Stopping West Coast Tar Sands Oil Bomb Trains in Their Tracks

Pingback: Tar Sands Oil "Bomb" Trains Proposed For California | WilderUtopia.com

Pingback: Autonomous Cars Will Drive Sustainable Cities Backward | WilderUtopia.com

Hauling freight, irrigation water, business to house deliveries, general mail and parcels delivery, construction materials and recycling all refuse even dewatered condensed waste construction rubble removal and materials and commodities deliveries using self lowering vehicle pods or bodies to every property. No stations are required if low traffic stop on line access grids door to door not station to station. This can all hapen at jet aircraft speeds in trains of minimum under 18 square foot frontal area vehicles in longer self in motion assembling trains to reduce the indicidual drag of each vehicle to about .5 KWH per mile. As the speed and length of average trains increases between cities even in cross tow trips fewer vehicles are needed to service out all user needs. No trucks, cars, railways, aircraft, ships are ever sgain needed because suspended ocean tubes can be exteuded out and anchored connecting all the continets at less than the cost of land based freways and railways. This replaces all other forms of transportation with a single system. People ride in moveable sized and seating arrangement compartments in the same tiny frontal area Skytran sized vehicles, separated by curtain walls from other clean uses carried to door to door, city to city, world wide requires all purpose not specialzed vehicles on light weight low cost supended monorail PRT vehicle guideways with low interference drag. Steel micro gear rim drive wheel motors in small dick guidewheel designs limit bearing speed to 9500 RPM at 650 MPH with on meter or three foot diameters. Chained wheel motor running fear frontal area including suspension is under two square feet a a drag coeficient of about .06 .

Jim Burden 402-416-5235

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Self-Driving Pods: The Autonomous Future (and Now) of Public Transit

You’ve surely heard of them before, though perhaps you haven’t seen them cruising around your streets with a mind of their own just yet: self-driving pods.  These autonomous vehicles are currently being tested in various cities and countries around the world, and while they are creating quite the whirr in media outlets and surprising citizens who are lucky enough to be testing them first, we recently read an article in  the Verge that says they might just be, for lack of better words, kind of boring. Read on and decide for yourself whether self-driving pods are exciting, boring, or just plain terrifying.

The AV Public Transit Future: Self-Driving Pods

Current testing of autonomous pods.

There are several tests going on around the world for self-driving pods, giving the citizens of the test city an early opportunity to get to know this future form of transportation. Some of the cities that are either currently undergoing a beta testing period include:

• Dubai: Dubai has recently begun testing Next autonomous pods in a trial run in hopes to encourage its transformation to become one of the smartest cities in the world. To further this transformation, $410,000 has been invested for further R&D of autonomous public transit vehicles, and Dubai hopes to make 25% of their daily transportation self-driven by 2030. Dubai has also unveiled plans for a flying taxi!
• United Kingdom: In London, there is currently a 3 year study into the responses of driverless technology being tested with low-speed autonomous pods being tested on the city’s cycle paths and walkways around the Greenwich peninsula. Another recent self-driving pod called Aurrigo just popped up in Milton Keynes, Southern England as well. Milton Keynes Council is working with Aurrigo to test out the self-driving pod as a solution for the first/last mile of public transportation for locals and visitors to the town.
• Switzerland: Post Auto Smart Shuttle has been testing its self-driving pod in Switzerland, and as of October, 2017, SmartShuttle had transported 30,000 passengers at the maximum allowed speed of 20km/hour, for a total operation time of 2,500 hours or 7,000 kms. Read more about Post Auto in our post here . In addition, the  Amotech bus is now taking people to the Rhine Falls and Olli in Zug travels between the train station and one of the biggest employers, VZug.

Plans for the future of self-driving pods

For those regions that aren’t currently beta testing a self-driving bus, many are planning to follow suit soon. A few of the interesting cases we have found for strategic plans to release an autonomous public transit solution include:

• Next Self-Driving Pods:  Tommaso Gecchelina and Emmanuele Spera are two Italian researchers working on the next generation of autonomous public transportation, which they’ve called Next. These pods, which are planned to release in 2020, can connect to one another (physically) while in motion, meaning that they can literally transform amongst various forms of transportation including a train, bus, or personal vehicle. These self-driving pods are also electric, and have six seats with additional standing room for an extra four people. Learn more about Next self-driving pods  here .
• Toyota’s Autonomous Pod Vision: Toyota’s vision for the self-driving pod of the future is a little more commerce-driven than most. This automotive giant’s vision for robotic van-like pods goes hand-in-hand with the creation of a mobility service platform for shared rides and e-commerce, with partners like Amazon, Uber, and Pizza Hut. Read more about Toyota’s vision here .

The dangers of driverless pods

A lot of people seem to be freaked out about the idea of riding around in their city in a form of public transportation that doesn’t have a driver conducting the wheel. The question is: are these fears unnecessary? There have been some accidents and a few deaths by AV, including a woman in Arizona who was killed by a self-driving Uber, which marked the first death by AV that was not an occupant, but no deaths reported so far for self-driving pods. Despite some accidents by self-driving pods, many believe they are still the future of public transportation .

Our opinion on av pods

So what do you think about self-driving pods? Our Founder, Sandra offers her opinion:

I believe that autonomous shuttles are the right way to introduce autonomous technology in our cities. These smaller vehicles can solve some of the first and last mile problems while at the same time being more efficient because they are shared amongst a group of people. I firmly believe that we have to focus on FAVES (Fleets of Autonomous Vehicles that are Electric and Shared) when introducing autonomous technology in dense cities and AV pods are a first step in the right direction.

Whether you are scared, excited, or simply bored by self-driving pods, we certainly want to hear your feedback. If you are interested in launching your own autonomous vehicle operation, get in touch with us here to see how we can help guide you through the process.

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The Best Cargo Carriers and Roof Boxes for Your Car

If you need more cargo carrying capacity for your car, there are a lot of practical options for you that can be installed right on your car’s roof. When looking for the best roof cargo carrier, you need to first figure out what kind of cargo you’re going to be carrying. Not all cargo carriers are the same and there are different products out there for different purposes: there are travel bags, roof baskets, and cargo boxes.

We update this list regularly, and we’ve found that cargo carriers frequently go in and out of stock so if you see a model you like, you should buy it while it’s available.

Cargo carrier bags are the lightest, least expensive, and easiest to remove, and don’t usually require any hardware other than straps. They’re good for stuffing things into, and some models are available with fitted duffel bags to make packing easier. Hard sided cargo boxes protect your items from weather and are theft resistant, and must be mounted to existing rails or crossbars. Roof baskets are heavy-duty all-purpose carriers. These sturdy metal car rooftop cargo containers are also attached to existing roof bars and are good for odd-sized, and wet and dirty items.

They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but with are few exceptions are mounted on a roof rack or roof rails. The following options are among the best cargo carriers, roof boxes, and roof baskets you can buy. Make sure you pick the right one for your specific needs.

Table of contents

• 1. Editor's Pick: SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box

Promoted Product: RoofPax Rooftop Cargo Carrier

2. top seller: fivklemnz rooftop cargo carrier bag, 3. best storage bag: roofbag cargo carrier bag, 4. most versatile: roof master rooftop cargo carrier, 5. best for storage: thule sidekick cargo box, 6. best on a budget: amazon basics rooftop cargo carrier bag, 7. most premium: thule force xt rooftop cargo box, 8. best for camping gear: yakima loadwarrior, 9. best for sporting equipment: thule pulse cargo box, 10. arksen universal roof rack, everything you need to know about cargo carriers, advantages of roof bags, disadvantages of roof bags, advantages of rooftop baskets, disadvantages of roof baskets, advantages of rooftop boxes, disadvantages of roof boxes, advantages of hitch-mounted cargo carriers, disadvantages of hitch-mounted cargo carriers, how cargo carriers affect gas mileage, top safety tips when traveling with cargo carriers, 1. weight ratio, 2. equally distributed weight, 3. secured load, 4. visibility, 5. tire pressure adjustments, 6. load height, 7. using extra straps, recent updates:, 1. editor's pick: sportrack vista xl cargo box.

Our top recommendation is a heavy-duty cargo box from SportRack. The Vista XL is designed to fit on SportRack roof rack systems, as well as square, round, and most factory racks. Of course, we recommend checking the guide to make sure it’ll fit your specific vehicle prior to purchasing. If it does, you’re getting a rear-opening cargo box that offers up to 18 cubic feet of storage. It’s constructed from durable and UV-resistant ABS and has a maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds.

SportRack includes all the mounting hardware necessary for installation and removal, and no tools are needed to get this cargo box installed onto your roof for your next trip. Another nice feature is that it includes a key lock to secure the contents of the box if you’re taking a rest spot or grabbing a bite to eat. Best of all, once your trip is all done, simply clean it off with mild soap and water so it’ll last you for many more journeys ahead.

The RoofPax Rooftop Cargo Carrier is the best-reviewed option on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

So why is this rooftop cargo carrier rated so highly? There are a number of reasons, but at the top of the list is safety. If you don’t have a roof rack, the RoofPax roof bag locks down with four rugged door hook straps rather than straps that go inside the car like on some other brands. Straps that go inside the car can interfere with your vehicle’s airbags and are illegal to use in some states. RoofPax even gives you a pair of extra door hook straps, just in case. And to help keep noise down, there are ten elastic Velcro strap restraints to prevent the straps from flapping in the wind.

Another reason for the high marks from owners is protection from the elements. The RoofPax rooftop cargo carrier is outfitted with double waterproof closing zippers, waterproof dual seam technology, and water-repellant double coating.

One more benefit of the RoofPax rooftop cargo carrier is an amazing warranty. All zippers and buckles have a lifetime warranty, while there is a five-year warranty on tears in the fabric.

There are four different versions of the RoofPax rooftop cargo carrier ranging from 15 to 23 cubic feet, so you can easily find exactly what you are looking for.

The Fivklemnz rooftop cargo carrier has proven to be incredibly popular with consumers looking for extra storage space. It offers up to 15 cubic feet of additional storage space, enough room to carry four to six suitcases.

Unlike hard shell carriers, when you aren’t using the Fivklemnz, it can be folded up and stored in the carry bag that comes with it. Once folded, it’s about the same size as a smaller backpack, so it’s easy to store.

The bag is made of 600D Oxford cloth and sports a waterproof zipper protected by a double flap that keeps the weather outside. The manufacturer boasts this is 100% waterproof and rainproof, so your stuff will stay dry.

When it comes time to install, the Fivklemnz cargo carrier comes with a non-slip protective mat, so you can use it even without a roof rack system and not have to worry about scratching up the roof of your vehicle. It also locks down with eight adjustable straps so everything stays safe and secure even at highway speeds.

The RoofBag Cargo Carrier Bag has a simple yet effective design. Manufactured in the U.S., these roof cargo carriers are 100-percent waterproof and feature Triple-Seal technology for maximum protection in extreme weather. Offering 15 cubic feet of storage, this option works on any vehicle with side rails, cross bars, or even without a roof rack. It uses a secure waterproof strap system with buckles for easy access.

Constructed from heavy-duty polyester that has been liquid-coated with vinyl on both sides, this cargo carrier does a fantastic job of resisting heat and cold. Easy and quick installation with plenty of storage, this is a versatile option for those on a budget.

We understand not everyone has a roof rack on their vehicle, and if you’re one of those people, consider this rooftop cargo carrier from ROOF MASTER. We named it our most versatile pick for its ability to be used on vehicles with or without roof racks, although you’ll have to purchase the door hooks separately if you want to use it on a vehicle without a roof rack.

It offers up to 16 cubic feet of storage and uses extra wide straps with Duraflex buckles and a high friction mat to ensure it stays on your roof once it’s secured to your vehicle. This option is a soft-shell cargo carrier that is manufactured from military-grade Nylon Cordura fabric, which the company claims has five times the strength and wear resistance of high-grade PVC, which is often used on other cargo bags. Naturally it’s waterproof and is equipped with a waterproof zipper.

If you are looking for a compact cargo carrier, the Sidekick Rooftop Storage Box is a practical solution. Made to meet the needs of travelers who want to avoid larger designs without sacrificing practicality, the cargo carrier is a top solution with its eight cubic-foot capacity. With a length of 48 inches, it will not cover the entire surface of the roof on most mid-sized cars, and it also won’t create too much wind resistance.

The carrier comes with a self-standing top lid (so you can load it easily) and a simple locking mechanism to keep your belongings safe. It is also durable, and it represents a solution that can be used in all seasons. Lightweight at under 20 pounds, many people will easily be able to install it themselves.

In the past few years, Amazon’s own brand, Amazon Basics, has entered several markets by offering quality products at affordable prices. Its rooftop cargo carrier bag gets our nod if you’re shopping on a budget, offering up to 15 cubic feet of space. It’s a fairly basic offering, but is constructed from 100-percent waterproof material with a design that protects the carrier against grit, sun, rain, and wind.

With this option, you’ll find a zip closure (wraps halfway around the bag) with hook-and-loop flap to keep the inside contents completely dry, and the company says the zipper is waterproof. It features one-inch wide polypropylene straps to keep the bag attached to your carrier for safe transport. And since you’re not always using a cargo carrier bag, it’s nice to know Amazon Basics’ option folds compact for easy storage.

If you want the best of the best, Thule's Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box offers unparalleled quality and versatility. It starts with a dual opening design which lets you access the cargo carrier from either side of the car. Attachment is made easier with a torque-limiting PowerClick quick-mount system that doesn't let you over-tighten the box when attaching it to your crossbars.

As a premium car top carrier, the Thule offers not just locking security but a special LockKnob that makes it both easy to open and close and protects the key from damage. It has a massive 165-pound weight capacity, and the 22-cubic-foot XXL size is 90 inches long, 35.5 inches wide, and 18.5 inches tall—enough to fit up to seven pairs of skis or five snowboards.

The Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box comes in 11-, 16-, 18-, and 22-cubic-foot sizes, and some sizes are available with a fitted four-piece Thule Gopack Duffel Set, too.

Steel rooftop car carriers and car roof racks tend to be exposed to harsher conditions, and it makes sense to buy a high-quality one to reduce worries about rust and breakage. Yakima is a premium brand with a lifetime warranty, so you can just install and forget it. This heavy-duty cargo basket is rated for 140 pounds and measures 44 inches long x 39 inches wide x 6.50 inches high. At 25 pounds it weighs more than some other options, but it's also one of the best-built rooftop car carriers you can buy.

Carriers like this offer versatility that bags and boxes don't, as they will hold long and tall cargo. They're also a great place to strap dirty or wet things that you don't want to put in your trunk. This roof basket is a great option for carrying cargo, but it requires additional straps and cargo nets to make sure your load is secure. If you want even more space but don't want to upgrade to Yakima's huge MegaWarrior , you can even bolt in an 18-inch extension .

With a taller profile compared to the other Thule cargo boxes, the Pulse Cargo offers one of the best solutions for extra carrying space. It is available in 11, 14, and 15 cubic feet capacities and can be purchased as a set with four fitted Thule Gopack duffel bags. It is built to handle weights of up to 110 pounds in all versions and can even hold ski equipment, between four and eight pairs of skis, depending on the size of your Cargo Box.

With a self-standing lid design and an integrated anti-theft locking mechanism with keys, it is a practical solution for adventurous drivers who need a safe place to store their ski equipment. Made from ABS plastic, the Pulse Cargo Box is also a durable solution for people who will be driving in rainy or snowy conditions.

With a universal design and metal construction, this luggage carrier is one of the simplest and most durable designs on the market. It represents a solution that is easy to use and even looks a bit retro. Made with a metal frame with a length of 43 inches and a width of 39 inches, the carrier is easy to store when not in use due to its compact size.

This roof basket is a great option for carrying cargo, but it requires additional straps and cargo nets to make sure your cargo is secure. However, they do offer combos with nets, bags, and even a fitted semi-rigid hard-sided Pro Cargo Bag. Larger 64- and 84-inch lengths are also available. This is a great option for drivers who don’t experience too much rain or snow.

Cargo carriers are a practical method to transport your luggage and sporting goods and increase the cargo capacity of your car. They are installed on roof racks or hitches and they come in different shapes and sizes. The main purpose of a cargo carrier is to expand the load capacity of your car for items that might not fit inside.

Depending on the type of cargo you plan to carry, you can select a carrier that is specifically made for your needs. For example, if you want to carry lightweight items that can even be larger in volume such as sleeping bags, a roof bag can be all you need.

If you want to carry larger equipment that can be secured with bungee cords, you can select a rooftop basket. If you need increased carrying capacity for various objects and sports equipment, a rooftop box will work wonders. Rooftop boxes come in various shapes and sizes and most quality options are made with a built-in lock for extra security. If you do not have a roof rack to work with, a hitch-mounted cargo carrier can be an alternative. The main types of cargo carriers include:

• Rooftop baskets
• Rooftop boxes
• Hitch-mounted cargo carriers

These options are made with their own strengths and weaknesses and there is a type of cargo carrier for every need and type of vehicle. There is a voluntary international ISO/PAS 11154 standard for roof racks and cargo carriers , you can check a manufacturer's website to see if they follow it. Many larger manufacturers also perform their own rigorous testing for durability and safety.

Roof bags are typically made from heavy-duty waterproof textiles. They can be easily mounted by a single person since they are not too heavy and they can come with a carrying capacity of around 15 cubic feet. The main advantages of roof bags include:

• A lightweight profile recommended for easy setup using securing straps
• Up to 16 cubic feet of extra carrying capacity
• Compatible with a large number of hatchbacks, SUVs, sedans and other vehicles
• Waterproof protection
• Softer materials recommended for objects that might be oddly shaped, such as musical instruments
• Can be folded easily or removed to take up minimal space when not in use
• Adjustable fit on many types of roof racks or rooftop baskets
• Aerodynamic construction to reduce air friction while driving as much as possible
• Fully compatible with multiple lockdown systems for a secure fit
• Not the best design for anti-theft protection
• Increased wind noise at higher speeds
• Reduced carrying capacity compared to a roof box
• Not recommended for larger objects such as sports equipment
• Limited long-term durability for some designs
• Doesn’t provide the best protection for fragile or delicate items
• Cover and may not be compatible with sunroofs and moonroofs

Rooftop baskets first appeared in the 1970s and have largely remained unchanged, with their metal profile and good versatility for different objects that can be secured with different straps. The main advantages of roof baskets include:

• Easy installation on any type of roof rack or roof rails
• Increased load capacity since most of the designs are made from metal
• Good aerodynamics
• Increased carrying capacity for large and heavy objects that can be secured with straps or cords
• Easy to load and unload the cargo
• Reduced storage space requirements when unmounted from the car
• Quick to mount and unmount on most cars
• Recommended for oddly shaped objects
• Cool, tough look

Rooftop baskets are very practical, but at the same time, they are among the most exposed when it comes to cargo safety while traveling at high speeds and you have to take extra measures to make your cargo secure. The main disadvantages of rooftop baskets include:

• Poor lockdown can easily go wrong at high speeds
• No anti-theft protection
• You need a cargo net or special straps
• Reduced top speed for most cars
• Cargo is directly exposed to changing weather conditions
• Not made for large sporting equipment

If you are looking for maximum carrying capacity and security, rooftop boxes are one of the leading options. They are also very popular, so you have multiple designs from many brands to choose from. Most of the rooftop boxes also come with anti-theft protection and a good aerodynamic performance for reduced drag. Here are the main reasons to consider a rooftop box:

• Compatible with almost all vehicles using a roof rack or roof rails
• Comes with an increased carrying capacity of up to 160 pounds/75KG
• Recommended for sporting equipment such as skis or snowboards
• Can be opened in both direction in some cases, which is particularly useful in some parking spaces
• Allows full trunk access so that you can store extra cargo
• Included locks with anti-theft protection
• Waterproof construction to protect your cargo
• Better wind resistance designs when compared to other cargo carriers
• UV-resistant designs for increased durability, even with plastic materials
• Can be fitted with no special tools in many cases
• Covered by a lifetime warranty with premium designs

Even rooftop boxes have a few disadvantages. The main issue for some people is that they need help to place them into position on the roof of the car. Another disadvantage to the system comes with the fact that you need considerable storage space when the rooftop box is not on the car. The main drawbacks to using a rooftop box include:

• Large size and weight design means some models are hard to install for a single person
• Increased storage space required when not in use
• Limited carrying capacity for taller objects
• Increased frontal and lateral wind resistance while driving

Hitch-mounted cargo carriers are not as popular these days, but drivers can still find them useful in certain situations. For example, if your car can’t be fitted with a roof rack or with roof rails and it has a hitch receiver, these carriers can be a solution to consider. With a design that goes behind the car, hitch-mounted cargo carriers also typically come with reduced wind resistance compared to rooftop cargo carriers. The main advantages of the hitch-mounted systems include:

• Easy access for shorter people
• Good weight capacity for heavier objects, often up to 300 pounds/135KG
• Compatibility with many modern SUVs
• Recommended for taller and odd sized objects that won’t fit in rooftop cargo carriers
• Doesn’t require additional overhead clearance when heading into an indoor parking

Even these solutions that are mounted next to the trunk of the car have a few disadvantages you will need to consider when making a purchase.

• Required a trailer hitch
• Heavy to install
• Possible obstruction of the license plate
• Obstructed taillights
• Not recommended for small items
• Some designs come with poor anti-theft protection
• Extra clearance needed when reversing
• Obstructed rear parking sensors
• Considerable storage space needed when not in use

...A roof rack can increase a passenger car’s fuel consumption 0%~25% and a passenger truck’s consumption and 0%~11.7%

Smaller, more efficient cars, whether gas, hybrid or electric cars, are affected more than big trucks and SUVs. It makes sense for drivers of those vehicles to use cargo boxes, which have the best aerodynamics. The same study also concluded that less than 1% of vehicles with roof racks actually have anything in them at any given time, meaning that carrying around empty roof racks uses about 99 million gallons of gas a year in the United States. So plan ahead to take your roof rack off when you're not using it for a while.

Using a cargo carrier involves adapting your driving style. The top driving speed is reduced with each type of carrier and the car maneuverability is also impeded with some types of designs. Here is what to consider to make sure you’re traveling safely with a cargo carrier.

If you overload the cargo carrier, it will come with considerable problems in situations where you have to take sharp turns. The weight of the carrier is important from two perspectives.

First, the roof rails of your car have a weight limit that is usually found in the owner’s manual, often 100 pounds/45KG. Secondly, the weight of the load impacts car maneuverability when cornering and if the load is too heavy or unbalanced, it can lead to accidents. This is why you need to ensure that the weight of your load does not exceed the maximum allowed weight on the roof of your car.

If you are using a hitch-mounted rack, you also need to know that the extra weight can put pressure on the rear suspension and you will need to adapt the weight so that the car’s performance is not affected. Generally speaking, the weight limit is between 70 and 300 pounds, depending on the type of car you have and on the type of cargo carrier you use. There is often a chart, either with the rack, the hitch or in your owner's manual, which will tell you how much weight you can put on the hitch (the "tongue"), depending on the passenger and cargo load inside your vehicle.

Smart weight distribution is another important aspect of safe cargo carrier use. Instead of placing the entire load in a corner of the rack, you should try to evenly distribute it so that it will have less of an impact on car maneuverability. The more balanced your load, the more balanced the drive will be. Balanced vehicles are safer vehicles. To keep items in a partially-loaded carrier from sliding around, it's easy to fill in extra space with a sleeping bad, yoga mat or other soft, firm objects.

Another important aspect to remember when using a cargo carrier is to secure the load. Regardless of the design you use, there are different straps that can be used to keep the load in place. You want to avoid situations where the load can move when cornering, as this can lead to accidents or things falling out and posing a risk to other motorists.

If you have an open cargo basket, you will need to purchase a cargo net like the one pictured or sturdy straps to keep your items secure.

Many drivers believe that only roof baskets need to have their loads secured, but this is far from the truth. Some of the leading manufacturers offer out-of-the-box straps to secure large items such as sporting equipment even inside a rooftop box.

Visibility is often obstructed by some types of cargo carriers. For example, rear window visibility can be obstructed by hitch-mounted cargo carriers. Reverse cameras can also be blocked by these types of carriers. This is why you need to do your best to load the cargo in such a way in which the obstruction is minimal.

If you are transporting heavier loads, tire pressure is even more important than usual. Make sure that the pressure of the tires is set to a level that is recommended by the manufacturer before you drive off with the cargo carrier mounted. At the same time, you need to ensure the load is as evenly distributed as possible as this will reduce the pressure on specific tires.

Driving around with a rooftop cargo carrier is very different. You need to anticipate different hazards that might be in your way. For example, you might not be able to safely enter a garage when the cargo carrier is mounted. You might also have difficulty entering the parking of different buildings. It is why you need to know the minimum height clearance which is needed to safely park your car. Many parking garages will have a maximum height of under nine feet. A medium-size SUV can easily be six feet with a roof rack, so check and add your cargo box height on top of that.

It is often the case that the straps that come with the cargo carrier are not enough to secure your load. A simple way around this issue is to simply purchase more straps and ensure that your cargo will not move, even on sharp corners. Cam buckle straps only cost a few dollars each, roll up for storage, and are available with flat ends or hooks to give you many attachment options.

January 23, 2023: Updated images.

December 13, 2022: Updated product links.

June 21, 2022: Removed INNO Ridge Cargo Box due to lack of review history.

June 10, 2022: Updated links for existing recommendations.

February 18, 2022: Added a new promoted product recommendation.

February 11, 2022: Updated links for existing recommendations.

September 2, 2021: Removed EGO BIKE Universal Roof Rack, replaced with Yakima LoadWarrior. Removed sold-out Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box, replaced with Thule Force XT Rooftop Cargo Box. Removed sold-out Thule Force Cargo Box, replaced with INNO Ridge Cargo Box. Updated and expanded tips, added MPG section.

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works .

Photo Credit: BlackSnake / Shutterstock.com

After completing a degree project in automotive design, Dave wrote and photographed for almost a decade in print car magazines (remember those?), before transitioning to digital. He now subjects a series of old high-performance cars to the roads and weather in Vermont and wonders why they're always expensively broken. Please stop when you see him crawling under one on the side of the road.

More by David Traver Adolphus

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You can carry more gear when you're traveling with a Rhino Roof Top Luggage Box.

37 Best Car Accessories on Amazon That Are (Almost) All Under $50

Spruce up your car's interior with the most popular gadgets that have thousands of five-star reviews.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

When curating this list, we considered car products experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have evaluated over the years as well as read through satisfied (and unsatisfied) customer reviews to find the best accessories worth adding to your car. You’ll find helpful all-weather necessities like a set of floor mats , to niche products you didn’t realize you needed. We left out a few trendy gadgets that may pose safety concerns when operating a vehicle; we recommend referencing the original equipment manufacturer's manual before purchasing a car accessory to ensure it's safe to use when operating your vehicle.

If you've gone through our round-up of the best Amazon car accessories and are looking for more top-rated picks, check out our guides to the best windshield wiper blades , best car paint sprayers and car cleaning kits .

Loncaster Car Phone Holder

Priced under $15 and available in six colors, reviewers say this best-selling car phone holder makes it easy to insert and remove your smartphone. It stays attached to your dashboard via a silicone pad on the bottom, and users appreciate that it offers a strong hold without leaving any sticky residue .

Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler (Set of 2)

Dropping items in the cracks of your car seats is a total headache. To prevent things from ending up in Car Narnia, try these neoprene fillers designed to stop items from falling into seat gaps. Based on our testing, we can confirm these seat gap fillers fit around most seatbelt catches, and the squishy, stretchy material works in most cars. We've tested it in over two dozen vehicles and have yet to have a problem.

Limitless Innovations JumpSmart 10-in-1 Portable Car Jump Starter

If you ever find yourself with a dead car battery, you'll be grateful to have this handy jump starter in your trunk. According to Good Housekeeping's auto expert Rachel Rothman , this tool is a game-changer. “It’s so portable, compact and easy to use. If you’re ever in the position where your car battery has died, like in the cold winter months, this is a lifesaver.” In addition to being able to jump-start your car, it provides four modes of light and can power up your phone or other devices.

HOTOR Car Trash Can With Lid

Keep your car garbage-free with this $10 trash can featuring a built-in lid and side storage pockets. Hang the #1 Best-Seller from the back of your front passenger seat headrest for easy access — just don't forget to dump it once it gets full!

Car Chap Lip Balm Holder

Keeping a spare lip balm or chapstick in the car is essential, as is having a nifty place to store it so it's always within reach. An Amazon #1 Best-Seller with a 4.3-star rating, this mini holder sticks onto your dashboard and is 3/4" wide. (Keep this dimension in mind when adding to your cart as you want to make sure your balm will fit. One five-star reviewer says, "I looked all over for a solution for my chapstick... I hate having it loose, rolling around, having to dig for it when I'm driving, etc. This was such a perfect solution!"

ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner

It's time to finally get rid of those snack crumbs your kids have left all over your back seat. This popular car vacuum cleaner features an extension tube for getting into cracks and crevices, a brush cleaner for carpets and a flathead attachment for other hard-to-reach areas . It plugs right into your 12V outlet and its 16-foot cord makes cleaning rear areas easier. Once you're finished, pack up your tools into the handy travel bag.

TICARVE Cleaning Gel for Car Detailing

Get the gunk out of tight spaces with this car detailing tool. This cleaning gel can be used on air vents and other car interior spaces that collect dust and can be difficult to clean. Reuse until the putty gets dark and then it's time for a new one — priced under $7 this cleaning tool won't break the bank.

Enovoe Car Window Shade (4 Pack)

Whether you want to write an email on your laptop or read a book from the passenger's seat, it can be frustrating when the sun is shining directly on you. This car window shade not only helps protect you from the sun and keep the car temperature down, but it fits most larger car windows (SUVs, minivans and full-size cars). We found it super easy to install — just stick it on the window, run your hand over it and you're ready to go.

Drive Auto Products Trunk Organizer

Whether your car is full of beach gear during the summer, ski accessories during colder months or camping gear for an upcoming trip, the trunk can get disorganized real quick. This collapsible organizer can be adjusted to fit small and large cars with large open sections and four side mesh pockets. We appreciate the sturdy tie-down straps that will help keep the organizer in place. One five-star review writes, "Works great and looks great. I can’t imagine not having this in my trunk now."

Motor Trend Floor Mats

Per a Reddit thread discussing car accessories you need , a top contender was all-weather floor mats to more easily collect mud, slush and other dirt or debris so your interior stays clean. We like this Amazon's Choice set available in six different colors. It's designed to withstand wear and tear and has rubber nibs on the bottom to help keep the mats in place. You can also trim the frontseat and backseat mats to fit your car.

LAICOMEIN Bluetooth Aux Receiver

Plug this little gadget into your car's audio input port to transform your older vehicle into one that's Bluetooth-equipped . Once installed, you can ditch all cables and connect your smartphone wirelessly to enjoy hands-free calls and audio streaming. No more fiddling on your phone so you can pay attention to the road.

Snow Joe 4-In-1 Snow Broom

When there has been a snowstorm, cleaning off your car is paramount to your safety and the safety of others on the road. You'll want this snow scraper to do the job. Equipped with a non-abrasive foam head as well as a built-in ice scraper on the other end, you'll be able to tackle both soft and hard snow or ice. We like that you can expand and contract the handle so you can reach the top of a tall vehicle and then store it in your trunk.

ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion

If your back or bum tends to feel achy after long commutes or road trips, this gel seat cushion will feel like a cloud . Made from memory foam with a non-slip bottom, it provides comfort for hours. We like that you can throw the cover in the wash when it gets dirty and that it features a handle so you can transport it with you from the car to your desk chair should you desire.

CAT MeshFlex Automotive Seat Covers

Similar to a sofa slipcover, car seat covers help protect your seats from stains and offer an added layer of comfort if you find your seats to be less than ideal during long drives. These covers by the popular construction company, CAT, have over 7,300 Amazon customer reviews, are made from 100% polyester for durability and have a foam backing to help improve comfort and breathability.

Amooca Car Seat Headrest Hook (Set of 4)

Keep your car neat and clean with these organizing hooks. The set comes with four hooks so you can hang multiple items in your car. Simply hang them from the headrest to keep your bags from spilling over during sharp turns . One of the more than 38,400 five-star reviews writes, "They are the item you never knew you needed so much until you had it."

Cacturism Car Registration and Insurance Holder

The glove compartment is a common storage place for important vehicle documents — but when reaching for them in a hurry, it always feels like they're nowhere to be found. This holder is basically a wallet for your registration, insurance and other important car documents, keeping them all in one organized spot .

AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Some of the best car accessories are the most practical — including this gadget that lets you check your tire pressure at a moment's notice. View the reading via the digital display that's clear and easy to interpret. We appreciate the accurate readings down to 0.1 PSI. You can purchase the gauge in sets of three or four if you have more than one vehicle at home.

EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade

There's no denying that your car can really heat up in the summer months. Make sure to pull out this lightweight sunshade to not only protect any valuables inside but also to help keep your car's temperature from skyrocketing . Once you're done fold it up and throw it in the backseat until next time.

WOLFBOX Mirror Backup Camera

If your car doesn't have a built-in backup camera, it's easy to add one. We named this Amazon's Choice camera our best overall pick in our most recent guide to the best backup cameras . It's loaded with features including a 12-inch display and a high-definition camera that can record and take pictures. Attaching it to your rearview mirror is pretty straightforward but you will have to run a cable through your car.

AVID POWER Cordless Tire Inflator Air Compressor

If you've been on the road for a while now, then you have probably had a flat tire once or twice. That's where a portable tire inflator comes in handy to help get you out of a sticky situation. This affordable pick has a comfortable handle and multiple features including a digital pressure gauge, USB port for charging other electronics and a built-in light so you can inflate your flat tire at night if needed. We also appreciate that you can power it via the included 20-volt battery or plug it into your car's outlet.

Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family. 

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Ukraine war latest: Putin and Kim sign new defence deal - as UK says 'bizarre scenes' should be warning

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed a new deal in Pyongyang, making a vow of mutual aid if either of their countries is attacked as both face escalating stand-offs with the West. Got a question on the Ukraine war? Submit it below for our specialists to answer.

Wednesday 19 June 2024 21:39, UK

• Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years today. He has now arrived in Vietnam
• Catch up: Everything you need to know about Putin's visit
• Kim and Putin share 'pent up inmost thoughts'
• Russia and North Korea sign new defence deal
• Analysis: China keeping close eye on cosy friendship
• A limousine, a dagger and artworks - the leaders swap gifts
• 'Bizarre scenes' should be warning, UK says
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Ask a question or make a comment

In an opinion piece timed for his Vietnam visit, Vladimir Putin has applauded the country for supporting "a pragmatic way to solve the crisis" in Ukraine. 

Vietnam, which officially pursues a neutral foreign policy, has abstained from condemning Russia's invasion.

As well as praising Vietnam for its "balanced" stance on the war, Mr Putin listed progress on payments, energy and trade between the countries in the article published in Vietnam's Communist Party newspaper Nhan Dan.

"Putin's visit to North Korea and Vietnam is to demonstrate that Western attempts to isolate Russia are not working and that Russia has partners in Asia," said Carl Thayer, an expert on Vietnam security at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.

The Southeast Asian country will be the third nation Mr Putin has visited, after China and North Korea, since he was sworn in for a fifth term in May.

"No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalise his atrocities," a spokesperson for the US embassy in Hanoi said this week.

Russia has historically been Vietnam's major military supplier, so any potential arms deals will be closely watched.

Vietnam has been gearing up for a full state welcome for the Russian leader's first visit since 2017 and his fifth in total. 

Vladimir Putin has arrived in Vietnam, Russian news agency RIA-Novosti reports.

It is a state visit aimed at strengthening ties with a longtime partner of Moscow's.

In Hanoi, the Russian leader is scheduled to meet Vietnam's most powerful politician, Communist Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, then the new president, To Lam, and other politicians. 

The trip has resulted in a sharp rebuke from the US embassy in Hanoi.

It comes after Mr Putin's first trip to North Korea in 24 years, where he and Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging mutual aid if either country faces "aggression". 

Germany is holding up the 14th package of EU sanctions on Russia, sources say.

Officials from the bloc's 27 countries have been debating the package for over a month, which would make EU operators responsible for sanctions violations by subsidiaries and partners.

Germany's hesitation was due in part to an internal disagreement between its foreign ministry and the chancellor's office, diplomats and a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The roadblock remained despite the scrapping of a clause that Berlin found problematic - one that would have forced subsidiaries to "contractually prohibit re-exportation to Russia and re-exportation for use in Russia".

The EU's sanctions efforts have been undermined by circumvention via third countries. The inclusion of this clause would have further tightened the bloc's measures. 

Ambassadors will continue the debate tomorrow, they said. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced two more signatures have been added to his Peace Summit communique. 

He said the Organisation of American States, which represents countries in North and South America, and Antigua and Barbuda have signed it.

"We view the entire world as equals, and this is our ideological difference from Russia in international relations," the Ukrainian president said.

"Putin, however, wants only his voice to matter, or those he chooses. This is a typically colonial world view that we, together with all our partners, must break." 

He said the format of the Peace Summit will ensure "fair treatment for every nation", including, of course, Ukraine. 

Nearly 80 countries have already approved the final communique covering steps toward nuclear safety, food security, and the release of prisoners and deportees, including thousands of children abducted by Russia.

One person has been killed and three others have been injured in a Russian shelling attack in Donetsk, Ukraine's police force has said. 

In a post on Telegram, it said there had been 2,291 strikes in the eastern region in the last 24 hours. 

Russia used "aviation, rocket salvo systems and artillery", it added. 

Over the past few months, fighting has been surging across the frontline in the eastern Donetsk region. 

Russian forces have been trying to reach the key hilltop city of Chasiv Yar and other strategic hubs in the region. 

Russian troops also launched an offensive in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region. 

Mr Putin said he wanted to establish a buffer zone there to prevent Ukrainian cross-border attacks.

The offensive drew some Ukrainian fighters away from Donetsk, but many remain. 

Reuters captured these photos of Ukraine troops operating in the area. 

Russia has been attempting to replace "significant losses" by recruiting soldiers from African countries, the UK's defence ministry has said. 

Ukrainian intelligence has been reporting increased Russian efforts to recruit from several African countries in recent days. 

"This recruitment campaign is likely an attempt to replace significant battlefield losses and sustain offensive activity across the front," the MoD said. 

"Russia is likely expanding its recruitment across the global south to avoid additional mobilisations within Russian itself."

It added that previous mobilisations within Russia had resulted in a record labour shortage and the mass departure of skilled workers. 

Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea has come to an end, with the Russian president leaving Pyongyang after a busy day of diplomacy.

His next stop is Vietnam.

The headline from Mr Putin's visit is no doubt the agreement signed between the two countries that, its leaders say, covers security, trade, investment and cultural and humanitarian ties among other things.

The deal has triggered plenty of reaction from around the world, with Washington and Seoul among those expressing concern about the growing military ties between Russia and North Korea.

Below, we've taken a look at exactly how Mr Putin's visit shaped up.

Opening remarks

The warm words between the Kremlin and Pyongyang started before Mr Putin's plane had even touched down, with the Russian leader penning an open letter in North Korean state media.

It was here that we first got confirmation of an agreement that would be signed by the two countries. Mr Putin called it a partnership that would help in the "fight against the imperialist hegemonistic policies of the US and its satellites against the Russian Federation".

There was also some appreciation shown for North Korea's "firm support" for Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. 

Mr Putin claimed the US were doing everything they could to "prolong and inflame" the conflict, which Russia began in February 2022.

'Rock star' welcome in Pyongyang

When Mr Putin arrived in Pyongyang in the early hours of the morning, he was met personally by Kim Jong Un, a red carpet and a bouquet of roses.

State television then showed his motorcade driving through brightly lit neighbourhoods, with the 105-storey Ryugyong Hotel glowing with LED lights that said "Welcome Putin".

The streets of the capital were lined with hundreds of thousands of people holding flowers and waving Russian and North Korean flags, welcoming Mr Putin back on to North Korean soil for the first time in 24 years.

There was then a lavish ceremony in Pyongyang's main square, crowded with people and colourful decorations, where Mr Kim introduced key members of the North Korean leadership.

As a military band played, the two leaders walked down another red carpet and greeted dignitaries. Artillery guns fired a welcoming salvo.

As our Asia correspondent Nicole Johnston put it, North Korea gave Mr Putin "a rock star's welcome".

The 'comprehensive strategic partnership pact'

Fundamental to this trip for both Russia and North Korea is the document signed by the two nations, which both of its leaders have been at pains to describe in bold terms.

Mr Kim calls it the "strongest ever treaty", while for Mr Putin, it's a "breakthrough document".

The two leaders were first joined by ministers from both countries for initial talks. They then engaged in one-on-one talks that lasted two hours, according to reports.

This new agreement marks a new period of relations between the two countries, one that, according to North Korea's leader, is "incomparable". 

It reportedly covers everything from investment to strengthening cultural ties and cooperating on health, medical education and science. 

But it's the inclusion of a mutual defence clause, in case of "aggression", as Mr Putin put it, that stands out.

Mr Kim told reporters that North Korea will respond "without hesitation" to "incidents or wars" facing either his country or Russia. 

He did not elaborate on what the response will entail, though he did say the agreement is "defensive and peaceful in nature".

Russia also doesn't rule out the "development" of military-technical cooperation between the two nations. 

There's already an assumption that North Korea is sending Russia ammunition to use in Ukraine, while there are fears that Moscow will pass on aid for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes in return. 

The signing of this agreement will do little to subdue those concerns.

Gifts and goodbyes

With business out the way, Mr Putin and Mr Kim spent the next few hours having a bit of fun.

There was the exchanging of gifts, with the Russian leader receiving works of art depicting himself.

For Mr Kim there was a tea set, an admiral's dirk (a type of dagger) and a Russian-built limousine, which both leaders took turns at driving.

Mr Putin then laid a wreath at the Liberation monument in Pyongyang, which was erected in 1946 in memory of Red Army soldiers killed liberating the Korean Peninsula from Japanese occupation.

Keeping with that theme, both leaders took their seats at a gala concert, where songs performed all evoked war and defence of the nation.

Russian state media reported the concert included excerpts from wartime songs, including Where the Motherland Begins, We Need One Victory and Katyusha, as well as song by groups who regularly support Mr Putin at political rallies.

Putin's opinion piece

As Mr Putin heads for Vietnam, a newspaper in the country has published an opinion piece he has written. 

In the piece, he praised Vietnam for its "balanced" stance on the Ukraine war and applauded the communist-ruled country for supporting "a pragmatic way to solve" the conflict. 

He also said Russia and Vietnam shared "similar assessments of the situation in the Asia-Pacific region".

He is due to arrive in Hanoi overnight and plans to meet Vietnamese leaders tomorrow, on the heels of his trip to North Korea.

It will be his first trip to the country since 2017.

One of the gifts given by Vladimir Putin to Kim Jong Un during his visit to North Korea today was a luxury Russian limousine. 

We're now got footage of the Russian president driving his host around, and other highlights from his trip...

Vladimir Putin has praised Vietnam for its "balanced" stance on the Ukraine war in an opinion piece published in the newspaper of Vietnam's Communist Party.

In the piece, timed for his state visit to Vietnam tomorrow, the Russian leader applauded the communist-ruled country for supporting "a pragmatic way to solve the crisis" in Ukraine.

Energy, he said, was "an area of strategic importance in bilateral cooperation" and cited Russia-Vietnam joint ventures on fossil fuels in the South China Sea and in northern Russia.

The comments were published in the Nhan Dan newspaper.

Vietnam, which officially pursues a neutral foreign policy in its relations with major world powers, has abstained from condemning Russia's war in Ukraine.

Mr Putin is due to arrive in Hanoi overnight and plans to meet Vietnamese leaders tomorrow, on the heels of his trip to North Korea.

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