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• Published 5 December 2011

For the latest information on the situation on the roads and railways visit the BBC's local travel news page for Essex.

On the roads you can view live incidents , traffic jam cameras and roadworks .

While on public transport you can view current disruptions and engineering works.

Alternatively, for regular travel updates listen live to BBC Essex.

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A12 and Essex traffic live updates as icy roads cause major disruption

The A12 has been closed between Chelmsford and Brentwood for at least seven hours

• Updated 18:53, 17 JAN 2023

The A12 remains closed this Tuesday afternoon (January 17) between Chelmsford and Brentwood due to icy conditions and a burst water main. Officials are currently at the site working to complete "emergency water main repairs".

The major northbound route has been closed for most of the day with the first indications of a closure on the A12 near Chelmsford at around 8am this morning. It is affecting motorists trying to access places like Loughton, West Hordon, Chelmsford and Brentwood.

Essex & Suffolk Water confirmed earlier today they had investigated the burst water main but it "is not water from our network". Essex County Council are now working on the incident.

READ MORE: Fears for family 'lost at sea' after being cut off by tide at Essex seaside

Parts of Essex have been facing traffic disruption as many roads have been affected by icy conditions and flooding. Weather warnings and alerts have been issued across the UK, including Essex, , with four flooding alerts in the county in the last 24 hours.

An alert was previously removed for the River Crouch at 4.06pm yesterday (January 16), which could have affected areas like Wickford and Basildon.

Yesterday Brentwood and South Benfleet were affected by flooded roads. Motorists posted pictures and videos of roads being immersed in water. Some minor roads in the North region of the county have been hit with road closures due to adverse weather.

It is unknown when these roads will reopen at this moment in time, but it is likely that it will remain closed until tomorrow morning (January 18).

This is a live breaking news incident. If you have pictures or videos and are in a safe position to do so, why not share them with us on social media or by email at [email protected] .

For the latest breaking news, sign up to receive our breaking news newsletter which brings you all the latest news from in and around Essex directly to your email inbox.

Follow our live blog below.

• A12 reopened between Mountnessing and Margaretting 18:53
• Essex and Suffolk release statement about A12 closure 12:36
• Highways England East releases A12 statement 09:57
• A12 Diversion routes confirmed 09:02
• A12 Closure 08:07

A12 reopened between Mountnessing and Margaretting

The A12 has been reopened after the drainage pipe and flood water was cleared from between junctions 12 and 14.

A 40mph restriction remains in place in the area due to ongoing works. Delays remain but should now start to ease.

The route has been reopened after almost 12 hours of being closed.

Congestion now impacting road users on M25 and A127

The closure on the A12 northbound between junctions 12 and 14 is now impacted road users elsewhere too.

There is congestion to J28 for the M25 as well as the A127 and traffic through Billericay and along the diversion route.

Motorists are currently being diverted along the B1002 from Mountnessing to Margaretting. It is expected that the road will reopen early tomorrow morning (January 18).

Woman trapped in sinking car after it plunged into deep floodwater

Away from issues on the A12, a woman had to be rescued from her car after it plunged into deep floodwater and became submerged.

The incident happened on Hurrells Lane, Little Baddow, and resulted in Essex County Fire and Rescue, Essex Police, and East of England Ambulance Service attending the scene.

The water level rose to the women's chest as the car sunk deeper into the water. The driver was rescued about 30 minutes after emergency services arrived. She was checked over by paramedics after being rescued.

'Complex operation' ongoing to clear flooding on A12

National Highways say a "complex operation" is ongoing to clear water on the A12 between J12 and 14. They are trying to solve flooding as a result of a blocked drainage pipe.

Specialist contractors are on the scene working to clear the road. A spokesperson for National Highways East tweeted: "The A12 in Essex remains closed northbound between J12 (Mountnessing) & J14 (Margaretting) due to flooding as a result of a blocked drainage pipe.

"A complex operation is ongoing to clear the pipe & the water from the road surface. There's still a 30 minute delay on approach."

A12 northbound closed between Chelmsford and Brentwood for 'emergency' repairs

The A12 has been closed for almost ten hours due to freezing temperatures overnight resulting in a burst watermain between junctions 12 and 14. It is affecting motorists trying to reach Essex between Brentwood and Chelmsford.

Drivers are now being diverted along the B1002 from Mountnessing to Margeretting. It's not known when the route will reopen, but Essex Travel Centre says it could be in place until "the early hours of tomorrow morning".

Good afternoon

I'm Matt and I'm just taking over the running of this A12 blog. The A12 remains northbound between J12 and 14 due to a burst water main and recent freezing temperatures.

Essex and Suffolk release statement about A12 closure

Essex and Suffolk Water released a statement about the A12 Northbound closure.

A spokesperson for Essex & Suffolk Water said: “Working with Essex County Council’s Highways team, we have been carrying out investigations in recent days into water on the carriageway of the A12.

“We have now confirmed this is not water from our network, and there has not been a burst in this area. The matter has now been passed back to the local authority.”

Severe traffic delays 50 min estimate

Highways England estimated a 50 minutes traffic delay above usual journey times due to the A12 closure from a burst water main.

Four miles of congestion on the approach to the closure has also been reported.

Met Office issues yellow ice warning across Essex

Met Office has issued a yellow ice warning across Essex this morning following icy road conditions affecting traffic.

The warning was put in place at 10.21 am by the national weather service for 6 pm till 10 am tomorrow morning (January 18).

Currently, the A12 is severely affected due to a burst water main caused by freezing temperatures overnight.

Read here for more information

Flooding alerts in Essex

There are currently two flooding alerts in Essex.

One has been issued for the Middle River Roding including Abridge, Loughton, and Buckhurst Hill.

Another one is based at The Mardyke to the River Thames at Purfleet, covering areas in West Hordon, South Ockendon, Purfleet- on-Thames.

An alert placed on The River Wid from Brentwood, to and including Writtle, and the River Can at Chelmsford were removed this morning at 9.47 am.

Highways England East releases A12 statement

Highways England East has released a statement about the A12.

The A12 Northbound between Junction 12 and 14 is closed after a burst water main this morning due to freezing temperatures overnight.

A National Highways spokesperson said:

"A closure is in place on the A12 at junction 12 for safety reasons due to a dangerous combination of a burst water main and freezing temperatures leading to ice forming on the carriageway.

"Essex and Suffolk Water are expected on site imminently to assess the damage. We'll be in a better position to provide a full update as soon as we have more information from the assessment”

A12 Diversion routes confirmed

National Highways have confirmed a diversion route that has been put in place following the A12 closure due to burst water mains.

The burst water mains were caused by freezing temperatures overnight.

National Highways advises motorists to:

• Exit the A12 at J12 Marylands and take the B1002 to Mountnessing.
• Continue on the B1002 through Mountnessing, Heybridge, Ingatestone and Margaretting to rejoin A12 northbound at Junction 15 Webbs Farm.

Essex Fire and Safety Warning

Essex Fire and Safety Team has confirmed numerous collisions on more minor ungritted roads caused by icy patches following the A12 burst water main.

They have urged motorists to "take it easy this morning, check travel reports & arrive safely."

Traffic Delays in the Shenfield and Brentwood areas updated

Essex County Council Traffic News have posted delays in the Shenfield and Brentwood area.

They wrote: "Delays in an around Brentwood - not helped by the closure of the A12 northbound at J12 (Shenfield) because of ice on the carriageway following a burst water main."

Location on the A12 burst water main

According to AA traffic, very slow traffic can be detected on the A12 from Harold Hill to Ingatestone.

Severe delays and traffic queues in the Brentwood area.

Hullbridge flooding

Roads in Hullbridge have been affected by floods since yesterday.

Traffic reports started to appear yesterday at 2.39 pm when flooding occurred between Hullbridge Road (Hullbridge) and Beeches Road (Battlesbridge).

Watery Lane is currently closed in both directions due to the flooding and it is unknown when it will reopen.

Minor Weeley Road Closure

• Colchester Road in Weeley is closed in both directions due to a collision and ice between Crow Lane and Whitehall Lane.

Traffic reports started to appear at 5.31 am.

The minor B road has been closed since and it is unknown when it will reopen.

A12 Closure

Traffic reports came in at 7.31 am when an A12 Northbound road was closed due to a burst water main and ice.

According to INRIX, the freezing over-night temperatures have caused the water from the burst main to freeze, making the carriageway dangerous.

The incident is between Junction 12 A1023 Chelmsford Road (Mountnessing / Shenfield) to J14 Ivy Barn Lane ( Margaretting).

Severe delays and traffic queues are being reported following the closure.

Congestion is also being reported to the M25 Junction 28.

It is unknown when the roads will reopen. EssexLive has contacted relevant services for more details.

Severe A12 delays due to burst water main

Welcome to this live blog.

Here is what we know so far.

• A12 Northbound is closed due to a burst water main and ice from Junction 12 A1203 Chelmsford Road Mountnessing / Shenfield) to J14 Ivy Barn Lane ( Margaretting ).

Watery Lane in Hullbridge is closed in both directions due to flooding between Hullbridge Road (Hullbridge) and Beeches Road

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U.S. reissues Level 2 travel warning for Germany. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip

• Updated: May. 04, 2024, 10:10 a.m. |
• Published: May. 04, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

The U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for Germany due to fears of terrorism. AP

• Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for Germany due to fears of terrorism.

The State Department issued the advisory on Wednesday, ranking the travel advisory on a scale of two out of four. This means that those traveling to an area must “exercise increased caution.”

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” the State Department noted.

The agency added that terrorists could target tourism and transportation hubs, as well as shopping destinations, hotels, clubs, restaurants, local government facilities and major events.

The State Department noted on its website that for those who do decide to travel to Germany, travelers should pay attention to their surroundings , follow the instructions of local authorities, be aware of the latest breaking news in the area and adjust your plans, if necessary. The organization also urges travelers to Germany to create a contingency plan for emergency situations as well as sign up for the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier for the State Department to locate you in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Department of State has issued several travel warnings this year with those most recently centered around the Caribbean.

One was a Level 4 “do not travel” warning against traveling to the country of Haiti due to kidnappings and gang violence.

Another warning from the State Department cautioned travelers to “reconsider travel” to the country of Jamaica after 65 people were murdered in one month.

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2024 Youth Fishing Derby At Grover Cleveland Park (What To Know)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Get ready to bait those hooks: Essex County is bringing back its annual youth fishing derbies for 2024.

Kids and teens 15 and under are welcome to test their angling skills at the free competitions, which will take place over a two-week period at seven locations throughout the county park system (see list below).

Here’s what to know about this year’s events, which are sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs:

“Each derby is free and open to children ages 15 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own fishing pole, bait, bucket and chair. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles. Prizes in various age categories for catching the first and most fish will be awarded at the conclusion of each derby.”

The fishing derbies will be held as follows:

• Tuesday, May 21: Essex County Irvington Park Pond, Grove Street and Lyons Avenue, Irvington. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 22: Essex County Monte Irvin Orange Park Pond, Center Street and Harrison Street, Orange. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Thursday, May 23: Essex County Grover Cleveland Park Pond, Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Caldwell/Essex Fells. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 28: Essex County Weequahic Park Lake, Elizabeth Avenue and Meeker Avenue, Newark. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 29: Essex County Verona Park Boathouse, Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Thursday, May 30: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Cherry Lane, Orange Reservoir, Paddle Boat area. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Saturday, June 1: Essex County Branch Brook Park Prudential Concert Grove, use Park Avenue or Clifton Street entrances, Newark. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., the derby begins at 9 a.m. and awards will be presented at 10 a.m.

For more information, call 973-268-3500. In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on www.essexcountynj.org . Cancelled fishing derbies will not be rescheduled.

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Learn more about advertising on Patch here . Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The article 2024 Youth Fishing Derby At Grover Cleveland Park (What To Know) appeared first on Caldwells Patch .

North Jersey traffic - LPGA tournament in Clifton, road work on I-80, construction on 206

The Cognizant Founders Cup golf tournament begins Monday at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton and continues through Sunday.

Scheduled road work, construction, utility work, road maintenance and gas main work will cause daytime lane closures on Interstate 80; U.S. highways 1&9, 46 and 206; and state routes 10, 20 and 440.

The Prudential Center hosts the Miku Expo concert on Tuesday and DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic Live on Friday.

The New York Red Bulls take on the New England Revolution at Red Bull Arena on Saturday.

Visit 511nj.org for up-to-date traffic information and real-time traffic cameras from throughout the state, or call 511.

Bergen County traffic

• Daytime utility work will close various local roads in Tenafly and Englewood through May 10.

Essex County traffic

• The Prudential Center hosts the Miku Expo concert at 8 p.m. May 7. The Good Music Festival presents DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic Live - featuring Boyz II Men, TLC, Bobby Brown, Method Man & Redman, Faith Evans, Total and more - at 8 p.m. May 10.
• Construction on Route 1&9 closes the right express lane southbound near Wilson Avenue in Newark, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through May 10.
• Construction on Route 27 southbound between Poinier Street and Route 22 in Newark, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through May 11.

Hudson County traffic

• Road maintenance operations on Route 440 will intermittently close all northbound lanes near W. 63rd Streeet in Bayonne, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 6.
• Construction on the Pulaski Skyway will close the right lane in both directions between South Kearny and Jersey City, midnight to 5 a.m. May 10.
• At Red Bull Arena the New York Red Bulls take on the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. May 11.

Morris County traffic

• On Route 10 , gas main work closes the right lane in both directions between New Murray Road and Murray Road in East Hanover, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., May 7 through May 9. construction will close the right lane eastbound near Dover Chester Road in Randolph, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through May 12.
• On I-80 , road work closes the eastbound right lane near exit 34 in Wharton, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 8 and May 9.
• On Route 46 in both directions, construction closes the right lane between I-80 and Route 53 in Denville, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through May 10; and utility work closes the left lane between I-80 in Parsippany and Bloomfield Avenue in Montville, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through May 10.
• Traffic signal repairs and utility work on Route 53 will close the right lane in both directions between Route 10 in Morris Plains and I-80 in Denville, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through May 11.

Passaic County traffic

• The Cognizant Founders Cup LPGA golf tournament takes place at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton at 7 a.m. through May 12.
• Road work on I-80 eastbound between near exit 55 in Totowa will close up to three lanes, continuously through the end of the day May 6.
• Construction on Route 21 southbound will close the right lane near exit 11 in Passaic, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through May 8.
• On Route 20, construction closes the left lane in both directions between Route 46 and E. 24 Street in Paterson, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through May 10.

Sussex County

• Construction on Route 206 in both directions will intermittently close all northbound lanes near Limecrest Road in Andover, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 6.

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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.

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What's on the ballot in Tuesday's Essex Westford school budget revote

Essex Westford School District was one of the school budgets that Chittenden County voters rejected this spring. After some adjustments , the new budget faces a revote on May 7.

On Tuesday, residents of Essex Town, Essex Junction and Westford will get a chance to vote on a general fund budget of $93,929,553. This is amount the district proposes to use to operate the 10 schools in the consolidated district for the next school year. Voters did approve the Center for Technology Essex budget on April 9.

This revised budget is $4.5 million less than the original ask and is a 4% increase in education spending over the current budget. The property tax impact on residents is expected to be an increase of: 14.6% for Essex Junction; 12.3% for Essex Town and 9.6% for Westford.

Here's a comparison between the two budget votes:

• April 9 vote:  $97,820,207 school budget; represented a 10.1% spending increase; yielded as high as 22.8% increase in education property taxes for residents.
• May 7 vote:  $93,929,553 school budget; represents an 3.9% spending increase; yielding as high as a 14.6% increase in education property taxes for residents.

In Chittenden County, South Burlington and Milton school budgets also have yet to be approved by voters. South Burlington residents will vote for a third time on May 7 and Milton has their third vote planned for June 4.

Contact reporter   April Barton at  [email protected]  or 802-660-1854. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter,  @aprildbarton .

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They said her husband drowned snorkeling, but she saw him walk to shore. What happened?

A Michigan woman and her family are suing a Maui resort , the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau after her husband died while snorkeling . She doesn’t believe it was a drowning. 

Patricia and Ray Johnson, along with four friends, arrived at the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui on the evening of Feb. 23, 2022, with plans to visit multiple islands over several weeks. This was the couple’s sixth time in Hawaii, and they had snorkeled the Hawaiian waters many times in the past, Patricia told USA TODAY. 

On the morning of Feb. 25, some of the travelers, including Ray, went snorkeling around Wailea Beach, which fronts the resort, while Patricia opted to walk a trail that overlooks the beach. “I looked out, and I saw my husband and my friends or people out there,” she told USA TODAY. “I’m waving at him, and it hits me.” Patricia saw what looked like other snorkelers helping Ray. 

She hurried down to the beach, but “things deteriorated quickly.” At first, Ray had his head above water and was returning to the beach, but then the 64-year-old fell onto his back with his head “snapped back at one point” and had to be pulled in. “I knew he was gone,” she said. 9-1-1 was called, but medical professionals failed to resuscitate Ray. 

The autopsy report called Ray’s death an accidental drowning, which Patricia doesn’t believe. 

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“I was watching him come in, how could he be drowning?” According to her friends who were snorkeling with him, Ray was talking and also diving down under the water. At one point, he came up and said, “You gotta help me, I’m having trouble breathing,” and that’s when he decided to head back to shore. “I don’t think when people are drowning in a conditional manner, you’re going to be conversing,” she said.

What to do in Hawaii? Locals weigh in on if these popular spots are worth the hype

By a landslide, the leading cause of death for Hawaii tourists is drowning. And of ocean drownings for residents and visitors, the majority occur when snorkeling. While the ocean is powerful and unpredictable, some advocates, including the Johnsons, are trying to bring attention to a lesser-known medical condition that specifically poses risks to snorkelers and hasn’t gotten much attention over the years: Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE). 

The Johnson family believes ROPE is the real cause of Ray’s death, and the lawsuit alleges that Hawaii travel entities have failed to educate the public on ROPE, resulting in “an important public health concern,” according to the complaint filed in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit in the State of Hawaii in February 2024. The case should begin the fact-discovery process this week.

The Hawaiian Tourism Authority, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and Fairmont Kea Lani declined to comment on the lawsuit. 

“I would like to see warnings out there,” Patricia told USA TODAY. “I truly believe my husband would still be here if we’d been warned.” 

How is snorkeling dangerous?

Breathing through a snorkel tube is similar to pinching your nose and breathing in through your mouth. The resistance is immediate. ROPE occurs when the negative pressure on the lungs ends up sucking bodily fluids out of the capillaries and into the airways, according to Dr. Raj Dasgupta , a California-based pulmonologist. 

“That snorkel resistance to airflow,” he said. “They want to breathe in but they have to breathe through that straw.”

Once fluid is in the lungs, it becomes difficult to breathe and people can experience hypoxia, or a lack of sufficient oxygen. “You slowly become weak then into a loss of consciousness,” Dasgupta said. Underlying health conditions such as heart and lung disease also increase someone’s predisposed risk for ROPE, he said.

If a person begins to feel shortness of breath, they may panic, causing more exertion, which can be life-threatening if they’re already suffering from a lack of oxygen, Dasgupta said. 

Drowning by ROPE is “fundamentally different” than typical drowning when people are aspirating water or submerged and often showing signs of distress, the complaint said.

A lack of public awareness

In October 2017, after California woman – and avid swimmer and snorkeler – Nancy Peacock died while snorkeling in calm waters off the coast of Hawaii Island in a full-face mask and no signs of struggle, the Hawaii State Department created the Snorkeling Safety Sub-Committee to “address public concern about snorkel-related drownings.”

In a Snorkeling Safety Study led by the sub-committee, 50 different snorkels were tested, and the experts examined nonfatal and fatal drownings. The interim report released in July 2020 concluded that “ROPE-induced hypoxia is a factor in fatal and nonfatal snorkel drownings.” The study also had a survey conducted at Oahu’s most popular snorkeling spot, Hanauma Bay, but only 36 participants – mostly locals – were interviewed due to the islands being closed to travel during the pandemic. 

The high altitude from air travel impacting someone’s lungs may be a contributing factor, but there wasn’t enough evidence in the study to confirm this. Since getting to Hawaii requires at least a five-hour flight, it’s possible that fatigue and stress from flying could play a role in someone’s risk of drowning by ROPE. 

The Hawaiian Tourism Authority funded the study to “develop appropriate safety messages.” However, as of April 2024, there have not been any public-facing messages on any of the official Hawaii tourism websites. Information cards have been passed out to most Kauai and Oahu tour boat operators, the subcommittee said. Although the study is preliminary and not robust in terms of participants and even calls for further investigation, it is the only one to explore ROPE in snorkelers so far.

“Why aren’t we in Hawaii letting people know?” said Jay Stuemke, an Oahu-based attorney who filed the complaint on the Johnsons’ behalf. “Pamphlets in rooms, apps, websites, in-room videos, all types of mechanisms to warn people. It’s an easy enough thing to do. We believe had they done that, Ray would still be alive today as well as many other people.” 

Snorkeling safety tips

◾ Always snorkel with a buddy, and if you can’t swim, don’t snorkel.

◾ Choose a snorkel with a wide opening and no constrictions in the mouthpiece.

◾ Learn to use the snorkel device before venturing out into water that’s too deep to stand in.

◾ If you feel shortness of breath, stay calm, remove the snorkel and get out of the water immediately, Dasgupta said.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .