kk travel and tour

Recognized as a Tourist Transport Operator by Travel Trade Division, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

24 x 7 Help Line +91 9822979797   

Dear Customers, our site is under maintenance. In case you are facing issues with booking, kindly WhatsApp us on +91 9767 100000 Or send your booking details on [email protected]

Faster , Safe , Reliable and Economical Transfers to Mumbai Airports.

Doorstep and Economical transfers to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Terminal from Pune and Nashik cities. Shared cabs carrying 4 passengers depart on an hourly basis and charter cabs will depart as per your convenient time

What we Offer

Mumbai Airport transfers , Cabs for local and outstation hire , Lohegaon Airport & Pune Railway Station Pick up / Drop Service , Cars on Monthly Contract basis

Mumbai Airport Charter Cab

Hate to wait? Use our Charter Cab transfers to move faster and reach faster.

Mumbai Airport Shared Cab

Travel in our Shared Cab for an eco-friendly and economical trip.

Travel in our Cab for an eco-friendly and economical trip.

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RECENT NEWS

KK TRAVELS NEWS & UPDATES

• Phone number change
• Booking Payment and Currency update
• Association with Govt of India
• Recognition as Tourist Transport Operator by Govt.
• K K Travels - One Stop Travel Solution

The journey of K K Travels began in the year 1988 with Kedar S Kasar in the driving seat. He set out with one car but with a drive to succeed in the race.

It was a challenge to meet the requirements of the customers with just one car at the disposal. But the sincerity to serve did not go unnoticed and soon the company was associated with corporate clients.

Tie-ups with some esteemed multinational & large and small national companies followed and K K Travels became a force to reckon with on the road.

The Brand “K K Travels” got recognition and was further developed with sheer hard work.

The company’s cars and buses were now hired on call as well as yearly contract basis. What put it ahead in the fiercely competitive marketplace was uncompromising hard work, punctuality, safety, periodic renewal of fleet and excellent friendly back office support.

In 1995, the company rolled out air-conditioned buses for Pune – Mumbai (CSIT) airport and Pune airport transfer. The highlight of the service was residence pickup and drop within Pune City and adjoining areas.

The strategy was same; starting with a single schedule and one bus and later expanding to hourly to and fro departures between Pune and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Terminal ( Mumbai Airports )and vice versa.

The success was repeated in 2006 in Nashik city with pickup and drop facility between residence and airport. It now has daily 12 departures from both sides.

That same year in June, the company started providing a bouquet of tours and travel services that included Air Ticketing, Holiday Tours (Domestic & International), Hotel Booking, Passport & Visa Assistance; Currently run under the brand www.kktravelsonline.com.

The next year, the company shifted gears from Bus Service to Hourly Shared Cab Services for Airport transfers to meet the heavy demand for departures at shorter intervals and unfriendly traffic conditions in Pune and Mumbai Cities.

The journey so far has taken the company places with a fleet of 300 cabs and own offices in Pune, Mumbai and Nashik . All the offices are operational round-the-clock. The bookings are done online with the Pune, Mumbai and Nashik offices connected with a Server stationed in Pune.

Despite the growth, the motto still remains delighting the customers on their journeys, no matter how long or short that be.

In the year 2016 , K K Travels has been granted E-recognition as a Tourist Transport Operator by Travel Trade Division, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

Mumbai Airport Cab

Travel in our Airport Shared Cab for an eco-friendly and economical trip.

Hate to wait? Use our charter cab transfers to move faster and reach right on time.

"The World is a book , and those who do not travel read only a page."

-saint augustine.

Hate to wait?

Testimonials

Good and prompt service using the app. Used the app to book the cab, got a reply from KK travels reasonably quickly. I have given 4 stars for the app not for the service. Services is better than 5stars. Sumant Joshi

Reliable n trusted travel company. Pankaj Sethi

A very old customer of kk travels..pick up n delivery on time.. Leo Rodrigues

Best car service in pune. Abhisshek Goanel

Safe Service. Arvind Abhyankar

Very safe and punctual service. Drivers are discliplined and always follow highway safety and speed limits. Arihant Dange

KK Travels is one of the finest travel partners in the history of MakeMyTrip. They have given 100% service with full commitment. KK Travels has strong focus on Customer Delight which makes them stand out. MakeMyTrip hopes to continue doing business with KK Travels and wishes them all the best for all future endeavors Rohan Gupta, Product Manager, MakeMyTrip.

“I have been taking the services of K K Travels from more than a year now. I would have travelled not less than 80 times from Mumbai to Pune or Pune to Mumbai but till date there is not a single day where there was any issue with regards to the pick up. The vehicle has reported well on time & the drivers are always courteous and always take care of driving on the express highway. Many a times the request is catered at the last moment with the same standard of service. I really appreciate the services offered with the economical rates by K K Travels”. Pravin Ganji, Manager - Administration,Opus Software Solutions Pvt.Ltd

“I have used the K K services. As a Airport Shuttle it is the best services that i used. I booked for Mumbai Airport From Pune. The Pick and drop facilities is good. They will maintain the time difference and drop you to the destination before the time. i Booked on sharing basis even its too good . The cab condition are good and comfort. Also the Driver have the good behavior and of cooperative nature . I preferred to used the Cab in future also.” Dilip Mishra, Symphony TeleCa India Corporation Pvt Ltd

“I am very satisfied with the quality of service that I have been rendered by KK Travel over past 8 trips that they provided to me for the Pune - Mumbai Airport route. I am a frequent flyer and only trust on professional and reliable services as those rendered by KK Travels. While there will be always room of improvement in any running organization, I can confirm that KK Travels provided me the best value of money.” NIKHIL MISHRA

Service was excellent .both the times Driver was on time,polite,good driving. Reached on time .staff on the phones also very helpful. Really impressed with the services inspite of huge number. Keep up the good work. Mrs. Anjum Syed

I use my first time a cab from KK-Travels. I am very satisfied. The Car was in a very good condition, the driver very friendly and very care about me. In all time the Cab was punctual, very safe, comfortable. I will use KK_Travels any time again. Highly Recommended. Thorsten Voigt

I am very happy with my overall experience with kk travels. First time booked charter cab n got the satifaction of overall travel what i was promised. So in all keep up your gud work team KK. I do n in future will keep recommending ur services. Padmini Bagayat

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCREDITATIONS / MEMBERSHIPS

Let's Keep In Touch!

Thank you for visiting our website. If you would like to post your compliment or complaint , please fill out the below form.

Pune Head Office

(+91)- 9860100100

(+91)- 9822979797

(+91)- 9822979797 / 9767100000

[email protected]

Nashik Branch

(+91)- 0253 - 2507979

(+91) - 9011797979

[email protected]

Mumbai Branch

(+91)- 022 - 26829859

(+91)- 9579979797

[email protected] / [email protected]

About our story

KK Travel’s founder, Krisha, comes from a family of travel gurus who have owned and operated a successful travel agency for over 60 years. Armed with over 2 decades of agency experience herself, Krisha’s dream was to one day own her own shop. This dream became a reality in 2014.

KK Travels & Tours is a full service travel agency that operates out of St.Maarten. KK Travels & Tours specializes in leisure and corporate travel on all major airlines & cruise lines. We have access to several major booking reservation systems that help us obtain a variety in fare options and access to flights all over the world.

We’ve also hand picked several affordable flight and hotel packages to various destinations, such as Curacao, Barbados, Santa Domingo, New York, Canada, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela and many more destinations. If you don’t see your preferred destination in our list of vacation packages, please contact any one in our team of travel specialists and we will create a custom-made package for you.

We’re also the preferred agent for Winair, which serves many Caribbean destinations from their home base in St Maarten.

WE SERVE INCLUDE

Island Hopping In Style

Land & sea cruise packages.

From the stunning beaches of the Bahamas to the turquoise waters and lush mountains of St Lucia, let us custom build your next land & cruise vacation.

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Perfecting the Art of Travel Planning

We have redefined the art of travel planning and made it an enjoyable and collaborative process for our clients. With supreme attention to detail and unparalleled customer service, we start with a conversation and end with the trip of a lifetime.

As the new generation of travel advisors, KKTWW is dedicated to delivering safe and seamless travel experiences while crafting meaningful memories for our clients.

Founded in 2013, our firm has perfected the process of constructing and executing an itinerary from soup to nuts. Our goal reaches beyond planning one flawless itinerary, but rather for our first collaboration to serve as the starting point for a long-term relationship. Each trip allows us to gain a deeper understanding of your preferences, ultimately resulting in more meaningful travel experiences and memories to last a lifetime. From complex itineraries on the other side of the world to a staycation closer to home and everything in between, we endeavor to be your one-stop shop for all of your travel needs.

Our Process

Collaboration.

We establish open lines of communication to brainstorm ideas, answer questions, provide guidance and develop the strategy necessary to execute a flawless itinerary. We work closely with you to understand your likes and dislikes, preferred travel style and specific travel needs. We answer questions you didn’t know you had and read between the lines to ensure each component of your trip is carefully customized according to your interests.

Itinerary Development

We design a fully customized itinerary proposal and provide thoughtful explanations for each component (e.g. number of days suggested in each destination, specific properties that best align with your preferences, overall itinerary flow, logistical considerations and costs). Prioritizing transparency, efficiency and safety, we are committed to ensuring each itinerary is comprised of unique and seamless experiences that are carefully crafted to exceed your expectations.

Confirmation

We book and confirm all components of your itinerary, from hotels and flights to guided tours, activities, restaurant reservations, spa treatments, transfers, travel insurance and more! We provide you with a comprehensive itinerary encompassing your day-to-day schedule, contact information and other helpful details, such as packing lists, gratuity guidelines and insider tips. Our itineraries are also linked to an app, providing convenient access to your travel details and documents right on your smartphone. Prior to your departure, we reconfirm all reservations and ensure our special KKTWW touches are incorporated throughout your trip.

Customer Service

From the moment we start planning until you return from your trip, you will have a dedicated advisor to assist you with all of your questions and travel needs. Whether we are in an initial brainstorming phase or addressing unforeseen complications during your trip, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled customer service, and our solution-oriented team of critical thinkers is ready and eager to support you every step of the way.

What Our Clients Are Saying About KKTWW

KK Travels Worldwide is truly a world-class luxury travel agency. We have used them for both minimoon and honeymoon planning. Every interaction with their team is professional, knowledgeable and detail oriented. Especially in the ever-changing world of COVID travel, they've helped us navigate every situation efficiently and with grace (cancellations, flight changes, rescheduling, etc.). Due to their extensive industry relationships, we've also received amazing benefits with each booking like free breakfast, resort credits and additional perks like a champagne welcome on arrival. They are truly full-service. Give their team an idea of what you're looking for and they'll handle hotels, flight bookings, restaurants, spas, transportation, etc. It's white glove service all the way! - Emily S.

We were lucky to find KK Travels Worldwide about three years ago, and now we wouldn't travel without them. I find them valuable in 3 primary ways: 1) They are extraordinary with ideas & help whittle down a world full of options (literally) into the perfect spot. I email or call Annie & Kristen, give basic parameters of what I'm looking for, and they come back with options and refine until we land on a spot. 2) They provide an amazing value. Basically, every trip we've done through them has come with daily resort credits, daily meal credits, and/or upgrades. I can definitively say we save money and enhance our experience by using them. 3) They take the thinking and pressure off travel. There are more resources than ever to research, etc., but there are more potential destinations than ever. Feeling confident that you're making a good travel decision is virtually impossible without having a guide. KKTWW is that guide for us, and we'll use them as long as we travel. As a side note, they are also amazingly helpful with business travel and logistics. I'd highly recommend on that front as well. - Joey O.

My experience with KK Travels Worldwide has been nothing short of amazing! I recently worked with Alex Korey to plan my honeymoon and cannot recommend her or this company enough. Throughout the past year and a half, we ended up planning multiple itineraries due to international travel restrictions, COVID cancellations, etc. Alex handled each situation with the utmost professionalism, patience and grace. Always positive and upbeat, she managed to take the stress out of everything and still make the planning process fun despite it being such a crazy year! The trip ran so smoothly due to Alex's excellent foresight and planning, and we were greeted with special KKTWW touches at each stop. I can't thank her enough for helping to make this whole process - and the actual honeymoon - such a bright spot in my year! This team is truly the BEST, and I can't imagine planning a trip without them moving forward!! - Ginna E.

KK Travels Worldwide has helped our family with multiple vacations over the past few years – some last-minute trips, some planned well in advance, some to new places, some to old-favorites. Each trip has been as excellent as advertised. Annie Lee Barber always does a fantastic job listening to what we are looking for, gives us options that stay within our budget, and challenges our assumptions for what will make the trip even more special than we are hoping for. This is the best luxury travel agency we have ever worked with, can't recommend them any higher. First class operation. - Daniel P.

KK Travels Worldwide arranged a magnificent trip for my wife and me to The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Their attention to details while setting up private tours of both National Parks and float trips down the Snake River was professional and with the right amount of personal touch! Arranging beautiful hotels and suggesting the right things to see and do was spot on! This allowed for a most memorable trip that we will cherish for our lifetime. We are grateful and blessed to know such a wonderful group as KK Travels Worldwide! - Tom A.

I have been so happy with the multiple trips KK Travels Worldwide has booked for my family. We first used the company to book our honeymoon safari. I can’t imagine how involved booking every aspect of the safari trip is, and then to have to rebook it all! Kristen and her team made a process that could have been extremely stressful easy. Since then, they have booked 4 more trips, have responded to my millions of emails rapidly, helped me rebook and cancel again due to Covid, and overall provide such a great service. I’m sure under normal circumstances, they are a joy to work with but in a pandemic, they have been exceptional. - Haley S.

KK Travels Worldwide is the best travel agency I've ever worked with. They booked my last three trips, and all of our reservations were scheduled perfectly. Kristen and Maggie were wonderful to work with, very attentive and knowledgeable; they know the best hotels and travel spots in the world. The price was reasonable, and there is really nobody better in this business. Many thanks for making our vacations the best ever!! - Maria C.

I worked with Ashlyn Sargent to plan my honeymoon. Our first plan was to travel internationally to multiple countries and Ashlyn did a fantastic job making recommendations and setting up all reservations. She was also extremely helpful when we had to cancel our trip. No matter how many times we changed our mind or wanted to explore different accommodations or locales, Ashlyn was quick to provide all the information we needed. I can't imagine sifting through all of the options without her help and intel. When it came time to re-plan our honeymoon within the US, Ashlyn was again quick with recommendations and knowledgeable about different amenities and pros/cons of different resorts and locations. Our stay in Miami (where we ultimately decided to honeymoon) was incredible. The accommodations Ashlyn helped arrange for us were everything she promised. It was so nice to relax during the vacation knowing Ashlyn was there in case we needed anything. I won't hesitate to work with her for future trips because she truly made planning a breeze. - Rachel G.

Annie is our client services director we engage with when we plan trips. She is quick to respond, wonderful with suggestions and we find more often than not able to secure a better rate for us with additional perks. - Richard G.

We recently returned from a holiday trip planned and organized with the KK Team. While we are seasoned travelers this was our first experience utilizing KK's services and we are pleased to report they did an outstanding job! Their attention to detail and responsiveness is first class! We will be repeat clients and we highly recommend KK Travels Worldwide! - P. D.

I have used KK Travels Worldwide for several vacations. From The Ranch at Rock Creek, Eden Rock St. Barth's, to safari in Africa, just to name a few. No stone was left unturned in the careful planning of my holidays. Every detail from transportation, excursions tailored to our families’ interests, dinners, access to private beach clubs, etc. are superb. Kristen and Annie go above and beyond to accommodate my every wish. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, timely, detailed (noticed my passport expiration before I did and schedule my itineraries perfectly) but what I appreciate most is that over the years they have taken the time to study and make note of what makes me happy when I am away. I can't say enough good things about KK Travels. They are the best! - Michelle M.

Annie handles all of our travel, and the only way to describe her is top notch. Very knowledgeable, responsive and very detail focused. We highly recommend KK Travels; Kristen has put together an excellent team and we have already started working on our next adventure with them. - Mike G.

We used the team at KK Travels, Maggie and Kristen, to pull together a fantastic 60th birthday celebration for us and our family. They worked within our budget and provided a number of different options that were interesting. When it came time to arriving, everything was in order and they topped it off with a thoughtful welcome gift from the hotel. No detail too small! Great job and will continue to use them for our trips. - Charles W.

We had a wonderful trip that was complex to arrange given COVID and KK Travels Worldwide executed flawlessly on it with unique amenities that we would not have received from others. I would highly recommend their service vs booking online or AMEX FHR if you're taking a luxury vacation. - Jennifer G.

KK Travels Worldwide is THE BEST travel advisory firm. They have booked everything from small weekend "staycations" to across the world complicated weeks-long vacations and everything in between for our family. They always suggest the most incredible locations and are so knowledgeable about each property. They are almost always able to add in something special like a room upgrade or a spa service. They are always so helpful, kind and patient even with some of our more last minute or high maintenance requests. We will never use anyone else! - Brooke R.

Annie and her team always provide the best service and plan a perfect luxurious stay for my husband and I wherever we go! We look forward to continuously using them for future endeavors! - Autumn J.

I am not sure I can say enough about KKTWW. I am addicted to travel and love to plan, but when work got too busy in the midst of trying to plan a trip to Thailand for family, a friend suggested I reach out to Kristen and the team. Our trip was beyond exceptional – Maggie and Annie did an amazing job of listening to everything we were hoping to experience and created a “once-in-a-lifetime” itinerary for us. I put that in quotes because we are working on “once-in-a-lifetime” trip number three! From arranging accommodations at an elephant preserve, the perfect river location in Chiang Mai for their bucket list lantern festival, to an insanely beautiful resort in Phuket – our entire trip was planned flawlessly. My Dad has mobility issues that requires extra planning – they fine tune each itinerary to ensure that every last detail is taken care of. Kristen’s experience with Italy on a subsequent trip was invaluable, as she and Maggie made a bucket list trip to Positano possible for him last year. Definitely not a place for the mobility challenged – I really think you need to be part mountain goat to get around the Amalfi Coast! But you never would have known - everything was so seamlessly planned. I really don't think there is anything the team at KKTWW can't make happen. The level of service KKTWW provides is bar none and they are super easy to work with – at every step, the team is always 10 steps ahead of me with well thought out recommendations during the planning process and an app to keep us connected and organized while abroad. So while I do love love love to plan – with the KKTWW team, I really don’t have to do anything, as I am confident they will plan a luxury travel experience that is beyond compare. I can’t recommend KKTWW highly enough. I can’t wait to travel with them again SOON! - Jennifer K.

I can’t recommend KKTWW highly enough. I won’t be using any other travel company – they are the very best. - Margaret N.

Where do I start? TBH, I've never worked with a travel expert before... choosing to typically take my chances and go it on my own. Sometimes that works, sometimes it's a big 'ole pain in the rear. Working with Nora at KK Travels has made me rethink why I haven't worked with a travel company earlier. Nora's been super communicative, amazingly helpful, and overall has made the whole experience so pain-free. The trip we booked to the Bahamas is what I consider pretty straight-forward, but I cannot wait to plan some elaborate adventures with Nora and KK Travels! - Ali R.

We worked with Mason W. to plan our wedding and trip to Greece, and she was fantastic. Very patient, accommodating and knowledgeable. - Adam M.

I use KK Travels Worldwide every year for our family vacations! I have to say that Annie has gone above and beyond in spoiling us. Her response time is quick and thorough. The team goes out of their way to make sure every last detail is facilitated perfectly. She almost always gets us upgraded and has a bottle of champagne sent to us! My husband and I have 3 grown children and trying to find an accommodation that is the right fit for all of us can be a hassle. Luckily with Annie and the amazing KKTWW team, we never have to worry about what to expect. I highly recommend booking your next vacation with the KKTWW team! - Amber R.

With full-time jobs and being parents, it is difficult to find time to plan your adventure and travel with a young child. Miriam of KKTWW came to our rescue as she did a fabulous job of helping us plan our family vacation to Whistler and Vancouver in Canada. From selecting our luxury accommodations, to dining reservations, to recommendations of activities, Miriam did a fantastic job in catering to the needs of our family and providing us with a worry free, luxury travel experience! With each step of our planning, Miriam always provided us with several alternatives, along with her thoughts and suggestions. Based upon our experience of working with Miriam, as a mom I now default to Miriam always knows best - really it should be a hashtag: #miriamknowsbestKKTWWtravel! Our Canadian adventure demonstrated her expertise. At each hotel we stayed at, Miriam ensured that our young child was well taken care of as she had already arranged all the necessities that a young child would need – crib, diaper pail, etc. We basically had to just arrive with our young child! :) We experienced the same thing for dining, as Miriam coordinated all the reservations and made sure the restaurants knew we had a young child with us. Miriam made it easy for our family to vacation without much thought as she took care of all the logistics for us! Not to mention, the perks you receive from being a KKTWW client, as usually upon check in, you may be surprised with an out-of-this-world upgrade, as what happened in Vancouver for us, as we had a 180 degree view of Coal Harbour. Words cannot express the kind of out-of-the-world luxury travel experiences Miriam and KKTWW provides. Our young family is now a huge fan! This is why we entrusted Miriam of KKTWW with our upcoming international adventure! Thank you for all that you do, Miriam! You are FABULOUS! - Linda V.

I have had three wonderful luxury travel experiences with KK Travels Worldwide. My KKTWW travel consultant perfectly executed my vacations to a luxury villa in Costa Rica, Le Guanahani in St. Barths, and several luxury hotels all across Morocco. She provided me with an app that outlined my itinerary for each trip along with contact information for each hotel, which was beyond helpful, and was always available to me 24/7 on every trip. She used my questionnaire answers to cater to my specific requests from the activities I wanted to do down to my food allergies and favorite beverage. There is always a hand-written note from KKTWW and complimentary beverage waiting for me when I arrive, and the rapport KKTWW has with the hotel staff really enhances the experience. I can't wait to go on my next KKTWW luxury vacation! - Mary D.

I cannot say enough good things about kk travels worldwide. My husband and I had to cancel our original honeymoon plans a week in advance because of covid and decided to re-route to St Barths. Annie and Kristen put together the most incredible itinerary for us in just a few days. They listen to your interests and needs, and create your schedule based on that. They are so responsive, answering my emails within minutes, and extremely on top of everything COVID wise as well. They told us exactly what we needed to travel and helped organize all of our covid tests. Not a detail was missed with these two! The agency got us reservations at the best restaurants only days in advance and made sure we were always well taken care of! They organized a car rental for us which was waiting at the villa when we arrived. We truly didn’t have to think about any logistics bc of them and we were able to focus on enjoying our honeymoon! Thank you KK Travels!! - Dani G.

Working with KK Travels Worldwide was a fantastic idea! A friend of mine referred me to Ashlyn and she was amazing to work with. She looked at so many options for our trip and was very patient as we made our decision. The perks that were offered when working through KK Travels made the trip even better. I would absolutely recommend working with them and Ashlyn specifically. I cannot wait to plan our next trip! - Claire K.

This was our first time using KK Travels for a much needed adult getaway to St. Barts and Ashlyn couldn't have been better to work with! She helped us narrow down our options based on what we were looking for, kept us up to date with all the COVID travel changes and was incredibly responsive with any questions! We can't wait to use Ashlyn and KK Travels again for our next trip. - Ashley G.

We love working with KK Travels! Even with the easy option of online booking, I know that KKTWW will always take the best care of us and make local recommendations and reservations we could not find or secure on our own. The hotels seem to love them as well because we always get special gifts throughout our stay when we book through KKTWW. - Caroline R.

I've worked with KK Travels Worldwide for over 10 years. They offer the best insight, advice, and provide a great deal of value. We often not only end up at the right place for us, but get upgrades and outstanding service. We've worked with them for trips all over the world. Highly recommend! - Jimmy A.

We had such an amazing time on our recent (and first time) trip to St. Barths! All of the team at KK Travels did such an amazing job with every last detail and we loved every minute of our trip. Our stay at Eden Rock will go down in the books as one of our favorites of all time. We are forever grateful to KK's team and will use them for all of our subsequent trips!! - Emily W.

We have been working with KK Travels Worldwide for about six years and would highly recommend their services. As two entrepreneurs and business owners, my husband and I expect prompt communication and attention to detail, and KK consistently delivers. The KK team is in constant touch with resort/hotel staff and restauranteurs to ensure top tier service and accommodations; our trips to London, Paris, Salzburg, Munich, California, North Carolina, St. Barths and beyond have been unique and logistically smooth. In fact, when we experienced a problem with our hotel in Paris several years back, I was on the phone with KK to request a shift in accommodations, and KK made it happen immediately and with no hassle to us. We are extremely appreciative of their hard work to ensure that each trip we take is perfect, and we highly recommend the KK team for any travel from one night to one month, close by or far away. - Morgan S.

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1. Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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10. Island Hopping

11. Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing

12. PADI Discover Scuba Diving DSD - Try-Dive Experience!

13. Private Desa Dairy Farm, Kinabalu National Park, Hot Spring & Canopy Walk Tour

14. Kiulu White Water River Rafting

15. Scuba Try Dive - PADI Discover Scuba Diving DSD in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

16. Manukan Island + Sapi or Mamutik Island Trip from Kota Kinabalu

17. Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip (3 Dives)

18. Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies River Cruise

19. Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring

20. 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climbing

21. Full-Day Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Day Trip

22. Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Tour

23. Mount Kinabalu Climbing 2 Days 1 Night

24. Sabah: Ticket to Rainbow island day trip with lunch

25. Kota Kinabalu ATV Riding and Dairy Farm at Mountain Kinabalu

26. Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise - Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies

27. Kinabalu Park Day Tour

28. Day Trip Sepilok Orang Utan & Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey

29. Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu

30. Kinabalu National Park Tour

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Spain Issues Warning to UK Tourists: Popular Destination to Restrict Visitors and Fine Those Who Break Rules

T ravelers planning a trip to a beloved Spanish destination should be aware of new restrictions to preserve the city’s charm and livability. Starting April 10, San Sebastian, a jewel in Spain’s Basque region known for its exquisite scenery, culinary excellence, and inviting beaches, will implement a policy limiting guided tour groups to no more than 25 individuals.

This measure is introduced to alleviate issues such as traffic congestion, excessive noise, and the general inconvenience caused by the influx of tourists, which has become a significant concern in recent years.

Authorities in San Sebastian have announced fines of up to 1,500 euros for tour guides who exceed this limit, emphasizing the city’s commitment to maintaining a balance between welcoming tourists and ensuring the quality of life for its residents.

The decision comes in response to the growing tourist population that flocks to the city annually, seeking to experience its cultural and natural beauty but inadvertently contributing to overcrowding in its most popular spots.

Tour guides have already prohibited public address systems to further regulate the tourist flow and minimize disruption. Tour activities will now be confined to 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

The city council explains that the surge in guided tours has significantly impacted San Sebastian’s daily life, particularly in its most frequented areas, necessitating these regulatory measures.

Efforts to guide tourist behavior more thoughtfully were initiated last summer when city officials released guidelines for tour operators, advising against lingering in busy public spaces and avoiding high-traffic areas during peak seasons. A broader strategy to ensure sustainable tourism has also led to a halt on new hotel constructions within the city.

The sentiment among San Sebastian’s residents is one of fatigue over the relentless wave of tourists, and a sentiment echoed in other popular destinations across Spain, which is anticipating a record-breaking number of visitors this year.

In the Canary Islands and Costa del Sol, local communities have voiced their discontent, highlighting the negative impacts of mass tourism on the environment, infrastructure, housing, and the cost of living.

In an unprecedented move, Venice is set to trial a visitor fee next month, charging tourists 5 euros per day to mitigate the adverse effects of overcrowding. This pilot program aims to strike a delicate balance, preserving the historical and cultural integrity of these beloved cities while still welcoming those who wish to explore them.

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The BEST Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (Top Tips & Travel Guide)

by Aileen Adalid Things to Do , Malaysia 68 comments

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A couple of months after I made the decision to quit my job  and start a travel lifestyle, I was browsing through cheap flight options with a friend of mine so that we can plan a quick getaway. During our search, a trip to Kota Kinabalu (KK) caught my eye and it quickly piqued my interest. (Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu)

You see, if you’ve ever thought of Malaysia, I bet that the top destination that comes to your mind is Kuala Lumpur; so for sure, it intrigued me what might be there to see in Kota Kinabalu — and I’m telling you, there’s a LOT!

So without further ado, we booked the flights and spent 3 days in this Malaysian city. After days of exploration… I was in bliss.

Our whole trip was ‘low key’ and tranquil, but it was clear that Kota Kinabalu can be a charming destination for just about anyone due to the existence of lush rainforests, paradisiac islands, and of course: Mount Kinabalu.

Facts about Kota Kinabalu

• Kota Kinabalu or KK is perched on the northwest coast of the island of Borneo and it is the capital of the state of Sabah (one of two states of East Malaysia).
• It is actually named after Mount Kinabalu , which is located about 50 kilometers northeast of the city and it is also the highest mountain found in Malaysia.
• This is deemed the largest city in Sabah and it is also the main gateway into the island of Borneo.
• Islam is the most professed religion, that’s why Malaysia as a whole is fairly conservative. Rest assured, most cities are liberal so you should have no problem wearing shorts for example (and besides, they would understand since you are a foreigner) . However, it helps to not bare too much flesh with very revealing clothes or whatnot, most especially if you go to rural areas.
• The citizens are comprised of Brunei Malays, Bajau, Chinese, Kadazandusun, and immigrants who are mostly from Indonesia and the Philippines.
• The languages used on the island are Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, English, and Hakka dialect. (Rest assured, almost everyone can speak English so it shouldn’t be a problem for you as a tourist).

» Quick Travel Planning

• Top tours & experiences
• Find flights to Kota Kinabalu
• Visa requirements
• Best places to stay
• Travel insurance (5% discount)
• Stay connected

Table of Contents

Geisha Facts

1. island hop in tunku abdul rahman national park.

Named after Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park or Marine Park is comprised of 5 islands and a trip to this area will only take you 15 to 30 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu. The islands are namely…

• Gaya : The largest island in the park and the closest to downtown Kota Kinabalu. In here, you can find a lot of hiking trails so it makes for a scenic stroll since it is a dense virgin tropical forest reserve after all. Resorts are also speckled across certain areas, and of course, there is one beach stretch that you shouldn’t miss: Police Bay which has immaculate white sand and turquoise waters. Other activities to try are scuba diving and sea walking. .
• Sapi : Located just on the southwestern part of Gaya, this also has one of the nicest beaches in this marine park! A lot of tourists flock here for snorkeling, diving, barbecuing, and even camping. .
• Manukan : The 2nd largest island in the park and arguably the most popular destination for things to do in Kota Kinabalu that’s suggested by locals. Perhaps because of this fact, Manukan has the most developed tourist facilities. ( TIP : for the best beach, go to the eastern part) .
• Mamutik : This may be the smallest island of the five but it is the perfect place to go if you want to escape the tourist crowd. .
• Sulug : This is the farthest island which makes it the most remote and underdeveloped of them all. But certainly, that doesn’t stop some travelers from stopping by and enjoying the ‘peace’. .

There’s also an island in the south called Pulau Tiga that you can travel to if you want to see a mud volcano and if you want to do more snorkeling and coral reef dives.

TIP: Wanna go on guided tours to some of the islands above? Check out the following: – Sapi and Manukan 1-Day Tour Trip – Sapi Scuba Diving Day Tour – Mantanani Island with Kawa Kawa River Cruise – Mengalum Island Snorkeling Day Tour – Gaya Island Fishing Trip

2. Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village

Photos by Daniel Pietzsch / CC

If you want a closer look into the life of 5 ethnic communities present in Sabah — the sea gypsies of Bajau , the rice farmers of  Dusun, the fishermen of Lundayeh , the hunters of  Murut , and the longhouse-builders of Rungus — the Mari Mari Cultural Village is a definite must-see.

In this village, you will witness a programmed showcase of their various traditional homes as they also present to you their cultural habits, customs, performances, and food. It may deem as a bit touristy, but it’s a great immersion and presentation of the traditional lifestyle of the Sabahan tribes (who currently have mostly turned into modern living).

~ NOTE : For a guided tour on this, book online to reserve your spot.

3. Soak in the city’s sights

After the 1945 Allied bombings, one would think that there wouldn’t be that many landmarks to see for things to do in Kota Kinabalu. Still and the same, there are surviving buildings from that historical occurrence; and as the city continues to grow, there are also a lot of sights to see in this wondrous Malaysian city! Most notable are:

• Signal Hill Observatory Platform : For majestic views of the city skyline and the faraway coast, climb up to this spot! The wooden stairs that lead to this will take you 10 minutes, but it’s not a difficult climb and it’s located at #19 Lowong Dewan Street. .
• Atkinson Clock Tower : Located near Signal Hill, this was built in 1902 in memory of Francis George Atkinson and it is one of the surviving buildings after the Allied Bombings. (Atkinson was the first district officer of Kota Kinabalu, back when it was still called Jesselton during the British rule.) .
• KK Waterfront & Times Square : These are the main entertainment areas in the city and it is dotted with a lot of restaurants too. A part of the KK Waterfront is the KK esplanade and it is a great spot to hang out in if you want the catch some beautiful sunsets and take photo ops of things like the  Marlin Fish landmark, fishing boats, water taxis, and the Gaya island in the horizon. .
• Sabah State Mosque : The largest mosque in Sabah. Apparently, its dome and minaret are decorated with real gold! .
• Kota Kinabalu City Mosque : As shown in the main photo on the top of this post, it is deemed as a ‘floating mosque’ and it is the 2nd main mosque in Kota Kinabalu. As you can see, its architectural style would surely be a feast for your eyes.

For a hassle-free experience, check out these tours: – Kota Kinabalu Day Tour – Kota Kinabalu Night Tour (with Seafood Dinner)

4. Go on a food trip!

Kota Kinabalu is a melting pot of cuisines and it’s no surprise since there are a lot of nationalities and cultures mixing (and matching).

For places to go, there are the  Night Markets  (Pasar Malam) which are famed for their Malaysian and Chinese eats, the  SEDCO Square that’s popular among tourists for its seafood choices, and  Chinatown / Gaya Street  (Old Town)   that not only has a Sunday market but a string of Chinese places to dine in too.

For restaurants that you should consider trying:

• Welcome Seafood Restaurant  or  Alu-Alu Restaurant  for what else, but seafood! .
• El Centro  for when you’re missing some Western fare. .
• Ferdinand’s  for fine dining. .
• Kedai Kopi Yee Fung for a scrumptious  laksa!

For hassle-free culinary tours, check out… – Night Tour & Seafood Dinner – Cooking Class

5. Explore around Mt. Kinabalu — or better yet: climb it!

If you have the time and if you are into nature activities, climbing the World Heritage Site of Mount Kinabalu should be a must on your itinerary. It’s a relatively easy climb and some people are able to reach the summit in just a day (it’s 4,000~ meters high) but it is typically advised to be done in 3 days so that you could acclimatize.

I didn’t manage to do this activity, but a walk along the botanical garden trail at the mountain’s base is possible which will then give anyone the chance to take a whiff of some mountain air! Besides, once you reach the viewpoint, you can even see a closer look at Mount Kinabalu’s peak.

NOTE : Go for a guided 2-day tour up to Mt. Kinabalu! Book NOW online to reserve your spot.

6. Take on a river cruise

Left photo by deepgoswami / CC | Right photo by 李 尚儒  / CC

Called Klias Wetlands River Cruise, this is a day trip to the Klias Wetlands reserve that is near Kota Kinabalu.

Here, you can get the chance to spend a later part of the day cruising through a mangrove area which can enable you to witness the elusive Proboscis monkey, Long Tail Macaques, or Silver Languor Monkeys.

Additionally, you can also get to see a myriad of bird species. Come a moonless night, a display of fireflies could even give you a magical ending to this tour!

NOTE: To book a spot on this cruise, go here . Alternative: Kawa Kawa Fireflies Cruise

» Top Kota Kinabalu Tours «

Sapi and Manukan Islands Snorkel in the beautiful islands of Sabah!

Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Explore Malaysian nature!

Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide

LOCAL CURRENCY Malaysian Ringgit (MYR or RM) | $1 = RM 4~ = Php 47~

» Getting in to Kota Kinabalu

By plane. Fly into Sabah. Just head on to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (IATA): BKI (KKIA) when searching for flights. This is Malaysia’s 2nd busiest airport and the main gateway to the island. For the best deals, other than local airlines, check Skyscanner to get the best price.

To get to the city center from the airport, you can take an airport bus that leaves every hour (RM 5) or a taxi which would cost you around RM30. If walking for 1-2 hours is no problem for you, you can reach the city center in this way as well.

By boat. If you’re located somewhere near Labuan, you can also take their ferry service to Kota Kinabalu which would take you 3 hours (RM 18 for adults, regular ticket).

– – –

» Where to Stay (Kota Kinabalu Accommodations)

When looking for cheap places to stay, I always search through AirBnB and Agoda since they not only often have the best prices but they are the best booking sites when traveling in Asia!

But depending on your travel style, my top choices for accommodations are:

• Budget :  Masada Backpacker Hostel (or see HostelWorld for complete list of Kota Kinabalu hostels)
• Mid-Range : Hotel Eden54  (or AirBnB )
• Luxury : Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa .

» How to Get Around Kota Kinabalu

By car. You can easily rent a car for ease of getting from one place to another. To book your car rental online, go here .

By foot. The city center is small and you can walk from one end to another in less than an hour!

By taxi. Feel free to haggle with taxis! Normally they charge RM 10 for short distance trips and RM 20 for longer ones. If you want to rent a taxi for a whole day it shouldn’t cost more than RM 300~.

By bus or minibus. You will find buses and minibusses at the Wawasan Bus Terminal. Travel within the city center should cost around RM .50 wherein the City Buses are used. For long-distance trips, it should cost around RM 2.

By motorbike. Rentals cost around RM 50 for a whole day. To reserve one online, go here .

By boat. To get to the surrounding islands like the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, you can get speedboat services from the Jesselton Point Jetty. The cost would be around RM 20 to RM 40 depending on what island you want to head to.

» Must-Try Food & Drinks

For meals.   You must try the tuaran mee (noodles), ngiu chap (beef noodle soup), ikan bakar (fish), kari (Malay adaptation of curry dishes), nasi goreng (fried rice), nasi lemak (rice with coconut milk), rendang (spicy meat stew), ayam percik (barbecued chicken in chili, garlic, ginger, and coconut milk), roti jala (net bread), and laksa (noodle soup).

For snacks and dessert. Have a taste of kuih serimuka (two-layered with glutinous rice at the bottom and green layer made with pandan juice on top), kuih ketayap (pancake with coconut feeling), ondeh ondeh (rice cake with stuffed with gula and rolled in grated coconut), and epok epok (curry chicken in a deep-fried pie shell).

For drinks. Try out teh tarik (literally “pulled tea”) which has a special pulling process. There’s also sirap bandung which is evaporated or condensed milk with rose cordial syrup.

» Helpful Malay Phrases

Hello (formal): Hello Hello (informal): Hai (Hi) Thank you: Terima kasih (TREE-muh KAH-seh) Yes: Ya (YUH) No : Tidak (tee-DAH) Goodbye: Selamat tinggal (SLAH-maht tin-GAHL) [“Safe stay!”] or Selamat jalan (SLAH-maht JAH-lahn) [“Safe trip!”]

Excuse me / I’m sorry: Maaf (mah’AHF) or Maafkan saya (mah’AHF-kahn SAH-yuh) Is there someone here who speaks English?: Adakah orang yang cakap Bahasa Inggeris di sini? (AH-duh-kah OH-rahng yahng CHAH-kahp bah-HAH-suh ING-grees dee SEE-nee) Help!: Tolong! (TOH-lohng) Cheers!: Sorakan!

Other Kota Kinabalu F.A.Q.

As a general rule, you are not expected to tip in Malaysia — but if you were to offer one, it will not be refused of course. Normally, a 10% service charge is already added to your bill and many locals would typically just round up the bill and leave their change.

Malaysia typically uses type G plugs (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern) and they operate on a 240V supply voltage with a frequency of 50Hz.

 Please check their  latest travel advisories  page.

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

Looking for more travel tips for Malaysia?

Check out my other detailed Malaysia travel guides !

Kota Kinabalu’s beauty might not catch your attention at first glance; however, if you give it a chance, its old-world charm can draw you in slowly… and deeply.

From its mixture of cultures, culinary pleasures, ocean wonders, and natural sights, there are a lot of things that you can do here that will leave you with great memories and stories to tell!

Have you seen my latest vlog?

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid. At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful  digital nomad  (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission?  To show you how it is absolutely possible to  create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

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How to start a successful blog, 68 comments.

Malaysia is really an awesome place to visit. You have described the beauty of Malaysia in a nice way. Kota kinabalu is most popular destination in Malaysia.

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Metallica to use electric trucks for its concert tour in Europe

Heavy metal band Metallica will use electric trucks for their "M72 World Tour." Partner Iveco will provide heavy-duty trucks for Metallica's shows in Europe from May to July 2024 - and the crew will also travel by EV from concert to concert.

• Electric trucks

Iveco’s electric trucks for transporting equipment include the S-eWay. According to the manufacturer’s website, the model is available as a purely battery-electric version and a fuel cell variant. Both drive systems will be used. However, regardless of whether BEV or FCEV, the equipment will be transported purely by electric power.

The Iveco eDaily will also be used as a shuttle vehicle for the crew. It is not known whether the musicians themselves will also be travelling by electric means. According to Iveco CEO Gerrit Marx, the band is keen to reduce the carbon footprint of its tours.

At the start of the partnership with Metallica last November, Iveco said it would also use natural gas trucks. That is no longer the case. Metallica concerts will take place in Munich, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Warsaw and Madrid, among others.

jalopnik.com , iveco.com (announcement from November)

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Ancient ruins, city tours and cannoli on a family tour of western Sicily

Start in Palermo and head west for a family adventure featuring street food, ancient ruins and a magical night tour of the city.

Italians may flock to Sicily’s soft sands in summer, but this far-flung Mediterranean island is far more than just a beach destination. Families can scale Mount Etna in giant off-road jeep buses, feast on classic Sicilian sweets and delve into archaeology at well-preserved ruin complexes like the Valley of the Temples. Older kids, meanwhile, can satisfy any gangster fascination by exploring mafia heritage in Palermo and seeking out The Godfather filming sites in the quiet mountain villages. And with the island lying closer to Africa than Rome, its southerly climate makes it a great choice for off-season travels around Easter and October.

Palermo by night

To beat the heat of the Sicilian capital in summer, try venturing into town after dusk for a guided night tour , when Palermo’s landmarks are magically illuminated. The walk can take in city highlights such as the medieval Kalsa district, the Arabesque domes of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Norman cathedral of Monreale and UNESCO-listed Zisa palace.

Gangster’s paradise

Unpick the island’s deep-rooted connection with the Sicilian Mafia, known locally as Cosa Nostra, at Palermo’s No Mafia Memorial museum . It explains the origins of the crime cartel and the government’s efforts to quash the organisation after the Second World War. If you’ve got more time, there are also Mafia-related tours taking in the eastern villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agro, which were key filming locations for The Godfather — a good bet if you’ve got any movie-mad teens in tow.  

Street-food specialities

Sicily’s original thick-crusted pizza is a must try. There’s a topping for every palate so picky eaters are bound to find something they like; the more adventurous should go for the classic, which includes anchovies, herbs and strong cheese on a passata base. For dessert it’s cannoli, deep-fried pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta, that take centre stage. Arancini — fried risotto balls — are another favourite for a cheap meal on the go. A Palermo street-food tour is a fun way to explore for those whose kids love to try new dishes.  

Sicily’s sweet-making centre

With its sloping cobbled streets and crowning castle, Erice — around 70 miles west of Palermo — has a fairytale quality. But in Sicily this town is best known for its almond pastries — especially those made by local pastry chef Maria Grammatico , whose stories have been immortalised in the biography Bitter Almonds, by Mary Taylor Simeti. Follow the sweet scent of powdered sugar down winding lanes to find her old-fashioned bakery and encourage the kids to order belli e brutti — ‘beautiful and ugly’ — a buttery bite-size pastry laced with almonds and lemon.

Archaeology discoveries

Sicily has more than its fair share of ruins and many of the best are in the west of the island. Closest to Palermo is the fifth-century Segesta Archaeological Park , around 47 miles west of the capital, which offers panoramic views from a Hellenic theatre atop Monte Barbaro. But Sicily’s finest ruins can be found at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on the southwest coast — a UNESCO World Heritage site with one of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples.  

Volcano tours to Mt Etna

  The east of the island is famed for its succession of exquisite baroque towns in the south and the cone of Mount Etna on the east coast. Towering 3,329 metres high, Europe’s tallest volcano is also one of Sicily’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites — and a family favourite because of how close kids can usually get to the fuming calderas. The trip starts with a cable-car ride up to 2,500 metres, from where 4x4 jeep buses carry travellers higher on guided tours of the lunar-like landscape and smoking volcano craters. Tours are available from Catania, Taormina or Messina, but keep an eye on the local news — Etna last spewed lava as recently as November 2023.  

Where to stay

Villa Igiea Restored at the end of the 19th century by famous Italian architect Ernesto Basile and revamped by Rocce Forte Hotels in 2021, the 124-room art nouveau-style Villa Igiea in Palermo is rich in character. It still retains its frescoes, original furniture and decor with a modern twist, all of which are guaranteed to make kids feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale. Rooms are individually decorated with lovely hardwood floors and luxury marble bathrooms, and it’s located near the port, overlooking an ancient Greek temple.

Verdura Resort Set on more than 500 acres of southwestern Sicilian coastline, the 205-room Verdura Resort offers uninterrupted views of the sea from private balconies or terraces, designed in a fresh and contemporary Sicilian style. The hotel is packed with facilities to make life easy for families, including a 60-metre infinity pool, a handful of clay tennis courts and four restaurants – plus five bars and a massive spa for the adults.

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Is it safe to fly on a Boeing plane?

High-profile mid-air incidents have raised concerns amongst holidaymakers about 737 max aircraft. these are the facts behind the crisis — and what it means for your travel.

T here’s an old chestnut on social media that there has never been a crash involving an Airbus. That’s not true: according to the Aviation Safety Network’s database, 24 Airbus variants have been involved in fatal accidents since 1975. Boeings, though, were involved in 149 crashes.

In the 25 years to 2000, Boeing averaged 4.76 fatal incidents a year. Yes, this was much greater than the Antonovs, Embraers, Fokkers and McDonnell Douglas DC-10s falling out of the sky during the same period, and no, not all incidents were down to technical failures. Pilot error, poor maintenance and weather all played their part, and while there is no hard evidence that you’re safer on an Airbus, the statistics certainly make it seem so.

Flying became safer after 2011, with related deaths falling from 1,038 in 2010 to 179 in 2023. There were two significant blips in that decline: 2015, when 239 died aboard MH370, which was lost in the Indian Ocean, and another 298 on MH17, shot down over the Ukraine; and 2018 to 2019, when faulty software caused one of Boeing’s new 737 Max variants to fly at full throttle into the Java Sea, killing 189, and a second into the Ethiopian desert, killing 157.

They weren’t the only Boeing incidents. As the Bloomberg reporter Peter Robison noted in his 2021 book Flying Blind: The 737 Max Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing , “there were 41 total accidents (including non-fatal ones) in 2018, and 18 of those involved the 737 — more than the number for any other airplane. The Airbus A320 and variants had four — even though the number of planes in service was similar for each model.”

Those incidents marked the beginning of a collapse in confidence in an industry giant and once-trusted brand. Critics accused Boeing of putting profit before safety in an attempt to compete with the best-selling Airbus A320neo, which offered a 10 to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency than the latest 737 variant.

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Putting profits before safety was Boeing’s unforgivable error. The original plan had been to spend the necessary time and money developing a new single-aisle jet to compete with the neo, but when American Airlines announced that it was ordering from Airbus, Boeing executives came up with a plan to bolt the new engines required to deliver the desired economies onto the old airframe. The problem was that the fuselage was too low for the bigger engines to be hung under the wings, which is why they’re mounted so far forward, and that compromise changed the aerodynamics of the aircraft.

“The Max 8’s tendency to pitch up was a direct result of the repositioning of the engines on the new model, highlighting a major flaw in the design ethos of the aircraft,” a 2022 study by the University of Edinburgh concluded. “Boeing’s first mistake was the poor positioning of the engines. Their second mistake was their resolve to rely on an instrumentation system called Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, to fix an inherently unstable design. To make matters worse, Boeing did not disclose the existence of MCAS to pilots, leaving them to operate an aircraft they did not fully comprehend.”

It seemed impossible in an industry so focused on safety that a flawed design such as that of the 737 Max could ever be allowed to fly again, but commercial pressures prevailed and by the end of 2021, with the MCAS problem solved, 180 out of 195 countries had authorised the aircraft’s return to service.

Then, this January, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 suffered an uncontrolled decompression in the cabin when an unsecured door plug blew out at 15,000ft above Portland, Oregon. The incident led the US Federal Aviation Administration to run an investigation into the 737 manufacturing process, in which Boeing failed in 33 of the 89 audits. Inspectors also found 97 instances of non-compliance with approved manufacturing procedures.

Boeing executives promised “to develop a comprehensive action plan to strengthen safety and quality”, but on March 6 a 737-900 to Fort Myers returned to Houston after an engine caught fire; the next day a tyre dropped off a 777-200 as it took off from San Francisco. That weekend the Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, 62 was found dead in his car from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A week later a Boeing 787 Dreamliner suffered a sudden drop in altitude over the Tasman Sea, injuring 50 passengers; on March 15 a United 737 lost an underside panel between San Francisco and Medford, Oregon.

• Compensation for cancelled and delayed flights: everything you need to know • Seven of the biggest travel scams (and how to avoid them)

Now passengers are asking two questions: Is Boeing spinning out of control? And how long before there’s another disaster?

“Flying is the safest mode of transport,” with one accident for every 1.26 million flights, says the industry body IATA. “At this level of safety, on average a person would have to travel by air every day for 103,239 years to experience a fatal accident.”

For comparison’s sake, 158 people died in aviation accidents in 2022, with more than 65,000 dying on roads in the UK, US and EU in the same year. But amid growing concern over management processes at Boeing, statistics may not be enough to reassure the public that the 737 Max and the Dreamliner are safe.

Increasing numbers of Americans are saying “If it’s Boeing I’m not going”, with US media claiming that passengers are using prayer, therapy and medication to get over their fears. Time will tell whether the boycott is an overreaction, but there are signs of a similar disinclination here.

“It’s so hard to know the truth,” says Maria Lapinski from Norwich. “Will we look back after another disaster and realise that the signs were clear to see? For me, if there’s an Airbus alternative, I’ll take it. If there isn’t, I’d rather not fly than risk my family’s life.”

Callum Brittain from Cambridge agrees. “I think there’s a reputation gauge that has to be looked at here, because in recent years we’ve heard more about Boeing disasters than others,” he says. “I’m concerned about safety processes that allow risks to slip through the gaps.”

James Gordon from London says: “I do look more closely at the plane type when booking flights, and I’m sure I’m not alone. It is worrying that a leader in the industry has cut corners to maximise profit, but it’s hard to avoid Boeing.”

It is indeed hard: Ryanair’s fleet of more than 500 planes comprises various types of 737, with hundreds more on order; Tui operates 30 of the 737-800 model, 21 of the 737 Max 8 and 13 of the 787 Dreamliner; 99 of Jet 2’s 112 aircraft are 737s. British Airways uses mostly Airbuses, but has 59 ageing 777s and 40 of the 787 aircraft; Virgin Atlantic has 17 of the 787. While Boeing has lost market share to Airbus, there’s roughly a 40 per cent chance that any wide or narrow-bodied passenger aircraft you board will be one of theirs.

Rob Morris at the aviation analysts Cirium said that neither Boeing nor their airline customers can afford to let growing public concern become an issue. “The 737 Max is becoming an increasingly important element of the global air transport network, with 6.7 per cent of the total global flight hours in February,” he says. “The way they will address [public concern] is to use metrics such as this to illustrate that the aircraft remains an integral part of the global air transport network, which by definition the vast majority of the travelling public regard as reliable and safe.”

However, John Grant at the aviation analysts OAG points out: “Every event involving a Boeing aircraft hits social media and the news immediately, and sometimes without considered opinion or expert insight. Last week I saw a video of a Royal Air Maroc B737 struggling to take off because the flap settings were incorrect. This was human error rather than the aircraft’s fault, but it was being covered as another Boeing incident. Will these concerns last? I suspect not as and when Boeing gets a bit of space from these stories.”

We asked Tui and Ryanair what reassurance they could offer passengers that the 737 Max was safe.

“This is an important question,” said Aage Dünhaupt at Tui. “We are in constant contact with Boeing and the relevant authorities to make sure that we are receiving the latest fleet updates, which include briefings on maintenance and operational procedures. In addition, we are also ensuring that our engineering and maintenance teams carry out additional checks whenever applicable. Over the recent years we haven’t had any special issues with our Boeing airplanes. As always, we are following our ‘safety first’ approach in training our flight and maintenance crews.”

Ryanair replied: “We suggest you direct your query to Boeing.”

Tour operators

The easiest way to a Boeing-free package is to book with easyJet Holidays, which has only Airbuses in its 318-strong fleet. If you book with British Airways Holidays (BA) or Virgin Holidays, avoiding a Boeing is trickier, but it can be done.

BA reveals the aircraft type in a drop-down option on the booking page. Alternatively, type origin, destination and date into BA’s timetable search, and the aircraft type will be shown there.

Virgin makes identifying the aircraft type harder, so type the flight number into flightradar24.com or seatguru.com to reveal the plane.

With Tui’s all-Boeing fleet, though, you have no choice, while with Jet 2 there’s an 88 per cent chance you’ll be on a 737.

If you’re booking with tour operators such as Hays, Kuoni or Trailfinders, which outsource their flights, you can state a preference for an Airbus, but you may find that this decreases your options while increasing the price and journey time.

In all cases, it’s easier and safer to ask a travel agent to find the flights rather than trying to do it yourself.

Flight booking sites

The price-comparison site kayak.co.uk allows you to omit Boeing aircraft from your flight search, although it’s fiddly to use and seems to work better in Microsoft Edge than in Chrome. Skyscanner is more basic, but if you know which carriers to avoid you can deselect them in the filter settings

Can I switch planes if I find out I’m booked on a Boeing?

You can switch to any flight you like, but how much it will cost to make that change depends on your fare type. In most cases you will hold a basic, non-refundable ticket rather than the costlier, flexible option, so if you really want to avoid flying on a Boeing it makes sense to check the aircraft type before you book your ticket.

How do I know which plane I’m on?

There are clues. Boeings have pointy noses, while Airbus noses are more rounded. Engines on Airbuses are rounded, whereas those on Boeing 737s have flat bottoms for better ground clearance. Also, check the emergency exits: Boeings have a horizontal latch that needs to be swung through 180 degrees; Airbuses have a vertical handle that needs to be pushed upwards. Still can’t tell? Check the safety card in the seat pocket — the aircraft type will be written there.

The recent headlines haven’t inspired confidence for frequent fliers, writes Cathy Adams

The flights I’ve taken in the past month — with airlines including Virgin, Finnair and IndiGo, a domestic Indian airline — have all been on Airbus jets. I know this because I’ve carefully tracked the aircraft on Flightradar24 beforehand and reached for the safety card with sweaty palms the moment I boarded to confirm it. If I found myself booked on a Boeing 737 Max, I don’t think I’d refuse to board, but let’s say I wouldn’t exactly be relaxed about it.

Since January the American aircraft manufacturer has been under intense scrutiny after a series of safety issues and the increase in incidents is making nervous fliers like me even more agitated. A recent if not terribly robust survey from the US-based insurer JW Surety Bonds found that half of the Gen Zers it polled were nervous to fly with Boeing. A quick straw poll in my office reveals equally twitchy colleagues.

Yasmin Choudhury, 24, says that having previously never noticed which plane she was flying on, she would now look up the aircraft before boarding and spend extra money to avoid taking a Boeing plane. “I don’t think it would stop me from flying altogether if there was no other option, but I would be anxious about it,” she says.

Johanna Thomas-Corr, 43, says that as a nervous flyers she often sits separately from her family on a plane as she doesn’t want to spook them, and considers flying “a deeply unnatural state to be in”. She is further unnerved by Boeing’s issues and instead of flying is considering European train and car travel this summer.

Most surprising still was a conversation I had with an experienced aviation consultant, who says: “Having always been a Boeing fan, flown all over the world in the much-missed 747 and been lucky enough to be part of the launch of the excellent Dreamliner, I draw the line at flying on the 737 Max. Two horrible fatal crashes, the recent Alaskan Airlines door plug blow-out and persistent questions over Boeing’s safety regime mean that I would not feel at all safe flying on the Max. It’s a Frankenstein aircraft which has been engineered to fly in spite of its aerodynamics.”

Kayak reported a fifteenfold increase in the number of people using its search tool allowing passengers to filter out specific aircraft in the week after the Alaska Airlines incident. The search engine alternativeairlines.com introduced a similar feature in January that removes the 737 Max from flight inquiries and reports that 150,000 people have used the tool since.

My own fear of flying (more a matter of the heart than of the mind) developed in the wake of a particularly nasty bout of mid-Atlantic turbulence about 18 months ago that — despite the logical arguments about the safety of flying at 38,000ft — refuses to go away. My breathing quickens when the plane — whether Airbus or Boeing — bumps over an air pocket and I find myself getting hot and frightened if the plane lurches about mid-air. I’ve become newly partial to a pre-flight gin and tonic, in a (largely unsuccessful) attempt to calm my nerves.

Cabin crew insist that there’s nothing to worry about, and pilots repeatedly reassure me that we’re safe. Intellectually, I know all this, and I’m lucky to fly a lot for work, yet I still remain uncomfortable — particularly with the idea of hopping aboard a Boeing 737 Max.

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Weekend Money: Major price rises kick in this week - everything you need to know

It's National Price Hike Day on Monday, with everything from council tax to broadband going up. Read this and our Weekend Money features below and we'll be back with live consumer and personal finance updates on Tuesday.

Sunday 31 March 2024 15:03, UK

Weekend Money

• Eight things that are going up in price next week - and six major boosts to Britons' pockets
• More young people are pausing pension contributions - this is how much it's costing them
• All the places kids can eat cheap or free this Easter
• 'Game changer': Your guide to buying supermarket pasta

Best of the week

• Two Michelin starred chef picks popular high street chain among favourite cheap eats
• Money Problem: My boss makes me use annual leave for sick days - is this legal?
• 'Outrageous': Should the youngest British workers really be paid less?
• Free childcare about to be extended - here's all the support on offer to parents of young children
• ISA deadline approaching - here's what you need to know
• Your comments: Would Labour compensate Waspi women? | Is sourdough really healthy? | Anger from readers young and old

1 April (tomorrow) is nicknamed National Price Hike Day, as it's when government bodies and private companies traditionally increase the cost of goods and services ahead of the new financial year.

So what can we expect this year?

TV and broadband

BT, EE, Plusnet and Vodafone customers will be charged 7.9% more from April. These companies pin their prices to December's inflation figure plus 3.9%, which is common practice in the industry.

Virgin Media and O2, which merged in 2021, are upping prices by 8.8%, as they use the retail price index from January plus 3.9%. There are caveats which mean some O2 customers will see prices rise by less than this.

Sky is also implementing price rises, meaning most Sky TV and broadband customers will pay an average of 6.7% more from 1 April.

Council tax

Most people who live in councils with responsibility for social care in England will see their bills rise by the maximum of 4.99%.

In areas where the councils don't oversee social care, the rise for most will be 2.99%.

Birmingham City Council, which has declared effective bankruptcy, has been given permission to hike council tax by 21% over two years due to a black hole caused partly by equal pay claims and a botched IT systems rollout.

Council tax has been frozen by the devolved government in Scotland, while rises in Wales range anywhere from 3% to 21%. Northern Ireland uses a rating system instead of council tax, and rises are also expected here.

The annual cost of a standard colour TV licence will rise to £169.50 from 1 April - an increase of £10.50 on the current price of £159 a year.

Rent for social housing

The CPI rate of inflation in September - 6.7% - is used to determine the yearly rise in rents. 

For 2024-25, the limit will be 6.7% plus an additional 1%.

The average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales will go up by an average of 6% from April . 

Water UK said the increases would leave households with an average annual bill of £473.

Vehicle excise duty will rise on all but the cleanest new and used cars in April.

Increases are generally calculated in line with the RPI rate of inflation and are expected to be about 6%.

Train fares

Rail fares will rise by 8.7% in April for those in Scotland, after the Scottish government argued previous fare freezes were not sustainable. 

For those in England and Wales, fares rose by 4.9% on 3 March. 

The Royal Mail will raise the price of stamps again as the company struggles with a decline in the number of letters being posted.

The price of a first class and second class stamp will increase by 10p to £1.35 and 85p respectively from 2 April.

It's not all bad news in April

National insurance

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in the budget earlier this month that the starting rate for NI will change from 10% to 8% from 6 April (Saturday).

This will benefit 27 million workers, he said, and is worth about £450 a year to an employee on an average salary of £35,000.

NI for two million self-employed workers is also being cut.

Their rate will fall from 8% to 6%. The government says that is worth £350 to a self-employed person earning £28,200.

Child benefit

The amount people can earn before child benefit is reduced or taken away is increasing.

At the moment, people lose 1% of the benefit for every £100 they earn over £50,000. At £60,000, the benefit is cut completely.

From April, the benefit won't be reduced until one parent earns more than £60,000. And it will only go completely at £80,000.

Benefits and tax credits that are linked to inflation will rise by 6.7% in April.

That was the level CPI in September.

For joint claimants over the age of 25, universal credit standard allowances will rise from £578.82 to £617.60 per month.

The basic and new state pension will rise by 8.5% in April - to £11,502 a year.

The new state pension is for those reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016. It will rise to £221.20 a week - up from £203.85.

Minimum wage

The National Minimum Wage for those 21 and over will rise to £11.44 - an increase of £1.02, or 9.8%.

There are larger percentage increases for younger age groups -as well as a 21.2% rise for apprentices (going up to £6.40).

Energy price cap

From 1 April to 30 June this year the price paid by a typical household that uses electricity and gas will go down to £1,690 a year.

This is £238 a year lower than the price cap between 1 January and 31 March this year. 

By Bhvishya Patel, Money team

A lot of us don't want to think about it. Getting old, retirement, pensions. It's a lifetime away. 

And with rising bills and rent restricting finances right now , it seems planning for 40 or 50 years down the line is even further from the minds of young Britons.

In the past year alone, the number of financially vulnerable 30-somethings who are failing to set aside money for their retirement has increased by more than 5%, or 72,000, according to data science firm Outra. 

The total stands at 1.43 million.

One of these younger workers pausing contributions is Neha Solanki, 24, who works as an accounts assistant for a PR firm in London. She found opting out of her pension for a while meant her grocery bill - £60 a month - was covered. 

"It would have been nice to have a pension investment but because of the cost of living I think it is very difficult to do that," she says.

"I end up spending about £100 a month on travel. When you add up rent and everything else it builds up. 

"When I was trying to opt out I was advised not to but when you add up the smaller payments it makes a difference."

What could the consequences be?

Peter Jackson, formerly chief data officer at the Pensions Regulator and now in the same role at Outra, says he understands the pressures young people are under but warns...

"If you flip out of your pension you are pushing a cost of living crisis into your retirement. You are not going to have a sizeable pension pot available to you when you come to retire."

Mr Jackson goes on: "It's harder to build that pot when you are 55 or 60 because you have only got a few years left.

"Personally, that would be the last thing I would stop doing."

How much could you lose?

Pausing pension contributions even for a short time can have consequences, the life assurance and pensions company Standard Life has found.

Its analysis suggests a person who began working on a salary of £25,000 per year in 2020 and paid the standard monthly auto-enrolment contributions (5% employee and 3% employer monthly contributions) from the age of 22 could amass a total retirement pot of £459,000.

Opting out for three years would knock off £36,000 from your retirement pot - and six years £71,000.

Missing out on free money

And crucially, Mr Jackson adds...

"With a lot of employers, if you increase your contributions a lot of them will match it up to a certain percentage so it is kind of like free money."

Clare Moffat, pensions and legal expert at Royal London, says pausing pension contributions "might be something people have to do" as bills rise but they should take any pay rise as an opportunity to opt back in.

"A lot of younger people think they are not going to get any state pension or they are not going to see state pension until they are about 70 but then they still want to retire when they are about 60," she says.

"It's up to employers to help a bit as well. Remind people when they get a pay rise that this might be a good time if you have opted out to opt back in."

When it comes to knowing how much to contribute, she says, "it's better to think how much money you would need in retirement" - and there are tonnes of free online retirement calculators.

She adds: "I've never heard someone say I wish I had saved less for retirement - most people wish they had saved more.

"Sometimes, people can be put off and think they need to be saving hundreds of pounds a month but if you're in your 20s, little increases are good."

Money locked away is a good thing

Why not look at saving for a pension differently, suggests Claire Trott, divisional director for retirement and holistic planning at wealth manager St James's Place.

People see it as money being tied up for decades, but "actually that's a real winner".

"We all know we can dip into things we shouldn't but with pensions you can't. They are there, they get their tax relief, they get the growth, they sit there and year on year you will see some change," she says.

"Obviously, we know that markets fluctuate so it may not always look that rosy, but the longer it can stay in there the better.

"Getting it in there in your 30s or ideally in your first job just means you get that compound growth on it over the long-term."

She concludes:

"With pensions, because it's locked away and you are making that good decision, it means you are doing your future self a real service because you can't touch it and it is there to be invested appropriately."

The school holidays are here, and the Money team has been looking at where kids can eat cheap - or even free - this Easter. 

It's by no means an exhaustive list, but here are a few of our highlights... 

Gordon Ramsay restaurants  

During selected times on weekdays at selected eateries, a child under eight can eat for free when an adult dines from the a la carte menu.

Free meal for a child with every footlong sub ordered in participating restaurants until 14 April.

Available Monday-Friday during school holidays, kids can eat free when an adult makes any purchase in the café.

Be aware, though, you will need a Clubcard. 

TGI Fridays

Kids can eat free all day every day with the purchase of an adult main - though you will need to be signed up to their Stripes Rewards app.

For every adult that spends £10 in this Japanese eatery, one child aged 12 or under gets a free kiddo bento box.

Kids meals are just £1 throughout the holidays. 

Heathrow Airport

Going away this Easter? 

There are free children's meals on offer at participating airport restaurants until 14 April.

Angus Steakhouse

Those in London at participating restaurants can have their child (under eight) eat free with a full-paying adult buying a main course anytime until 12 April.

Beefeater 

Cheap breakfasts are the order of the day at Beefeaters - where two kids (under 16) eat free breakfast with any adult breakfast purchased for £9.99 or more.

Available 6.30am to 10.30am midweek and 7am and 11am at the weekend.

If the kids need a pit stop during a holiday furniture shop, parents can pick them up a child's portion of pasta for just 45p. 

Morrisons café

Kids can eat completely free all day over the holidays if an accompanying adult spends £4.50 or more. 

Bella Italia

This one is a real bargain - a two to 11-year-old can get three courses and a drink for just £1 with every purchase of an adult meal.

Available 4pm to 6pm Sunday-Wednesdays and all day Thursday.

Head to the Brazilian outlet's website to download a voucher for one free children's meal (for those under 10) per adult meal purchased.

The deal is available every weekday from 4pm, and all day at the weekend. 

The Real Greek

Kids under 12 can enjoy a mezze or souvlaki wrap, plus a drink and ice cream or sorbet for dessert if an adult spends £10 or more.

Sizzling Pub and Grill

Kids can eat for just £1 with a purchase of every adult meal Monday to Friday from 12pm.

Bill's Restaurants

Until 12 April, up to two children can eat for free all day (excluding weekends) when one adult orders any main. 

Hungry Horse

Every Monday, kids can eat for £1, though larger dishes will cost you £1.50.

Up to two kids can eat with every full-paying adult.

Table Table

Two kids under 16 can get free, unlimited all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast with any adult purchase of £9.99. 

By Ollie Cooper, Money team

It can be hard to balance getting nutritious foods that make you feel good without emptying your wallet.

In this series over the coming months, we're trying to find the cheapest ways to identify the healthiest options in the supermarket.

We've asked  Sunna Van Kampen,  who went viral on social media for reviewing supermarket products in the search of healthier choices, for his input. 

The series does not aim to identify the outright healthiest option, rather how to get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

Today we're looking at pasta , a staple in many kitchens but often dismissed as just a carb-heavy comfort food. 

The key to transforming your pasta into a protein and fibre-packed meal without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank lies in the variety of wheat, Sunna says. 

"Pasta made from refined wheat strips out the bran and germ, which lowers the protein content as well as fibre and other nutrients," he says. 

"Typical lower-cost pasta varieties therefore contain on average about 5-6g of protein per 100g. Make yourself a nice big plate and you can expect 10-12g per portion - not really a game changer."

Here's where the Italians have it right. 

"Traditional Italian branded varieties are made using local semolina flour from Italy in traditional ways," Sunna says.

"Italian pasta must adhere to strict standards that have been set by the government - meaning a typical branded Italian pasta will select the best durum wheats in terms of gluten quality, healthiness and protein content."

That means a 200g plate of pasta has 24-28g of protein - before you add any meat or protein into the sauce.

Another option that's been popping up on supermarket shelves is legume pasta, made from lentils or chickpeas.

"These help increase the protein content (on average about 12-13g per 100g) but have other important health benefits too," Sunna says.

"Lentil pasta can boast 25-50% more fibre than standard pasta, is gluten-free and helps keep you fuller for longer."

On that note... 

Fibre is vital for gut health and Public Health England estimates as low as 9% of us are getting enough of it in our diets.

"This is where lentil or wholewheat pasta can be a game changer," Sunna says.

With a 200g serving of lentil pasta you'd be getting 6.4g of fibre, which is 21% of your daily intake, or for wholewheat you'd be getting 7.6g of fibre or 25% of your daily intake. 

"Fibre will also help limit the impact of the carbohydrates, so opting for a higher fibre variety can also be helpful if you are focused on weight loss," he says.

The nutritionist's view - from  Dr Laura Brown , senior lecturer in nutrition, food, and health sciences at Teesside University

"Yes, these are good suggestions. 

"It's definitely worth promoting the higher fibre and higher protein types - both of which make you feel fuller for longer and also help to support and encourage a healthy bowel. 

"White versions of pasta also can cause a spike in blood glucose levels, leaving us feeling tired shortly after, as well as potentially hungry again quite soon. 

"This effect is correlated with increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes and should be discouraged."

Own label regular pasta ( low protein, low fibre, gluten ) is usually £1.50/kg at all supermarkets as they price match each other on household staples.

Own label wholewheat pasta ( low protein, high fibre, gluten ) is usually £1.50/kg at all supermarkets.

Branded Italian pasta ( high protein, medium fibre, gluten ) ranges from £2.25-£3.00/kg .

Lentil pasta ( high protein, high fibre, gluten-free ) is where things get pricey at an average of £6.80/kg .

Now you've got the facts and figures, it's up to you to decide what works for your budget and needs. 

April is around the corner - here are the key money dates that could affect you in the next month.

'National price hike day'

TV and broadband customers are likely see rises of between 6.7% and 8.8% depending on their provider. 

Council tax rises by just under 5% for most people who live in councils with responsibility for social care in England. In areas where the councils don't oversee social care, the rise for most is 2.99%. Rises are more variable in Wales, while council tax has been frozen in Scotland.

The TV licence jumps from £159 a year to £169.50, while water, rent for social housing, car tax and (Scottish) train fares also go up. 

Read full details of all the increases  here ...

Minimum wage rise

The national minimum wage for those 21 and over rises to £11.44 - an increase of £1.02, or 9.8%.

There are bigger percentage increases for younger age groups -as well as a 21.2% rise for apprentices (going up to £6.40).

From 1 April, when the new cap kicks in, to 30 June, the price paid by a typical household that uses electricity and gas is £1,690 a year.

This is £238 a year lower than the cap between 1 January and 31 March. 

The Royal Mail increases the price of stamps again as the company struggles with a decline in letters.

The price of a first class and second class stamp go up by 10p to £1.35 and 85p respectively.

5 April - end of tax year

If you're paying into an ISA, funds need to have cleared by this date for it to count towards the 2023-24 year's contributions. The new £20,000 allowance kicks in the following day.

Benefits and pensions increase

Benefits and tax credits - specifically those linked to inflation - rise by 6.7%. 

For joint claimants over 25, universal credit standard allowances rise from £578.82 to £617.60 a month.

The basic and new state pension also go up by 8.5%.

The new state pension is for those who reached state pension age on or after 6 April 2016. It rises to £221.20 a week - up from £203.85.

National insurance cut

After Jeremy Hunt's promise in the budget, a further two pennies in every pound is cut from NI contributions. 

Capital gains cut

The top rate for capital gains tax goes down from 28% to 24%.

8 April - eBay fee

eBay introduces a "regulatory operating fee" for sellers, charging 0.35% of a total sale, including postage. 

It affects anyone listing items in the UK, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Switzerland.

17 April - inflation data for March

We get insight into inflation in March when the Office for National Statistics releases its latest figures. 

We'll cover that announcement here in the Money blog - see you at 7am on 17 April. 

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday (except bank holidays) - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Tuesday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

We'll be back with our Weekend Money features on Saturday - and will return with live consumer and personal finance updates after the Easter weekend on Tuesday.

For those who've got time off, enjoy - and thanks for following along.

By James Sillars , business reporter

High margins for fuel retailers may mean drivers are still paying over the odds at the pump, according to the competition regulator.

In a monitoring report, following its fuel market study of 2022, the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) said fuel margins - the difference between what retailers pay for their fuel and the price they sell it at - remained "concerning".

The regulator said supermarket margins, which had stood at 4% in 2017, rose to 7.8% in 2023.

Other retailers, it said, saw their margins hit 9.1% last year.

This was "not a good sign for drivers", the CMA said, though it stopped short of openly declaring that they were being overcharged.

Lobby groups representing both the supermarkets and independent retailers, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) respectively, have consistently denied ripping drivers off.

Read more on this story here ... 

By Victoria Seabrook , climate reporter 

Emissions of climate-heating gases from the UK continued to fall last year.

That's good news for the climate, and reinforces the fact UK has cut emissions faster than any other G20 country - by 53% since 1990.

But the reasons aren't entirely good.

While most of the fall last year was down to the UK burning less gas for electricity because it imported more from France, a large chunk was due to homes and businesses cutting back on electricity amid soaring prices.

Budgets were also "squeezed" by high interest rates, inflation and mortgages, said Glenn Rickson, who analyses the UK power sector for S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Read more on this story here ...

More than 600 Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport will go on a four-day strike from 11 April, the last weekend of the Easter school break, their union has announced.

The officers, who carry out immigration controls and passport checks, have voted to take strike action over a new roster and changes to their shift pattern. 

The PCS union has warned the changes could see 250 members of staff lose their jobs by the end of April.

"Ministers have 14 days to withdraw these unfair and unnecessary proposals or our members at Heathrow will take strike action," Fran Heathcote, its general secretary, said.

"Ripping up flexible working arrangements is no way to treat staff especially as the government says their work is critical to our nation's security." 

Read more on this story here :

Respected energy consultants Cornwall Insight have predicted the typical household's energy bill will fall to £1,560 a year from July. 

That's more than £100 less than the price cap that comes into force on Monday, which is set at £1,690 a year. 

However, the leading market researcher's latest prediction is around 7% higher than its previous forecast from around a month ago.

Ofgem changes the price cap every three months based on several factors, the most important of which is the price of energy on wholesale markets.

Wholesale prices recently hit their lowest point for a quarter of a decade, but have risen slightly in recent weeks.

The price cap does not limit a household's total bills - the figures provided are just for an average-use household.

Cornwall Insight also predicts the price cap will rise slightly from the July figure to £1,631 in October. 

"With wholesale prices hitting a two-and-a-half-year low, it was only a matter of time before a slight rise occurred as the market stabilises," Dr Craig Lowrey, its principal consultant, said.

"While no household will want to see forecasts rising, it's important to recognise that these do still represent a fall from the new cap coming in from April, itself a large drop." 

Uswitch has said the prediction is "another step in the right direction" for households. 

Energy expert Will Owen said: "Energy prices are forecast to rise into autumn and winter, so for the many households wanting price certainty, now is a good time to consider fixing.

"We're increasingly seeing suppliers offer better value deals, but Ofgem’s steps to reform the price cap must encourage more innovation from suppliers and bring back competition on price and customer service." 

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