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4 Things to Know When Choosing a Travel Agent

Even the most D.I.Y.-inclined travelers are considering working with a professional adviser these days. Here’s how.

By Lauren Sloss

So, you’re thinking about traveling again? You’re not alone. The pandemic may not be over, but the expansion of vaccine eligibility in the United States — hiccups, delays and pauses aside — plus the news that the European Union will be opening up to vaccinated travelers is inspiring many to plan a real-deal summer vacation, or even take the leap on booking bucket-list adventures.

Travel remains far from simple, however. The virus is finding new footholds around the world, leaving an ever-changing set of rules and restrictions in its wake (and all of this is compounded by a run on home rentals , rental cars and more). It’s a reality that’s inspired many D.I.Y.-inclined travelers to consider working with a travel agent , or travel adviser, for the first time, in the hopes of skipping the travel-planning stress and focusing on actually relaxing on vacation instead.

Most travel advisers provide their services free of charge to clients (though some charge a booking fee, which can range from $25 to $100, depending on how complicated a trip you’re after) and instead make their money through commissions from hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, airlines and other travel companies.

Finding the right adviser for you is “like finding a hairdresser,” said Erika Richter, the senior communications director of ASTA , the American Society of Travel Advisors. “You want someone who understands your personal style.”

Ms. Richter, along with Misty Belles, the managing director of global public relations for Virtuoso , an international travel agency network specializing in luxury travel, shared their tips on how you can find an adviser who will understand you and your dream trip.

Begin your search close to home

Start by asking trusted friends and family members for recommendations. “The same holds true for any professional service in your life,” Ms. Belles said. “If you know someone who is working with a travel adviser and was pleased with the experience, that’s a great place to start.”

If that’s a no-go (or if your friends and family, while beloved, don’t have the same travel style as you do), Ms. Richter strongly suggested seeking out local businesses where you live.

“Supporting small businesses in our communities is more important than ever right now,” she said. ASTA has a directory that allows you to search for advisers close to you; a quick Google search will likely do the trick, too, Ms. Richter said.

Think about where you want to go

Another way to find a travel adviser is to seek one out based on a destination, or destinations, that he or she may specialize in. Are you interested in going to a specific Caribbean island nation? You’ll likely want to work with an adviser that has booked a number of trips in that country, and has connections and contacts there. Some advisers specialize in trips to Disney resort properties; others focus on cruises. If you’re interested in planning a trip outside of their purview, advisers can refer you to someone else within their network, or do the heavy-duty research themselves.

“Choosing someone who specializes in a destination is a good first foray into working with a travel adviser,” Ms. Belles said. “But when you work with the same adviser for a while, they become a specialist in you.”

Consider their professional networks

Speaking of what you want, it can be useful to understand the organization, or organizations, an adviser is associated with. Whether they work alone, with one partner in a small shop, or as part of a large agency, they are likely connected to a consortium, or a professional network, like Virtuoso, which is made up of more than 1,000 agencies in 50 countries around the world, or ASTA itself.

“Obviously, I represent ASTA, but I do think it’s important to look at an adviser’s professional affiliations,” Ms. Richter said. Affiliations can serve as a vote of confidence that the adviser has been vetted; it also gives you a chance for recourse should you find yourself unhappy with your relationship (ASTA, for example, can handle consumer complaints and be a part of the resolution process). Some consortiums specialize in a certain type of travel — Virtuoso agencies focus on luxury travel, for example, while others might highlight adventure travel, or family trips and so on.

An adviser’s affiliations also act as a conduit for one of their major selling points: traveler perks.

“Ask them what sorts of benefits they get from their professional networks,” Ms. Richter said. “Upgrades, free breakfasts, late checkouts when available — who doesn’t want some of those freebies?”

Make sure your adviser understands your travel style

Do you like leisurely, slow trips? Packed itineraries filled with sightseeing and attractions? Do you like to travel alone, or are you planning multigenerational trips with children and grandparents? Ensuring that your adviser understands what you want — and maybe even establishing that they have a similar travel style themselves — can greatly help with building rapport (and allow them to plan an even better trip for you).

Some important questions to ask: Do they charge a planning fee? What are some examples of trips that they’ve planned in the past?

“Be really upfront about your budget for a trip, and be sure that that is something they can help you make the most of,” Ms. Richter said.

Ms. Belles suggested asking the adviser how they personally like to travel, and some of their favorite destinations.

“Interview them a little bit! You can see whether there are some similarities there,” she said. But make sure they’re asking you just as many questions.

“If they’re not, that should be a red flag,” said Ms. Belles. “An adviser should be looking to get to the heart of what exactly you want as a traveler.”

52 Places to Love in 2021

We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

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How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise

By Scott Bay

There’s a reason “how to become a travel agent” has been a continuously trending search phrase on Google—it is a career path that offers a flexible work environment and schedule, ample travel opportunities, and an immersion into a supportive world-wide industry. It's a surprise to some in 2023: Once the internet became widely available, it was largely believed that needing a travel agent was obsolete. However, even though the brick-and-mortar agencies with punny names in strip malls have vanished, the career is on-the-rise .

New software options are making it easier than ever for people to make money planning trips, either as a side hustle or as a full-time business. That’s why Cherikonda, India-based stay-at-home mother, Maya Kapoor-Miller, decided to enter the professional world as a travel agent this year, at 31. “I knew nothing about the travel industry prior to signing up,” says Kapoor-Miller, who decided to use San Francisco-based booking platform Dreamport to establish her online travel advisor business. “It is my first business in life, and the only one that you can start with no investment.”

But there's also a rise in demand. When people ventured back into the world after the pandemic, travel agents saw an overwhelming amount of business . And that momentum hasn’t stopped—when travel is complicated, like it was in 2020 and 2021, travelers turned to professional trip planners to create a seamless vacation. For better or worse, traveling has remained complicated and chaotic, with new rules being implemented (like Americans needing to pay a fee to visit Europe in 2024 ) and airline strikes and staffing issues. Offloading all of the nitty-gritty details to someone else is more appealing than ever.

For those entering the field, there's also the age-old motivator: a love of travel. 

Shelton Ellis, who is based in North Carolina, recently saw these opportunities and left behind more than 20 years in public relations and global advertising to turn his passion into a career. “I was born with a wanderlust that would wear Rick Steves out,” Ellis says. “I decided to take the leap and follow that lifelong yearning. Transitioning into this role was really about learning how to monetize what I'm passionate about.”

Whether you are looking for a new career path or a lucrative side-hustle—or simply curious about those taking the plunge—here’s how to become a travel agent, from the qualifications and education required, to anticipated earnings, according to those who have made the shift in the past year. 

What exactly does a travel agent do?

Travel agents, or travel advisors (the term is mostly interchangeable), manage everything that goes into a trip for their clients: the flights, car transfers, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and more—they even inspire the itinerary. The reason people turn to travel agents, aside from having a helping hand during any travel chaos , is also to tap into the travel agent’s first-hand knowledge of destinations, and their industry partnerships, which often lead to perks such as hotel upgrades, ideal airplane seats, and experiences that can’t be found on a search engine.

“You have to remember that as a travel agent, you will be a guide for people during their happiest moments—family reunions, weddings , baptisms, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that people have dreamt of,” says Kapoor-Miller. “It has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a travel agent. You navigate people, inform them, and help them choose.”

So, how do you become a travel agent?

There are many ways to become a travel agent, from joining an existing travel agency , to starting an independent business from the ground up. Others are opting for one of the buzziest start-ups in the travel industry, Fora . When it launched in 2021, the software company, which trains and provides search engine-optimized profile pages to advisors—at one point had a waitlist of over 30,000 people eager to begin a part-time gig. Travel photographer and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Amanda Villarosa is currently in the process of joining.

“I'm the person that friends and family come to for travel recommendations, tips and tricks, and general travel advice,” says Villarosa. “After discovering Fora and looking into it, I realized that it could be the perfect side-hustle, considering I'm already so involved in the industry.”

With additional flexibility, Villarosa was able to move from New York City to splitting her time between Denver and Los Angeles . She says that the sign-up was quite straightforward. “You're given a dedicated Fora email and have access to advising tools and fellow Fora advisors,” she says. “The training is in the form of Zoom meetings and videos, which you have the option to watch at your own pace. Once completed, you take a certification quiz and you're on your way to advising.”

The other ways in are slightly more involved. To begin an independent practice, you go about it like many other businesses. You will have to create an LLC, establish a business name, cultivate marketing materials, build a website, find clientele, and more.

Ellis found something in the middle, choosing to connect with an established travel agency. “Don't be afraid to reach out to an agency looking to take on new advisors and is willing to mentor," says Ellis. "I was fortunate to learn so much from Annie Chambers, the owner of Crafted Escapes , who has seven years in the business.” He now knows the ropes on everything from using itinerary-building software to destination-specific training, to the sales and marketing aspects of the trade.

Is there required education or qualifications?

Ellis says that there's no certification, per se, required to become a travel advisor, but there are countless training courses available like Departure Lounge ’s classes on navigating the industry through hotels and tour operators. He said it’s also important to stay on top of travel trends. Ellis recently completed travel agent training programs provided by premier cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages , Ritz-Carlton Yachts , and Cunard to help agents sell their products more accurately.

How much does a travel agent make?

What a travel agent earns depends on how many trips they successfully book for their clients. The entire model is commission-based, meaning agents earn a percentage of the total cost of the vacation they orchestrate. Many travel advisors choose to charge a flat-rate planning fee in addition to their commission, but balance is key—if you charge a high planning fee, it could lead to potential clients going elsewhere.

Jessica Puckett

CNT Editors

Jesse Ashlock

Fora ’s website states that “some of our full-time, expert advisors earn well into the six figures (or beyond).” So a lucrative career may be on the horizon, for those who are able to build a robust client base and excellent industry connections.

How much you make can also depend on where you live around the world. “I am being paid in dollars,” says India-based Kapoor-Miller. “So the currency fluctuations of the local exchange rate are not something I am worried about.”

What are the key skills required to become a travel agent?

“Travel agents need a mix of customer service, communication, destination knowledge, organizational, and problem-solving skills,” says Kapoor-Miller. “But I would say that adaptability, flexibility, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity top them all—you have to put yourself in other's shoes, and understand the requirements, hopes, and expectations of your clients along with any worries and questions they may have.”

It’s vital to have a passion for traveling, even the aspects of the process that aren’t as exciting, such as learning about new airline routes, train schedule updates, and industry news. “It can be an information-heavy hustle, and I believe it's important to be excited about it as that energy definitely transfers to your clients and partners,” Villarosa says.

Should travel advisors choose a specialization?

Many travel advisors have found success through becoming an expert in a few types of travel and destinations. “It's important to become an authority and learn as much as you can through personal experiences and continuing education,” says Ellis. “As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community , an avid snow skier, and scuba diver, I know not only the popular destinations but others that are off the beaten path, equally safe and adventurous for all travelers.” This helps travel agents establish a competitive edge, and hopefully convince potential clients to choose them for their expertise.

What are the benefits of being a travel agent?

“Flexibility tops them all,” says Kapoor-Miller. “And the ability to start without industry knowledge. If you worry that you are too old for this job, the good news is that this is a job you can enter and enjoy at any age.”

Another great perk is the "Familiarization trip,” says Ellis. “Tourism boards and hotels invite agents to visit and familiarize themselves with a particular country and its properties. After all, any accomplished salesperson should learn everything they can about their products first-hand...even if they're in Bora Bora.” It's hard work, but someone's got to do it. 

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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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Should You Use a Travel Agent? The Pros and Cons for Travelers of All Types

U sing a travel agent may seem unnecessary, especially with many online travel websites. It’s become increasingly easier to book travel without a travel agent. However, there are many ways a travel agent can be helpful when planning your vacation.

Should you use a travel agent? Deciding that answer will depend on what works best for you. There are many benefits to using a travel agent, but there are also some reasons you may want to book your travel independently.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

A travel agent can save you money.

Sometimes, travel agents can access special rates or offer incentives through their agency. A good agent will also keep an eye on new discounts or offers that can be applied to your trip even after you’ve booked.

Even if you could book the trip for the same price, you will receive customized service through your agent. Because travel agents have relationships with their suppliers, you may also receive perks like room upgrades, fees waived, or credits to your room.

A Travel Agent Will Take Care of All The Details

Your travel agent will handle all of the details of your trip. They will help you find the best hotel , attractions, tours, rental car, travel insurance , and more deals. They will craft an itinerary that best suits your needs and wishes.

An agent will help alleviate the stress when planning a trip alone. Their knowledge and experience allow them to identify and fix any potential problems before they arise.

A Travel Agent Is an Expert

Travel Agents are destination specialists who work to connect travelers with unique experiences they may not otherwise know about. They may even be able to book exclusive experiences for you. Their expertise will save you the valuable time you spend researching your destination.

Most travel agents love their jobs and are highly knowledgeable about their destinations. They often have first-hand experience and offer expert advice . They will gladly provide recommendations from their experience whenever you have questions or concerns.

A Travel Agent Is Inexpensive, if Not Free

Working with a travel agent doesn’t always mean paying extra for their services. Many travel agents offer their services for free and make money via commissions from hotels or other suppliers.

Other travel agents may charge a fee for their services beyond bookings. Their prices may be flat or based on a percentage of the total cost of your trip. In some cases, agents may also request a refundable deposit.

Please don’t hesitate to ask if the agent charges a fee before you start the planning process. Remember, paying an agent’s services fee may save you money.

A Travel Agent Is Your Advocate

A good travel agent will provide you with concierge-level service. They will know about any cancellations, delays, or changes to your travel. They will also be able to help you rebook or adjust your itinerary right away.

If something goes wrong, you can call your travel agent, and they will help you find a solution.

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

A travel agent may not save you money.

If you plan a short trip to visit family or friends, there may be better options than a travel agent. You can often find great deals on hotels, airfare, and other travel options online just as quickly. Travel agents are usually best used to help you book more extensive, extended trips.

Even though many travel agents don’t charge for their services, it may not be in the best interest of either party if the trip is short.

A Travel Agent May Not Give You Enough Control

You may have a less flexible itinerary when you book through a travel agent, making it challenging to make last-minute changes without losing money. To make changes, you may need to communicate with your agent; if they are unavailable, you may experience problems.

If you enjoy having the freedom to adjust your schedule as you go, booking with a travel agent may not be the best option. Travel agents often book package deals that include a pre-planned itinerary. A vacation package may not be best if you prefer a flexible schedule. However, it can save you money on a more extensive trip to book everything at once.

A Travel Agent May Limit Your Options

A travel agent might not be your best option if you prefer to travel to more unique destinations . Most travel agents book package deals with large resorts or travel groups.

Adventurous travelers who prefer to venture off the beaten path to find authentic, local experiences may find that package deals do not meet their needs.

Should You Use a Travel Agent? Here’s When We Recommend It.

You don’t have time to plan.

You may not have the time to research special offers and craft the perfect itinerary. A good travel agent will personalize your vacation to best suit your needs. You can spend less time comparing options and more time enjoying your vacation.

Your travel agent will handle all the details, including any changes or unexpected complications.

You Have a Complex Travel Schedule

A savvy travel agent specializing in specific destinations will have expert insight and knowledge to create an unforgettable trip with extraordinary experiences. They can book your hotels, transfers, activities, and more to align with your schedule perfectly.

You Want Personalized Service

A travel agent will take the time to learn about your likes and dislikes. They will craft an itinerary that helps you accomplish your travel goals. An expert travel agent will prepare a perfectly tailored trip for you. Your agent will also update you on the latest events and offers that may fit into your trip.

You will receive one-on-one communication throughout the planning process, ensuring everything goes as planned. Your travel agent is your point of contact to help answer any questions.

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How to find a travel agent.

A referral from friends or family is the best way to find a reputable travel agent. They have worked with the travel agent on a previous trip and will know from experience if they’re worth working with. You may prefer to work with a local travel agent from your community.

You will also want to look for a travel agent specializing in your destination. Social media may be an excellent place to look for destination agents. Look for people who provide helpful tips or information about special offers.

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I’m a travel agent: 3 tricks to save money on fine dining while traveling.

The three Cs that make travel a soul-enriching experience are culture, customs and cuisine. That last one might seem reserved for the wealthy , but it doesn’t have to be pricey — even for white-tablecloth restaurants and haute cuisine.

To find out how ordinary people can afford fine dining during their travels, GOBankingRates spoke with a travel agent whose company’s forte is luxury for less.

Discover More: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024 Find Out: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Charles Neville works with JayWay Travel , which specializes in customized, semi-independent European travel experiences that provide more autonomy than group tours at a much lower cost than fully escorted private excursions. The company assigns a dedicated staff member and a local contact to each client or group and custom-builds every facet of the trip, from consultation and itinerary creation to accommodation selection and pre-arrival preparation.

Among the many themed packages they curate are food-and-drink tours that focus on local gastronomy and fine dining.

Along the way, Neville has learned a few tricks about indulging in high-end cuisine without paying gourmet prices.

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Look for Lunch Specials or Pre-Theater Menus

Like matinees for movie lovers, fine dining tends to be cheaper during the day. On your next journey, make lunch your new dinner.

“Finer restaurants might offer specially priced lunches or pre-theater menus during the hours that are usually for dinner,” said Neville. “These menus are more affordable than that of the traditional dinner menu. These special arrangements are frequently smaller portions of the same high-quality dishes, letting you experience the ambiance and cuisine without being burdened by huge prices for full dinners.

“By trying the high-end menu at off-hours — for example, during mid-afternoon or early evening — you can savor the elegance of fine dining at a lower price.”

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Opt for Tasting Menus or Chef’s Selections

Also called degustation menus, tasting menus require diners to forgo their choice of what to eat and the number of courses in favor of a predetermined selection of small plates served as a single meal. It can be an economical, yet indulgent way to dine.

“You may put a restaurant tasting menu or chef selections on the table rather than choosing separate options,” said Neville. “These bespoke dining experiences usually demonstrate the chef’s artistic ability and focus on the restaurant’s top dishes that it is popular for.

“The first-time cost might seem high to some, but a majority of the inclined gourmet would remark that this is an excellent proposition in terms of monetary value, as it includes many courses at fixed fees without the worry of a surprise bill. You can sample an array of cuisines and lay your hands on different ingredients that will add to your foodie experience while staying within your budget.”

Explore Dining Events or Collaborative Pop-Ups

As far back as 2017, Food & Wine reported on the growing influence of the red-hot pop-up restaurant trend. Some of the trendiest pop-ups in America were so popular that they became highly acclaimed permanent eateries, including Saison in San Francisco, Coquine in Portland and Semilla in Brooklyn.

Seven years later and the trend remains at the forefront — and still offers one of the best opportunities to experience world-class cuisine at up-and-comer prices.

“Do not forget to look for your favorite dining event, collaborations or pop-up dinners that are co-hosted by renowned professionals from the destination you might be visiting,” said Neville. “Such unique activities cater to those who want to enjoy the exquisite dining experience without paying a lot for restaurant reservation fees.”

Pop-ups aren’t the only alternative path to low-cost luxury cuisine.

“From custom dinners with a theme of your choosing to special guest showcases or culinary festivals — which involve exceptional food and popular culinary trends — attending events like these helps you save money while still enjoying yourself,” said Neville.

A Pro Tip From a Travel Influencer

Jess Bohorquez is a travel expert who shares strategies for jetsetting with credit card points instead of dollars with her 189,000 Instagram followers and 77,000 TikTok followers. One of her top tips deals with indulging in luxury food and drinks for less.

“The best way to score a reliably amazing fine dining experience at a reasonable price is to download the Michelin app and filter for ‘Bib Gourmand’ in your destination city,” she said.

The Michelin Guide is the biggest name in global fine dining, and since 1997, it has bestowed the Bib Gourmand Award on restaurants that offer extraordinary quality at an accessible price.

“These are vetted restaurants that offer three-course meals at a reasonable price,” said Bohorquez. “I’ve had some of the best meals of my life at Bib Gourmands. One of the most unforgettable options is Une Table à Deux in Toulouse, France.”

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’m a Travel Agent: 3 Tricks To Save Money on Fine Dining While Traveling

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• To the East
• Moscow vs St Pete...

Moscow vs St Petersburg

I am planning a trip through Eastern Europe in September, beginning in Russia and working my way back through the Baltics, Poland, etc. Should I fly into Moscow then take the train to St. Petersburg or fly directly to St. Pete.? I've heard Moscow can be a bit of a hassle and I don't know if it's worth the trouble.

Tom is right; each city is different and well worth a visit. There is so much history and interesting architecture that will interest you.

Before I went I did a google search for "Moscow sights". And same for STPB.

After I read about each city I made a list of places I wanted to see. I hired a guide and gave him my list.

I found Moscow very much "worth the trouble" and easy to navigate once I learned the subway system. It is probably the oldest in the world, but quite useful. They claim that one station is over 100 feet below street level.

Fly into Moscow. You won't regret fitting it into your schedule. The train ride to STPB is an old-world experience because the coaches are so old.

Kind of hard to answer this question for you. Each city, from a tourist perspective, are very different. Both are very large. Many areas of Moscow contain a fascinating jumble of Tsarist decadence, Stalinist Gothic, Soviet rot and modern hyper-capitalism. Saint Petersburg, by contrast, has a wonderful museum-perfect (and quite large) older section of town surrounded by a sea of gray Soviet-era buildings- most tourists never venture here. Both cities have the feel of massively controlled chaos, but Moscow a little more so.

Neither is an "easy" destination, unlike the rest of Europe, but both are well worth a visit. Just be aware that the entry and exit procedures for Russia are much more complicated and restrictive than the Schengen Area. Make sure you get some help from an experienced travel agent.

Thanks for the input, guys.

BTW, has anyone out there travelled from St. Petersburg to Helsinki by train? The Sibelius (Finnish run) looks to be more comfortable, but the Repin (Russian run) shcedule works better for me. Any ideas?

Ash: Before my wife and I traveled from Helsinki to STPB I did research on the web to comments from travelers. At that time everyone recommended taking the Finnish train.

However we couldn't get a compartment on it and had to take the Russian train. It was quite an experience because the cars are so old.

We enjoyed it because it was just like travel used to be 100 years ago. I suggest you consider both of them before you decide. Take the one that fits your itinerary.

Sounds like a good idea, Carl. I would hate to pass up an opportunity to experience a real Russian train :-) I think we will take that one since it fits our itinerary, gives us more time in STPB and will be another interesting adventure. Thanks.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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Recomendation of visa agent please - Moscow Forum

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Recomendation of visa agent please

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It will be my first time to Russia, can anyone recommend a good visa agent to help with application? Do any offer discount for two visas?

I am staying in a few different hotels (and an overnight train to St Peters) so think I will need to have an invitation.

I assume you mean two visas for two different people (As in you and your partner)?

This is all so overly complicated that I wish I hadnt booked a holiday to Russia now.

If I was doing the two centre visit I would use the agent in order to get the invite letter which allows freedom to choose more than one Hotel etc.

http://ru.vfsglobal.co.uk/Visa_application_form.html

>>This is all so overly complicated that I wish I hadnt booked a holiday to Russia now.<<

Oh don't say that - it's really not all that hard (albeit a bit time consuming) and I'm sure you'll have a great holiday once you're there!

Burge124 and Luap123, the following links should be of some help.

www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294459-s602/Russia:Crossing.The.Border.html

www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g298507-i707-k5148896-How_to_get_a_Tourist_Visa-St_Petersburg_Northwestern_District.html

the visa is not complicated if you follow the rules. you need a visa support document, so if you are travelling overnight you will probably need to purchase one from a travel agency as hotels will not cover overnight journey.

At least in the US, they are smart enough to consider that if one has a hotel stay, say, from June 4-10th, then hops on an overnight arriving on 11th, and then has hotel stay from 11th thru the 13th, then one has covered all the bases.

The bigger deal, which has nothing to do with overnight trains, is simply the hassle of having to get the 2 separate invites, but this is not that bad to deal with. Heck, I have done 4 separate ones for 1 visa...

Re the overnight train thing, as well as submitting the required visa support documents, passport photos etc with our visa application I included a copy of our planned itinerary which showed which nights we'd be in hotels or apartments and which nights we'd be travelling on trains. Just something I typed up in Word, to make things clear for the consulate processing our application. It took next to no time and, like Ebertsj, we had no problems at all.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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