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CTM provides local service solutions to customers around the world. Please select your local region, and start experiencing the CTM difference!

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Online booking tools

Corporate travel management (ctm) supports a range of online booking tools (obts), including proprietary and third-party solutions, enabling a tailored travel management solution that is built for your business’s specific travel needs and preferences..

What differentiates CTM’s online booking tool offering from other travel management providers is our ability to enhance the end-user experience of third-party tools by layering CTM’s proprietary technology framework. These unique product customizations deliver our customers with enhanced product features and benefits, significantly increasing the speed and cost-savings potential of our online booking solutions.

In North America, we offer a range of online booking tools for our customers, including Lightning by CTM and Concur.

Experience CTM's Lightning online booking tool

7 reasons to use an online booking tool

Whether you’re a travel arranger, travel approver, business traveler or all three, an online booking tool (OBT) can be the perfect solution to your travel management needs. Below highlights just a few of the many reasons why your business could benefit from utilizing an OBT.

Research and book air, hotel and car rental in one platform, combining corporate negotiated deals alongside global distribution system (GDS) content and last minute inventory. Better visibility of rates and availability in a single source eliminates the need to compare across multiple sites.

Compare the best rates to travel across multiple providers in a single search, ensuring access to the best corporate travel deals. Configurable policy regulations ensure maximum program compliance and support supplier preference to heighten your negotiation power. Access to redeem unused ticket credits enables your team to eliminate wastage. User-friendly OBTs also enable your teams to easily self-book their travel, reducing service fees.

Personalized experience

Store traveler information and preferences, upload negotiated deals and supplier preferences, and apply filters to present and sort travel options in the most effective way for your individual users.

Duty of care

Traveler tracking and risk alerts allow companies to easily locate and contact their travelers based on their travel itinerary, reducing potential risks to safety and efficiency.

Policy compliance

OBTs can be configured to your travel policy to ensure 100% mandate to in-policy buying, further bolstering your supplier negotiations and minimizing traveler risk.

Consolidated reporting

Booking all aspects of your travel in a single OBT ensures that all travel data is consolidated for more efficient reporting and budget control, and greater visibility of your travel program’s performance.

Book on the go

Online booking tool’s mobile apps enable your workforce to remain highly productive while on the road. With the ability to book and manage their itinerary 24/7, an OBT app gives your travelers greater control over the business travel experience.

Experience CTM’s online booking tools in action. Request a demo today.

You might be interested in....

Lightning OBT

Pre-trip approval

Forecasting

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Enjoy Lightning-fast business travel

Book your next trip in 90 seconds

It's time for a UX you'll love

Experience lightning online booking tool, book your next business trip in 90 seconds let’s go., at last, an online booking tool built for business travel, combining lightning-fast usability with the broadest range of content and customisable policy controls to drive savings, adoption and compliance in your travel programme..

• Global and local flights, hotels, car rental and rail
• Aggregated content from the broadest range of sources for the best choice of travel content
• Built-in policy controls and approval workflows for cost savings and safety
• Online changes, cancellations, and unused ticket management make business travel fast, simple and affordable.

Supercharge your booking experience

Time to upgrade your travel booking experience.

Book travel in <90 secs

Lightning leaves other online booking tools in the dust for speed, power, and usability. Powered by CTM's Global Content Factory, you'll enjoy Lightning-fast search results and fare comparisons to get you where you're going fast.

A UX you'll love

Say goodbye to outdated corporate booking tools with Lightning's intuitive user experience. Our feedback loops put you in control of feature developments, and our User Labs ensure our products are roadtested by real users just like you.

Big savings, zero hassle

Lightning puts you in control of your travel budget, with configurable product preferencing, policy rules, and approval workflows to drive better buying behaviours and compliance. Access everything you need all in one place, with Lightning.

Upgrade your travel options

Lightning doesn’t compromise when it comes to sourcing the largest range of travel content to deliver the best possible business travel experiences for you and your team. CTM’s Global Content Factory aggregates travel content from a wide range of sources and delivers it directly into your Lightning search results – at lightning speed.

• GDS: Access global distribution system (GDS) content for air, hotel and car rental.
• Direct connections: API integrations with low cost carriers and last minute hotel inventory ensures you have access to more choice and price points
• NDC: Lightning is ready to serve personalised airline NDC content and offers direct to your Lightning search results
• Billion dollar buying power: Enjoy access to CTM’s global buying power for corporate negotiated deals and extra inclusions.

Built in-region for regional needs

Unlike other corporate online booking tools, Lightning matches a great user experience with the localised content and functionality you want and need.

• Regional rail: UK and European domestic rail – for swift and sustainable train travel
• Smart ticket credit management and auto-application of unused credits to optimise your travel budget and reduce cost wastage
• Low-cost regional carriers so your team can access the widest range of content at the best prices.

Policy controls you’ll approve of

We know businesses need flexible, scalable approval processes when booking business travel. That’s why Lightning works in sync with CTM Approve for seamless policy control inside and outside of Lightning.

• View and compare all policy compliant travel options at a glance and block non-compliant travel options
• View trip approval status and reason codes inside Lightning
• Capture policy breakage codes at time of booking to monitor and optimise booking behaviours.

Powerful insights for smarter travel

Access to all the information you need to book your travel with confidence.

View airline health and safety measures, seat pitch, on-time performance, in-flight extras, carbon emissions, product reviews, hotel features, interactive destination maps, and more, all inside your Lightning search results.

Travel doesn’t have to cost the earth

Lightning is built for modern travel programmes that embrace sustainability across every mode of travel.

• Smart comparisons: View and compare granular flight emissions data calculated from aircraft age, engine model, seat configuration, sustainable aviation fuel adoption, and more.
• Speedy sorting: Select the lowest emission travel options in just one click.
• Car rental goes electric: Charge up your ground transport with EV & Hybrid car rental options.

Ready to upgrade your booking experience?

Lightning for every travel stakeholder.

Travel Bookers

Save time by booking up to nine colleagues at once, automatically apply ticket credits and book on the go via our app.

Business Travellers

Book travel in seconds with Lightning's fast, intuitive user experience, including profile management, seat selection and status recognition.

Travel Managers

Apply product preferences, prohibit non-preferred options, and nudge your people to make better choices with in-app messaging.

Experience CTM’s Lightning online booking tool today.

Contact our team for a demo., you might be interested in....

Why switch to Lightning?

Not all online booking tools are created equal. Find out why Lightning outpaces other OBTs for speed, content and experience.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Find out how your booking behaviours and travel preferences can impact the total carbon footprint of your travel programme.

How agile tech keeps you moving

Find out how agile development processes deliver speed, value and productivity to organisations and travellers.

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Local solutions, delivered globally

CTM provides local service solutions to customers around the world. Please select your local region, and start experiencing the CTM difference!

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Global Travel, Done Differently.

One Program. One Platform. One Team.

Global Tools, Powered By One Platform.

Welcome to ctm. we do global business travel, differently., corporate travel management (ctm) is a global leader in business travel management services. we drive savings, efficiency, safety and sustainability to companies and their travelers in every corner of the world..

When you partner with CTM, you’ll enjoy the experience of global travel done differently – a uniquely designed global travel management program, built with you and for you, consistently and expertly delivered in every region you operate in. We design travel programs that drive strategic results for every part of your business and every member of your team, in every region you operate in.

That’s the CTM difference.

If you are looking for a tailored travel management solution, delivering customer service excellence , innovative travel technology and a demonstrable return on investment, you’re in the right place.

Time to discuss your global travel needs?

Explore our global travel solutions

Global travel, powered by one travel program.

No matter how large, diverse, and complex your business or travel needs, we’re committed to designing simple, safe and sustainable solutions that deliver measurable results.

At CTM, we take a highly consultative and curated approach to designing your global travel program, ensuring a solution that meets your business’s unique goals, challenges and opportunities.

We work with your team to source and select the right solutions for your business and people in every market you operate in and package them up into one program, accessed through one platform and supported by one team , to give your unique global travel program a place to call “home”.

One Program

Every aspect of your business travel, strategic meetings and corporate events needs consolidated into one strategic program to maximize savings, efficiencies and duty of care.

One Platform

A uniquely curated suite of global travel tools, configured to your global and regional business needs, and seamlessly integrated in a single global travel platform.

A carefully crafted team of global travel experts, identified for their expertise and experience in delivering strategic results and first-class experiences wherever you need them.

Take your first step towards better business travel with Corporate Travel Management.

Transformative business travel technology.

Global scale, local expertise, agile tech

The scale to achieve maximum savings, the spread to provide consistent local market expertise, and the agility to solve tomorrow’s travel challenges today.

Built for simplicity, consistency, flexibility

We take a highly consultative, curated approach to designing unique, simple and effective global travel solutions which deliver strategic results today and into the future.

Your Feedback Drives Our Roadmap

We put you front and center of our product and service roadmap, ensuring you benefit first from the fastest, most relevant and impactful solutions.

Take a tour of CTM's global travel solutions

Testimonial

CTM has established itself as a well-respected travel management provider within the global travel sector, one which actively contributes to the continued growth, diversification and digital transformation of the travel industry.

- Matteo Zanarini, International Air Transport Association (IATA) -

CTM has been an innovative industry leader in the corporate travel market for many years, both technologically and strategically. This is a market segment that is undergoing serious upheaval and CTM has shown its ability to navigate some turbulent times and come out as a leader in its field.

- Peter Harbison, CAPA Centre for Aviation -

Sabre values its long and mutually beneficial relationship with Corporate Travel Management. As their global technological partner, we have developed trusted relationships with the CTM team and respect their track record of performance and technological innovation.

- Andy Finkelstein, Sabre Travel Network -

Corporate Meetings & Events

Take your corporate meetings and events to a new level of performance with CTM’s specialist  event management team, ETM. Our expert event organizers ensure strategically designed meetings and events which deliver exceptional attendee experiences, more strategic outcomes for your business, and a better return on your travel budget.

Benefit from our extensive supplier relationships to leverage corporate deals on accommodation, travel and entertainment, saving you time and money. Moreover, consolidate your corporate and event travel spend through CTM for stronger supplier negotiations, maximizing your overall budget’s potential. Whether it’s corporate events, strategic meetings, conferences, group travel, team-building activities, or sales incentives, we tailor your event management solution to exceed expectations and drive business success.

Partner with us for a connected event experience that drives results for your business, people, and budget.

Looking for a regional travel solution?

You're in the home of global travel programs! If you're looking for a regional solution for your business travel needs, visit your local CTM website to explore our award-winning regional travel services.

A plane leaving Kansas City was hit by lightning mid-flight. How often does that happen?

Can a plane get hit by lightning while in the air?

Kansas City got the answer firsthand on Tuesday, as an American Airlines plane had to make an emergency landing after reportedly being struck.

American Airlines flight 3661 left Kansas City International Airport at 5:36 a.m. to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. The plane was hit by lightning in the air about 50 minutes later, according to an American Airlines spokesperson.

The plane turned around and landed safely at KCI. The plane was able to taxi to the gate, where American Airlines’ maintenance team was able to inspect it for damage. When it is suspected that a plane was hit by lightning, there is a mandatory inspection for damage.

The airline said the plane had 42 passengers on board when it was struck by lightning, and no injuries were reported.

It’s not often a plane is struck by lightning, but how often does it happen?

How often are planes hit by lightning?

The plane that was hit by lightning in Kansas City might be the only one that was struck this year, according to the National Weather Service .

The weather service says that commercial airplanes are hit by lightning an average of one or two times a year. Most airplanes are struck by lightning when flying through clouds. Pilots will avoid flying in thunderstorms to prevent being struck by lightning.

Airplanes face an increased risk of being struck when they climb and descend, usually when the plane is between 5,000-15,000 feet, Fox Weather said .

Airplanes act as a lightning rod and often initiate the lightning strike. The bolt will hit one point of the plane, like the nose and travel throughout until it finds the exit, like the wing tip, aerospace company Airbus said in a blog post.

Can planes withstand lightning strikes?

All large aircraft are designed to withstand lighting strikes without suffering significant damage, Airbus said. However, many planes, like small private and experimental aircraft, are not required to be designed for protection from lightning, the weather service said.

“The aircraft structure is designed to conduct the electrical current induced by a lightning strike,” Airbus said. “For composite fuselages or components, integrated conductive metallic foils and metallic strips are used to ensure this.”

The last confirmed commercial plane crash in the U.S. directly attributed to lightning occurred in 1967, when lightning caused a catastrophic fuel tank explosion, according to the popular science magazine Scientific American .

©2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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• Strategic Account Management
• Small Business Solutions
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Local solutions, delivered globally

CTM provides local service solutions to customers around the world. Please select your local region, and start experiencing the CTM difference!

Don’t show this again

Online booking tools

Corporate travel management (ctm) supports a range of online booking tools (obts), including proprietary and third-party solutions, enabling a tailored travel management solution that is built for your business’s specific travel needs and preferences..

What differentiates CTM’s online booking tool offering from other travel management providers is our ability to enhance the end-user experience of third-party tools by layering CTM’s proprietary travel technology framework. These unique product customisations deliver our customers with enhanced product features and benefits, significantly increasing the speed and cost-savings potential of our online booking travel solutions.

In Australia and New Zealand, we offer a range of online booking tools for our customers, including Lightning by CTM and Concur.

Experience CTM's Lightning online booking tool

7 reasons to use an online booking tool

Whether you’re a travel booker, travel approver, business traveller or all three, an online booking tool (OBT) can be the perfect solution to your travel management needs. Below highlights just a few of the many reasons why your business could benefit from utilising an OBT.

Research and book air, hotel and car hire in one platform, combining corporate negotiated deals alongside global distribution system (GDS) content and last minute inventory. Better visibility of rates and availability in a single source eliminates the need to compare across multiple sites.

Compare the best rates to travel across multiple providers in a single search, ensuring access to the best corporate travel deals. Configurable policy regulations ensure maximum program compliance and support supplier preferencing to heighten your negotiation power. Access to redeem unused ticket credits enables your team to eliminate wastage. User-friendly OBTs also enable your teams to easily self-book their travel, reducing service fees.

Personalised experience

Store traveller information and preferences, upload negotiated deals and supplier preferences, and apply filters to present and sort travel options in the most effective way for your individual users.

Duty of care

Traveller tracking and risk alerts allow companies to easily locate and contact their travellers based on their travel itinerary, reducing potential risks to safety and efficiency.

Policy compliance

OBTs can be configured to your travel policy to ensure 100% mandate to in-policy buying, further bolstering your supplier negotiations and minimising traveller risk.

Consolidated travel reporting

Booking all aspects of your travel in a single OBT ensures that all travel data is consolidated for more efficient travel reporting and budget control, and greater visibility of your travel program’s performance.

Book on the go

Online booking tool’s mobile apps enable your workforce to remain highly productive while on the road. With the ability to book and manage their itinerary 24/7, an OBT app gives your travellers greater control over the business travel experience.

Experience CTM’s online booking tools in action.

Request a demo today.

You might be interested in...

Lightning OBT

Pre-trip approval

Forecasting

Lightning striking moving truck in St. Pete caught on camera

Lightning strikes moving truck on st. pete roadway.

Michaelle May Whalen via Storyful

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A Florida woman was trying to record video of the spectacular lightning strikes going across the sky over St. Petersburg July 1 when she captured a bolt that was way too close for comfort. 

Michaelle May Whalen said she was in the vehicle behind her husband's truck, which was carrying her three children, as they drove home from a vacation.

She kept missing the lightning strikes while trying to take pictures, so her son-in-law made a suggestion.

 "It started to storm and I thought the lightning was neat, so I was trying to snap a picture of the lightning and missed every time," Whalen said. "So my son-in-law suggested I slow-motion video record, and that’s when I captured the event on camera."

The event was a lightning strike making direct contact with her husband's truck. 

After the strike, you can hear Whalen ask "is he OK?"

Whalen told Storyful that everyone in the truck was uninjured, but the vehicle was "completely fried."

The National Weather Service issued a weather warning in the Tampa Bay area on July 1.

The day before Whalen recorded her video, an 11-year-old boy was struck by lightning in Riverview , forcing him to be hospitalized for several days.

Child returns home after lightning strike

Days after an 11-year-old boy was struck by lightning in Riverview, his parents said their son is now back at home and out of the ICU.

Levi Stock has since been released from the ICU and returned home with his family. 

They were returning from a boat trip when Levi was struck while outside the ramp at Williams Park. 

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Is St. Petersburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Florida : Safety by City

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St. Petersburg, Florida, is a waterfront city on the peninsula facing Tampa Bay.

Most people refer to this city as St. Pete, and the St. Pete Beach residents were so adamant about shortening the name that they formally voted to change it.

St. Pete and St. Pete Beach are two different cities, as is Clearwater and the nearby larger city of Tampa.

Combined, the Tampa-St. Pete – Clearwater area is one of the largest metro regions in the country.

While this region is home to 2.8 million people, St. Pete is home to nearly 260,000 of them.

Staying in Tampa and St. Petersburg has two different experiences.

If being close to the beach is important, then St. Pete is for you.

If you want a more urban experience, head for Tampa.

St. Pete is also a little livelier than Tampa, with great entertainment districts on the water, while Tampa offers more cultural amenities and a larger landscape to explore.

St. Pete is closer to Clearwater.

Tampa is closer to everything else that isn’t the beach.

This metro region, including Sarasota County, is a popular place for winter snowbirds looking to escape the harsh winters.

They are usually retired people who spend time relaxing in the warm weather and attending social engagements.

While St. Pete has more senior citizens demographically, it’s known for its entertainment districts downtown on the bay and as a party town.

You really can’t go wrong staying anywhere in St. Pete/Tampa/Clearwater region, but let’s explore St. Pete, and you can review our articles on the other two cities to see which works best for you.

• Warnings & Dangers in St. Petersburg

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

St. Peterburg is bucking the national trend of increased violent crime at a concerning rate. While there's still work to be done, violent crime is actually down 68% over the past five years. With so much to do and see here, the risk is worth the reward, but there's not much of a risk if you follow along with the advice in this article.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) runs the local fixed-route bus system. You can also use ferries to get across the bay. For those staying downtown, you'll have a trolley to help you get around. The Sun Runner bus has its own lane to take you to the beach faster than driving. You can also use taxis and rideshares or get your own rental car. All options are low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just 17 pickpockets were reported in 2021, which is a number that surprised me - and I used to live in this area. There are a lot of crowded spaces and busy restaurants, so just use standard safety advice, like carrying only what you need and keeping your purse or wallet close to you when sitting down. Don't hang your purse over the back of the chair at a restaurant.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You'll need to be vigilant from June through November because that's when Hurricane Season is underway. August through October tend to be the more active months. Summer will bring thunderstorms, with flash flooding and intense lightning being the biggest risk. Winters are usually low-risk.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

One of the more concerning statistics I found was the robbery rate in St. Pete. While the robbery rate is just 13% higher than the national average, 77% of those robberies were in public places - known as highway robberies. Treat this with a medium risk, just out of an abundance of caution.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Any metro area this large will get a medium risk, plus with the port activity, there's another increased value risk. There is a lot of security at the local level, from the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and federal levels.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams in St. Pete focus mainly on locals and the elderly. Watch out for rental scams, too, if you choose to get a condo or home instead of staying at an established hotel. Don't use third-party websites like Craigslist and book through a local travel agency, so you'll ensure the right rental permits and protected payment methods are available.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

As a single woman, I've been to St. Pete many times by myself. You'll want to use street smarts when enjoying yourself downtown, especially if you are drinking. Go with a buddy, and don't go to a private space with someone you have just met. Of course, use caution when walking around at night and stick to well-lit streets and crowded areas.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2021 Water Quality Report is a thumbs up with full compliance and no violations. Water quality can be impacted by flooding or tropical weather, so always check the city website if you are there during a significant weather event. Sometimes the beaches can be impacted by Red Tide, which causes a terrible smell to come from the Gulf water, but rest assured that this water isn't part of the drinking water supply.

• Safest Places to Visit in St. Petersburg

Visitstpeteclearwater.com is the official tourism website, which includes all the attractions on the peninsula side of the area.

To learn about the Tampa side, go to visittampabay.com.

The statewide tourism website is visitflorida.com.

Using official tourism sites is a safer way to search the website and avoid any fraudsters trying to steal your personal information.

You’ll also have people to talk with if you have questions instead of relying on an unknown webmaster.

The art scene is vibrant in St. Pete, with seven separate areas that blend seamlessly into one stellar downtown.

• Waterfront Museum District: High fashion and fine art define this district.
• Uptown Arts District: For those who love locally owned and operated businesses with local flair.
• Central Arts District: Heavy on the art side with live music options, as well as the Florida Holocaust Museum.
• The Edge District: Eclectic and Bohemian style region in this district filled with gastropubs and nightlife options.
• Grand Central District: It feels older because it is, and the cobblestone streets only add to the charm of this area.
• Deuces Live District: Explore the history and culture of the African American influences in this vivacious neighborhood. Also home to the African American Heritage Trail and the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum.
• Warehouse Arts District: A place for serious artists to see art being made and the latest works of brilliance.

You can also view an extensive collection by Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge looks like just another major bridge over beautiful water unless you look a little closer and see the World’s Largest Fishing Pier.

You’ll have to go onto the Skyway to get to the pier.

There is a pier section at each end of the bridge.

It wasn’t built as a pier.

It’s actually the only remnant of the original bridge to cross from St. Pete over to Manatee County.

That bridge collapsed in 1980 after a freighter hit one of the supporting columns.

35 people died.

You don’t have to share that story with other people if they are scared of bridges.

The Skyway is a doozie.

St. Pete Pier is a great place to enjoy the beach and tour the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center with interactive and mind-blowing exhibits.

Several restaurants are located on the 26-acre property with water on three sides.

If you’re heading to the beach, the closest is going to be St. Pete Beach, and it’s worth the trip to the end of the barrier island to see what remains of Fort DeSoto and the beautiful views of the gulf.

There are also tour boats that will take you to Shell Key Preserve to find some of the best beachcombing in Florida.

• Places to Avoid in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is developed in a way where the main entertainment districts and tourist destinations are near downtown.

While petty crimes and the occasional violent crime will be your main concerns there, it’s wise not to drive through random neighborhoods on the south side of the city.

Use the main arteries and stick to the areas designed to bring people in for fun.

If you travel anywhere else in St. Pete, it should be to get to the airport, to St. Pete Beach, or to Clearwater.

Avoid the city if a hurricane is headed that way.

While meteorologists can’t predict the exact path of a hurricane, the “cone of uncertainty” generally gives an idea in the week leading up to a storm of where an impact zone could be.

Cities will pre-emptively start closing down businesses, schools, and airports for safety.

Hurricane Ian in October 2022 was expected to be a “worst-case scenario” for St. Pete but took a last-minute turn into Fort Myers.

• Safety Tips for Traveling to St. Petersburg
• Pinellas County includes St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, and Clearwater Beach. That’s why downloading the Alert Pinellas emergency notification system is ideal for any tourist exploring this region. If you want to be covered in Tampa’s Hillsborough County, sign up for HCFL Alert.
• You’ll also need the Pinellas Ready app if you’re visiting during Hurricane Season. This provides all the help you need to prepare for a tropical emergency, including shelters, evacuation zones, and emergency information.
• Sign up for Alert St. Pete to get emergency notifications from St. Pete Police Department. You’ll want to be aware of traffic accidents, road closures, or criminal activity in popular areas.
• There are a lot of homeless people in St. Pete. The city is doing ongoing work to help the homeless, but don’t be surprised if you are panhandled or see a large group of homeless people. It’s better to donate to a shelter than an individual if you are so inclined. The homeless usually aren’t aggressive, but it’s best to avoid crossing their path if you can.
• The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a massive, tall bridge that will shut down during high winds. This means anyone heading south will have to go “the long way” to get to Manatee or Sarasota counties. The bridge sometimes remains open with a high wind advisory, so it can get a little bumpy on the drive. Keep both hands on the wheel, and don’t speed.
• The beaches of St. Pete and Clearwater are great, but you’ll have to pay for parking. About 30 minutes south in Manatee County, beach parking is free. Sarasota County also has free beach parking. It uses a little more gas but saves a lot in parking costs.
• You can read the annual police report on the police department’s website to see the biggest successes and challenges of the previous year. The report is very detailed, with notable cases and arrest rates for all crimes. You can also learn about the use of force and other important safety details.
• You will have to pay a toll to get to St. Pete Beach or to cross the Sunshine Skyway. The SunPass system will cover the tolls with a device placed in the rental vehicle. Make sure you have one of the devices when you get your car. If not, check the fine print because the toll cost is likely worked into the price of the rental car, and it might be cheaper to pay the tolls one at a time. SunPass.com will give you all the rental car brand details.
• The Sunken Gardens are a popular place to visit near the water in St. Pete, and it’s full of aging plants that are priceless. Don’t touch or pick the plants during your visit. Stay on the path at all times.
• Downtown parking can be tricky, especially during big events. Use the Park Mobile app to see parking locations, costs, and time limits. You can also pay through your mobile device and not worry about feeding the meter on the street.
• So... How Safe Is St. Petersburg Really?

St. Petersburg has a broad scope of feedback when you search for safety in St. Pete online.

If you stay out of the neighborhoods, you’re on your way to a safer trip already.

When you’re in the downtown entertainment areas, don’t let the palm trees and blue water make you forget you’re in a big city.

You need to protect yourself and your stuff.

43% of all thefts in the city are related to car break-ins, so don’t leave doors unlocked or windows rolled down.

Leave the car empty, so there’s no temptation for a thief to do a smash-and-grab.

As of August 2022, the police chief gave a report to the city council and touted a 43% decrease in homicides compared to the prior year.

This is a positive change after 2021 saw increased gun violence.

Car thefts were up significantly, giving more support to my previous statement about locking your car and using the utmost safety measures.

Avoid renting a Hyundai or Kia since those are popular to steal, thanks to a social media trend that showed just how easy they are to get.

Also, 65% of the cars that are stolen are due to people leaving the keys inside.

I’ve never understood how so many people do that.

It’s a problem echoed around the country by law enforcement.

St. Pete is built around outdoor entertainment areas, but if there’s a storm brewing or lightning in the area – head inside.

Florida is the lightning capital of North America, and it’s really intense at times.

Don’t risk it – go inside.

If you are close enough to hear thunder, you are close enough to get hit by lightning – even if it’s not raining right where you are standing.

• How Does St. Petersburg Compare?
• Useful Information

You'll need a U.S. Visa or Visa Waiver from the U.S. State Department to get into the country from abroad. As a popular cruise ship launch point, make sure you read the cruise ship policy regarding required documents. The Visa process through the government can take months, so start planning early.

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here (USD), and you'll be challenged to find a place that requires cash. Credit cards are a safer way to protect your money and prevent fraud.

From late winter to late fall, you'll get warm or hot weather here. T-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses are almost a dress code. Winter can get chilly, and people in Florida will dress in winter gear when the temperatures drop below 65°(F). Bring a sweatshirt and jeans for the cooler days. Sunscreen and bug spray are essential items here.

St. Pete/Clearwater has its own airport, but the Tampa Airport is just across the bay. Either one has plenty of destinations. There's a smaller airport in Sarasota, about 45 minutes south, but it's unlikely you'd choose that over the bigger airports.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is important to protect your financial investment in airfare and accommodations, but you also want to be protected in case of hurricane-related cancellations. You also should get supplementary health insurance since there are a lot of adventures here that could result in accidents.

St. Petersburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Florida - Safety by City

Explore st. petersburg.

• 16 Pros and Cons of Living in St. Petersburg, FL
• How To Have An Empire-Style Vacation in St. Petersburg?
• Where to Next?

3 Reviews on St. Petersburg

We had a relaxing, fun time.

Nice place for fishing, sailing or just to hang about on a beach without any worries. Then you can take a stroll and visit some museums, art galleries or craft stores. You’ll have a lot to do for at least a few weeks while here.

Police everywhere

The beach here is breathtaking! I remember going here just for the beach with my friends. Also, there are police everywhere so I think it is safe.

I’ve been living here for a year now and I must say, it is the best decision I have ever made. For safety issues, there are dangerous crimes happening here, so be careful.

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Article Contents

• St. Petersburg : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Tap Water Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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The 10 Best Things to Do in St Petersburg

St Petersburg is a very diverse city, and a typical tourist guidebook will provide comprehensive lists of museums and palaces that must be visited on a trip to the cultural capital of Russia. While they are all worth exploring, there’s also the option to go off the beaten track to discover a different, more authentic side of town. With that in mind, here’s a list of things to do in St Petersburg to help you make the most of your time in the beautiful city.

Take a cruise down the canals.

A river cruise is an ideal way to spend a beautiful summer’s day and one of the best ways to discover the city’s landmarks and architecture . St Petersburg has rightfully earned its name of ‘Venice of the North’. In fact, it was originally intended that boats would be the only way to move between the islands; the city’s bridges were built much later. Cruises don’t run during the winter time, as the river is completely covered in ice, so it’s definitely worth a visit during the warmer months of the year.

Watch the drawbridges at night

Eat pyshkas, sugar-coated russian doughnuts.

This sugary snack remains an all-time favourite in St Petersburg. Establishments serving cheap pastries and coffee started appearing after the revolution in 1917. As these old school eateries continue to be replaced by fashionable coffee joints , some do still exist and have attracted quite an audience. One shop in particular, Pyshechnaya, has a good reputation, and is worth a visit if you are strolling through the centre of town.

1. Climb to the top of St. Isaac’s Cathedral's colonnade

When constructed in the 19th century, St. Isaac’s Cathedral was one of the tallest buildings in St Petersburg . Even today it remains one of the largest orthodox basilicas in the world. Make use of its majestic height and climb straight to the top of the colonnade. Tackling the 262-step climb is well worth it for the panoramic views of the city. In the summer (May 1 – October 31) the colonnade is open until 10.30pm, so avoid the morning crowds and take in the evening view instead.

Visit a local banya (bathing house)

Long before showers became commonplace in every household, banya (a type of public bathing house) were frequented by families on a weekly basis. Now it’s more of a pastime rather than a necessity, but St Petersburg still aims to preserve the long-standing tradition. For an authentic experience, try a birch tree or eucalyptus leaves massage in a steam room. This treatment is great for improving blood circulation and for cleansing the body. Try out a session at the Degtyarnye bani , where a variety of treatments are offered.

Take a shot of vodka at a ryumochnaya

The word ryumochnaya has no direct translation in the English language. Perhaps the closest concept would be a bar , but it refers to a specific type of establishment with very Soviet characteristics. Drinks come in either shots (for strong liquors) or bottles (for beer). There are some snacks available, but usually nothing fancy; just focus on blending in with the local crowd and enjoy a drink together.

Explore the city by subway

Taking the subway is one of the most convenient ways to get around; the trains are regular, go everywhere and are easy to navigate. However, the subway stations alone are worth a visit, just to admire their designs. No two stations are alike and are decorated in different coloured tiles, with large installations inside and sometimes even statues. A few of the best stations to check out are Avtovo, Zvenigorodskaya, Pushkinskaya, Bucharestskaya and Sportivnaya.

Spend the night on Dumskaya

You’d never think so during the day, but Dumskaya is a notorious street come nighttime, renowned for wild parties and cheap drinks. The street is filled with a vast array of bars; try and catch them all if you dare! A must-try while you are bar-hopping is the ‘Boyarsky’ shot, a spicy mixture of vodka, grenadine and Tabasco.

Have your portrait drawn by a local street artist

Walking down Nevsky Avenue you will see many street artists, some at work drawing famous landmarks and views of the river and others waiting for a passer-by to sit down for a portrait. They are scattered around the city, but many tend to congregate around Ekaterininsky Garden, right on Nevsky Avenue. For a reasonable price you can support the local artists and also have a souvenir to take home.

Take a tour of St Petersburg’s rooftops

The city center has no skyscrapers or high-rise modern buildings. The local community and the government have made a joint effort to preserve the old buildings and carefully renovate them, so many of the residential buildings still have access to their roofs and, since they are built so close to each other, you can literally walk along the rooftops. It’s a unique and adventurous way to see St Petersburg, although not recommended during wet weather as the roofs can get slippery. Locals are clued in to which roofs are accessible, and have started mini-businesses running tours. Take the opportunity to admire the city from a totally different perspective.

Looking for things to do in Moscow? Check out our city guide here .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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