partner travel agency

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Find an agent.

Our travel agent partners are a great resource

Find a travel agency.

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

View or Download

Find & Reserve

Special Offers

NEW SECURE SINGLE SIGN ON

Access to all of marriott's intermediary partner programs, marriott's travel agents website enables you to:.

• Access convenient online commission services
• View Marriott's commission policy
• Learn about Marriott's Hotel Excellence! Training Program
• Learn about Marriott’s Preferred Travel Agency Program
• Book your exclusive Fam-Tastic rates at thousands of hotels worldwide

MI Partner Privileges

All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy ™

Hotel excellence training  .

• 1.888.611.1220
• Get Started!
• Agent Logins

Travel Partners

Travel agent partners and preferred suppliers.

To give your clients the best experience, and make sure you get rewarded too, it’s important to be partnered with a host agency that has strong industry connections and access to leading travel agent partners.

With KHM Travel Group, you’ll be able to take advantage of these benefits from the day you join. Learn more about our industry connections and supplier relationships from our Vice President of Agent Engagement Bill.

As a part of your setup and enrollment process , we give you the information you need to log into travel agent-only supplier websites and booking engines. This is how you’ll research trips, find pricing, and book travel for your clients. When you get started, we’ll even register you for some of these travel agent-only sites, so don’t have to waste any time before diving in.

In addition to earning more money because of our high sales volume, our personal relationships with our Preferred Suppliers allows our agents to take part in:

• Incentive contests to win prizes and swag
• Invitations to private industry events
• Bonus commission offers
• Special FAM trip opportunities

The Preferred Suppliers below represent the majority of KHM Travel Agents’ bookings. In addition to our 40+ Preferred Suppliers, KHM Travel Agents have access to hundreds of other travel suppliers to ensure they can find a vacation that will truly wow their clients.

In addition to these suppliers, KHM Travel Group is also a member of the following  industry and professional organizations :

• IATAN – The International Airlines Travel Agent Network
• CLIA – Cruise Lines International Association
• ARC – Airlines Reporting Corporation
• Travel Leaders Network – Our Consortia
• TPOC – Travel Professionals of Color
• PATH – Professional Association of Travel Hosts
• ASTA – American Society of Travel Advisors
• Travel A.L.L.I.E.S. Society – Aligned *  Loyal *  Leaders *  Inspire *  Educate *  Support
• Better Business Bureau
• Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance

The Travel Institute

As the provider of the travel industry’s highest level of education, The Travel Institute offers a variety of educational and professional development opportunities including the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program. Through our partnership with The Travel Institute, our agents also have access to special pricing and benefits for all levels of experience.

Additionally, current KHM Travel Group agents can learn more about our partnership with The Travel Institute in the Agent Portal .

Learn more about our programs  here or call our  Membership Team at 1-888-611-1220  with any other questions you may have!

• Did you find this information helpful?
• yes (228) no (16)

Get Our Free Guide

We'll send it right away.

Receive the valuable information you need to get started in your exciting new career as a KHM Travel Agent.

Your information is secure and never shared or sold to third parties. Note: Only U.S. citizens living in the U.S. are eligible to be KHM Travel Agents. Text Message Terms and Conditions

Start and scale your business with the travel host agency that makes it simple.

The smartest way to sell travel, imagine starting a travel business with the resources, supplier relationships, and tools you need from day one., build a foundation, business essentials.

Start selling and earning commission instantly with top-rated travel planning tools, industry memberships, and access to our list of trusted suppliers and vendors.

access more

Network perks.

Premier pricing and special offers to our network of preferred partners, including marketing content, design software, promotional items, and travel planning resources.

expand your brand

Agent resources.

Members-only tools and trainings to make your travel business a success from the very start. Access your exclusive resources any time in your Pickles Travel Network Portal.

Pickles Travel Network is proud to be a 5-star rated agency on Google and Host Agency Reviews!

“PTN is incredibly dependable and supportive.  As a new TA, I honestly feel lucky that I found Pickles.  They have connected me with ridiculously amazing resources/opportunities (i.e. VIRTUOSO!!, CLIA, and a top-level list of ….They are also very approachable and easy to communicate with.  I love the supportive culture they are continually developing.  Pickles is doing an amazing job equipping and empowering me to become the successful TA that I am striving to be.”

Jonathan H.

“Pickles Travel Network is the best! The entire staff is helpful and supportive; you can feel how much they want you to succeed. They have also created an incredibly encouraging community that feels like a family. I highly recommend them!”

“Pickles Travel Network offers AMAZING ongoing training, resources and support. As a new agent, the training offered to expand my knowledge and growth is priceless! If you’re looking for a host Pickles is definitely worth it! The best decision I have made as a travel agent was signing up with Pickles Travel Network. I am so grateful that I found the PTN community :)”

“The best decision I have made as a travel agent was signing up with Pickles Travel Network. Pickles Travel Network has the nicest, most supportive staff and members. They also offer the best resources in the industry that are necessary for success. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Pickles!”

“Pickles Travel Network has been such a huge help to me as a new travel advisor. They provide wonderful resources, the ability to choose your commission percentage, the ability to keep 100% of your planning fees, a wide variety of training options, and they are always available to help when I need it. PTN feels like a family, & I’m very thankful to be part of their agency!”

“The Pickles team has been a wonderful and attentive support system for agents at every level and at every turn. They’ve laid some amazing ground work that is there for you to take advantage of to learn and grow professionally. It’s been incredibly helpful to me as a new travel agent.”

“Pickles is a great host agency! They have amazing support and lots of good trainings! I love the fact that all their programs are easy and clear to understand and I’m glad I switched over to this host agency!”

“I began this process about 6 months ago, found PTN and scheduled a call with Stephanie. The fact that she took my call and answered all of my questions made me feel this was the best choice to help launch my career change to Travel Advisor from Educator. The support has been tremendous and I am so happy to be a part of PTN.”

“Working with PTN has been nothing but exceptional. Someone always gets back to me with questions or concerns and is attentive to the needs of everyone. The trainings are so valuable as well with a variety of topics discussed every month. If I can’t attend a live training, the replays are always available.”

“Pickles has made life simple with some tools that are amazing. They provide an easy to use booking system, a comprehensive travel agent portal, and a customer service team that is always available to help. They also offer a variety of marketing materials and resources… Pickles is the perfect host agency for any travel agent looking to make their business successful.”

let us guess...

You’re here because you love planning incredible vacations, but want the time and flexibility in your schedule to enjoy your own, too..

Get your agency up and running in no time at all! We provide you with everything you need to be your own boss.

A host agency is a foundation to support independent travel contractors. They provide low start-up costs, industry credentials, accreditation, suppliers, access to educational programs, tools, and agent support. 

• They are sour & sweet, crunchy and taste great with ice cream!
• You have the ability to charge planning fees and keep a 100% of your fees**. Unlike other host agencies that require you to include them with your commission split.*
• Membership with Virtuoso, the leading global luxury travel network. 
• Commission Tracking with Sion 
• Membership to Travefy a platform for Itineraries, Proposals, Client Management & Marketing Tools 
• Group coaching
• Supplier trainings
• You choose your commission rate* – 70%, 80%, or 90%, unlike other travel hosts that have you hit a min sales to get higher commission rates. Keep more of your profits from day one
• Ability to brand your own agency and be your own boss
• Access to FAM (Familiarization) trips and reduced travel rates

No, we welcome new and experienced agents. We have all the tools you need to be successful as a travel advisor new or experienced.

If you have a passion for travel and willingness to grow your own business, you’re a perfect fit for Pickles Travel Network!

We like to break things down into three areas. Business Essentials are the core systems and software you’ll need to get your agency up and running, and these are included at no extra cost with your PTN membership. Network Perks are the optional add-ons like marketing resources and extra training that you can purchase at a discount any time if you’re a PTN member. And our personal favorite, Agent Resources are the complete (and growing!) bank of educational and training resources that we provide to you to support you in growing your travel business. These include seminars led by our Pickles Vacations team, guest experts, and recorded Q+A calls for PTN members only. Learn more about what’s included with your membership here!

How does today sound? Apply right now online, and set up an appointment with a member of our team to get your questions answered. If it sounds like it’ll be a good fit between us, we’ll invite you to sign up and grant you access to the PTN portal right away! As you complete your enrollment steps, we’ll work on getting your accounts created with our partner platforms.

see all FAQs →

Our vendors + affiliates

Sometimes, it’s all about who you know..

The travel industry is all about relationships. That’s why we make the connections for you and partner with industry leaders to give you reliable, modern, and user-friendly resources to run your travel business easily. When you become an agent with Pickles Travel Network, you’ll get automatic access to Virtuoso’s membership network, Sion, Travefy, and more affiliates through your exclusive member portal. We can’t wait to see you in the network!

What's the dill?

Educational blog for travel advisors.

How Data Analytics Can Transform Your Travel Agency

Learn how to track data analytics to boost your travel agency’s growth. Track metrics to streamline operations and optimize marketing.

16 Tips for Organizing Group Travel and Corporate Retreats

Our best tips for organizing group travel and corporate retreats, including unique retreat ideas and effective strategies for managing large group logistics.

Mastering Travel Agency Legalities: Your Ultimate Guide to Compliance

By understanding and adhering to the legal requirements of operating a travel agency, you can build a reputable and trustworthy business.

Effective Email Marketing Strategies for Travel Agents

By implementing these email marketing strategies, travel agents can enhance their marketing efforts, build stronger relationships with clients, and ultimately drive more bookings.

Destination Spotlights: Hidden Gems Around the World

Hidden gems around the world offer travelers unique and unforgettable experiences. 

Understanding Travel Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide for Agents

Travel insurance is an essential tool for safeguarding travelers against unforeseen events.

*Not available for residents in Hawaii.

**Advisors are responsible for checking state laws before charging planning fees.

Hours of Operation

Mon - fri: 9am - 5pm ct.

©2022 Pickles Travel Network

4261 EAST UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 30-505 PROSPER, TX 75078

Seller of Travel: CA #2152037-50 | FL #ST43007 | WA #604-994-859 

IATA | CLIA Membership

Ptn iatan code: 45769253, ptn clia number: 00032299.

When you enroll with suppliers, you must use PTN’s codes to receive a commission from us. Want to sign up for your own CLIA or IATA numbers for exclusive travel benefits? See below.

Get your own IATA/IATAN ID Card:

The IATA/IATAN ID Card is the industry-standard credential to identify bona fide travel professionals. Key benefits include access to concessionary incentives from industry suppliers. The IATA MemberPerks program provides cardholders with daily savings at over 300,000 merchants across North America.

To be eligible, you must register with IATAN under PTN’s IATA number 45769253, work a minimum of 20 hours per week, and earn a minimum of $5,000 per annum in commissions. You’ll need to send PTN a support ticket asking for approval. Once approved, we will send you a PRIN # to allow you to register with IATAN and ask for an ID card.

Get your own CLIA EMBARK ID:

Obtain a CLIA EMBARC ID for travel discounts and FAM (Familiarization) trips. Join CLIA as an Individual Agent Member under Pickles Travel Network CLIA #00032299.

To be eligible, you must work at least 20 hours per week and earn a minimum of $5,000 per annum in commissions. Once you’ve registered, submit a support ticket to let us know, and we will approve your registration.

Please select the option that best describes you for more information.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD

Partners vacations, personalized planning, for your next getaway.

Everyone needs to get away from time to time, leave the workplace and unwind, rekindle relationships and discover new things about themselves. Travel has the power to do that.  Exploring new places and revisiting old favorites creates lasting memories we treasure for a lifetime. 

The Value in Partners Vacations

Real People, Real Expertise

As fellow world travelers, our specialists are more than travel agents: they have a passion for seeing the world and helping plan your bucket list vacations for years to come. Their insights help you get the most out of your vacation; unique services and exclusive amenities are the unexpected bonuses.

Personalized Service

Our travel experts go above and beyond to fine-tune your vacation and exceed your travel planning expectations.

OUR  PARTNERSHIPS

Global supplier network.

Partners Vacations maintains impressive relationships that give us privileged access to a global network of preferred travel suppliers and industry leaders. Because of our partnership with Tzell Travel Group , our clients benefit from having access to low-fare search technology, exclusive contracted fares and unexpected extras.

As a member of Virtuoso , Partners Vacations stands among the top travel professionals throughout the world whose goal is to provide exemplary one-of-a-kind service and benefits to our discerning travelers.

International Travel Agency Network

TAILORED  JOURNEYS 

Especially  designed with you in mind.

Regardless of your interests, timeline and tastes, we can tailor a journey that fits.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to take your children and grandchildren on a once-in-a-lifetime safari. Perhaps you have always wanted to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Or maybe you like the itinerary of an existing tour but prefer a custom option that you can tweak and make it your own.

Our vacation travel experts have the know-how to make it happen.

Ocean and River Cruises

If you’re the type of traveler who only likes to unpack once, cruising may be your vacation of choice. Together, we can find the ship, amenities and itinerary that are ideal for you and your traveling companions. If you’ve never tried river cruising, it offers a leisurely pace and many opportunities to go ashore and experience the local culture.

Adventure Travel

Perhaps you’re a thrill seeker who loves to test your strength, agility or stamina. Adventure travel may be for you. Think about reef diving in Australia, hiking in the Rockies, bicycling in Tuscany, whitewater rafting in Alaska or “ glamping ” in the Serengeti. The possibilities for adventure are virtually limitless!

Custom and Package Tours

Most of us have “bucket list” destinations. When you book a package tour, you get to visit the most important and impressive sites of a location. The planning is done already, and all you need to do is put yourself in the hands of the expert guides. With a custom tour, you and your travel expert plan your trip based solely on your interests and time schedule.

Leisure Group Travel

Interested in exploring new destinations with your family, friends or colleagues? Traveling as a group can be fun for all and has benefits you won’t get if you travel independently. Whether you’re planning a reunion or a vacation with close friends, our team will help you create the unique experience you want. Let us help you realize your group vision. 

AMAZING ADVENTURES

Exploring the perfect vacation for you.

River and Ocean Cruising

Weekend Getaways

Customized and Destination Tours

Multi-generational Journeys

Safari, Conservation and Eco Travel

Incentive Travel Programs

INCENTIVE  TRAVEL

Rewarding your community with a travel experience.

Offering once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences is a wonderful motivator and way to build loyalty within your community. 

Incentive travel programs can reward and rejuvenate your team for their hard work and dedication to your organization. Our travel experts can design a custom program that aligns perfectly with your interests and goals, celebrates your organization, and encourages increased productivity and loyalty.

Customer Service for Peace of Mind

Duty of Care

Because you are our priority, we use state-of-the-art technology to constantly monitor current events, from weather disruptions to international crises, keeping a watchful eye out for you when you travel for leisure. We’ll keep you as safe as possible, wherever you are in the world.

For more information, visit:

Partner Travel's Duty of Care Program

Travel Insurance

Have peace of mind when you travel. We offer a broad range of travel insurance options to provide coverage should something unexpected arise.

Thanks for submitting! One of our Travel Advisors will contact you shortly.

Partnership

Distribute your inventory

Build your travel experience

Advertise with us

Explore our affiliate program

• Research & insights
• Case studies

UNLOCK GROWTH AT SCALE

The world’s leading travel tech platform, at your service.

Succeed in the evolving universe of travel with tech and solutions designed to elevate the traveler experience and drive growth for your business.

Better trips. Better experiences. Better results.

For over two decades, partners have trusted our travel tech solutions to create exceptional traveler experiences. In that time, we’ve become experts in helping our partners achieve their goals with the best of our tech, all in service of the traveler.

Success in travel starts here

Our industry-leading solutions and data-backed resources are designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Reach a wealth of travelers

We connect partners with travelers who stay longer, cancel less, and spend more. Access them through our suite of beloved brands, our industry-leading tools, and our massive B2B network composed of nearly 60K businesses around the globe.

Leverage tech built for your business 

We deliver industry-leading tech capabilities designed to create more personalized experiences that match the right travelers with the right products — all while helping you tap into new revenue streams.

Understand what travelers want

Travelers’ preferences are constantly evolving. Access the latest traveler trends and industry insights to create data-backed strategies to achieve your goals with clarity and confidence.

Explore resources

View research & insights

Explore solutions by industry

Our solutions can help any business — of any size — across a wide range of industries enter, succeed, and thrive in the universe of travel.

Vacation rentals

Destinations, travel agencies, car rentals, financial institutions, partners around the globe speak to their results.

Learn how partners in a variety of industries leverage our technology and solutions to expand their reach and provide better experiences for travelers.

The numbers say it all

Achieve the results you've been striving for with a partner who's earned a proven track record of success.

Taking travel tech further, together.

Our partners and travelers inspire us to continually push boundaries and design solutions that address opportunities, challenges, and pain points. Tap into our latest tech and get a sneak peek at what we’re working on to enhance the traveler experience while driving growth for your business.

Rewarding experiences for travelers. Growth for your business.

One Key™ accelerates demand by giving travelers flexibility to earn and use rewards across Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. The best part? Expedia Group funds the OneKeyCash that travelers spend at no additional cost to you.

Discover One Key

Save the date for EXPLORE 24!

See you in Las Vegas on May 14 to 15 for our exciting flagship event. Join us to connect with Expedia Group leadership and learn from professionals across the travel industry.

The travel industry blog you've been waiting for

Get ahead of the competition with data-driven industry insights, expert interviews, partner success stories, and more.

"Harnessing Expedia Group’s robust technology enables our partners to enhance the traveler’s journey and turbocharge their own growth. Together, our partnerships build a stronger path forward in the travel industry."

Ariane Gorin

CEO of Expedia Group

Your success story starts here

Partner with us today.

Trusted by top brands in travel and beyond

1 Expedia Group internal data, 2023, identified and anonymous visitors

2 Expedia Group internal data, 2023

3 Expedia Group internal data, 2023, identified and anonymous visitors

4 Expedia Group internal data, 2021

5 Expedia Group and Hawaiian Airlines data, 2021-2022

6 Expedia Group internal data

How to Partner With Fellow Tour Operators & Thrive

By Erick Tomaliwan

Share this article:

• Facebook icon
• LinkedIn icon
• Twitter icon

Sometimes, the best partnerships in travel and tourism are just around the corner. Who else has the destination down pat? Other local tour and activity operators, of course.

Like yourself, they know the backroads, watering holes, hidden attractions, and reputable businesses — which means their guests also look to them for advice on where to eat, sleep, and what to do and see.

Wouldn’t it be nice if they recommended your tours as a must-book and vice versa? That’s why we’ve outlined what you need to know about teaming up with them— including:

• Why local strategic partnerships work
• How to partner with tour operators
• Brand collaboration examples to try

Benefits of collaborative marketing for tour operators

Online travel agents (OTAs) tend to get the most attention for partnership marketing — and rightfully so. Thanks to significant budget and resources, they dominate search rankings and online marketing campaigns. With them, it’s possible to promote your offerings on a mass scale.

But here’s the thing, your neighbours can be as good of partners — just in a different way. 

Unlike OTAs who are masters at digital marketing, your fellow tour operators are destination experts . That is to say — they’ve got the inside scoop over data. Naturally, travelers trust their suggestions because they know first-hand what a place uniquely offers. 

Plus, they have something OTAs don’t — in-person interaction. Their guides engage with the guests, getting to know them right down to likes and dislikes. If they bring you up, it’s likely because your tour matches a traveler’s interests. So although they don’t have the same reach, it’s made up ten-fold in credibility.

But there are other benefits of collaborative marketing beyond getting word-of-mouth referrals. Depending on the partnership, you can also:

• Attract more visitors by banding together to promote your destination
• Make bookings on behalf of each other with a low commission rate
• Elevate offerings by pairing two complementary experiences
• Save money on expenses — like sharing the cost of a shuttle service
• Give and receive mentorship from being in the same industry
• Boost your brand’s reputation through co-marketing and association 

Don’t get me wrong; you should still have an OTA marketing strategy . But in-destination bookings are rising, and we’re seeing offline partner bookings follow suit. So if you want to make it on last-minute bucket lists, it’s a good idea to build strong relationships in your tourism community as well. 

How to collaborate with other businesses in travel

Starting a partnership with a tour and activity operator is much different than listing on OTA sites. All you have to do is join Expedia Local Expert or TripAdvisor Experiences, whereas the other takes a bit longer to put into motion. An offline partnership requires an offline connection — laying the groundwork for the relationship first. 

In other words, it’s not something you can jump into on a trial basis. If you change your mind shortly after the handshake, you might come across as flaky, and potentially ruin your chance at future co-marketing opportunities within the community. So, you’ve got to be sure it’s a suitable partnership from the get-go. 

That said, let’s look at the steps for how to approach a business for collaboration, and how to partner with tour operators:

1. Figure out your goal

As you read earlier, there are plenty of ways you can benefit from local partnerships in travel and tourism. But covering everything right off the bat will only overwhelm both parties. So, it’s best to determine one thing to focus on before reaching out. 

Of course, that involves setting a goal — which is good practice for any marketing you do. Ask yourself, what do you hope to gain from this partnership? Is it brand awareness, positive publicity, new customers, unique offerings, or something else?

For whatever you come up with, outline your plan next. How are you going to reach that goal with another operator? Does it only need a few posters in their ticket office, or will it require you to set up a partner account ? 

I suggest starting with small, achievable goals. That way, both of you will get a feel for working together, and if everything goes well, move onto bigger collaborations. And soon, a strategic partnership will be underway. 

2. Find common ground

Once you know what you want out of the partnership, you can figure out what you’re looking for in a partner. Just like dating, it’s best to be selective. Or else, there’s no point in going to all that effort if it’s only meant to be a short-term relationship.

To help you find a suitable match, make a list of deal-breakers and must-haves. The better you stick to this during the search phase, the more likely you’ll end up with a long-lasting partnership. 

Not sure what to put down? Here are some ideas:

• Same target audience: you want their customers to dig your tours and the other way around.
• Similar core values: who you associate with reflects who you are as a business. Don’t ruin your reputation by working with a company that operates in a way you strongly disagree with, nor can get behind. 
• Not a direct competitor: this is common sense unless you’re okay with taking this advice too far, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
• Similar niche: the pairing should make sense. For example, a kayak tour company goes well with a SUP rental shop. Both are water-sports related. 
• Positive reviews: if their guests are happy, you can be confident in referring your own to them. Plus, it shows they know how to provide a good experience, so their stamp of approval will mean a lot. 
• High customer engagement: check out their social media profiles. Do they post frequently and get a bunch of likes and comments? If so, you’ll see better results from your social media co-marketing strategies.
• Quality content: that said, make sure they do a good job marketing their tours and activities because your brand will be part of future campaigns. 
• Good references: if possible, ask other businesses what it’s like to work with them. Do they follow through with promises? Do they often give pushback to new ideas? Can they be trusted overall?

3. Build a relationship

Not surprisingly, you might be acquainted with the tour and activity operator you want to team up with. After all, they’re in the same location, so you’ve probably run into them a couple a hundred times — whether you know it or not.

But even if you’re on a first-name basis, shared a few conversations, or played against each other in softball, you still need to work up to pitching a partnership agreement. Rather than sending a cold email, it’s better to build rapport over time. That way, they’ll be more comfortable saying yes because they already know and trust you. 

Of course, it can be intimidating to break the ice — especially if you’ve never met them. Luckily, there are easy ways to do this without awkwardly showing up to their ticket office, saying hi out of the blue, and leaving your business card. Although, that also works. 

On LinkedIn, you can add them as a connection, and send a friendly message introducing yourself. If they don’t have a profile, see if they set up a booth at community events or trade shows, and pop over for a quick hello. Or if you really want to show interest, book one of their activities with your family, and tell them you had an amazing time. 

When they officially know who you are, and what your tour company does, ask to go for a coffee. Preface it as a chance to connect over your shared experience of running a tourism business. But for yourself, use it as an opportunity to find out whether they meet your guidelines for a potential partner. 

You might have to meet up for a few coffees, and occasional dinners, before bringing up a collaboration deal. You’ll know when the time is right. 

4. Know your value

Collaborative marketing is a two-way street. That means they have to get something out of it, too. So what do you bring to the table? Whatever you hope to gain from working with them, are you able to provide the same, or something else, in return?

It’s important to know this information beforehand since there’s a good chance they’ll ask. And if they don’t, still work it into the pitch because it will show you’re a valuable partner, and you want what’s best for them, too. But take it easy, you don’t have to spill your entire business plan to them. 

After a little back and forth, you’ll hopefully land on win-win strategy. Just be honest about what you’re looking for — don’t settle out of fear of losing them. Also, stay open to their ideas. Who knows, they might have something better in mind. 

And if you agree on including referral bookings as part of the plan, make sure to look up average tour operator commission rates . That should give you an idea for where to start the negotiation so you can still make a profit when rewarding them for new business. 

5. Nurture the relationship

Like any relationship, you have to put in the time and effort for it to last. So while you move forward with the co-marketing plan, here are some things you can do to keep the partnership alive and well:

• Hold monthly meetings: this allows you to check-in without bugging them daily. Here, you can talk about campaign metrics, what’s going well, and what else you can try together. 
• Keep your end up: if you want them to follow through with their promise, you have to be willing to do the same. Set an example by working hard to carry out what you said you would. 
• Stay in touch: it doesn’t always have to be about bookings. Make a habit of asking how business is going for them and offering advice as needed. 
• Show appreciation: small gestures go along way. Give their team a shareable gift on holidays — like chocolate or baking — and send a thank-you card. 

Ideas for local partnerships in travel and tourism

There are many co-marketing tactics you can try with another tour and activity operator. Since you’re relatively nearby, it’s not too much trouble to quickly meet up, re-evaluate, and swap in something different if one doesn’t work out. So you can be as creative as you want, or keep it simple. It’s up to you.

But as I mentioned before, it’s best to start small and go from there. So if you’re struggling with where to begin, here are some easy-to-implement brand collaboration examples:

1. Host an event or contest

It’s likely you’ll have a couple of experiences that go hand in hand — especially if you fall into a similar category, or take guests to the same areas. Check what items go well together, and create a package anyone can win. Then share the contest on social media to generate buzz, and get access each other’s followers. 

For example, let’s say you offer a guided hike along a coastal trail and they provide an ocean kayaking adventure. Both are exciting on their own, but better if combined. The prize package would be something like kayaking to the trail, having a beach picnic, going on the hike, and kayaking back. 

Another option is to host an event together. With the same example, it’s safe to assume both tour companies care about ocean conservation. As an event then, you could collectively round up the community for a beach clean-up. Not only would this get positive publicity, but it’d also boost brand awareness with the locals. 

2. Offer a special incentive

Most travelers love to save money on trips — hence all the online travel deals. As a co-marketing campaign, you can give guests a discount code to use when booking tours and activities with your partner. Since people are more likely to buy something with a coupon, this will be the extra boost they need to try a different experience. 

3. Display marketing materials

It’s never a bad idea to try out traditional advertising methods as well. By putting up posters on the front desk or keeping a pamphlet holder next to the debit machine, guests can get ideas for things to do while waiting in the lobby. Just make sure your website URL is easy to spot, so they know where to find more information if interested.

4. Let them go for free

If guides are going to promote another tour or activity, they’ll be more convincing if they had the experience themselves. That’s because they can go into detail about where they went, what they saw, what they did, and how they felt. Plus, stories are incredibly effective at persuading someone to make a booking — thanks to the fear of missing out (FOMO). 

To give their guides something to talk about, as well as your own, let each other’s employees go for free. So long as it’s last minute to ensure the tour doesn’t reach full capacity and they take the place of a paying guest. 

5. Mention in emails

With collaborative content marketing, you can go down many different routes — like guest posting, social media shout-outs, video promotions, and much more. But for starters, try signing off thank-you emails with a recommendation. 

Here’s an example: 

Thank you for booking our coastal hiking tour. We hope you had an amazing time and spotted a sea lion or two! If you want to see the cliffs from a different point of view — AKA the ocean — book a kayaking adventure with our friends over at White Caps Tours.  

You can customize and automate the message, so it sends with the right tour. Just remember to include a link or call-to-action button in the email body, and have your partner do the same. 

6. Start a collective

Why partner with one, when you can work as a group? It might be a good idea to  set up a cooperative  of some sort with all of the different tour and activity operators in your area. There are many  benefits of business collectives , including sharing a website, marketing costs, and resources. But the number one benefit is the referral power it can generate when every member agrees to pass the business on  —  which brings us to the next point. 

7. Make bookings for each other

As you can see, there’s a lot you can do with your fellow tour and activity operators — we’ve barely scratched the surface. But the best idea yet is making it possible for either company to book on behalf of the other. 

With partner accounts, both teams can quickly go into a private dashboard and book for guests wanting another incredible experience. Might as well turn those co-marketing campaigns and collaborations into conversions.

Guest what — our booking software supports partner accounts and they’re easy to set up.

Take your business to the next level

Online bookings. Flexible pricing. Outstanding support.

Related Articles

Why You Should Sell Gift Certificates Online for More Bookings

Discover the many benefits to offering digital gift certificates to your guests.

• Marketing Strategies

How to write ATV tour descriptions that drive bookings (with examples) 

Learn how to write ATV rental descriptions with SEO-ready language that help you sell more bookings

Search Blog

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Get tips and strategies to grow your business and impress your guests.

Blog Categories

• Booking Management
• Business Tips
• Guest Experience
• Operator Highlights

Hey there, future Rockstar! Give us a call now to get started: 1-800-730-6392

• Compare Host Travel Agencies
• Luxury Host Travel Agency
• Success Stories

Rock Your Travel Business to New Heights

10 easy steps to find your perfect travel host agency.

Partnering with a host travel agency can be a strategic move that pays off big time, whether you are a new or established travel professional. Host agencies provide support, resources and industry expertise , making it easier for you to focus on what you do best – creating memorable experiences for your clients.

In 10 easy steps, we will guide you through the process of selecting and partnering with a host travel agency to boost your career in the travel industry.

Step #1: understand your goals.

Before you start searching for a host travel agency, it’s essential to define your goals and expectations as an independent travel agent . Each host agency has different strengths. Are you looking for: 

•  Industry or Product Training?
• Access to Technology Specifically for Travel Agents?
• Marketing Materials and Templates?
• Better Commission Rates?
• Access to Exclusive Supplier Relationships?
• A Combination of All These Factors?

Understanding what you want out of the relationship will help you narrow down your options.

Step #2: Research Host Travel Agencies

Take the time to research different host travel agencies thoroughly. Look for an established host travel agency that aligns with your niche, business model and long-term goals. Consider important factors such as their:

• Reputation in the Industry
• Partnerships with Providers
• Range of Services They Offer
• Commission Structure
• What Types of Travel They Specialize In

Step #3: Evaluate Commission Structures

One of the key benefits of partnering with a host travel agency is the opportunity to earn higher commissions . Compare the commission structures of different host travel agencies. Pay close attention to factors such as:

• Base Commission Rates
• Bonus Incentives

Keep in mind that the highest commission rate may not always be the most lucrative option if other support services are lacking and if there is a monthly or annual fee

Step #4: Assess Support and Training

Host travel agencies vary in the level of support and training they provide. Look for host travel agencies that offer such benefits as:

• In-person and Recorded Training
• Written and Video Training Materials
• Live Group Events
• Access to Booking Platforms and Technology

Consider your own level of experience and how much support you’ll need to succeed.

Step #5: Review Contracts and Fees

Carefully review the contract and fee structure of potential host travel agencies. Pay attention to any hidden fees or requirements. These would include:

• Monthly Fees
• Transaction Fees
• Non-Compete Clauses

Make sure the terms of the contract align with the goals and expectations of your travel business.

Step #6: Check Supplier Relationships

A strong network of supplier relationships can be a significant advantage for travel advisors. Inquire about the host travel agency’s partnerships with suppliers, including:

• Cruise Lines
• Tour Operators

Access to exclusive deals and amenities for your clients can set you apart from the competition.

Step #7: Ask for References

Don’t hesitate to ask potential host travel agencies for references from their current or former independent contractors. Speaking with advisors who have partnered with the host travel agency and hearing their success stories will provide valuable insights into their experiences, the level of support they received and their overall satisfaction.

Step #8: Consider Marketing and Branding Support

Marketing is a crucial aspect of growing a successful travel business. Partner with a host travel agency that offers travel agent marketing tools, travel agency resources and branding support. This can include access to:

• Customizable Marketing Materials
• Social Media Strategies
• Website Development Assistance

Step #9: Negotiate and Clarify Terms

Once you’ve selected a host travel agency that aligns with your goals, negotiate the terms of your agreement and clarify any questions or concerns you may have. Ensure that both parties are clear on expectations, commission structures and the support provided.

Step #10: Partner with a Host Travel Agency and Thrive

After finalizing your partnership with a host travel agency, immerse yourself in their resources and support. Take advantage of training programs, marketing tools and supplier relationships to enhance your travel business. Continuously assess your performance and adjust your strategies as needed to achieve your goals.

Want to Learn More About Partnering With TPI as Your Host Travel Agency?

Contact us today for more info about joining our amazing community of rockstars, 5,000+ rockstars have partnered with us.

Determine which path is right for you

Orlando Web Design and Digital Marketing by ROAR! Internet Marketing

• By Destination
• By Interest
• Hotel Inspiration
• Why Brownell
• Mentoring Program
• Hosting Program
• Brownell Advantage
• Separator (not visible)

The Brownell Advantage

As the oldest travel agency in North America with deep and long standing relationships with some of the finest luxury travel companies in the world, our advantages don’t just set us apart, they define who we are. We are a top producer and “preferred” partner with the world’s best cruise lines, hotels and resorts, tour operators and destination management companies.

Our contacts are, more often than not, the owners and chief executives of these companies. We are members of virtually every affinity club and preferred partner program that our clients truly love. This is our commitment to you, it’s about how we treat every customer, the benefits, access, amenities and savings for you. These programs offer our clients rare and exclusive opportunities not available by booking directly, through websites such as Expedia and Travelocity, or through other travel agencies. That is our advantage. Now, let’s plan an amazing experience.

Brownell is a Virtuoso Agency

Virtuoso® is a by-invitation-only leading global network through which the member travel advisors have privileged access to exclusive amenities and travel offers you can’t get alone. Its members are some of the world’s finest travel providers and Brownell is proud to be the first host agency to join.

Global Connections: With personal contacts at over 1,000 airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, and premier destinations worldwide, your Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor puts their relationships to work for you.

Unparalleled Expertise: Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisors are among the most well-traveled people on the planet. They draw upon their own first-hand experiences when customizing vacations for you.

Confidence: When you have a relationship with a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor, you’ll rest easy knowing your personal preferences are reflected in every aspect of each trip they design especially for you.”

Browell Travel has been endorsed by Forbes Travel Guide. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional level of service and expertise provided by Browell Travel, which has been acknowledged and celebrated by one of the most respected authorities in the travel industry. Forbes Travel Guide is known for its stringent evaluation process, which includes anonymous inspections and rigorous standards for hospitality, service, and amenities.

Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises. Each year, FTG conducts anonymous inspections of properties around the globe, rigorously evaluating them against hundreds of exacting quality and service standards. In its 65th annual list for 2023, Forbes Travel Guide has honored nearly 1,400 rated hotels in 81 countries.

Featured Hotels

Casa de campo, preferred partner programs.

Find Your Adventure

Discover an Ocean State of Mind with Explora Journeys

Embark on a European Journey with Belmond

Explore and Indulge with Silversea Cruises

The Magic of River Cruising with AmaWaterways

Giving Independent Contractors Tools for Success

Preferred Travel Partners is a host travel agency for home-based, independent contractors which offers top-level commissions, excellent support, and exclusive pricing on select cruise lines and tour operators. We provide very favorable commission splits with no or very low fees and strives to have a family-like relationship with our members. The principal owners of Preferred Travel Partners have been in the travel industry for over 30 years, including being a storefront and host. We understand your needs and challenges as home-based travel consultants. Preferred Travel Partners is licensed, insured and bonded so you know you’re partnering with a great company!

Preferred Travel Partners earns top-level commissions with most vendors including cruises, river cruises and land tours. We are also an Elite member of TravelSavers which gives us exclusive pricing on select vendors to help you sell more!

Top Level Commissions

With Preferred Travel Partners you won’t feel like a number. We will ensure that you feel welcome and introduce you to our entire membership. Having these resources at your disposal is extremely valuable in this industry.

Preferred Travel Partners offers excellent technologies to help you be more successful. If you are not internet “savvy” don’t worry because will also offer full support for these platforms at no charge to you!

A Little About Us

Preferred travel partners.

We are proud to have achieved over 30 years of helping home-based travel consultants maximize their success. With our excellent vendor relationships, we can help you with your travel business.

Years In Travel

Our family is growing more and more each day. Inquire today on becoming a part of our expanding travel family.

Travel Professionals

We have experienced destinations in Europe, Russia, South Pacific, South America, Africa, China and throughout the United States. Preferred Travel Partners can help you with those client’s that have been “everywhere”!

Destinations

Become a part of the family.

Preferred Travel Partners gives you all of the tools you could need to grow your own Independent Contractor Book of Business. We also have amazing benefits and pricing for our agents.

Travel With Us

Some Of Our Routes

With dozens of islands scattered across the Caribbean Sea, the beauty and diversity make it tough to narrow down exactly which island to visit. Fortunately, there are many ways to visit Caribbean islands. From a quick all inclusive getaway to a long multi-island cruise, your options are endless.

Be awestruck with Europe’s natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity. Europe has it all! Preferred Travel Partners know how to help travelers find that perfect independent vacation, in depth escorted tour, or relaxing river or ocean cruise.

The decision to go to Africa is life changing. A truly massive continent comprising over 20% of the planet’s available land. It’s no wonder Africa is home to some of the most unique terrain and wildlife. You can stay in a luxury safari lodge and view the big 5 on a game drive; cruise down the Nile River while witnessing the land of the birth of civilization; or taste some of the world’s most divine cuisine.

South Pacific

Australia, New Zealand and some of the world’s most Idyllic Islands make up the most visited areas of Oceania. Whether you dream of staying in an over-water hut, touring the stunning scenery where Lord of the Rings was filmed or diving the great barrier reef, the South Pacific is where your travel dreams do come true.

South America

A continent of superlatives, South America is home to the world’s biggest rainforest and largest river, the highest mountain range outside of Asia, remote islands, heavenly beaches, icy landscapes, and the world’s tallest waterfall. South America is a continent that loves to celebrate!

If you’re looking for a destination that is exotic, packed full of new sights and experiences, stimulating, and over all different, China is the best in the world. China isn’t a place where you just go to enjoy a vacation, it’s a destination where you can discover a country that is vastly different from your own.

Russia is a transcontinental country that spreads over Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Great reasons for visiting Russia include the rich history, famous art and architecture, and the colorful and fascinating culture.

United States

Explore your backyard! The United States offers the most diverse travel arrangements in the world. Hike the national parks, sail between the coastal cities via cruise ship, train from coast to coast, fly and stay in one of America’s favorite cities, or cruise down the Mississippi River.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Slide title

As an independent travel agent for over 10 years, I can attest to their expertise and contacts in the travel industry. They are a full-service agency and are available to assist you in any way they can to help you grow your business; this new concept of a host agency will be rewarding for all the members.

I absolutely love working with Preferred Travel Partners. They are so friendly and eager to assist in any way to make sure that your business is a success. I would recommend Preferred Travel Partners to anyone who is searching for a host agency. They are GREAT! I look forward to a long and lasting relationship with Chris and his staff.

I've had the pleasure of working with Chris Parker when he was with All Aboard Travel, I have now joined him at Preferred Travel Partners. I find Chris and the staff of Preferred Travel Partners to be very easy to work with and extremely helpful, They are very professional and dedicated to the travel industry.

1170 Tree Swallow Dr, Suite 358 Winter Springs, FL 32708

+1 (239) 489-1173

[email protected]

Preferred Travel Partners © All Rights Reserved - 2024 - Designed By   Unleash Media

The best brands trust Uplift.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Ce site utilise des témoins de connexion. En continuant à naviguer sur le site, vous acceptez que nous utilisions des témoins.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

How to Partner with Agents for Your Tourism Business

By Kevin Tjoe — 26 Nov 2018

distribution   tour operator   tourism business strategy   travel agents

Updated 20/05/2021 – Unless you are already well-established in the domestic market, it can be difficult to attract agents to your business and build successful partnerships with them. The good news is you can always work hard towards getting there. Here are the requirements agents seek, and how to grow a travel business by partnering with an agent.

1. Instant online booking confirmation

One of the biggest pains that agents experience when booking tours and activities is the length of time it takes to confirm bookings. Most tour operators offer a 24-hour turnaround time via email, but this is less ideal than an automated booking system .

Without a quick way to check your availability (in real time) and book with you, agents will be unable to confirm it with their customers immediately.  Instant booking confirmation allows you and your agents to offer better customer service. Bonus points for software like Rezdy that allows agents to log in and book directly. This is low hanging fruit to get agents to partner with your tourism business.

2. Successful domestic marketing strategy

The way you promote yourself in the domestic market will give your agents confidence that you know what you’re doing.

Even if you’re a small business that’s just starting out and pressed for resources, you can at least work on:

• Building your online reviews  on TripAdvisor, Google, and Facebook
• Partnering with Visitor Information Centers
• Networking at trade shows
• Partnering with OTAs (Online Travel Agencies)

It makes much more sense to figure out how to tackle the domestic market before venturing overseas. If you make a mistake, it will be less costly.

3. Awareness of how product fits into international markets

Once you have familiarised yourself with the local market, and where your tour or activity fits in to meet its needs, then you can start to think about meeting the needs of international markets.

Instead of rushing into it, research needs to be conducted to figure out what your competitors are doing, and whether a new tour product needs to be created to better suit the needs of those international markets.

For example, if you know that most Chinese travelers are interested in luxury and shoppin g, you can fit a stop at a local market into your itinerary.

There are a host of things to consider when partnering with overseas agents . Make sure you carefully assess who you are working with.

4. Understanding of commission rates

Commission is what matters most to agents, because it’s how they get paid. There are 2 types of rates; the retail rate (what customers pay), and the nett rate (what agents see to add their commission).

There are a few commission rate mistakes that you should avoid:

• Giving the same commission rate to different types of agents
• Giving only a 5% difference of commission between different types of agents
• Giving last minute bookings from online travel sites better rates than agents
• Having different domestic and international distribution rates

Distributors expect you to understand the industry standards for agent commission.

5. Quality assurance program

How do you make sure your tours are consistently delivered to a high standard? Agents need to see that this is a priority for you because they are to blame if customers have a bad time.

If people keep complaining to your agents then you can be sure that they won’t recommend you in the future, no matter how high your commission is.

If you enjoyed this article – How to get agents to partner with your tourism business– then follow the Rezdy  blog . There are a lot of marketing tools and resources designed with businesses like yours in mind.

Want to be more visible to agents? Rezdy’s Channel Manager will ensure you’re visible to hundreds of agents online. Start your free demo or trial  of  Rezdy  today.

Start free trial

Enjoy 21 days to take a look around and see if we are a good fit for your business.

No obligations, no catches, no limits, nada

Vacation envy starts here

Featured in, next-level travel powered by tech and the human touch.

Our travel advisors have the tools, insights & connections to build your dream vacation. Get VIP recommendations & perks, a seamless booking experience — and maybe a cool new friend along the way.

Destinations near and far, we do it all

Buzzing cities, tropical islands, remote escapes and everything in between. Our first-hand intel and insider expertise covers the globe.

Designed for every type of traveler

... whether you're planning a bucket list adventure, family reunion, solo trip or weekend away. If it's on your list, we book it.

Travel like a VIP with our partners

Unlock perks and upgrades at thousands of hotels around the world — including Four Seasons, Andaz, Kimpton and more — at no extra cost.

Hotels with Perks

Villa Partners

Cruise Lines

Experiences

All-Inclusives

Local Partners

Featured hotels

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

This serene casita resort features bird-song-filled acres of untamed tropical forest, a coffee farm, equine stables, organic chef’s gardens and a wellbeing center.

$100 hotel credit.

Breakfast daily.

Extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Chablé Yucatán

This luxury Mexico resort was founded on the basis of Mayan well-being, and offers thoughtful immersion into the country’s vibrant culture.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Domaine de Fontenille

This restored 18th-century home sits amid an organic garden and 17th-century vineyard in Luberon, an idyllic hilltop region in Provence.

Complimentary experience.

Welcome note & amenities.

One-way airport transfer.

Why We're Different

Customized travel planning for your style, expert advice from people who've actually been there, free upgrades, spa credits and more — we got you, relax, you're in good hands.

Fora Advisor Christina P.

Christina was extremely thorough throughout the process. She handled everything every step of the way. Honestly, it felt like she was right by my side throughout the entire trip. I could not have experienced this trip without her.

Booked travel to Illinois with Christina P.

Fora Advisor Katrina F.

Katrina was incredible every step of the way. She helped us tighten up our itinerary and made great recommendations for hotels and restaurants that worked really well for our family. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about how to make their trip perfect go straight to Katrina.

Booked travel to California with Katrina F.

Fora Advisor Melissa F.

I was impressed by the high level of professionalism in planning and organizing my trip to NYC. Attention to detail and genuine care for my particular interests - great restaurants and seeing the best of the city - were evident in every step of the planning. I highly recommend Melissa!

Booked travel to New York City with Melissa F.

Fora Advisor Thomas S.

Thomas was amazing. He got us a free room upgrade, free breakfasts for 5 days (an ~$270 value), a $50 room credit, early checkin, late checkout and more. I am referring him to all of my friends who like to travel in style.

Booked travel to Washington DC with Thomas S.

Fora Advisor Sequoia A.

Managed expectations and helped deliver the experience I was looking for. Kind and professional. Facilitated everything so I could fully enjoy myself without worry or any kind of stress arranging my stay.

Booked travel to Mexico with Sequoia A.

Fora Advisor Jill M.

Jill is amazing - so professional and goes above and beyond to accommodate her clients and their particular requests and booking preferences. She always find exactly what we need and want! Highly recommend.

Booked travel to Portugal with Jill M.

Looking for travel inspiration?

Are you the go-to person for travel tips.

Turn it into a dream job. We'll show you the ropes and make you look great. Work from anywhere, flexible or full-time — the best gig you didn't know existed.

What travelers say about our advisors

Still have questions, what is a travel agency.

A travel agency supports a team of travel advisors who sell, curate and book travel. Travel advisors consult with clients on where to go, what to do and where to stay. In addition to planning and booking trips, advisors communicate with hotels and other partners (tour companies, cruises, etc.) to ensure each trip goes smoothly.

What is the difference between a travel advisor and a travel agent?

The terms travel agent and travel advisor are used interchangeably. The original term was ‘travel agent,’ but the industry has gone through a bit of a rebrand to showcase the breadth of work that a travel advisor does. We use both, but typically refer to our network of travel advisors simply as Fora Advisors.  

Fora Advisors (a.k.a. travel advisors / agents) work with clients to understand their travel needs and handle all the travel arrangements, from booking a hotel for a long weekend to planning a honeymoon to securing a room block for a corporate conference.

What are the benefits of working with a travel agent?

Working with a travel agent helps you level up your travel experience. A travel agent handles all the logistics — on-the-ground transfers, hotel and tour bookings, itinerary planning — so you can get the most out of your trip, without any of the stress. 

Plus, our Fora travel agents have insider access to over 5,000 preferred partnerships, meaning you get complimentary perks, priority upgrades and so much more at thousands of locations around the globe. We put serious time and airline mileage into visiting these properties in person so we can give you the up-to-date intel on your destination. We also maintain close relationships with hotel management so you’re treated like the VIP you are from the moment you arrive.

In other words, working with a travel agent unlocks a secret travel world you need to be a part of. But don’t just take our word for it… we have tons of 5-star reviews from happy clients.

Will I get perks & benefits when I work with a Fora Advisor?

Yes — big time. Our travel advisors have access to upgrades & perks at over 5,000 partners around the world. Plus, our partnerships with brands like Virtuoso , Four Seasons , Rosewood and beyond — as well as with smaller, independent boutique hotels — ensure you get treated like a VIP wherever you travel to next.

What types of travel can I book with Fora?

You name it, we book it: resort vacations, safaris , city breaks, vacation home rentals, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, weekend escapes…We do it all.

Do Fora Advisors count as Disney travel agents? What about cruise travel agents?

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive training on just about everything in the travel industry, so our advisors are well equipped to curate any client’s dream trip. (Read more about the benefits of booking with a cruise travel agent .)

I’m planning a group trip. Can Fora Advisors help?

Of course! The more the merrier. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, honeymoon , bachelorette party or company-wide retreat, we’re happy to help. Just get in touch with your Fora Advisor to begin the process.

How do I make the most of my experience when planning a trip with Fora?

Tell us everything. Let us know if you love golf, must have access to a kids’ club or have a soft spot for off-the-beaten-path travel . Serious allergies or dietary restrictions are also very helpful information to share. That way, we’ll only show you options that fit your wants and needs. We also love to hear about your favorite hotels and trips you’ve enjoyed in the past, because that clues us in to your travel style.

If you’ve never worked with a travel advisor before, get our guide on what to expect when booking with a travel agent .

Wait, I kind of want to be a Fora Advisor myself. How can I join?

We love to hear it! We have a guide on how to become a travel agent . Then, when you’re interested in transforming your passion for travel into a meaningful career, apply to become a Fora Advisor today . 

• United States
• Greater China
• Philippines
• Travel & Tourism

Destined to deliver great experiences.

Unforgettable experiences, wonderful memories, and once-in-lifetime adventures — that’s what travelers seek, and it’s what travel brands and destinations deliver. As a renowned travel PR and marketing agency, FINN Partners makes meaningful connections between your hospitality brand and the media you want to be taking notice. We do that by leveraging a worldwide network of media relationships and industry contacts, and by telling creative stories about your brand that hit the mark, make a difference, generate compelling column inches, and directly impacting your bottom line.

The beauty of our diverse team is that we work with boutique hotels, tour operators, luxury hotel brands, in-demand destinations, cruise lines, airlines, travel products and more, which help ensure that our programs are customized to your unique needs. We believe deeply in productive purpose, and we partner with like-minded travel businesses motivated to meet sustainable goals. FINN is powered by people driven by their passion for travel, at the top of their game, who feel that travel and tourism should be a force for good in the 21st Century.

Luxury Travel

Our award-winning work in luxury travel ranges from independent boutique hotels to private islands, from safari operators to highly ranked cruise companies, private aviation to world-class wellness spas. We have a talented team of publicists who customize high-performing plans and manage A-list media campaigns to drive awareness and business to our clients. We also work with travel adjacent brands such as tech products, luggage, real estate, entertainment, etc.

Destinations

We have the distinction to work with some of the world’s most desirable destinations around the globe. FINN is hired by countries, states and cities to showcase their exceptional offerings to drive tourism and lead economic impact campaigns. The media know that FINN work tirelessly with tourism ministers and DMCs to effectively increase visibility.

Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Our team is deeply verse and rooted in the hospitality industry therefore uniquely able to work alongside and for some of the world’s best and most visible hotel and wellness brands. We speak the language of a hotelier and strive to not just promote a property or brand but to amplify its reputation and enhance its business. Our senior team regularly attend industry events and conference, keeping in front of industry trends and ultimately informing client campaigns.

Case Study | Panama

Transforming Panama into a coveted tourism destination.

Case Studies & Articles

Chad Belisario Joins FINN Partners as Vice President and Co-Lead of West Coast Luxury Travel Team

The Bushcamp Company

Hospitality Steps Up to Stop Plastic in July

Ensuring Sustainability, Accessibility, Cost Efficiency and Safety: Key Priorities for Meeting Planners Revealed in FINN Partners’ Latest Study

Business Iceland

The Future of Public Relations is Social Media and Influencers

FINN’s tourism practice spans three continents, including major media hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Shanghai, London and Munich. And we offer a full range of travel agency marketing services, including:

• Public relations
• Branding and repositioning
• Issues management
• Digital and influencer marketing
• Trade relations & representation
• High-profile launches
• Event activations

Our B2B capabilities include economic development, MICE market promotion, cruise market and product development.

Travelers have countless options — so travel and tourism companies need a compelling message, clear market position, and engaging personality to stand out. We use detailed research and vast experience to help your company build its brand.

Driving traffic to your site takes relevant content that’s high quality. It has to be interesting, insightful, and trustworthy — and that’s what we deliver.

Your voice and tone have to be consistent, compelling, and always aligned to your brand values. We build communication strategies that strike that tone — and, if needed, we craft honest responses to protect your brand and give you peace of mind.

No matter the issue, political turmoil, industry challenges, or even complex social dynamics, we can help craft communications to successfully navigate you through.

We’ll rely on extensive research, best practices, and burgeoning trends to create a digital marketing plan customized to your travel and tourism marketing efforts. Our integrated approach will cover all your needs, from video content to social media.

Influencer marketing can be especially effective for travel companies and destinations, but it takes finding the influencer whose personality and style are the perfect fit. We have close relationships with numerous influencers who can help you hit your goals.

Travel and tourism companies, as well as destinations, can benefit greatly by having a strong, genuine, lasting relationship with the media. We’ll help you build that relationship, nurturing new networks and growing your brand with key audiences.

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of travel and tourism takes rock-solid research and insights. We have the expertise and resources to conduct market research and deliver insights on a global scale.

• Associations
• Consumer & Lifestyle
• Energy & Utility
• Environment
• Financial Services
• Manufacturing
• Professional Services
• Purpose & Social Impact
• Sports Marketing
• Supply Chain & Logistics
• Sustainability & ESG
• Advertising
• Brand Strategy & Development
• Content Marketing
• Corporate Communications
• Crisis Communication
• Digital Marketing
• Employee Engagement
• Influencer Marketing
• Investor Relations
• Public Affairs
• Public Relations
• Publishing & Authors
• Research & Insights
• News & Insights

Multiple disruptions affecting travel

Updated 16 hours ago.

British Airways Travel Partner Connect

Your one-stop destination for all essential travel information, exclusively for our travel partners. Stay updated with the latest news and resources from British Airways.

Latest news

British airways launches two new routes this winter.

British Airways launches two new routes to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Global Microsoft IT outage

Due to the widely-reported global Microsoft IT outage, some of our flights may experience disruption today.

Policy update - Name corrections

Requests and queries

Corporate fares.

For Corporate Fare filing issues (including published fares).

Customer relations

Customer Relations requests on behalf of your customers.

Book with confidence

Our Trade Helpdesk team will validate the ticket eligibility.

Leisure fares

For Leisure Fares Distribution issues (including published fares).

Ticketing authority

Request access to our EDIFACT and NDC content to book and issue tickets on our behalf

Refund requests

Requests for refunds when you're unable to do this in your GDS.

Good to know

Your feedback helps us understand what works well, and what doesn't..

Thank you for letting us know

We value your feedback

Overall, how satisfied are you with the webpage?

Please select an option.

Using a Travel Agent: How Does it Work, and is it Worth it?

Dreaming of your next vacation, but don’t know where to start? A professional travel agent can help you.

For years, travel agents have been the go-to option for trip planning for millions of people around the world. However, these days they’re not the only solution. As technology continues to develop, there are now many more ways to put together your ideal trip – and get the most out of your time there. 

But if you’ve ever wondered how a travel agent works, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know – and take a look at some of the hottest alternatives for travel planning. 

You’ll also discover how Whop’s fantastic travel communities offer you flexibility and control over planning your next trip.

Ready to dive in?

Booking Travel Online in 2024

The travel industry took a big hit in 2020/21 during the pandemic as the world went into lockdown. However, it has recovered remarkably in just a couple of years.

In 2023, the global online travel industry brought in $667.55bn of revenue, and is expected to reach a whopping $1.569tn by the end of the decade. Another eye-opening stat revealed in a recent TravelPerk survey is that flight demand has recovered to about 95% of the level it was prior to the pandemic. 

With the world once again open for tourism, there is an increased demand for inspirational travel content and trip-planning services.

What Does a Travel Agent Do?

Travel agents help people put together trips. They provide advice and find accommodation, flights and other services, like vehicle hire and tickets to attractions. 

In the “old days” (i.e. before the internet), trip planning usually involved calling up or visiting a brick-and-mortar travel agency or independent travel consultant.

The agent would search their databases to find the right vacation package based on the user’s needs and budget. Travelers could also collect physical brochures and pick the trip they wanted, booking it through the operator or via a travel agent.

Travel agents collect a commission of around 5% to 20% from partner agencies, hotels, and other providers when a traveler books their service. They might also charge clients a fee for their services.

While physical travel agencies and independent consultants still operate, the internet has brought a whole host of other options to find and book travel. As well as giving travel professionals access to more planning and booking tools, travelers can now take on the role of travel agent themselves.

So, do people still use travel agents?

In a word, yes. The same TravelPerk survey found that since the pandemic, 29% of respondents still book their trips through travel agents or operators. 

The travel agent sector has also evolved to meet the shifting trends. Physical agents, like Avant Travel, complement their in-person offering with an option for users to explore and book trips online:

In addition, online travel agents (OTAs) offer a similar service to brick-and-mortar businesses.

Some of the more familiar OTAs include Expedia Group, Booking.com and Tripadvisor. These sites offer full trip planning services and, often, customer reviews of hotels, etc.

Users plug in their requirements and the OTA brings up a list of options. Travelers can book flights and accommodation separately or as a package. 

They can also add on things like car hire, transfers and tickets for local attractions to put together their ideal trip.

The TravelPerk survey showed that 41% of participants preferred booking via an OTA over other methods. Among U.S. travelers aged under 35, the most common use of OTAs was to book hotel rooms.

Even sites that traditionally focused on a specific element of travel, such as Skyscanner, now offer related travel services to help users book an entire trip.

Travel agents vs tour operators

Are travel agents and operators the same? There is some overlap here in the fact they both help clients find and book trips.

The main difference is that operators sell their own trips and tours, while agents act as intermediaries, selling other providers’ services.

However, operators might act like travel agents in some cases. For example, if you book an escorted tour through an operator, they might also help with booking flights and offer suggestions for adding extra nights’ accommodation.

Specialty travel agents

As well as general travel agents and OTAs, there are those which focus on specific types of trips and travelers. 

These agents offer clients a bespoke service within their area of specialty and often attract a higher commission and fees. A few travel agent specialties include:

Business travel

Business-focused agents like TravelPerk and Egencia work with employers and firms to provide corporate travel solutions. Travel agents in this space charge companies a fee for their services.

Often, corporate travel agents offer a wider travel management service beyond just accommodation and transport. This might include things like:

• expense management
• geo-tracking (in high-risk locations)  
• loyalty / rewards programs

As well as individual employees, corporate travel management firms and agents organize group travel for teams. 

Eco-tourism

Specialist agents have sprung up in the growing areas of sustainable travel and eco-tourism.

Overall, according to Statista, the “eco-tourism” sector is expected to grow from $172.4bn in 2022 to $374.2bn in 2028, reflecting people’s awareness of the environmental impact of travel.

Agents in this space help environmentally conscious travelers find trips that result in a lower carbon footprint or which reduce other environmental harm.

The focus is often on locations with green credentials and trips which include a social component. This might include volunteering or giving back to local communities.

While many general travel agents and operators book road trip packages, there are those which specialize in this type of travel.

From advising on the best itineraries to booking accommodation on the route, travel agents can assist with getting the most from your journey. They may also offer organized tours.

Agents in this space arrange for things like one-way car or RV rental, as well as different types of transport, such as motorbikes.

Backpacking / round-the-world

Another growing area is longer stays, such as backpacking, gap years, or the ultimate in global travel: round-the-world (RTW) trips.

Specialist agents can provide a valuable service here when it comes to route planning. RTW trips in particular can be challenging to plan due to the different flights and overland travel between stops.

There is so much to think about when planning an RTW adventure, an expert agent can take away some of the stress and also make sure you see as much as possible.

Agents and operators in this space may also offer access to escorted tours, with travel, accommodation and the services of a tour leader.

Likewise, agents can arrange things like volunteering, work opportunities and homestay accommodation. They also offer support while you’re away.

At the high-end of the market, dedicated travel agents offer expert advice on all aspects of luxury getaways. 

This is where using an agent can be worthwhile, as they tailor bespoke luxury experiences for selective clients on a higher budget.

If you want to plan that dream trip, luxury travel agents can find the most exclusive accommodation and experiences.

For example, Luxury Wanderlust Travel here on Whop offers all the tools you need for planning a luxurious trip. 

Luxury travel agents usually charge fees for their services but they work with clients who demand a high level of service and are willing to pay. 

Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

There are advantages and disadvantages to booking your trip through an in-person travel agent, consultant or OTA. These include: 

Alternative Trip Planning Tools & Services

There are plenty of alternative trip planning options out there if you don’t want to use a travel agent.

Which is best for your needs will depend on things like your budget, type of trip, and the amount of time you have to spend on planning. 

It also depends on your own knowledge of the location. If you know a place well, putting a trip together will be easier.

Here are three alternative options for planning a trip:

1. The DIY option 

With this option, you do all the trip research, planning and booking yourself. 

If you know your destination, dates, and budget, you can head online and look for accommodation, travel and other services. 

OTAs are useful here, as you can compare flights, accommodation and other elements of the trip, then shop around to put together the right package for your needs. This offers the ultimate flexibility and it can be exciting to research the trip and book it yourself.

However, it’s also time consuming. The TravelPerk survey showed that, on average, people spend five hours researching online travel content before booking.

If you aren’t sure about elements of your trip or the location, you might also find it difficult to find what you want.

The DIY route may be okay for long weekends and other simple trips. However, it might be more challenging for, say, six months backpacking in Vietnam if you’re not a seasoned traveler. 

It’s also easier to overlook things like travel insurance, visa rules, and vaccinations. Plus, there are scammers out there, so be careful when booking and paying upfront for things like privately hosted accommodation and tours. 

2. Planning apps 

The next option is to use a dedicated trip planning tool. You can increasingly find AI-driven apps and chatbots which offer advice on aspects of travel, from routes to things to do on vacation.

Examples include:

• Vacay Chatbot
• Roadtrippers

Like other sectors, the use of AI is spreading in the travel industry. So, even if you use a travel agent, you might find yourself “talking” to the firm’s chatbot.

One of the advantages of these tools is that you have 24/7 access. The downsides include the lack of personalization and potential privacy concerns.

3. Find a dedicated community

A third choice is to tap into other people’s experiences and knowledge by connecting with a travel community, like WorldWide , which you can find right here on Whop.

The great thing about this option is that you get to connect with other people who know a particular destination. 

These platforms might share hacks to save you money while you’re traveling or highlight cool places to visit that are off the usual tourist routes.

While travel agents still offer a valuable service, particularly for specialist travel, they are not the only (or cheapest) way to book all types of trips.

The internet has opened up trip planning, so travelers can now benefit from access to a wide range of resources for getting the most from vacations and longer adventures. 

These resources include Whop’s travel communities !

Plan Your Travels With Whop

If you want help planning any kind of trip, Whop is here to help. 

Our travel creators provide fantastic content and services to help save you money and to get more from your next adventure – whether a luxury weekend away or a year backpacking around the world.

Explore chat rooms, guides, dedicated communities, and all kinds of other ways to take control of your travels.

Find everything from tips on scoring discounted flights and tickets to opportunities to connect with fellow globetrotters.

And if you dream of turning your love of travel into a business – Whop is also your one-stop-shop for building and growing your audience. 

Explore the Whop marketplace and find your inspiration.

Rob Truslove

Make your first dollar on the internet.

Start your business for free, no credit card required.

Related posts

100 Digital Nomad Business Ideas So You Can Earn While You Travel

How to Write a Travel Blog and Make Money Online

How to Become a Travel Influencer and Earn Money from Anywhere

100 Travel Ebook Ideas You Can Start Writing Today

BEST DESTINATION AROUND THE WORLD Welcome to Travels Partner

Partner Login

What travel partner do.

We are IATA Accredited agent, member of Travel Agents Association of Pakistan and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TAAP & KCCI) and also regsitered with Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamabad. The Company has also contracted the services of various Hajj & Umrah companies at kingdom of Saudi Arabia and registered at Saudi Consulate Karachi.

Our services include Airline bookings ,Hajj and Umrah booking, hotel bookings , tours , transportation , transfers , insurance and more making Travel Partner a one stop shop.

We are pioneer in Pakistan to built and introduce end to end technology based OTA for B2B with state of the art payment solution.

Travel Partner has also been recipient of numerous Top Awards from various Airlines With this.

We Are Best In

Home Pick Service

With a strong and widespread international network coupled with an unmatched local experience and knowledge of the region.

Travel Tour Services

Hajj & Umrah

Visa Processing Services

The most searched cities in december, top destinations.

Islamabad the Captial of Pakistan remained at top in the search bar.

Lahore the provisional capital of Punjab is on 2nd spot this month.

Karachi the financial hub and biggest city is at number 3.

All right reserved. Travel Partner

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Trip Planning
• Budget Travel

Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

• Best Overall: Booking.com
• Best Budget: Skyscanner
• Best Price Predictor: Hopper
• Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
• Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
• Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
• Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
• Our Top Picks
• Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

• See More (4)

Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

 Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels. 

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive. 

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Related Articles

UVT Aero Tomsk Office in Russia

Tomsk, 96Q5+9W Plotnikovo, Tomsk Oblast, Russia

[email protected]

https://uvtaero.ru/

78432601509

Everyday (24 Hours)

Skip Waiting on Hold

Current Wait: 13 mins (13m avg)

Note: This not airlines official number +1-844-562-0277. It may connect you with travel agency.

AirlineOfficeWorld » UVT Aero » UVT Aero Tomsk Office in Russia

UVT Aero (RT) Tomsk Office is located at Tomsk, Russia. To know more about UVT Aero Tomsk office’s contact number, address and more kindly go through the below information.

UVT Aero Tomsk Office

Address: Tomsk, 96Q5+9W Plotnikovo, Tomsk Oblast, Russia

Contact Number: 78432601509

Working Hours: Everyday (24 Hours)

Email: [email protected]

Official Website of UVT Aero: https://uvtaero.ru/

UVT Aero Office Location and Hours

Tomsk office map can help passengers find out the exact location to connect with representatives.

• Monday, Open 24 Hours
• Tuesday, Open 24 Hours
• Wednesday, Open 24 Hours
• Thursday, Open 24 Hours
• Friday, Open 24 Hours
• Saturday, Open 24 Hours
• Sunday, Open 24 Hours

Tomsk Airport Details

Office amenities.

• Pet-friendly

Complaints Services

• Flight Delays and Cancellations
• Manage your booking
• online check-in
• Online Booking Services
• In-flight Experience
• Customer Service
• Baggage Handling
• Risk management and security

Types of Planes/Aircraft Available with UVT Aero

• Bombardier CRJ200ER
• Bombardier CRJ200LR
• Tupolev Tu-214

UVT Aero Head Office Address & Contact Information

Below are the UVT Aero Head Office Contact Details :

Check out the list of UVT Aero Offices .

By contacting the Tomsk office, you can get the assistance you need to ensure a smooth travel experience.

You can contact UVT Aero customer service by filling out their Customer Care form on its website. Additionally, for urgent assistance, you can call them at (843) 260-15-09 .

UVT Aero address for Tomsk is Tomsk, 96Q5+9W Plotnikovo, Tomsk Oblast, Russia.

Yes, you can reach UVT Aero customer service through Facebook, Messenger, Message, and WhatsApp.

UVT Aero Other Locations

• UVT Aero Nizhnekamsk Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Kemerovo Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Murmansk Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Orenburg Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Saransk Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Batumi Office in Georgia
• UVT Aero Saratov Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Petrozavodsk Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Samarkand Office in Uzbekistan
• UVT Aero Voronezh Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Kirovsk Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Tobolsk Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Nizhny Novgorod Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Head Office
• UVT Aero Omsk Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Moscow Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Perm Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Ufa Office in Russia
• UVT Aero St Petersburg Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Surgut Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Irkutsk Office in Russia
• UVT Aero Usinsk Office in Russia

UVT Aero Locations

• Terms and Services
• Privacy Policy

AirlineOfficeWorld is a third party website to provide different office address, phone number and email address of all airlines. We don't have affiliation with any airlines or any travel agency. If you have any questions about our service you can contact us at [email protected]

© 2024 AirlineOfficeWorld | All Rights Reserved.

Two couples tried traveling together: Why one split, the other married

• Traveling with your partner can reveal existing differences in personalities, habits and communication styles.
• From your personal travel preferences to how you handle stressful circumstances like flight disruptions, traveling is an eye-opener.
• While things can end poorly for some couples, those who end up a better team from traveling forge a deeper bond along the way.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here . 

Sebastian Garrido didn't think he and his girlfriend’s trip to Disney World would end up more like a “living nightmare.” 

The 2019 trip was the first time the couple of nearly a year were traveling together. They didn’t live together so this trip was a chance for them to get to know each other on a deeper level. 

“We really didn’t know each other and our pet peeves and all that,” the Mexico City-based digital marketing manager told USA TODAY. Still, he looked forward to the trip. 

That changed quickly.  

Learn more: Best travel insurance

During the trip, he noticed that she treated the wait staff at restaurants poorly and was incredibly messy – “in a way you can't be in a hotel,” he said. He said she was also mean to him about his snoring, even cursing at him when she was upset.  

“It was really difficult,” he said. “It was like the bubble broke.” 

Garrido admits he had some hesitations about their relationship before the trip but their time in Orlando was “a breaking point.” 

Shortly after the trip, Garrido initiated a breakup, and his girlfriend agreed they weren’t a good match. The couple parted ways. Looking back, he’s grateful for the trip. “In some way it was a positive experience, at least I saw how she really was.” 

As Garrido experienced with his then-girlfriend, traveling with your partner is an important compatibility test. You and your partner are now spending 24/7 together, navigating new cultures and places, and making decisions under pressure.

'We don't hook up': How to handle a vacation with your ex

“No matter how long you’ve been together ... when you are traveling together, it’s a new situation, and things come up that you’ve not dealt with as a couple,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, a clinical psychologist from The Chicago School with decades of experience in relationship dynamics. “They see a new side of you, and you see another side of the other person.” 

From your personal travel preferences to how you handle stressful circumstances like flight disruptions, traveling together can reveal existing differences in personalities, habits and communication styles – possibly even revealing some deal-breakers. 

While things can end poorly for some couples, those who end up a better team from traveling forge a deeper bond along the way.   

“I really think that traveling with your partner is essential to get to know them,” Garrido said. “I think, you don’t really know the person, unless you live with them, if you don’t travel together."

Managing expectations  

Incompatibility can start to show before the trip even begins, especially if people have very different definitions of travel. While one person might view vacation as a time to unwind and lie by the pool for hours on end, the other could want a packed schedule of exploring and sightseeing.  

“If you’re traveling as a couple and your partner does not yield to your preferences, you can feel overlooked,” said Dr. Nealon. “It can be very difficult to manage emotions like that in the moment.” 

Dr. Nealon recommends couples build an itinerary together so they can agree on what to do. It can be like blocking off downtime in the morning while being more active for the rest of the day or going sightseeing all day one day and then relaxing the next. They can also refer to the itinerary if a conflict arises.  

“Plan for different levels of energy,” she said. “If you don't talk about it, understand and accept the other person, you're not going to have the needed flexibility when you're on the spot.” 

Another place where a couple may struggle in planning a trip together is one that can generally cause problems in relationships: finances. “Money can be a huge stress, especially if there’s a difference in salaries or philosophies. It can make or break long-term compatibility,” Dr. Nealon said. Going over a budget for the trip can get couples on the same page. “You need clear communication and compromise up front.” 

Under pressure  

From lost luggage to flight cancellations, travelers can always expect the unexpected. The way individuals handle those often unpleasant situations can test a couple's compatibility “on a whole new level,” as Dr. Nealon put it.  

Learn more:   Best travel insurance

“How a couple manages these uncertainties can not only impact your travel experience…but can really cause conflict and hurt feelings that carry over to resentment,” she said.  

However, there is a silver lining to these stresses – they are a chance to see how well you can work together as a team. “Look at us, we work together and support each other and that can really strengthen a bond and relationship,” she said.  

To help couples navigate these high-pressure moments, Dr. Nealon advises practicing mindful communication. Instead of making assumptions about your partner's thoughts or feelings, focus on having an open dialogue. When both partners remain calm and communicate well together, they can work together to find solutions. 

A stronger bond  

While challenges often arise during a trip, traveling with your partner can be incredibly rewarding. “Memories get created and later in the relationships, they become stories, and those stories reinforce the specialness of a relationship,” Dr. Nealon said.  

Individually, travel offers people a chance for personal growth. For couples, it’s a chance to also strengthen the relationship. A 2024 survey of 470 individuals found that couples who went on vacation and experienced something new together reported higher levels of romantic and physical intimacy, along with greater relationship satisfaction. 

That was certainly the case for Corey Lanum, who went on a ski trip with his girlfriend just a few months after they met in 2006.  

On their first day on the slopes, Lanum said, his girlfriend, who was the better skier, was trying to show off. 

“She tried to do one of those slides where you spray snow all over the place,” and in the process, tore her ACL, he told USA TODAY. 

In the aftermath, Lanum said, he spent time taking care of her in Salt Lake City and then helped her get home to Washington, D.C. Three years later, the two got married. 

Lanum said his now-wife admitted she was embarrassed about what happened on their first trip together, but he said it was a good bonding experience for them both in the end. 

“You have to get it out of the way early and make sure you have similar habits and can behave well while you’re traveling,” he said. 

Nealon agreed that traveling together can be a good way for partners to deepen their connection with each other if they’re on the same page. 

“Together, you are experiencing new cultures and perspectives, and the beauty of it is when you're experiencing it together, you're actually growing the relationship together,” she said. “That’s what relationships are all about.” 

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• Altay republic
• Irkutsk oblast
• Kemerovo oblast
• Khakassia republic
• Krasnoyarsk krai
• Novosibirsk oblast
• Omsk oblast
• Tomsk oblast
• Tuva republic
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

Tomsk city, Russia

The capital city of Tomsk oblast .

Tomsk - Overview

Tomsk is a city in Russia located in the east of Western Siberia on the banks of the Tom River, the administrative center of Tomsk Oblast.

The population of Tomsk is about 570,800 (2022), the area - 295 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 3822, the postal codes - 634000-634538.

Tomsk city flag

Tomsk city coat of arms.

Tomsk city map, Russia

Tomsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

10 November, 2019 / Tomsk - the view from above .

History of Tomsk

Foundation of tomsk.

According to a large number of archaeological finds, people lived on the territory of today’s Tomsk long before its foundation. At the end of the 16th century, by the time the Russians began to actively explore this region, Siberian Tatars and nomadic peoples at war with them lived here.

In January 1604, a delegation headed by Toyan, the prince of the Eushta Tatars, came to Moscow to the Russian Tsar Boris Godunov with a request to accept them into Russia and to protect them from the attacks of warlike neighbors - the Yenisei Kyrgyz and Kalmyks. In response, Boris Godunov signed a charter on the construction of a town on the lands of the Eushta people on the banks of the Tom River.

In June 1604, the fortress of Tomsk was founded on the southern promontory of Voskresenskaya Mountain towering over the right bank of the Tom. Therefore, the City Day of Tomsk is celebrated on June 7th. In the fall of 1604, all construction work was completed. Tomsk became an important strategic military center. Throughout the 17th century, it protected the local population - in 1614, 1617, 1657, and 1698, the fortress repelled the raids of nomads. In 1635, the population of Tomsk was about 2 thousand people.

More Historical Facts…

Tomsk in the 18th - early 20th centuries

In the 18th century, the borders of Russia moved far to the south and east, the raids of nomads stopped, and Tomsk lost its defensive significance. In 1723, about 8.5 thousand people lived in the town. From the middle of the 18th century, due to its remoteness from the European part of the country, it was used as a place of exile. After the creation of the Siberian Route, which ran from Moscow through Tomsk, the town became an important transit trade center.

In 1804, Tomsk became the administrative center of the huge Tomsk Governorate, which included the territories of the present Republic of Altai, Altai Krai, Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, and Tomsk Oblasts, East Kazakhstan Oblast (Kazakhstan), western parts of Khakassia, and Krasnoyarsk Krai. It also became the cultural and economic center of the south of Western Siberia.

From the late 1830s to the middle of the century, the population of Tomsk grew rapidly thanks to the increasing gold mining in Siberia. In 1888, Tomsk University was opened - the first university in Siberia. At the end of the 19th century, during the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, it was decided that it should go much south of Tomsk. As a result, it lost its importance as a transport hub.

By the beginning of the 20th century, over 60 thousand people lived in Tomsk. The city had electric lighting, trams, and a telephone network. By 1914, Tomsk, with a population of 114 thousand people, was among the 25 largest cities of the Russian Empire and ranked first in terms of trade turnover in Siberia.

Tomsk after 1917

After the revolutionary events of 1917, Tomsk became a center for the opposition to the Bolshevik forces in Siberia. Until the end of 1919, the city served as a place for the formation and training of units of the White Army.

The period from 1918 to 1940 was a time of relative decline in Tomsk. There was a significant outflow of the population to the fast-growing Novosibirsk and other cities located on the Trans-Siberian Railway, because Tomsk lost the status of the administrative center of the region. In 1925, Tomsk became part of Siberian Krai. In 1930, it was transformed into West Siberian Krai. In 1937, Tomsk became a city of Novosibirsk Oblast.

During the Second World War, about 30 enterprises from the European part of the USSR were evacuated to Tomsk, which became the basis of the city’s industry. During the war years, the volume of industrial production in Tomsk tripled. From 1940 to 1944, the number of residents increased from 145 to 178 thousand people. On August 13, 1944, Tomsk Oblast was formed, and Tomsk became its administrative center.

In the post-war years, new industries appeared in Tomsk - optical-mechanical, electrical, mechanical rubber. Metalworking and mechanical engineering, food and light industries grew significantly. The development of the city and the region was also largely connected with the beginning of the industrial development of oil and natural gas fields.

In 1970, Tomsk, which had a large number of preserved monuments of wooden architecture of the 19th century, was given the status of a historical city. In 1989, the population of Tomsk exceeded half a million people.

In the 1990s, in Tomsk, as in most cities in Russia, there was a decline in industrial production, especially in mechanical engineering focused on military government orders. In 2004, Tomsk celebrated its 400th anniversary.

Pictures of Tomsk

Tomsk entrance sign

Author: Tsigankov Konstantin

On the street in the historical center of Tomsk

Author: Vladimir Kharitonov

In the residential area of Tomsk

Author: Dmitry Afonin

Tomsk - Features

Tomsk is located in the very heart of Siberia, about 3.6 thousand kilometers east of Moscow, on the border of the West Siberian Plain and the spurs of the Kuznetsk Alatau on the right bank of the Tom River, 50 km from the place of its confluence with the Ob River. The city is located on the edge of a taiga natural zone.

It was named after the Tom River on which it was founded. The researchers of the 18th century derived the hydronym “Tom” from the Ket word “tom” meaning “river”. The City Day of Tomsk is celebrated on June 7.

The climate in Tomsk is continental-cyclonic (transitional from European temperate continental to Siberian sharply continental). Winter is harsh and long, the average temperature in January is minus 17.1 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 18.7 degrees Celsius.

The international airport Tomsk (Bogashevo) named after Nikolai Kamov offers regular flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Surgut, Krasnoyarsk, Barnaul, Ulan-Ude, Ufa, Nizhnevartovsk, and a number of other Russian cities.

The current coat of arms of Tomsk is based on the coat of arms adopted in 1785. The silver horse was placed on the coat of arms as a sign that “the horses of this area are the best and the Tatars living nearby have stud farms”. The silver horse remains the symbol of Tomsk to this day.

Tomsk is the oldest educational and scientific center in Siberia. Today, students make up one fifth of the population of Tomsk - more than 117 thousand people.

Wooden architecture of Siberia is a bright page in the history of Russian architecture. In Tomsk, wooden architecture is original and expressive. It is here that whole groups of wooden buildings of the late 19th - early 20th centuries have been preserved. You will need at least three days to explore the large number of local attractions.

Main Attractions of Tomsk

Voskresenskaya Gora (Mountain) - the place where Tomsk was founded. Here you can see such sights of Tomsk as Beloye (White) Lake, Voskresenskaya (Resurrection) Church built in the rare Siberian Baroque style in 1789-1807, the Makushin House of Science - an architectural monument of the early 20th century, which houses the puppet theater “Skomorokh”, the Polish Church (1833). The best view of the surroundings opens from the Museum of the History of Tomsk.

Museum of the History of Tomsk . The building of this museum stands out for its unordinary architecture - a stone building crowned by a wooden observation tower, which you can climb and see Tomsk from above. Here you can find exhibitions about peasant and merchant life, a collection of porcelain, and other interesting historical and archaeological exhibits. One of the most interesting exhibits is a wooden monument to the Russian ruble - a copy of a 1 ruble coin, but 100 times larger than the original. Bakunin Street, 3.

Lagernyy Sad (Camps Garden) - a park with an area of about 40 hectares located on the right bank of the Tom River. Several thousand years ago, ancient settlements were located on this very place. The park got its name due to the fact that the summer camps of the Tomsk infantry regiment were located here in the 18th-19th centuries. Today, it is a huge green area with a large population of animals and birds.

Novo-Sobornaya Square - the central square of Tomsk. The architectural appearance of this square began to take shape in the 1840s. In 2003, the square was decorated with a fountain, in 2004 - a monument to the students of Tomsk, and in 2006— the Victory Alley memorial complex.

Tomsk Regional Museum of Local Lore - the largest museum in Tomsk Oblast with more than 140 thousand exhibits. The museum occupies an Empire style mansion of the 19th century and is dedicated to the history and culture of the Tomsk region. Among the most interesting collections are bronze items of the 5th-2nd centuries BC, old handwritten books, Russian silver coins, ceramics, furniture, personal funds of major researchers and architects. A tour of the museum can take several hours. Lenin Avenue, 75.

Tomsk Regional Art Museum . It is housed in a magnificent red brick and sandstone mansion built in 1903. This museum has an excellent collection of paintings, graphics, sculpture, arts and crafts, and icons. The exhibition includes canvases created by European painters of the 16th-21st centuries, Russian and Soviet artists of the 18th-21st centuries. Nakhanovich Lane, 3.

Architecture of Tomsk

Beautiful wooden buildings of Tomsk

Author: S. Shugarov

Wooden Lutheran Church of St. Mary in Tomsk

Church of the Resurrection in Tomsk

Museum of Wooden Architecture . The exposition of this museum is devoted to the main periods in the history of Tomsk wooden architecture. The building of the museum is an architectural monument of federal significance. The main exhibits are wooden fragments of houses (window frames, cornices, pilasters, examples of carved decor). Dozens of contemporary craftsmen showcase their talents in artistic woodworking in a separate hall. Kirov Street, 7.

The First Museum of Slavic Mythology . This museum offers a look at the origins of the Slavic religion - or rather, what was before the arrival of Orthodoxy. The museum collection is dedicated to Slavic epics, folk tales, and their heroes. Zagornaya Street, 12.

“The NKVD Investigative Prison” - a memorial museum located in the basement of the former NKVD prison. It is dedicated to the memory of people who suffered from repression during the Soviet era. The complex consists of the Square of Memory and the exhibition itself. The permanent exhibition is housed in a makeshift prison hall, cells, and the investigator’s office. The collection consists of documentary materials, photographs, handicrafts of prisoners, and their personal belongings. Lenin Avenue, 44.

Monument to Anton Chekhov - an unusual sculpture standing on the embankment of the Tom River opposite the restaurant “Slavyansky Bazar” (the oldest restaurant and one of the oldest buildings in Tomsk, Lenin Square, 10). The monument was created by sculptor L.A. Usov with voluntary donations. The master embodied the image of Chekhov “through the eyes of a drunken man lying in a ditch” according to the inscription on the pedestal. In 1890, during his visit to Sakhalin, Chekhov stayed in Tomsk for a week and found this city boring and not worthy of attention.

Monument to Happiness - one of the most original monuments of Tomsk. It is a bronze figure of a full, extremely pleased, and impudent wolf from the great Soviet cartoon “Once upon a time there was a dog”. Shevchenko Street, 19/1.

Epiphany Cathedral (1777-1784) - one of the oldest churches in Tomsk. This magnificent building constructed in the Siberian Baroque style is located in the very heart of Tomsk. Lenin Square, 7.

White Mosque (1914) - a majestic building constructed in the neo-Moorish style with stone carvings, lancet windows, and doors. Lugovoy Lane, 18.

Siberian Botanical Garden . The garden covers a huge area, more than 120 hectares. There are almost 8 thousand species of plants here including tropical and subtropical. Most of the trees, shrubs, and flowers can be found outdoors. Its grandiose greenhouse is one of the largest and highest in the world. Lenin Avenue, 34/1.

Picturesque architectural monuments of Tomsk:

• “House with Firebirds” (1890) - a fine example of wooden architecture built by the merchant Zhelyabo as a wedding gift to his daughter, an architectural monument of federal significance (Krasnoarmeyskaya st., 67/1),
• “House with Dragons” - one of the symbols of Tomsk with 7 bizarre carved dragons (Krasnoarmeyskaya Street, 68),
• “House with a Hipped Roof”, also known as the Tomsk Regional Russian-German House - an elegant mansion built at the beginning of the 20th century for the wealthy merchant G.M. Golovanov, a masterpiece of wooden architecture not only in Tomsk, but throughout Siberia (Krasnoarmeyskaya st., 71),
• The mansion of the architect S.V. Khomich (1904) - the architecture of this building is so eclectic that it rather resembles a fabulous gingerbread house (Belinsky, 19),
• Tomsk State University - this building of the oldest university in Siberia, founded in 1888, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Tomsk (Lenin Avenue, 36),
• Garrison House of Officers named after N.N. Yakovlev - a beautiful brick building with original decor (Lenin Avenue, 50),
• Tomsk City Hall (1899) - an eclectic three-story mansion built of red brick and light sandstone located in the city center (Lenin Avenue, 73),
• The estate of I.D. Astashev (1842) - a magnificent palace that once belonged to the gold miner Astashev, one of the most beautiful buildings in Tomsk (Lenin Avenue, 75).

Tomsk city of Russia photos

Tomsk views.

Tomsk Railway Station

Tomsk Regional Drama Theater

House with a Hipped Roof in Tomsk

Author: Stanislav Smakotin

Sights of Tomsk

Monument to Happiness in Tomsk

Monument to Anton Chekhov in Tomsk

Red Mosque in Tomsk

The questions of our visitors

• Currently 3.04/5

Rating: 3.0 /5 (179 votes cast)

Navigation menu