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3 Opportunities for Today’s Traditional Travel Agency

In an age of “everything online”, traditional travel agencies have had to continually re-tool their services to remain relevant and provide competitive offerings to today’s consumers. But they’ve managed to secure their place in the market by sticking with what makes them unique: personalized, expert service. Travel professionals come to the table with experience that consumers are hard-pressed to find when they’re exploring travel options online, particularly when self-directed.

Even so, consumers do have plenty of options for booking travel and traditional travel agencies need to market to their sweet spots. In The Agent ‘Advantage Gap’ Widens , Travel Weekly talks about the importance of agents forming a solid value proposition to attract channel business, having unveiled these powerful statistics:

• Frequency of travel of travel agent’s leisure clients vs. travelers who book through other channels: 1 trips vs. 2.90
• Average length of each leisure trip booked by agents vs. the length of trips booked through other channels: 75 nights vs. 5.59
• Amount clients of agents spend per year on leisure travel vs. other travelers: $10,808 $4,745

Piggybacking off of these insights, we’ve identified with 3 areas of opportunity for traditional travel agencies—ways they can meet travelers’ needs in a way that will be hard to beat by less-personalized alternatives:

• Cruise Season

According to Cruisemarketwatch.com , the worldwide cruise industry has had an annual passenger compound growth rate of 6.55% from 1990 to 2019. There’s growth potential in the United States, as only 53% of the target North American market has ever taken an ocean cruise. Because cruises are a more complex travel purchase, cruise lines depend on travel professionals to promote and sell the cruise and ensure travelers are matched with the right brand, the right line, and the right trip. In addition, as discussed on TravelMarketReport.com , cruisers tend to be “lifelong cruisers”; this means that they’re potentially lifelong customers for the travel agencies who serve them.

Get additional insights in TravelMarketReport.com’s Travel Agents Focus On Surviving In 2016 .

• Multigenerational Travel

A hot travel trend involves traveling with family members of various generations, from parents and kids to great-grandparents and cousins. Research shows that those planning multi-generational trips are more likely than the average leisure traveler to use a traditional travel agency. 38% of travelers recently surveyed by Preferred Hotel Group say they used the services of a traditional travel agent to plan a multi-generational vacation during the past year and 41% intend to do so during the next two years. To meet the need, Forbes points out, more travel agencies are tailoring offerings that appeal to extended-family travelers, such as safaris and genealogy tours.

Find more in It’s a Family Affair: Multigenerational Travel .

• Old-Fashioned (but Plugged-In) Personal Service

Circling back to the primary value proposition of a traditional travel agency, personalized, expert service is at the center of what makes them valuable . Keeping this message in front of customers who are inundated with digital advertising and within fingers’ reach of booking their next trip online is an opportunity for agents. It comes down to smart marketing—using digital communications like e-mail and social media—to stay in front of customers and prospects. There’s also room for more traditional communications, like post cards and other physical mailers, particularly when marketing to the baby boomer generation, who are more likely to pay attention to what’s in their home’ mail box.

On-demand services can’t be left out of the mix. Websites that offer quoting, booking and lead-generation capabilities are bound to enhance the experience for customers. And may even lead to increased sales through ancillary products and services ( Ancillary Sales Add Up—Do They Benefit Agents? explores this topic further). The experience is all-important, and today, that means having access to information around-the-clock while on-the-go. It’s no wonder why texting with travel agents is one of the next big things in the industry. See Text, Text, Book: Messaging Technology in the Travel Industry for details.

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The Pros and Cons of Booking Through Online Travel Agencies

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

You’re likely already familiar with online travel agencies, even if you don’t travel often. These companies — such as Priceline , Expedia and Orbitz — act as intermediaries between you and a travel provider.

Booking your travel through an OTA can be a good idea in some circumstances, but you’ll want to be wary of its pitfalls. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of online travel agencies, so you’ll know what to use to book your next vacation.

Pros of booking through online travel agencies

There are certainly advantages booking through online travel agencies, though you’ll find different experiences whether you’re using public OTAs — such as Kayak — or private ones like those offered by your card issuer, such as the Chase's travel portal .

✅ It may be cheaper

When searching for flights online, you may see different prices for the same routes that vary across websites. Although it may be a result of fare type — for example, some search results may not clarify that a fare is basic economy rather than main cabin or economy — other times, the difference comes down to competition for your business.

Online travel services will often offer slightly lower prices on flights in an effort to entice you as a customer. This is true for both hotels and airlines.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for online travel-booking websites

✅ It can earn you more rewards

Have you ever heard of shopping portals ? By logging into a shopping portal, you can earn rewards for purchases made with many online merchants. Some hotel chains, such as Hilton , Marriott and IHG , can be accessed through shopping portals while still booking directly on the hotel website. In this way, you can earn rewards with the hotel directly as well as with the shopping portal.

The same isn’t true for shopping portals and most airline sites. However, many public online travel agencies are accessible through shopping portals, which can then earn you rewards for airfare bookings. By opting to book in this way, you’ll be able to earn points or cash-back rewards through the shopping portal that you’d otherwise miss.

Some card issuers will also reward you heavily when using their online travel services. Clear examples of this can be seen with Capital One and Chase. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , for example, you’ll get 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is similar. With this card, you can get 10 Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase's portal.

While these numbers are high, it’s important to remember that there are trade-offs when booking through an OTA rather than directly with a hotel or airline. We’ll get into that a little later.

Online travel agencies offered by your card issuer may not feature the same prices as booking directly; you’ll want to compare these before committing to a purchase.

Some card issuers will go so far as to give your points more value when redeeming through their online travel agencies.

This is true with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . When redeeming points on Chase's travel portal, you’ll get 1.25 cents in value per point rather than 1 cent elsewhere.

» Learn more: How much are your airline miles and hotel points worth this year?

Cons of booking through online travel agencies

There are several downsides when it comes to using online travel services for booking travel. It mainly comes down to the fact that travel providers prefer that you book directly with them — and offer more perks to woo your business.

❌ It can be harder to change a booking

Ever needed to change a flight after it's booked? No matter the reason, attempting to alter or otherwise cancel a flight can be a hassle — especially if you’ve booked through a third party.

Generally speaking, rather than offering you direct assistance, both hotels and airlines will recommend you contact the online travel agency you’ve booked with in order to make any changes.

While you may be able to make changes or get refunds with the travel agency, airlines and hotels can — and will — offer much more flexibility when you’ve booked with them directly. You may also be subject to additional fees charged by the online travel agency, which can erase any savings you’ve received.

❌ You may not receive elite benefits

This is the real kicker for anyone wanting elite status. Although airlines will almost always recognize your elite status and allow you to earn miles even for bookings made through an online travel agency, hotels and rental car companies will not.

This is especially important for hotel chains. Earning elite status with hotels generally relies on elite night credits. Although these can be earned in a variety of ways — including having complimentary status by holding certain credit cards — the main method of acquiring elite night credits is by spending nights in hotels. Rooms booked through an online travel agency do not count toward elite status as elite night credits.

Additionally, you will not receive any of the benefits of your existing elite status if your booking is through a third party. This can mean the loss of perks such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast and even free Wi-Fi.

» Learn more: The best airline and hotel rewards loyalty programs this year

❌ It may be more expensive

Did you know that many hotel chains have best price guarantees? Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and IHG all have a guarantee that’ll give you either points or a discount if you find a better rate elsewhere.

These guarantees are generous; Hilton, for example, will match the rate and then discount it by a further 25%.

Although you’ll need to file claims for these guarantees and they face limitations — such as a 24-hour window from when you made the booking — you can save a lot of money on your stay if your request is approved.

Online travel agencies can be hit or miss

There are two sides to every coin and this is no different, as there are several benefits and limitations of online travel services. Depending on your needs and loyalty program status, you’ll want to choose whether to book directly with a travel provider or rely on OTAs to do the job for you.

Booking travel through credit card portals from issuers like Chase and Capital One can earn you big rewards. But if you anticipate altering your travel plans or aim to earn elite status instead, booking directly is the way to go.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

10 best adventure travel companies, according to our readers

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Traditional Travel Agencies

Mill Run Tours Inc. is an airline ticket consolidator with 42+ years in the industry, our mission is to help travel agencies provide exceptional services to their clients. We are committed to providing you with the lowest airfares, the widest range of airlines and many destinations to grow your business. Our services are designed to cater to agencies of all sizes across the USA and customized to your unique needs to help you create the ideal traveling experience for customers.

Retain Your Best Employees with Higher Commissions

With so many places for customers to buy airline tickets these days, partnering your traditional agency with airline ticket consolidators is the best move for your business. We can help your agency stand out among other ticket vendors by providing more air carrier options and destinations worldwide. This way, you can increase your profit margins and reward your best employees with high commissions.

More Air Carrier Options

We understand the livelihood of your business is largely dependent on ticket sales. This is why we offer our agency clients over 50 airline options to help your valuable employees earn more commissions. Because our airline range features major air carriers, your staff has the opportunity to close deals with higher commissions.

Offer Hot-Ticket Items for More Commissions

If you are in the leisure travel business, you can increase commission revenue by offering customers vacation packages. Our airline ticket consolidators offer flights to many locations across the USA and to major cities around the world. This means you can purchase airline tickets to sought-after vacation destinations and agents can earn handsome commissions for every package deal sold.

Custom Itineraries for Valued Customers

Custom itineraries demand higher commissions because of the time and labor invested. Not only can your best employees enjoy high commissions, they can also charge higher consultation and planning fees. We make custom itinerary offers possible by giving you a wide range of airline choices, premium destinations and affordable airfares your budget-conscious customers will appreciate.

Offer Better Deals than Your Competitors

As more airline ticket vendors join the travel industry, it is imperative for the traditional agency to find ways to outplay the competition. This is exactly what airline ticket consolidators can help you achieve. We can help your agency become a leading provider of affordable airline tickets for customers searching for a great bargain.

Offer Flights at Lower Prices

In a tough economic climate, customers are constantly searching for a travel agency offering the best prices. We can help you keep your airfares low by giving you airline tickets at affordable prices. Our airline ticket consolidators can offer tickets at a discount so you can save money and in turn help your customers save big too. Our discounted airline tickets allow you to set a reasonable mark-up without making the tickets expensive. This way, you can provide customers with cheaper flights without hurting your bottom line. Low prices bring in more customers and make your agency the preferred choice among today’s overpriced competitors.

Fly Customers to Exclusive Destinations

With over 50 airlines flying out to many destinations around the world, you can offer what your competitors do and much more. You can extend what you currently offer by including more carrier options and locations, and even tap into your competitors’ markets by offering both leisure and business travel. Your agency can also venture into niche travel for customers traveling to uncommon locations and offer discounts for those traveling in groups. With our range of carriers and locations, you can form lasting relationships with customers as a one-stop shop agency for all traveling needs.

Provide Premium Customer Service

Customers are not only drawn to agencies with low prices and range, they are also looking for an agency that provides great customer service. Our airline ticket consolidators help you provide premium service for your customers with assistance from 200 call agents in six different locations. Whether you need to purchase airline tickets urgently or simply need to browse our airline options, we attend to your request as soon as possible so you do not keep your customers waiting. Increase Your Profit Margin We are dedicated to boosting your travel agency’s profit margin and have decades of experience doing so. Your business success is a priority to us, which is why we strive to provide our clients with everything needed to take your agency to the next level.

Cut Costs of Expenditure

Your bottom line is greatly affected by costs incurred from purchasing airline tickets. The lower the price of airline tickets, the more money you will save. For this reason, our airline ticket consolidators aim to keep airfares as affordable as possible to cut your business spending costs. Cutting your expenditure means your agency will have more revenue for employee salaries and to purchase more airline tickets in the future.

Set Higher Mark-Ups

We understand that your mark-up is the difference between costs and revenue. This is why we offer tickets at impressive discounts to our clients. Our discounts allow you to set the desired mark-up to increase profit without overpricing airline tickets for customers.

Earn Higher Commissions and Fees with Exclusive Packages

Airline ticket consolidators provide your agency with an unbeatable selection of airlines and location. With this much range, you can afford to put together exclusive vacation deals, corporate travel discounts and missionary travel packages to local and international locations. These deals not only give you a leg up on your competition, but increase your capacity to serve a wide range of customers. Offering package deals warrants higher fees and commissions, which adds to overall revenue.

Extend Your Service Range for More Customers

Having access to many airlines and destinations also gives you the power to cater to customers outside your range of expertise. Leisure travel agencies can extend their services to corporate travel and serve niche markets to earn additional profit. If local travel was your specialty, you can expand your business to include international flights as well. Having the ability to serve a variety of traveling needs grows your customer base and increases your income. Catering to many types of customers also helps you dominate the travel market in your area by offering more affordable deals than your competitors. Working with our airline ticket consolidators can have many advantages for your business. We can give you airline tickets to many destinations around the world, a large database of airlines to choose from, and discounts to help you save on company costs. Not only can you broaden your services to include all types of travelers, we can help you beat out your competitors to be a leading agency in your region. No matter the size of your agency or the market you cater to, airline ticket consolidators can help you achieve new levels of business success in a competitive travel industry.

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Best Adventure Travel Companies

This is our roundup of the best adventure travel companies. This article is for those of us who love to travel, but don't have the time or energy to spend on figuring out complicated logistics. 

There are hundreds of adventure travel companies operating all over the world, from Andorra to Zimbabwe, that cater to a wide range of different travel styles and preferences. Booking a trip through an adventure travel company can save hours of frustration and help you have a fantastic experience.

We’ve taken a systematic approach to ranking these tour operators, taking into account everything from popularity, to online reviews, sustainability commitments, and the company’s breadth of trip offerings, so you can be confident that you’ve found the operator that’s right for you.

Let’s get to it!

Want to book your next adventure with a local guide?

These are all individual travel operators, but if you want to book direct with a local guide, check out the trips on Skyhook. 

Best Adventure Travel Companies In the World

#1. g adventures (9.8/10), best small group adventure travel operator.

G Adventures is one of the world’s largest and best adventure travel companies, with over 700 different trip offerings around the globe. Although they take over 200,000 travellers out on adventures each year, they’re actually best known as a small group travel operator with a high focus on sustainability and authenticity.

Instead of shuttling travellers from tourist attraction to tourist attraction, G Adventures takes small groups of guests off the beaten path and give them the chance to have quality interactions with local people.

G Adventures eschews fancy hotels and western-style meals for more local options. Their tours are best suited for the traveller that’s interested in stepping outside their comfort zone for a more authentic travel experience.

#2. Audley Travel (9.2/10)

Best tailor-made adventure travel company for luxury.

Audley Travel believes that the best way to see the world is to explore it in your own way. That's why they specialise in creating travel experiences that are tailored to the individual needs and desires of any given traveller.

Instead of selling you a pre-packaged experience, anyone travelling with Audley Travel starts their journey with a conversation with a specialist, who will figure out what your budget is, where you'd like to go, and how you want to travel, so you end up with an experience that's perfect for you.

This top-of-the-line service means that guests adventuring with Audley Travel can expect luxury accommodation and itineraries crafted just for them. Of course, this type of service doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for custom luxury travel, Audley Travel might be for you.

#3. Exodus Travel (9.2/10)

Runner-up: best adventure travel company for small groups.

Exodus Travel offers an amazing range of different travel experiences that focus on active adventure and education about a country's culture and environment. Each of their 500 different trips builds in a variety of outdoor activities, whether that be hiking and biking or winter sports.

Exodus takes guests to more than 90 countries on all seven continents, so they've got something for everyone. Plus, they've made a commitment to travelling responsibly, with respect to both the environment and other cultures, when bringing guests to some of the world's most fascinating places.

#4. Intrepid Travel (9/10)

Intrepid Travel was founded nearly three decades ago by two Australian friends who set off for a journey around Africa. They gave up traditional Western comforts for an authentic travel experience like no other. It is this ethos that started Intrepid lives within the company to this day. Intrepid takes over 100,000s of travellers on over 800 different trips on every continent in the world.

These days, Intrepid specialises in small group travel to some of the world's most remote places. As their name suggests, they focus on out-there adventures that are off the beaten path, yet committed to sustainability.

They run trips to suit a wide range of different travellers and travel styles, but everyone travelling with Intrepid should be ready for an adventure like no other!

#5. National Geographic Expeditions (9/10)

Best operator for expert guides.

The name ‘National Geographic’ is synonymous with amazing photography and ground-breaking scientific research. Nat Geo brings the same quality found in their magazines to their adventure travel trips .

Each Nat Geo trip is designed for people of a specific interest group, whether that be food, culture, wildlife, or active adventure. There’s a Nat Geo tour for pretty much everyone.

What sets Nat Geo apart from other tour operators is their commitment to hiring only true experts to run their trips. So, when you book on an African safari, you’ll be accompanied by an actual researcher that’s dedicated their life to studying the very animals you’ll see.

#6. Urban Adventures (8.8/10)

Best city adventures.

Sometimes, the best adventures happen in the heart of a city. Although the idea of “adventure travel” usually conjures up imagines of high mountain peaks or vast desert landscapes, Urban Adventures firmly believes that there’s a lot to explore and learn from inside some of the world’s greatest cities.

Urban Adventures has a trip for everyone, whether you’re a foodie or an active traveller. They’ve got shopping tours, beer tours, and multi-city tours, so it’s not difficult to find a trip that piques your interest.

Urban Adventures will create a custom itinerary just for you. You can be sure that you’re getting the city adventure you’ve always dreamed of.

#7. World Expeditions (8.8/10)

Runner-up: best small group adventure operator.

World Expeditions wants to take you to some of the world’s most amazing places via the path less travelled. They’re committed to providing high-quality travel experiences that focus on responsible tourism and supporting local communities. World Expeditions brings travellers to every continent but leaves behind the touristy areas for some seldom seen places.

They focus on cultural immersion and active adventures, but they cater their trips to travellers of all different ages and different activity levels so you can find a trip that's right for you. Plus, if you have a dream trip in mind, they'll even help you craft an entirely custom made itinerary and make it happen.

#8. TrailFinders (8.2/10)

Best adventure travel agency.

Trailfinders offers a variety of different tours that have garnered them a worldwide reputation. While they have a selection of pre-packaged trips, where Trailfinders really shines is in creating tailor-made travel itineraries because they know there’s nothing better than a bespoke travel adventure.

Trailfinders is known for its fantastic customer service, from actual travel experts who have actually been to the places they sell tours. You can be confident that you're getting an itinerary that's right for your needs. They offer everything from a weekend getaway to months-long holidays and everything in between.

#9. International Expeditions (8.2/10)

Best eco-travel operator.

If eco-friendly small group travel sounds like your kind of adventure, then look no further than International Expeditions . The company is committed to sustainable tourism and conservation efforts both in their offices and on their trips.

International Expeditions create award-winning travel experiences to over 20 different countries. They focus on facilitating authentic interactions with local people and cultures.

On an International Expeditions trip, you’ll be accompanied by an expert naturalist and expedition leader who are local to the area you’re travelling to. This means that with International Expeditions, you’ll get information and service that you could never find in a guidebook.

#10. Kuoni (8/10)

Runner-up: best luxury & tailor-made travel company.

Kuoni is one of the best adventure travel companies for luxury custom travel that's designed specifically to meet your needs. Whether you're looking for a guided small-group tour or a carefully designed experience, Kuoni is there to make your dreams a reality.

Where Kuoni really shines is in its customer service. For travellers from the United Kingdom, you can visit their offices and have a chat with one of their destination experts. If you're someone who wants to plan a trip and a pre-packaged tour won't cut it, Kuoni's adventures just might be for you.

#11. Flash Pack (8/10)

Best adventure travel company for 30-40-somethings.

Are you between the ages of 30 and 49? Do you frequently travel alone but wish you had adventure companions like you? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then Flashpack is the best adventure travel company for you.

Other tour operators place people on a trip together simply because they wanted to go to the same place at the same time. Flashpack specialises in connecting travellers in their 30s and 40s with other like-minded adventure enthusiasts. You can explore the world in style without having to go about it alone.

#12. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel (8/10)

Runner-up: best operator for expert guides.

Wild Frontiers was founded by renowned travel writer Jonny Bealby with a mission to bring travellers to amazing places and introduce them to the fantastic people and cultures that make these locations so special.

The company specialises in small-group travel. Itineraries are organised by regional experts that have been to the places you’ll journey to.

Wild Frontiers offers a wide variety of different tours to some truly remote places, but they’re also happy to tailor-make an itinerary, just for you. On a Wild Frontiers trip, you’ll stay active and experience some of the world’s most remote places like a local.

#13. Trek America (7.8/10)

Runner-up: best small group adventure travel operator.

North America is home to some incredibly diverse landscapes, from the deserts and canyons of the Southwestern United States to the jagged, snow-covered peaks of the Canadian Rockies. There's so much to see and do in the USA and Canada and one of the best ways to experience it all is on a Trek America tour.

Trek America offers road trips in the USA and Canada for young international travellers who want to see the big cities, stunning national parks, and everything in between on their next North American holiday.

Tours vary from just three days to three months. Trek America has something for every active young traveller looking for an adventure holiday in North America.

#14. KE Adventure Travel (7.8/10)

KE Adventure Travel started out as the premier adventure tour operator in the remote Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. Since then, they’ve expanded their range of offerings to include trips to popular destinations such as the Himalaya , Mount Kilimanjaro , and the European Alps . Hike, bike, climb, and adventure to your heart’s content.

KE Adventures specialises in organising active travel holidays to nearly 90 countries. On a KE Adventures tour, you'll head off the popular trails toward hidden valleys and isolated villages and immerse yourself in the culture of the local people for an authentic travel experience.

#15. Classic Journeys (7.8/10)

Although they may be called “classic,” Classic Journeys ' tours are anything but standard. Classic Journeys is dedicated toward making sure that every traveller on their trip has the experience of a lifetime.

Most Classic Journeys' trips go to popular locations, like France , New Zealand , and the Galapagos . However, they give you a chance to see these places in a different way.

Classic Journeys’ itineraries give you a unique perspective on some of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Classic Journeys' high-end trip offerings include options for families and solo travellers, too, so there’s really something for everyone.

#16. Austin Adventures (7.8/10)

Family-owned and operated, Austin Adventures is a pioneer in small group active holiday adventures around the world. Austin Adventures prides itself on hiring only the highest-quality tour guides and all of their trip itineraries have been fine-tuned. 

The best part about Austin Adventures? Their trips are priced at an all-inclusive rate. You don’t have to worry about shelling out more money after you arrive at your destination. Trips come with a departure guarantee, so you don’t ever have to worry about last-minute cancellations due to low enrollment.

#17. Abercrombie & Kent (7.6/10)

Abercrombie and Kent have been guiding guests on luxury adventure tours for over 50 years, so it’s no surprise that they’ve made it onto our list of the best adventure tour operators.

Abercrombie and Kent will take you quite literally anywhere you want to go in the world. You can choose from one of their pre-set luxury small group tours or ask about a custom itinerary and tour, just for you.

The defining feature of any Abercrombie and Kent tour is luxury. When you book a trip, you can rest assured that you'll be staying at the best hotels and travelling in the most comfortable way possible.

#18. Butterfield & Robinson (7.6/10)

Butterfield and Robinson  offer prescheduled journeys in dozens of countries on nearly every continent.

Their trips focus on hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits during the day, but ensure that you still get to enjoy the comforts you expect from a luxury travel company. Butterfield and Robinson  offer a bespoke travel service, so they can design a luxurious active holiday that’s just right for you.

#19. UTracks (7.6/10)

Best active european adventure travel company.

Photo by Sam & Jo

UTracks ' tours are all about exploring Europe in your own way. Dedicated to leading the industry as an active European holiday tour operator, UTracks offers over 400 different small group tours  in nearly 50 countries.

Plus, they have a range of self-guided tour options, so you can skip the hassle of planning logistics and just worry about having an amazing time on your trip. All of UTracks’ trips focus on either walking, cycling, boating, or winter sports, so they’ve got a little bit of something to please everyone.

#20. Natural Habitat Adventures (7.4/10)

Runner-up: best eco-travel operator.

Natural Habitat Adventures specialises in nature travel, bringing visitors to some of the world’s most remote places, so you can see first-hand the beauty of the natural world. Natural Habitats even partners with the World Wildlife Fund to design sustainability and conservation-focused tours for their guests.

Natural Habitats itineraries are wholly unique, and their expedition leaders are some of the most experienced guides out there. Plus, their trips have very small group sizes, with an average of just nine guests per tour, so you can spend more time enjoying nature and less time avoiding tourist crowds.

#21. Explore! (7.2/10)

Explore! has been guiding visitors around the world for nearly 40 years. In that time, they’ve grown from offering just six tours to their current selection of over 600 tours.

Offers range from your classic group excursions to active family adventures. They offer trips in over 130 countries, each of which gives you the chance to learn more about the unique culture and environment in the region you choose to visit.

On every Explore! tour, you'll be guided by locals, who can provide you with information and service that you just can't get from a travel blog or guidebook. Explore! has been fine-tuning their itineraries for nearly four decades, so they have the skills and expertise necessary to create some fantastic active holidays.

#22. Peregrine Adventures (7.2/10)

Peregrine Adventures is the premium small group adventure travel section of the better known Intrepid Travel Company. Like Intrepid, Peregrine is dedicated to offering travellers an off-the-beaten-path experience, so you can get an authentic feel for a place during your holiday.

Where Peregrine stands apart, however, is that their maximum tour size is just 12 people. This means you'll get a much more personalised experience. Peregrine hires experienced local guides, hand-picks their accommodation, and travels in smaller, private vehicles.

#23. Tucan Travel (7.2/10)

Best latin american adventure travel company.

With over three decades of experience under their belt, Tucan Travel is no newcomer to the adventure travel game. Tucan Travel offers first-time travellers and seasoned globetrotters a choice of over 200 different tours in 70 countries. We rate them as the best adventure travel company for Latin America.

Tucan Travel also caters specifically to solo travellers, who make up over half of their total clientele. Tucan Travel is committed to offering affordable active holidays that are focused on sustainable and responsible travel.

#24. Kandoo Adventures (7.2/10)

Best hiking adventure travel company.

If you like to hike, Kandoo might be the adventure tour operator for you. Kandoo pitches themselves as a world expert in adventure trekking, and with trekking tours to places such as Aconcagua, Bhutan, Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, and Nepal, there’s no doubting that they know what they’re talking about.

Kandoo's trips are specifically designed to bring small groups of hikers to some of the world's most remote and famous high-altitude trekking destinations. They're perfect for the adventure traveller with a bucket list.

The team at Kandoo is also committed to responsible travel. When you book with them, you can be confident that your local guides and support team are all adequately compensated and respected.

#25. Adventure Alternative (7/10)

Runner up: best hiking adventure travel company.

Photo by AJCHO

Adventure Alternative was founded almost thirty years ago by Gavin Bate, a mountaineer and International Mountain Leader with decades of personal climbing, trekking, and international travelling experience under his belt.

These days, they focus on providing the highest quality adventure travel experience to their guests. Whether that be on a trip to the jungle, the desert, or the Arctic.

All of the Adventure Alternative’s trips have a focus on hiking, so they’re best for anyone looking to stay active and off the beaten path on their holiday. They’re also more than happy to help you plan a private expedition whatever your personal trekking challenge.

#26. REI Adventures (6.8)

Photo by NW Boating

REI Adventures is the adventure travel subsidiary of Recreational Equipment, Inc., one of the largest and most popular outdoor gear stores in the United States.

REI’s mission is to get people outdoors. They’ve dedicated themselves to providing over 150 different trips to every continent to help their guests have the experience of a lifetime.

REI trips are active adventure expeditions that bring guests to some of the remote places in the world. They’re led by top-notch guides, many of whom are local to the places you’ll be travelling in. The emphasis at REI Adventures is on environmentalism and authentic experiences.  You won’t find any cookie cutter trips with this company.

Ranking Methodology

Criteria & scoring.

To rank the adventure travel companies on our list we used 5 main criteria, as follows: 

We researched the web traffic statistics as measured by SimilarWeb.com and social media audiences as measured by followers on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribers on Youtube. We created a popularity score for 1. Web Traffic and 2. Social Media presence on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 6. Weighting: 5%

Review Profile

We analysed the public review profiles of each of the travel companies focusing on the major independent 3rd party review platforms like Trustpilot, Tourradar, Stride, Tripadvisor, Feefo and Facebook. We divided our review score into two parts: 1. Size of Review Profile, and 2. Overall Quality of Reviews. Each part was scored on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 6. Weighting: 80%

Responsible Travel Practices

We reviewed each travel operator's website and read their statements about responsible travel / ethics / sustainability. We then scored each operator on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 3. Weighting: 5%

Awards and Accreditations

We explored each travel operator's website to uncover evidence of accreditations like ABTA, ATOL, ATTA and AITO (among others), and official awards / recognitions from the travel industry. We then scored each operator on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 3. Weighting: 5%

Breadth of Offering

We analysed the breadth and scale of each operator's tour offerings, focusing on the number of tours offered, countries covered and number of activities. We then scored each operator on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 3. Weighting: 5%

We recognise that smaller travel companies would struggle to compete on some of the criteria above.

For example, a small tour operator would most likely have significantly less web traffic and a smaller social presence than a big travel operator. Equally, they would likely have a smaller scale and breadth of offering.

To provide a level playing field, we therefore weighted our overall score heavily towards 3rd party reviews - a criteria that all operators can fairly compete on.

The total review score counts 80% towards the overall score, with the rest of the criteria accounting for 20%.

Table of Adventure Travel Company Data

Below is the raw data we captured for each adventure travel company during our analysis. Please note, metrics like traffic, social media followers and reviews are dynamic and change overtime. The data below is a snapshot of these metrics as of April / May 2019.

We will revise these numbers annually. 

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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great article.. thanks for the information…

Hello Mark,

Do you have any experience with a travel company called 10Adventures? We are planning a hiking trip through Tuscany and I cannot find any reviews.

Hi Marianne, I’m not familiar with this company, but you may want to look at the Italy trips on our platform, Skyhook: https://skyhookadventure.com/go/italy

We work with local guides to offer great value adventures at unbeatable prices.

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MT Sobek named Best Adventure Travel Company

Best Adventure Travel Company (2022) May 20, 2022

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Whether you’re looking for an individualized journey, eco-friendly group tour or multi-generational trip, these 10 adventure travel companies can help you. 

No. 10: Geographic Expeditions - San Francisco, California

GeoEx takes travelers “to the ends of the Earth” on luxury small group tours and custom journeys. Itineraries are grouped by interest, from family, solo travel and special occasions to philanthropy, active or trailblazing.

No. 9: Bindlestiff Tours - Paradise, Nevada

Bindlestiff Tours specializes in small group adventures with a focus on the American Southwest. Guests enjoy fully customized touring vehicles with enlarged viewing windows, free wifi and most campsites and the myriad benefits of insider expertise, like the best spots to photograph a sunset or favorite local restaurants.

No. 8: XGRiD Campers - Las Vegas, Nevada

Travel Expert Chez Chesak tells us about XGRid Campers, “Very cool company that trains people on and then rents overlanding campers for a true backcountry experience.” Campers are available to haul any gear you might need, including kayaks, canoes, and bikes. All trailers are equipped with on-board water and solar power, so standard camping hookups are not required! Units are also suitable for dirt roads and trails, with independent suspension and all-terrain tires, making them much more versatile than traditional travel trailers. Find remote locations others never even know exist!

No. 7: Journeys International - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Journeys International builds private and small group trips based on a variety of worldwide destinations and landscapes, centering each adventure on certain travel goals the individual or group desires to achieve. Each party is assigned an adventure specialist who makes personalized choices of locations and activities to include in the experience. All journeys are designed to give every person involved a special and unique lifetime memory.

No. 6: Nantahala Outdoor Center - Bryson City, North Carolina

Nantahala Outdoor Center is one of the southeast United States' most well-known destinations for outdoor lovers. They offer a variety of experiences, including rafting and kayaking, ziplining, paddleboarding, biking and hiking. NOC will also package several activities into one exciting adventure.

No. 5: Destination Hike - Washington, D.C

Destination Hike’s motto is, “Hiking is for everyone!” They believe hiking strengthens your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, and this community of hikers (open to all levels) meets monthly to hike in various places across the United States. Scheduled events include sunset hikes, hiking and yoga, hiking for stargazing, and a 100-Mile Wilderness hiking expedition in Maine.

No. 4: Urban Events Global - Houston, Texas

Kevin Knight founded Urban Events Global as a travel company for African American adventure seekers looking to explore with like-minded travelers. The company hosts regular camping weekends, as well as group tours to destinations like Cape Town, Barbados, Dubai and Aruba.

No. 3: Austin Adventures - Billings, Montana

Austin Adventures seeks to bring its “WOW Factor” to every trip, whether through spectacular scenery and well-planned itineraries or thoughtful touches, like freshly prepared trailside treats at the end of a hike. Austin Adventures leads multi-sport and active trips to more than 30 countries on all seven continents.

No. 2: Abundant Life Adventure Club - Nashville, Tennessee

Abundant Life Adventures hosts guided outdoor adventure tours and monthly meet-ups near Nashville to inspire wellness and abundant living. Members hike, bike, kayak, and more. Their "epic adventures" are ideal for Black people with "little to no outdoor experience looking to challenge themselves to try something outside their comfort zone and make new friends."

No. 1: MT Sobek - Emeryville, California

MT Sobek have been leaders in the adventure travel industry for more than half a century. Today, travelers can choose from some 200 journeys designed to inspire and exhilarate, with interest categories like Multi-Adventure, Family Adventure, Wildlife & Safari, Adventure Cruising, Wellness, Hiking & Trekking, Cultural Discovery, and Rafting and Kayaking.    

A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.

Congratulations to all these winning adventure travel companies!

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of...   Read More

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

Lauren Gay is the creator of Misadventures of the Read More

Lauren Gay is the creator of Misadventures of the Outdoorsy Diva Blog, host/producer of the Outdoorsy Diva Podcast, published photographer, speaker and CEO of Lauren R. Gay Consulting where she offers professional consulting services for blogs and podcasts, courses, as well as curated group adventure trips. She is a travel writer and social media influencer who is passionate about inspiring and empowering black women to step out of their comfort zones for new experiences in travel and adventure and embracing nature as therapy. Lauren is also a dedicated long time advocate for racial diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation and adventure travel.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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The 5 best corporate travel booking websites in 2024

What should you look for in a great travel booking website.

• An interface that’s user-friendly and easy to understand
• Integration of your company’s travel policies
• Solutions for expense management
• A centralized view and reporting dashboard
• A large inventory of transport and accommodation options
• Flexible booking solutions
• VAT reclaim and carbon offsetting/sustainability solutions

5 industry-leading corporate travel sites to check out now

1. travelperk, one of the largest inventories out there, features and perks to help you save money, keep your bookings flexible, how to cancel a trip and get a refund with flexiperk, stay organized and improve team communication, make sure bookings stay within policy, and control travel spend, 2. bcd travel, bcd travel’s offer includes:.

• A suite of digital platforms for travel management
• Programs designed for a wide range of user personas, including travelers, travel managers, third-party developers, finance professionals, travel agents, and travel arrangers
• Industry-specific services geared towards life sciences, media & entertainment, and energy, resources, and marine companies
• A mobile app to help travel and security managers with their risk management program
• Solutions tailored for small and medium-sized businesses
• APIs and developer tools to build custom corporate travel software
• Easy and quick sign-up process
• Seven-star customer support , which is fully human-operated and available 24/7
• Flexible fare solution, FlexiPerk
• Centralized online booking tool with a clean, easy-to-understand user interface and a top-notch user experience
• Open API platform and integrations

Click below for a more detailed comparison between both platforms:

3. sap concur, sap concur’s offer includes:.

• Solutions geared towards medium-sized and large businesses
• Integration with the SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
• Automated invoicing and expense reporting
• Machine learning and AI tools to support auditing and detect noncompliance in expense reports
• A travel booking tool that helps business travelers when booking flights, rental cars, hotels, and rail transport
• A consolidated dashboard to help users track their travel bookings and allow them to share changes and updates with the team
• Modern, user-friendly interface
• VAT recovery solution, which can help you save 25% on total business travel costs
• Quick and easy onboarding time (free accounts can be created instantly, while premium and pro implementation takes as little as two weeks)
• World-leading travel inventory

Click below to compare both platforms’ features and benefits

4. corporate traveller, corporate traveller’s offer includes:.

• An online booking tool for easy self-booking
• Discounted travel rates on airfares, hotels, car rentals, and more
• A dedicated travel agent and advisor offering 24/7 support
• Solutions tailored to industries such as entertainment, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and more
• Sustainable business travel tools for carbon offsetting, carbon footprint calculation, and reporting
• The ability to set business travel policies and track spending within the platform
• Third-party integration options
• Industry-leading inventory of airfares, trains, hotels, car rentals, and more
• Ability to create different travel profiles, including “guest” accounts for people outside the organization
• Helpful, human-operated customer support, available 24/7
• Tools for online booking, risk management (duty of care), and reporting
• Global booking solutions for a wide variety of business sizes and industries
• Events management services, including group travel booking, delegate management, incentive travel, and strategic meeting management
• A dedicated global team and Travel Program Manager
• Sustainability reporting tools and carbon offsetting
• A tool to compare affordable airfares and find the cheapest time to fly
• Flexible booking solutions via FlexiPerk
• Fully-integrated travel policies for automatic booking policy compliance
• “Pay when you travel” competitive pricing model
• Helpful, 24/7 customer support

Get a better travel management experience with TravelPerk

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
• Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
• Never miss another update. Stay in touch with us on social for the latest product releases, upcoming events, and articles fresh off the press.

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Experience LED  luxury

“adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.”.

What began as two friends with successful careers in finance and a penchant for lavish adventures at under-the-radar places, has become South America’s go-to luxury travel company.

In 2003, founders Paul Irvine and Henry Madden found themselves longing for a life beyond the corner office. During a holiday in Brazil they realised that existing South American travel companies had a huge blind spot.

Traditional travel agents simply weren’t catering to the type of traveller who, like themselves and their city peers, were looking for a high level of service and a degree of luxury, but were also yearning to get off the beaten track.

Tourists on “luxury” package tours were invariably being funnelled in to just a handful of soulless international resorts, overlooking the huge potential of the region. They combined this insight with their existing business skills to create South America’s first experience-led luxury travel company.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

They went back to London, and bid farewell to friends and family, “It felt like we were leaving on a steamer,” says Paul, “we were determined to make it work and we weren’t going to stop until we did.”

They instinctively knew that the best place to be was on the ground, so they could be ahead of the curve, and on hand to personally create impromptu surprises and solve unexpected issues. For the next twelve months, they hired boats and seaplanes, got lost in the jungle, washed up on secluded beaches and discovered bijou 9-room pousadas.

It may not have been the most economical or the smartest way to start a travel company but such is the nature of obsession.

“It’s not down in any map; true places never are.”

– Herman Melville

The field work paid off and word-of-mouth led to an early mention in Vogue. Today Dehouche is an industry leader and consults the world’s leading luxury resort groups looking to enter South America.

The company has expanded its team, united by a philosophy of local immersion and a policy of continuously testing, trying, and re-visiting to create experiences that are impossible to create from afar.After all, Paul and Henry didn’t leave the corporate world to offer a corporate experience. Dehouche’s aim is simple:

To create unparalleled holidays for our clients, that are meticulously designed with the flexibility to change as inspiration strikes. We want our clients to experience the region with the same sense of wonder as we did, on that very first trip.

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Why Supertripper

Find out how our solution can improve your overall productivity

Optimize your management

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Digitize your trips

Discover the application and software dedicated to business travel management 

Adapted to your sector

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Travel management

Find out how to easily improve your business travel management

Traveller Safety

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Benefit from a premium customer service

Discover the best customer service in business travel

Book all your trips

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Reduce your costs by changing the way you manage your travel

Personalized assistance

Take advantage of our experts’ advice to optimize your travel strategy

Control your expenses

Find out how to easily keep track of your travel expenses

Eliminate expense reports

Discover how to simplify your accounting management

Manage your professional trips in complete peace of mind

Discover the time-saving solution that makes life easier for everyone from the business traveler to the finance team. With Supertripper, business travel changes dimension.

Business travel agency

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+420 companies already trust us

The business travel agency for every business professional

The advantage of a solution that combines the power from technology to human service excellence

They are in the best position to talk about the success of their trips...

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Matthieu Laudereau – Associate Director at ConvictionsRH

Zedita Trioux – Office Manager at Corporate Value Associates

A turnkey tool to customize, designed for managers travel, finance teams and employees on the move.

For business leaders

A centralized and secure tool adopted by all your employees to increase efficiency and productivity, while saving money.

For administrative and financial directors

Simplified travel expenses management thanks to the removal of expense reports and advances expenses and centralized invoice processing.

For travel managers

A digital solution coupled with personalized support to simplify all stages of travel management.

For business travelers

An exceptional booking experience with an unmatched inventory and 24/7 customer service to meet every need.

Do not waste your time doing time-consuming tasks with low added value.

Simplified online booking for business travelers

Don't waste time looking for the best rates for all your trips

Easily plan your business trip, from the first to the last mile, and even from our mobile application.

The advantages of our solution business travel management

An adoption rate by +93%

Our users have an unparalleled choice thanks to our complete inventory. They manage every step of their business travel in one place.

An intuitive tool and easy to use

The platform simplifies the organisation of your professional trips. Easily retrieve invoices or reservations, and take a look at expenses in 2 clicks.

Readable pricing and transparent

They gave us their trust

Optimized travel and expense management with an innovative business travel solution

How does Supertripper allow you saving money?

Say goodbye to expense notes !

We centralise all business travel expenses for you and generate invoices to simplify your accounting management. Thanks to Supertripper, you can now be sure not to lose expense reports. You no longer have to deal with these annoying tasks.

No more prepaid expenses

Simplified dematerialisation of invoices

Find all your automatically generated invoices on your ergonomic platform. No more lost invoices and no more wasting your time looking for information in your archives. Get your hands on it easily and at any time thanks to Supertripper’s intuitive platform.

Forget the headache of expense report management, simplify the accounting related to your travel expenses

The corporate travel specialist, with experienced travel agents and customized travel programs

Rediscover what “customer service” means

1 minute 30

Average response time for a request

Average resolution time per ticket

Customer satisfaction rate (NPS score)

Genuinely available travel experts Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our multilingual team based in Paris responds within minutes to every request by chat, email or phone. With Supertripper, b Benefit from all the services of a classic business travel agency but with the expected reactivity and involvement.

Premium customer support for everyone Whatever the size of your company, n ur travel consultants treat every user’s request with the same degree of importance, down to the smallest detail. Naturally, they systematically ensure compliance with the travel policy to which each employee is subject.

They have placed their trust in the hands of a professional agency

Cette plateforme gère tous nos déplacements, au top !!

Un service client et une account manager très professionnels et réactifs

Cela permet de gérer mes déplacement beaucoup plus facilement j’adore !

Très bon service et superbe application que je recommande vivement!

Agence de qualité équipe très sympathique

Application super utile👌 bonne continuation!

La façon dont Supertripper à révolutionné la manière dont j'organise mes voyages est bluffante ! Je recommande vivement cette entreprise pour leur réactivité et leur côté humain !

Très peu d’attente, le service client est rapide et de très bon conseil !

The best business travel agency in France

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Let's work together to promote greener travel policies

Analyse your carbon footprint

Get real-time carbon reporting of your trips and commit your company to a CSR policy that makes sense. Be aware of your company's environmental impact and adapt your travel strategy as needed.

Reduce your environmental impact

Want to do something for the planet while reducing costs in the long run? By joining our partner program, Supertripper will help you reduce your environmental footprint in a sustainable way.

Contribute to the carbon neutrality

When they travel, your employees can limit their environmental footprint (CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases) by funding environmental projects through the carbon neutrality contribution.

FAQ : Business travel agency

Traveling for work allows for physical encounters in order to establish trusting relationships with one’s professional network. These trips are a key factor of success for the company: they allow to reassure its interlocutors, to conclude contracts and to develop customer loyalty.

A business travel agency assists companies in the organization of their business trips. It is the intermediary between the service providers of the travel industry and the employees involved in business travel within a company.

A new generation business travel agency combines the best of technology (through a powerful digital tool for business travel management) with the quality of service, thanks to the know-how and support of business travel experts.

Choosing a business travel agency is to choose a comprehensive travel management solution with a good track record. It is essential to be able to book at competitive rates thanks to a comprehensive offer and to benefit from assistance at every stage of the trip.

The best business travel agency in France is Supertripper. This professional travel agency adapts to the needs of companies by offering the best travel management and booking tool and the best customer service, while streamlining their travel budget.

Choosing an online business travel agency avoids wasting time in an endless back and forth, as with traditional travel agencies. A digital solution allows you to gain autonomy, comfort and fluidity, while benefiting from traditional travel services.

The b2b travel management solution that makes your life easier

More than just a platform for managing corporate travel, Supertripper is a true travel agency for professionals, combining innovative technology and customized support, thanks to the expertise of our team of travel consultants.

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Embrace the Unknown with a Surprise Travel Agency

Leave the planning to the pros..

Published on 10/27/2022 at 2:55 PM

We’ve all seen the movies where a “whimsical” character goes to the airport, chooses a flight off the daily departure list, and hops on a plane without a second thought. It’s exciting, mysterious, and more than just a little unbelievable as a plot point. First of all, wouldn’t a last-minute ticket be incredibly expensive? And how do you know what to pack? Would you just buy everything once you get there? Really, who can actually do that?

As it turns out, any of us can actually do it—and it’s much more affordable than you might think. Over in Norway, they’ve long enjoyed jumping into unfamiliar waters with something called a blåtur—translation: “blue trip,” or “into the blue”—when a traveler throws caution to the wind and embarks on an excursion completely laid out by someone else, often a boss. There’s even a thriller based on it (though it’s murdery and probably not the best illustration of the concept’s playfulness).

Over in our neck of the woods, we call it a mystery trip, and our planners are a growing faction of the travel realm called surprise travel agencies. How it typically works: Customers fill out a pre-trip travel survey with their budget and destination preferences, everything from where they’ve been recently—either as a place to avoid or to use as a guide—to accommodation requirements or if their only goal is to try all the hot dogs in town. Professionals behind the scenes then take in all the information and act as a matchmaker, spitting out a location, accommodations, and a suggested itinerary—hot dog stands included.

Surprise trips can also be deployed in scenarios other than just sending wanderers somewhere new to explore. For example, say you and your college pals are dispersed around the country and attempting a reunion, but can’t seem to agree on a place. The surprise travel agency can be the outside entity that takes the wheel and saves your friendship—or, at least, prevents a big blowout.

Or maybe you’re in the weeds planning your wedding, only to realize a few weeks out that you’ve forgotten all about choosing a location for your honeymoon. The agency can do it all for you, or put together an itinerary to be revealed once you’ve landed in your chosen dream destination.

What if you want to surprise a friend or significant other with a weekend away to celebrate a birthday, or simply finally learning how to do their taxes? A surprise agency can do that, too. Or you’re slammed at work—the reason you need a vacation, after all—and definitely don’t have the 10 to 20 hours or so it statistically takes to do the research and plan a getaway. Answer: Have an expert do it for you.

In most cases, travelers are given a packing list ahead of time and told what to expect when it comes to the weather. And if everyone holds up their end of the bargain, on the day of embarkation, they show up at the airport still in the dark about the details. They then rip open an envelope to find out where they’re going, take a selfie with the sign (helpful both for social media purposes and to, you know, tell your loved ones where you’re headed), and hop a flight to happiness.

Go big or stay home

For over half a decade, surprise travel agencies have been spurring the imagination of stateside travelers, thriving despite the steady decline of their more traditional travel agency counterparts. And as the pandemic ebbed and globetrotting resumed its pre-COVID allure, their popularity exploded. It’s not hard to see why: After more than two years of staying close to home, taking in the same surroundings day in and day out, people were ready to get out and go somewhere. Anywhere. The numbers back it up—this summer both business and leisure travel hit pre-pandemic levels in an explosive release of bottled-up demand .

One traditional travel company even added a new mystery option to their roster. “We heard from our customers and advisors that people are just willing to go anywhere,” says Ellen Bettridge, CEO and president of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises . “They’re so excited to travel again.”

In summer 2022, Uniworld launched their first mystery cruise, something they’d never done—or even heard of—before, but thought they’d test the waters, so to speak. Ahead of the trip guests were given a packing list for their 10-day excursion, which on the way to the airport was revealed to be on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, aboard the 128-passenger art deco River Queen.

To differentiate the offerings from their regular cruises (“obviously, there’s not additional rivers [to explore],” says Bettridge), they packed the schedule with incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that clients would have a challenge accessing on their own, and teased the daily itineraries the night before with festive costumes and balloons that popped to reveal clues. One night, Bettridge dressed as a grape for the big unveiling of the next day’s events: a choice between wine tasting or a brewery tour in Mainz, Germany.

The success of the first cruise was so great that it was followed by two more in the fall. Excursions have included attending a riding school in Spain, and, one night, being regaled with stories by a German lord in his castle. “His family has been there for 17 generations,” adds Bettridge. Next year’s offerings have already been announced: The first a trip to Amsterdam in June starting at $6,999 a person, and one that begins in Nice and ends in Lyon in July at $7,339 per ticket.

Next year, Uniworld will also launch their first-ever around-the-world river cruise , spanning 46 days from Cairo to Lisbon, and beginning at $39,000 per person. It’s already sold out. The river cruising business is indeed booming.

“I just think that pent-up demand is a real thing,” says Bettridge. “I believe that people also—and always—are looking for what’s new and different, the coolest travel thing to do. That’s still out there, and we see it all the time.”

Get in [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

During summer there are boats from Kazan , Samara and other destinations on the Volga River.

By train [ edit ]

The train takes you here from Moscow (from Kazanskaya train station) in approximately 16 hours or from Volgograd in about 20 hours. Ulyanovsk Main Station is located 6 km from the city center.

Get around [ edit ]

Ulyanovsk has an extensive public transportation network that includes buses, trolleys, and trams. It is very affordable, but congested and may be quite confusing. You won't find any route maps or schedules, neither at bus stops nor in buses. Fee collectors usually don't speak English. Express buses and semi-private van routes are more comfortable and more expensive. Taxis are not expensive, and that's your best bet if you want to get somewhere (relatively) quickly, in (relative) comfort (almost all cars are old Russian ladas or over 10 year old non-Russian cars), and without much hassle. They are also most likely to have English speaking drivers (one in 1000) and superloud Russian pop music.

Getting between the banks of the Volga is a problem. There is a two lane bridge connecting the banks and it's nearly always congested, so if you're unlucky, it can take a couple of hours. Most locals avoid going over the bridge if they can. A four-lane bridge was planned to relieve these problems.

See [ edit ]

As the home town of Lenin, it's worth visiting the Lenin Memorial Centre and Gardens and museums based in his former houses. There is also a museum dedicated to the poet 'Goncharov' and the war memorial at the end of the main street 'Ulitsa Goncharova' offers breathtaking views over the Volga.

Do [ edit ]

In winter, try cross-country skiing along the Sviaga river, in summer take a boat ride over the reservoir.

Buy [ edit ]

The city's main shopping centre 'Tsum' is basic to say the least but does offer some basic shopping.

Eat [ edit ]

• Shpinat , Ulitsa Kirova, 79 ( in Rakurs Hotel ), ☏ +7 842 258-53-41 . An upscale restaurant with small portions but big on presentation if that appeals to you. ( updated Feb 2021 )
• Gonzo , Ulitsa Goncharova, 48+7 842 244-44-22 ( across from Hilton Garden Inn ), ☏ +7 842 244-44-22 . Lots of tasty Russian dishes, particularly heavy on meat. ( updated Feb 2021 )
• Veprevo Koleno , Ulitsa Federatsii, 11 , ☏ +7 951 094-51-15 . featuring Czech food and beer. ( updated Feb 2021 )
• Gallery Restaurant , Ulitsa Goncharova, 25 ( inside Radisson Hotel ), ☏ +7 8422 41-74-71 . 09:30-02:00 . Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring Russian and international items.  
• Lobby Bar , ul. Goncharova 25, ground floor ( inside Radisson Hotel ). 09:30-02:00 . Quick bites.  

Go next [ edit ]

The capital of Tatarstan , Kazan , is a stunning city just 7 hours train ride from Ulyanovsk.

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Ulyanovsk city, Russia

The capital city of Ulyanovsk oblast .

Ulyanovsk - Overview

Ulyanovsk is a city in Russia located about 870 km southeast of Moscow, the administrative center of Ulyanovsk Oblast. It is named in memory of Vladimir Ulyanov (Lenin), a native of this city.

The population of Ulyanovsk is about 622,900 (2022), the area - 316 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8422, the postal codes - 432000-432073.

Ulyanovsk city flag

Ulyanovsk city coat of arms.

Ulyanovsk city map, Russia

Ulyanovsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

26 June, 2014 / Abandoned church in the middle of nowhere .

3 February, 2011 / Tough minibus of Ulyanovsk city .

14 November, 2009 / Ulianovsk city ammunition depot explosion .

History of Ulyanovsk

Ulyanovsk in the 17th-19th centuries.

In 1648, by decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the fortress of Sinbirsk was founded on the right bank of the Volga River in order to protect the eastern borders of the Tsardom of Russia from the raids of nomadic tribes (Nogai Tatars), as well as to colonize the Volga region.

In the fall of 1670, Sinbirsk was unsuccessfully besieged by the army of Stepan Razin - the Don Cossack, who was the leader of the 1670-1671 uprising, the largest in the history of pre-Petrine Russia. In 1678, 1,579 people lived in Sinbirsk.

In 1729, the coat of arms of Sinbirsk was approved - a white pillar topped with a golden crown in the azure field. In 1780, Sinbirsk was renamed Simbirsk. In 1793, 13,317 people lived in this town.

In 1812, Ivan Goncharov, a famous Russian novelist and critic, was born in Simbirsk. In 1836, Emperor Nicholas I visited Simbirsk and made a lot of orders for the construction of new buildings in the town, especially in its central part. In 1840, the Simbirsk Theological Seminary was opened.

More Historical Facts…

In 1845, a monument to Nikolay Karamzin (1766-1826) was opened - the author of one of the first generalizing works on the history of Russia and a reformer of the Russian literary language, who was born near Simbirsk. Today, this monument erected in Karamzin Public Garden is one of the symbols of Ulyanovsk. In 1848, one of the first libraries in the Volga region was opened in this town - the Karamzin Public Library.

In the summer of 1864, a terrible fire occurred in Simbirsk, which lasted 9 days. Only one fourth of the town buildings survived. In 1867, the merchant Yurgens opened the first bookstore in Simbirsk. In 1870, the future “leader of the world revolution” Vladimir Ulyanov (Lenin) was born in Simbirsk. Alexander Kerensky, a prominent Russian politician and statesman, was born here in 1881. According to the 1897 census, 43.3 thousand people lived in Simbirsk.

Ulyanovsk in the first half of the 20th century

From 1908 to 1912, Igor Kurchatov, the future creator of the Soviet atomic bomb, lived in Simbirsk with his parents and studied at the local gymnasium. In 1916, the construction of the Imperial Bridge over the Volga River was completed in Simbirsk. With a length of 2,089 meters, it was the longest bridge in the Russian Empire at that time.

After the First World War and the Russian Civil War, the city’s industry was in ruin. During the war years, not a single building was constructed in Simbirsk, street lighting disappeared, boulevards and parks fell into disrepair, up to a hundred residential buildings were destroyed.

On May 9, 1924, in connection with the death of Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (Lenin), Simbirsk was renamed into Ulyanovsk, and Simbirsk Governorate - into Ulyanovsk Governorate. Other proposed options for the new name of the city were such as “Lenin”, “Leninsk”, “Ilyich”.

By the end of the 1930s, almost all churches in Ulyanovsk were destroyed or used for other purposes. On the eve of the Second World War, Ulyanovsk was a provincial city with a population of about 110 thousand people. There were no large industrial enterprises, with the exception of the 3rd State Plant named after Volodarsky (Ulyanovsk Cartridge Plant) - one of the oldest defense enterprises in Russia, specializing in the production of cartridges for rifled weapons.

During the Second World War, Ulyanovsk became the place of evacuation of 17 industrial enterprises from the occupied regions and the front line. The Minsk Tank School, renamed the 2nd Ulyanovsk Tank School, was relocated from Minsk, the Mogilev Military Infantry School, which became the Ulyanovsk Military Infantry School, was relocated from Mogilev. In 1942, a medical institute evacuated from Voronezh began to work in Ulyanovsk.

From October 1941 to August 1943, the Moscow Patriarchate was in evacuation in Ulyanovsk, headed by Metropolitan Sergius. From 1942 to 1945, Andrei Sakharov, the future creator of the hydrogen bomb, academician and human rights activist worked at the Ulyanovsk Machine-Building Plant.

On January 19, 1943, Ulyanovsk became the center of the newly formed Ulyanovsk Oblast. From the second half of 1941 to the beginning of 1942, the population of Ulyanovsk, due to the evacuees, doubled and amounted to more than 200 thousand people. By 1945, as a result of re-evacuation, it decreased by 50 thousand and amounted to 152 thousand people.

Ulyanovsk after the Second World War

In the post-war period, Ulyanovsk became an industrial city. In 1953, during the construction of the Volga cascade of hydroelectric power plants, part of Ulyanovsk was included in the flooding zone of the Kuibyshev reservoir. In 1957, the Ulyanovsk airport was built. Since the 1960s, thanks to the high rates of housing and industrial construction, Ulyanovsk began to grow rapidly both in area and in population. On May 5, 1967, the 300,000th resident of the city was born.

In the 1969-1970s, in honor of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Vladimir Lenin, the historical center of Ulyanovsk was built up with modern buildings: the hotel “Sovetskaya”, the House of Artists, the Memorial Center of Vladimir Lenin, the hotel “Venets”, the new railway station Ulyanovsk-Tsentralny, the new river station, the central airport Ulyanovsk-Tsentralny, the central department store, the central bus station, the Palace of Pioneers, the park “Friendship of Peoples”, etc.

With the construction of the Memorial Center of Vladimir Lenin, Ulyanovsk became one of the main tourist centers of the USSR, after Moscow and Leningrad. The city was not closed to foreigners, which distinguished it from many other industrial regional centers, but foreign tourists were not allowed to deviate from the route. On June 1, 1973, the 400,000th resident of Ulyanovsk was born. On April 16, 1982, the population of Ulyanovsk exceeded 500 thousand people.

On June 5, 1983, in Ulyanovsk, the river cruise ship “Alexander Suvorov” crashed into the railway bridge across the Volga (the Imperial Bridge). By mistake of the crew, the ship tried to pass under the non-navigable span of the bridge. As a result, more than 170 people died. The large number of casualties is explained by the fact that at the time of the collision, most of the passengers were in the movie theater and on the dance floor on the upper deck, which was completely destroyed by the collision with the bridge girder.

On July 17, 1987, the 600,000th resident of Ulyanovsk was born. The city’s tourist significance declined sharply after the collapse of the USSR. In 1998, Ulyanovsk celebrated its 350th anniversary.

In the 2000s, there was a discussion about the reverse renaming of the city to Simbirsk, but the residents of Ulyanovsk for the most part did not support this proposal. In 2009, the arches of the old railway bridge were replaced. On November 24, 2009, the Presidential Bridge across the Volga was opened, the second longest in Russia, with a length of about 6 kilometers.

Streets of Ulyanovsk

General view of Ulyanovsk

Author: Vladimir Kropotin

Soviet architecture in Ulyanovsk

Hotel Venets in Ulyanovsk

Ulyanovsk - Features

From 1648 to 1780, the name of Ulyanovsk was Sinbirsk, and from 1780 to 1924 - Simbirsk. This name was given to the town by its founder, Bogdan Khitrovo, after the name of the settlement of Sinbir (named after the Bulgarian prince Sinbir), the remains of which were located nearby. In 1924, after the death of Vladimir Ulyanov (Lenin), Simbirsk was renamed into Ulyanovsk.

Ulyanovsk is located in a forest-steppe zone on the Volga Upland, on both banks of the Volga River (Kuybyshev Reservoir). The climate is moderately continental. The average temperature in February is minus 10.4 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 20.2 degrees Celsius. A characteristic feature of Ulyanovsk is the constant winds blowing from the Volga.

This city is a major transport point, lying between central Russia and the Urals. Neighboring regional centers are three to five hours away by car. There are two international airports near the city - Ulyanovsk-Central (ULV) and Ulyanovsk-Vostochny (ULY).

The banks of the Volga in Ulyanovsk are connected by two bridges. The old railway bridge was officially opened in 1916 and was named “Imperial of His Majesty Nicholas II”. In 1917, it was renamed Freedom Bridge. In 2009, it again began to be called “Imperial Bridge”. The new bridge (also called “Presidential Bridge”) was commissioned on November 26, 2009.

Public transport is represented by trams, trolleybuses, buses, and minibuses. In Ulyanovsk tram lines are located exclusively in the right-bank part of the city and trolleybus lines are in the left-bank part. In the last years of the USSR, it was planned to build a subway in Ulyanovsk.

It is a multi-ethnic city. The ethnic composition according to the 2010 All-Russian Population Census: Russians (77.65%), Tatars (12.64%), Chuvash (5.02%), Mordovians (1.4%). The economy of the city is based on the enterprises of the automotive industry, engine building, aircraft building, instrument making, machine building, and metalworking.

Ulyanovsk has a high potential for the development of the tourism industry. The tourist image of Ulyanovsk as “The Birthplace of Vladimir Lenin” is supplemented with some new ones now: “Russian provincial town of the 19th century”, “Homeland of Oblomov”, “Architectural Museum in the Open Air”.

The City Day of Ulyanovsk is traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday in September.

Main Attractions of Ulyanovsk

Lenin Memorial - a whole museum complex dedicated to Vladimir Ulyanov (Lenin) and his family. This is one of the largest historical and museum complexes in the Volga region. The main building was constructed for the 100th anniversary of Lenin’s birth in 1970.

This is the only museum in the world that reflects the entire life of Lenin. It has more than 70 thousand exhibits including authentic belongings of the Ulyanov family, documents, photographs, and other items related to different periods of Russian history. Lenin Square, 1.

House-Museum of Vladimir Lenin . The exhibition of this museum is located on the territory of a wooden estate - a monument of urban architecture that belonged to the Ulyanov family at the end of the 19th century. Lenin spent his childhood and youth here. Lenina Street, 68.

Novy Venets Boulevard - a pedestrian street in the center of Ulyanovsk located on the highest point of the city. From here you can see the Volga, Imperial Bridge, and city districts. The boulevard was finally built up in the 1960s. The construction of many buildings was related to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Lenin’s birth.

Museum of Local Lore named after Ivan Goncharov . This museum occupies a beautiful mansion with an elegant tower built as a monument to the great Russian writer Ivan Goncharov. The exhibition halls display archaeological artifacts and fossils. A significant part of the exposition is devoted to the life and work of Ivan Goncharov. An interesting numismatic collection and an exhibition of folk costumes also attract the attention of visitors. Novy Venets Boulevard, 3/4.

Historical and Memorial Museum of Ivan Goncharov - a magnificent building, which is a historical and architectural sight of Ulyanovsk. In 1812, the famous Russian writer Ivan Goncharov was born in one of its rooms. The exposition occupies all three floors of the building. A separate hall is dedicated to the history of the building itself, in the remaining halls there are thematic exhibitions related to the personality of the writer and his family. There are also halls that house historical collections and a collection of merchant household items. The tower of the building houses the Museum of the History of the Simbirsk Town Clocks. Goncharova Street, 20.

Museum “Simbirsk Classical Gymnasium” . Simbirsk was one of the first Russian cities to introduce secondary education for children. The museum exposition is dedicated to the history of the development of education in the Russian Empire. It is located in a former gymnasium, where Vladimir Ulyanov and Alexander Kerensky studied at one time. Inside, the atmosphere of the 19th century has been recreated. The interiors of classrooms, halls, dressing rooms, and a gym have been restored. The building that houses the museum was constructed in 1790. Spasskaya Street, 18.

Museum “Fire Department of Simbirsk-Ulyanovsk” . The exposition of this museum is located in the 19th century building previously occupied by the town fire brigade. The museum was opened after the restoration of the building in 1979. The collection consists of pre-revolutionary and Soviet sections. In the central part there is a diorama depicting the fire of 1894 in Simbirsk. Lenin Street, 43.

Historical and architectural complex “Simbirsk Fortified Line” . At the time of the foundation of Ulyanovsk, the Simbirsk line protected the Russian land from the raids of nomads from the east. Today, you can find a unique historical and architectural museum here. It features a defensive fortress and an earthen rampart, which were restored based on historical documents and remains found by archaeologists in Simbirsk. The exposition includes examples of Russian weapons, old documents, maps, diagrams, decrees, and a model of a water mill. Leo Tolstoy Street, 43a.

Museum of the History of Civil Aviation . This museum located near the airport Ulyanovsk-Tsentralny has an airfield and 4 halls with exhibits illustrating the history of aviation from the time of the Russian Civil War to the present day. In terms of the total number of exhibits (about 9 thousand), it is the country’s largest aviation museum. One of the unique exhibits is the Tu-144 supersonic airliner. Aviatsionnaya Street, 20a.

Balalaika Museum - a unique museum with a collection of the rarest balalaikas (a musical instrument very popular in pre-revolutionary and Soviet Russia). The guests of the museum are invited to immerse themselves in the world of village music, to hear the sound of real peasant balalaikas. Here you can also taste tea made from herbs collected in the forests of the Ulyanovsk region. Bebelya Street, 19.

Savior Ascension Cathedral - a picturesque Orthodox church of sky-blue color built in the Baroque style in the 2000s to replace the demolished Ascension Cathedral (albeit in a different place). Ulyanovskaya Street, 2.

Holy Resurrection-Germanovsky Cathedral - one of the oldest churches in Ulyanovsk built in the early 18th century. During the years of Soviet power, it was closed and used as the state archive. In 2003, the building was returned to the Orthodox diocese. Gogolya Lane, 11.

House of Merchant Bokounin - a beautiful monument of wooden architecture, one of the architectural gems of Ulyanovsk. It was erected at the beginning of the 20th century on the territory of the estate of the Ulyanovsk merchant Sergei Bokounin. Part of the premises is occupied by the restaurant “Teremok”. Radishcheva Street, 4.

The Volga River (Kuibyshev Reservoir) - the largest artificial reservoir on the Volga created in the 1950s. The reservoir is 500 km long, with a maximum width of 44 km. Its powerful water resources are used to generate electricity. Due to its gigantic size, it significantly affected the Volga itself, changed the flow regime and began the processes of coastal washout. Home to many species of fish, the reservoir attracts fishing enthusiasts to its shores.

Ulyanovsk city of Russia photos

Ulyanovsk views.

Ulyanovsk Agricultural Academy

Architecture of old Simbirsk

Lenin is everywhere in Ulyanovsk

Sights of Ulyanovsk

Monument to Bogdan Khitrovo - the founder of Simbirsk (Ulyanovsk)

Author: Vladimir Baboshin

Tank IS-3 in Ulyanovsk

Light and music fountain Tornado in Ulyanovsk

Pictures of Ulyanovsk

Museum of Ivan Goncharov in Ulyanovsk

Simbirsk Photography Museum in Ulyanovsk

Ulyanovsk Museum of Local Lore

Author: Andrey Mishchenko

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Middle Managers Should Drive Your Business Transformation

• Michael Mankins
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The conventional approach to business transformation — top-down directives coupled with bottom-up execution — isn’t working. Today, fewer than one in eight transformations yield lasting results, leaving seven in eight lacking sustained impact. While the traditional top-down method may aid in cost-cutting and efficiency, it fails to produce enduring breakthroughs in business performance.

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Ul'yanovsk hotels & places to stay

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Fast facts about Ul'yanovsk, Russia

Frequently asked questions.

What are the most suitable hotels around Ul'yanovsk intended for solo vacationers?

A resort in Ul'yanovsk which is exceptionally rated by single visitors is Sanatoriy Lenina.

What are the preferred places to stay in Ul'yanovsk for business travelers?

A property around Ul'yanovsk that is highly rated by business travelers is Sanatoriy Lenina.

What are the prime properties found in Ul'yanovsk that have restaurants?

Properties with restaurants found in Ul'yanovsk which are very highly rated include Sanatoriy Lenina and Sanatoriy Lenina.

Where can I find rooms in Ul'yanovsk that has free cancellation policy?

Yes, you’ll find most hotel rooms provide free cancellation rates, in which you will receive a full refund if you cancel prior to the deadline. Filter your search by free cancellation to find flexible hotel deals in Ul'yanovsk.

What are some forthcoming holidays in Ul'yanovsk?

Holidays that are coming up in city_name include Public Holiday on 4/28/2024, Public Holiday on 4/29/2024, and Public Holiday on 4/30/2024.

Is quarantine expected for fully vaccinated travelers to enter Ul'yanovsk?

Quarantine may be required for fully vaccinated vacationers to enter Ul'yanovsk from outside the country. For updated and detailed information on travel restrictons, please have a look at the official websites of the travel authority or government of the country you wish to visit, or go to here .

Is quarantine mandatory for unvaccinated tourists to enter Ul'yanovsk?

Quarantine may be required for unvaccinated visitors to enter Ul'yanovsk from outside the country. For up-to-date and in depth information on travel restrictons, please head over to the official websites of the travel authority or government of the country you wish to visit, or go to here .

Is pre-departure covid test required for fully vaccinated visitors to enter Ul'yanovsk?

Proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test may be required to enter Ul'yanovsk. For updated and in depth information on travel restrictons, please take a look at the official websites of the travel authority or government of the country you wish to visit, or go to here .

Is pre-departure covid test needed for unvaccinated visitors to enter Ul'yanovsk?

Proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test may be required to enter Ul'yanovsk. For up-to-date and in depth information on travel restrictons, please be sure to take a look at the official websites of the travel authority or government of the country you wish to visit, or go to here .

Is covid test upon arrival mandatory for unvaccinated foreigners to enter Ul'yanovsk?

COVID-19 test may be required on arrival when entering Ul'yanovsk from outside the country. For up-to-date and in depth information on travel restrictons, remember to have a look at the official websites of the travel authority or government of the country you hope to visit, or go to here .

Is covid test upon arrival expected for fully vaccinated travelers to enter Ul'yanovsk?

COVID-19 test may be required on arrival when entering Ul'yanovsk from outside the country. For up-to-date and in depth information on travel restrictons, remember to check out the official websites of the travel authority or government of the country you want to visit, or go to here .

What vaccines are recognized in Ul'yanovsk?

Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) are currently acknowledged and accepted by the national health authority of the country that includes Ul'yanovsk.

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14 Western-inspired Travel Clothes That Actually Go With Everything in Your Suitcase — From $15

Keep reading for our favorite cowboy boots, hats, denim, and more.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Western wear, cowboy aesthetic, country couture — whatever you'd like to call it — has taken the fashion world by storm, but it's not just a mere passing trend. As a New York City-based travel writer , it's hard to go a block without seeing studded belts and vintage washed jeans , and the trend has spread far beyond Manhattan; I've even spotted it on recent trips up and down the East Coast. Though its resurgence in pop culture features new spins on the traditional fashion genre, Western wear obviously has roots dating back centuries, but there's something about the classic look that will forever exude cool. With celebrities like Beyoncé and Bella Hadid showcasing the best of the Americana lifestyle, this latest resurgence is beckoning everyone (including myself) to give their travel clothes a refresh. 

Beyond looking sharp, the Western wear trend embraces easy-wearing, high-quality basics inspired by country living, making it a must-have for your travel wardrobe. It prioritizes timeless pieces like maxi denim skirts and cowboy boots that can be worn and reworn in a plethora of ways to maximize your travel outfit possibilities. These pieces are typically denim-, cotton-, leather, and suede-heavy, making them the ideal transitional garments that can be worn throughout spring (and some of our favorite finds can even be rocked in the summer). 

Don’t know where to start transforming your wardrobe to embrace a Western aesthetic? I’ve curated a selection of pieces that I’m absolutely loving this season that will look great anywhere, be it a serene getaway in Wyoming , an exciting rodeo, or even to a "Cowboy Carter" listening party.  

Tecovas The Annie Cowgirl Boots

Cowgirl and cowboy boots are undoubtedly one of the most prominent items emerging from the Americana fashion movement, and if you’re looking to embrace this shoe trend, then you should do so with the best: a pair of Tecovas . The Austin-based brand prioritizes authentic craftsmanship to make its top-quality, already-worn-in-comfy boots that are made to last. I’m utterly obsessed with this Annie style, the brand’s best-selling cowgirl boot, and am eager to add them to my collection because I know that they’ll be my comfortable go-to pair of boots that’ll last me years to come. Plus, they'll look equally wonderful with a pair of jeans as they would with a flowy dress. 

If you’re looking for a more affordable option to achieve the same look, consider shopping the Soda Reno Women's Cowboy Boots that boast a $50 price tag at Amazon.  

Madewell The Santiago Western Ankle Boots

Not quite ready for full-on cowboy boots? Or, maybe you're headed somewhere warm. Either way, if you want to dip your toes into the style, these Madewell ankle booties are the perfect way to start. Beyond their alluring 82 percent discount (thanks to an on-site double deal — just use the code SPRING30 to unlock an extra 30 percent off at checkout), they’re absolutely adorable. Country styles embrace shiny hardware and durable materials like suede, as seen on these boots, which’ll elevate any look that you have planned. And, because they’re crafted with elastic and a low block heel, they go on-and-off seamlessly and will be easy to walk in. Hurry, they're selling out. 

J.Crew Maxi Denim Skirt

Maxi denim skirts, and denim in general, are totally country-approved thanks to their utility style that is a bit more polished and put together than a mini skirt. I’m all in for embracing more maxi denim skirts into my wardrobe. They can be styled with T-shirts, blouses, vests, and more, making them a welcomed, versatile staple in your suitcase. In fact, denim skirts are among the first garments that I look for when preparing for a trip, because of the way that they can seamlessly elevate any look. If you want to test the waters on this trend, do so with this stunning, on-sale skirt from J.Crew while it’s 46 percent off. 

Wrangler Women’s Cowboy Cut Jeans 

Wrangler is among the original cowboy couture brands, selling high-quality denim that parallels the rise of country since the 1940s. Needless to say, you can’t go wrong with anything from the cowboy fashion pioneer to adapt your wardrobe to Western style, but I recommend starting with these Cowboy Cut jeans. They effortlessly blend classic aesthetics with contemporary details for unmatched comfort. Crafted with 98 percent denim and 2 percent spandex, these jeans exude vintage charm with the modern ingenuity of a comfortable pair of travel pants. And at just $50, they’re the perfect garment to wear on your spring adventures. 

Amour Vert Violette Organic Cotton Eyelet Dress

Amour Vert 

Flowy, flirty dresses add a feminine touch to an otherwise rather masculine trend. And this prairie-style dress not only embodies the essence of country living, but it also serves as the ideal white sundress for the vibrant seasons of spring and summer. Crafted with 100 percent cotton, adorned with delicate details, and featuring a fashion-forward corseted bust, this dress is a timeless and breathtaking addition to your wardrobe. And to complete the look, I recommend pairing with a pair of cowboy boots — duh! 

Sézane Women’s Amerie Shirt

This Western-style embroidered chambray snap shirt is an incredibly versatile choice that radiates versatility. With its long-sleeve design, this shirt offers year-round comfort while shielding you from the elements (without causing overheating). It’s also a stunning option to add to your collection of Americana-inspired garments, inviting endless styling options, whether paired with a denim skirt, jeans, or classic boots. 

Unfortunately, this stunning top is about to sell out. If you have your heart set on the look, check out the newly dropped Grosy Women's Embroidered Plain Tunic Shirt for $40 at Amazon.  

Free People Wilder Embellished Sling Bag

Free People 

Conchos are the focal points of any Western look. Instead of wearing the classic disc around your waist, you can sport it on your travel bag. Here, the historically rich accessory decorates the belt bag's strap to add that cowboy flair to any outfit. It also offers the spacious, hands-free functionality of a great belt bag; wear it as a crossbody, off the shoulder, or as a belt bag, and will confidently safeguard all of your items as you explore new destinations this year.  

Wrangler Western Shoulder Bag

For a larger option, this adjustable shoulder bag is winning over shoppers for boasting the " perfect size " and a " sturdy feel that feels well-made ." That also happens to be the ethos of Western fashion, prioritizing items that both look and feel good — just check out that stunning embroidery! And starting at just $52 and available in an impressive 50 different colors and prints, the Montana-styled bag is just waiting to be added to your cart. 

Mavi Venus Denim Vest

Denim is widely recognized as a premium and long-lasting fabric, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities and country living. Western wear is known for its practicality, and as such, many denim styles are adorned with functional pockets and comfortable cuts that are perfect for all-day wear. Take this stunning denim vest from Mavi, which features front pockets and a straight fit that can be styled in various ways (and will look great in each of them). Whether you choose to store your lip balm in one of the frockets (front pockets) or utilize them for your ID and cards, you will never regret adding this versatile top to your collection.

Quince Women’s Suede Trucker Jacket

It would be wrong to share a list of high-quality Western wear to add to your travel wardrobe without including a buttery soft suede jacket, and this one from Quince is just what your transitional wardrobe needs right now. It’s warm enough to wear as the temperatures continue to dip and rise, but remains lightweight and soft for hot days ahead. And since the trademark of this style is practicality, you can bet that this jacket is equipped with a few functional pockets to hold onto some of your small belongings. 

Livingston Straw Cowboy Hat

Saddle up travelers! To bring your entire Western ensemble together, you need a cowboy hat. This iconic accessory not only exudes a relaxed and cool vibe, but it also serves a practical purpose. Originally designed to protect cowboys from the scorching sun while working outdoors, these hats have now become a versatile (and useful) fashion statement. This utility also lends them as the perfect accessory to shield your face from the sun at the beach, festivals, and beyond. 

This lightweight hat can also travel like a dream with the help of a convenient hat clip . Plus, it gives your outfit more style points than any old baseball cap or sun visor would. 

Steve Madden Women’s Recent Gladiator Sandals

Modern takes on Western wear draw inspiration from classic country accessories like the studded (and classic) concho belt — which are on full display in these Steve Madden sandals. I personally love a strappy gladiator for travel, as I find that they have more support and grip compared to other styles on the market. This pair caught my eye for its stunning look that I know would be a standout at any festival or vacation that I have planned this season.  

Superdown Robyn Strappy Back Top

Plenty of these styles possess a classic and timeless appeal due to their simple yet classy look. However, the recent revival of this style has inspired retailers to think outside of the box and explore incorporating Americana prints, like cowhide, to give a fresh twist to this country craze. For instance, try out this stylish cow print top from Superdown, which will surely make a statement at any music festival or evening event that you have on the schedule. 

Werforu Leather Belt

A true Western-inspired outfit is never truly complete without a concho belt. This $15 one from Amazon is embellished with beautifully etched hardware that’ll effortlessly pull together any look, while remaining understated enough to not cause too much attention. Style it with a pair of vintage wash jeans or wear it with a dress to give yourself some extra waist-cinching magic. 

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

Emirates is dealing with a 30,000 bag backlog as it grovels to customers about its handling of Dubai floods

• Severe flooding caused by the heaviest rain in 75 years brought travel chaos to Dubai Airport last week.
• The ongoing fallout has prompted Emirates boss Tim Clark to issue an apology to customers. 
• 30,000 bags still need to be returned to customers, he said.

Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, is still trying to return 30,000 leftover bags to customers affected by the torrential rains and flooding that brought Dubai Airport to a standstill last week.

Over the weekend, the airline's president, Tim Clark, acknowledged that Emirates' response to the disruption had been "far from perfect" and apologized to customers.

"I would like to offer our most sincere apologies to every customer who has had their travel plans disrupted during this time," Clark wrote in an open letter posted online on Saturday.

Calling the previous week "one of the toughest for Emirates operationally," he said that the airline had been forced to cancel nearly 400 flights and delay many more after storms brought the region's highest rainfall in 75 years.

"Flooded roads impeded the ability of our customers, pilots, cabin crew, and airport employees to reach the airport, and also the movement of essential supplies like meals and other flight amenities," Clark wrote.

In total, 1,478 flights had been canceled at the world's second busiest airport by Friday morning, according to Reuters.

While planes remained stuck on flooded taxiways, submerged roads surrounding the airport left some passengers stranded in the airport.

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To accommodate disrupted passengers, Emirates said it had secured 12,000 hotel rooms and issued 250,000 meal vouchers.

Despite the chaos and a government warning telling people to stay at home, Emirates flight attendants in Dubai were also told to report for duty.

However, Clark acknowledged that many passengers had been frustrated by the congestion, lack of information, and confusion at terminals.

In an effort to handle the ongoing fallout, he said that a task force had been created to sort and return 30,000 pieces of left-over luggage to its owners.

The airline officially resumed regular flight operations at Dubai Airport on Saturday, but warned it would still take several days to clear the backlog.

Non-UAE-based carriers were still facing restrictions over the weekend. Foreign airlines with more than two flights in 24 hours were issued with a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) instructing them to reduce operations by 50%, Indian news agency PTI reported.

According to FlightRadar 24's data , all arrivals and departures were largely running to schedule again on Monday morning.

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates has become one of the most attractive economic hubs in the Gulf region.

Its efforts to diversify its economy away from oil, centered on Dubai as a tourism hot spot, have helped the country position itself as a major player on the world stage. In a sign of its growing popularity, the number of passengers traveling to Dubai Airport increased by 31.7% in the last year.

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

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