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

By Scott Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

What exactly does a travel agent do?

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

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

So, how do you become a travel agent?

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

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

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

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

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

Is there required education or qualifications?

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

How much does a travel agent make?

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

Laura Kiniry

Stacey Lastoe

Jemima Sissons

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

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

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

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

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

Should travel advisors choose a specialization?

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

What are the benefits of being a travel agent?

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

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

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The Evolution of Travel Agencies: A Historical Perspective

The history of travel agencies is a compelling narrative that has witnessed significant transformations over the years. This article explores the evolution of travel agencies from their early beginnings to the present day, highlighting key milestones and shifts in the industry.

Early Travel Arrangements:

Before the establishment of travel agencies, individuals took charge of their travel arrangements directly with transportation providers and accommodations. This process was often cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring considerable effort from the traveler.

Emergence of Travel Agencies:

In the 19th century, the concept of travel agencies began to take shape. Thomas Cook & Son, founded in 1841 by Thomas Cook, is recognized as one of the earliest travel agencies. Initially focusing on organizing railway outings, the agency later expanded its services to include international travel.

Growth and Globalization:

As transportation infrastructure grew and global travel became more accessible, the role of travel agencies expanded. They became intermediaries between travelers and various service providers, offering packaged tours and simplifying the booking process.

Technology and Online Booking:

The late 20th century witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of technology. The rise of the internet allowed travelers to research and book their trips online, reducing dependence on traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies.

Specialization and Niche Markets:

As the travel industry diversified, agencies began specializing in specific niches such as adventure travel, luxury vacations, or eco-tourism. This specialization enabled agencies to cater to the unique preferences of different traveler segments.

Challenges and Adaptation:

The advent of online booking platforms and direct-to-consumer options presented challenges to the traditional travel agency model. However, many agencies have adapted by leveraging technology to enhance customer service, offering personalized experiences and providing expertise in complex travel arrangements.

Conclusion:

While the travel agency landscape has undergone significant changes, agents continue to play a crucial role, particularly for complex or customized trips. Their expertise and personalized service add substantial value, contributing to a resurgence in specific segments of the industry. The role of travel agencies continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, ensuring their relevance in the dynamic world of travel.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this article are intended to provide an insightful exploration of the history and evolution of tourism ambassadors. However, it is essential to note that these opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the author or the Tourism Academy. The article aims to present a comprehensive overview of the topic based on available information and research, but individual perspectives may vary. Please consider multiple sources and viewpoints when you understand the subject matter.

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Related articles, us travel's geoff freeman on leadership and industry transformation, family travel association: transforming travel agent accreditation with the tourism academy, unveiling the spirit of travel with bud geissler, 2024 american bus association marketplace chair.

History of the Travel Agent Industry

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Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

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Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Travel Agent

Here's what you should know before becoming a travel agent.

If you're someone who spends your days scanning flights , loves hotel rewards points, and in general, is a fervent traveler, you've probably wondered how to become a travel agent.

And, while it's true that living in the age of Expedia means travel agents are not as vital as they once were, people use them a lot more than you might think. Just because travelers aren't calling up an agent every time they need to book a quick flight doesn't mean they don't want to consult an expert for a big trip. This holds especially true when it comes to honeymoons or experiential trips that have a lot of moving parts — coordinating tour companies , translators, or multiple resort stays, for example. It's often easier to leave the logistics to someone else: travel agents.

You don't need a specific employment background to become a travel agent, so if you're looking for a fresh career start, that's totally OK. You have to start somewhere on your path to becoming a travel agent, and the sooner you jump in, the sooner you'll build your client base. On the other hand, if you're hoping to parlay your experience in a semi-related industry, be it marketing or hospitality, that can help because you'll have even more context for your new gig. Either way, this can be a rewarding career path (with some fun perks), so here's what you need to know to become a travel agent.

Formal Training Needed to Become a Travel Agent

While some four-year colleges, community colleges, and trade schools offer tourism certifications, it is not a requirement for those trying to become travel agents. Certificates of tourism can be very helpful, but so can previous training in marketing, hospitality, or even event planning. Ultimately, your knowledge of destinations, sales, itinerary planning, and booking software will be crucial for your career as a travel agent.

In terms of the training time you need to put in before becoming a fully-fledged travel agent, it depends. You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.

Training Programs Available

You could take classes with a company like The Travel Institute to earn your certification. Not only will they teach you the basics of planning itineraries, but they'll also make sure you're learning about new cultures, world geography, and experiences you can have all over the world. They'll also help you decide what business route you want to take.

How to Become a Travel Agent: The Logistics

Becoming a travel agent will likely mean starting your own business . On the plus side, it requires relatively little overhead. If you're becoming a small business owner by opening a yoga studio, for example, you will need to rent a space, deal with permits, buy supplies, build a website, and pay yoga teachers and someone to work the front desk. However, if you're starting a travel agent business, you can operate from your living room and there aren't nearly as many upfront costs.

You will have to think about what type of business you want to become. Do you want to incorporate or become an LLC? Would you rather be a sole proprietor? Incorporating takes the most effort, and is often the most expensive. Becoming an LLC is a good happy medium because it can help protect you as a business entity without having as many associated costs. Small business owners typically become an LLC to protect their personal assets. If you get sued as an LLC, someone can come after your business holdings, but can't come after your house, car, or personal savings.

If you choose to remain a sole proprietor (which doesn't require any fees or legwork), you are essentially a freelancer or independent contractor. You can be an LLC and an independent contractor, too — they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to be an independent contractor, it likely means you're working as part of a larger host agency, which is smart to do when you're starting out as a travel agent. Down the road, you can also own a travel agency franchise. Owning a franchise might come with more overhead costs, and that would be a reason to incorporate.

If you're an independent contractor, you should know that your taxes aren't going to be as straightforward as a full-time employee's might be. You may have to start keeping track of your business expenses, as you might be able to write them off. You also might not get things like health benefits from your employer. As you plan your new career, consider sitting down with an established travel agent to ask them some logistical questions: Where do they get their health insurance? How do they keep track of their income and expenses? Do they use an accountant to do their taxes? While meeting with the travel agent, you can discuss the pros and cons of working for a larger agency, too. If you're not sure how to get in touch with other travel agents, consider using social media, like LinkedIn or even Instagram.

What to Think About When You Become a Travel Agent

Once you've secured work as a travel agent, you'll want to think about how you can earn more money and distinguish yourself from other agents. Here are three things to consider as you start your career.

Making Commissions: If you're working for a larger travel agency as an independent contractor, how do commissions work? Make sure you have this conversation early on before accepting the position. When you're starting out, you want to make sure the commission rate you're receiving is similar to the industry standard.

Growing Your Client Base: How do you make more money as a travel agent? Clients, clients, clients. You want happy customers who will return to you every time they want to book a travel experience. You'll want to keep your clients happy by finding them great deals, curating unbelievable experiences for them, and simply being great to work with.

Establishing a Niche: This is by no means a requirement for becoming a travel agent, but as you establish your career, you may want to consider focusing on a specific niche. For example, perhaps you're someone who focuses on honeymoon travel , luxury travel, or adventure travel . Your niche can help you attract clients, and it can be anything in the travel realm, as long as there's a need for it.

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Travelicious

9 Ways Flying First Class Can Actually Save You Money, Travel Experts Say

Posted: October 12, 2023 | Last updated: October 12, 2023

After rebounding from the pandemic's travel lull, people are finally hitting the skies again . Unfortunately, as travel rates have increased, so has the cost of flying. According to a 2023 report from the travel company Kayak, travel costs are currently up 35 percent compared to last year. However, that doesn't mean you can't save money while traveling—even if you plan to book a first-class ticket. We checked in with travel and finance experts who shared their top tips for keeping your money in your wallet the next time you spring for a luxury trip. Read on to learn the nine ways that flying first class can actually save you some money in the long run.

RELATED:  11 Worst Days and Times to Fly on an Airplane .

1 You'll save on baggage expenses.

One way that traveling first class can help save you money is on your luggage. Unlike most coach tickets, first-class tickets regularly include at least one or two checked bags for no extra cost.

"While a first-class ticket might be more expensive, the included amenities can sometimes help you save some money you otherwise would have been spending on things like luggage fees," says Carter Seuthe , CEO of My Credit Summit . "With some first-class tickets, you might find luggage fees waived, so if you're planning to fly with a lot of bags or bags that might be subject to excess fees, you can save some money there."

2 You'll save by accruing more travel points.

If you're using the right credit card, spending more on a first-class ticket can save you money on later trips, says Suzanne Bucknam , an experienced travel expert and CEO of the travel company Connecticut Explorer . "If you use a credit card that helps you accrue points when you fly first class, like the United Mastercard, you accrue more rewards points to be used toward future travel," she explains.

RELATED: 10 Airport Security Secrets TSA Doesn't Want You to Know .

3 You'll save by boosting your airline loyalty benefits.

Similar to the points you can earn with the right credit card, you can also save money while flying first class by staying loyal to one airline. Though this is true of flying coach too, opting for first class will expedite the process.

"Many airlines have loyalty programs that provide perks and benefits to frequent flyers, such as free first-class upgrades," explains Justin Crabbe , CEO of the private jet charter service Jettly . "Travelers who fly with the same airline on a regular basis and accumulate points or miles can potentially save money on future flights by redeeming these rewards."

4 You'll save on the airport lounge.

If you were prepared to shell out money to use the airport lounge, a first-class ticket can often save you that expense.

RELATED:  The Last U.S. Airline to Offer First Class Is Getting Rid of It .

5 You may save by booking through a travel agent.

Sometimes how you book your plane ticket can determine how much you pay for it. "Travel agents frequently have access to discounted first-class fares that the general public does not have," says Crabbe. "Travelers can potentially save money on first-class tickets by using a travel agent or taking advantage of discounted fares."

Additionally, you may be able to save money by booking a first-class ticket over the phone by calling the airline directly, rather than booking online.

6 You'll save on hotels for long layovers.

If the only alternative to a first-class ticket is to have a lengthy layover that requires a hotel stay, you may also be able to save money by spending more upfront. A direct flight could be more cost-effective than combining a flight and hotel, so it's important to compare the total expenditures, rather than just the ticket cost, Kroeger suggests.

7 You'll save if you need to change your itinerary.

Changing your travel plans once you've booked your tickets can be extremely costly. Compared to flying coach, first-class tickets tend to be more flexible, says Gareth Boyd , co-founder of Frequent Flyer Credit Cards .

RELATED: Unfair Perks: Plane Passenger Shows How Extreme Turbulence Hits Different in First Class .

8 You'll save by getting a last-minute upgrade.

Another way you can save while flying first class is by going for a last-minute upgrade or flying standby.

"Airlines hate to have unsold seats and will gladly give steep discounts to standby flyers to take any open seat on the plane—including first-class seats," says Ann Martin , the director of operations for CreditDonkey . "This is, admittedly, a gamble, but it's one that can pay off, and even if you don't get a first-class ticket, you're still getting a good deal."

9 You'll save time—and time is money.

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Read the original article on Best Life .

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This is our first trip to Russia and we are really excited. We have a 12 year old buy and a 3 year old girl. We are a well travelled family and like to fill in as much of sights and experiences in our trips and thankfully our kids keep up with our enthusiasm.

We have booked a 12 day tour to Russia but only booked our round trip and now I have to fill the days. Ideally was thinking of using a good travel agent for arranging our itinerary, the ground travel and the visa support.

looking for some advice from this forum on who should I use. I have come across the websites of Travelallrussia which is florida based and justgorussia that is UK based. Anyone has used either of these or any other suggestions.

Thanks in advance...

they also do visas

My list of links for you:

http://www.familywithkids.com/en/russia/reviews/where-take-kids-moscow-10-fun-ideas-family-vacation-moscow-russia

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/russia/moscow/travelling-with-children

http://www.globalmousetravels.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-moscow-russia-with-children/

Experimentanium museum

http://www.experimentanium.ru/en/

http://moscowzoo.su/

Lunarium museum

https://youtu.be/ya7R3jztD78

Moscow oceanarium (largest in Europe)

http://www.moskvarium.ru/

Sokolniki park

http://park.sokolniki.com/en/

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

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Opulently First Class Architecture at the Kremlin Citadel

There’s so much to see at the Kremlin complex that you could spend every minute there once your first class flight land s. Its mixture of ornate and somber architecture reflects the country’s various historical periods. Here, you’ll find the shining, gold-capped domes of Cathedral of the Dormition and the somber-looking State Kremlin Palace. There are four cathedrals in the complex, including the Cathedral of the Annunciation, which is now a fascinating museum. The Cathedral of the Archangel, the burial site of several medieval leaders, is also within the citadel area. Many of the Kremlin Citadel walls and towers erected in the late 15th century still surround the complex and offer hours of captivating exploration. In spite of the tremendous number of Kremlin squares, cathedrals, churches, towers, palaces and museums open to the public, it’s only a third of the entire citadel.

Experience the Heart of Moscow Society in First Class Red Square

Across from the Kremlin’s Spasskaya Tower is one of Moscow’s most recognizable structures, the colorfully enticing St. Basil’s Cathedral. The cathedral is now a museum, and its colorfully patterned onion domes remind us of the country’s vibrant past. The cathedral museum should be just one stop on your visit to historic Red Square. The square has been the gathering place for generations of Muscovites, from Medieval peddlers and Soviet-era soldiers to present-day concert-goers. Lenin’s Mausoleum is on the square, as are the treasured Kazan Cathedral and the popular GUM department store. The square also bears the tribute statue to Minin and Pozharsky, the leaders of the 1612 militia that warded off Polish invaders.

Fallen Monument Park Is a Unique Way To See First Class Soviet Statues

Fallen Monument Park is actually Muzeon Park. It became a de facto repository of the many Lenin and Stalin statues that populated the region’s Communist countries during the Cold War. The collection of Soviet-era statues grew throughout the 1990s. As time progressed, artists began placing statues commemorating victims of the Soviet Union in the park as well. There’s also a special section of the park honoring the valiant soldiers of World War II, or the Great Patriotic War. The park presents an unexpected and unusual glimpse into the country’s cultural and artistic sensibilities. It’s also a nice chance to stroll through the park-like setting and enjoy the city’s ambiance. 

Get a First Class Lesson in Russian History in Kolomenskoye

There’s a wealth of Russian history and architecture to be found in Kolomenskoye, with artifacts dating back to the Stone Age. The 630-acre site encompasses the remains of the 2,500-year-old Dyakovo Settlement and other important historic sites. In the 14th and 18th centuries, the area was a muster site to important Russian armies, and it became a summer home for the tsars and their families. It was also an instrumental site during the “Time of Troubles.” Today, the village is home to the 16th-century white stone Church of the Ascension, one of the first churches in the country to depart from Byzantine architecture. It also houses St. George the Victorious Bell Tower, the Hunting Pavilion and a 17th-century water tower. In all, there are 17 “architectural monuments” here, many of which were part of the 16th-century tsars’ estates. Four historic wooden structures were moved from other areas of the country to the Kolomenskoye site.