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BIZ IT TRAVEL AND TOURS (Puerto Princesa) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

BIZ IT Travel and Tours

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BIZ IT Travel and Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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BIZ IT TRAVEL AND TOURS (Puerto Princesa) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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12 Travel Business Ideas

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If there is one thing most people can agree on, it’s that traveling is one of life’s great pleasures. Exploring new cultures, visiting the world’s great wonders, spending days following your instincts and trying exotic foods — there’s a lot to love about discovering new places.

If you want to take your love of travel to the next level and start a business to serve your like-minded wanderlusters, you should consider these fun and profitable travel business ideas.

What is a travel business?

There are two overarching types of travel businesses worth considering. First, you could think about starting a business that provides services or goods for travelers — running a hotel, for example. The second option is to start a business that you can run from anywhere in the world while you yourself travel. In many cases, this type of business revolves around travel, such as working as a travel writer and writing stories about your latest adventures.

What makes a travel business idea a good one?

A good travel business should combine two things: reliability and excitement. When you run a travel business, your clients need to be able to trust you. They need to feel confident that the tour group you run is legitimate and will show them the best sites. Or that the blog you run about the best inns on the east coast actually gives honest reviews.

At the same time, you need to offer services or create content that excites your customers. Introduce them to sights off the beaten path. Help them unwind and relax while on their vacation. Find a way to create trust amongst your customer base while offering them an experience they can’t find anywhere else.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

12 travel business ideas for 2021

If you’re unsure of what type of travel business ideas could work for you, keep reading for some popular options. These ideas range widely and you should put your own creative spin on them. At the end of the day, think back to your passion for traveling. What services or products have made the most difference to you on past trips? What did you feel was missing? Can you find a way to make a living on the road while capitalizing on your skillset? Chances are, you have more ideas at the ready than you think.

1. Modernized bed and breakfast

B&Bs have been popular for decades — they outlive trends and are clearly here to stay. But why not step things up a notch and find a way to modernize the bed and breakfast experience a little bit? Make sure your rooms are outfitted with nice televisions so guests can enjoy a movie night in their cozy room. Offer unique culinary experiences. Decorate in a way that feels timeless but fresh at the same time. A bed and breakfast is a smaller operation than a hotel and is a great way to break into the hospitality business. If you need a little help funding your bed and breakfast, consider one of these financing options.

2. Off-the-beaten-path tour guide

Tour groups are a dime a dozen. But if you can offer a unique tour, you’ll be able to stand out from the competition. What do you love about your city? Maybe you can find the best coffee, chocolate, or salty treats at your local shops and restaurants. Organize a foodie tour of your town that highlights how your local delicacies are made. Of course, you’ll have to include tastes of all the local treats.

Or consider organizing a tour of some lesser-known sites. Surely there is a natural activity or historical site that tourists haven’t caught onto yet. If you can give your travelers a taste of local life or make them feel like they’ve uncovered something special, then your tour guide business will thrive. Maybe some locals will even join in on the fun.

3. Glamping

Here’s a fun fact for you: By 2025, experts estimate the glamping market in the United States alone is projected to reach a revenue of around $1 billion. It sounds like the great outdoors is getting a little fancier. What exactly is glamping? Glamorous camping.

Glamping combines nature with the comforts of home, and usually Champagne. That’s right, after a long day of hiking or river rafting, campers can return to decked-out campsites that offer spa treatments, wine and gourmet meals. The perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. If you can create a campsite that melds the best parts of nature with resort living, you’ll be in business.

4. Remote travel agent

Long gone are the days of travel agent offices. The truth is, thanks to the internet it’s easier than ever to plan a trip. Anyone with a computer can choose between hundreds of flights, hotels and restaurant reservations. The ease of access is great, but the time it takes to weed through those options might not be available to everyone. This is where a remote travel agent comes in.

You’ll work out of your own home which saves the customer costs on overhead expenses. For a more affordable price, remote travel agents can help busy travelers plan their next vacation from anywhere in the world. Help them book the best hotels, unique activities and provide them with all of their important travel bookings and documentation.

5. Travel consultant

Even though their job titles sound similar, a travel consultant is different than a travel agent. A travel consultant usually specializes in solving complex travel issues. For example, they may specialize in helping adoptive parents travel abroad to make the task of adopting a child from a foreign country run smoothly. Or they might assist businesses with complex assignments like learning how to cater to new cultures during business deals. Travel consultants generally focus less on tourism and more on helping iron out logistical issues.

6. Travel photographer

As a travel photographer, you’ll have plenty of options for making money off your passions for travel and photography. You can sell photos taken while traveling to newspapers, magazines and websites. Or you can sell your favorite shots in your own online shop. You could license your gorgeous photos of Paris or Peru to companies that create goods like calendars or art prints. Perhaps you want to help create stock photography for big companies like Getty Images. Point being, we live in a very visual world and there are plenty of options for starting a travel photography business.

7. Create a haunted attraction

Want a surefire way to make sure your hotel or guided tour drum up enough business? The solution is easy: Make it haunted. This may seem like a business better suited for Halloween time, but people are ready to get their scare on year-round. These haunted attractions do particularly well in historic locations like towns on the east coast where there are plenty of ghost stories to go around. Do some research and then let your imagination take care of the rest. You might want to load up on business insurance just in case your haunted attraction is too scary.

8. Teach cultural classes

It’s time to share your unique culture with the world. Offer fun classes for tourists that will make them feel like locals, whether that be a Creole cooking class or an art class that captures a local style of painting. Help tourists pick up a skill that they won’t learn anywhere else, like how to make an authentic cup of Turkish coffee or bake a truly Parisian croissant.

9. House or pet sitting

Sometimes a travel business does its best work when helping travelers look after what they left behind. House or pet sitting can be a great side hustle to take on if you’re looking for a little extra cash. Of course, you could always start a larger business like a kennel that takes care of beloved pets while their owners are jet-setting around the world. Some people are even willing to pay for plant hotels that keep their plants in tiptop shape until they return from vacation. Consider a travel business that will give your customers peace of mind while they are far from home.

10. Travel blogger

You’ve traveled the world and, boy, do you have some good stories to tell. So why don’t you then? By starting a travel blog, you can make money by sharing your experiences. You can offer up travel advice, share photos from your journey and review restaurants and hotels. Once your blog picks up some steam (aka gets a decent amount of pageviews and monthly visitors) you’ll be able to make money from ads hosted on your website, sign up for affiliate programs, or create sponsored content for brands. If this sounds like your ideal business, this guide can help you start a travel blog.

11. Ecotourism

Sustainability is all the rage right now and for good reason. It makes sense that those who value exploring the world want to keep it safe. Which is why ecotourism (also known as green tourism) is such a potentially profitable idea. Essentially, ecotourism allows travelers to learn about local culture and wildlife in a low-impact way.

Generally, these types of tours or services (like hotels) try to minimize the impact of traveling while giving tourists the education and tools to help positively impact the environment and community they visit. Many travelers are even willing to spend more on hotels if they are environmentally friendly. If you can find a way to show tourists a good time while helping them make a positive impact, you’re sure to have a popular business on your hands in no time.

Start Your Dream Business

12. Home rentals

Do you have a gorgeous pool house just waiting to be turned into an oasis for weary travelers? Consider starting a home rental business. You can list any rooms in your house that are available to rent out (or even your entire house if you’re headed out of town yourself) on home rental websites like Airbnb or HomeAway. If you live in a popular area where hotels are particularly pricey, then you may be able to fetch a pretty penny by allowing customers to rent rooms in your home.

The best part is, you get to set your price. You only have to rent to people who can meet your price and who you think would be a good tenant (Hint: They need as many good reviews as you do). This can be an ideal business for bringing in extra money to help fund your next vacation. Just make sure that your town, apartment complex, or homeowners association allows you to rent out your property and that you’re following proper regulations.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

A Taste of the Sweet Life in Slovenia

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

8 Trending Destinations to Visit in 2023

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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14 best business travel backpacks for every budget

If you travel regularly for work, you won't need us to tell you that a good travel backpack is essential. That's especially true if a backpack can double as a decently sized carry-on luggage item while still housing your laptop in an easily accessible compartment.

We looked at some of the best (and most stylish) backpacks out there to take the hassle out of searching for the best item.

Without further ado, here are the best business travel backpacks that maximize form and function across various budgets.

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack, $33.47

If you don't want to break the bank, the Amazon Basics range offers a reliable and, dare we say, fairly stylish backpack for less than $40.

The bag has a dedicated (and padded) laptop sleeve that can easily hold a laptop up to 17 inches in size; it has additional compartments for pens, keys, cellphones and other items.

There's also a water bottle pocket on both sides of the bag for easy access when you're on the go.

Buy from $33.47

Lenovo Legion Gaming Laptop Bag, $55.19 (normally $79.99)

Admittedly, we've never seen Batman carry a backpack, but if he did, we're pretty sure it'd look something like this robust bag by Lenovo. It has a 20-liter capacity and room for a 16-inch laptop, alongside seven inside pockets to suit all your work travel needs — including a hidden compartment for valuables.

Built for carrying electronic items, the bag features foam antishock bumpers on the corners of the laptop compartment for extra protection against bag drops and other jolts.

There's also a high-quality magnetic lock to keep your items safe.

Buy from $55.19 (normally $79.99)

Tangcorle Travel Carry On Backpack, $58.90

Part backpack and part carry-on suitcase, this bag has an expandable design. This means it has a capacity of 36 to 50 liters and should easily fit the maximum carry-on size for most airlines.

Other features include an external USB port with a built-in charging cable, allowing you to attach your own power bank and keep your devices charged while on the go.

The main compartment is similar to one in an ordinary carry-on suitcase and can easily store five to seven days' worth of clothes, depending on how you like to pack. It is perfect for long weekends and short business trips.

Buy from $58.90

Samsonite Novex Laptop Backpack, $69.99 (normally $99.99)

If you are shopping for a travel backpack from a reliable brand with a more down-to-earth budget, this Samsonite bestseller has a lot going for it.

Despite its price, the Novex Laptop Backpack doesn't compromise on the basics. The separate laptop and tablet pocket features a special webbing system that provides extra durability in case you drop the backpack. Plus, thanks to the special supportive lining on the top front pocket, you won't have to worry about misplacing your headphones, glasses or cellphone.

The main storage compartment has room for all the essentials, though you may not find it large enough for a full change of clothes or a pair of shoes.

Buy from $69.99 (normally $99.99)

The North Face Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack, $109

A modern classic, the Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack is a popular, on-trend design you'll frequently see on the backs of young professionals in buzzy city centers.

The backpack has two external water bottle holders and a main compartment capable of carrying up to 30 liters. Its laptop sleeve is also sizable and should easily hold machines up to 18 inches.

Perhaps its most interesting feature is the comfortable design of its shoulder straps, which are certified by the American Chiropractic Association.

Buy from $109

Ogio Renegade Backpack, $128.24 (normally $149.99)

If you're looking for the bag with the most pockets, this might be it. Ogio's flagship backpack has dedicated space for everything (laptop and iPad included) and then some. With a phone pocket, two zippered side pockets and five main pockets, you might just get lost looking around for your gear.

No matter how full you stuff this nearly 30-liter backpack, you shouldn't have much of a problem carrying it around, thanks to its supportive padded back panel and shoulder straps. This makes it easy to lug it around the airport or corporate campus.

Buy from $128.24 (normally $149.99)

Incase ARC Daypack, $129.95

Apple aficionados will no doubt be familiar with Incase, a popular brand of cases and protection solutions for iPhones, iPads and Macs.

The laptop pocket is big enough for a 16-inch computer, and it's lined in faux fur for additional protection. Its travel tech compartment also includes RFID-blocking technology, preventing thieves from stealing your digital information.

A water- and stain-resistant coating, two dedicated water bottle holders, and a pass-through system for rollaboard bags make this the ideal bag for anyone going from the gym to the office to the airport. If you need something bigger, Incase also makes a larger A.R.C. travel pack.

Need more convincing? Both bags are made from a sustainable mixture of recycled polyester, giving the company its A.R.C. acronym, which stands for "a responsible carry."

Buy from $129.95

Aer Pro Pack 20L, $179

As far as business travel backpacks go, Aer's is certainly quite stylish. It comes in three colors (black, navy and olive), and it's made of sustainable materials without compromising on durability. A separate laptop compartment safeguards your most precious technology, while the main compartment is large enough for all your chargers and other travel accessories.

The standout feature is the main compartment's 180-degree flat-open zipper system, giving you unobstructed access to all your belongings.

There's even a hidden pocket to store an AirTag or other tracker so that you can locate your bag even if it's stolen or misplaced.

Buy from $179

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195

Made with water-resistant nylon, the Everywhere backpack by Away has a full wraparound zip that provides access to the main compartment. Not only can you fit more things in an orderly fashion, but you'll also be able to easily see your things when you need to retrieve them from the backpack.

Alongside the main compartment, the bag also houses a 15-inch laptop pocket with a magnetic locking zipper and padded shoulder straps for comfort. It's available in five colors — including the limited-edition garnet colorway.

Buy from $195

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, $209

The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack has space for everything and then some. The padded rear pocket is the perfect spot for a laptop, so you won't have to dig through the main compartment to find your computer.

The main compartment is spacious and can expand by nearly 3 liters, giving you more room for your belongings. Plus, the front pocket has a dedicated organizer with multiple pockets, so you'll never forget where you put your passport, charger and cables.

Buy from $209

Nomatic 20L Backpack, $279.99

Although you may not have heard of Nomatic, this brand receives rave reviews from its loyalists. The company's bestselling backpack comes in two sizes: 14 liters and 20 liters. Both are expandable by nearly 20%.

The flat rectangular design may be controversial at first glance, but at least you can't complain about finding space for all of your gizmos. The bag has a staggering 24 unique storage compartments, ranging from enclosed pockets to mesh nets. It's a great bag for those who like to stay extremely organized when they're on the road.

Buy from $279.99

Briggs & Riley Traveler Backpack, $329

The Briggs & Riley backpack has an impressive amount of storage capability thanks to its multitude of pockets and 180-degree, lie-flat opening that allows unfettered access to every nook and cranny.

The laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve are in the same area as the main packing compartment, but they're separated by a zippered inner pocket to keep your clothes all by themselves.

There's also a so-called PowerPocket that fits an external battery pack and keeps a charging cable within easy reach — perfect for a quick boost of juice while you're on the go.

Buy from $329

Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack, $525

Though Tumi makes a handful of durable bags, the Navigation Backpack excels for a wide range of travel needs. It features a separate padded laptop compartment (that can fit even the largest MacBooks), a main storage area and plenty of other smaller pockets.

It also has a zip expansion feature if you decide to grab some souvenirs during your travels.

The backpack comes in five colors, giving you plenty of choices to match your personal travel style.

Buy from $525

Rimowa Flap Backpack Large, $1,725

If you're looking to make a statement and are willing to spend some serious cash, Rimowa's travel bags are the way to go.

This luxury Italian-made large canvas Flap Backpack features a padded laptop sleeve and a large drawstring compartment to fit all of your travel essentials. It is secured by a flap-top enclosure with a magnetic buckle emblazoned with the Rimowa logo.

Buy from $1,725

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EF/GoAhead Tours

Review Highlights

“ Just returned from a fantastic trip to Iceland with EF Go Ahead tours . ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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2 Education Cir

Cambridge, MA 02141

East Cambridge

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I made a reservation last Thursday (11/16/2023) for a trip to Iceland from 12/02/2023-12/07/2023 and then I was told that I can't have my refund back. This entire situation has been a massive chaos. When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning. I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund. I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information.

I have yet to leave on this trip to New England, but thus far the customer service has been DISMAL at best. They have every device to discourage you from talking to an actual person. Additionally, be warned: there is a lot of FALSE ADVERTISING. Website indicates first two nights a hotel in Burlington, walking distance to many things, or close to public transportation. So, we booked a pre-stay for two nights in Burlington, Before we booked the extra nights, I was told by rep the hotel would be 'Delta Marriott in Burlington'. When the actual hotels were sent, I see we are at Hampton Inn in Colchester. Well this hotel is in the middle of nowhere, not walkable to anything, 30 minutes drive to Burlington. Their front desk informed me we 'really will need a car to go anywhere' (except Starbucks and Costco across the street). I have been on the line now 43 minutes as I type this to 'tour support' line. The rep when she finally came on tells me there is NO REFUND for the pre-stay hotel payment. It is 'close to public transportation.' Turns out she is referring to the Colchester bus station -- 13 minutes away!! Clearly, reputation and customer service are not important to this company. I will never book with them again.

This review is for the tour of London and Paris. This was my third tour with GoAhead in the past 10 years. My first two tours in 2011 and 2015 were both very good, but this one was a disappointment with a dramatic decline in customer service and quality. That pains me to say, but it's true. This was essentially a bargain basement tour with terrible customer service and a bad Tour Director, Reuben, who made the tour very stressful and unpleasant. He was unavailable to us, ignored messages, and made us feel like we were bothering him. The whole tour group was constantly talking about how Rueben the tour guide was ignoring them and acting put out, like he didn't want to be bothered with the group. The wait time to talk to anyone at GoAhead on the phone was consistently 45 min to an hour minimum leading up to the tour and after. That's ridiculous. For my past 2 tours I received a quality travel bag in the mail from GoAhead. This time, GoAhead mailed the travelers a cookbook. Like that will come in handy whilst on tour. It was an obvious attempt at some promotional collaboration that didn't serve the needs of its customers at all. The London portion coincided with the death of Queen Elizabeth. It was understandable that there might be some adjustments made, but we were told in the hotel lobby that our bus had been "cancelled" and we would be traveling on foot. This was a problem, because we paid for coach travel throughout our tour. GoAhead sent us travelers an email on 9/15 that said "London is experiencing severe road closures, which do not permit buses to operate in the city." This statement was untrue. There were plenty of buses operating in the city, and numerous buses were outside of our London hotel every day transporting people from other tour groups. We took photos and video of these buses with time stamps. I understand that transportation is more complicated with activities around Queen Elizabeth, but to tell us that buses are "not permitted" to operate in the city is just false. For the excursions, there was never enough time to enjoy. It was rush-rush-rush, never allowing an appropriate amount of time to see the site, with no consideration to factor in time for restrooms or gift shops. Reuben was a downgrade from previous tour directors. It is the Tour Director's job to be available and hold our hands through the travel. Reuben left my husband and me at a London tube station after we couldn't get on due to overcrowding at rush hour. When we caught up later, he had the nerve to snip at us for not getting on fast enough. I'm a former New Yorker and know how to deal with rush hour subway crowding. There was NO ROOM to possibly get on. Then, when the group had just arrived in Paris, he took us on the Metro and then abandoned us all at an unfamiliar location in the Latin Quarter, saying that he would "challenge us" to see if we could all find our way back without him. Wow. Travel was chaotic and disorganized in his hands. The Paris hotel location at Place de Republique was shabby and filled with a constant stream of loud motorcycles at all hours and loud skateboarders, making sleep a challenge. I was also disturbed that GoAhead made a point to say that all of us travelers absolutely MUST have COVID testing just before travel, and that the Tour Director would be checking these test results as soon as we arrived. Reuben never once mentioned this testing, and certainly never came around to check our test results. I feel really lied to about this. When I contacted GoAhead with the documented issues we experienced and the demonstrable lies we were told on the tour, the representative acted all concerned and told us we were surely owed a partial refund. I asked for a $400 per person partial refund ($800 total), which is peanuts compared to the total cost. Of course, GoAhead later came back and said NO. No refund of any kind would be given. So that ended our relationship with GoAhead after 3 tours for use over the last 10 years. They didn't care at all about losing our future business. So, BEWARE. This company is not what it once was. It's a great shame. We will not be traveling with them again. There are a lot of other choices out there, and they don't care about making things right -- just getting your money and nickel and diming you to death. You've been warned.

We booked a trip and took the more expensive cancel anytime insurance. After 2 months of trying to get someone on the customer service line, I finally spoke to someone who gave me incorrect information. I was eventually connected to a supervisor who told me that cancel anytime meant, I could cancel, but there was no refund only a future trip credit. If you are brave enough to book with them-read all the fine print. I will never deal with them again

I originally booked a tour and paid the $300 fee. Things came up and had to put it on hold. I received an email stating that I needed to re-book or cancel by the next day. I cancelled it and they kept my $300 deposit. Why? I wonder how much they make off keeping customers deposits and they did not have to do anything for it. I will never book with them I'd rather take my chances and book my own tour. Buyer beware.

Customer service is horrible. Almost non existent. Our Tour Director and Naturalist were wonderful and the tour itself was very good. However, two accommodations were terrible and when we talked to Go Ahead about it, they basically said too bad even though we told them what we wanted upfront. So we will never go with this tour company again.

EF GoAhead Tours has a few good qualities but, their customer service and the ability to obtain refunds that they owe is the worst. We went on a European tour with them. We booked airfare, hotels and excursions through them. Total trip was well over $14,000. We paid all of this in advance by withdrawals from our checking account, as they require. They do not accept credit cards for payments except while on tour. To begin with, most of the booking part was a good experience. There were some challenges in getting and paying for the upgrade flight accommodations that we wanted but in the end, we did get those resolved. Now to the challenges and terrible parts. First, they cancelled our 3 day extension to Germany reportedly due to a lack of interest. The problem was, they did this after the cut-off date for us to cancel or reschedule. After pushing through to a Supervisor, that person did assist with booking our hotel and a return flight home, but nothing else regarding other travel or arrangements. Next, 4 days prior to the tour starting they canceled one of our excursions. This meant it was too late to book something else for that day. Then, they have refused to issue a refund for the entire amount we paid for that excursion. We are out $20 for this. Even though we have provided documentation of their error in the refund amount, no one at EF seems to understand and they refuse to address this issue. We then booked something on our own for that day. While on tour, they then offered another excursion for us for that day and were kind enough to credit us for the other excursion we then had to cancel. Problem here is they charged us an extra $10 per person for this excursion, citing their policy is that the price goes up once you are on tour. This is even though they canceled the other excursion just prior to the tour starting and did not offer us another option until we were on tour. We are out another $20 for this error or policy on their part. Next, they canceled two additional excursions while we were on tour. One was $198 for two persons and the other was $290 for two persons. They told us while on tour that they would refund these charges to us but, that it takes 8-10 weeks for them to process these refunds. Since the tour ended, we have been in constant contact with EF. Here are the problems related to this. First, you cannot speak directly to someone about these kinds of issues once the tour is over. You have to leave a message and then it usually takes them 3-4 days to call you back. The Customer Service reps are not empowered to do anything about this except to document it and then forward it on to someone else while you wait for a reply. I have asked several times for a Supervisor and each time I am told, they will ask one to call me but it also takes 3-4 days for them to call you back. They have asked for documentation of these issues and I have sent them emails, invoices, screenshots and all that there is. Unfortunately, no matter how clear the documentation is, nothing gets resolved. We finally established contact with someone we were told was a Supervisor. However, her title is Customer Loyalty and Engagement Specialist. We just can't seem to get to a Supervisor to assist us. This person has now told us several times that the initial $20 was refunded to our credit card. However, no refund has ever posted. Then, she told us an additional $238 was credited back to our credit card. That refund has also never posted and it has been over 2 weeks. She has also told us that the remaining $250 will be issued to us in a check. But, when asked when the check would be issued, were told they were completing their annual "audit" of finances and it would be another 3 weeks before the check would be issued. We are not confident at this time that this will ever happen. We were also recently contacted by another guest on our tour. Similar issue with a refund that was promised yet they have yet to receive theirs either. In summary, we had a pretty good tour experience with EF, it is the work on the back end and getting to talk to anyone or get refunds once we are off tour that is the problem. Their employees do not have any answers, they don't want to talk on the phone and want to try and handle everything by email and they are just plain difficult to work with. As of today, we are still waiting on $522 in refunds from EF with no understanding of when we might see our funds. Very disappointing!

Did a group tour of Ireland with these people. We were hauled around to every tourist trap in the country. Most of the people on my trip seemed to be Fox News watching Trumpers. The tour director didn't seem to know much about Irish history. Never visited a single site from the 1798 or 1916 rebellions. Total zero. Much regret it.

Review for England Ireland Scotland tour....Rae Webster was undoubtedly the best tour guide ever! Helpful, knowledgeable and just plain sweet. England, Ireland and Scotland were each beautiful and interesting in their own way. But the amount of bus time was unforgivable. And as for the buses provided by Manning- none had WiFi...in 2023! Really EF tours? And one bus had no working bathroom, which resulted in a very unfortunate and embarrassing incident for a gentleman on board. I have previously travelled with Go Ahead but I am not sure about future trips.

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Discovering Russia: A Guide to Safety and Respect

I magine walking through the historic streets of Moscow, admiring the grandeur of the Red Square, or traversing the vast Siberian landscapes. Russia, with its rich history and diverse culture, beckons travelers from around the world. But, like any other destination, it comes with its own set of challenges. How do you ensure you're both safe and respectful during your Russian adventure?

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• Stay informed about the regions you're visiting and their safety levels.
• Respect local customs and traditions to ensure a harmonious trip.
• Be cautious but don't let fear deter you from exploring this magnificent country.
• Always have a backup plan, especially in unfamiliar territories.
• Engage with locals; they're your best guide to authentic experiences.

Navigating Safety Concerns

According to the Global Peace Index 2021 , Russia ranks 154 out of 163 countries, indicating a somewhat higher level of risk for travelers. This might sound alarming, but it's essential to understand the nuances behind these numbers. While certain regions might pose risks, many parts of Russia are as safe as any other popular tourist destination.

The U.S. Department of State's Level 2 Travel Advisory for Russia emphasizes increased caution due to concerns like terrorism and arbitrary law enforcement. It's always a good idea to stay updated with travel advisories and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Respecting Russian Customs

Chris Grayling, a British politician, once said, "Russia is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, but it is also a place where you need to be aware of your surroundings and always respect local customs and laws." This sentiment is particularly true for first-time visitors. From simple gestures like greeting elders with respect to understanding religious customs, being aware can make your journey smoother.

For instance, when visiting religious sites, dressing modestly is a sign of respect. In Russia, it's customary for women to cover their heads when entering orthodox churches. Similarly, always wait for an invitation before entering someone's home and remember to remove your shoes.

Engaging with Locals: The Key to Authentic Experiences

One of the best ways to truly understand a country is by interacting with its people. Russians are known for their warmth and hospitality. While language might be a barrier in some parts, a smile is universally understood. Don't hesitate to engage in conversations, ask for directions, or simply share a meal. These interactions often lead to the most memorable travel experiences.

Understanding the Russian Soul

When you step into Russia, you're not just entering a country; you're delving into a rich tapestry of history, culture, and emotion. The Russian soul, or "Russkaya Dusha" as locals call it, is a unique blend of deep sentiment, resilience, and a touch of melancholy. It's this soul that has given the world literary giants like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, and it's this same spirit that you'll encounter in the streets of Russia, from the bustling avenues of Moscow to the serene landscapes of Siberia.

The Importance of Family and Tradition

Family is paramount in Russian culture. Don't be surprised if a newfound Russian friend invites you over for a family dinner. These gatherings are often filled with laughter, stories, and a lot of food. Traditional dishes like Borscht, Pelmeni, and Blini are not just meals; they're a celebration of Russian heritage. If you're lucky enough to be invited to a Russian home, remember to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. It's a customary gesture and is sure to earn you extra brownie points!

Language: The Bridge to Hearts

While many Russians, especially the younger generation, speak English, making an effort to learn a few basic Russian phrases can go a long way. Simple words like "Spasibo" (Thank you), "Privet" (Hello), and "Da" (Yes) can make your interactions smoother. Plus, Russians appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to speak their language. It's seen as a sign of respect and can lead to more meaningful connections.

Deborah Green's Insider Tips

Deborah Green shares, "While major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg are quite cosmopolitan, venturing into the countryside offers a glimpse into the real Russia. But remember, always inform someone about your whereabouts, especially if you're exploring offbeat paths."

She adds, "Public transport is efficient, but having a translation app can be a lifesaver. And yes , always carry a copy of your passport and visa. It's common for officials to check them."

Russia, with its vast landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, offers an unparalleled travel experience. While it's essential to be cautious and informed, it's equally important to embrace the journey with an open heart. After all, every trip is about making memories, learning, and growing.

Is it safe to travel alone in Russia?

Yes, many solo travelers explore Russia without any issues. However, always stay informed, avoid risky areas, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure.

Can I use credit cards everywhere in Russia?

While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, it's advisable to carry some cash when traveling to remote areas.

Are there any specific customs I should be aware of when dining in Russia?

Yes, it's polite to finish all the food on your plate as it's a sign of appreciation for the meal. Also, when toasting, it's customary to look into the eyes of the person you're toasting with.

How should I dress in Russia?

While cities are quite liberal, it's always a good idea to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. In winters, ensure you're adequately layered as temperatures can drop significantly.

Is it okay to photograph everything in Russia?

While capturing memories is essential, always ask for permission when photographing people. Avoid taking pictures of military installations or other sensitive areas.

Global Peace Index 2021

U.S. Department of State - Russia Travel Advisory

Russia Beyond - Understanding Russian Customs

Taylor Swift's worn hundreds of custom Louboutins on the Eras Tour — luxury cobblers say she's got Gen Z hooked on red bottoms

• Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour features custom Christian Louboutin shoes adorned with strass crystals.
• Luxury cobblers say the shoes are well-built and are a status symbol.
• The cobblers also say Louboutin shoes are getting more popular — and Swift may have played a part in that.

For the past year, pop megastar Taylor Swift has been prancing around her glitzy "Eras" tour stage in pairs of red bottoms adorned with crystals.

Designer Christian Louboutin recently told Vogue that he designed 250 pairs of custom shoes for the pop star and her dancers — including 60 new ones for the recent European leg of her tour.

Styles in Swift's collection include the knee-high Eleonora Botta and the Cate Boot, per Louboutin's website . Many of the styles are dripping in hand-applied strass crystals.

"The way strass crystals catch the light is super impactful onstage. After all, this is the biggest tour in the world — the girl needs to shine!" Louboutin told Vogue.

Louboutin also told Vogue that he tried to design Swift's shoes to be comfortable and performance-ready.

Pasquale Fabrizio, designer and owner of Pasquale Shoe Repair in Los Angeles, told Business Insider that the heeled versions of the showpiece shoes aren't necessarily built for dancing, but the iconic red bottoms carry a sought-after reputation. Many performers wear the shoes onstage, he said.

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"The pinnacle of footwear is Louboutin," Fabrizio told BI.

Dean Rago of the Rago Brothers, a Louboutin repair shop in Morristown, New Jersey, told BI he could not imagine himself wearing those heels at Swift's height (the songstress is nearly 6 feet tall). Still, he said some customers find the shoe more comfortable than those from other designers.

"Some people will say that if they're gonna go that high, they want a Louboutin because they can bear it," Rago said.

Fabrizio, whose shop has done repair work for celebrities like Oprah and Meryl Streep , said there are ways to help reinforce the shoes — but emphasized that the shoes were never built for "parachute jumping."

For example, he said a metal brace can be added inside the heels of shoes to help prevent splitting or opening up. This can happen, as evidenced by Swift herself, when one of her heels broke in Brazil .

Rago said customers also protect the shoe's bottom with a thin piece of red rubber that his shop installs to prevent scuffing.

Vogue reported that Swift began working with Louboutin in 2018 when the designer first lent his designs to her "Reputation" tour.

Years later, she's still showing loyalty to the brand.

Rago said the shoe is long-lasting and repairs easily — a worthy investment for Swifties inspired to follow in Swift's footsteps and purchase a pair of their own.

Both Fabrizio and Rago say they've seen more and more people coming into their shops over the past few years to have their Louboutin shoes repaired — and Swift may play a role in this trend.

Fabrizio, who said Swift once entered his shop nearly a decade ago, found her loyalty to the brand admirable.

"She's a big influencer in the brand and product," Fabrizio said. "Just endorsing it and wearing it allows the younger generation of girls to go after that look. She exemplifies fashion."

Representatives for Louboutin and Swift did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Watch: How Adidas, Asics, and other shoemakers deal with waste

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Kyiv launches major attack on Crimea naval base using Western weapons

The early-morning attack in Crimea was carried out with weapons from Kyiv's allies - which were "extremely effective", a Ukrainian military source said. Meanwhile, the Russian foreign minister has said he hopes nuclear drills will "knock sense" into the West after jets were pledged.

Thursday 30 May 2024 17:20, UK

• Ukraine launches major attack against Russian base in Crimea  
• Moscow hopes nuclear drills will 'knock sense' into West over fighter jet plans
• Italy says no to Ukraine using Western weapons to strike Russia
• Putin names ex-bodyguard for senior role - fuelling succession rumours
• Siobhan Robbins eyewitness:  NATO's biggest drill since the Cold War is a warning for Putin to stay away
• The big picture : What you need to know about the war right now

Fierce fighting is intensifying near the eastern city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine's general staff has reported.

"The number of engagements in the Pokrovsk sector remains the highest," it said in its afternoon update. 

The area, just northwest of the city of Donetsk, has had an increase in Russian activity in recent weeks. 

"The enemy has already made 18 offensive attempts there [today]," it reported. 

Five combat engagements have started in the vicinity of Novooleksandrivka, it added, noting a village about 30km east of Pokrovsk.

"Our troops also continue to repel the aggressor," the general staff said. 

Building our last post - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is set to ask allies to pledge some €40bn in military aid to Ukraine each year, a source inside the alliance has told the Reuters news agency. 

The funding would sustain at least the current levels of military support allies have been sending. 

"We need to sustain that current level of support as a minimum to provide the predictability Ukraine needs, for as long as necessary," the NATO source said, adding that allies had provided some €40bn per year since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

No such deal has been publicly announced as of yet, but foreign minsters from allies are in Prague for talks currently. 

NATO's secretary general Jens Stoltenberg says Ukraine can win its war against Russia, but only if allies give "continued robust support".

Speaking ahead of a meeting with foreign ministers in Prague, Mr Stoltenberg adds "the time has come" for NATO countries to "consider some of the restrictions on weapons" sent to Ukraine.

The secretary general has also called for the West to lift restrictions on Western weapons being used against targets in Russia throughout the week.

Last month, he suggested allies should commit to providing Kyiv €100bn (£85bn) over the next five years.

France and Germany said yesterday they support Ukraine striking military targets inside Russia, but Italy's foreign minister ruled it out earlier today (see 8.50am post).

Some Western allies have refused to let Ukraine use munitions it has supplied in Russian territory over fears it would escalate the conflict.

Lord Cameron said at the start of the month that  Kyiv could use British weapons  against targets in Russia - which the Kremlin called a "direct escalation".

This morning, Russia said it hopes nuclear deterrence would "knock some sense" into the West after Belgium promised to send 30 F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv over the next four years (see 7am post).

Robert Woodland, a US citizen who was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking in Russia, has appeared in a Moscow courtroom today.

Standing behind glass nearly five months after his arrest and with a shaved head, Mr Woodland was in court for a hearing.

Mr Woodland was detained in January, though it is unclear why he was in Russia at the time.

Russian media reports at the start of the year said his name matched that of a man who was interviewed by the daily newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda in 2020.

The man said in the interview that he was born in the Perm region in the Ural Mountains in 1991, and came to Russia to find his mother.

Russia has accused the US, NATO and others of escalating tensions with Ukraine and stoking a "senseless war".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today the West has "in recent days and weeks embarked on a new round of escalation".

He added: "They are doing this deliberately. We hear a lot of bellicose statements… They are encouraging Ukraine in every possible way to continue this senseless war.

"This will all, of course, inevitably have consequences and will ultimately be very damaging to the interests of those countries that have taken the path of escalation."

Meanwhile, foreign ministers from NATO countries are set to meet in Prague today amid pressure to allow Ukraine to strike targets inside of Russia (see 12.10pm post). 

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, NATO countries have since provided military aid worth millions to Kyiv but with strict conditions on its use.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday it is "unfair" that Ukraine cannot strike inside Russia despite receiving long-range missiles from the West.

Russian missiles have struck the village of Mala Danylivka today, leaving many buildings in ruins.

The town, just on the outskirts of Kharkiv, was hit as part of Russia's northeastern offensive, which it launched this month.

Foreign ministers from NATO countries are set to meet in Prague later today - as calls to let Ukraine use supplied weapons in Russian territory grow.

Officials will meet for two days ahead of a NATO summit in July, where a new support package for Ukraine is expected to be announced.

Kyiv has been pressing Western supporters, particularly the US, to let it use long-range missiles to hit targets inside of Russia.

France and Germany said yesterday they support Ukraine striking military targets inside Russia, but Italy's foreign minister ruled it out.

In an interview earlier today, Antonio Tajani said "all the weapons leaving from Italy should be used within Ukraine" (see 8.50am post).

Ukraine launched a major attack against a Russian naval base in occupied Crimea early this morning.

At 1am today, the Ukrainian armed forces struck targets near the Kerch Bridge with precision guided missiles.

A Russian Mangust patrol boat was destroyed in the attack, a Ukrainian military source has told Sky News.

The source also confirmed that Western supplied weapons were used, adding they "proved extremely effective against this Russian military target despite high concentrations of Russian Air Defence Systems".

Nikolai Lukashenko, Crimea's Russian-installed transportation chief, claimed on Telegram that Ukraine's overnight attack damaged two transport ferries.

The Kerch Bridge, linking Russia and Crimea over the Kerch Strait, is regularly used by Moscow as a logistics hub to resupply its forces. It was built in 2018 after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea four years earlier.

Ukraine has launched frequent attacks on the crossing since the war began: in July last year, Kyiv attacked it with two suicide sea drones, damaging a span of the road bridge. 

The explosions  killed two civilians and injured one . Ukraine later formally admitted to launching the attack.

Our military analyst Sean Bell answered a reader's question on why Ukraine can't destroy the bridge earlier this month - click here to read more .

Ukraine's commander-in-chief says that although Russian forces are gathering near Kharkiv Oblast, they are "insufficient" to "break through" Kyiv's defences.

Oleksandr Syrskyi notes on Telegram that Russia is continuing to send additional regiments and brigades to bulk up its forces on two main lines of attack in the north of the Kharkiv region.

However, he says: "These forces are currently insufficient for a large-scale offensive and breakthrough of our defence."

He adds Ukraine is strengthening its defensive lines and has already repelled an attack near Starytsia today.

For context : The northeastern region of Kharkiv became a battlefield focus in the middle of this month when Moscow's forces launched a surprise incursion over the border after weeks of speculation.

It opened a second front, alongside the existing eastern front, and Russia has been building forces around the Kharkiv region throughout May, stretching Ukrainian defences with the aim of capturing the cities of Vovchansk and Lyptsi. 

Russia should consider a "demonstrative" nuclear blast to stop the West allowing Ukraine to use weapons inside its territory, a Putin-backed thinktank has suggested.

The suggestion came from Dmitry Suslov,a senior member of the Moscow-based Council for Foreign and Defence Policy, yesterday.

Writing in business magazine Profil, he said: "To confirm the seriousness of Russia's intentions and to convince our opponents of Moscow's readiness to escalate, it is worth considering a demonstrative nuclear explosion.

"The political and psychological effect of a nuclear mushroom cloud, which will be shown live on all TV channels around the world, will hopefully remind Western politicians of the one thing that has prevented wars between the great powers since 1945 and that they have now largely lost - fear of nuclear war."

Vladimir Putin has previously praised the Council for Foreign and Defence Policy and has taken part in policy discussions run by the thinktank. 

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