tour operator airlines

Tour Operators Revamp Partnerships With Airlines to Drive New Business

Rashaad Jorden , Skift

February 25th, 2022 at 1:00 PM EST

Tour operators need to be attentive to their customers' travel preferences, including favorite airlines. It's possible that many such companies squandered lucrative opportunities for years by not partnering with companies their guests love.

Rashaad Jorden

Numerous tour operators are successfully using strategic partnerships with entities such as cooking schools and healthcare companies to drive business since resuming their Covid-paused trips.

But operators also believe they’ve found new ways to partner with powerful corporations several have worked with for a long time — major airlines. Of course, the relationship between airlines and tour operators is not new, but some tour operators are highlighting issues they view are important to travelers in these new marketing alliances to attract customers for a post-pandemic era.

Those partnerships, which could boost many businesses in the two sectors still struggling to hit pre-Covid metrics, are also likely to increase in years to come as tour operators look to take advantage of many travelers’ loyalty toward certain airlines.

“We saw the value in a commercial airline partnership due to the importance of having our guests arrive well-rested, well-fed and having experienced the best flight of their lives,” said Amanda Wilson, vice president of partnerships at Wilderness Safaris , adding most of her company’s guests travel more than 20 hours to participate in its trips.

Wilderness also needed to find ways to attract travelers during the pandemic, so it sought the assistance in the summer of 2020 of an airline that has received high marks in recent years in the areas of business class and catering , Qatar Airways. The partnership , which includes $350 off business or first class tickets on flights to Qatar Airways’ routes to Africa originating from the U.S., Canada and Brazil, launched in September of the following year.

In addition, for each such ticket sold, Wilderness has committed to planting 40 trees in Rwanda. Wilson said that since the launch of the alliance, Qatar Airways has sold 50 business or first class tickets on its flights to Africa.

“Wilderness and Qatar Airways believed (the relaunch of travel) could be achieved by providing a truly valuable travel incentive that also supported a shared ethos of conservation and making a positive impact,” Wilson said.

But has the partnership with Qatar Airways contributed to an overall surge in bookings for Wilderness? Wilson declined to provide any figures for bookings in 2022 compared to previous years, but said the company was experiencing a surge compared to previous years. She also credited the alliance for increasing its brand awareness with Qatar Airways’ customers.

Meanwhile, the carrier — which launched routes to Zambia and Zimbabwe at the end of 2021 and now flies to all six African destinations where Wilderness owns and operates camps — has flown more than 170,000 passengers to Africa from March 2021 to this month. That figure, a Qatar Airways spokesperson said, is a threefold increase from the previous 12-month period.

Tour operators that are considering whether to enter into partnerships with airlines are taking note of such figures. “I think the biggest benefit of an airline marketing partnership would be the new audience they would introduce to our tours,” said smarTours CEO Christine Petersen. “Airlines have very loyal customers and we would love to be able to tap into that audience.”

When asked what factors her company would consider prior to committing to a partnership with an airline, Petersen emphasized one of them would be how popular the carrier is popular with smarTours travelers. Brand loyalty toward an airline played a significant role in spearheading the Qatar Airways-Wilderness partnership — a Qatar Airways spokesperson said that its top customers’ loyalty was a major reason Wilderness executives initiated discussions about a partnership.

Petersen answered that the other critical factor for any possible partnerships with airlines is whether they already serve smarTours’ most popular destinations. One flag carrier that has benefited from the pent-up demand in its home country is Icelandair. Although its North American Communications Manager Michael Raucheisen declined to state which tour operators the airline has partnered with, he said the company is working with numerous such companies to create itineraries taking travelers to Iceland.

“Since Iceland has been growing in popularity , many tour operators are eager to add (it) to their destinations list,” Raucheisen said, adding that Icelandair’s sales teams take the lead in initiating partnership discussions with North American-based tour operators. “Tour operators are always looking to grow (their) offerings and we determine if Iceland would be a mutually beneficial product to sell.”

How else do airlines benefit from partnering with tour operators? Petersen responded that tour operators would assume much of the heavy lifting in such alliances. “Planning a trip is time consuming and a lot of work,” she said.

“Tour operators take on the logistics of additional transportation, country entry guidelines, visiting sites off-peak for fewer crowds, booking Covid-19 tests for the return flight home, among many other components of an international trip.” 

That’s heavy work, indeed. But Petersen embraces the possibility of having to assume those duties as part of an alliance with an airline, especially considering the revenue it could provide her company.

“There’s a segment of travelers who love tours and a segment who are very loyal to their air carrier of choice,” she said. “Where they intersect could be the sweet spot.”

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Tags: airlines , icelandair , loyalty , marketing , partnerships , qatar airways , tour operators

Photo credit: Wilderness Safaris believe its partnership with Qatar Airways will help herbert2512 / Pixabay

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“We’ve got a good shot”: How Jetlines Vacations will compete with Canada’s top tour operators

Post date: Feb 1 2024

Date: Feb 1 2024

By: Cindy Sosroutomo

TORONTO — Less than three months after initially opening bookings to travel advisors, Jetlines Vacations is now available direct to consumers. 

Launched by Canada Jetlines in November 2023 , Jetlines Vacations offers packages to sun destinations where the airline – which made its debut in September 2022 – currently serves. These include Mexico, Jamaica, Florida and Las Vegas, with additional destinations in the pipeline as the airline sets its sights on rapid expansion. Over the next couple of months, it will be doubling the size of its fleet with the arrival of its fourth, fifth and sixth A220-200 aircraft.

During a media briefing yesterday, Jan. 31, Canada Jetlines’ CCO Charles McKee said the full realization of Jetlines Vacations for both the travel advisory community and consumers is “a very important part of our business.” Though still in its infancy, McKee says there are high hopes for Jetlines Vacations to compete with Canada’s top tour companies.

“There are some wonderful names in travel that offer packages today, but we wanted to offer travellers – particularly the next generation of travellers – an alternative to those established brands,” said McKee. 

“We have an advantage where very few tour operators have in Canada in that we actually have our own airlift. This means we can effectively point our airplanes to wherever we think makes sense. We’re reading the tea leaves and taking signals from our travellers on where they want to vacation next. So we have this ability to actually grow our Jetlines Vacations business in a way that’s really synced up to the airline itself,” he added.

Eventually, McKee hopes to establish Jetlines Vacations as a tour operator that has aircraft as opposed to an airline that has a tour company: “That’s how much promise we see, and we’re full steam ahead.”

TRAVEL AGENTS REMAIN KEY

Although consumers can now book Jetlines Vacations directly through www.jetlines.vacations.com and www.jetlines.com , McKee says the airline remains focused on building relationships with the travel advisor community through several ways. It announced last month that any travel advisor who books a Jetlines Vacation product through Canada Jetlines will receive a $25 gift card of their choosing. Plus, the airline has extended its 10% base commission offer through to the end of May.

But what McKee says is equally as important as monetary incentives is talking freely and openly with the advisor community about logistical issues that often plague airlines.

“Being an emerging, smaller airline, there are understandably questions about, ‘What would you do in the event of a delay or flight disruption?’ We’re really sitting down with agents and having very open discussions with them about these concerns. We’ve built our schedules in such a way that we’ve got a lot of flexibility,” said McKee. 

“It’s not easy being a new player in a well-established sector like the tour business in Canada. But if you come in with a fresh approach, with fresh thinking and with an economic proposition that recognizes the incredible value that travel agents have, then I think we’ve got a good shot,” he added.

Travel advisors can book Jetlines Vacations through SIREV.

Jetlines Vacations currently has access to 18,000 rooms across sought-after sun destinations like Montego Bay and Cancun. It will also be expanding to include hotels in Central Florida, including Orlando. Nevada, said McKee, will be a “fast follower in all of this,” however, the immediate focus in terms of short-term expansion will be Florida. 

As for what kind of hotels Jetlines Vacations offers, there’s a range from three- to five-star properties. The “sweet spot”, however, will be in the four-star segment.

“That seems to give us the greatest lift,” said McKee. “And certainly from an inventory standpoint, the redefinition of the four-star category by many hoteliers over the last 10 years provides an incredible price value equation for travellers.”

THE DESTINATIONS

Expect to see big things from Canada Jetlines this year, including a significant increase in destinations, mainly in the Caribbean and Mexico. And as the airline’s product offering expands, so too will Jetlines Vacations’. 

“We’re in deep discussions right now with airport authorities, national tourist offices and our colleagues at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to secure slots for what will be a fairly major announcement for Jetlines in the coming weeks on what our winter 2024-2025 program will look like,” said McKee.

When asked what Canada Jetlines’ most popular destinations are right now, McKee says it’s established itself well in Cancun, Mexico, despite fierce competition from other airlines.

“We’ve been flying to Cancun without packages for the last year and it continues to go from strength to strength. What we’ve seen on the air-only side of our business into Cancun is now being translated into the package side,” said McKee. 

Montego Bay, which launched in December 2023, is also seeing growth this winter season. Service to Montego Bay will continue throughout the year “so we think it’s going to be an excellent contributor as we mature in that marketplace,” he added.

With Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) being Canada Jetlines’ home airport, all vacation packages – as well as all flights – currently originate in Toronto.

THE DIFFERENTIATORS

So how will Jetlines Vacations differ from the Sunwings, the Air Canada Vacations, the Transats and the WestJet Vacations currently in the marketplace? According to McKee, it comes down to scale.

“Because of our scale, we can truly offer a more personalized level of service in the pre-sale environment, whether it’s with a travel agent or the customer directly. And we pride ourselves on that,” he said. “That is a qualitative difference from perhaps some of the larger, more mass market operators out there today.”

McKee also noted that as the airline grows its fleet, it will have the flexibility and opportunity establish a presence in less-developed markets. 

“You’re going to see some interesting route announcements as we move forward that will be applicable and relevant for our consumers,” he hinted.

And finally, with the Jetlines team heavily focused on the next phase of product development for the tour arm of the business, “we’re out there trying to find and source experiences that could be unique to Jetlines Vacations.” 

Tags: Jetlines, Lead Story

Cindy is Deputy Editor at Travelweek and has worked for the company since 2007. She has travelled to more than 50 countries and counts Kenya, Morocco, Thailand and Turkey among her favourite destinations.

• About TUI Group
• Vision & Values
• Our business
• TUI History

TUI Group is a leading global tourism group and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the FTSE 250, an index of the London Stock Exchange, on the regulated market of the Hanover Stock Exchange and on the Open Market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The TUI Group offers integrated services from a single source for its 19 million customers. The entire tourism value chain is covered under one roof. This includes over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 16 cruise ships, from the MS Europa and the MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in Great Britain. The Group also includes leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms across Europe, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels, cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a digital company.

Global responsibility for sustainable economic, ecological and social action is at the core of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards with projects in 25 countries. It thus supports holiday destinations in their development.

Holiday Experiences

Hotels & Resorts

TUI Group comprises more than 400 hotels worldwide. The resorts of our hotel brands are located in prime locations in the holiday destinations – offering a variety of hotel experiences with high standards of business performance, service quality and environmental management. The Group’s hotel portfolio includes well-known brands such as Riu, Atlantica, TUI Blue and the premium club brand Robinson.

More information.

TUI Group gears operations to the specific desires of different customers. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, with five ships, is the leading provider of expedition and luxury cruises in the German-speaking market. TUI Cruises offers premium voyages. The fleet currently consists of six vessels. Marella Cruises has five liners serving the British market.

TUI MUSEMENT

A leading Tours & Activities business that combines a scalable digital platform with local service delivery in more than 140 countries worldwide. Available in all major holiday and city destinations to travelers around the world, including the 19 mio. annual TUI customers, there are currently more than 160,000 “things to do” - including excursions, activities, tickets and transfers. These are distributed through the Musement and TUI websites and apps, and B2B partners, including the world's leading OTAs, tour operators, cruise lines and travel companies. TUI Musement is one of the major growth areas of TUI Group and in FY23, generated a revenue of EUR 1.2bn delivered by 9,000 colleagues. 

Markets & Airlines

Tour operators

Many strong tour operators with leading positions in their own domestic markets are clustered under the roof of the TUI Group. In Germany they include TUI Deutschland and airtours, in the UK First Choice. TUI operators are also among the leading national brands in Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

There are five airlines in the TUI Group operating around 130 medium- and long-haul aircraft, including the largest fleet of the latest Boeing Dreamliners. The airlines are TUI Airways, TUI fly, TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Netherlands and TUI fly Nordic, serving more than 180 destinations around the world.

• Group Presentation (PDF)

More information

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The world of ancillaries for tour operators: lessons from airlines and beyond

Ancillary revenue can help boost revenue for tour operators, just as it has for airlines, hospitality, otas and other travel companies. but what ancillary strategies work best, ‍ see how one of our early adopters, g adventures, utilized ancillary strategies to address their customers' pain points throughout the booking journey.  , the ancillary sales masterclass.

Ancillaries bolster airline revenue, especially in difficult times. Up to the pandemic, global airline ancillary revenue rose yearly. Even with the total revenue drop of 2020 resulting from the pandemic, ancillaries contributed 13.6 percent of global airline revenue in 2020. In November 2021, ancillary sales increased by thirteen percent compared to 2020, reaching $65.8 billion and contributing 14.4 percent to global airline revenue. That was well above the airline ancillary sales in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Airlines’ worst crisis in decades may have slowed bookings, but ancillary revenue held up.

Source: IdeaWorks/CarTrawler

What ancillaries sell best?

A la carte services (ancillary services) became quite popular during and post-pandemic, as travellers like to pick and choose services that reflected their travel preferences. For simplification, we can group ancillaries into two categories: stress reducers and pleasure items.

1) Stress Reducers

- Baggage allowances

- Roomier seating

- Insurance

- Visa applications

- Early boarding

- Frequent Flyer Miles

2) Pleasure Items

- Hotel booking

- Care-hire

- Pre-booked meals

- In-flight entertainment and WiFi

Generally, stress reducers outperform pleasure items in generating ancillary revenue. A recent IdeaWorks, CarTrawler study found that pleasure ancillaries (onboard services and travel retail) contributed 23 percent of revenue for traditional airlines outside the US*. Stress reducers (baggage fees and other services) earn the largest share of ancillary revenue for airlines—a combined 62 percent .

When can ancillary products and services be sold?

Airlines sell ancillaries at various points of the booking flow—in-booking flow, post-booking flow and during flight. More importantly, airlines make purchasing ancillaries easy and simple, reducing the chance of abandonment of the overall purchase.

For example, airlines offer ancillary products and services at other significant touchpoints in the travellers journey:

• In the booking confirmation e-mail
• In the ‘manage booking’ customer profile
• In the travel app or reservation
• In any pre-trip messaging through email
• During the journey
• On the return home

Using valuable traveller attention for purchases of ancillary products, airlines can maximize the per traveller revenue. In fact, according to CarTrawler, in 2021, ancillary revenue per passenger increased by 15.47$ compared to 2012.

Other travel companies have adopted airlines’ best ancillary practices.

When OTAs began to embrace ancillary offers in 2015, the result was a dramatic 85 percent increase in revenue . The critical contribution of ancillaries to travel revenue endures, creating opportunities for innovative start-ups .

“Factors like sustainability, choice of provider, accessibility, ancillaries and connecting itineraries with other types of transport and accommodation are all top of mind for us and for travellers.”— John Mangelaars, Skyscanner CEO .

Let’s look at how one tour operator gets ancillaries right.

One of sherpa’s early adopters, G Adventures, offers travellers friction-reducing solutions as they search for their ideal package, starting with their home page.

• G Adventures’ Travel with Confidence Hub answers questions on any travel and visa requirements.

• G adventures create destination-specific landing pages, showcasing all the top attractions and all the relevant tours offered by the company. G Adventures also utilizes a pre-populated sherpa° Trip embeddable Element to give travellers a deep dive into the travel and visa requirements of the destination. This helps travellers feel prepared and reduces the stress of travelling.

• On tour-specific web pages, package details are easy for travellers to know what to expect to be included in the price of the tour. The booking button also steers travellers towards discounted travel dates.

• G Adventures offers travellers add-on options for activities, extra days and accommodations. Any package extensions are as easy as pressing a button— adding it earlier or later (or both).

How else can tour operators gain from ancillaries?      

There are no limits to the revenue-building potential of an ancillary strategy if you streamline the e-commerce experience for your travellers, as G Adventures has done.

Here are some other questions to consider to get your travel brand soaring on ancillaries:

• What are some of the “pain points” of tour travel? Can you convert solutions into ancillaries?
• What do you give away now that might make a better value-added ancillary product?
• What products or services could you sell as premium or VIP ancillaries?
• How will you seamlessly work ancillary offers into your booking flow?
• Don’t forget to remind customers of ancillaries available before they travel too. As the travel date nears, people are more willing to buy upgrades for comfort and services for peace of mind.      

If you’re interested in adding sherpa° travel and visa requirements as part of your destination and tour pages, fill out this form , and someone from our team will be in touch!

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What is a tour operator and how does it work?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

The tour operator is an integral component of tourism , yet many people are unclear about what a tour operator actually is or what they do.

In this article I will explain what a tour operator is and why tour operators are important. I will also talk about what the difference between a tour operator and a travel agent is, as well as the different types of tour operators.

What is a tour operator?

Definitions of tour operator, importance of tour operators, the difference between a tour operator and a travel agent, what does a tour operator do, products and services sold by tour operators, inbound tour operators, outbound tour operators, domestic tour operators, ground tour operators, the association of independent tour operators, the tour operator: to conclude.

Tour operators are inextricably linked to the package holiday model. The tour operator is the person or organisation who creates the package. A travel agency is then used to sell the package holiday.

In the chain of distribution , the tour operator is represented by the term ‘wholesaler’. This is because the tour operator is responsible for purchasing products of services in bulk and then redistributing them as a packaged product to consumers.

To put it simply, a tour operator is the person or organisation who takes the individual elements of a holiday (e.g. transfer, hotel, transport) and packages these together.

The types of package vary. Most commonly, tour operators are associated with mass tourism and the traditional package holiday market. However, tour operators do also play an important role in the production of niche tourism products and services too.

If you’re looking for a formal definition of a tour operator with a reputable source, you may want to reference Polyther, who in 1993, defined the tour operator as;

‘[an organisation or person] who has the responsibility of putting the tour ingredients together, marketing it, making reservations and handling actual operation’.

Similarly, Holloway (1992) states that;

tour operations undertake a distinct function in the tourism industry, they purchase separate e lements of tourism products/services and combine them into a package tour which they sell directly or indirectly to the tourists .

The Organisation for Economic and Cultural Development (OECD) define a tour operator as follows;

‘Tour operators are businesses that combine two or more travel services (e.g., transport, accommodation, meals, entertainment, sightseeing) and sell them through travel agencies or directly to final consumers as a single product (called a package tour) for a global price. The components of a package tour might be pre-established or can result from an “a la carte” procedure, in which the visitor decides the combination of services he/she wishes to acquire.’

Tour operators are an important part of the tourism industry .

Tour operators make the logistics of organising a holiday much easier for the consumer. This makes people more likely to travel, more often.

Tour operators have a lot of power. If they choose to sell holidays in a particular location, for example, then that location will receive many of the associated positive and negative economic impacts of tourism .

Tour operators are often vertically or horizontally integrated with other organisations, such as travel agents and airlines. This allows for easier management and distribution of products.

Tour operators typically build holidays en masse. This means that economies of scale play a key role in driving down prices- the more you produce the cheaper the product becomes! This is obviously beneficial to the consumer and helps travel agents to have a competitive advantage when selling holidays.

Many people are not aware that a travel agent and a tour operator are actually two totally different organisations and they are not aware of the difference between a tour operator and a travel agent.

In fact, it is quite easy to understand this difference!

A tour operator is the organisation which puts the different elements of a holiday together. And the travel agent is the organisation who sells it to the consumer.

Whilst this differentiation is pretty easy to comprehend, it is easy to understand why people get tour operators and travel agents confused. This is largely because many organisations will operate under the same company. For example, TUI has a tour operator and a travel agent (and an airline too). As a result, many people do not realise that in actual fact, there are two separate organisations doing two separate jobs.

Ultimately, a tour operator is responsible for putting the different elements of a holiday together into a commodified package.

To do this, there are a number of different roles and responsibilities that tour operator staff will have. This includes:

• Data analysis- which destinations will sell best, how many holidays should they sell etc
• Assessing suitability of accommodation, transfer and transport options
• Liaising with stakeholders e.g. coach operators, airlines, hoteliers and resort representatives
• Negotiating contracts
• Confirming reservations with airlines/hotels
• Managing and responding to customer feedback
• Undertaking market research
• Production of marketing material
• Providing pricing information
• Handling bookings, invoicing and issuing of tickets
• Working with travel consultants from different travel agencies to put holiday packages together

Tour operators have a number of products and services that they sell, depending on their specific business model, business intentions and target market. A tour operator will typically package together two of more elements to form a packaged product, which is then sold at an inclusive price.

Examples include:

• Package holidays
• Accommodation
• Information on destinations
• Representative service in resorts

Types of tour operator

Tour operators come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large, multinational organisations and other are small, independent business.

Different types of tour operators develop products for different types of tourism . This can include the mass market, niche tourism market, special interest tourism, the luxury market, tailor-made products and dynamic packages .

There are four different types of tour operators, which I will explain below.

• Inbound Tour Operators
• Outbound Tour Operators
• Domestic Tour Operators
• Ground Operators

An inbound tour operator is one who facilitates inbound tourism .

The aim of an inbound tour operator is to bring tourists in to a particular country or countries.

Inbound tour operators will often collaborate with local travel agencies and transport operators to facilitate travel arrangements for their customers.

Inbound tour operator example: A group of German tourists conduct a tour of China, encompassing a visit to Shanghai , Hangzhou and the Yellow Mountains . The tour operator who organises their travel is Chinese-based company China Highlights . This company is based locally in China and they offer local, Chinese tours.

An outbound tour operator is one who facilitates outbound tourism .

The aim of an outbound tour operator is to send tourists out of a particular country or countries.

Outbound tour operators will often collaborate with foreign travel agencies and transport operators to facilitate travel arrangements for their customers.

Outbound tour operator example : A family of four from Liverpool, UK want to book an all-inclusive summer sun holiday in Alicante. They book through TUI , the largest tour operator in Britain, who specialises in outbound travel. They are based in the UK, but they work with foreign partners to facilitate holidays overseas.

A domestic tour operator is one who facilitates domestic tourism .

The aim of a domestic tour operator is to organise travel within a particular country or countries.

Domestic tour operators will often collaborate with domestic travel agencies and transport operators to facilitate travel arrangements for their customers. Domestic tour operators will often also serve the inbound tourism market.

Domestic tour operator example : A group of twenty-something boys from Chicago want to travel to Florida for the spring break holiday. They want to do a tour of the local attractions in the area and have some time to relax on the beach . They organise their travel through the tour company, Trek America . Staff at this company are experts in domestic travel within the USA.

A ground tour operator is an organisation who dopes the ground work as grass roots level.

Many tour operators do not have connections in all places around the world, therefore they build a network of connections to help them run their business.

Essentially, some of the work is passed on to a third party, known as a ground operator. This work may include negotiating local contracts, liaising with local suppliers and providing market data, amongst other things.

This is especially common for small tour operators.

You may also hear ground tour operators referred to as handling operators or handling agents.

Ground tour operator example : A backpacker wants to ‘give something back’ and book a volunteer tourism holiday in Kerala. She wanted to use a known and trusted tour operator to book her trip so she booked it with Intrepid Travel . Intrepid Travel create and sell adventure holidays all over the world, and it is impossible for them to have contacts and every staff in every corner of the globe. Therefore they work with local ground operators, who do the work on the ground. In this instance, the ground organisation is Iris Travel – a tour operator based in Kerela, India.

The Association of Independent Tour Operators , abbreviated as AITO, is a travel industry trade group (like  ABTA  or ATOL) based in Britain. They launched in 1976.

The AITO represents around 120 independent  tour operators  across 200 countries.

These tour operators provide access to a huge range of activities including city breaks, safaris, luxury holidays and much more. The AITO is based in Twickenham, south-west London.

The AITO does a variety of things. Most importantly, you can be reassured that your holiday is well-protected thanks to the Association of Independent Tour Operators.

They assess every member financially as well as by their own business practice code before granting membership; this means that you are guaranteed clear and accurate descriptions of holidays as well as tour standards that are consistently monitored.

Tour operators are an important part of the tourism industry, and with AITO, you have added security when booking your travels through a tour operator. Hopefully after reading this article you are now confident with what a tour operator is, how these organisations work and the different types of tour operators operating the market.

If you liked this article, why not take a look at these too?

• Types of travel agents | Understanding tourism
• What is e-tourism and how is it changing travel?
• 10 jobs in travel and tourism that will be BIG in 2022 and beyond
• What does the World Travel and Tourism Council do?

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Understanding the difference between tour operator and travel agencies: a comprehensive guide.

• October 15, 2023
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The travel industry is a huge and complex network of companies that each play a unique role in meeting the constantly changing requirements of tourists. Travel agencies and tour operators are two major participants in this market. Despite their frequent interchangeability, they have distinct roles, duties, and effects on your trip. In order to help you make wise choices the next time you embark on a journey, this book seeks to make those distinctions clear.

Overview of the Travel Sector Environment

Prior to getting too technical, it’s important to comprehend the overall travel business scenario. It includes travel agencies, hotels, rental car agencies, tour operators, and airlines, among others. Everybody has a specialty and works together to provide passengers with a smooth experience. Although they serve different purposes, tour operators and travel companies in particular serve as a middleman between the tourist and other service providers.

What is a Tour Operator?

A tour operator is a business or a person who designs and plans package vacations. These packages often include a variety of travel-related services, such as lodging, transportation, sightseeing, and occasionally meals, into a single item. These packages are created by tour operators using their knowledge, research, and connections to other service providers.

Key Functions of a Tour Operator

1. package creation.

They create distinctive travel packages for a variety of passenger types, including families, couples, and adventure seekers.

2. Coordination with Service Providers

To deliver a seamless travel experience, tour operators communicate with lodging establishments, transportation providers, and local guides.

3. Bulk Booking

They frequently reserve services in large quantities to get lower costs that they can then pass along to the client.

4. Quality Control

Monitoring lodging, transit, and other services on a regular basis to ensure that they meet quality standards.

What is a Travel Agency?

A company that represents passengers as an agent is known as a travel agency. They handle and market travel-related goods and services, ranging from hotel reservations and airline tickets to whole vacation packages (which are occasionally obtained through tour operators).

Key Functions of a Travel Agency

1. booking services.

They assist clients in making reservations for buses, trains, airplanes, and other forms of transportation.

2. Accommodation

Travel agencies have the ability to reserve hotels, resorts, or other types of lodging for their clients.

3. Itinerary Planning

While not as comprehensive as tour packages, they can assist in organizing an itinerary according to the requirements of a visitor.

4. Providing Insurance and Other Services

A lot of organizations provide currency exchange, travel insurance, help with visas, and other services.

Key Distinctions Between Travel Agencies and Tour Operators

1. the type of service.

Travel agencies mostly offer individual services or serve as sales representatives for travel items, whereas tour operators concentrate on the entire experience by designing multi-day vacation packages.

Tour operators engage directly with service providers like hotels and airlines, operating on a greater scale. Conversely, travel agencies may have closer relationships with certain clients.

Tour operators may provide better packages because of their direct relationships and large booking volume. Although they could provide more alternatives, travel agencies might not have the same pricing advantage for packages.

4. Expertise

Tour operators may create more personalized packages since they frequently have extensive understanding of particular trip locations or itineraries. While their expertise may be more general, travel companies may not have a focus on a particular area.

Which One Is Better to Select?

Your choice between a travel agency and a tour operator primarily comes down to the type of trip you’re looking for.

• In Search of Tailored, Stress-Free Experiences: A tour operator that specializes in these areas could be a better option if you’re searching for a more specialized experience, like a safari in Africa or hiking in the Himalayas.
• For freedom and Variety: A travel agency can provide you the necessary freedom if you would rather plan your own itinerary and choose specific components such as hotels, airlines, and excursions.

The Development of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators

In the past, there was a clearer distinction between the functions of travel agents and tour operators. Travel agencies served as middlemen in the early stages of contemporary tourism, mainly handling bookings and ticket sales. On the other hand, tour operators arose alongside the popularity of package vacations, particularly following World War II when leisure travel took off.

However, both groups have had to adjust because to changes in passenger behavior and technology improvements. Their operations have been changed with the introduction of internet booking platforms and direct-to-consumer marketing tactics. These days, a lot of travel companies sell package packages, and tour operators offer individual services, so the roles they play are pretty much interchangeable. However, there is still a fundamental distinction between their respective roles.

The Industry’s Reaction to Digital

Travelers have access to more resources than ever before in the digital era. Travel packages, lodging, and even flights may be booked instantly using websites, applications, and online platforms. The transition to digitalization has affected travel agents as well as tour operators.

These days, tour operators may reach out to customers directly through their websites, blogs, and social media accounts. Through user feedback, virtual tours, and video material, they may highlight immersive experiences. However, through internet portals where clients can compare costs, read reviews, and personalize their vacation plans, travel companies have increased the range of services they provide.

Ecological and Conscientious Travel

The emphasis on sustainability and responsible travel is one new trend in the travel business. In order to promote and engage in sustainable tourism, both tour operators and travel agents are involved.

It is possible for tour operators to design packages that emphasize ecotourism, help out local populations, and make sure tourism doesn’t negatively impact the ecology or customs of the area. They can collaborate with eco-friendly lodging establishments, advertise low-impact events, and instruct tourists on ethical behavior.

In addition to offering bookings and information, travel firms may help guests make sustainable decisions. They may give suggestions for environmentally friendly lodging, cultural sensitivity advice, and even flying carbon offset alternatives.

The Future of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators

The importance of the human touch endures, even as consumer behavior and technology continue to transform the travel business. Personalized services, professional guidance, and a sincere concern for tourists’ experiences are things that technology and direct reservations cannot provide.

Travel agents will persist in creating distinctive, niche experiences, providing tourists with immersive expeditions tailored to particular passions. Conversely, it is probable that travel companies will adopt a more consultative role, functioning as consultants who offer suggestions grounded in their own experiences and areas of expertise.

Tour operators and travel agencies play a vital role in providing everyone with hassle-free, engaging, and unforgettable travel experiences, regardless of how the travel industry changes.

Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish between tour operators and travel agencies, especially since so many companies provide a combination of the two services. Nonetheless, being aware of their main distinctions and advantages can help you select the best traveling companion. Knowing each company’s responsibilities will make the trip go more smoothly and pleasurable, whether it’s through the flexible services of a travel agency or the all-inclusive care of a tour operator. Travel safely!

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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The Top 10 Tour Operators in 2019

A great tour operator can turn a good vacation into an extraordinary one. Our readers’ favorites this year are experts in their fields, whether they’re arranging the perfect family safari in Zambia, a cycling tour in France, or cultural immersion in Japan. These companies were valued for their tailored itineraries and access to normally off-limits experiences, but their greatest value might be their ability to save travelers time — they’ll iron out the logistics that could take non-pros countless hours. To some, that’s a priceless benefit.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey , T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated tour operators on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

Japan has long been a popular destination with readers, and last year, our editors selected it as Destination of the Year. InsideJapan Tours (No. 8) taps into parts of the country that are not as well known, and it provides super organized, step-by-step itineraries for both first-time visitors and those who return every year. “They provided a booklet for us to self-guide for ten days after a tour of Honshu Island. We haven’t stopped raving about the service of their office, and have spread the word to many,” wrote one reader. Another remarked that “InsideJapan made sure every step of my journey was amazing.”

Related : The World's Best Awards 2019

“Wild Frontiers designed a trip that matched exactly what we were looking for,” wrote one reader, describing this year’s No. 3 tour operator. Specializing in adventure travel, Wild Frontiers creates custom-made trips to far-flung destinations from Uzbekistan and Tibet to Greenland and Antarctica. And they are just as skilled planning a multigenerational family trip as they are an intimate honeymoon.

Below, find the full list and the reveal of this year’s No. 1.

10. Thomson Family Adventures

Score: 96.65

More information: familyadventures.com

9. TCS World Travel

Score: 96.77

More information: tcsworldtravel.com

8. InsideJapan Tours

Score: 96.98

More information: insidejapantours.com

7. MT Sobek

Score: 97.01

More information: mtsobek.com

6. Jacada Travel

Score: 97.02

More information: jacadatravel.com

5. Terra Incognita Ecotours

Score: 97.18

More information: ecotours.com

4. Scott Dunn

Score: 97.38

More information: scottdunn.com

3. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel

Score: 97.65

More information: wildfrontierstravel.com

2. Gray & Co. – Private Active Journeys

Score: 97.89

More information: grayandco.ca

1. Classic Journeys

Score: 98.23

More information: classicjourneys.com

“Excellent variety of trips and top-notch tour guides” is how one reader characterized this year’s winning tour operator. Among some of its globe-spanning expeditions is a cultural tour through Cuba that hits Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and Havana – while meeting artists, horticulturalists, farmers, a Santeria priest, and cooks along the way. And there is a sporty journey through Puget Sound’s San Juan Islands for Kayaking (while getting up close to passing Orcas), hikes through rain forests, and soaks in natural hot springs. One reader summed it up by declaring Classic Journeys “could not have been better.”

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2019 .

Related Articles

Will your travel insurance cover you in case of vendor bankruptcy?

With airport meltdowns , record numbers of canceled flights and baggage problems multiplying , travelers are facing unprecedented levels of disruptions this summer. Because of this, travel insurance is increasingly becoming an essential part of trip planning for people keen on protecting their vacation investments.

These are not the only reasons why you should consider travel insurance, though. There's a new concern you'll want to be mindful of as you browse travel insurance plans and review the fine print of policies: bankruptcy.

After two travel companies, Scandinavian Airlines and Crystal Cruises , recently announced they were bankrupt, some customers not only found themselves with canceled trip plans, but also with no way to get refunded due to the companies entering bankruptcy protection.

If you find yourself in a similar situation where an airline, cruise company or other travel operator ceases operations, what can you expect when it comes to recouping your investment if you have travel insurance? Will you get your money back, or are there certain bankruptcy scenarios where you may lose your investment?

TPG looked at different situations and coverage options to help you decide which plan is best for you.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Why you may need bankruptcy travel insurance

Like any company, a travel group like an airline, a tour company or a cruise line can go bankrupt. When a company enters bankruptcy protection, customers who have paid for trips are often left with no choice but to join a long line of creditors waiting for reimbursement. Because the amount they're owed is significantly less than other affected parties like banks, they will likely be low on the reimbursement list, meaning it could take a considerable amount of time for them to get their money back.

Even travelers who have credit card travel insurance or a standard travel insurance policy may be out of luck when it comes to having their costs covered, as many credit card companies introduced language in recent years that specifically excludes coverage in the event of vendor bankruptcy or the cessation of operations. For example, the current exclusions for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card include a note that the card does not cover you in the case of "Financial insolvency of the Cardholder's travel agency, tour operator, or travel supplier."

Other cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express , do not have specific exclusions due to vendor bankruptcy but do note that their travel insurance policies will not cover a flight disruption in the event of an industrial action (like a labor strike) that "has commenced or has been announced prior to booking a Covered Trip."

So what will happen if you run into a bankruptcy issue this summer? You'll face a lot of uncertainty, if you don't have a policy that covers bankruptcy.

Anna Chiu, who planned to fly on SAS from California to Germany with her family of six this week, told TPG how nerve-wracking it's been trying to get her money back from the newly bankrupt airline.

"It's been very stressful," Chiu says. "They just canceled our flight two days before departure. Supposedly we are able to get a refund and a reimbursement for the difference in the new flight with a different airline, but we will see what that shakes out to be."

Finding new flights with enough seats grouped together to accommodate a family with small children (as in Chiu's situation) is extremely difficult at a time when everything related to travel is overbooked and expensive, to say the least. For those who are unable to secure replacement flights, the situation has the potential to force them to cancel their entire vacation, resulting in additional losses for prepaid activities and lodging.

This is where travel insurance policies that cover bankruptcy can prove incredibly useful. While you may still lose some money due to listed exclusions to that policy's bankruptcy coverage, you'll at least recoup some of your investment.

"Typically, the plan will cover financial default of the cruise line, airline or tour company with which you will be traveling; travel agencies are usually not included," InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance marketplace, says on its website.

Related: The best credit cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance

How to know if your travel insurance policy covers bankruptcy

Given the unsettled nature of everything related to travel right now, it's certainly plausible that additional travel vendors will face bankruptcy or financial meltdowns. To be prepared for those situations, you should consider travel insurance policies that specifically cover bankruptcies.

For example, Allianz Global Assistance states that its policies "can help in some cases of businesses ceasing operations due to financial conditions, which may or may not include bankruptcy if it meets certain conditions," according to its website.

Of course, exceptions and conditions may apply, even to policies with this kind of coverage. In the case of Allianz Global Assistance, these eligibility qualifiers are noted on the Allianz website:

• Your policy must have been purchased within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
• The cessation of operations must occur more than seven days after your policy's coverage effective date.
• Your policy was not purchased directly through the tour operator, airline or cruise line ceasing operations, or an affiliate of that entity.
• The tour operator, airline or cruise line was included in the company's list of covered suppliers on your policy's coverage-effective date.

Seven Corners, another travel insurance provider, also offers coverage if there's "financial insolvency or default" with a vendor via its RoundTrip Travel Protection policy. However, the company notes that benefits will be paid "only if no alternate transportation is available," according to the Seven Corners website. "If alternate transportation is available, benefits will be limited to the change fee charged to allow you to transfer to another airline in order to get to your intended destination."

For other companies' travel insurance policies, you may find that you're "covered by the Financial Default benefit if your airline, or other travel supplier, completely suspends operations for financial circumstances," according to Squaremouth, an online insurance marketplace. "The Financial Default benefit is included within some travel insurance policies to reimburse your prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses if your travel supplier suspends services due to financial circumstances, whether or not bankruptcy is filed," the company says on its website.

The key to knowing whether the plan you're considering covers bankruptcies is to read the fine print so you know exactly what the coverage areas, terms and conditions are for that particular policy.

Related: 3 timely tips for finding and using travel insurance this summer

Bottom line

Several big-name travel industry vendors have declared bankruptcy in the past year, including SAS and Crystal Cruises . With the ongoing volatility in the travel industry, the odds are higher than usual that more companies may need to cease operations due to financial or operational problems. If such shutdowns happen, customers will face significant travel disruptions, at the very least.

Purchasing travel insurance policies with specific clauses covering vendor bankruptcies is a good way to protect yourself against the risk of losing money, but not all plans are created equal. Before deciding on a policy, be sure to read the fine print and connect directly with a travel insurance company agent to answer specific questions you may have.

While it may require a little more effort on your part to ensure you're protected, the added peace of mind you'll have will go a long way in helping you enjoy your vacation — or minimizing headaches, should an unexpected situation like a company going bankrupt arise.

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Vote for your favorite adventure tour operator!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

These 20 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour, they'll have something for you, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to rafting and kayaking. Which adventure tour operator would you most like to book with? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, May 27 at noon ET. The 10 winning tour operators will be announced on Wednesday, June 5. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

These 20 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour,...   Read More

Best Adventure Tour Operator Nominees

Photo courtesy of Todd Mintz

Adventure Canada

Equipped with a fleet of small-scale cruise liners, Adventure Canada has mastered the art of both Arctic and Antarctic excursions. Across Canada, the Northwest Passage voyage highlights the idyllic beauty of Nunavut, while those hoping to spot polar bears in the wild should spring for a Heart of the Arctic expedition, with both featuring highly educated naturalists and archaeologists aboard the ship.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Mayr

Aurora Expeditions

A pioneer of Antarctic travel in the 20th century, Aurora Expeditions has evolved into a force within the industry that offers trips all across the globe. Polar voyages are particularly popular, with options ranging from the shores of Antarctica to the High Arctic, while other cruise routes include Costa Rica, Scotland, and Iceland.

Photo courtesy of Bindlestiff Tours

Bindlestiff Tours

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

Photo courtesy of Kirstie Mullikin

Explorer Chick Adventure Co.

From snorkeling around the Galapagos to gorilla trekking in Uganda, Explorer Chick’s curated tours span five separate continents — and each one is crafted specifically by women, for women. Founded in 2014 by Nicki Bruckmann, this adventure company provides ample opportunity to explore gorgeous landscapes and forge new friendships all across the globe.

Photo courtesy of GomezDavid / E+ Getty Images

Frontiers North Adventures

While northern Canada may not be the most easily accessed region, Frontiers North Adventures is perfectly equipped for making your dream excursion come true. In addition to polar bear safaris and beluga whale watching, the company's Northern Lights and Winter Nights excursion offers an opportunity to catch one of the planet's most stunning natural phenomena in real life.

Photo courtesy of G Adventures, Inc.

G Adventures

Launched in 1990, G Adventures has earned acclaim for their wide array of high-end tours and strong commitment to positive social impact. Whether it's hiking in Iceland or biking in Vietnam, each trip is designed to reflect the company's G for Good philosophy, a concept that seeks to benefit all people and communities visited during a trip.

Photo courtesy of HX & Espen Mills

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has earned widespread acclaim for their lavish cruises, with destinations ranging from the frigid depths of Antarctica to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. For wildlife lovers in particular, the company's Galapagos expeditions shine a spotlight on the rich biodiversity of the archipelago, while a Svalbard voyage is perfect for spotting polar bears in their natural habitat.

Photo courtesy of Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

Toronto-based Intrepid is a treasure trove for small-scale sustainable tours, with more than 100 countries available to visit. With itineraries like lemur-spotting in the rural depths of Madagascar and cultural immersions across the Middle East, this storied adventure company is perfect for accessing some of the most remote corners of the globe.

Photo courtesy of Journeys International

Journeys International

Journeys International builds private and group trips to a variety of worldwide destinations, centering each adventure around the individual's or groups' travel goals. Each party is assigned an adventure specialist who makes personalized choices of locations and activities to include in the experience. All journeys are designed to give every person involved a special and unique trip of a lifetime.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lee Hopkins, Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

New Zealand, French Polynesia, and Greenland are just a few of the dazzling destinations frequented by Lindblad Expeditions, a storied tour operator that's been working in tandem with National Geographic since 2004. While warm weather destinations span from Baja California to the Amazon, the company has earned abundant acclaim for their immersive Antarctic expeditions focusing on native wildlife amidst stunning scenery.

Photo courtesy of KenCanning / E+ Getty Images

Maple Leaf Adventures

The spectacular beauty of Canada is on full display with Maple Leaf Adventures, a small-ship cruise operator that's been in the business since 1986. While the bulk of their itineraries focus on showcasing locations across western Canada, gastronomes can also join in on the fun with a curated Craft Beer Cruise or Wines And Islands excursion across British Columbia.

Photo courtesy of Karin Watkins MT Sobek Photo File

MT Sobek has been a leader in the adventure travel industry for more than half a century. Today, travelers can choose from some 200 journeys around the world. Each one is designed to inspire and exhilarate, with interest categories like multi-adventure, family adventure, wildlife and safari, adventure cruising, hiking and trekking, cultural discovery, and rafting and kayaking.

Photo courtesy of Nantahala Outdoor Center

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Beginning as a small-scale rafting tour company back in 1972, Nantahala Outdoor Center has expanded far beyond just the rivers of North Carolina, operating tours from southern Iceland to the Zambezi River. Though their scope has expanded on an international scale, the company still excels at domestic adventure, showcasing the incredible rafting opportunities across the Southern United States.

Photo courtesy of REI Co-op / REI Adventures

Adventure travelers have long turned to REI to outfit their travels; with REI Adventures, they’ll also find more than 100 fully curated experiences across the United States. These active travel itineraries might involve cycling near Zion National Park, hiking through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, kayaking at Point Reyes, or enjoying a weekend of backpacking close to home.

Photo courtesy of Stubborn Mule Travel

Stubborn Mule Travel

A perfect fit for all ages, Stubborn Mule Travel has curated a wide variety of itineraries designed specifically for traveling families. Destinations span across five continents, and as an added bonus, the company also offers unique itinerary stops based off of the interests of each individual guest.

Photo courtesy of 104kelly // Getty Images

Thomson Safaris

Best known as the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has earned worldwide acclaim for its abundant natural beauty — a quality that Thomson Safaris has been highlighting for more than 40 years. While there’s no going wrong with a classic safari, the company also offers food-focused tours and even plane excursions, each one led by a team of expert local guides.

Photo courtesy of Urban Events Global Team

Urban Events Global

Kevin Knight founded Urban Events Global as a travel company for African American adventure seekers looking to explore with like-minded travelers. The company hosts regular camping weekends, as well as group tours to destinations like Ghana, Dubai, Greece, and Jamaica. They can also plan a custom trip itinerary for you.

Photo courtesy of Ren Fuller // Women High On Adventure

WHOA Travel

WHOA Travel works with women guides and business owners to build unique travel experiences. WHOA group adventures are scheduled all over the world, from Kilimanjaro and Peru to Iceland and Bavaria. 

Photo courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing, and yoga.

Photo courtesy of Beth Peluse / Zephyr Adventures

Zephyr Adventures

Equipped with a roster of trips that span from strenuous mountain hikes to e-biking excursions, Zephyr Adventures offers a diverse range of options for your next getaway. For a glimpse into the beauty of coastal New England, the Acadia National Park Hiking Adventure is a top choice, while those who prefer a more laid-back itinerary can spring for the Czech Republic Breweries and Walking Adventure.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

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

The Experts

Brandon withrow.

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in...   Read More

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at  www.brandonwithrow.com ,  @bwithrow  on Twitter, and  @bgwithrow  on Instagram.

Chez Chesak

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

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

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer...   Read More

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand , which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe. 

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Meg St-Esprit

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh...   Read More

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere — but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as  The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper , and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on  https://megstesprit.com/

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com , the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter  and Instagram .

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Many airlines have 'stopover' programs that let travelers tour a city between connecting flights, and some will even pay for a hotel — here's how to book them

• Many people intentionally book flights with long connections so they can explore the layover city.
• Airlines capitalize on this trend with "stopover" programs, some even offering free hotels and food.
• These stopovers benefit travelers, airlines, and the carrier's home country by boosting tourism.

A special segment of adventurous travelers will purposely book itineraries with long connections in layover cities just to leave the airport and explore for a few hours or days between flights.

Airlines have jumped on this growing trend with built-in "stopover" programs, which can come with free or discounted hotels, excursions, transportation, and food at the layover destination.

It's basically a vacation within a vacation.

Although it sounds too good to be true, stopovers benefit everyone involved. Travelers get more choices and don't have to be confined to an airport, airlines gain customers who may have otherwise chosen a nonstop option on a competitor, and the carrier's home country sees a boost in tourism.

Plus, the cheap or complimentary accommodations typically come at a small cost to airlines, thanks to partnerships with local hotels or tour companies.

Not all stopover programs are structured with an emphasis on tourism, though, as some were created simply to offer conveniences during long layovers. Still, they are a way to secure a free hotel and explore an extra city.

Here are 22 global airline stopover programs, each lasting anywhere from hours to months.

Many carriers allow stopovers to be added to a regular cash booking, but some are only available via award tickets . This means the flight was paid for using points/miles or a combination of points/miles and cash.

Air Canada has a stopover option built into its Aeroplan loyalty program. It allows customers booking award flights to add a stop on international journeys and explore practically any city the airline flies to outside the US and Canada.

The add-on costs 5,000 Aeroplan points each way and can only be booked if the stop is at least 24 hours, capping out at 45 days.

Air France/KLM

Air France and Dutch carrier KLM's Flying Blue loyalty program offers a stopover of 24 hours or more in a connecting city on either carrier or their airline partners.

The option is free to add to award tickets, and passengers can stay up to a year in the stopover city.

China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines offers a free one-night hotel stay for transfer passengers with connection times lasting between six and 30 hours, though there are some time and route restrictions.

Breakfast and transportation are included for eligible travelers.

Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines' Panama stopover program allows customers to spend anywhere from 24 hours to seven days in the nation's capital, Panama City, on their outbound or return trip.

The option is free for the first stopover, but a second stopover can cost up to $250 plus taxes. Copa offers discounted hotels and tours that can be booked via its stopover website.

Emirates allows a stopover in Dubai with the option to add discounted tours or hotel bookings to the itinerary via its website.

The UAE carrier also has a " Dubai Connect " program that gives passengers with layovers between 6 and 26 hours, depending on the cabin, a complimentary hotel, transfers, meals, and any needed visa.

Dubai Connect only triggers if the customer takes the next available flight. Essentially, you can't intentionally book a longer layover to quality for the free stopover hotel.

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines' transit program gives customers flying via Addis Ababa a free hotel, transit visa, and transfers during layovers lasting between eight and 24 hours.

The hotel on the airline's website is the Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel, located inside the airport.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways offers a stopover in its Abu Dhabi hub, which comes with an undisclosed discount at select three-star hotels for up to two nights.

Two and four-night stays can be booked at more luxurious four and five-star hotels at a 40% discount. The minimum stay is 24 hours.

Although Etihad's website says it is temporarily unavailable, the airline used to allow eligible travelers to use a so-called Transit Connect Package that provided a free hotel near the airport for layovers lasting 10 to 24 hours. It is unclear when or if the program is returning.

Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways offers a stopover program in Fiji for those traveling to and from Australia, New Zealand, and other South Pacific nations.

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Hotels and activities like ziplining and beach resorts can be booked through the airline as part of the stopover package.

Finnair allows passengers to book 6, 12, or 24-hour layovers in Helsinki at no additional fare charge and outlines itinerary ideas and information on its website , like transportation, free walking tours, and restaurants.

Customers can book a hotel through the airline and earn Finnair Plus points.

Iberia customers can plan a stopover in Madrid to or from an international destination for one to six nights at no extra cost.

Discounts on hotels, excursions, and transfers in the Spanish capital are available through Iberia.

Icelandair offers a stopover option for one to seven days in its capital city of Reykjavik on transatlantic itineraries for no additional charge.

The airline offers itinerary help and assistance in booking excursions and tours. Hotels need to be booked separately.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines considers itself one of the "most stopover -friendly" carriers in the world.

The stopovers, which trigger at 24 hours, are not limited to JAL's hubs in Tokyo but can be enjoyed in places like Osaka and Kyoto using the airline's multi-city booking tool.

Latam Airlines

Latam Airlines offers stopovers for between one and three days on flights that connect in São Paulo, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Recife, Manaus, Curitiba, and Belem. Only international itineraries that connect in São Paulo.

Hotels and amenities can be booked via Latam, but the stopover booking is free.

Oman Air offers customizable stopover packages to give travelers time to explore the country's capital, Muscat, and beyond. An additional fare charge may be applicable, though the airline does not fly to the US.

Packages and a-la-carte options include discounted hotels for up to three nights, as well as organized tours, meals, and transfers.

Australian flag carrier Qantas offers its stopovers in a similar manner to JAL in that multi-city bookings can be manipulated to add extra days between flights in layover cities, like Bangkok, Osaka, or San Francisco.

This comes at no extra cost on eligible Qantas fares and can be used on its Oneworld partner airlines.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways' stopover program allows passengers with a minimum layover of 12 hours and up to 24 hours to choose from a list of deeply discounted four and five-star hotels. Certain flight itineraries allow for up to four nights.

Nightly hotel rates start at $14 per person for 1 night at four-star standard hotels, with premium five-star beach hotels starting at $30 per person for one night.

Royal Jordanian Airlines

Royal Jordanian Airlines' transit program gives economy and business-class travelers with at least eight and six-hour layovers, respectively, a free hotel room, meals, and transit, assuming certain fare conditions are met.

However, the connecting flight must be the earliest possible — meaning, similar to Emirates, passengers can't intentionally book a longer layover to be eligible for the complimentary perks.

Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Air Lines, or SWISS, has a multi-city stopover booking tool on its website that allows passengers to find itineraries with extra days in Switzerland.

The cost of hotels and other perks is on the customer, though.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines' stopover program is available via the multi-city tool, similar to other carriers, where travelers can add hotels, transfers, and activities. The stopover can last one to seven days.

Singapore also offers free transit tours to passengers with layover times between five and a half and 24 hours at Singapore's Changi Airport. It's first-come, first-serve and includes sightseeing around Singapore.

TAP Air Portugal

TAP Air Portugal allows customers to add a stopover in Lisbon or Porto between one and 10 days, offering discounts on hotels, food, and activities.

It also offers 25% off a domestic flight to a second Portuguese destination, like the Azores or Madeira islands, to take during the stopover.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines' stopover program gives economy travelers a one-night free hotel stay and business flyers a two-night free stay if the period between their connecting flights in Istanbul exceeds 20 hours.

Those traveling from the US in economy class can stay up to two nights in a four-star hotel, while those traveling in business can stay up to three nights in a five-star hotel.

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

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Southwest Airlines Is in Trouble

Major U.S. carrier Southwest Airlines is facing a huge shake up after posting poor first-quarter financial results this week.

On Thursday, April 25, the airline announced it would cease operations at four airports and cut 2,000 jobs after it reported a net loss of $231 million—$0.39 loss per diluted share—in the first quarter of 2024, despite record first-quarter revenue of $6.3 billion, up 11 percent from the same period last year. The changes have been put down to financial issues caused by the ongoing problems at aircraft manufacturer Boeing, leading to a hiring freeze and major operational changes.

Despite highlighting some successes during the first quarter of the year , chief executive Bob Jordan admitted the company requires serious changes to push it through the difficult period.

Read more: Compare the Best Credit Cards for Travel

"While it is disappointing to incur a first quarter loss, we exited the quarter with healthy profits and margins in the month of March," Jordan said in a statement on Thursday. "We are focused on controlling what we can control and have already taken swift action to address our financial underperformance and adjust for revised aircraft delivery expectations."

The Boeing Issue

The blame has been largely laid on Boeing , with problems highlighted following a midair door blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight in early January .

Since then, the manufacturer has been placed under intense scrutiny over the safety record of its 737 MAX 9 planes, including an federally mandated grounding of all MAX 9 aircraft for several weeks, delay to the certification of two new models of the plane, and an audit by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which found the plane's production process was plagued with issues . Newsweek has contacted Boeing via email for comment outside of normal working hours.

Boeing's safety record has also directly affected Southwest. Earlier this month, an engine cowling on a Southwest operated Boeing 737-800 fell off during take off from Denver airport. Flight 3695 reported the engine cowling "fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap" an FAA spokesperson previously told Newsweek .

In 2018, an engine on a Boeing 737—not the MAX variety—traveling from New York to Dallas failed in midair. Most of the engine inlet and parts of the cowling broke off, shattering a window and resulting in the death of passenger Jennifer Riordan, who was one of 149 people aboard.

As a result of Boeing's troubles, Southwest, the world's largest operator of the 737, is expecting growth to be thwarted. The company is now only expected to receive 20 new Boeing aircraft this year—down from 46.

"I won't downplay the challenges from the Boeing issues—they're a big deal," Jordan told investors this week, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal .

"Every aircraft brought to market has had its own share of teething issues, and the Max and 777X are no different," Chad D. Cummings, an attorney who has previously worked for American Airlines , told Newsweek . "To be clear, there is no suggestion that Max is inherently unsafe, and this is demonstrated by the number of successful and uneventful flights since the first Max flight in 2016. It is not difficult to imagine that Boeing will continue working behind-the-scenes to resolve these issues and regain the public trust.

"The difficulties that Boeing is experiencing are not unique to a single product line, and there are obviously negative synergies spilling across product lines."

Cummings explained that unless Boeing's problems are rectified, the issue could spread to other airlines, having a knock-on effect on other aircraft manufacturers too.

"Unless and until that course correction can take place, the capacity cuts announced by Southwest will continue to be replicated at other carriers, even those airlines that are not Boeing customers," he said.

"This is because Boeing customers are turning to the only other game in town, Airbus, to backfill and compensate for Boeing's inability to deliver aircraft on time, thereby adding to Airbus' already substantial order backlog."

When asked for comment, a Boeing representative referred Newsweek to chief financial officer Brian West's comments at the Bank of America Industrials Conference on March 20, which do not directly address the recent announcement made by Southwest.

"We put the customers in [a] tight spot, the most important thing we do is communicate with them," he said. "And they have been supportive of everything we're trying to do to enhance safety and quality for the industry. We are in regular, very transparent communications [with Southwest] and they know precisely where we stand and the progress that we're making and we, at the same time, have to understand what their needs are as they think about their flight schedules and their passengers."

Operational Changes

As part of its cost-cutting plans, Southwest announced on Thursday that it would end all services at Bellingham International Airport, Cozumel International Airport, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Capacity reductions will also be implemented in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

The last time Southwest dropped operations at an airport was in 2019, when it ceased all operations out of New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport.

Read more: 7 Ways to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees

Some of the service cancellations are at airports that Southwest only recently began servicing. Southwest has operated flights out of Syracuse and Bellingham since November 2021, but will now end operations from both in August this year.

The airline also announced it is reviewing its one-class, open-seating policies which are uncommon among major airlines. To shore up its financial position, Jordan said in an interview with CNBC that the airline is "looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft," most likely in the form of additional paid for perks.

Employment Changes

In its statement on Thursday, the company said it was "implementing cost control initiatives, including limiting hiring and offering voluntary time off programs," confirming that it expects to "end 2024 with approximately 2,000 fewer employees as compared with the end of 2023."

A spokesperson for Southwest told Newsweek that the employee reduction is being completed through "attrition and other voluntary programs," and that the company is "not laying off or furloughing employees."

Pay has been bumped up for tens of thousands of Southwest's staff recently. Just this week, flight attendants employed by the airline voted in favor of an immediate 22 percent pay raise and 3 percent per year raises until May 2028.

Earlier this year, Southwest agreed an immediate 29 percent salary increase with its 11,000 pilots, ending nearly three years of negotiations between airline management and Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA).

Do you work for Southwest Airlines and have something to say about the changes being made? Email [email protected].

Correction, 4/29/24, 4:15 a.m. ET: An image caption was amended to say Ontario International Airport in California, not Canada.

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory

Bad Bunny pays homage to his roots and longtime fans on ‘Most Wanted Tour’

Bad Bunny’s first stop in Dallas for his “Most Wanted Tour” delivered an immersive, cinematic experience that paid homage to his roots and took fans through some of his career’s highlights.

“Where are the ones who have listened to me since day one?” Bad Bunny said in Spanish during the show.

It began with an orchestra. The anticipation began to build among fans Thursday night at a packed American Airlines Center.

Soon, the notes of “ NADIE SABE ” rang out and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known as Bad Bunny, emerged from the fog on an opposite stage.

After the opening track, in which the artist vulnerably lays out the inner workings of his mind, the track “ MONACO ” boomed from the speakers and put fans into a frenzy.

Inspired by his latest album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (“no one knows what will happen tomorrow”) — which features a drawing of a horse bucking a man in a mask and a denim-on-denim outfit on the cover — hundreds of people donned cowboy hats, boots and denim skirts or jackets. Outside the arena, vendors sold tall stacks of 10-gallon hats, some pink, black, fuzzy or bedazzled, for those who didn’t get the memo.

Track after track, Bad Bunny delivered a fiery performance. But the seasoned Puerto Rican artist also took drawn-out moments to soak in the roaring crowd, solemnly and slowly looking around the arena.

After playing a number of songs from his latest trap-centered album and a quick interlude, Bad Bunny came out on a horse, dressed as the character on his album cover.

Onstage, after performing “ TELEFONO NUEVO ,” he pointed his pinky fingers up and placed them on his cheeks — an all-too-familiar pose for his longtime fans.

It signaled a transition into his roots, to the trap songs that launched him into stardom. “ Tu No Metes Cabra .” “Pa Ti.” “No Te Hagas.” “ Vuelve .”

Fans frantically shouted out the words to his earliest songs. The deep, reverberating bass boomed.

Cielo Vega, 21, planned her outfit around a knitted, brown beanie with floppy bunny ears. Thursday’s concert marked her second time seeing Bad Bunny live, but her first hearing him play trap.

“I started off listening to trap and I will continue to love his trap,” Vega said. “Whether he makes party music, whether he makes just trap, I am a Bad Bunny fan ride or die.”

Originally set for Friday, the show was rescheduled to accommodate the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers playoff game. The singer was seen courtside at the Mavericks game on Sunday.

“What day is it today?” Bad Bunny asked in Spanish. “The concert wasn’t supposed to be today but you’re all here. Thank you for being here, from the bottom of my heart.”

As the end of the show drew closer, a masked pianist joined him. The two evocatively performed stripped down versions of “ un x100to ” and “ Amorfoda .”

Although the tour’s website warned that Bad Bunny would only play trap, the last stretch of the concert featured party-favorite reggaeton tracks. The arena buzzed with excitement up to the last song.

Zulyed Rodriguez, 18, bonded with a recent friend at the concert. The two bought last-minute tickets and were able to connect over their love for Bad Bunny’s music.

Originally from Venezuela, she said the concert “felt like being at home.”

“Seeing so many people of so many nationalities together was incredible,” Rodriguez said in Spanish. “The energy was incredible … it was like a compilation of his best songs.”

Bad Bunny will perform again at the American Airlines Center on Saturday, marking his last date in Texas. He predicted the Mavericks will win Friday’s game.

Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA.

This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, Communities Foundation of Texas, The University of Texas at Dallas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef and The Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access’ journalism.