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

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

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

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

Ready to dive in?

Booking Travel Online in 2024

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

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

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

What Does a Travel Agent Do?

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

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

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

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

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

So, do people still use travel agents?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel agents vs tour operators

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

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

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

Specialty travel agents

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

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

Business travel

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

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

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

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

Eco-tourism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking / round-the-world

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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

Alternative Trip Planning Tools & Services

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

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

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

Here are three alternative options for planning a trip:

1. The DIY option 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Planning apps 

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

Examples include:

• Vacay Chatbot
• Roadtrippers

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

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

3. Find a dedicated community

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

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

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

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

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

These resources include Whop’s travel communities !

Plan Your Travels With Whop

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

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

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

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

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

Explore the Whop marketplace and find your inspiration.

Rob Truslove

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Sky Bird Travel Blog

Travel Agent Resource

Tag: travel agent

5 ways to build rapport with your clients.

Customer satisfaction is something that keeps every business afloat. The same applies to travel businesses. It’s crucial that travel agencies figure out how to attract new customers in a market that’s becoming more and more competitive. However, it’s just as vital that travel agents understand how to cultivate client loyalty. We at Sky Bird Travel & Tours share how you can build a solid rapport with your clients and provide them with a trip of their lifetime.

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Top 2022 Travel Destination: China for Clients – Part II

Travel agents understand that China is a top vacation destination because of its beauty, culture, and personality. So much so, that it can be overwhelming to plan activities and tours for everyone in the travel party. To combat this, we created a list describing the finest points in China to add to your itinerary. In the first part of our guide, we provided the best stops for clients interested in history, hiking, shopping, and eating. In this last part, we’ll divulge beautiful locations for families, photographers, explorers, artists, and architects!

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Top 2022 Travel Destination: China for Clients – Part I

China’s been flourishing since the 13 th century BC, operating under various dynasties. It’s not only larger than all other Asian countries, but it’s the most populated country in the world. The land’s split up into 33 administrative units consisting of 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 special administrative regions. It’s almost impossible for travel agents to know every landmark, so Sky Bird compiled a list of our agents most beloved locations!

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6 Spots To Celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States

The United States celebrates Thanksgiving annually on the fourth Thursday in November (second Monday in October for Canada). The holiday dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Tribe hosted the first Harvest Festival in Plymoth, Massachusets. The celebration feast included bird, deer, fish, lobster, and dozens of local vegetables. Today, most people eat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. If your client has decided to take a holiday vacation, then here are 6 of the most exciting Thanksgiving festivities and celebrations across the United States that’ll elevate the trip!

Overview of the best destinations to send your client for Thanksgiving in the USA:

• New York, New York
• Orlando, Florida
• Plymouth, Massachusetts
• Frankfurt, Michigan
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Leavenworth, Washington

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Why To Never Let Clients Book Their Own Airfare

Travel consultants are an increasingly popular resource because most travelers don’t have trip planning experience or time to spare. When using a travel agent, clients benefit from receiving a full itinerary, accommodations, and transportation for their vacation without the extra effort on their part. If you’re a travel agent, never let your clients book their own airfare—especially when they’re paying additional costs for your services. If you aren’t already convinced, then read on to discover why travel agents should never let clients book their own airfare!

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Top 2022 Travel Destination: England for Clients – Part II

When customers book through a travel agent, they expect to receive an itinerary specifically tailored to them. This doesn’t have to be an impossible request with the help of Sky Bird Travel & Tours. We narrowed down the best monuments, tours, and activities around England to prevent you from falling into tourist traps! Read on to discover experiences curated specifically for photographers, foodies, film fans, artists, and architects in England!

To read the other half of our guide, check out the previous blog post Top 2022 Travel Destination: England for Clients — Part I .

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Top 2022 Travel Destination: England for Clients – Part I

England is one of Sky Bird’s most frequently booked travel locations, and it’s securing the number one spot on our list of the Top 2022 Travel Destinations . However, there are so many activities to pick from, that travel agents can struggle to select the perfect one for their clients. The country offers beautiful art, historical monuments, unique dining experiences, and much more. To help travel consultants find a unique tour for any client, we created this two-part guide that describes our favorite activities for each type of traveler!

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5 Tricks to Boost Social Media Visibility

Social media, like Facebook and Instagram, is a valuable tool for your travel agency! When used correctly, it can increase your client base , brand awareness , and sales .

However, navigating the online marketplace can leave you feeling tired and frustrated. Some days it might seem like there is no engagement coming in at all.

If you, or your travel business, struggle to promote brand awareness or reach your target audience on social media—then you’re not alone. Here at Sky Bird Travel & Tours, we’re here to help you master the online marketing game with five tricks to boost your profile visibility!

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5 Travel Trends in 2022

2022 is looking brighter for the travel industry. According to the TSA , travel numbers are gradually growing closer to what they were pre-pandemic. Research shows travelers have a positive outlook for travel in 2022; people plan to take more leisure and international trips, despite concern for new variants of COVID-19. We are optimistic for travel in 2022, and hope our list of travel trends help spark the optimism in you.

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Building a Trip on the WINGS Booking Engine

Are you registered with the WINGS Booking Engine ? Registration is free, after all. WINGS gives you the tools to manage your travel business more efficiently, starting with simplifying the process of building a full itinerary with flights, hotels, car rentals, tours, and land activities.

In this blog, we give an overview of building a trip on the WINGS Booking Engine. For a LIVE look at using WINGS, tune into one of our  LIVE webinars that occur the second Thursday of every month at 2 pm EST.

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