Fora TravelReviews of foratravel.com

The way FORA agents make money is antithetical to a quality client experience. For my belated 40th birthday trip, they pushed expensive, high-margin cookie-cutter experiences that contradicted my stated preferences, lacked local knowledge, and never provided receipts or itemized cost breakdowns. Their hotel picks were excellent, but the planning and execution elsewhere were deeply disappointing. The good: The Lake Como villa and the Florence hotel they booked were both excellent. However, FORA failed to communicate some key actual distances involved and helpful logistical info like ATM info, and essential insights into the various airports. The bad: Two weeks before my Italian vacation, after I'd already paid FORA tens of thousands of dollars for activities, they sent a link to pay their Italian partner, Arno, a significant five-figure sum. Two weeks after returning, I still had no itemized cost breakdown. They said it was €5,000 ($6,000) for an off-season Tuscan truffle hunt for five people: a 75-minute outing in public woods with one guide, one dog, a host, luxury van transfers by a nice driver there and back, and a 5-person lunch with 3 guests having wine. Though the truffle hunter guide and host were lovely, there had been no actual truffles for two months due to drought (sometimes other guides will hide store-bought ones). When I raised concerns, Fora responded, “EVERYONE ELSE WE SENT ON THE TRUFFLE HUNT LOVED IT.” My agent had also promised an easy stroll and said I didn't need to buy gortex pants, and I spent the outing picking brambles off my silk pants behind our bushwhacking guide. Their lack of practical guidance extended to travel logistics. They offered no warning about flying through Germany on the first day of Oktoberfest, when airport security lines stretched half a mile. When my luggage missed my connection from Munich to Florence, their Arno contact gave me incorrect instructions about retrieving it. I then received a patronizing email from my FORA agent telling me to be more respectful to Arno, despite my having used please and thank you and simply expressed frustration. My friend also almost missed her Frankfurt connection because of similar lines there, but ran and was okay. They also did not give us an insider heads up about how bad the Milan airport is - to not fly out in the afternoon when it's complete chaos - and key info about checking in. They said they would provide a document about tipping and never did. The worst experience was a three-hour, four-mile artisan walking tour in 82°F/28C Florence heat (felt like 90F / 33C because of cobblestones reflecting sun and being in a sea of tourists), costing thousands of euros. I had repeatedly said I wanted a relaxing trip, wasn't interested in crafts, and had a heart condition (I have a replacement valve from a birth injury). Despite the heat wave being forecast well in advance, the tour went ahead. At one point, I was in a poorly ventilated basement breathing paint-remover fumes and struggling not to pass out while the artisans chiseled away. Of the three stops, only one appealed to any of my five friends. We actually never once talked about the artisan tour in a single email - but it was on their itinerary - and I overlooked it. Note: we only had one phone call the entire time after the initial sales call. FORA also provided no nearby lunch recommendations near our activities in Florence, leaving us to once choose a bad tourist trap. The combination of late dinners and early activities left us exhausted except for our final beautiful days on Lake Como. The activities in Como through the Villa's team were great. What would have been nice is a daily WhatsApp message from Fora on the days activities, so we didn't have to dig through emails to find key info, and tips like hidden gem lunch places, ideas for places to check out closeby (like 'hey you have 4 hours free, here are a couple nearby places your energetic friends could explore if of interest'), and local ATM info - as we were a party of 6, and I am a fortunate American who likes to tip service people in cash. I would have much rather paid an upfront fee of lets say 7500 for my trip, for them to customize a trip to me, rather than 30-250%+ markups on activities with no breakdowns. I also believe that what I paid for hotels was 10% more than what I would have if I booked them (costing me 5 figures). They can help arrange restaurant reservations, often through hotels, and book beautiful properties (our Florence hotel was also very nice). But I expected thoughtful, personalized planning, local expertise, transparent pricing, and attention to my stated needs. Instead, I spent precious vacation time dealing with preventable problems and defending myself to my own travel advisor. I would not use them again.

One star only because it doesn’t allow for zero!!! The guide left without our group, the customer support person was rude and did not provide anything but rude excuses. DO NOT recommend.

Karen Tobin was fantastic! Very communicative and found me several great options all within my budget and with incredible perks! I'll definitely be using Fora again.

I engaged Mariana Prince regarding a time-sensitive wellness travel booking after being told she was experienced in this space. I spent significant time providing background information, answering follow-up questions, explaining the circumstances surrounding the resort, and outlining my priorities. I was told the information would be reviewed and that I would receive an update ASAP. Throughout the process, I repeatedly communicated that transparency, collaboration, and being kept informed were important to me. I also asked how the situation would be approached moving forward and whether I would be involved in that process. Those questions were never directly answered. At various points I was told we would need to wait for additional information, then later received a final conclusion without any meaningful explanation of what conversations had occurred, what information had been exchanged, how the conclusion had been reached, or what alternatives should be pursued next. What I found most frustrating was the lack of communication throughout the process. There were no meaningful status updates, no collaboration regarding strategy, no discussion of next steps, and no effort to keep me informed while decisions were being made that directly affected my travel plans. My concern is not the outcome itself. My concern is the lack of transparency, acknowledgment, and collaboration during the process.

Julia Affronti with Fora Travel was very helpful with planning our family vacation to Washington, DC. Julia provided many great suggestions. Her follow-up was quick and thorough. She was also extremely patient and thoughtful.

Stephanie Hankins from Flora has officially brought back the travel agent — but the new-and-improved version! She booked my husband’s and my trip to South Carolina for my stepdaughter’s wedding and my 50th birthday in Charleston, and it was absolute perfection. Thanks to Stephanie, our room at The Dewberry was upgraded to a beautiful corner Signature Suite, complete with balloons, cake, champagne, cookies, and handwritten notes. Every detail felt thoughtful and special. Charleston is now my new favorite city in America, and Stephanie made the whole trip seamless, fun, and unforgettable. 10/10, five stars — booking with Stephanie is the only way to travel!

From an advisor standpoint. Not much support. It’s probably better if you’ve been an agent elsewhere for sometime. Also better for people with clients that don’t mind spending a lot of money. Absolutely no perks for the agent. No way to speak to a live person. Frustrating as heck! My client is trying to make a final payment and it’s just been one hassle after another.

Booked a cruise with Natalie at Fora 14th January 2026 As soon as deposit was taken advised the email server is down the receipt and schedule would be there in 24 hours, nothing.she has left the company, have Linda from accounts manager and Paula cruise manager emailing me from different emails. The cruisline advise I have another company in the states holding the booking, so I contacted them it’s not there booking or any of their agents, however they are kindly assisting me to get it resolved. Reported to the bank fraud squad who are also chasing it up. Linda advises she is chasing the cruise line for a refund. Contacted FORA via their website contact us and have had NO RESPONSE - Accountability NONE Worst experience NO MONEY, NO ACCOUNTABLY JUST SCAMMERS!