Advertising

You really can't see the difference?

Yes, it's not something easily described but a hint: "There are a lot more of them than us.

Because if you allow the latter, this entire forum will be nothing but spam.

-- Mike Beebe

Self promotion is not allowed.
See community guideline #6
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/community-guidelines

To read a recommendation from a long time forum member to me is far, far more valuable than having a company advertise on their own behalf. I am thankful that advertisements from companies and services are not allowed on the forum.

Yes, RS even established forum rules about recommending Guides and such to cope with the issue.

I'd quit the Forum if advertisers were allowed to post here. When I want to read ads, I can find a million places to do so. The forum is for sharing personal recommendations, and I trust the info if it's someone I'm familiar with.

For me, it's about credibility. Someone who has been here awhile and proven they love travel and want to help others travel better, has a lot more credibility with me than someone who has posted the first time to promote something.

If you want advertising, go over to Trip Advisor.

Uh, just to jump on this: Does it not cost money to place an ad, even the bogus ones on places like Facebook? Are all these places, bogus or otherwise, paying a fee for their ads to be shown here? When I see ads in something I subscribe to, I know that the ad revenue has helped pay for the cost of publication. There really is no place for ads on a public forum, other than those of the forum owner.

Not trying to cause a controversary. Just a curious question.

Would this type of post be allowed by a long time forum poster?

Hi All Fellow Forum Members:

My recent experience with Sunnyside Travel has been great. I would recommend using them because they are very good at guiding you through beautiful places you don’t even know exist in countries like in Romania. Give them a try they are wonderful.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/what-are-romania-s-most-underrated-places-that-travelers-always-miss

About

Discover Romania through local eyes with Sunnyside Travel, a U.S.-based Romania travel agency led by native Romanian guides. We specialize in Romania private tours and small group tours across Romania, blending comfort, culture, and authentic local experiences. Whether you’re exploring medieval castles in Transylvania, joining day tours from Bucharest, or enjoying a personalized Bucharest castle tour, we plan every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. Our goal is simple — to help you experience the real Romania, beyond the tourist trails, through a journey crafted with care and local expertise.