To many Travel Advisors, Ruta may not be a familiar face just yet, but behind the scenes, she’s helping shape some of the most exciting Central European experiences Avanti offers today. As a Product Manager based in our Barcelona office, Ruta plays a key role in developing, managing, and refining our offerings across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland. With a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management and a background rooted in international education, Ruta brings a global perspective and hands-on insight to the destinations she oversees. Her work impacts everything from what products appear in our brochures to how we collaborate with suppliers. Get to know more about Ruta’s role, regions, and favorite travel tips below!
What Excites You About Working with Avanti? “One of the things that drew me to Avanti – and keeps me excited every day – is the nature of the work itself. I’ve always been passionate about the travel industry, and here I get to be immersed in it daily. What makes it even better is that I get to experience the products we offer first-hand. It’s one thing to read about a destination, but stepping into it, tasting it, and living it is what brings real insight.”
What is Something People Might Not Know About Avanti? “Product Managers are often on the road, attending trade shows and exploring destinations. These experiences allow us to deepen the knowledge of the products we offer, build valuable connections, share insights with colleagues around the world, and stay ahead of emerging trends. This is what helps make us specialists in tailor-made travel and we put a lot of thought into offering unique, locally rooted experiences. We want Travel Advisors to know they can find a wide variety and always trust us with their clients anywhere.”
Tell Us About the Barcelona Office and Its Significance. “I’ve been with Avanti for over two years but have been living in Barcelona for four years now, and it’s been an incredible place to both live and work. Our office here plays a vital role in Avanti’s operations. Because we’re in the European time zone, we’re able to closely collaborate with our suppliers to ensure the quality of every trip, and we serve as a trusted point of contact. And our in-travel team supports travelers on the ground in real time, bridging the gap with the U.S. office and improving response time for in-destination issues.”
What’s New from Your Regions? “During my recent visit to Amsterdam I learned about an exciting new product – the Dutch Countryside and Food Tour. I’m happy to share that this is now available through Avanti! I also recently added some new options in Belgium, bridging the gap between Brussels and Bruges with a transfer that stops in Ghent. The city is filled with beautiful medieval architecture, warm locals, fantastic food, and is just as charming as Bruges but with fewer crowds, making for a more peaceful and authentic experience. We've recently added several new tours in Nuremberg for history lovers. One of my other main goals right now is to develop more offerings in Austria. There’s a lot of potential there, and we’re already connecting with new suppliers and tourism boards.”
Your Top Recommendations? “Switzerland is absolutely majestic. The landscapes are stunning and the experiences are unforgettable, whether a scenic rail journey or a lake cruise. Belgium is another gem that often gets overlooked. I studied abroad in Ghent and it left a lasting impression. It’s perfectly placed between Brussels and Bruges, but it has its own rich character and charm. And for something different, I always recommend Budapest. People tend to default to Western Europe, but Budapest is a gorgeous, culturally rich city in Central Europe. It’s a great place to end a trip, especially if you visit one of its famous thermal baths!”
Where Else Have You Traveled? “I just returned from Japan and South Korea! In Japan, I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and even did a Mt. Fuji tour which was the highlight of my whole trip! I was fortunate to have clear weather, offering a perfect view of this iconic mountain. The food, the culture, and the warmth of the local people truly won my heart, and I already can’t wait to come back to explore more. In South Korea, I spent time in Seoul, exploring different neighborhoods and experiencing the unique character of each. I visited local markets where I ate a lot of kimchi, wore a hanbok, learnt about the country’s history, and even stocked up on skincare essentials.”
What’s Your Top Travel Tip? “Don’t try to do too much. You don’t need to see all of a country in just one week. Focus on fewer places and really take them in. Less is more when it comes to meaningful travel.”
What Are Your Goals for the Coming Year? “I’m focused on developing new, exciting experiences for Travel Advisors to book and making sure we stay ahead of travel trends. I love finding unique experiences that feel fresh and meaningful. Travel is about discovering new perspectives – and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that helps people do exactly that. I’m also planning our upcoming EDU trips for our staff and partnered Advisors to explore Switzerland and Germany, so there’s a lot to look forward to!”
Thank you, Ruta, for sharing your journey and insight with us, and for all you do to help travel dreams come to life! Make sure to check out Ruta’s recommended products below:
Thermal Baths in Budapest:
Szechenyi Bath Fast Track Ticket
Gellert Bath Entrance Ticket
Lucerne Cruise:
Legends of Lake Lucerne Exclusive Cruise with Lunch
Ghent Experiences:
Ghent Walking Tour with Canal Cruise
Ghent Walking Tour with Gravensteen Castle Visit
Ghent Belgian Delights Food Tour
Germany History Tours:
Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds Tour
Unscathed Artworks by WWII Tour
Tunnels and Secret Passages Under the Castle Tour